THE WESTERN Bulldogs have strengthened their claims for a top-four spot this season, outmuscling fellow finals aspirant Carlton en route to a 30-point victory in warm conditions at IKON Park.

The 8.8 (56) to 3.8 (26) result saw the Blues' three-game winning streak come to an end, while the Bulldogs continue their winning ways as Daughters of the West rang out for the fifth consecutive week.

Harriet Cordner (30 disposals, 16 marks, and six rebound 50s) was kept busy as the ball spent plenty of time in Carlton's defensive 50.

The Bulldogs brought the pressure early, preventing the Blues from transitioning from their defensive 50 towards the middle of the ground. The visitors generated at least a dozen forward-half intercept possessions as they doubled the home side's inside 50 count in the opening quarter (12-6).

Ellie Blackburn and Alice Edmonds found the goals early for the Dogs, before Darcy Vescio kicked two in three minutes to keep their side in touch. The Carlton veteran cleverly read the ball off the pack, dribbling one in from the goalsquare. Their second came after getting behind their opponent and marking on the run.

Second quarters have not been kind to Carlton across the first nine rounds of the season from a scoreboard perspective, and round 10 was no different. The Blues looked slightly more comfortable moving the ball despite the Bulldogs' pressure but conceded three goals while failing to score one of their own.

The third quarter saw both teams struggle with their kicking efficiency, with plenty of turnovers.

Carlton had the bulk of the territory in the last quarter, recording the first seven inside 50s for the term. But the home side was unable to make an impact on the scoreboard – even after preventing its opponents from scoring through 18 minutes of game time. The radar was off for the Blues, registering just four behinds.

CARLTON                         2.0      2.3      3.4      3.8 (26)
WESTERN BULLDOGS    3.4      6.5      8.8      8.8 (56)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 2, Whitfort