1. Injury toll sours thumping win for GIANTS

GIANTS delivered the win it was expected to deliver against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon, but it came at a cost that must have coach Leon Cameron wondering when his side will get a decent run. A left calf issue for Brett Deledio, left ankle for Dawson Simpson and left hamstrings for Sam Taylor and Toby Greene all hurt badly so close to finals. The victory, which came despite having no fit players on the bench in the final term, means the GIANTS will be third going into round 21, but having a fit list at this time of year is perhaps more important than finishing top four. Post-match Leon Cameron said despite the injuries the GIANTS could welcome Ryan Griffen, Dylan Shiel, Tim Taranto, Sam Reid and Aidan Corr back for the clash with Adelaide in Canberra.

2. AFL gets its rule trial during home and away game

This must have been brutal to watch for Carlton fans. From midway through the final quarter, the GIANTS began playing one short in one of the most humiliating scenes ever seen on an AFL field. Matt de Boer was the first to come to the bench despite there being no replacement, and Adam Tomlinson managed to kick a goal anyway. De Boer returned, only for Callan Ward to replace him. Then it was Josh Kelly's turn, as Jeremy Cameron strolled in to kick his fourth major of the contest. It became even more embarrassing after that, with Brent Daniels and Zac Langdon having a simultaneous break while 16 GIANTS players were on the field. Looks like the AFL did have its chance to look at a way to reduce congestion during the season, even if it was unintentional.

3. It gets hairy for the Blues, but at least they have Harry

The difference in class between these two sides was obvious for all to see, with the GIANTS cruising to a 105-point victory, their second-biggest ever. For Carlton fans though, Harry McKay was excellent in the first half particularly despite limited chances. The key forward clunked a brilliant pack mark in the opening quarter and although he missed that chance, he finished with three, including one after fooling Nick Haynes with a fake handball before stepping around him and slotting it. There was another grab in a pack, while a crunching tackle on Taylor showed a preparedness to do the defensive work as well.

There may be be spots available in the GIANTS side after today's injuries as it prepares for finals and last year's No.11 selection at the NAB AFL Draft showed he could fill the hole. Sent into the midfield from the first bounce, the 189cm athletic onballer showed impressive power in the contest and an instinct for goal when he landed a quick snap in the third term. Bonar's appetite for physicality was obvious when he delivered a crunching tackle on Carlton captain Marc Murphy in the second quarter to win a free kick. A classy goal from just inside 50m on the run, which came after a smart tap to a teammate, capped off a very good first match.

5. Kelly simply sublime

It was the top end of the GIANTS that delivered this win, and leading the charge was silky smooth onballer Josh Kelly. In the second term, he collected 11 disposals, as many contested possessions, six clearances, five tackles, four inside-50s and two score assists in an all-round performance that showed why he is among the best players in the competition. He and Patrick Cripps spent time on each other at stoppages in an intriguing duel, but Kelly took the points as his brilliant left foot cut Carlton apart. He finished with 41 disposals, 22 contested possessions, 16 inside-50s, 10 clearances and four goal assists in an absurdly outstanding game.