Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will seek clarification from the AFL on some contentious 50m penalties after Sunday's outstanding 27-point win over Carlton.

The Bulldogs were 27 down midway through the second term before they stormed back to win 14.12 (96) to 9.15 (63).

It was their four-straight win, definitely their best performance of the season and first time they had the better of a top-four team.

But Eade was clearly unimpressed with some umpiring decisions in the second term, particularly two 50m penalties that resulted in Carlton goals.

While Eade said he would contact the umpiring department on Monday, he was wary of being fined and so would not go into details.

"I will make a phone call tomorrow ... and some other areas, I will make some requests as well, some questions," he said when asked about the 50m penalties.

"I will not comment, unless you want to pay a fine."

It was the one negative to come out of the game for Eade, who heaped praise on his players for their performance in a hard-fought duel.

The Bulldogs improved to ninth, half a game behind Essendon.

While they have a tough run home, the 'Dogs have regained form and are back on track to make the finals.

Nevertheless, after round 16 Eade does not want to even think about that.

"No, no, no - I know it's a cliche, but we can't afford (to)," Eade said.

"We play, including today, of our eight (remaining) games, seven teams are above us on the ladder.

"Really, our destiny is in our own hands and there are no easy games."

"I was very pleased that we hung in there, four goals down ... and get back by half time."

Their defence was back to its best on Sunday, while ruckman Ben Hudson was outstanding in the second half.

After struggling against Robert Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer early, Hudson wore them down.

"His input certainly can't be underestimated," Eade said of Hudson.

Midfielders Adam Cooney and Matthew Boyd were best for the 'Dogs and Barry Hall kicked four goals.

It was a tough day all round for the Blues - Andrew Carrazzo was a late withdrawal with a calf muscle injury, Andrew Walker had been ill and Jarrad Waite carried groin tightness into the match.

Walker had a quiet game and Waite was subbed off before half time.

The Blues won several key statistics, but overall were off their game and badly lacked system in attack.

"We just didn't have a forward line that really functioned ... for the majority of the game," coach Brett Ratten said.

Blues midfielder Marc Murphy was nearly best afield with 35 disposals and 10 clearances.

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