Carlton have survived a huge late scare to open their first AFLW season under new coach Mathew Buck with a tense two-point win over Gold Coast.
The Blues, fired by three goals from experienced forward Darcy Vescio, led by 23 points early in the last quarter.
But the home side coughed up the final six scores of the game before hanging on for a 5.4 (34) to 4.8 (32) victory at Princes Park on Saturday.
The Suns managed 3.3 in that period, falling narrowly short of pulling off a late comeback.
“The way they just kept coming was pretty tough and it was a bit stressful at the end there,” Vescio told Fox Footy.
“We just tried to stay calm. Buck was talking about managing our emotions all game, so I’m glad we were able to do that.”
Jessica Dal Pos (19 disposals), Amelia Velardo (17), Abbie McKay (16) and Keeley Sherar (16, 12 tackles) were all among the Blues’ best contributors.
Gold Coast were well served by young star Charlie Rowbottom, who finished with game-high tallies of 25 disposals, 12 tackles and nine clearances.
She also kicked the Suns’ only goal of the first half.
Claudia Whitfort (23 disposals) and Alison Drennan (18) were also busy for the visitors.
Carlton parted ways with long-time coach Daniel Harford in January following a review of the club’s women’s football program.
Buck was appointed on a full-time basis in April and has reaped early benefits from his pre-season work.
The Blues kicked the first two goals in perfect conditions, with Vescio booting the opener after a strong contested mark.
They led by 13 points before Rowbottom got the visitors on the board, converting a free kick in the shadows of half-time.
Two goals in as many minutes during the third quarter gave the Blues breathing space in a tight tussle.
Vescio slotted her second from a tight angle before McKay nailed her shot on the run to extend the margin to a game-high 18 points.
Vescio’s third — kicked out of mid-air on the goal-line — looked to have sealed the result.
But quick Suns goals to Jordan Membrey, Tara Bohanna and Jamie Stanton cut the deficit to just two points with plenty of time left for Gold Coast to pinch the game.
The Blues’ defence held firm in the desperate final minutes as both sides threw everything at the contest.
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