CARLTON has continued its push towards a finals campaign under new coach Mathew Buck, recording a 19-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at VU Whitten Oval.
The Blues dominated play in the first term to lay the platform for the 8.5 (53) to 4.10 (34) victory, winning the inside 50 count 14-1 in what was another indication Carlton is taking giant steps forward after significant change across the entire club over the off-season.
BULLDOGS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats
The Bulldogs had a handful of players come down with gastro during the week, which was far from ideal preparation for a side still hunting its first win of the campaign.
Veteran Blue Phoebe McWilliams kicked the opening goal of the match, before gun midfielder Abbie McKay hit the scoreboard shortly after.
The Dogs were able to wrestle some momentum off the Blues in the second quarter as they upped the energy around the contest, but goals to Daisy Walker and Lily Goss ensured the Blues held a handy 19-point lead at the main break.
Darcy Vescio struggled to have their usual impact over the course of the night but chimed in with a goal off the ground in the third term to further extend the Blues’ lead.
The Bulldogs got the first goal of the final term through Jess Fitzgerald and threatened to get themselves back in the contest, but Katie Lynch, in a new role forward, was unable to convert her set shot.
Carlton’s ruck tandem of Jess Good and Breann Moody did a superb job of nullifying the dangerous Alice Edmonds throughout the evening.