Tayla Harris' final blow for trolls as Carlton advance

Tayla Harris took down her online trolls in the best possible way on Saturday, helping Carlton to a thumping AFLW preliminary final win over Fremantle.

After a searching week, Harris didn’t let the headlines distract her.

The Blues proved way too good, thumping the Dockers 9.10 (64) to 4.4 (28).

Harris booted a goal in the impressive win, but also took to the sky for a courageous mark in the second quarter.

After the game, Harris said the outpouring of support from the community had been a major motivating factor heading into the game.

The win carried even more weight as it saw Carlton elevate themselves from wooden spooners 12 months ago, to grand finalists in 2019.

“This kind of stuff I use as motivation. I just realise it’s an opportunity for me to do what I did, to stand up and I’ve done that,” Harris said during her post-game interview.

“I‘ve allocated a day for it, did my thing, and then moved on.

“I had an outpouring of support, obviously from the broader football community, my teammates, and friends and family, so I was feeling really safe and really supported, but I do feel for my family and my friends.

“I know it would affect them and I did all I can to reassure them that I’m okay, which I am.”

Blues prove too strong

There were problems for the Dockers even before the first bounce, with captain Kara Donnellan a late withdrawal with knee soreness.

Katie-Jayne Grieve took Donnellan’s place.

The Blues started much better and peppered the goals but only managed three behinds.

Gabby O’Sullivan kicked a goal for Fremantle but it was a false dawn.

Harris marked and goalled at 13 minutes and Blues captain Brianna Davey signalled her team’s intent with a crunching tackle that sent Ashlee Atkins off holding her right shoulder.

The Blues led by four points at the first change and should have been further ahead.

They broke clear in the second term kicking 4.2 to one behind for a decisive 29-point lead at the main break.

Darcy Vescio marked a pass from Harris and goalled just before the half-time siren.

Harris broke the pack for a big mark inside 50 early in the second term and that forced Dockers defender Evey Gooch off the field with a sore right arm.

It was damning for Fremantle that Gooch spent much of the second quarter off the ground but she was still led their possessions at halftime with eight.

Carlton led disposals at the main break 105-65.

Fremantle fought back and O’Sullivan’s second goal reduced the margin to a gettable 23 points in the third term.

But Tilly Lucas-Rodd kicked another for the Blues and at the next centre bounce Chloe Dalton broke away and kicked a long bomb that was the exclamation mark to the Blues’ domination.

Carlton led by six goals at three-quarter time and the game was over.

WITH AAP