A brave Carlton outfit could not stop the Bulldogs from getting their eighth win for the year, as they cemented their place in the top eight.
The Dogs showed their maturity in the closing stages as they shut out any Carlton danger by slowing down the play and keeping possession well. They were just too good in the second half, and their persistence allowed them to win tonight in a game they would expect to do just that if they are serious about their finals chances.
Despite the loss, and their streak being broken, the Blues showed signs of improvement as they kept up with and even outplayed the Dogs for about half of the game.
>> MATCH REPORT: Bulldogs outlast Blues for Saturday night win
The relentless Bulldogs pressure around the contest was too much in the end for Carlton, as they fell behind in the contested possessions 140-121, as well as in the clearances 49-32, and they just couldn’t get their hands on the ball in the third term as the Dogs broke away to the game defining lead.
However, the Blues did well to out-tackle their opponents 71-65, an impressive feat given that is the Bulldogs’ forte.
They will be disappointed in only managing 7.11 from their 50 i50’s, which was just 5 less than the Dogs’ count.
Liam Picken surprisingly lead all comers with 33 disposals, while Boys and Macrae accumulated in typical fashion to get 31 disposals each of their own. Meanwhile, Curnow and Simpson collected 28 each, while Nick Graham (26), Marc Murphy and Zach Tuohy (both 25) also contributed well.
Whilst he was quiet by his lofty standards, Stringer slotted 3 goals for the Dogs to be their only multiple kicker, while Dennis Armfield was lively for the Blues, kicking 2.4.
Western Bulldogs 9.10.64 def. Carlton 7.11.53
The Western Bulldogs will look to strengthen their top-eight spot when they clash with a rejuvenated Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:20pm (AEST).
The Dogs can claim a third straight win tonight, and set up a favourable run into the finals.
They come into the game as favourites, which emerging sides tend to struggle with, and have put in some great underdog (pardon the pun) performances thus far.
Meanwhile, Carlton have taken a whole new shape under John Barker, winning consecutive games for the first time in over a year. They will challenge the Dogs with added run and carry through Chris Yarran, Dylan Buckley and their 2014 first-round draft pick, Blaine Boekhorst. However Luke Beveridge’s men are the number one tackling side this year, though with 73.3 per game, and will look to pressure the aforementioned Blues speedsters.
The battle of the midfield should significant, as young big-bodied stars Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli go head-to-head.
The Dogs’ defence will be under pressure if their midfielders fail to win the clearances, with Blues forwards such as Tom Bell, Andrejs Everitt and Levi Casboult in dangerous form. Jake Stringer should also prove to be a handful at the other end.
The Bulldogs forward line will be weakened with Tom Boyd out. Jack Redpath comes in alongside debutant Caleb Daniel and Mitch Honeychurch.
For the Blues, Michael Jamison comes in to sure up the back six, which loses Sam Docherty to a hamstring strain.
The two Blaines – Boekhorst and Johnson – also come in for Menzel and Carrazzo.
Prediction
Matthew Boyd’s milestone game (250) is worth note, as these games have been cursed for other sides this year.
Nonetheless, this is a big game for the Dogs and if they can continue playing their aggressive, attractive style of football, they should be too good for the Blues.
Dogs by 19 points.
Col from Brissie
Guest
Don't know if anyone else has noticed but Kade Simpsons disposals lately have not been up to his usual standards. He is not hitting targets and some of his turnovers have resulted in opposition goals. There was another one tonight.
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Absolutely Macca, could well have come away with a result but considering where we've come from, it's good to see that the young guys can lead the way
Macca
Guest
Yeah I think Wood will eventually get dropped as Kreuzer gets stronger and you are right the young blokes will make mistakes but when we are missing a number of first choice players lost Everitt and Cripps during the game and had the Bulldogs playing very defensively. We should have made more of our opportunities but when you have Graham and Bell amongst the best again we have to be happy.
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
A far cry from Carlton's early season form. The young guys will frustrate you, but their upside is great, so don't be too hard on them. As for the big men, they may well be shuffled around to get the right balance, perhaps Wood gets dropped, Kruezer becomes #1 ruck and Casboult and Rowe (when he is back) ruck around the ground
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
I think so. Blues just took precaution as he was pretty sore late in the last quarter
Macca
Guest
Geez Jack you are a little negative.
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
A brave Carlton outfit could not stop the Bulldogs from getting their eighth win for the year, as they cement their place in the top eight. The Dogs showed their maturity in the closing stages as they shut out any Carlton danger by slowing down the play and keeping possession well. They were just too good in the second half, and their persistence allowed them to win tonight in a game they would expect to do just that if they are serious about their finals chances. Despite the loss, and their streak being broken, the Blues showed signs of improvement as they kept up with and even outplayed the Dogs for about half of the game. The relentless Bulldogs pressure around the contest was too much in the end for Carlton, as they fell behind in the contested possessions 140-121, as well as in the clearances 49-32, and they just couldn't get their hands on the ball in the third term as the Dogs broke away to the game defining lead. However, the Blues did well to out-tackle their opponents 71-65, an impressive feat given that is the Bulldogs' forte. They will be disappointed in only managing 7.11 from their 50 i50's, which was just 5 less than the Dogs' count. Liam Picken surprisingly lead all comers with 33 disposals, while Boys and Macrae accumulated in typical fashion to get 31 disposals each of their own. Meanwhile, Curnow and Simpson collected 28 each, while Nick Graham (26), Marc Murphy and Zach Tuohy (both 25) also contributed well. Whilst he was quiet by his lofty standards, Stringer slotted 3 goals for the Dogs to be their only multiple kicker, while Dennis Armfield was lively for the Blues, kicking 2.4. Congratulations again to Matty Boyd on game number 250, and to Caleb Daniel on an electric debut. Thank you all for joining me once again, I hope you enjoy your weekend of footy!
Rob McHugh
Roar Guru
Cripps Ok?
Jack
Guest
We are playing kids but that was painful !!! May be like this for a few years. Can't keep playing casbolt wood Kruezer
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
No club songs as mentioned, and the players converge in the middle of the ground
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Full Time Dogs win Bulldogs 9.10.64 Carlton 7.11.53 I'll have a game summary for you shortly
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
And the Blues scoreline is a servo station
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Goal Carlton Henderson marks deep in the 50 and kicks a junk time goal with his rushed set shot. Makes the scoreline look a bit more reflective of the game as a whole Bulldogs 9.10.64 Carlton 7.11.53
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Really impressive from the Dogs to have slowed down and iced the game from about 7 minutes out. They look a mature unit despite their clear youth and exuberance
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
And BT reverts back to the helmet talk once again
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Game over now, the Dogs will run down the clock as Toby McLean looks to have hurt a shoulder
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Stoppage here just forward of centre wing, Last chance for the Blues to go forward and put themselves in the contest. Bulldogs have done very well to thwart the danger
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Carlton a bit wasteful there as they had a few nice chances to get into dangerous goal kicking positions. You'd think there's only the slimmest of chances for them now, really
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
The Dogs toyed around with it just outside the 50, but Henderson marks well when they finally decide to enter the area
Michael Alvaro
Roar Guru
Seven minutes left, Dogs are already starting to try to slow the play down