Carlton moves to top of Conference B after beating Brisbane by 16-points

There is one massive reason why teams in Conference B should fear Carlton — speed kills. And the Blues showed just how quick they are, running away with a win against Brisbane to move to top of their conference.

Tayla Harris had some nice moments against Brisbane. Picture: AAP Images

Beware these Blues — speed kills.

And it surged Carlton to the top of Conference B with a 16-point win over Brisbane at Ikon Park on Sunday to leave Brisbane’s season hanging by a thread.

The Blues had pace to burn up forward and it paid dividends, particularly when the ball hit the ground against the two-time grand finalists, with the likes of Chloe Dalton, Brooke Walker and Darcy Vescio finding space ahead of the contest to capitalise with flair.

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And that’s not ignoring the likes of Tayla Harris who also provided plenty of presence.

But it’s not all sewn up yet.

Carlton is in the box seat, now 24 per cent clear of Geelong, which could with Brisbane be left hanging until the dying moments of the home and away season to find out if they will feature in a preliminary final, with the top of Conference B as tight as a drum.

Discussion will again turn to umpiring, with a number of free kicks going unpaid, particularly for pushes in the back and holding the ball.

Nicola Stevens gets her kick away under pressure. Picture: AAP Images

RISING TIDE

Keep April 2 free, Madison Prespakis.

The Carlton youngster has to be at the front of the pack for this year’s Rising Star award, and maybe even All-Australian selection.

This year’s No. 2 draft pick absolutely dominated, waxing seamlessly with her skipper Bri Davey to form what looked every bit the formidable combination in the middle.

“Everyone in the game knew she was an immense talent, and she’s getting a hell of a lot of defensive pressure applied to her so far,” Carlton coach Daniel Harford said.

“She’s six games into her AFLW career and she’s copping defensive heat every single week and she just continues to work.

“That’s what I’m most pleased with - we know she can play ... but her willingness to compete is what I think sets her apart from most others at her age at this stage.

“She’s a terrific competitor and when she gets her hands on the ball, we trust her every single time.

“When there’s someone hanging off your jumper all day every day makes it a bit tough, but her mental strength to fight through that at such a tender age is very positive. It gives us a chance to work with her and make her the player I think she wants to be.”

Lions coach Craig Starcevich threw Nat Exon toward the emerging talent in the second half in an attempt to negate her influence.

She wasn’t the only young gun to fire, with Lions debutant Jade Ellenger staking her claim for this week’s Rising Star nomination with two goals.

Madison Prespakis was outstanding against Brisbane. Picture: AAP Images

STANDING TALL

While an ankle concern appeared to trouble the Carlton star at quarter-time, Harris shook it off to deliver one for the highlights reel.

Flying over not just one Lion in Kate Lutkins, but two, Harris reined in the contested mark and went back to boot a crucial goal with a drop punt from 40 metres out. Class.

COMIN’ THROUGH

If you collide with a Hosking, you’ll know about it.

And Brisbane star Kate McCarthy found out the hard way, travelling back north with what could well be a broken nose after a huge clash with Blue Jess Hosking.

In the third-quarter accidental collision, the pair collided with McCarthy coming off second best.

There was plenty of blood as she was led from the field, but the 26-year-old came to play and did just that, returning for the final term — albeit with plenty of tape.

VOTES

3 Madison Prespakis

2 Bri Davey

1 Kate Lutkins

BEST

Carlton: Prespakis, Davey, Stevens, Dalton, Walker

Brisbane: Lutkins, Bates, Anderson, Exon, Wuetschner, Zielke

Attendance: 2900 at Ikon Park

Originally published as Carlton moves to top of Conference B after beating Brisbane by 16-points