A STRONG final quarter has seen Carlton break away from Greater Western Sydney to record a 13-point win at Ikon Park.

The Giants kept a narrow lead for most of the day before five successive goals saw the Blues home 7.5 (47) to 5.4 (34).

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After pushing out to a game-high 13 point lead in the third quarter, GWS conceded late goals and the scores were tied at the final change.

The Blues went into the final term with the momentum and backed up their strong last quarter from round one with a three goal to one quarter.

Carlton marquees Darcy Vescio and Brianna Davey were instrumental again, combining for 25 disposals, seven marks and two goals.

The Giants sent captain Amanda Farrugia to Vescio to try and quell her influence and while she only had the seven disposals, the forward still managed two goals and three marks at crucial moments.

The win sees Carlton regain its spot on top of the NAB AFL Women’s ladder, as almost 8,000 fans looked on.

It was over when…
Blues ruckman Alison Downie roved a pack in the forward pocket and snapped around her body with ease to dribble a goal home in the fourth quarter. It was Carlton’s fourth goal in a row after trailing by 13 points in the third term.

At the end of the day
The Giants came into this game missing their two marquee midfielders in Renee Forth and Emma Swanson, but they held up strong in the area, winning the clearance battle for most of the game. Jess Dal Pos and No.1 draft pick Nicola Barr were excellent in the engine room.

On the rise
GWS ruckman Emma McKinnon came into this game as both the youngest player in the competition (18) and the tallest (189cm). She won the hit-out battle with 22 and gave her rovers first use of the ball.

Work in progress
Carlton may be flying high on top of the ladder, but they’ll need to develop other avenues to goal outside of Vescio. Last week they tried key forward Bella Ayre, but this week went with former basketballer Kate Shierlaw out of the goal square. Shierlaw took three marks and provided a contest, but was unable to hit the scoreboard.

Say what?
"The pleasing thing is the way we went about the win. The momentum of the game went both ways at various points and I think we’ve proven to ourselves that when the momentum is going our way, we can get to an outcome and even when we’re challenged, we can respond." - Carlton coach Damien Keeping

"For three quarters of the game we were pretty much on top, but unfortunately it is a 60 minute game and that’s when Carlton really hurt us. It was only for like five minute in each quarter where Carlton really hurt us and kicked a couple of quick goals and made us pay." - GWS coach Tim Schmidt

What’s next?
Carlton will travel to South Australia to take on Adelaide in what will be a top-of-the-table clash, while GWS will host its first game at home against Fremantle.

CARLTON                                          1.0   2.3   4.4   7.5   (47)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY       2.1   2.2   4.4   5.4   (34)

GOALS
Carlton: Vescio 2, Jakobsson, Audley, Brazzale, Downie, Pound
Greater Western Sydney: Barclay, Schmidt, Dal Pos, McWilliams, Wallett

BEST
Carlton: Davey, Arnell, Exon, Jakobsson, Vescio
Greater Western Sydney: Dal Pos, Schmidt, Guest, Beeson, Barclay

INJURIES
Carlton: Nil
Greater Western Sydney: Dal Pos (neck)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Waddington, Toner, Sommerville

Official crowd: 7,884 at Ikon Park

Carlton captain Lauren Arnell applauds the home fans. Picture: AFL Photos