CARLTON’S mid-season slump has continued, with the Blues suffering a 39-point defeat at the hands of the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Adam Goodes (25 possessions and a goal) dominated for the Swans and Rhyce Shaw booted three majors as they won 16.11 (107) to 10.8 (68), in the process condemning Carlton to its fourth loss in five games.

Tagged by Kieren Jack for much of the afternoon, Chris Judd (28 disposals and nine tackles) tried to inspire the Blues, but their latest performance sees them clinging to eighth on the ladder although their percentage advantage over North Melbourne is significant.

The Swans played Carlton off the park in the opening term, with a couple of key statistics telling the tale. Inspired by some brilliant play from Goodes and two goals from Jarrad McVeigh, Sydney led the inside-50 count 14-7.

The Swans had also gathered 41 contested possessions to 17.

Their backline, which lost Lewis Roberts-Thomson to a hamstring injury before the game, was rarely troubled.

The visitors continued their great form in the second quarter, with Shaw, who was stationed close to goal for much of the game, proving a constant threat.

When the Blues did get the ball, their delivery into attack - where Jarrad Waite was lurking after returning from his second suspension of the year - was poor.

By the long break, the margin was 47 points and the contest was good as over.

Other than a brief flurry from Carlton late in the third quarter, little changed in the second half.

The Blues, who lost youngster Kane Lucas to a hamstring injury in the second quarter, desperately need a win when they travel to Perth to take on West Coast at Subiaco Oval in round 17.

The Swans remain sixth on the table and they’ll be aiming to consolidate their position in the top eight when they play Melbourne at the MCG in their next game.

Carlton 1.0  3.1  8.3  10.8 (68)
Sydney Swans 6.3  10.6  14.9  16.11 (107)

GOALS
Carlton: Hampson 2, Betts, Garlett, Judd, Scotland, Simpson, Waite, Yarran, Murphy
Sydney Swans: Shaw 3, J. Bolton 2, McGlynn 2, McVeigh 2, Moore 2, White 2, Goodes, Meredith, Jack

BEST
Carlton: Russell, Garlett, Scotland, Simpson, Judd, Hampson
Sydney Swans: Goodes, Grundy, Jack, Shaw, Mumford, Hannebery, Malceski, McVeigh

INJURIES
Carlton: Kane Lucas (hamstring)
Sydney Swans: Nick Smith (hamstring), Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring, replaced in the starting side by Jesse White)

Reports: Andrew Walker (Carlton) reported by umpire Donlon for forceful front on contact on Ben McGlynn (Sydney Swans) during the fourh quarter

Umpires: Donlon, Findlay, Ryan

Official crowd: 31,915 at Etihad Stadium

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.