Dogs grind it out over keen Carlton

THE Western Bulldogs have out-scrapped Carlton, pulling clear in the last quarter for a 17point AFL win.

After nine lead changes, the Bulldogs kicked four goals to two in the last quarter and finally put away the bottom side 10.6 (66) to 7.7 (49) at Etihad Stadium.

Only 11 goals were scored in the opening three quarters, despite the closed roof.

The Bulldogs’ surge in the last quarter was punctuated by a controversial 50m penalty involving their star midfielder Marcus Bontempelli.

As Lin Jong lined up for a shot at goal, Carlton defender Jed Lamb appeared to retaliate against Bontempelli and hit him in the back.

That cost the Blues the 50m penalty and Jong kicked the goal as several players wrestled.

The win means the Bulldogs improved one spot to 13th.

Bontempelli and Jack Macrae had big last quarters to help seal the win for the Bulldogs, while defender Kade Simpson starred for the Blues.