Carlton’s inglorious AFL campaign is finally over after a 104-point routing by Adelaide that confirmed their worst season in 117 years.
The Blues, having already secured the wooden spoon, shipped the year’s biggest score in their 26.9 (165) to 8.13 (61) loss at Etihad Stadium.
Brendon Bolton’s side conceded seven of the first eight goals before losing influential pair Charlie Curnow and Jacob Weitering to injury, giving Adelaide a platform to rack up a score.
Josh Jenkins led 12 Crows goalkickers with seven majors, while Jordan Gallucci kicked a career-high four.
Adelaide did as they pleased, sending defender Jake Kelly forward to kick the first goal of his career to push Adelaide’s lead beyond the 100-point mark.
Rory Laird ran rings around the Blues, Rory Atkins was mighty and Andy Otten showed his class.
Carlton fans among the pitiful 17,000-strong crowd made light of the situation, singing the club theme song deep into the last quarter.
They’ll be delighted to close the book on their rotten campaign, the Blues’ first two-win season since the year of Australia’s Federation.
The Blues lost seven games by more than 10 goals in 2018 and on Saturday night, their highlights were few and far between.
Patrick Cripps, playing with ankle trouble, collected 24 contested possessions to break the AFL season record.
He had 18 clearances, 11 more than anyone else on the ground.
Harry McKay kicked three goals, Jack Silvagni flew for a stunning fourth-quarter grab and Charlie Polson showed attack on the ball.
They will seek an end to their on-field woes in the AFL’s trade window and can look forward to the first selection in the draft.
Don Pyke’s side will also be glad to see the end of a wretched year, given their big night out came too late to lengthen their season.
Last year’s minor premiers and grand finalists underwhelmed in 2018, and will finish either 11th or 12th with 12 wins.