Geelong's VFLW side returned home in Round 10 looking to snap its losing streak against Carlton, but the Blues proved too strong, running out 42-point winners after taking control from the second quarter onwards.
The Cats couldn't have asked for a better start, kicking the opening three goals of the match to build an early lead. But Carlton found its rhythm in the second quarter, won the clearance battle and never looked back, applying relentless scoreboard pressure with a dominant second half that Geelong had no answer for.
The Cats made the perfect start. The opening clearance of the game sent the ball deep inside Geelong's forward 50, where Charlotte Canavan took full advantage, converting from a free kick to open the scoring.
Geelong continued to apply strong forward pressure, and Carlton's unforced errors gifted the Cats another opportunity, which they capitalised on to extend the lead.
The Blues gradually worked their way into the contest and locked the ball in their forward half, but they could only manage two behinds as Geelong's defence stood firm.
The Cats then transitioned the ball cleanly, finding Faith Qoon inside 50. The forward made no mistake from 30 metres out to kick Geelong's third unanswered goal and cap a flying opening term.
Carlton finally broke through at the 16-minute mark after several missed opportunities, adding a late goal before a behind to trim the margin to eight points at quarter-time. Carlton flicked the switch immediately after the first break. Two unanswered goals in the opening minutes erased Geelong's lead and handed the Blues a four-point advantage.
What followed was a tightly contested midfield battle, but Carlton held the edge where it mattered most. Their clearance work was sharper, their inside-50 entries more consistent, and they added a third goal for the term to take control of the contest heading into half-time.
The statistics reflected the shift in momentum. Carlton led the clearances (16-11), inside 50s (22-14) and marks (35-29).
There were still bright spots for the Cats. Marescuk was influential through the midfield with 12 disposals, four marks and three tackles, while Canavan had an impact inside 50 with a goal, six disposals and two tackles.
Carlton carried its momentum into the second half, kicking the opening goal within minutes of the restart. The Blues continued to dominate at the stoppages and locked the ball in their forward half, forcing Geelong onto the defensive for much of the third quarter.
The Cats were largely shut out on the scoreboard, but Boxer provided a bright moment late in the term, gathering the ball and soccering it through for Geelong's first score since the opening quarter.
Carlton finished the game in dominant fashion, kicking four unanswered goals in the final term to seal a comprehensive 42-point victory. Geelong struggled to generate consistent forward entries or wrest back momentum as the Blues controlled proceedings from the second quarter onwards.
Despite the result, there were several strong individual performances for the Cats. Marescuk was outstanding across all four quarters, finishing with 22 disposals, 11 tackles and five marks. Mekah Morrissey also worked tirelessly, recording 17 disposals and eight tackles, while Canavan, Qoon, Harris and Boxer all hit the scoreboard for Geelong.
2026 VFLW Season - Round 10
GEELONG 3.0 3.1 4.1 4.2 (26)
CARLTON 1.4 4.5 8.8 10.8 (68)
GOALS
Geelong: Qoon, Harris, Canavan, Boxer 1
Carlton: McCarthy 3, Spamer, Bowey 2, Stone, Larkins, Di Donato 1
