Maligned ahead Aaron Naughton has made amends for a horror evening by slotting an important late aim because the Western Bulldogs snared an eight-point victory to inflict extra ache on winless Carlton.
Trailing till halfway via the final quarter, the Bulldogs slotted eight targets to 4 within the second half to ship Carlton 0-3 and add to the rising stress at Princes Park.
Naughton put the Bulldogs again in entrance with simply over 4 minutes remaining, earlier than James O’Donnell slotted the match-winner to present his facet a dramatic 12.11 (83) to 11.9 (75) victory at Docklands.
After struggling for impression with 5 disposals, the left-footed Naughton snatched a mark from 30 metres out and calmly went again to snap it via for a aim to present his facet the lead.
The loss continued a regarding development for the Blues, who’ve kicked a mixed eight targets in second halves throughout their three matches in 2025.
Carlton captain Patrick Cripps was properly held for a lot of the evening and suffered an enormous knock to the hip when he flew for a mark in the course of the third quarter.
Star Blues ruck Tom De Koning was arguably greatest on floor, whereas rising ahead Brodie Kemp kicked a career-high 5 targets.
Star ahead Charlie Curnow responded after a poor match in opposition to Hawthorn, kicking three targets, however the job was left to too few for the Blues.
Mature-aged recruit Sam Davidson (31 disposals), in simply his third AFL match, was very good together with stand-in captain Tom Liberatore, who rallied after being properly held early.
Matthew Kennedy was a strong contributor for the Bulldogs in opposition to his former membership. (Getty Photos/AFL Images: Graham Denholm)
“I felt like we lacked composure for various instances all through the sport,” Blues coach Michael Voss mentioned after the match.
“Proper now, our greatest has been fairly good, however we appear to be straying … greater than we want.
“It’s little pockets and home windows for the opposition to stroll via.
“We’re inviting them into the sport and that is most likely not giving sufficient credit score to the opposition since you nonetheless have to indicate up and get that accomplished.”
Carlton subbed off Zac Williams within the second quarter for Jordan Boyd after the ahead skilled Achilles soreness.
It will likely be a priority for the Blues, with Williams having ruptured his Achilles in 2018 when he performed for GWS.
Williams suffered an ACL damage in 2023 and has battled soft-tissue issues since arriving at Carlton forward of the 2021 season.
The Blues subsequent face the Magpies on Thursday evening, whereas the Bulldogs journey to Perth to play the Dockers subsequent Sunday.
AAP/ABC
Look again at how the motion unfolded in our weblog.
Key Occasions
Blues vs Bulldogs scoreboard
Thanks in your firm!
That is the place we are going to finish our protection tonight — thanks for becoming a member of us.
We’ll be running a blog the rest of spherical three throughout Saturday and Sunday, so be sure that to stay with us.
Have a great evening!
Voss admits Blues want larger composure
Blues coach Michael Voss has mirrored on his facet’s loss throughout his post-match media convention.
Voss feels the Blues should present improved maturity within the tight moments if they’re to exit their type droop.
I felt like we lacked composure for various instances all through the sport.
Proper now, our greatest has been fairly good, however we appear to be straying from us greater than we want.
It’s little pockets and home windows for the opposition to stroll via.
We’re inviting them into the sport and that is most likely not giving sufficient credit score to the opposition since you nonetheless have to indicate up and get that accomplished.
‘Top-of-the-line wins’
Sam Davidson took satisfaction from the best way the Bulldogs fought again, as he advised the Seven Community.
Top-of-the-line wins I been part of. We began slowly, they bought the bounce on us within the first quarter after which stored pushing.
We have been fortunate sufficient to run over them ultimately. A fairly good win.
That profitable feeling
What a end!
Thanks Luke – by no means a doubt
The twist within the closing moments was a twist of lime in within the celebratory refreshment…. See you subsequent time.
– Mike
Thanks for becoming a member of us, Mike!
BULLDOGS TRIUMPH!
IT’S THE DOGS BY EIGHT POINTS!
What a match!
For the file, the Bulldogs win 12.11 (83) to to 11.9 (75) in a Friday evening thriller!
The Blues led at each change, even holding a 23-point buffer at quarter-time.
However the Bulldogs edged their method again into the competition because the match progressed to path by simply two factors on the closing change.
The lead swapped arms in the course of the fourth time period, nevertheless the Bulldogs got here away the victor to maneuver to a 2-1 file.
For the Blues, they continue to be winless and they’re going to rue the missed alternatives to shut out the match.
Two minutes to go — Canine nonetheless lead
It is nonetheless the Bulldogs up by eight factors, however you possibly can’t assist however really feel there’s one other twist coming on this compelling encounter.
Bulldogs kick one other main
James O’Donnell stands tall along with his second aim of the match!
O’Donnell marks to the precise of the aim sq. and performs on, and the Bulldogs now lead by eight factors.
What a end developing!
Naughton sends Canine again in entrance
Aaron Naughton!
Naughton waited till late within the closing time period to kick his first aim of the match however it got here when the Bulldogs wanted it most.
He took a contested mark, earlier than going across the nook from the set-shot.
The Bulldogs lead by two factors.
5 minutes to go — can the Blues maintain on?
The complete-time siren is approaching — will the Blues maintain off the Bulldogs?
The Blues nonetheless lead by 4 factors.
Blues reclaim the lead
What an evening for Brodie Kemp!
Kemp kicks his fifth aim — a career-high tally — and the Blues reclaim the lead.
Francis Evans noticed Kemp alone inside 50 and the remaining is historical past.
The Blues up by 4 factors, with simply over eight minutes left within the match.
Bulldogs prolong lead by … a degree
It is a rushed behind however sufficient for the Bulldogs to construct their result in … two factors.
A lot left on this enthralling contest.
Canine nonetheless in entrance
C’mon Canine – maintain it rolling!
– Mike
An extended method to go, however the Bulldogs appear to have the momentum!
Darcy ultimately will get his aim
The Canine are in entrance!
This time, Sam Darcy cannot be denied.
The rangy Bulldog slots a set-shot for his second main of the match.
It is the Bulldogs now main by only a level.
Bulldogs activate sub
The Canine’ sub Josh Dolan is on the sector, with teammate Oskar Baker out for the rest of the match with a quad damage.
Bulldogs denied a aim following rating assessment
After a prolonged rating assessment, a Sam Darcy aim is overturned and the Bulldogs as a substitute come away with a behind.
Darcy celebrated after snapping what seemed to be a aim amid visitors inside 50, however the ball was judged to have been touched by Jacob Weitering on the best way via.
Younger offers Blues some reduction
Lewis Younger claims the primary aim of the fourth time period for the Blues, simply over a minute after the resumption of play.
A juggling mark inside 50 after which a coolly taken set-shot offers Younger his second aim, because the Blues lead by eight.
Blues and Bulldogs resume in closing time period
All of it comes all the way down to this!
It is the Blues forward of the Bulldogs by two factors because the fourth quarter will get underway …
3QT: Blues 9.9 (63) lead Bulldogs 9.7 (61)
A aim after the siren to Rhylee West sees the Bulldogs path the Blues by simply two factors on the closing change.
What a fourth quarter now we have developing!
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