CARLTON has come away with a disappointing 93-point defeat at the hands of Greater Western Sydney.

Outclassed from the opening bounce, the Blues proved no match for a rampant Giants outfit, who returned to winning way in front of 9,599 people.

Here’s how the Round 9 action unfolded from Giants Stadium.

The Breakdown

Q1 Breakdown:

Harry McKay got Carlton off to the perfect possible start with his 14th goal of the season, but from there it was all Greater Western Sydney. Piling on seven goals in 15 minutes, the Giants’ ascendancy at the centre bounce dictated the play. Marc Murphy was taken from the ground in an ambulance with a suspected rib injury.

Q2 Breakdown:

The second quarter followed a similar trend to the first, with McKay opening the scoring before the Giants kicked away. Nic Newman did his best to thwart the GWS attack with 12 disposals across half back, but the hosts — who finished the term with six straight goals — were well and truly on top across the ground. 

Q3 Breakdown:

There were some signs of life for Carlton in the third quarter, with Mitch McGovern and McKay combining well for the latter’s third goal. McGovern and Zac Fisher were the others to hit the scoreboard, while Matthew Kreuzer battled to get things going the Blues’ way out of the middle of the ground. 

Q4 Breakdown:

Long-range goals from Ed Curnow and Jack Silvagni were bright moments in the final term for the Blues, which came about from the class of Newman and Fisher. The left-footed pairing were two of Carlton’s better contributors on an otherwise disappointing trip to Giants Stadium.

Three things we learned:

1. Nic Newman was a very welcome addition to the Carlton line-up, and with good reason. The former Swan stood up against the Giants, recording 29 disposals and 12 rebound 50s to be his side’s best. 

2. When they got the opportunity, key forwards McGovern and McKay showed the chemistry is beginning to grow. They combined for four goals, with McKay’s third showing how effective the duo can be when things go their way.

3. The Blues will have to bounce back. After last week’s improved showing at Collingwood, they’ll need to reset and go again when they return to familiar ground next Sunday when taking on St Kilda.

Match summary:

GWS Giants   7.5   13.9  18.14   20.18 (138)
Carlton           1.1    2.1    5.2      7.3 (45)

Goals:
Carlton: McKay 3, E. Curnow, Fisher, McGovern, Silvagni

Best:
Carlton: Newman, McKay, Fisher, McGovern

Injuries:
Carlton: David Cuningham (general soreness) replaced in selected side by Lochie O'Brien, Marc Murphy (suspected rib),