Blues on right side of review in AFL win over Demons

Charlie Curnow booted two key goals for the Blues in their low-scoring AFL win over Melbourne. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)

A controversial goal review has fallen Carlton's way in the final minute of a pulsating four-point victory over Melbourne that extended the Blues' AFL winning streak to eight matches.

Demons star Christian Petracca's shot from outside 50 metres was initially ruled touched on the goal line by Caleb Marchbank and officials found insufficient evidence to overturn the umpire's soft call on review.

Melbourne had time for two more entries into a crowded forward line in the final 30 seconds but were unable to find a winning score, with the Blues hanging on for a 9.6 (60) to 8.8 (56) triumph on Saturday.

It keeps Michael Voss's side in fifth spot with two rounds left to play and means the Demons slip to third, replaced in the top two by Brisbane.

The Blues are now almost certain to end a decade-long finals drought, having seemed out of contention at the halfway point of the season.

"We're winning in different ways and we've shown great adaptability across the year," Carlton coach Voss said.

"We've had lots of questions asked of us but we're showing that resilience and grit, and we're able to put that into the way we're playing.

"You can see the boys have got some real hunger in and desire right now and they're really clear on what's needed.

"That was a fantastic performance and it felt almost like a finals-like game."

Patrick Cripps (29 disposals, five clearances) and George Hewett (33, eight) stood up for Carlton in an undermanned midfield, while Nic Newman, Adam Saad and Jacob Weitering all played important roles.

Blues spearhead Charlie Curnow booted two goals in the low-scoring contest, taking his tally to 70 in a career-best season that is likely to end with a second Coleman Medal hung around his neck.

Matt Owies also kicked two crucial goals.

Petracca (24 disposals, two goals) almost hauled Melbourne over the line with Jack Viney (31 touches, five clearances) and Angus Brayshaw (31, seven) busy.

Clayton Oliver had 27 disposals, 13 tackles and nine clearances in a strong return from injury, while recalled Brodie Grundy didn't have a big impact.

Carlton failed to convert early territorial dominance, having won the inside-50 count 24-4 in the opening term, and scores were locked at 42-42 after a grinding first three quarters.

Two goals in the opening two minutes of the final term put the Blues in the driver's seat before Curnow's second gave them an 18-point lead - the biggest of the night.

Goals to Kysaiah Pickett and Joel Smith dragged Melbourne back within a kick.

Christian Salem failed to score with a shot on the run from 50m with two minutes left before Petracca's late shot also fell short.

"It was a cracking game of footy but it's just never good when you're on the other side of it," Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin said.

"When two teams value similar things in contest and defence, they're arm wrestles, they're tight, and it does come down to moments.

"The team that generally wins more of them comes away with the result."

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