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A score review determined Maddy Guerin's late snap shot cleared the goal line in the decisive moment of Carlton's one-point AFLW victory over Gold Coast.
Carlton have benefited from the AFLW's new ball-tracking technology after Maddy Guerin was awarded what proved to be the match-winning goal in a tense one-point victory over Gold Coast.
The goal umpire on the spot appeared ready to call Guerin's shot touched on the line by a Suns defender, before the decision was sent upstairs.
The "score assist'' review system - introduced this season - eventually confirmed a goal, which put the Blues in front with less than 90 seconds left on the clock.
Gold Coast's Lucy Single had a chance to snatch back the lead in the dying seconds but pushed her shot wide as Carlton hung on for a 5.9 (39) to 5.8 (38) triumph on Sunday in Mackay.
It was the Blues' (1-1) first win of the season and left the Suns (0-2) still searching for their breakthrough after two rounds.
"The technology's great to have here so that you get those decisions 100 per cent correct," Carlton coach Mathew Buck said.
"It was used and fortunately we were on the right side of it on this occasion, so we're really happy with the technology, I guess.
"We don't spend a lot of time talking about (the delay in the game) - we just enjoy the breather, and if it goes your way you've got the energy and off you go."
Mimi Hill (23 disposals), Abbie McKay (22) and Keeley Sherar (18) were Carlton's major ball winners, with Guerin one of her side's five single goal-kickers.
Gold Coast star Charlie Rowbottom was outstanding with 35 disposals, 10 tackles and six clearances, alongside Daisy D'Arcy (25 touches) and Single (23).
The contest was an arm-wrestle from the outset as the teams kicked two goals apiece in both the first and second quarters.
Neither side was able to break it open in hot, blustery conditions and Gold Coast led by just one point at the main break.
Suns midfielder Claudia Whitfort had been influential with 12 disposals and one goal to that point, but finished the half in the hands of trainers, nursing a left knee injury after a collision with McKay.
Whitfort returned for the third term with the joint strapped as scoring dried up, the Blues turning for home with a one-point advantage after edging ahead with a series of behinds.
Jacqueline Dupuy was shaky in front of goal with 0.3 until she pinned Hill holding the ball and converted, putting the Suns in front midway through the final term.
It looked like it would be the only major of the second half and settle the contest, until Guerin stepped up late for Carlton.
Gold Coast coach Cameron Joyce lamented wasted chances when the game was on the line.
"We had some opportunities early in that last quarter ... and just weren't able to put the score on the board," Joyce said.
"We felt we did a fair bit right, but the reality is there's still a little bit of detail that we need to chase."
