Andrew Wu at Telstra Dome
Carlton has staged a barnstorming second half to keep alive its finals hopes with a stirring 28-point victory over the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.
The Blues, aided by the good side of Brendan Fevola's Jekyll and Hyde performance, bagged 10 consecutive goals in the second half to overturn a 37-point deficit early in the third quarter and win 18.18 (126) to 15.8 (98) in front of nearly 38,000 fans.
The Bulldogs, renowned for their run, stopped to a halt in the final quarter, beaten eight to three in the clearances and outscored six goals to nothing. In fact, they conceded 12 of the last 14 goals of the game.
Their midfield caved in to a Carlton brigade inspired by a best-on-ground performance from skipper Chris Judd, who was prominent even in the first half when the Bulldogs were on top.
Judd finished the game with 32 possessions and a goal. The only glitch in his game was his goalkicking as he missed several relatively simple opportunities on the run. But to dwell on those misses would be splitting hairs for Judd was dominant.
Players such as Nick Stevens, Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy all lifted significantly in the second half to ease the burden on their captain.
The flow-on effect brought Fevola into the contest. After a substandard first half punctuated by a poor work ethic and discipline, Fevola outclassed Brian Lake.
He finished with six goals, five of which were kicked in the second half.
The Bulldogs had few four-quarter contributors.
Their forward line made the most of its opportunities in the first three quarters but was denied chances in the last.
Daniel Cross was courageous but poignantly finished the game bloodied and beaten. Ryan Hargrave, having his best season to date, and the ever reliable Dale Morris were serviceable, but games are rarely won by defenders.
Adam Cooney showed glimpses of his best and Matthew Boyd was game on Stevens for three quarters but the Bulldogs were found wanting when it mattered most.
Worse still, youngster Dylan Addison left the ground in the third quarter with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.
That the Bulldogs led by more than six goals earlier in the game was due to their efficiency and higher skill level.
But the Blues, faced with the possibility of having their season ended, upped the ante in the second half.
Fevola, hitherto frustrated by Brian Lake, stopped sulking, instead choosing to lead strongly and kick truly.
It was another stunning performance by the game's most enigmatic player.
He appeared disinterested in the first half, conceding a stupid free kick which cost him a certain goal, but atoned with an awesome finish.
That ensured Fevola would this week be playing the role of hero rather than villain.
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 10.4, 15.6, 15.8 (98)
CARLTON: 2.4, 5.8, 12.13, 18.18 (126)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Hahn 3, Johnson 3, Harbrow 2, Hill 2, Boyd, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Minson, R. Murphy
Carlton: Fevola 6, Wiggins 4, Kreuzer 3, Betts, Judd, Murphy, Scotland, Stevens
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Hargrave, Cross, Morris, Gilbee, Cooney, Murphy
Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Stevens, Waite, Wiggins, Scotland
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Addison (medial ligament)
Carlton: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Williams (Western Bulldogs) replaced in selected side by Everitt
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Meredith, Avon
CROWD: 37,879 at Telstra Dome
Sportal AFL Player of the Year votes
3. Chris Judd (Carlton)
2. Brendan Fevola (Carlton)
1. Nick Stevens (Carlton)