Follow AFLW finals week 1 elimination final scores, results, odds, squads and start time from Ikon Park in Carlton.

Carlton battled biblical downpours and torrential wind to secure a dominant 41-point win over West Coast at a rain-soaked Ikon Park on Sunday afternoon.

After Carlton’s victory over West Coast in Perth last week, Blues rookie Poppy Scholz admitted the win was scrappy and hoped the team would play on their own terms for the elimination final.

That’s exactly what the Blues did. After a see-saw start, the Blues took charge in the third quarter, with a six-goal term, propelled by their extraordinary crop of young talent in the forward.

For superstitious folks, West Coast’s banner tearing apart before the players had a chance to run out wasn’t the greatest of omens. Chilly seven-degree temperatures and sideways rain turned the grass into a giant slipe-and-slide as players dived and crashed into each other.

All Australian squad member Erone Fitzpatrick slammed the opener for Carlton, inciting a roar from the dedicated poncho-clad Blues fans huddled in the stands.

Carlton amped up the pressure, with a brilliant mark and goal from Tara Bohanna to leave their rivals scoreless in the first quarter. Heavy rain drenched the ground in the second, however Daisy Pearce’s Eagles finally seemed to find their feet, aided by the wind that was finally on their side.

Eagles Midfielder Ella Roberts snapped a goal from 30 metres out, while heavy tackles left the Blues scoreless. Tensions simmered after Eagles defender Roxanne Roux went dived at Yasmin Duursma’s knees, giving up a free kick and leading to a push and shove between a few players.

The third quarter belonged to Carlton – more specifically, their young forward players.

A quick snap from a jubilant Sophie McKay kicked off the third followed by a cheeky dance celebration. McKay kicked her second major for the term minutes later with an accidental roll through to the goals, backed up with another goal from Fitzpatrick.

With a permanent smile plastered on her face, a brilliant Scholz fired another goal, as her teammates rallied around her.

Young Blues forward Mia Austin nailed a goal after the siren and her teammates flooded over to hug her.

Austin was first cousins with Ben Austin, the aspiring young cricketer who died in a training incident last week.

The Blues held sway in the final term to win by 41 points. They will face the Hawks in an elimination semi final next weekend.

Blues coach Mathew Buck praised young forward Mia Austin for the way she has handled herself and the way she “took her moment” to pay tribute to her cousin Ben who died in a tragic cricket training accident last week.

She kicked a goal after the three-quarter-time siren and was swarmed by her teammates.

“Obviously, it’s an absolute tragedy what happened to Mia,” Buck said.

“As a whole playing group, wider club, we’ve got around her as best we can and put in the supports we need and we are lucky are well-resourced to be able to help.

“It’s a credit to Mia. She’s been a real professional throughout and continued to train at a really high level.

“She’s been out of the team for a number of weeks, but she’s been training well and took her opportunity with both hands today and she took her moment as well which I was really proud to see.”

Click here to read article