Adelaide remains undefeated in AFL Womens after coming from behind to beat Carlton

AN Erin Phillips-inspired Adelaide confirmed its AFL Womens premiership favouritism with a thrilling three-point come-from-behind win over Carlton.

ANDREW CAPEL

2 min read

February 19, 2017 - 3:12PM

Erin Phillips gets hugged as Ebony Marinoff comes in to help celebrate. Picture: Sarah Reed

AN Erin Phillips-inspired Adelaide confirmed its premiership favouritism – and put one foot in the door of a historic AFLW Grand Final appearance – with a thrilling three-point come-from-behind win against Carlton.

Goalless until 10 minutes into the third term and trailing by 12 points at Thebarton Oval, the Crows stormed home to kick the last 2.3 of the game to remain unbeaten after three rounds and retain top spot on the ladder.

Australian Olympic basketballer Phillips was the hero for Adelaide, kicking the match-winning goal from 60 metres four minutes into the last quarter to give the home side its first lead.

Her long bomb from well outside 50 bounced through to set the bumper crowd of 9006 alight.

The loss was Carlton’s first and left the Crows and surprise packet Brisbane as the only unbeaten teams in the inaugural AFLW.

Sarah Perkins lays a crunching tackle on Laura Attard. Picture: Sarah Reed

Both sides kicked just two goals in what was a tough, physical game played with some spite.

Adelaide dominated inside 50s 35-18 but could not capitalise against a watertight Blues defence marshalled by Brianna Davey, who had a game-high 24 disposals, and Danielle Hardiman.

Davey was a tower of strength in the backline and continually set up Carlton attacking moves with smart disposal.

The Crows lost the speedy Kellie Gibson with an ankle injury in the opening minute and looked the inferior side in the first half before being ignited by the superb Phillips, who had a team-high 19 disposals, and fellow co-captain Chelsea Randall.

After kicking 7.6 in its previous two wins against GWS and the Western Bulldogs, Adelaide managed just two behinds in a tough, tight first half before Sally Riley kicked its first major 10 minutes into the third term after some fine forward half defensive pressure.

Lauren Arnell, Darcy Vescio and Katie Loynes celebrate a Carlton goal. Picture: Sarah Reed

The Crows then ran all over their rivals in the final term with Phillips the difference-maker.

She was well supported by Randall and midfield sidekick Ebony Marinoff, tough defender Courtney Cramey and Deni Varnhagen while Angela Foley shut out early Carlton danger woman Darcy Vescio, who threatened to win the game off her own boot early.

The classy Vescio, who has excellent hands, kicked the first 1.1 of the game before Foley was moved on to her in a coaching masterstroke by Bec Goddard.

“We were led to the footy early and Carlton’s defensive pressure was terrific but we lifted after half-time and were able to turn things around,’’ said Goddard.

“The girls put the foot down in the second half and our pressure acts were exceptional.’’

ADELAIDE 0.0, 0.2, 1.2, 2.5 (17)

CARLTON 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 2.2 (14)

BEST

Adelaide: Phillips, Randall, Marinoff, Cramey, Varnhagen, Foley.

Carlton: Davey, Hardiman, Arnell, Jakobsson, Exon.

GOALS

Adelaide: Phillips, Riley.

Carlton: Vescio, S. Hosking.

INJURIES – Adelaide: Gibson (ankle).

UMPIRES – A. Crosby, L. Wachel, M. Beyer.

CROWD – 9006 at Thebarton Oval.