Carlton have held off a fast-finishing Melbourne to win by one point in controversial circumstances.
The Blues were in front for the entire night after kicking the first six goals, but the Demons nearly pulled off a miraculous victory.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Controversial dangerous tackle robs Melbourne of a goal.
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They kicked the final four goals, however will look back at a controversial decision midway through the final term.
Trailing by 20 points with just over eight minutes remaining, Jacob van Rooyen appeared to nail Brodie Kemp with a perfect tackle in the Demons’ forward line.
Players thought it was holding the ball and played on with Bayley Fritsch kicking a goal from the goalsquare.
But the umpire called it back for a dangerous tackle.
The Channel 7 commentators couldn’t believe it.
“I reckon that’s a classic case of a player deliberately putting his head into the ground,” Brian Taylor said.
“We’re seeing it a lot. Players are aware of how to get a free these days and that’s one way.”
Joel Selwood said: “He didn’t keep driving with his legs and it looked like he just gave up on the play.”
Dale Thomas added: “It was double motion too. He has the first opportunity, puts his head down there and goes again. Yes, there was some vigour in the tackle. It’s unfortunate because that was a definite goal.
It would have reduced the margin to just 14 points with still eight minutes remaining.
Instead, the margin remained at 20 and while the Demons kicked the next three goals to close to within one point, they couldn’t find the go-ahead score in the thrilling final minute.
It was the second controversial call that went against Melbourne after Steven May was convinced he touched a Charile Curnow goal in the third quarter.
The Blues led by 37 points multiple times during the third term and 28 early in the final stanza, but the Demons rallied and kicked the last four goals of the game.
Max Gawn’s long set shot got Melbourne back within one point with 40 seconds left but the Blues’ defence held firm as Patrick Cripps and Nic Newman pinned Christian Petracca holding the ball in the dying stages.
It was yet another thrilling finish between the two sides, with six of the last eight meetings decided by single-figure margins.
The result gave Michael Voss’ side a 6-3 record — level with the beaten Dees — ahead of next week’s interstate trip to face ladder leaders Sydney.
But it came at a cost as unlucky midfielder Adam Cerra was substituted out of the game with another hamstring injury.
Sam Walsh (35 disposals, six clearances) and Cripps (34, five) fired in the Carlton engine room, while Jacob Weitering was a rock in defence.
Matthew Owies finished with three majors and Charlie Curnow two as the Blues spread the load, with Walsh and Cripps also among their nine goal-kickers.
Melbourne were held scoreless in a first quarter for the first time since 2008, and first time against Carlton since 1942.
Petracca was swung forward at quarter time and threatened to drag the Demons over the line with five goals, while Jack Viney (21 touches), Alex Neal-Bullen (23), Clayton Oliver (26) and captain Gawn (17 disposals, 45 hitouts) were also important.
Walsh’s hard running and a spring-heeled Jack Martin leap over Jake Lever were highlights as Carlton slammed on five straight goals without reply in a dominant first quarter.
The Blues’ advantage grew to 36 points before Melbourne eventually mustered a response at the 10-minute mark of the second quarter through Petracca.
The versatile bull kicked 2.1 in a four-minute burst, breathing life into the contest, but it was the Blues in front by 31 points at halftime.
Lachie Cowan and Newman both gave away down-field free kicks for late hits on Neal-Bullen, resulting in shots at goal either side of the main break.
The incidents left the Blues duo facing scrutiny from the league’s match review officer.
Another two Petracca goals in the third term cut the deficit to 22 points at the final change, giving Melbourne a sniff of a comeback.
Blues substitute George Hewett’s goal at the start of the last quarter looked to have finished the contest but Melbourne never gave up.
Viney’s desperate lunge to keep the ball in play typified their late fight, teeing up a goal for Caleb Windsor, but Carlton hung on in a tense finish.
– With AAP