Greater Western Sydney has fought back from 39 points down against Carlton to claim a dramatic 12-point upset win and kickstart their bid to play AFL finals.

The Giants appeared set for a thumping defeat when Michael Voss's Blues, on a five-game winning streak, enjoyed a scintillating eight-goal first quarter.

But GWS booted seven second-quarter goals to revive the contest, then another seven in the third term to blow the game open.

The Giants had to withstand a late Carlton surge but held on for a 18.8 (116) to 16.8 (104) win.

The victory lifts GWS (9-7, 36 points) to seventh on the ladder, snapping their two-game losing run, while second-placed Carlton (11-5, 44 points) keep their noses in front of the chasing pack.

Jesse Hogan stood tall up forward to boot five goals for the Giants, while Carlton's Charlie Curnow (one goal) was blanketed by Jack Buckley.

Giants ruckman Kieren Briggs (40 hitouts, 22 touches) monstered Tom De Koning, while Tom Green (33 disposals), Finn Callaghan (24 touches), Lachie Whitfield and Callan Ward (both 30 disposals) also stood tall.

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps (33 disposals and two goals) worked desperately hard to lift the Blues, while Harry McKay booted five goals.

Key defender Jacob Weitering battled through the game after suffering a corked right thigh late in the first term.

McKay booted three goals inside the opening 10 minutes as the Blues flew out of the blocks.

Former Giant Zac Williams chipped in with three of his own, while Toby Greene, Toby McMullin and livewire Darcy Jones kicked the only majors for GWS.

Trailing by 33 points at quarter-time, the Giants responded with the first four goals of the second quarter.

The Blues kicked two steadying goals, but the Giants snared the next three to cut the half-time deficit to two points.

Hogan put the Giants in front for the first time a minute after the break, booting his third after a strong mark.

The Giants nudged their way out to a six-goal lead before McKay kicked his fourth from a 50-metre penalty to end Carlton's 46-minute goal drought.

But Hogan booted his fifth just before three-quarter-time to restore a 36-point lead at the final change.

Carlton kicked a late flurry of goals to make the Giants nervous, but Adam Kingsley's charges held on.

AAP