Bulldogs hit back to stun Carlton

A FAST-FINISHING Western Bulldogs overturned a 27point deficit to produce a rousing triumph against Carlton and maintain their top-two position.

The Bulldogs appeared down for the count late in the third term, but sparked in the last quarter to slam home six goals to one, stealing a 16-point win.

Marcus Bontempelli was instrumental in the win, combining 32 disposals with a goal, six marks and eight tackles, while Josh Bruce flexed his muscles with 11 marks (three contested) and a five-goal bag.

Earlier, Jordan Sweet opened the scoring with his first career goal, before Carlton answered through the everfreakish Eddie Betts.

The Bulldogs took temporary hold of momentum, helped by neat set shot goals to Anthony Scott and Lachie Hunter, before Matthew Owies and then Betts, adding another major, propelled Carlton to an early one-point lead.

Betts gave Dogs defenders headaches again, pouncing on a loose ball and goaling with a crafty left-foot snap from the pocket. Only moments later, the 34-year-old marked at a tighter angle. This time, a wellguided right-foot snap meant he had four goals by the eightminute mark of the second stanza as the Blues hit the lead.

Carlton extended the lead through Harry McKay and Owies to lead by two goals at the main break. They took charge early in the third term through McKay, who booted three goals in the opening 10 minutes to power the Blues into a healthy 25-point lead.

The Bulldogs stayed in contention before goals by Hunter, at the beginning of the final term, then Bontempelli dragged the margin back to just three points.

The Bulldogs dominated the rest of the term to claim a memorable victory.