CARLTON have produced a strong four-quarter performance under the lights at Whitten Oval and leave the western suburbs with four points in hand.

From the opening siren the Blues showed composure, with quick and precise ball movement from the midfield helping set up a dominant first quarter, as the Blues notched up 14 inside 50s to the Western Bulldogs’ one, which helped them kick three first-quarter goals.

The Blues continued their attacking pressure throughout the whole game, totalling 38 forward 50 entries, their equal-most inside 50 count so far this season.

Early in the second term, the Bulldogs showed fight, kicking the first goal of the quarter, but a strong rebound provided by Harriet Cordner and Gab Pound was able to push play back toward Carlton’s scoring end, providing Daisy Walker with her first career goal. Lily Goss also benefitted from the Blues' defensive overhaul, with her running goal heading into the main break providing another highlight of the second quarter. 

Carlton continued their strong full-team performance in the third quarter, with Pound - alongside Gen Lawson-Tavan - cutting off any attempt the Bulldogs had at entering their forward 50, keeping them to two behinds from their five entries.

Darcy Vescio dug deep into their bag of tricks, working hard to chip through a goal off the ground midway through the third term, whilst Mia Austin continued her recent accuracy in front of goal, adding another goal to her tally for the year.

Although the Bulldogs fought back in the final quarter, the Blues held strong, using their dominant contest and defensive pressure when it mattered to help nullify their opposition’s run.

An Erone Fitzpatrick goal halfway through the final quarter put the result away without doubt and gave the Blues a reason to sing the team song loud and proud after the game. 

Carlton’s centre trio of Keeley Sherar (27 disposals), Abbie McKay (25 disposals) and Mimi Hill (23 disposals) once again combined their contest craft, by helping guide the ball between the arcs and set up their forwards for early goals that ultimately setup the Blues for the fourth win of 2023.

The dominant ruck work from Brea Moody and Jess Good continued, with the two combining for 36 disposals and 33 hitouts, as Good displayed determination around the ball, collecting 14 contested possessions along the way.

After a month of strong performances, the Blues were able to produce four quarters of football that showcased a strong connection between defence, midfield and attack, highlighting Mathew Buck's focus of high performance and contested efforts.

As the season moves towards its final four games, Carlton will finish Round 6 inside the top eight and head into its next home game with traditional rivals Collingwood full of positivity.

Match summary

WESTERN BULLDOGS       1.0     2.3     2.5     4.10 (34)
CARLTON                             3.3     5.4     7.5     8.5 (53) 

GOALS
Carlton: Walker, Vescio, McWilliams, McKay, Goss, Good, Fitzpatrick, Austin

BEST 
Carlton: Sherar, Good, McKay, Skepper, Moody, Pound 

INJURIES 
Carlton: McKay (ankle), Laloifi (knee)