THE Western Bulldogs have stormed home in the final quarter to shock Carlton by six points in a thrilling opening game of AFLW’s Pride Round.
Tipped as equal premiership favourites pre-season, the Blues let a 10-point three-quarter-time lead slip as captain Ellie Blackburn inspired the Bulldogs to a 6.6 (42) to 5.6 (36) upset victory on Friday night.
Blackburn’s long bomb to open the final term had the sold-out Whitten Oval rocking, and the star midfielder put her team in front with another goal just minutes later.
When Kirsten McLeod, who inexplicably missed an open goal from five metres out in the first quarter, slotted her second goal of the match, the Bulldogs were all but home.
The Blues controlled the last five minutes of the match but were unable to add to their five goals and the Bulldogs hung on for their first win of the season.
Blackburn demonstrated why she is one of the AFLW’s best players with a virtuoso performance.
Reigning league best-and-fairest Madison Prespakis was just as dominant for the Blues, but she may be in trouble for a sling tackle during the third quarter.
A rejuvenated Tayla Harris boosted the Blues’ prospects by coming to life in the third quarter with two crucial goals.
Struggling for confidence in the first half, the key forward was a constant threat for the Bulldogs’ defence.
It was the battle of the twins in the ruck with Carlton’s Breann Moody going up against sister Celine in a fascinating duel.
Two games into the nine-round season and Carlton’s premiership hopes are already in tatters after losing to Collingwood in round one.
The Bulldogs’ only concern was a calf injury to Bailey Hunt.
(C) AAP 2021
WESTERN BULLDOGS 0.4 2.4 3.6 6.6 (42)
CARLTON BLUES 1.0 3.3 5.4 5.6 (36)
Goals: Western Bulldogs: E Blackburn 2 K McLeod 2 I Huntington J Fitzgerald. Carlton Blues: T Harris 2 E O’Dea G Gee K Loynes.
Umpires: Andrew Mitchell, Nathan Williamson, Peter Bailes.
Venue: Whitten Oval.