The Southern Saints have pocketed their fourth straight victory, cruising to a 31-point win over Carlton at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
The Saints dominated contested possession on the back of a three-goal-to-zero first quarter, inflicting more pain on an under-fire Carlton in the 8.6 (53) to 3.5 (23) victory.
Alana Woodward put in a best-on-ground effort, picking up 21 disposals, nine clearances and nine tackles, while Hannah Stuart (24 disposals, five clearances, four tackles) continued her impressive season with another strong performance.
The Saints struggled to seize control in the early stages of the second and after the main break as the hosts came out with a reignited. Carlton slowly began to put pressure on the defence and somewhat shift the momentum their way, befitting a tight arm-wrestle.
But a three-goal third term sealed the solid team display as Amelia Peck (three marks, seven hit-outs, one goal) and Gabriella De Angelis (16 disposals, two clearances, one goal) booted their first goals of the game, while Chanelle Slater (sick tackles, four hit-outs, two goals) added another to the tally.
Georgia McLean and Ebony Nixon put in an assured performance in the backline as they celebrated their 50th VFLW appearances, while Tayla Kearns (13 disposals, two goals) and Kayla Ripari (13 disposals, two goals) were bright sparks for the Saints, joining Slater as multiple goalkickers.
The Southern Saints will host first-placed Essendon at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday May 21, with the match beginning at 10:15am.
SOUTHERN SAINTS 3.2 4.2 7.4 8.6 (53)
CARLTON 0.1 1.2 2.4 3.5 (23)
GOALS
Southern Saints: Kearns 2, Ripari 2, Slater 2, De Angelis, Peck
Carlton: Cowan, Gibbs, Stramandinoli
BEST
Southern Saints: Woodward, Stuart, Slater, Ripari, Capsalis, DeAngelis, Kearns
Carlton: Goss, Borg, Di Cosmo, Klingbeil, Murphy, Jew, Plummer
