Carlton stun Dogs to win first match after coach quits
Oliver Caffrey |
Carlton have produced a stunning final quarter to end a seven-game losing streak, upsetting the Western Bulldogs by 12 points in their first match after Michael Voss’ exit as coach.
Under interim coach Josh Fraser, the Blues booted five unanswered goals in the final term to secure a memorable 10.14 (74) to 9.8 (62) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Trailing by eight points at three-quarter time, Carlton delivered an irresistible last 30 minutes as the Bulldogs had just one shot on goal until putting through two majors when the result was already secure.
The Blues’ second victory of the season comes just four days after Voss quit the club midway through his fifth year in charge.
Carlton had blown six leads this year, but the Blues finally put together a strong finish to the game to restore some pride for the club’s supporter base.
Captain Patrick Cripps, who has been subject to speculation over his future at the club beyond this year, put in a masterful last quarter to inspire the Blues.
Kicking two of Carlton’s five goals across the first three quarters, the dual Brownlow Medallist threw himself into everything in the final term with 13 disposals to finish with 29 for the game.
Unlikely hero Matt Carroll had a career-best outing, booting three goals, two of them from outside 50.
Key forward Harry McKay kicked two important goals, backing up his strong performance in a loss against Brisbane last week.
Carlton debutant Jack Ison made an impact before the match even started, taking part in a pre-game ceremony for Sir Doug Nicholls Round with Blues teammate Zac Williams and Bulldogs forward Arty Jones.
Ison finished with 15 possessions and the sealing goal in the final term in an inspiring first-up performance for the 19-year-old.
After winning their first four games of the season, the Bulldogs have lost five of their past six matches in a concerning slide for Luke Beveridge’s team.
Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli, who has been playing sore in recent weeks, had 24 disposals and kicked a goal but couldn’t lift his side over the line.
Already without five first-choice players, including star forward Sam Darcy, the Bulldogs will be without Bailey Williams for an extended period after the utility suffered a hamstring injury in the second quarter.
AAP