Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said his side's lack of experienced leaders came back to bite them as the Suns' AFL finals' chances slipped away with a 39-point loss to Carlton.
The Blues led by 46 points at halftime on Saturday and held on to win 14.13 (97) to Gold Coast's 8.10 (58) at Etihad Stadium in their round-20 clash played before a crowd of 28,840.
With skipper Gary Ablett on the sidelines after last month's season-ending shoulder injury, the Suns suffered a further blow when senior midfielder Michael Rischitelli was subbed off in the first half because of a corked hip.
It wasn't all good news for Carlton on the injury front either, with speedster Chris Yarran substituted early in the first term with a calf injury.
Carlton's midfield army, led by dual Brownlow Medallist Chris Judd who had 27 possessions and nine clearances, helped the Blues pile on seven goals to Gold Coast's three in the second term to set up the victory.
Jarrad Waite kicked five goals for the Blues, giving him a tally of 12 in the past three rounds, while defender Kade Simpson had a game-high 30 disposals.
The Blues improved their win-loss record to 7-12, while Gold Coast's ninth loss could prove extremely costly to their hopes of climbing back into the top eight and qualifying for their maiden finals campaign.
Gold Coast have lost seven of their past 10 games after a 7-2 start.
McKenna denied the effort levels of his players were poor and instead blamed poor kicking efficiency in the first half.
"They gave their all," he said.
Acting captain David Swallow and swingman Tom Lynch tried hard for the Suns.
McKenna remains hopeful of qualifying for the finals.
"We just have to take care of our own results and let the cards fall," he said.
McKenna says his side are still finding their way.
"I've got nothing against the length of the season. It's something our group has to learn to go through," he said.
"Injuries, the wear and tear of a group fourth year in the AFL, certainly has bitten.
"We have to learn the level of intensity you have to maintain for a long period of time."
McKenna said the Suns lacked the polish of Carlton's stars.
He said Jarrod Harbrow, Danny Stanley and Greg Broughton were left to fly the flag for the young Gold Coast side.
"It's a big load on those three as our experienced boys," McKenna said.
"At some stage it's going to come and bite you somewhere."
Saturday's win topped off a dramatic week for the Blues, which included the involvement of Carlton players Mitch Robinson and Jeff Garlett in an early-morning brawl.
Carlton host Geelong at Etihad Stadium next Friday night while Gold Coast face Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium the following day.
Blues' coach Mick Malthouse said Carlton's win was full of merit against a side vying for the top eight.
"It's good for cementing in the mind that this is the way we want to go," he said.
"When we get it right ... we can be highly competitive."
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