Overview
- Carlton beat Greater Western Sydney 12.9 (81) to 5.5 (35) to rise to fifth on the ladder, with coverage indicating the percentage boost likely secures a first finals appearance since 2020.
- Play was halted in the third quarter for more than 30 minutes after lightning was detected within the prescribed range of Ikon Park.
- The AFL said no regulation prevents teams from accessing training facilities during unscheduled breaks, with Carlton using its attached gym while GWS remained in the away rooms as the race outside flooded.
- GWS found momentum after the resumption by kicking four straight goals, with Jess Doyle finishing with three and Eilish O'Dowd providing run and territory gain.
- Tara Bohanna and Poppy Scholz each booted three goals for Carlton and Dayna Finn had a game-high 30 disposals, while the Giants lost Zarlie Goldsworthy to a right ankle injury and the Blues withdrew Abbie McKay pre-game with quad tightness.