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 21 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 21-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.
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 meant Goddard was playing forward in his return from suspension and Dustin Fletcher was also used in attack.
But it was Carlisle, who marked 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.
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.
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
