• Suns thump Giants in battle of the new boys

Carlton staged a dramatic late comeback to pinch a three-point AFL win over West Coast on Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Eagles led by 24 points late in the fourth quarter, only for the Blues to pour on four goals in the space of 10 minutes.

Substitute Troy Menzel then kicked the match-winner with two and a half minutes remaining, setting up the 14.8 (92) to 12.17 (89) victory.

The visitors had three chances to regain the ascendancy at the death, but twice hit the woodwork before Luke Shuey missed from long range with the final score of the game.

The pressure of Jeff Garlett and Brock McLean, both recalled for this match, was telling for the hosts.

McLean finished with nine clearances, five tackles and 32 touches; while Garlett booted a game-high three goals and four tackles.

Dale Thomas (22 disposals) played one of his best games in the navy blue jersey, while captain Marc Murphy (32 touches, 11 tackles and nine clearances) was again influential as his side made it two wins on the trot.

The Blues are now 2-4 for the season, but face in-form Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG.

Carlton booted the first four goals of the match, only for the Eagles to rally and lead by one point at quarter-time.

It typified the topsy-turvy nature of the contest, in which both sides were guilty of turning the ball over too often and too easily with passes that either sailed over the head of a teammate or put them under immense pressure.

Eagles midfielder Matt Priddis led the way for his side with a game-high 35 disposals.

Blues speedster Chris Yarran was subbed off with a back/hamstring issue shortly before three-quarter time.

AAP