A fourth-quarter blitz from Carlton paved the way to an 12-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
After a stirring pre-game performance celebrating Sir Doug Nicholls Round that featured the Bulldogs' Arty Jones, Blues' Jack Ison and Zac Williams, the game was an arm-wrestle up until three-quarter time.
But ultimately the re-energised Blues, led by interim coach Josh Fraser, ran out 10.14 (74) to 9.8 (62) victors under the Marvel Stadium roof on Saturday evening.
The game opened with a showing of defensive grit from both sides. Forward entries weren't necessarily ineffective as a result of poor choices going inside, rather both backlines worked exceptionally well to repel attacks.
The Dogs were the first to break the slow style of play, starting to put speed on the ball following the main break. In doing so, opportunities for their sole tall forward, Aaron Naughton (12 disposals, three goals), grew.
But that speed fell away as an already-stretched list had even more questions asked of it with a hamstring injury to winger Bailey Williams in the second quarter.
Through the middle, the usual suspects for the Bulldogs – Ed Richards, Marcus Bontempelli – had quieter days by their lofty standards, but it created an opportunity for younger duo Joel Freijah and Ryley Sanders to show their wares.
The Dogs will host Narrm in Marngrook at Marvel next Sunday afternoon.
CARLTON 2.5 3.6 5.11 10.14 (74)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 4.1 5.4 7.7 9.8 (62)
GOALS
Carlton: Carroll 3, Cripps 2, McKay 2, Kemp, Ainsworth, Ison
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 3, West 2, Sanders, Bontempelli, Baker, Hynes
BEST
Carlton: Carroll, Florent, Hollands, Cripps, Newman
Western Bulldogs: Naughton, West, Dale, Bontempelli
INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Williams (left hamstring)
Crowd: 39,217 at Marvel Stadium
