Carlton remain firmly in the thick of the AFLW finals race after their midfield brigade stool tall to deliver a 24-point victory over a goalless Geelong.
But the Blues will hope captain and gun defender Kerryn Peterson has avoided a serious shoulder injury in the 4.5 (29) to 0.5 (5) win.
In horrendous conditions in front of 2417 fans at Ikon Park, including torrential rain and hail, scoring was at a premium on Saturday.
But Carlton handled the conditions far better, with a three-goal second quarter setting up their second win on the bounce.
Blues midfield trio Maddy Guerin (31 disposals and eight clearances), Abbie McKay (29 disposals, seven clearances) and Mimi Hill (29 disposals) thrashed Geelong around the ball and also hit the scoreboard.
Carlton led hit-outs (50-20) thanks to ruck pair Jessica Good and Breann Moody, and dominated inside-50s (34-22) throughout.
"We thought there was an opportunity there," coach Matthew Buck said.
"Jess Good was really exceptional, gave our players first use.
"Maddy Guerin was terrific, and probably swung the game our way early.
"We're happy with our win, but we're not surprised with how we went."
He played down any concerns over Peterson, who required treatment late.
"She'll be getting assessed now, but she went back on the ground," Buck said.
"She's pretty tough, old Kerryn, so we'll keep an eye on her, but she'll be fine."
It was a particularly disappointing loss for Geelong, who were held to their lowest ever score a round on from a gutsy draw with early premiership fancies North Melbourne. They are winless from their opening three games.
With Georgie Prespakis (quad) unavailable, Rebecca Webster (22 disposals), Nina Morrison (22 touches) and Amy McDonald (nine clearances, nine tackles) were busy on a dirty day.
"Everything went wrong for us today," coach Dan Lowther said.Â
"That's not to discount Carlton, because they came out and smacked us between the eyes with their intent from the start.
"I just think Carlton handled the day better for sure."
Carlton dominated the first quarter, but had just a point to show for it.
Guerin stepped up to get Carlton on the board early in the second term with a booming kick from just inside 50.
Hill and McKay nudged the Blues out to a 17-point half-time lead.
Carlton forward Tarni Brown added the only goal of the second half when she struck in the third term.
The Blues (2-1) play Richmond at Ikon Park next Thursday, and the Cats (0-1-2) travel to People First Stadium to take on Gold Coast on Saturday.
"That might be a really good opportunity for us to hang in the airport and get a bit of love together to heal some of the wounds from today," Lowther said.
"But we've got to do it quickly."Â
