Maddy Prespakis makes VFLW debut for Carlton but Northern Territory claim victory

AFLW Rising Star winner Maddy Prespakis made her VFLW debut for Carlton but it wasn’t enough for the Blues to snare a breakthrough victory after falling to Northern Territory.

Carlton’s Maddy Prespakis.

The debut of Maddy Prespakis wasn’t enough for Carlton to secure it’s first VFLW win of the season on Saturday.

The AFLW Rising Star winner and AFLW Carlton joint best-and-fairest winner was outstanding in her first game, collecting 29 disposals and five tackles.

However, it was Northern Territory that triumphed by seven points at La Trobe University, Bundoora.

The Blues are now winless in the opening four games of the season and face ladder-leader Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

With a stiff breeze blowing, the Thunder jumped out to an early lead but Carlton responded in the second quarter and held a six-point lead at half-time.

Maddy Prespakis made her Carlton VFLW debut.

Abbie McKay was Carlton’s best against NT.

Northern Territory reclaimed the lead with a four-goal-to-two third quarter, setting up a tense final term.

However, the Blues couldn’t muster the comeback as both teams booted two goals in an absorbing contest.

Abbie McKay, Jess Hosking and Emerson Woods all collected 19 disposals while seven players were single goalkickers.

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Father-daughter star McKay was named best on ground with coach Shannon McFerran praising her development.

“I just thought Abbie really created a lot of run for us through those stoppages,” she told the club website.

“Her skills are definitely developing and today was just a really good day for her to be able to show us how she can link up and run the footy.”

Northern Knights NAB League Girls premiership winner Phoebe Chisholm also made her VFL debut.

After having the bye in Round 1, Carlton has suffered defeats to Casey, St Kilda, Essendon and now Northern Territory.