Carlton stun GWS Giants in one- point AFL thriller
A SPIRITED Carlton have stunned Greater Western Sydney, handing the Giants just their third loss of the AFL season in a nailbiting one- point win at Etihad Stadium.
The Blues led at every break, fell behind early in the final quarter and then bounced back to claim a 10.11 ( 71) to 9.16 ( 70) victory yesterday.
Giants midfielder Dylan Shiel’s goal at the 17- minute mark of the fourth term was the last of the match, with Zac Fisher’s late behind just enough to seal Carlton’s fourth win of the season.
The second- placed Giants had dominated the midfield battle but paid for woeful inaccuracy in front of goal, with Toby Greene booting four behinds in the final term to finish with 0.5.
Down by four points at three- quarter time, the Giants drew first blood in the final term through Shiel.
The Blues wrestled back the lead when Liam Sumner and Jed Lamb – two of eight exGiants on Carlton’s list – combined for a quick response before Matthew Wright added another.
Shiel ( 32 disposals, eight clearances) capped a superb game with his second goal to cut the deficit to two points but it was too little, too late.
It was an impressive finish for the young Blues after coming tantalisingly close to stealing wins over St Kilda and North Melbourne.
“I’m really happy for them because they’ve been trying so hard,” coach Brendon Bolton said. “Our supporters should see that and appreciate it – that we’ve been in games late in quarters but haven’t got a result, and it was just great reward for effort to finally get one.”
The Giants finished the game well ahead in clearances, inside- 50s and tackles but couldn’t make it count on the scoreboard.
Coach Leon Cameron was disappointed with their defensive efforts, saying they had struggled in key moments.