The Dons’ AFLW side returned to match action on Friday afternoon at Ikon Park, taking on Carlton in a competitive unofficial practice match that provided valuable opportunities for returning players and fresh faces ahead of the 2026 season.
The Bombers welcomed several players to the field, with Emma Dineen making her first appearance for the Club, Emily Gough returning from injury, Zoe Prowse making her first Bomber appearance, and Sophie Strong also making her return to match play.
Bonnie Toogood, Steph Cain, Georgia Gee and Maddi Gay were all rested for Friday afternoon’s hit out.
Essendon made a bright start, taking a one-point lead into the first break after goals from Amy Gaylor and Grace Belloni. Alex Morcom was instrumental in driving the ball forward with her run and composure, while Maggie Johnstone impressed through the midfield with her strength around the contest. Nalu Brothwell's calm decision-making stood out, and Mia Busch spent time in the forward line after predominantly featuring in defence.
The Bombers built on that momentum in the second quarter, extending their lead despite Carlton controlling much of the early possession.
The Blues were unable to capitalise on their dominance, remaining goalless for the term, while Essendon made the most of its opportunities through two goals from Sophie Alexander and another from Johnstone.
Gough marked her return from injury with a strong performance, using her body well in contests and making smart decisions with the ball. Maggie MacLachlan provided reliable ball use, while Alexander's strength and ability to find space caused problems for the Carlton defence.
Morcom continued to provide drive from behind the ball, helping Essendon take an 18-point lead into the main break.
Carlton responded after halftime, lifting its intensity in a much more even third quarter. After a goalless opening ten minutes, the Blues found their rhythm with three goals to reduce the margin to just one point at the final break.
Stephanie Wales provided a reliable target with strong hands and marking ability, while Morcom's athleticism and running power across half-back remained a highlight.
Sophie Strong returned to the field for her first minutes of the afternoon as the Bombers battled to maintain possession against a more consistent Carlton outfit. Despite the Blues' momentum, Essendon held a slender one-point advantage heading into the final term.
With Prowse and Johnstone managed for the final quarter, Essendon found an early spark when Dineen laid a strong tackle just one minute into the term, creating the opportunity for Strong to convert brilliantly. Maddy Prespakis dominated through the midfield, consistently feeding the ball forward where Gaylor helped generate attacking momentum.
MacLachlan continued to throw herself into every contest, while Taya Chambers produced a consistent performance. Georgia Clarke's defensive pressure was highlighted by an outstanding tackle inside defensive 50 before helping transition the ball up the ground.
The final term developed into an arm wrestle, with Carlton kicking a late goal inside the final four minutes to snatch a two-point victory, 6.5 (41) to 6.3 (39).
Despite the narrow result, the Bombers showed plenty of encouraging signs throughout the hit-out.
Strong performances from the midfield and defence, along with promising contributions from several emerging players, provided plenty of positives as Essendon continues its preparations for the 2026 AFLW season.
The Bombers will face reigning premiers North Melbourne next Saturday, 25 July for an official practice match at Avalon Airport Oval at 10:30am (AEST).
CARLTON 2.0 2.1 5.3 6.5 (41)
ESSENDON 2.1 5.1 5.2 6.3 (39)
GOALS: Gaylor 1, Alexander 2, Belloni 1, Johnstone 1, Strong 1
