Blues’ Woes Continue: Carlton Falls to Bulldogs as Injury Adds to Concerns

Carlton‘s grip on a top-four slot loosened as they were handed a defeat by the Western Bulldogs, compounding their woes with an injury to creative forward Zac Williams in a recent clash.

The Blues’ consecutive losses have raised concerns, with Williams facing a spell on the sidelines due to hamstring tightness, leaving Carlton in a precarious position just weeks before the finals.

Despite the gritty performance of the Western Bulldogs, who managed to keep their finals hopes alive with the victory, Carlton now finds themselves in need of a resurgence to maintain their top-four aspirations.

In a match where key forward Aaron Naughton and midfielder Adam Treloar were absent, the Bulldogs relied on emerging talents like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and Rhylee West to secure the crucial win.

Tom Liberatore, Ed Richards, and Bailey Dale played instrumental roles, overshadowing Carlton’s midfield stars Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh, who were subdued throughout the game.

With an upcoming clash against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, the Blues must regroup and rediscover their winning form, especially with pivotal players like Cripps and Walsh needing strong support from the team.

The strategic decision to play two ruckmen, including Marc Pittonet and Tom De Koning, did not yield the desired results for Carlton, as they were outmaneuvered in the ruck contests by Tim English and the Bulldogs.

In individual duels, Buku Khamis initially contained Charlie Curnow, while Rory Lobb stepped up in the second half to neutralize the threat of Harry McKay, revealing tactical adjustments made by both teams.

Among the highlights of the game was Cody Weightman‘s spectacular mark which electrified the crowd, showcasing the small forward’s athleticism and flair in a pivotal moment.

Despite a standout goal from Cripps, the Blues were unable to withstand the relentless pressure from the Bulldogs, ultimately succumbing to their opponents’ tenacity and determination.

While Carlton faces uncertainties with Williams’ injury and recent form slump, the Western Bulldogs have bolstered their finals chances with a resilient performance, setting the stage for an intriguing conclusion to the AFL season.