CARLTON’S winning run has come to an end with a 32-point defeat to Greater Western Sydney.

On a day where Charlie Curnow secured a second consecutive Coleman Medal, it was a competitive and combative first half from both sides.

However, the game was played well and truly on the Giants’ terms in the second half, at one point kicking eight out of nine goals to end the Blues’ winning streak at nine.

Carlton, who entered the game knowing it couldn’t move from fifth position, will now host Sydney at the MCG in two weeks — the same team they last played a final against in 2013. 

Quarter one

It was an electric atmosphere under the roof from the outset, and it didn’t take long for the capacity Marvel Stadium crowd to get what they were after. After assisting Matthew Cottrell’s opener with a clever tap, a Charlie Curnow mark and goal ensured he would take home the 2023 Coleman Medal — and another five minutes later meant it was outright his for a second straight year. Despite the Blues locking in fifth position prior to the bounce, they clearly heeded the pre-match message from Michael Voss to open proceedings that a strong, hungry performance was paramount. The Blues dominated the contest in the early going, finishing with a contested possession differential of +12 at the first change to get the ball going their way. Despite turnovers proving costly in general play, the game was largely on Carlton’s terms, with a Matthew Owies goal late in the term reinstating their buffer. Blake Acres was physical on the wing, leading all comers with 12 disposals, while the returning Sam Walsh was typically busy with 11 disposals and two tackles. 

Quarter two

The Giants came out in the second term playing like a team with everything to play for, jumping the Blues with the first four goals of the term to open up an 18-point gap. It was largely on the turnover where GWS capitalised, with the game largely being played in Carlton’s first half but being stung on the rebound when unable to capitalise going forward. As he has done on a number of occasions in recents, Jack Martin stepped up with a crucial moment to once again get the ball rolling for the Blues in a topsy-turvy game. Harry McKay was the man to provide some ruck relief for Tom De Koning, and he had some bright moments with five second-quarter disposals playing higher up the ground. A score review denied Ollie Hollands a stunning goal from deep in the pocket, but when De Koning converted from range, it looked as though the Blues would head into the main break with a lead: however, another Giants goal from a turnover meant the Blues trailed by five points at half time. 

Quarter three

George Hewett provided a stunning individual highlight inside the opening minutes of the second half, weaving through traffic and slotting a goal on his left to level the scores at Marvel Stadium. However, as the needle started to shift in the second, the Giants got on top of the contest in the third term, moving the ball around the goal to pile on five goals. Charlie Curnow kicked his third to give the Blues a moment of respite, but despite Adam Cerra (19 disposals) getting going around the ball, a GWS wave was putting the Blues on the back foot. Carlton took the chance to get a look at different players in multiple roles, with Jack Martin spending more time on-ball, while Caleb Marchbank - in his 50th Carlton game - was subbed into the game for the injured Blake Acres (collarbone).

Quarter four

If the Blues were to bounce back from a 26-point deficit at the final change, they needed a fast start: however, it was the Giants who - sensing the chance for a top-six finish - well and truly came out on top. Carlton started the term with another down on the bench as Zac Fisher underwent a concussion test in the third quarter, returning midway through the final term. Carlton continued to shuffle the magnets, with Brodie Kemp spending time up forward as Charlie Curnow was managed for long periods on the bench. The returning Corey Durdin gave Carlton fans something to shout about with an opportunistic goal, as did Fisher from long range, but the game was well and truly out of the Blues’ grasp as attention turned to an elimination final with Sydney in a fortnight.


CARLTON            4.3     7.5     9.5         11.7 (73)
GWS GIANTS     3.2     8.4     13.7       16.9 (105)

GOALS
Carlton: C.Curnow 3, Owies 2, De Koning, Durdin, Fisher, Hewett, Martin