Classy Giants winger Josh Kelly – one of his side’s best – had kicked two goals in 90 seconds halfway through the third to help build out a 20-point buffer.
But then Carlton went in five times, and suddenly Blues fans were lifting the roof off the stadium as they hit the front.
Meanwhile, the Giants gradually chipped away in a methodical manner, calmly picking out options by hand and foot – moving the ball at pace, but never rushed, racking up 5.3 for the term.
It was their best period of play for the game.
The Giant’s tackling pressure through the second and start of the third term was superb, putting a brake on Carlton’s clearance work and briefly creating a brick wall across their defensive 50, but they weren’t able to hold back the dam wall.
Leek Aleer – playing his first game in 609 days, replacing the concussed Sam Taylor – had an intriguing battle, recording 10 spoils in the first half and holding his opponent goalless until halfway through the third.
Greene was dealt a one-week suspension for rough conduct during the loss while Hogan was charged with striking following an incident in the goal square, also equating to a one-week suspension.
Meanwhile, Tom Green has been fined $1,250 with an early guilty plea for careless contact with an umpire.
The Giants next take on the Brisbane Lions on Anzac Day, this Thursday from 7.30pm at Manuka Oval, Canberra.
Giants topple in first season loss
THE GWS Giants have suffered their first loss of the season, falling to Carlton by 19 points, 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98), at a packed Marvel Stadium, with Giants captain Toby Greene and key forward Jesse Hogan each handed one-match suspensions.