Carlton, the AFL’s new clutch kings, is writing its own story – not following anyone else’s.
The Blues ran over the top of Fremantle in Gather Round by 10 points in another grandstand finish, kicking two goals inside the final minute under controversial circumstances.
Michael Voss’ side has now won seven of its last eight games by 10 points or less (10 points being the biggest margin during that stretch) including last year’s two finals victories. Carlton has also come from behind at three-quarter time to win three of its last four matches.
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“This has got the Collingwood sniff (about it) – and Carlton people won’t like that – but it’s just an innate belief that it doesn’t matter where they are, when there’s a tight game on offer, they get (the job done),” Demons great Garry Lyon told Fox Footy after the Blues’ win over Freo.
The Magpies have of course pulled off the near impossible time and time again under Craig McRae including winning an unprecedented amount of close games in 2022.
Asked about Carlton’s never-say-die attitude that has a “bit of Collingwood 2022 about it”, Blues superstar Charlie Curnow told foxfooty.com.au: “I think there’s a bit of Carlton 2024 about it.
“Just backing in our system and all the boys across the ground having that connection.
“You hear the same stuff all year, but we’re trusting each other and our roles and playing the Carlton way.”
Michael Voss credited his side for sticking to its guns until the final siren against the Dockers despite an “untidy” performance – an area the Blues coach has seen great growth in.
“We’ve had a lot of moments in the past where we’ve had some hard and harsh lessons. The boys have gone to work on ourselves around that and being able to step up when it counts,” Voss told reporters.
“They’re taking real pride in those particular moments in games.
“It was hard work for us for most of it, but the tide turned when we needed it to … you don’t always win how you would like to win, you’ve got to win when the game is in an arm wrestle.”
Indeed, it wasn’t pretty, but the Blues banked the all-important four points to continue their strong start to the season and got a monkey off their back.
It marked Carlton’s first ever win at Adelaide Oval and its first win in Adelaide since 2013 to remain undefeated this season at 4-0, while handing Freo its first loss.
Curnow finished with three majors – including a crucial goal late in the fourth quarter to get his side back within a kick – while fellow star forward Harry McKay was held goalless for the first time in 2024 by the Dockers’ No. 1 ranked defence.
Curnow noted it was a “tough grind of a day” and that “I reckon we’ve just got to find Matty Cottrell,” who put the Blues in front with 40 seconds left, and “it all works out”.
“They have a lot of talent and hard workers back there. You know you’re in for a grind every time you come up against them,” the two-time Coleman medallist said of Fremantle.
“(Alex) Pearce demands so much of his team back there. I always knew it was going to be a tough day, so we just had to stick to our role and process there.
“Luckily in the end we were able to get on top.”
Despite Carlton’s promising start to 2024 to well and truly look like one of the chief flag contenders, the 27-year old wasn’t looking too far ahead.
“We’re wanting to play finals, but at the moment we just want to play consistent footy through the home and away season,” Curnow said.
The Blues will look to improve to 5-0 when they host the winless Adelaide at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
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