Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Carlton vs GWS Giants ended with Carlton Football Club strengthening its AFL finals push after a 12.16 (88) to 9.11 (65) win over Greater Western Sydney Giants on Saturday.

The Blues, fresh from a bye, moved to 5-0 under interim coach Josh Fraser after Sam Walsh kicked a vital goal late in the third quarter and the visitors finished strongly. The result matters because Carlton Football Club are now 6-8, level with Greater Western Sydney Giants and St Kilda Football Club, with only percentage keeping them outside the wildcard places.

For more AFL coverage, read Josh Weddle handed three match ban after Daniel Rioli incident, while official fixture and ladder details are available through the AFL website.

Blues Build Belief Under Fraser

Patrick Cripps led from the front with 33 disposals and seven clearances, while Walsh finished with 34 touches and the goal that restored Carlton’s lead after the siren at three-quarter time.

George Hewett added one goal, 30 disposals and five clearances, and Francis Evans kicked three goals as the Blues found scoring answers without needing one player to carry the attack.

“It’s not a hypothetical any more, it’s a reality — the Blues are on the hunt for the top eight and a final,” Dwayne Russell said on Fox Sports.

Fraser Keeps Focus Short Term

Fraser said Carlton had not openly spoken about finals, despite the club’s sudden rise.

“We haven’t openly spoken about that (finals),” Fraser said.

“My experience suggests that once you start to lift your eyes too much, you can take your focus away from what’s got you into a position where you have shown signs of improvement.

“I’m really comfortable that that’s our path forward. Games like this evening continue to build belief.

“It’s always hard to compare, but probably some recency bias, I thought it was as well as we’ve played.”

Giants Miss Another Chance

Greater Western Sydney Giants slipped to back-to-back defeats after last week’s loss to St Kilda Football Club.

Finn Callaghan had 31 disposals and seven clearances, while Toby Greene kicked three goals. Jesse Hogan was held to one goal in his second match back from a hip injury.

“If it keeps going for too much longer, that (confidence) is going to wane a little,” Adam Kingsley said.

“We’re running out of games to find that, and talk’s cheap.”