Carlton’s AFLW title hopes dashed after Fremantle claims first win

CARLTON’S AFLW title hopes are over after suffering an upset 16-point loss to Fremantle, which claimed its first AFLW victory.

AAP

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March 10, 2017 - 8:46PM

Amy Lavell and Kara Donnellan celebrates Fremantle’s first win in the AFLW. Picture: Getty Images

CARLTON’S AFLW title hopes are over after suffering an upset 16-point loss to Fremantle at Subiaco.

The Blues conceded the first three goals of the match and didn’t even register an inside 50 until the 15-minute mark of the first quarter in the 6.7 (43) to 4.3 (27) defeat.

The loss leaves Carlton one win and huge percentage adrift of second spot.

That gap could be widened to two wins by the end of the weekend, with only one more game remaining for the Blues.

With no semi-finals, only the top two sides play out a grand final.

Dockers captain Kara Donnellan starred with 24 disposals and two goals.

Kara Donnellan was Fremantle’s best player. Picture: Getty Images

The Blues were well served by forward Darcy Vescio, who booted three goals to take her season tally to a competition-leading 14.

“We understood we needed to keep winning,” Carlton coach Damien Keeping said.

“Yeah it’s disappointing the scoreboard didn’t go our way. We were dependant on a number of other results to go our way as well.

“But we’ve got another game next week and we’ll drive through to the end of the season.

“It really won’t shift our focus. We’ll remain focused on making sure we’re ready to perform against Brisbane.”

Carlton suffered a blow early in the third quarter when Danielle Hardiman had to be carried off the ground after her right leg twisted awkwardly as she was brought to ground.

Fremantle were touted as premiership favourites before the season began.

But they were dead last before this round after going winless in their opening five games.

However, their maiden win has bolstered their hopes of avoiding the wooden spoon, with the Western Bulldogs sitting in last spot.

FREMANTLE 3.0 4.0 5.5 6.7 (43)

CARLTON 0.2 3.2 4.3 4.3 (27)

GOALS

Fremantle: Donnellan 2, Barr, Filocamo, Antonio, Houghton

Carlton: Vescio 3, Ivey

BEST

Fremantle: Donnellan, Hooker, Antonio, Filocamo, Houghton

Carlton: Vescio, Davey, Arnell, Lucas-Rodd, Hardiman

INJURIES