West Coast's first-ever AFLW finals appearance turned into a nightmare as Carlton stormed to a 45-point victory in the elimination final at Ikon Park. The Blues kicked four goals in 10 minutes to start the third quarter, turning an eight-point half-time lead into a match-winning advantage. Carlton won 9.6 (60) to 2.7 (19) in wet and windy conditions.
The game got out of hand in the third term, with Sophie McKay kicking two goals and setting up another in a game-breaking display. Carlton's class was evident as they won the footy cleanly and hit the scoreboard, while West Coast struggled to convert opportunities. The loss ended retiring star Dana Hooker's outstanding career, as the Eagles' young squad received a harsh introduction to finals football.
Carlton dominated early, kicking the first two goals through Erone Fitzpatrick and Tara Bohanna. West Coast fought back in the second quarter, closing down space and finally scoring through Ella Roberts, but could only manage one goal for the term. The Blues led by eight points at half-time, but their third-quarter onslaught proved decisive.
Lucia Painter kicked West Coast's second and final goal late in the match, but it was too little, too late. The Eagles' seven-season wait for an AFLW finals appearance ended in disappointment, while Carlton advanced to the next round.
