CARLTON went down to a determined Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, going down by 33 points at IKON Park.
After not being able to capitalise on their forward entries in the early going, the Blues were overrun in the second half in the 4.4 (28) to 9.7 (61) defeat.
The Blues started the night launching their attack, locking the ball into their forward-50 and not allowing the Dogs to get it out. Mia Austin, Breann Moody and Keeley Skepper all had their opportunities in front of goals but were unable to convert.
It was the Bulldogs who ended up striking first, however former Dog-turned-Blue Celine Moody was the one who got Carlton on the board.
The Carlton defence was well set up for the aggressive Bulldog outfit that started the second quarter, only allowing two minor scores in the opening five minutes. Keeley Sherar was able to back up last week’s heroics with another goal to put the Blues in front.
The Bulldogs started to bring the pressure, leading the tackle count in the second quarter and scoring two consecutive goals to end the half.
While the ball spent majority of the time in the Dogs’ forward half in the third term, they were only able to convert in the first half of the term. While it looked like Carlton were going to be kept scoreless in the quarter, Skepper was able to add a goal in the final minute to bring the deficit to 14 points heading into the final quarter.
The Bulldogs maintained their aggression in the final term, leading the tackle count and contested possessions. While Tarni Brown was able to add to the Blue tally, the Dogs were able to kick four to end the night as 33-point winners.
Under constant pressure, defender Harriet Cordner stood up with 21 disposals and 11 intercept possessions, while 50-gamer Abbie McKay didn't relent with 29 disposals (16 contested possessions) and eight tackles.
Carlton will now have a 10-day break before it regroups to face Collingwood at Victoria Park.
CARLTON 1.4 2.4 3.4 4.4 (28)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.0 4.5 5.6 9.7 (61)
GOALS
Carlton: Brown, C.Moody, Sherar, Skepper
BEST
Carlton: McKay, Cordner, Sherar, Good, Hill
