Carlton has recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season, blowing the GIANTS away in the second half to score an 18-point win at Manuka Oval.
The Blues led by just two points at half-time but a dominant third quarter from star forward Darcy Vescio, in which they kicked their milestone 50th career AFLW goal, set the platform for the 7.9 (51) to 5.3 (33) victory.
After just one win from its first six games, Carlton thrashed St Kilda in round seven and then franked that improved form with victory in Canberra over the Giants.
Maddy Prespakis (20 disposals, one goal, four clearances), Mimi Hill (16 disposals, four clearances) and Gab Pound (20 disposals) were prolific in an even team performance for the Blues, while Vescio and Abbie McKay both finished with two goals.
Nicola Barr (17 disposals) and Alicia Eva (17 disposals, six clearances) were among the GIANTS' best, and Cora Staunton kicked two goals from limited opportunities.
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Former Carlton veteran Katie Loynes marked her first outing against her old side with a second-quarter goal that lifted the GIANTS' collective spirits. Loynes, 35, perfectly roved a stoppage at the top of the GIANTS' attacking 50, threw the ball on the boot and watched it sail through the big sticks. The moment wasn't lost on her teammates, who swamped her in celebration.
The moment
Champion Blue Darcy Vescio became the first AFLW player to kick 50 career goals with their second major of the night. Georgia Gee found the star forward with a sharp pass, before Pepa Randall's late tackle cost the GIANTS a 50m penalty. Vescio strolled in from point-blank range to boot their 50th major, beating fellow guns Erin Phillips (46 goals) and Tayla Harris (44) to the milestone.
What's next?
The GIANTS take on Richmond at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday evening, while the Blues will close round nine by hosting Gold Coast at Ikon Park on Sunday evening.
GIANTS. 1.1 3.1 4.1 5.3 (33)
CARLTON 1.2 3.3 5.8 7.9 (51)
GOALS
GIANTS: Staunton 2, Mackrill, Loynes, Barr
Carlton: Vescio 2, McKay 2, Gee, Prespakis, Jones
BEST
GIANTS: Barr, Hetherington, Eva, Parker
Carlton: Pound, Prespakis, Hill, Vescio, Harrington
INJURIES
GIANTS: Nil
Carlton: Nil
LATE CHANGES
GIANTS: Nil
Carlton: Nil
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1,839 at Manuka Oval