Post-match, a furore erupted over a controversial free kick and 50m penalty for an interchange infringement that led to a goal to Carlton at a critical stage of the third quarter, with the AFL announcing it would investigate the incident.
The Blues trailed by 17 points midway through the third quarter, but three quick goals in succession to Eddie Betts helped them to a one-point lead at the final change.
As expected, the Swans charged hard in the last quarter, but the Blues, thanks to a dominant performance from captain Chris Judd, who had 33 disposals, held off the home team.
Brett Ratten's side kicked four goals to the Swans' two in the last term, winning 12.15 (87) to 10.11 (71).
Despite the inclement conditions, the sides kicked eight goals between them in the first quarter, with the Swans leading by 13 points at quarter time.
Even early in the game, Betts looked ready to put his poor early-season form behind him, kicking the Blues' first goal and having a hand in their next two, but the Swans were just as classy.
They used space in attack to kick the ball long and let it slide into open ground, with Kieren Jack's soccer goal from almost 35m the highlight of several skilful finishes.
It wasn't to be a forerunner for things to come, however, with the second term as dour and closely fought as the first was high-scoring.
The Swans controlled the game, but were simply unable to translate their dominance onto the scoreboard.
John Longmire's side kicked six behinds for the term - many of which were kickable opportunities - but also held the Blues goalless, taking a 15-point buffer into the main break.
With co-captain Adam Goodes becoming more involved up forward after a quiet first term, and Josh Kennedy hard to stop at the clearances, the Swans were clearly the better side and it would have taken only two majors to put Carlton out of the game. But the Blues held on.
The Swans managed to jump out to a 17-point margin in the third term, but three goals to Betts, clearly Carlton's most dangerous forward, gave the Blues the narrowest of leads.
A crucial free kick and 50m penalty awarded for a controversial interchange infringement led to Setanta O'hAilpin kicking Carlton's fourth consecutive goal, and all the momentum was with the visitors.
However, a mark and goal from Swans ruckman Shane Mumford reduced the margin to one point at the last change.
The runaway win in the last term ended Carlton's shocking record at the SCG and will go down as one of Ratten's finest wins in charge of the club.
Influential players
Carlton skipper Chris Judd has had many brilliant displays in the navy blue since leaving the West Coast Eagles at the end of 2007, but this will rank as one of his best performances at the club.
Judd was hugely important for the Blues in the second half, driving the ball forward at the stoppages - he had 15 clearances for the game - and leading his side as it beat the Swans in the contested possession tally.
For the Swans, Ben McGlynn was the club's shining light up forward, presenting all night and kicking four goals, which included snaps and set-shots under pressure.
He continues to develop as a player in Sydney after being traded by Hawthorn at the end of 2009, and has become a crucial member of the side's make-up in attack.
Key match-ups
With only 19 possessions, Bryce Gibbs may not have had as much of the ball as he has had at times this season, but his influence on the result cannot be understated.
After Swans star Adam Goodes looked set to run amok in the second half after a promising second term, Gibbs went to the dual Brownlow medallist and curtailed the magical forward in the third and fourth quarters. Goodes finished with only 13 disposals and was unable to kick a goal.
What it means
Carlton has seriously improved since last year. The Blues looked gone midway through the third quarter, but their stars stood up and they have more depth this season than at any other stage through Brett Ratten's reign. Ed Curnow continues his excellent start to 2011 as an elevated rookie, while Nick Duigan and Jeremy Laidler have significantly improved the Carlton defence.
The Swans lacked matchwinners when they were needed most. Without Goodes firing, they looked lost for avenues to goal and needed more quality use of the ball through the middle of the ground. Granted the conditions made things difficult, but the Swans could have finished the game in the second quarter had they converted their chances. Instead, they lacked the polish to do so.
Dream Team highlight
Sydney Swans: The Swans' bustling ruckman, Shane Mumford, topped the Toyota AFL Dream Team charts for the game, scoring 131 points in a massive display, while small forward Ben McGlynn was the only other Swan to reach 100.
Carlton: In contrast, the Blues had five players to pass the 100-point barrier, led by Marc Murphy, who continued his excellent season with 119 points. Captain Chris Judd amassed 116.
What the coaches said
John Longmire (Sydney Swans): "I'd hope you'd have some more run in the second half [after the bye]. We started OK. I think some of the criticism of the bye has been that teams have been starting sluggish. I think we started well, which was pleasing. We did some things during the week to make sure we were switched on. It was good to see us jump out of the blocks."
Brett Ratten (Carlton): "[Chris Judd's] work rate for the whole game was fantastic, and the clearance numbers and just the way he can get the ball under extreme pressure is phenomenal. When the game is up for grabs, big moment, he delivers. He does it time and time again."
Next four
Sydney Swans: Western Bulldogs (Manuka Oval), Port Adelaide (SCG), Hawthorn (SCG), North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium)
Carlton: St Kilda (Etihad Stadium), Bye, Geelong (Etihad Stadium), Melbourne (MCG)
Sydney Swans 5.2 5.8 8.8 10.11 (71)
Carlton 3.1 5.6 8.9 12.15 (87)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: McGlynn 4, McVeigh 2, Mumford 2, Moore, Jack
Carlton: Betts 4, Garlett 2, Walker 2, Waite, White, O'hAilpin, Joseph
BEST
Sydney Swans: McVeigh, McGlynn, Kennedy, Hannebery, Mumford, Bolton
Carlton: Judd, Betts, Jamison, Scotland, Ellard, Gibbs
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: Heath Grundy replaced in selected side by Mike Pyke
Carlton: Chris Yarran (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Dennis Armfield, Shaun Hampson replaced in selected side by Setanta O'hAilpin
SUBSTITUTIONS
Sydney Swans: Jesse White replaced by Andrejs Everitt in third quarter
Carlton: Aaron Joseph replaced in Dennis Armfield in third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stevic, Chamberlin, Jeffery
Official crowd: 28,081 at SCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
