Port Adelaide regained their spot in the AFL’s top eight with a gritty nine-point defeat of Brisbane on Sunday.
The Power won 9.17 (71) to 9.8 (62) to tip Carlton out of eighth spot.
Forward Jay Schulz kicked two goals in Port’s precious win before 22,631 spectators at AAMI Stadium.
Power captain Travis Boak (27 disposals) and Hamish Hartlett (26 touches) were influential in a victory which all but kills off Brisbane’s chances of making the finals.
The Lions are now three wins outside the top eight with five games remaining, but were brave in defeat.
Brisbane were inspired by dynamic midfield duo Jack Redden and Tom Rockliff, who collected a game-high 28 possessions, while Dayne Zorko and captain Jonathan Brown booted two goals each.
But the Lions were unable to claw their way back from a four-point deficit at three quarter-time.
Port’s Chad Wingard ended a remarkable stalemate in the last term – he goaled after nearly 16 scoreless minutes to give the Power breathing space.
Port held sway early and led by 3.4 to 1.4 when Justin Westhoff goaled after the quarter-time siren.
But Brisbane’s prolific ball-winner Daniel Rich led a rapid response, providing three goal assists as the Lions took a three-point lead some 15 minutes into the second term.
Port then launched a challenge of their own as impressive youngster Ollie Wines and John Butcher scored majors within two minutes of each other for the Power to lead 5.9 to 4.5 at halftime.
The Lions, with Zorko scoring twice, booted five goals to three to creep within four points at the last change.
But despite kicking with a stiff breeze in the final term, Brisbane were held goal-less – registering just two points as Port relentlessly defended until Wingard’s goal broke the deadlock.
Port meet home-town rivals Adelaide next Sunday while the Lions host St Kilda on Saturday night.