Posted March 04, 2017 14:32:05

Photo: Darcy Vescio (left) kicked three goals as the Blues downed the Dogs. (AAP: Tracey Nearmy)

Carlton has survived a stunning late rally by the Western Bulldogs to win an AFL Women's thriller by six points.

The Blues held an imposing 25-point lead early in the last quarter, but were forced to defend grimly in the dying seconds to hang on for the 8.6 (54) to 7.6 (48) win.

A 6,833-strong crowd at Princes Park witnessed the highest-scoring game of the AFLW season, with the result keeping Carlton's grand final hopes alive.

The Blues trailed by five points at the first break but booted five of the next six goals to open up what looked to be a match-winning 19-point advantage at three-quarter-time.

Darcy Vescio starred with three goals for the Blues, while Isabella Ayre was also important with two.

Blues marquee Brianna Davey overcame a back injury to take her place in the side and she played a key role with 16 possessions.

Ellie Blackburn was thrown up forward and booted three goals for the Dogs, while Emma Kearney was strong through the middle with a game-high 18 disposals.

The Bulldogs, who were without star skipper Katie Brennan for the third successive week, have now lost four games in a row.

Carlton will travel to Perth to take on Fremantle in round six, while the Dogs head north for a clash with Brisbane.

AAP

Topics: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-2218, melbourne-3000, nsw, australia