Leading by 45 points at three-quarter time, the Suns conceded the first five goals of the final term as the Blues threatened to pull off the second miracle at Marvel Stadium in three weeks.
But with finals on the line, Gold Coast managed to steady, as Carlton also missed some gettable chances, to prevail 13.15 (93) to 11.8 (74).
Ben King was the star for the Suns with six goals, including the sealer with four minutes remaining.
Carlton closed to within 13 points and had all the momentum, but the full-forward calmly put through the Suns' first goal of the term from a tricky spot in the pocket.
It was King's night, after he also brought down a towering hanger on Carlton defender Lewis Young that could be the mark of the year.
King enjoyed the perfect ride on 202cm Young in the second quarter, before slotting through his fourth goal after kicking three in the first term.
The 25-year-old's fourth bag of five or more goals this season gives him a career-best tally of 57 this year.
"I've been really pleased with his season, really," Suns coach Damien Hardwick said of King.
"People look at his total contribution from a statistical viewpoint, but he doesn't get beaten in contest, brings the ball down to ground for our smalls.Â
"He's had a wonderful year."
Carlton started strongly with three of the first four goals, but Gold Coast flexed their muscle with 11 of the next 13 to blow the game open.
Just two days after Michael Voss was backed by the Carlton board to coach into 2026, the Blues just couldn't go with the power-packed Suns on the outside.
"A never-give-up attitude, I think that's been a real trademark of ours over the last couple of weeks," Voss said.
"I'm really pleased the players have bought into it.
"There's good energy in the locker room and we'll see the season out strong."
Small forward Francis Evans was Carlton's surprise ace with four goals, doubling his season tally in a performance that could earn him another contract.
Star midfielder Matt Rowell (30 disposals, 10 clearances) was typically busy, but Suns captain Noah Anderson was kept quiet by Carlton youngster Cooper Lord's tagging job.
Since being flogged by Adelaide three weeks ago, Gold Coast, who honoured Jarrod Witts after his 200th AFL game, have hit back with thumping wins against the Brisbane Lions, Richmond and now Carlton.
It would take an almighty capitulation for the Suns not to play finals for the first time, ending a 15-season wait after entering the AFL in 2011.
Moving to 14-6, Gold Coast have a game in hand on the rest of the finals contenders due to their rescheduled game against Essendon to complete the home-and-away season.
The Suns host GWS in the most important expansion derby next Saturday, before an away clash with Port Adelaide five days before they play the decimated Bombers at People First Stadium.
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