Carlisle boots eight, Dons pip Dogs

WESTERN BULLDOGS      3.3   8.6   12.8  14.10 (94)
ESSENDON                          4.2   7.5   10.7  15.11 (101)

GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stringer 5, Dahlhaus 2, Bontempelli 2, Hrovat, Macrae, Boyd, Redpath, Crameri
Essendon: Carlisle 8, Ryder 2, Ambrose, Colyer, Chapman, Dell'Olio, Winderlich

BEST 
Western Bulldogs: Stringer, Macrae, Boyd, Wallis, Minson
Essendon: Carlisle, Hooker, Heppell, Chapman, Ryder

INJURIES 
Western Bulldogs: Wallis (ankle)
Essendon: Hibberd (quad)

SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Adam Cooney replaced Liam Picken in the third term
Essendon: Corey Dell'Olio replaced Ben Howlett in the third term

_{Essendon's Cale Hooker runs clear of Bulldogs opponent Jack Redpath. Photo: Michael Dodge (Getty)}

What happened

Eight goals from Jake Carlisle powered Essendon to an important seven–point victory over Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday evening. 

Trailing by 21 points deep in the third term, the Bombers fought back on the back of Carlisle's career-best haul to win what was a tough and entertaining match.  

Carlisle, a noted defender, has struggled up forward until kicking four goals against the Magpies last week.

He kicked two in each quarter on Sunday to make the difference in what remained a tight match for four quarters.

Jake Stringer kicked five for the Bulldogs.

When Stringer kicked his fifth after 70 seconds of the final term, the Bulldogs led by 19 points and looked set for victory.

But Essendon would not give in, and nailed four goals without reply to hit the front at the 17-minute mark.

Marcus Bontempelli then resored the Bulldogs' lead in time on, but a sensational Jason Winderlich pack mark in the goal square sealed Essendon's win.

Fallout

The result sees Essendon move level with sixth-placed North Melbourne on 10 wins and more importantly one game ahead of Collingwood and Gold Coast. 

Although the narrow win meant Essendon's percentage did go slightly backwards.

The Bulldogs remain in 14th spot with six wins for the season.

Hope he's in my fantasy team

Emerging Bulldog Jack Macrae continued his hot form from last round, and was the leading ball-winner on the ground with 32 disposals.

For Essendon, Dyson Heppell topped the stats sheet with 22 touches.

What's next

The Bulldogs will have a couple of weeks to ponder a Sunday afternoon clash against Hawthorn in Launceston.

The Bombers play premiership favourite Sydney at the SCG on Friday, August 31.