HOT DOGS STUN CARLTON
IN jaw-dropping fashion, a fast-finishing Western Bulldogs have overturned a 27point deficit to produce a rousing triumph and maintain their top-two position.
The Bulldogs appeared down for the count late in the third term, but were suddenly sparked in the last quarter to slam home six goals to one, leaving the Blues stunned and stealing a 16-point win.
Marcus Bontempelli was instrumental in the comeback victory, 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 ever-freakish 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.
Josh Bruce, pictured, then appeared to sneak a goal home from the pocket to reclaim the Dogs’ advantage.
But as the umpire Matthew Nicholls loaded up to bounce the ball in the centre and reset play, a late call from the ARC deemed the ball had brushed the post.
Betts, however, soon gave Dogs defenders headaches again, pouncing on a loose ball and goaling with a crafty leftfoot snap from the pocket.
Only moments later, the 34-year-old marked at a tighter angle. This time, a well-guided rightfoot snap meant he had four goals by the eight-minute mark of the second stanza. Carlton extended the lead through Harry McKay and Owies, but failed to fully capture their momentum rush.
The Blues’ five-goals-totwo second quarter had them two goals up at the main break. They again took charge early in the third term through the brilliance of McKay, who booted three goals in the opening 10 minutes of the half.
He gave the Blues a healthy 25-point lead before Adam Treloar and Betts exchanged majors.
Late in the term, Aaron Naughton finally broke the shackles imposed on him by Jacob Weitering, taking a pack mark at the top of the goalsquare to keep his team in the hunt at three-quarter time.