Friday night’s AFL clash between Carlton and the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium turned into a dramatic showdown, culminating in a narrow victory for the Bulldogs, who edged out the Blues 12.11 (83) to 11.9 (75). The match, which was a must-win for Carlton in their quest to avoid a winless start to the season, saw the Blues lead by as much as 24 points in the second quarter before succumbing to a fierce Bulldogs comeback.
As the game unfolded, it was Carlton forward Zac Williams who provided an early scare for his team. Williams was subbed out in the second quarter due to Achilles soreness after a seemingly innocuous landing, adding to his history of leg injuries, which includes a previous Achilles issue and an ACL rupture in 2023. His absence was felt as the match progressed, but the Blues fought valiantly despite the setback.
In the opening stages, Carlton was on fire, kicking the first three goals of the match and establishing a 24-point lead. Brodie Kemp was particularly impressive, scoring five goals, while Charlie Curnow added three to his tally. The Blues showcased a brand of football that had been missing in their previous outings, with their early dominance giving fans a glimmer of hope.
However, the Bulldogs, despite missing key players such as Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, were not to be underestimated. Tom Liberatore’s relentless performance, which included 30 disposals and 10 tackles, kept the Bulldogs within striking distance. As the game wore on, the Bulldogs began to find their rhythm, with Aaron Naughton eventually stepping up when it mattered most.
The second quarter saw both teams trading goals, but Carlton maintained a slim margin as the Bulldogs struggled to close the gap. The intensity ramped up as the match progressed, with the ruck battle between Tom De Koning of Carlton and Tim English of the Bulldogs proving pivotal. De Koning continued to impress, solidifying his position as a key player for the Blues.
The match turned in the second half. After Carlton managed to hold the Bulldogs goalless in the first quarter, the Bulldogs came out firing after halftime. They kicked eight goals in the second half compared to the Blues’ four, showcasing their resilience and ability to capitalize on Carlton's mistakes. The pressure mounted on the Blues, who had previously been unable to maintain their leads in earlier matches this season.
As the final quarter unfolded, the Bulldogs found themselves down by a goal. It was Naughton, who had been relatively quiet throughout the match, who delivered a crucial goal with under five minutes remaining, bringing the Bulldogs back into contention. Following that, James O’Donnell kicked another goal, securing the victory for the Bulldogs and sending Carlton to a disheartening 0-3 record.
Despite the loss, there were bright spots for Carlton. Kemp’s five goals and Curnow’s contributions were commendable, while Lewis Young’s defensive efforts against Rory Lobb also stood out. Young had a significant impact, restricting Lobb’s influence and allowing the Blues to maintain some control in the early stages.
After the match, Carlton coach Michael Voss expressed the need for his team to find answers following a disappointing start to the season. “We need to be able to maintain our composure and execute better in critical moments,” Voss remarked. The pressure is mounting on Voss as the team struggles to find its footing in the league.
For the Bulldogs, the victory was a much-needed boost, improving their record to 2-1. Coach Luke Beveridge praised his team’s ability to fight back, particularly highlighting the contributions of players like Liberatore and Davidson, who racked up 31 disposals and 10 marks. Beveridge noted, “We showed resilience and character, which is vital in this competition.”
The match also highlighted the impact of injuries on both teams. Carlton was without Harry McKay, who is dealing with personal issues, while the Bulldogs continue to navigate the absence of key players like Bontempelli and Treloar. Bontempelli is making progress from a calf injury but is still listed as three to five weeks away from returning.
As Carlton reflects on their performance, they will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next challenge. The Blues must address their second-half struggles, having previously allowed Richmond and Hawthorn to mount significant comebacks in earlier rounds. With the season still in its early stages, there remains hope for improvement, but the clock is ticking for Voss and his squad.
The Bulldogs, on the other hand, will look to build on this momentum as they face Fremantle next on April 6th at Optus Stadium. With a renewed sense of confidence, they aim to continue their upward trajectory in the season.
In conclusion, the match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of AFL football. The resilience shown by the Bulldogs coupled with the struggles of the Blues sets the stage for an intriguing season ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how both teams adapt and respond in the coming weeks.
