Bulldogs bounce back with upset AFL win over Blues

Roger Vaughan | July 13, 2024

The Western Bulldogs have rebounded magnificently to score a crucial 14-point upset AFL win over Carlton at Marvel Stadium.

Jamarra Ugle-Hagan was best afield and Rhylee West also kicked four goals as the Bulldogs recovered from a shaky start to win the Saturday twilight game 14.16 (100) to 12.14 (86).

In his 200th game, Blues captain Patrick Cripps did all he could to put the team on his back through the last quarter and carry them home, but he could not inspire Carlton to the win.

It follows the Bulldogs’ 48-point loss to Port Adelaide and keeps them in touch with the top eight, while second-placed Carlton have lost two in a row.

Half-back Bailey Dale also shone for the Bulldogs with 31 possessions, but Ugle-Hagan dominated.

After kicking three goals in the first half, Carlton’s Harry McKay only had one possession in the last two quarters and fellow key forward Charlie Curnow kicked 3.7.

After losing Adam Treloar as a late withdrawal with a tight calf, the Bulldogs did their best to kick themselves out of the game.

They sprayed 0.7, with Ugle-Hagan a glaring offender, as the Blues kicked three goals and took a 15-point lead into the first change.

Three quick goals at the start of the second term steadied the Bulldogs and they briefly took the lead.

But the Blues hit back and after West missed a snap he should have nailed, Carlton went on the rampage from the kickout and Cripps marked his milestone game with a sublime goal on the run.

Carlton lost Zac Williams in the second term with a hamstring injury as the two teams went goal-for-goal, with the Bulldogs taking a three-point lead into the main break.

The game went up a cog in the third term, with the Bulldogs bursting clear from the first bounce and West kicking a goal just 17 seconds into the quarter.

Indeed, the Bulldogs kicked three goals in the term from centre-bounce clearances.

Ugle-Hagan was becoming a major issue for the Blues defence, especially with star Carlton defender Jacob Weitering appearing to be hurt.

The Bulldogs had 20 inside-50s to 10 for the term and should have led by more than 10 points at the final change, after kicking 4.5.

Cripps was mighty in the last quarter, kicking a goal and finishing the match with a game-high 11 clearances.

But the undermanned Bulldogs defence was outstanding, with Rory Lobb and Buku Khamis prominent.