AN INSPIRED second half wasn’t enough as Carlton recorded a 11-point loss to Brisbane.

After being outclassed by the dual reigning premiers in the first half, the Blues produced some of their best football of the season to draw within striking distance of the Lions.

But an incredible comeback - which would’ve gone down as the Blues’ greatest ever, in terms of margin - wasn’t to be, with the Lions settling late and withstanding another late Carlton charge.

In the end, the Blues produced 20 marks inside 50 and had plenty of looks on goal late, but they ultimately left themselves with too much to do in the 14.16 (100) to 13.11 (89) defeat.

It looked like it was going to be a long night for the Blues, who were unable to capitalise when going forward and were made to well and truly pay by Brisbane, who opened up a 49-point lead early in the third term.

Up until that point in the game, only Will Hayward had hit the scoreboard for the Blues in a meaningful way with both of the team’s two goals.

When the Blues were getting looks going forward, they either weren’t capitalising in front of the big sticks (2.6 at half time) or failing to find a teammate and getting sliced in transition from the Lions.

However, that changed in the second half, with Sam Walsh and Patrick Cripps leading brilliantly in the middle of the ground.

After losing eight of the first nine centre clearances, the Blues started to win the ball out of the middle, gaining valuable territory and dominating time in forward half.

The Blues produced six third-quarter goals to bring the margin back to 20 points, with five of those being generated from their own forward half.

Ben Ainsworth continued his strong form for the Blues, producing a stellar third quarter that included eight disposals and two goals, while a long-range goal from Jagga Smith provided the Blues with the energy they needed.

The Blues also started to win their battles defensively, with Nic Newman once again leading the charge.

When Mitch McGovern produced back-to-back goals within a minute before three-quarter time, the Blues were within 20 - and that was cut by a further six points when Harry McKay marked strongly and converted.

The Lions were able to wrestle away some of the momentum from the Blues, kicking out to a 29-point lead after some ill discipline by the visitors.

But the Blues didn’t go away, with the form of McKay a key positive on the night. The big man ended the night with 21 disposals, 10 marks and three goals, spending more time in the ruck and providing Harris Andrews with headaches.

While it wasn’t to be for the Blues, it was a much better indication of what the football they’ve been looking to produce, kicking 11 goals in the second half alone.

Despite the loss, the Blues will be hoping to continue that positive momentum of the final two quarters when hosting the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

BRISBANE     4.5     8.8     11.11       14.16 (100)
CARLTON       2.3     2.6     8.9         13.11 (89)

GOALS
Carlton: Hayward 3, McGovern 3, McKay 3, Ainsworth 2, Cripps, Smith