AFL: Western Bulldogs sink Carlton to 0-3 with comeback win

The Western Bulldogs staged a stirring final-quarter comeback to sink Carlton by eight points in a Friday night thriller at Marvel Stadium, consigning the Blues to a nightmare 0-3 start to the 2025 AFL season.

Trailing for the majority of the match and looking second-best for large periods, the Bulldogs turned the tide in the dying minutes through a clutch performance from Aaron Naughton, who had been well held all night.

Goalless and with just four disposals deep into the final term, Naughton rose when it mattered most — slotting the go-ahead goal and assisting another to Sam Darcy to seal a dramatic 12.11 (83) to 11.9 (75) victory.

Carlton burst out of the blocks, kicking the first four goals of the game to open up a 24-point lead before the Bulldogs registered a single major.

Brodie Kemp and Charlie Curnow were the main threats early, combining for eight goals — Kemp finishing with a career-best five — while Jacob Weitering was dominant in defence, keeping Sam Darcy quiet for three quarters.

But as the game wore on, the Western Bulldogs began to turn the screws.

Tom Liberatore (30 disposals, 10 tackles, one goal), Sam Davidson (31 disposals, 10 marks), and former Blue Matt Kennedy (22 disposals, two goals) were pivotal as Luke Beveridge’s men gradually closed the gap.

Darcy eventually broke free of Weitering to finish with three vital goals, including a key final-quarter major that gave the Bulldogs the lead for the first time.

Carlton suffered a major blow before half-time when Zac Williams was subbed out with Achilles soreness, casting doubt over the luckless forward’s immediate future.

With Harry McKay still out, the Blues were forced to rely on an improvised forward mix. Kemp, Curnow, and Lewis Young (two goals) delivered, but the side struggled to maintain scoreboard pressure in the second half.

The Bulldogs’ early inaccuracy — 16 inside 50s for just four behinds in the opening quarter — threatened to cost them, but their persistence paid off.

From the second term on, they controlled more territory, won the clearances, and eventually wore Carlton down.

Rhylee West, Lachie McNeil, and James O’Donnell also played important roles, with O’Donnell kicking two crucial goals — including the one that finally got the Dogs on the board.

Kennedy’s second goal late in the third quarter tied the scores for the first time since the opening minutes, and although Kemp briefly restored Carlton’s lead with his fifth major, the Dogs had all the momentum.

Naughton’s heroics capped off the comeback as the Bulldogs opened their account for the season, while Carlton were left to ponder another lost opportunity.

The battle between Darcy and Weitering was a highlight, with the All-Australian defender dominating early before Darcy found his groove late, turning the tide in the Bulldogs’ favour.

It was also a night of redemption for Kennedy, who made his former club pay after his off-season switch.

With Jamarra Ugle-Hagan watching on from the sidelines, the Bulldogs gave fans reason to believe they can bounce back in 2025.

For the Blues, serious questions will now be asked as they face mounting pressure and a winless record.

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