VFLW Match Report: Round 3 vs Carlton

01/06/2026

It was another tough contest for the Zebs at IKON Park, going down by 12 points in the final moments of the game.

After two close games to open the season, we were looking to prove ourselves against another strong opponent. We had four debutants in Indi Sherritt, Alannah Fyfe, Felicity Hilford and Kera Galaminda-Gellar whilst Emma Stuber returned for her first game of the season and we entered the first quarter with high spirits.

Early efforts by Tayla Kearns and Kristy Stratton led to a chain down the midfield, resulting in a goal by Stuber, who finished the quarter with two goals. It was a tough midfield battle for the remaining half of the term with three tackles from Charlotte Taylor and two from Grace Hodder.

By the second quarter the rain had set in and we were ready to continue the battle. We saw some strong pressure from Courtney Aughtie and ball movement from Taylor but struggled to keep the ball out of Carlton’s forward half.

We started the second half with another quick goal by Stuber, bringing her up to three for the match. The rest of the quarter was a back and forth battle with neither team able to convert. Our defence was able to keep the ball in our half despite pressure from Carlton. Opportunities to score arose but we would finish the term with four behinds. We held a 12 point lead until Carlton scored a late goal, raising the stakes for the final quarter.

The final term began with a quick response from Carlton bringing the score to 22-23. We struck back with a behind not long after but Carlton’s dominance would continue and we were unable to score for the rest of the quarter. Carlton took control of the scoreboard, kicking another two goals and securing a 12-point win.

It was heartbreak for the Zebras who had held the lead for the majority of the game. Despite strong efforts, we were unable to match in the final quarter.

We return to Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday 6 June for a double header against Geelong at 11:05am, followed by the VFL at 2:35pm.

SANDRINGHAM: 2.0, 2.1, 3.5, 3.6 (24

CARLTON: 1.1, 1.3, 2.4, 5.6 (36)

Goals: Stuber (3)

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