Carlton have come from behind to ensure rivals Collingwood remain winless after five rounds in the AFLW, defeating the Magpies by five points in an exciting, seesawing encounter in Melbourne.
After a week of criticism following their four-game losing streak, Collingwood started the fourth quarter with an unlikely 10-point lead.
But Carlton hit the lead 12 minutes into the final term with an excellent snap goal from Darcy Vescio to ensure the Blues ran away with the win 4.10 (34) to 4.5 (29) in front an Ikon Park crowd of 3215.
Players were forced to deal with strenuous conditions, with the thermostat registering 35.4C just before the first bounce at 7.15pm.
Ikon Park's lighting was also a talking point after the light tower closest to the main entrance failed during halftime, was rebooted and failed again during the third and last quarters, steeping the corresponding forward pocket in darkness.
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
"I actually sent a message down to the bench to see what was going on," Collingwood coach Wayne Siekman said post-game.
"I did (notice it). I thought, bloody hell, it's happening again. (But) it's one of those things you can't really control," rival coach Daniel Harford added.
The home side had dominated the opening quarter with 12 inside 50s to two, but failed to punish the Magpies on the scoreboard, booting just one goal.
That allowed the Pies back into the game, leading the Blues by four points at the main break with six consecutive scores for 2.4.
Vescio managed to inflict the decisive blow after erring in front of goal, scoring three points in the first quarter to take her season tally to 3.8.
In a departure from Harford's pre-season strategy, captain Bri Davey started up forward and finished with 20 disposals. Jaimee Lambert tried hard all night for Collingwood with 18 of her own, including seven tackles.
The win puts Carlton back in finals contention, with the Blues second on the conference B ladder with an equal number of wins but superior percentage to the Brisbane Lions, who lost their encounter with Geelong by 27 points.
Harford had known about the Lions result but chose to keep it from his team.
"I think that's the best way for us to identify how to get better, rather than focusing on those external factors," Harford said.
