WEST Coast has established once and for all that it is a serious contender for this year's premiership after defeating an in-form Carlton by 36 points at Etihad Stadium.
The Eagles kicked 15.13 (103) to 10.7 (67).
A six goal second quarter set the Eagles up for their ninth and most impressive win of the season.
It was only Carlton's third defeat this year.
It was West Coast's first win over the Blues in Melbourne since round 12, 2002.
The Eagles' forward line was too good for a Carlton defence that was stretched when Michael Jamison was subbed off with a knee injury in the second quarter.
Jamison's absence forced forward Lachlan Henderson into defence, while running half-back Bryce Gibbs often found himself playing in the unfamiliar role of a key defender.
West Coast naturally targeted its tall forwards Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling but still finished with an even spread of goakickers.
Chris Judd was quiet against his old team as Scott Selwood and then Daniel Kerr worked him over. The plan worked, as the dual Brownlow medallist had just 17 touches on a day he tasted defeat against his former club for the first time.
Chris Yarran was one of Carlton's best for his run off half-back but it was his childhood friend Nic Naitanui who provided the clear highlight of the day.
Late in the second quarter Naitanui launched himself over teammate Jack Darling to take one of the highest marks seen in recent times. He proceeded to kick the goal and even exchanged in a justified gloat to Yarran.
West Coast's impressive half-time lead was whittled away in the third quarter as the Blues kicked four goals in the first 13 minutes. But the Eagles booted four of the next five to restore some balance.
The only lowlight for the Eagles was Quinten Lynch's report for head-high contact on Marc Murphy late in the day.
Match details
Carlton 2.3 4.6 9.7 10.7 (67)
West Coast 2.6 8.10 12.11 15.13 (103)
GOALS
Carlton: Garlett 3, Judd, Betts 2, Murphy, Scotland, Yarran, Armfield
West Coast: Le Cras 3, Kennedy 2, Nicoski 2, Lynch 2, Smith 2, Naitanui, Priddis, Schofield, Darling
BEST
Carlton: Murphy, Yarran, Scotland, Garlett, Simpson
West Coast: Schofield, Priddis, Mackenzie, Kerr, Selwood, Shuey, LeCras
INJURIES
Carlton: Michael Jaimson (knee)
West Coast: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Carlton: Michael Jamison replaced by Rhys O'Keeffe in the second quarter
West Coast: Mark Nicoski replaced by Brad Ebert in the third quarter
Reports: Quinten Lynch reported by umpire Jeffery in the fourth quarter for head-high contact on Marc Murphy.
Umpires: Vozzo, Stewart, Jeffery
Official crowd: 38,241 at Etihad Stadium
QUARTER BY QUARTER
First quarter
Young Eagle Scott Selwood was given the tough job of running with Carlton skipper Chris Judd. It took a free kick at the 15 minute mark for the captain to finally get his first touch of the day. He managed another couple and finished the term with two possessions and a goal. Ranked number one in the competition for first quarters, West Coast dominated most of the play, but failed to capitalise on the scoreboard. They had twice as many disposals inside attacking 50 than Carlton but let the home side off the hook with four missed shots on goal late in the quarter.
West Coast by three points.
Second quarter
After sustaining a knock to the knee in the opening term, key Carlton defender Michael Jamison was clearly struggling. Unable to keep up with his opponent Josh Kennedy, coach Brett Ratten moved him into the opposite goal square, leaving late inclusion Mark Austin to cover Kennedy. But it wasn't long before Jamison was subbed out of the game with debutant Rhys O'Keeffe entering the game at the 26-minute mark. As the Blues' defence underwent a restructure, the Eagles managed to take advantage kicking 6.4 to Carlton's 2.3 for the quarter.
West Coast by 28 points.
Third quarter
The Blues jumped out of the blocks early, kicking four quick goals in succession through Murphy, Scotland, Garlett and Betts, pegging back West Coast's lead to just four points 12 minutes in. Some much needed run up the field enabled Carlton to break open the Eagles' defensive press, which they had struggled to penetrate in the first half. But the Eagles maintained their composure and were able to stop Carlton's momentum, kicking four of the next five goals with the mis-match of Bryce Gibbs on Quinten Lynch a real concern for the Blues.
West Coast by 22 points.
Fourth quarter
It was imperative for the Blues to kick the opening goal of the final term to keep their hopes alive, but Eagles forward Mark Le Cras spoiled the party, kicking truly six minutes in and giving the visitors a 29-point lead. The Blues answered with a goal through Armfield but were unable to produce their early third quarter magic. Majors to youngster Jack Darling and a second to Ashley Smith steadied the Eagles, handing them their first win in Melbourne for the year.
The next four
Carlton: Richmond (MCG), Western Bulldogs (ES), Collingwood (MCG), Essendon (MCG)
West Coast: Bye, Geelong (PS), St Kilda (ES), Fremantle (PS)
