Lowly Blues stagger GWS in one-point thriller Carlton sneak by Giants

CELLAR-DWELLERS Carlton have stunned Greater Western Sydney, handing the Giants just their third loss of the AFL season with a nailbiting one-point win at Etihad Stadium.

The plucky 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. 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 secure the win for the Blues.

GWS were made to pay for woeful inaccuracy in front of goal, with Toby Greene booting four behinds in the final term to finish with 0.5.

The second-placed Giants had dominated the midfield battle for most of the game but used the ball poorly and struggled in front of goal.

Milestone man Matthew Kreuzer (33 hitouts, six marks) starred for Carlton in his 150th game, taking over the ruck battle against Shane Mumford during a strong third quarter.

Liam Jones (eight marks, 14 disposals) was an unlikely hero for the Blues in his first game for the season, racking up intercept marks while also minimising Jonathon Patton’s influence.

The one-time key forward is off-contract but did his chances of a new deal no harm with his impressive performance.

Carlton led by four points at three-quarter time but the Giants drew first blood in the final term through Shiel.

Carlton wrestled back the lead when Liam Sumner and Jed Lamb – two of eight ex- Giants on Carlton’s list - combined for a quick response, with Matthew Wright soon adding another goal.

Shiel cut the deficit to two points but it wasn’t enough.