Vescio seals Carlton's comeback win over Hawthorn in AFLW semi

Summarised from 2 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 14 Nov, 17:19 · Archive

Carlton's Darcy Vescio kicked the match winner as the Blues came from 19 points down to beat Hawthorn by five in an AFLW semi-final.

Carlton came from 19 points down to beat Hawthorn 6.7 (43) to 6.2 (38) in an AFLW semi-final at Ikon Park on Saturday night. The Blues' Darcy Vescio, playing her 100th game, kicked the match winner with two minutes remaining. Hawthorn had started fast, kicking the first three goals, but Carlton's comeback proved decisive. Hawthorn star Aine McDonagh could have kicked the winner with two minutes left but missed everything from close range.

Hawthorn's Eliza West was best on ground with 31 touches, ten tackles and 14 contested possessions in the first half alone, but the on-baller left the field with a left knee injury in the pivotal final moments. Carlton skipper Abbie McKay had 29 disposals and nine clearances. Carlton defender Amelia Velardo suffered an apparent leg injury as her teammates celebrated the win.

Carlton now face Melbourne in the preliminary final at Ikon Park next Saturday, with a grand final spot on the line. Melbourne beat Carlton by 34 points at Casey Fields in round six. Carlton coach Mathew Buck said his team had learned from that defeat and would be ready to compete hard at home, though he acknowledged Melbourne's Olivia Purcell, Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore had got the better of Carlton's midfield last time. Carlton hope to regain defender Ciara Fitzgerald, who was a late withdrawal with a shin injury.

How it is being reported

• Blues dare Demons to beat them on their home deckWith an AFLW grand final spot on the line, Carlton are ready to take on Melbourne at Ikon Park in a blockbuster preliminary final.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 16:36
• Blues dare Demons to beat them on their home deckWith an AFLW grand final spot on the line, Carlton are ready to take on Melbourne at Ikon Park in a blockbuster preliminary final.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 16:36
• Vescio the hero as Blues beat Hawks to make AFLW prelimCarlton will face Melbourne in an AFLW preliminary final after 100-gamer Darcy Vescio sealed a comeback five-point win over Hawthorn in the semi-final.The West Australian · 14 Nov, 10:48
• Vescio the hero as Blues beat Hawks to make AFLW prelimCarlton will face Melbourne in an AFLW preliminary final after 100-gamer Darcy Vescio sealed a comeback five-point win over Hawthorn in the semi-final.Perth Now · 14 Nov, 10:48

In this story: Carlton · Hawthorn · Melbourne · Darcy Vescio · Eliza West · Aine McDonagh · Mathew Buck · Ikon Park

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log