Carlton’s Resurgence Continues: AFL and AFLW Triumphs Over St Kilda
In a weekend that showcased Carlton’s growing dominance, the Blues secured significant victories over St Kilda in both the AFL and AFLW competitions. The men’s team, under interim coach Josh Fraser, took a major step towards qualifying for the AFL’s inaugural wildcard round with a 44-point triumph over the Saints. This win not only highlighted Carlton’s revival but also placed immense pressure on St Kilda’s coach, Ross Lyon, as his side’s finals hopes hang by a thread.
For St Kilda, the loss was compounded by the early exit of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, who played only the first nine minutes. Sitting in 11th place, the Saints remain mathematically in the race but face a daunting task: they must win their remaining matches against Richmond and Gold Coast, while also hoping for Carlton and the Bulldogs to stumble. Barring a miraculous turnaround, Lyon will enter the final year of his contract under significant scrutiny, with the long-suffering Saints faithful growing increasingly impatient.
In the AFLW, Carlton continued their winning ways against St Kilda, securing a 26-point victory in the season opener. The Blues, who made the preliminary final last season, entered 2026 with high expectations and delivered an entertaining performance. Carlton led by as much as 31 points before St Kilda mounted a fourth-quarter comeback, but the Blues steadied with late goals to seal the win. Lily Goss was a standout, kicking two goals, while Darcy Vescio’s late effort sealed the match, making a strong case for more double-header fixtures in the future.
These results underscore Carlton’s upward trajectory across both men’s and women’s competitions. While the men’s team eyes a wildcard berth, the AFLW side has laid down an early marker as a premiership contender. For St Kilda, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the pressure on Lyon and his squad will only intensify as the season reaches its climax.
Shimanta Das 
