Enviously watching other teams prepare for AFLW finals on Carlton's home deck was all the motivation the Blues needed to make their own charge this season.

Carlton will return to the AFLW finals for the first time since 2020 after sealing sixth place with a win over West Coast - who they will host in an elimination final on Saturday - on Friday night.

"I remember when we were having our exit interviews last year - we were having our team exit and watching the Hawks train and prepare with their captain's run," veteran Darcy Vescio said.

"So I feel like the meeting was tough, but then walking out and looking at the reality of another team training on your field - that's a fair bit of motivation.

"And then we're back running before the finals are finished, so it's all of those things happ

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