Essendon VFLW fell to Carlton by 24 points in a scrappy affair at Windy Hill on Sunday afternoon.

In wet, windy weather and finding themselves up against a Blues squad of predominantly AFLW-listed players, the Dons battled hard all day and often got momentum going in the early stages, but the class of their opposition shone through in the final term.

A long-range goal from Sarah Perkins had the Bombers up and running on the verge of half-time, but the side struggled to trouble the scorers in a contested ball-heavy second half.

Maddison Ford was outstanding in defence, accumulating 22 disposals and nine marks to show a clean pair of hands in difficult conditions for key position players, while Ruby Mahony found herself busy in midfield with 23 touches and 13 tackles.

The Dons have slipped to fifth on the ladder but will have an opportunity to test their credentials against ladder-leaders Williamstown at DSV Stadium next Saturday, a side they drew against earlier in the campaign.

ESSENDON     0.0     1.1     1.2    1.4   (10)
CARLTON      0.4     1.5     1.10   4.10  (34)

GOALS
Perkins

BEST
Ford, Mahony, Melnikas, Hunt, Molan