Bulldogs beat Blues to keep touch with the Top 8
TODAY’S LINE-UP: Matthew Richardson, Cameron Ling, Tim Lane, Tony Leonard, and Mick Warner.
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FULL TIME
The Bulldogs have won by 20 points to keep touch with the Top 8.
Despite being well below their premiership best, the Dogs are four points outside the finals placings and can still have an impact on 2017.
Veteran Dale Morris told 3AW the young players coming through the ranks are energising the team.
“They’re playing a role for the team and had a big say in the win,” he said.
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HALF TIME
Despite a slow start, the Bulldogs lead by 21 points.
Carlton booted the first three goals of the game before the Dogs clicked into gear.
However, they have an injury concern: Jake Stringer’s day finished early with a hamstring injury.
Matthew Richardson said the Dogs’ clean hands have been the difference.
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Rejuvenated Blue Liam Jones has been rewarded for his form with a contract extension.
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Blues coach Brendon Bolton spoke to 3AW before the game.
He said he’s happy with the “enormous growth” his young team is showing.
“I think five Rising Stars says we’re on the right track,” Bolton said.
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Carlton has made a late change today, with Dale Thomas being withdrawn due to calf tightness.
Liam Sumner comes in for his fourth game of the season.
The Bulldogs are unchanged.
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The Bulldogs arrive at the MCG two wins outside the top eight.
The reigning champs have stumbled badly in 2017 and seem to find themselves in more trouble every week.
They’ve won just two of their last eight matches.
Carlton may be sitting third-last, but very few teams can say they’ve had an easy time against them this year.
Can the young Blues throw another spanner in the Dogs’ works?
Find out with the No. 1 commentary team in the game on 3AW Football!
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