A summary of the AFLW practice match against Richmond.

By Cristian Filippo, Carlton Media

A NEW-LOOK Carlton side has displayed plenty to like in its first practice match of 2025.

Despite falling by 10 points to Richmond in the 6.3 (39) to 7.7 (49) defeat, the Blues showcased some of the attacking talent which has been a key focus throughout the pre-season.

Fielding no less than eight new faces, there was a very different feel to this Carlton side in the lead-up to Round 1… but it was a returning name which was the story of the night from a Carlton perspective.

Playing her first senior game in nearly two years following an ACL injury, Erone Fitzpatrick showed exactly what the Blues were missing in 2024, lighting up Carlton’s front half while also pushing into the midfield in an outstanding return performance.

Fitzpatrick was quick off the mark with a crafty snap in the first quarter, setting the scene for a dynamic opening 15 minutes for the Blues which saw them record three goals in quick succession.

However, Richmond hit back in the closing stages of the first term to draw within five points, before keeping the Blues scoreless in the second term to see the home side trail by 10 points at the main break.

Playing her first game in the Navy Blue, father-daughter recruit Sophie McKay attacked everything in the forward line, while first-round draftee Poppy Scholz had the chance to line up on gun Richmond forward Katie Brennan on a number of occasions throughout the night.

The Blues rotated no less than 25 players throughout the night, with Maddy Guerin coming from the field early following a cork to the shin and not returning as a precaution.

In the second half, the Blues came out with renewed vigour, with Yasmin Duursma – returning to her traditional role on the wing – one of a number who brought the Blues back into the game.

Duursma’s holding-the-ball tackle ended in Tara Bohanna assisting Mia Austin for her second, before Bohanna went from provider to scorer moments later with a crafty goal from the ruck contest — her first in her childhood Navy Blue colours.

When Duursma’s intercept then found Keeley Sherar, the Blues entered the final change with a two-point lead, albeit with conditions at IKON Park meaning the Blues had to negotiate a tricky final-quarter breeze.

New ruck Maddison Torpey didn’t return following a cut to her knee in the third term, allowing Irish recruit Aisling Reidy to come into the game, while the experienced Harriet Cordner was managed and replaced by Siofra O’Connell at the final change.

The Blues battled strongly to stay in the contest until the very last minutes, but despite not getting the victory in the opening contest of the 2025 campaign, it was clear that there were signs of growth leading into the season proper.

Carlton will play its final practice match against GWS in Sydney next Saturday, before hosting Collingwood in the season opener at the home of women’s football IKON Park on Thursday 14 August.

CARLTON          3.1     3.1     6.2       6.3 (39)
RICHMOND      2.2     4.5     5.6       7.7 (49)

GOALS

Carlton: Austin 2, Bohanna, Fitzpatrick, Goss, Sherar