GWS has locked in an AFL elimination final derby clash with Sydney after sealing their top-eight spot with a 14-point win over Carlton.
The Blues, determined to send off Eddie Betts and Levi Casboult on a high note amid uncertainty on coach David Teague’s future, flew out of the blocks but the Giants pegged them back then prevailed 12.17 (89) to 11.9 (75).
As a result, GWS pulled six points clear of Essendon and Fremantle to guarantee a finals spot and seventh place – and a date with the sixth-placed Swans.
Giants midfield quartet Josh Kelly, Tim Taranto (both 29 disposals), Jacob Hopper (21 touches) and Callan Ward (28 disposals, two goals) were crucial to the game turning in GWS’ favour.
Ed Curnow was sensational for the Blues, kicking four goals and racking up 25 disposals and was supported by Sam Walsh (29 touches) while captain Patrick Cripps dominated early before being substituted out with a foot injury for Paddy Dow in the third term.
Betts was playing his 350th and final AFL game after a decorated career, while Casboult, who wasn’t offered a contract for 2022, was signing off for the Blues in his 154th game.
The Blues were aggressive early with Cripps starring as they dominated clearances and contested possession – but only led by seven points at quarter- time.
Casboult stood tall early in the second term, slotting a goal and later flicking the ball over the top to Betts for his first of the night.
But Hopper sparked the Giants when he won a loose ball and sidestepped three Blues in succession before snapping a clever goal.
From there, GWS cranked up the heat, drawing within a point at half-time then hitting the front early in the third quarter.
The Giants nudged their lead beyond three goals early in the fourth term and held on through a late Blues fightback – including Betts snaring his second goal – for all four points.
GWS captain Stephen Coniglio was introduced as the substitute in the fourth quarter, replacing Xavier O’Halloran.
Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning was taken from the field on a stretcher in the final two minutes after hitting his head on the ground in an awkward landing from a spectacular mark.
De Koning initially tried to get up and run off the ground but fell and was taken off on a stretcher.
(C) AAP 2021
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.3 6.5 9.10 12.17 (89)
CARLTON 2.4 6.6 7.7 11.9 (75)
Goals: Greater Western Sydney: J Hogan 3 C Ward 2 D Lloyd H Himmelberg H Perryman J Hopper T Greene X O’Halloran Z Sproule. Carlton: E Curnow 4 E Betts 2 L Casboult 2 C Durdin M McGovern Z Fisher. Umpires: Andrew Stephens, Hayden Gavine, Paul Rebeschini.
Venue: Marvel Stadium.
