The leading goalkicker in the AFL Women’s Competition, Darcy Vescio loomed as a potential match winner for Carlton again at Thebarton Oval on Sunday.

Vescio, who kicked six goals in the opening two AFLW rounds, scored the first goal of the top-of-the-table clash with Adelaide. That followed an earlier dribble shot that skidded into the goal post.

In the second quarter the Crows coaches reacted by moving the taller Angela Foley onto the dangerous Vescio, which also released Dayna Cox to play on the ball.

With the help of her teammates, Foley held Vescio possession-less after half time as Adelaide fought back to secure a gritty two-point win over the Blues and reclaim top spot on the AFLW ladder.

Foley took some tips from a recent encounter with Vescio while playing for Melbourne last year.

“I’ve had a bit of experience with Darcy. I played on her for about half of the exhibition game,” Foley said post-match.

“Today, I just tried to play my normal game, be physical and put some pressure on her. We’ve seen what she can do if you give her any space.

“Having ‘CJ’ (Courtney Cramey) and (Chelsea) Randall sitting in front of me was nice and a little bit of a safety! We worked really well together as a defence today.”

The highest-scoring team in the League, the Crows were restricted to only two goals in a tense battle with the Blues, who also kicked two goals in the wind and rain-affected game.

The home team trailed until Erin Phillips slotted a remarkable goal with 11 minutes left on the clock.

Despite the lack of scoring, it was an enthralling contest.

“It was massive build-up to the game, the top-two teams playing against each other (and both) 2-0. We really took it to Carlton today and they really took it to us,” Foley said.

“It was obviously a low-scoring affair. In the end it was Phillips’ big bomb from 60 metres, or 70 she’s actually saying! There was no one in the goal square and that sort of sealed it for us.

“Going with the wind in the last quarter really helped and it was a good win.”

The Crows are percentage ahead of the Brisbane Lions, who are also undefeated, on the ladder.

Next, Adelaide will fly to Perth to play Fremantle on Sunday.

Foley is part of the Northern Territory-based Crows contingent, who will travel for six of the seven matches in the inaugural AFL Women’s Competition.

A teacher by trade, the joint vice-captain said the Territorians had established a good routine.

“The travel’s not too bad. I think we’re just getting used to it and doing what we can to make sure we’ve get everything right on game day, and in our preparation and recovery,” she said.

“We miss the (Adelaide) girls during the week, so it’s good to catch up when we do see them.

“We’ve got to say ‘Goodbye’ in a couple of hours and then we’ll see them again next week in WA!”

The Dockers, who secured their first points of the season in a draw with Greater Western Sydney on Saturday, got the better of the Crows in a trial match in Darwin last month.

Foley said it was important the Crows continued to press hard in the seven-game competition.

“I think you have to treat every game as a final with how the AFLW competition is set up,” she said.

“We can’t become complacent.

“We have to make sure we are still treating every game as a final and a must-win.”