CARLTON has been pipped at the post at Henson Park, falling by two points to Greater Western Sydney.

In a topsy-turvy arm wrestle, neither side could break away to have a meaningful lead, with the Blues falling just short to the accurate Giants in the 8.1 (49) to 7.5 (47) defeat.

The excellent Brea Moody (23 disposals, 35 hitouts, career-high 13 clearances) and Abbie McKay (25 disposals, 11 clearances, nine tackles) led the way for Carlton’s midfield brigade, but the home side’s efficiency troubled the Blues, kicking eight goals from just 29 forward entries.

Despite having the breeze in the opening term, Carlton failed to capitalise on Moody’s early ruck dominance (five clearances, 15 hitouts to quarter time). 

The Blues had seven more clearances than the Giants, but after Keeley Sherar kicked the opening goal of the game, the home side owned the outside, having 16 more uncontested possessions in the quarter to take a four-point lead into the main break.

Mimi Hill (12 first-half disposals) looked to inspire her side at the opening bounce, setting up Mia Austin as the young forward continued her streak of kicking a goal in the last six weeks.

Mathew Buck’s message at half-time was clearly heeded by his side, as the Blues started to get their running game going after the opening change. Gab Pound had some typically crucial moments behind the ball in the second term, while Carlton’s prime ball-getters got going as an opportunistic Imogen Milford goal ensured the Blues entered the main break with a slender lead.

The ball lived in the Blues’ forward half in the third term, and a Darcy Vescio goal meant it looked as though the Blues would be the main beneficiaries. However, the arm-wrestle pattern of the game once again emerged, as a replying Giants goal brought the three-quarter-time margin back within a kick as Carlton was unable to make the most of its forward forays.

The home side had the breeze in the final term and made the most of it early, with two consecutive goals looking to put away the Blues. To Carlton’s credit, the Blues instantly responded, with Erone Fitzpatrick surging her side forward at every opportunity to momentarily take back the lead.

In a final-quarter shootout, it was the Giants - led by Zarlie Goldsworthy - who kicked four of the seven goals in the last term, with the Blues falling short by two points.

GWS GIANTS       2.0     3.1     4.1        8.1 (49)
CARLTON              1.2     3.2     4.3       7.5 (47)

GOALS
Carlton: Austin 2, Cordner, Fitzpatrick, Milford, Sherar, Vescio

BESTS
Carlton: Moody, Sherar, McKay, Hill, Austin, Pound