ESSENDON has come from behind to steal a thrilling seven-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with Jake Carlisle continuing his remarkable form spike to kick a career-best eight goals.
After falling 20 points down early in the final term, the Bombers lifted to run down their opponents, booting five of the last six goals to win 15.11 (101) to 14.10 (94) and take a crucial step towards sealing a finals berth.
Fresh off a career-best four goals in round 17, Carlisle doubled that return in a sublime display of contested marking and set shot kicking, seeing off multiple opponents in the best game of his career.
He was a constant presence for the Dons – even when the Bulldogs gained the ascendency through the second and third quarters – kicking two goals in every term to ensure his team could make a late run at victory.
He was the difference in a crucial win that rounded out a remarkable first half of the split round, which has been marked by upsets and grandstand finishes.
At the other end, young Bulldog Jake Stringer booted a career-best five goals, the last of which gave the Bulldogs a 19-point lead one minute into the final term.
The Bombers responded through Carlisle, Paul Chapman and substitute Corey Dell'Olio, whose running goal 12 minutes into the final term leveled the scores.
In the thrilling final minutes, it was Jason Winderlich's contested mark in the goalsquare that would settle the result, with Brendon Goddard taking a crucial mark in defence as the desperate Bulldogs mounted one last challenge.
Carlisle would finish with 12 marks and seven tackles in a best-on-ground performance, with David Myers (20 possessions and eight clearances) and Chapman (21 and a goal) playing key roles.
Jake Carlisle 10 marks inside 50 - most CD has ever recorded @EssendonFC
— Champion Data AFL (@championdata) July 20, 2014Coach Mark Thompson said it was crucial his senior players lifted with the game on the line.
"They needed to, because we weren't going so well," he said. "We've won a very important game to go into a break with.
"Without [Carlisle] we wouldn't have won, would we? Without him we would have been in a lot of trouble.
"He's been incredible really."
Ruckman Patrick Ryder finished with two goals and 35 hit-outs, giving his midfielders first use and winning an important battle with Will Minson.
The absence of late withdrawal Joe Daniher, who suffered a cracked collarbone at training, meant Goddard was playing forward in his return from suspension and Dustin Fletcher was also used in attack.
But it was Carlisle – marking them off his bootlaces and high in the air – who drew the ball all day, with Dale Morris moving on to him early in the second quarter to replace Jordan Roughead.
The Bulldogs were well served by Stringer as well as young stars Marcus Bontempelli (two goals) and Jack Macrae (32 possessions and nine inside 50s).
They played an attacking brand when they had control through the middle stages of the game, with Robert Murphy launching a number of attacking moves as a loose man off half-back.
A foot injury to Mitch Wallis, who had tagged Dyson Heppell out of the match in the second and third quarters, hurt the Bulldogs' cause, with Heppell charging back into the game after three-quarter time.
With the Bulldogs already substituting Liam Picken out of the game, Heppell took advantage of a wounded opponent to finish with 22 possessions, 10 clearances and six inside 50s.
Dogs coach Brendan McCartney said his team had enough opportunities to win the game and they couldn't consider themselves unlucky.
"They (Essendon) got up off the floor and fought their way back," he said.
"You're not stiff when you look at the stat sheet and they win almost everything in the last 10 minutes, so full credit to them.
"It looked like a really good game and we were pleased we were part of it. We're confident that our turn will come really soon."
The Bulldogs face Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in round 19, while the Bombers travel to take on the Sydney Swans at the SCG after their bye.
Lachie Hunter ended up horizontal in the air after this audacious marking attempt. Picture: AFL Media
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.3 8.6 12.8 14.10 (94)
ESSENDON 4.2 7.5 10.7 15.11 (101)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Stringer 5, Dahlhaus 2, Bontempelli 2, Hrovat, Macrae, Boyd, Redpath, Crameri
Essendon: Carlisle 8, Ryder 2, Ambrose, Colyer, Chapman, Dell'Olio, Winderlich
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Stringer, Macrae, Boyd, Wallis, Minson, Bontempelli, Murphy
Essendon: Carlisle, Hooker, Heppell, Ryder, Chapman, Hurley, Myers
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: Wallis (ankle)
Essendon: Hibberd (quad)
SUBSTITUTES
Western Bulldogs: Adam Cooney replaced Liam Picken in the third term
Essendon: Corey Dell'Olio replaced Ben Howlett in the third term
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Chamberlain, Ryan
Official crowd: 34,476 at Etihad Stadium
