Carlton has inflicted the Western Bulldogs’ second consecutive loss of the 2020 AFLW season, in the annual pride game at VU Whitten Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs conceded the first three goals of the game and could never bridge the gap, despite staying in the contest until late in the final quarter.

The Blues eventually won by 21 points, securing the win after kicking the last two goals of the match against the wind.

The Dogs were hit with injuries throughout the game and finished with a depleted bench, with Angelica Gogos’ knee injury the most serious concern.

The Bulldogs now have one victory from their three games, and face a crucial clash in Perth against West Coast next Saturday night.

A massive crowd of over 8000 fans turned out in sunny conditions to celebrate the annual Pride Game, creating an outstanding atmosphere.

Bulldogs skipper Ellie Blackburn was valiant in defeat, collecting 20 disposals (the fifth occasion of her career she has recoded 20 or more).

Aisling McCarthy (16 touches) continued her bright start to the season, and Isabel Huntington was strong in defence with 15 possessions and a game-high (and career-high) seven marks.

The Bulldogs trailed by 18 points at three quarter time and had the breeze in the last term, inching to within nine points of the Blues twice before the visitors kicked away late.

WESTERN BULLDOGS     1.0    2.3    2.3    4.6 (30)
CARLTON                          3.1    3.1    5.3    8.3 (51) 

GOALS

Western Bulldogs: Toogood, Georgostathis, McLeod, Lamb
Carlton: Gee 3, Brazzale, McEvoy, Harris, Vescio, Stevens 

BEST

Western Bulldogs: Blackburn, McCarthy, Huntington, Lochland, Newton
Carlton: Prespakis, McEvoy, Laloifi, Harris, Gee, Egan, Vescio

Official crowd: 8259 at VU Whitten Oval