The Giants looked determined to make amends for their 95-point loss to Adelaide last week with a fast start against the Blues, before digging in late to hold on for a 4.5 (29) to 1.6 (12) victory on Saturday.
The win was the Giants' first in six attempts against Carlton and was built on intense pressure and tackling as well as clever ball movement that has been a feature of their better displays this season.
Emily Pease ensured GWS were rewarded for their early efforts with the opening goal of the match and followed up with a second shortly after, with the 20-year-old a threat in the forward-half throughout.
Key forward Cora Staunton added two more to split the points in an enthralling battle with Blues defender Mua Laloifi.
But it was gun midfielder Alyce Parker that led the way for the Giants, gathering 18 disposals that included 12 contested possessions even while being under close attention after the main break.
Parker at times played a lone hand against the Carlton on-ball brigade that included Mimi Hill (21 disposals, 11 contested) and Abbie McKay (21, 10) as GWS trailed 27-17 in clearances and 90-79 in contested disposals.
But while the Blues (1-2-3) relied heavily on their advantage at stoppages the Giants looked more likely to transition the ball quickly to set up cleaner forward 50 entries and scoring opportunities.
Tarni Evans (13 touches) and Madison Brazendale (11) were solid for GWS throughout, while Georgia Garnett (17) added a spark after overcoming a hamstring injury.
"I'm super proud of the girls. It was a challenging week but footy is a funny thing, 100 minutes of football can really shape your week," Giants coach Cam Bernasconi said.
"The response from the girls was unbelievable today. We just asked them to compete a little bit harder and come back to what they can do."
Laloifi (16 disposals) copped a heavy knock from Staunton in the first term but recovered to patrol the Carlton defence and be among their best.
Kerryn Peterson (13) and Brooke Vickers (9) also battled hard but Lily Goss was missed after going down early with a shoulder injury.
"We weren't able to move the ball. We dominated clearance, we dominated contested possession," Blues coach Daniel Harford said.
"We became really safe and nervous with the ball. We wanted the players to be really bold with the way we move the ball today and we didn't do that."
Carlton have a short turnaround to face St Kilda at Moorabbin Oval on Friday, while GWS travel to Victoria Park to take on Collingwood next Sunday.
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