Carlton has claimed a crucial AFL victory, securing a top-10 position in the ladder after a thrilling win over the Gold Coast Suns.The match, played at Marvel Stadium, saw the Blues overcome a late deficit to edge the Suns 16.14 (110) to 15.7 (97).

Key moments included a standout performance from Hawthorn's Will Day, who booted the first goal of the game and continued to dominate the midfield.Essendon's early chances were squandered, with Sam Durham and Isaac Kako missing key opportunities.The Suns, now on a nine-game losing streak, showed flashes of brilliance in the first half but couldn't maintain their momentum.George Hewett's three goals, including a crucial late conversion, proved decisive for Carlton.The victory also highlighted tensions between Suns players Leo Lombard and Christian Petracca, who exchanged words after a controversial tackle.This win keeps Carlton in the finals race, while the Suns' struggles continue to mount.The match was part of a busy AFL round, with other games featuring the Sydney Derby and the Bombers' bid to improve their season.The result underscores the competitive nature of the league and the importance of consistency in the final stages of the campaign.