Third quarter
Key Plays
The intensity continued to rise heading into the second half, with both sides desperate to make a mark on the scoreboard.
Dylan Addison’s horror run in front of goals continued, finding his third behind for the day, while Jarrad Grant’s form continued to rise with a soccer goal following through.
Eddie Betts provided some relief for the Blues with their first goal of the term, before Tory Dickson produced his second at the other end of the field.
Again it was goal for goal with Brock McLean returning fire for Carlton before Daniel Giansiracusa replied for the away side.
The Bulldogs continued to lock the ball inside their attacking half and produce repeat attempts on goal but could only find two behinds to Adam Cooney and Jarrad Grant.
Chris Judd reduced the margin to 11 points after converting a shot on goal, before Zach Tuohy brought the game to within a goal.
Within minutes of being substituted on Jason Tutt provided scoreboard relief with a goal.
Dennis Armfield ensured Carlton remained close on the Bulldogs tails with a goal, followed by a goal to Chris Yarran which saw the scores level for the first time since the openning term.
Giansiracusa broke the deadlock with a quick kick that sailed through seconds before the siren.
Player of the quarter
Veteran Daniel Giansiracusa stood up in the third term to steady the ship, making the most of every opportunity in front of goals. With two majors for the quarter, the Bulldogs leading goalscorer showed he can still be highly dangerous in attack. He finished with three marks, two tackles, five inside 50s and two score assists.
Statistical snapshot
- Luke Dahlhaus has been instrumental in providing defensive pressure, finishing the quarter with nine tackles, Mitch Wallis and Will Minson follow with five each, while Dale Morris and Ryan Griffen have four tackles each
- Ryan Griffen, Daniel Cross and Daniel Giansiracusa have been important in setting up a number of attacking plays, with 16 inside 50s and six score contributions between them.
- Jarrad Grant leads the Bulldogs in marks with six, next in line is Tory Dickson, Easton Wood and Daniel Cross
Progressive scores
Carlton 12. 9. (81) trail Western Bulldogs 12. 15. (87)
Fourth quarter
Key plays
Both sides showed a level of desperation as the quarter got underway, battling to keep the ball at either end for long enough to produce a score.
The Bulldogs were first off the mark with Tom Young converting in front of goals with a kick from long range.
The highlights reel continued for Jarrad Grant who sold some candy on the run, before centering himself to kick his fourth goal of the day.
Carlton remained breathing down the Bulldogs neck with Jarrad Waite converting a set shot for the Blues before Dahlhaus found a quick goal to reply.
The goals kept coming for the Bulldogs with Brownlow Medalist Adam Cooney joining in, allowing his side some breathing space with a 25 point buffer.
A string of behinds prevented the Bulldogs from putting the nail in the coffin as the clock continued to count down.
The Bulldogs remained strong in defence, again keeping the Blues goalless since eight minutes into the quarter.
A solid all round game to the Bulldogs saw them run out 28 point victors against the ninth placed Carlton.
Player of the quarter
Ryan Griffen’s value continues to rise as he once again proves his worth in the Bulldogs midfield. He finished the game with 34 possessions (11 in the final term), three marks, seven clearances, seven tackles, eight inside 50s and a goal assist.
Statistical snapshot
- The Bulldogs had 21 more inside 50s for the game, including eight to Daniel Giansiracusa and Ryan Griffen
- Jordan Roughead continued to be a rock in defence with 14 one percenters, Dale Morris was next in line with nine
- The Bulldogs held Carlton goalless for more than 20 minutes in the final term, winning the quarter by 22 points
Final score
Carlton 13. 11. (89) defeated by Western Bulldogs 16. 21. (117)
