IN THEIR final dress rehearsal for the 2025 pre-season, Carlton delivered a convincing 58-point victory in Canberra against Greater Western Sydney.

Leading from the outset, the Blues produced an impressive first quarter and didn't look back from there in the 18.16 (124) to 9.12 (66) win.

Bursting out of the blocks at Manuka Oval, the Blues held the Giants goalless in the opening term and dominated the clearance battle by claiming the first nine.

Harry McKay hit the scoreboard early with two goals, first capitalising on a smooth chain of play, then a centre clearance from George Hewett: the Blues' dominance at the contest was obvious early, winning the first 10 clearances of the game.

Carlton’s defence stood firm from the outset, with the returning Jack Silvagni, Ollie Hollands and Mitch McGovern pulling down strong intercept marks, while Nick Haynes was good in the air against his former side. The Blues maintained their forward-half pressure, with Jesse Motlop, Lachie Fogarty and Brodie Kemp keeping GWS' defenders under constant pressure.

Adam Cerra produced a stunning goal in the opening term, launching the Sherrin from the centre square while making his mark in the contest, finishing the game with 21 disposals and seven score involvements.

Carlton's swift ball movement from the first quarter slowed in the second, as Greater Western Sydney capitalised on their stoppage dominance with two early goals.

Captain Patrick Cripps went head-to-head with Toby Greene in the second term as the Giants began to find their rhythm, before Orazio Fantasia delivered a fearless pack mark which resulted in a goal, while Kemp capitalised on a pinpoint assist from Adam Saad.

Mitch McGovern (ankle) was subbed out, before Saad then made an impact up forward, slotting a trademark running goal - complete with his signature bounce - to push Carlton’s lead to 25 points at the main break.

The third quarter saw a much tighter contest, with plenty of end-to-end play but limited scoreboard impact. Carlton’s fast transition game got going, ultimately recording four goals for the term: Matt Cottrell pounced on a tap from Lewis Young to claim his first goal of the day.

Fantasia was an excellent contributor particularly in the third term, with all five of his disposals for the quarter ending in score involvements and inside 50s, capped off by a brilliant running goal from distance for his second goal of the day.

Kemp continued to showcase his aerial prowess, ending the day with three goals from five inside-50 marks, providing a focal point forward of the ball.

A late crumbing goal from Lachie Fogarty in the third term pushed Carlton’s lead to a game-high 39 points as they geared up for the final quarter.

On a day where the Blues once again used their full complement of an extended squad, Matt Carroll entered the game in the last term and made an immediate, impressive impact in defence, while a classy left-foot snap from George Hewett took Carlton’s score into triple digits, while Francis Evans celebrated his first goal less than a week after joining the side. 

Tom De Koning was dominant as the main ruck - rotating with a versatile Lewis Young - finishing with 20 hitouts and four clearances, leading to Carlton winning the hitout count 42-31 and finishing +12 in the clearance count.

Late goals from Sam Docherty and Motlop capped off a promising team performance, making it 14 individual goalkickers on the night contributing to the 18 majors.

It was a highly efficient performance going forward for the Blues, producing a shot on goal from 64 per cent of inside 50s, while their pressure lifted from the week prior, recording 56 tackles - 12 of those coming inside 50.

GWS GIANTS       0.2     4.6     6.9           9.12 (66)
CARLTON             5.5     8.7     12.12       18.16 (124)

GOALS
Carlton: Kemp 3, Fantasia 2, McKay 2, Cerra, Cottrell, Docherty, Evans, Fogarty, Hewett, E.Hollands, McGovern, Motlop, Saad, Williams