Carlton have sealed a once unthinkable AFL wildcard spot with a draw against the Western Bulldogs completing the Blues’ extraordinary turnaround under interim coach Josh Fraser.
The Blues were 1-8 when Michael Voss was sacked and Fraser took the reins in May — and the interim coach has overseen 10 wins, a draw and just one loss to save Carlton’s season.
Fraser entered the race for the full-time role this week and his appointment is surely inevitable after Frank Evans’ late goal sealed Sunday’s 12.10 (82) to 12.10 (82) draw in front of 44,106 fans at Docklands.
With the draw, Carlton (46 points) eliminated St Kilda (40) and GWS (40) from wildcard contention with a week to go, and sit 10th behind the Bulldogs (50), who can no longer finish higher than eighth.
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The Blues were given a handy boost on Thursday when the Bulldogs opted to rest superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli, having already lost ruckman Tim English to a knee injury.
Carlton’s midfield led by Patrick Cripps (26 disposals, 12 clearances), ruckman Marc Pittonet (31 hitouts, nine clearances) and Sam Walsh (33 disposals) were superb.
Returning gun defender Jacob Weitering was a powerhouse down back, keeping a wayward-kicking Aaron Naughton goalless while Nick Haynes, Oliver Florent and Billy Smith were influential.
In Bontempelli’s absence, Ed Richards (31 disposals, two goals) was immense, with support from Tom Liberatore (12 clearances, 33 disposals) while defenders Buku Khamis and James O’Donnell worked hard.
Blues forward Will Hayward snagged three goals but suffered a right ankle injury after landing awkwardly from taking a huge hanger just before kicking his third major in the third quarter.
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Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs jagged the first two goals but Carlton were unfazed and reeled off the next five to take early control, leading by 20 early in the second term.
Cody Weightman kicked off a run of four straight Bulldogs goals, with Lachlan Kennedy putting them back in front before halftime.
Blues defender Harry Dean and Bulldogs forward Arty Jones started an all-in melee just before the main break, that will attract plenty of fines.
The Blues led by five points at the final change to set up a blockbuster finish.
Evans snapped the Blues out to a 12-point lead with the opening goal of the quarter — but the Dogs responded.
There was controversy when Rhylee West levelled the scores after Jordan Croft threw the ball in the lead-up.
Naughton put the Bulldogs in front with a point, then handed another chance off to Richards to extend the lead to seven.
But the Blues wouldn’t go away and Evans levelled the score before Carlton held on.
Next Saturday Carlton host leaders Fremantle while the Bulldogs face Melbourne.
AAP
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