1. What was Toby Greene thinking?
It will be an uncomfortable review for star Giants forward Toby Greene, whose last quarter was one big opportunity missed. Greene kicked 0.4 in the final term and 0.5 for the match, making a particularly costly decision late. With the clock ticking down, Greene was paid a free kick 50m out on the boundary. It was the perfect time to hit the top of the goalsquare where teammates were gathering expectantly, but he went for a crafty pass to Heath Shaw into the pocket that didn't come off. The Blues cleared the danger and hung on. Greene's skill is unquestionable, and he is on track for a second straight Virgin Australia AFL All Australian jumper. But Sunday's performance – which was completely out of character – will burn.
2. Liam Jones rebooted
After an indifferent career as a forward, Liam Jones is back and ready to make his mark as a tall, intercepting defender. The 26-year-old was magnificent for the Blues on Sunday, moving between an accountable role on Jon Patton and as a loose man in the back half where he took four intercept marks in the first half. Jones had no shortage of critics in his first 83 games with the Western Bulldogs and Blues, but there is a lot to like about him as a defender. At 198cm he was a good match for Patton. He beat him in the pair's first two aerial contests, and again at ground level, and flew confidently in packs. He finished with eight marks and 14 disposals, and with Sam Rowe (knee) sidelined for the season and Alex Silvagni injured on Sunday, he couldn't have timed his re-emergence better.
WATCH: The second coming of Liam Jones
3. GWS had it coming
Four of the Giants' past five wins have come by eight points or less, and they only got over the line by 16 points in the other, so form suggested they were 'gettable' on Sunday. When it came to crunch time at Etihad Stadium, they weren't able to pull out another miracle and the question has to be asked if injuries are finally biting. From their best 22, the Giants were missing Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio, Ryan Griffen, Nick Haynes, Jacob Hopper, Adam Kennedy, Rory Lobb and Devon Smith. Their replacements have been strong this year, but on Sunday there were passengers, with the heavy lifting left largely to ball winners Dylan Shiel, Lachie Whitfield, Callan Ward and Josh Kelly. And winning in Melbourne? The Giants have now lost their past two at Etihad Stadium and past three at the MCG.
WATCH: The thrilling final minutes of Carl-GWS
4. Kreuzer flexes his muscle in milestone game
Not many people can out-muscle the 'Mummy', but that's what Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer did in a magnificent 150th match. Kreuzer was the most influential player on the ground, winning the hit-outs 33-30 against Mumford and throwing his weight around at ground level. He had a clear mobility advantage against Mumford when he pushed forward and took a big contested mark in the third quarter. The Blues' ground-level midfielders were beaten on Sunday, but it was no fault of Kreuzer, who also laid eight tackles and won three clearances. It continued a fine season from the big man, who is averaging career-high disposals (15.1), clearances (4.2), hit-outs (28.9) and tackles (5.9).
WATCH: Carl v GWS match highlights
5. Building from the back
While the Giants' best players were their midfield runners, the Blues' were their defensive rebounders, Kreuzer aside. It highlights a clear difference in game style that worked to Carlton's advantage in the end. Using a spare man for long periods, the Blues were able to soak up a 41-56 inside 50 differential without too much damage, restricting the Giants to 10 marks inside 50, below their season average of 12. With 45 rebound 50s, they were able to set up attack through Sam Docherty and Kade Simpson, with Jones and Caleb Marchbank also influential. There is no doubt other clubs will look at what the Blues did, because winning a game when you lose the clearances by 20 (22-42) and the inside 50s by 15 is unusual.
