Carlton AFLW team’s “wild” ride from the wooden spoon to a grand final in 371 days

What a difference a year makes. Just 371 days prior to Saturday’s preliminary final, Carlton played Fremantle in an attempt to avoid the wooden spoon. Now a grand final against Adelaide awaits.

Darcy Vescio sings the song with teammates after the Blues’ preliminary final win. Pic: AAP

What a difference a year makes.

Just 371 days prior to Saturday’s preliminary final, Carlton played Fremantle in an attempt to avoid the wooden spoon.

It failed.

Fast forward less than a week over 12 months and a resurgent Carlton won a berth in its first AFL Women’s grand final with a win over the very same opponent.

The feeling was “wild”, star Blue Darcy Vescio declared, and a world away from the heartbreak of a silent rooms a year ago.

“It was a very different feeling,” she said.

Darcy Vescio has ridden a rollercoaster in the last 12 months. Picture: AAP

“Last year, we played Fremantle — we were playing to try and stay off the bottom of the ladder.

“To have this opportunity … obviously we came out of last season pretty flat, and I think we all didn’t realise just how much the season had taken out of us.

“We were struggling throughout the season. But it took a few months, and most of the girls played VFL and just got a lot of enjoyment back into their footy, and that’s what made a difference, I think.”

Vescio has won four VFLW flags with Darebin. She knows what it takes.

And the crafty forward welcomes the biggest dance this weekend, where the Crows await.

“I love finals footy. I definitely don’t take it for granted,” the 25-year-old said.

“But I’m really excited. I just love the heart-on-your-sleeve sort of nature of finals. It doesn’t matter what the season’s looked like — all that matters is what you bring in the four quarters which is really exciting. It can go any way.”

Coach Daniel Harford has been a revelation, Vescio said, after the difficulties faced last season.

Blues coach Daniel Harford has brought out the best of Carlton, according to star player Darcy Vescio. Picture: Getty Images

“Harf has changed things a lot for us,” she said.

“The way he goes about it, he trusts everyone and he’s got a really nice demeanour about him.

“I really enjoy what he has to say and how he leads. All the girls — the fact we were able to keep the group together after last year. There was plenty of opportunity for girls to go elsewhere, but most of them wanted to stay and just stick fat and see what would happen if we did.”

“I’m just so happy that we were able to have a go at the big one now. The girls have been working hard all season. It hasn’t always gone our way, so to get to this point is pretty special.”

Originally published as Carlton AFLW team’s “wild” ride from the wooden spoon to a grand final in 371 days