A storm stopped play and again highlighted the disparity in AFLW facilities before Carlton closed on a finals return with their 46-point win over GWS.
The 12.9 (81) to 5.5 (35) win on Sunday at Ikon Park meant the Blues improved to fifth on the ladder at St Kilda's expense.
Carlton, who had lost their last two games, will head west next Friday night for the pivotal match against seventh-placed West Coast.
Regardless of the result, the percentage boost Carlton gained from Sunday's match probably means they will play in the finals for the first time since 2020.
While the 16th-placed Giants were 65 points down when lightning stopped play in the third quarter, what happened during the break was described by TV commentator Kate McCarthy as a "huge competitive disadvantage".
The Carlton players went into the modern club facilities and were able to keep active in the gym.
The Giants had to shelter in old changerooms from Melbourne's notoriously fickle spring weather, with TV footage showing some flooding of the race.
To their credit, GWS kicked their five goals after play was stopped for more than 30 minutes.
GWS coach Cam Bernasconi was philosophical about the difference in facilities, adding there was no flooding in their changerooms.
"I didn't think about it like that ... it is what is," he said.
"Obviously, it didn't affect us, coming back out."
Indeed, Bernasconi ruefully joked that the lightning delay proved a blessing after their poor first half.
"Thank God for the lightning ... the momentum was really against us," he said.
"There's a big gap between our best and worst."
Tara Bohanna, who returned on Sunday from a foot injury, and Poppy Scholz kicked three goals apiece for the Blues as they went within a goal of their highest AFLW score.
Jess Doyle was swung from defence into attack and capitalised on an outstanding run from Eilish O'Dowd, taking a mark and kicking the Giants' first goal once play resumed in the third quarter.
Doyle kicked another goal in the third and also finished with three for the game.
Carlton onballer Dayna Finn was best afield with a game-high 30 possessions and also kicked a goal.
Like Finn, GWS captain Bec Beeson had eight clearances along with her 26 possessions.
GWS lost Zarlie Goldsworthy in the third term with an ankle injury.
