Greater Western Sydney’s AFL premiership tilt received a big boost and took a large hit at the same time with their brutal 105-point pounding of Carlton.
The Giants played the majority of Sunday’s second half at Etihad Stadium with a severely restricted bench after Brett Deledio (calf), Toby Greene (hamstring), Dawson Simpson (ankle) and Sam Taylor (hamstring) were injured.
The Blues were faced with a 16-man opposition for parts of the final term but were still handed a 23.13 (151) to 7.4 (46) beating.
“Firstly, I thought we played really well,” GWS coach Leon Cameron said.
“But no doubt, having that sort of injury list on your bench, for some of the players coming off looking for a spell, it would have been a little bit tough for them.”
The Giants face a resurgent Adelaide in Canberra off a six-day break as they look to consolidate a spot in the top four.
Deledio won’t take part in that match, with scans to determine how long his latest calf injury will sideline him.
The Giants’ win was one of three lopsided results on Sunday after history was made when five of the first six games of the round were decided by less than a goal.
Ladder-leading Richmond kicked off proceedings with a thrilling 12.13 (85) to 12.10 (82) win over Geelong at the MCG.
Gary Ablett had the chance to steal it with under two minutes left but his running shot sailed wide.
Hawthorn dented Essendon’s finals hopes with a 16.11 (107) to 16.7 (103) win at the MCG.
North Melbourne survived a huge scare at the Gabba, hanging on for a 16.11 (107) to 16.8 (104) win over Brisbane.
Young Lion Cam Rayner missed a set shot from well inside 50 in the dying minutes.
Adelaide kept their faint finals hopes alive with a stunning 13.18 (96) to 14.9 (93) victory over cross-town rivals Port Adelaide.
The win came in controversial fashion after Josh Jenkins’ late winner was widely thought to have hit the post but was cleared by a score review.
Tom McCartin kicked the winner for Sydney in the next close call, when the Swans defeated Collingwood 11.7 (73) to 10.11 (71) at the SCG on Saturday night.
Lance Franklin kicked six goals for Sydney in a brilliant best-on-ground effort.
St Kilda led by 28 points in the second quarter at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night but slumped to a 15.13 (103) to 9.14 (68) defeat at the hands of the injury-depleted Western Bulldogs.
West Coast tightened their grip on second spot with a 21.16 (142) to 13.6 (84) win over Fremantle at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
The derby was marred by an ugly incident where Andrew Gaff punched young Docker Andrew Brayshaw in the face, sending him to hospital.
Melbourne stormed back into the top four with a 21.17 (143) to 7.5 (47) thumping of Gold Coast.
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