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Both sides suffered injury blows as Western Bulldogs scraped home for a four-point win over Carlton in their round-two AFL pre-season cup clash on Sunday night.
The Bulldogs lost the lead in the final term but were able to fight back late to win 11.8 (74) to 11.4 (70) at Etihad Stadium.
Carlton defender Jeremy Laidler fell to the turf after a marking contest late in the first quarter and was taken to hospital with a dislocated left-knee cap.
The possible absence of the 189cm Laidler from Carlton’s round-one side to play Richmond at the MCG on March 29 is another blow to the Blues who also have their best defender Michael Jamison currently on the sidelines with a back injury.
The Bulldogs also lost a tall defender in the opening term as Tom Williams departed with a dislocated shoulder after landing awkwardly while attempting a mark.
Carlton small forward Jeff Garlett limped off with a suspected left-ankle injury in the third quarter.
Forward pocket Eddie Betts bagged five goals for the Blues.
Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson took a spectacular mark at full forward in the third term and finished with four goals and 20 possessions.
Ryan Griffen (33 possessions), Ryan Hargrave and Matthew Boyd were busy for the Bulldogs while running half-back Heath Scotland and ruckman Matthew Kreuzer were dominant for the Blues along with Kade Simpson and Andrew Carrazzo.
The Blues have suffered their third loss from three games so far in the pre-season cup while the Bulldogs improve their record to 2-1.
Betts looked dangerous with three early goals but the Bulldogs had the advantage 5.2 (32) to 4.1 (25) at quarter-time.
Both teams kicked three goals in the second term including a brilliant effort from Carlton speedster Chris Yarran who took one bounce and used his speed to burn off several opponents.
Two-time All-Australian Brian Lake, who played only five games last year because of injuries, was in excellent touch at full back for the Bulldogs before being subbed out at halftime.
Carlton outscored the Bulldogs three goals to two in the third term and hit the front early in the last quarter with a goal from 18-year-old livewire Frazer Dale.
However the Bulldogs answered the challenge with a snapshot goal from mature-aged recruit Tory Dickson, 24, in the final minute of play.
The Blues, who were missing forwards Jarrad Waite and Andrew Walker and star onballer Chris Judd, travel to Maroochydore to play the Brisbane Lions on Saturday.
North Melbourne will host the Bulldogs at North Ballarat the following day.
“Most of the players didn’t look like they had a lot of energy. I hope they’re all going to get through by round 15,” Carlton coach Brett Ratten said of the two-sub rule which is on trial in the pre-season.
“It’s pretty hard to develop kids too when you know even when they play a quarter, they have to play 90-plus per cent in those quarters.
“I don’t know if it helps the development of players to be fatigued and then where do they go from there with injury and lists are only so big.
“It does make it hard, especially if you get injuries to your key players.
“It’s something they’re experimenting with and we’ll see what the outcome is.”
Laidler had his knee cap put back in place while still on the ground, Ratten said, adding he hoped the injury was only minor.
Ratten said the Blues would regain several stars next week.
“We’ll have Waite, Walker, (Mitch) Robinson, (Nick) Duigan and Judd,” Ratten said.
Jamison is still a chance to be fit for round one, Ratten added.
Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney praised Minson and Lake and said Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney, another star player cut down by injury last year, was also progressing well after picking up 10 possessions on Sunday.
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