It has been a baron two decades for Carlton fans.
With just four finals wins and six wooden spoons across seven coaches, there have been plenty of false dawns and many dark days.
But the Blues seem to have turned a corner in 2020. They’re 3-3 and are coming off the back of a terrific win against the red-hot Bulldogs.
But this win was unlike any other over the past 20 years. This win was more important, more commanding, and it proved more than the others.
Carlton are a club that love a big fish, and they’ve tended to rely on that big player to get them over the line in tough games, from Anthony Koutoufides to Brendan Fevola, Chris Judd and more recently Patrick Cripps.
Patrick Cripps (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
It has long seemed that when the whips are cracking Carlton has only one response, and more often than not, despite the heroics of said big fish, the Blues fall short.
There are countless games in which Fevola dominated but the Blues were still handsomely beaten. And how many time has Patrick Cripps been the best player on the ground in a losing side?
Cripps has had to put his body through hell just to keep the Blues somewhat competitive at times, and it’s taken its toll on the young skipper.
But on Sunday night something different unfolded. The Blues dominated from start to finish and did so with barely a whimper from either of their co-captains. Cripps and Sam Docherty were both very quiet. Cripps hurt his shoulder early and was never really himself after returning to the field, and Docherty was kept out of the game by Rhylee West.
But the Blues found other contributors. In Round 4 Carlton beat Essendon with Cripps’s output being down, but Docherty was best on ground and David Cunningham played the game of his life.
But on Sunday it wasn’t anyone playing a career-best match; it was 20 players playing their roles. It’s a sign that David Teague’s ideas are working and a sign that Carlton’s developing list may be ready to take the next step.
It was a win of belief. The Dogs looked ready to mount a comeback late in both the second and third quarters, but the Blues had the answer each time. They responded in a way unbecoming of Carlton sides of recent years. They attacked. They kicked goals to halt the Bulldogs momentum. When the game was all but won they put the foot to the throat.
Carlton proved they have the cattle ready to contribute and showed that their best is very, very good.
They’ve now beaten Geelong, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs, a form line that is starting to read very, very well.
They now find themselves in the eight for the first time since 2013, a position they richly deserve. If they can now find a level of consistency to match last weekend’s performance, their threat will grow larger and larger.
Cracka
Roar Rookie
Just how good are their wins? Geelong, West bulldogs and Essendon all 3 may end up missing finals, so based on that the Blues have a lot of work in front of them.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
No that's not what I wrote. They've lost lots, but I've watched them play 4 prelims prior to 2016.
Macca
Roar Rookie
They have only been good once since you were born as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20iio0wLpPA
Denton
Guest
Excellent article Jake. I think you really summed up how a lot of Blues supporters feel about that game.
Roydon Peters
Guest
Keep up the good work we will get sucsess
Saint Froggy
Roar Rookie
Sweet, cheers for that. Just wanted to see how much the recent game may have skewed them. But they're looking quite good and the future is looking good for Carlton
Slick
Roar Rookie
Port don’t like to get their hands dirty? I don’t know if we’re watching the same games. Looking forward to the match this weekend.
berrlins
Roar Pro
That win against the dogs was good but the Blues have done it before. Their best is great, entertaining football but they are still inconsistent, they're like the bulldogs; a young team with a bright future but alot of inconsistency as well. They should be aiming for more wins than losses this year. Which they haven't achieved since 2011? ( I think).
Orangorann
Guest
Sheesh! So negative. I’m not a Blues supporter, but even I am excited by what they produced on the weekend, and how they’ve gone about it so far this year. Having watched my Tigers finally emerge from the abyss, I can see some parallels - in the team-first mentality, the tackling intensity, the will to win. The author never once mentions premierships, just that the signs are looking more positive and I suggest blues supporters enjoy the ride.
Olrac
Guest
No one is picking them for the grand final but to be a 3rd through the season and vying for finals says there has been much improvement. With the shortened season I’d say 8- 9 wins is a pass and 10 would be amazing.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
No it's not. You either win or you lose. I'm not going to pretend otherwise just because my team was crap before I was born.
Blue Stephen
Guest
Dear Jake. I really enjoyed your article but at the risk of being pedantic , you need to use a spell checker next time. Carlton has endured a 'barren' period. A 'baron' means a totally different thing at all! For instance, John Elliott was the Baron of Princes Park and may have contributed to the barren period that Carlton has endured for the past decade!
Wayne Kerr
Guest
But if we play tough inside football we will belt those one way runners. Port don’t like to get their hands dirty. We must go out with this attitude and prevent Port playing on their terms.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
I’m gonna say goals? Goals is what Carlton have been missing
Macca
Roar Rookie
Strange attitude given your team has come "last" a lot on that basis.
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
Yep.
Macca
Roar Rookie
The blues kicked 16 goals on the weekend well above their average of 10.3 (prior to round 6 they were averaging 9.2 which would have them equal 7th with the Suns based on post round 6 averages) They kicked 103 points well above their average of 70.5 (prior to this round they were averaging 63.4 good enough for 7th in the league based on post round 6 averages) They had 41 inside 50's, just below their average of 43.7 They had 10 marks inside 50 below their average of 11.3
Macca
Roar Rookie
So because the blues are unlikely to win the flag they are not good - if you're not first you're last?
Saint Froggy
Roar Rookie
I like that the blues are looking upwards but what were those stats looking like before the game? Just curious cause I know that a very good game (they played extremely well no doubt) can maybe make those stats look better than the team is. I really think consistency is key for the Blues from here out, show that they can score week in and week out regardless of the result. But of course lets hope some wins are coming though
Naughty's Headband
Roar Rookie
And Sportsbet still has them at $67 for the flag. Spurt however many useless stats you like, I'll stick with the bookies.