Carlton have climbed off the canvas in David Teague’s first AFL game in charge, coming from behind to defeat Brisbane by 15 points at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues conceded the first six goals of Saturday’s game before mounting a Patrick Cripps-inspired comeback to prevail 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63), less than a week after sacking fourth-year coach Brendon Bolton.
Cripps was sublime for Carlton in just their second win for the season, gathering 38 disposals and booting four goals in another performance certain to net him three Brownlow Medal votes.
The brilliant skipper put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes when he soared out of a pack and kicked truly for his fourth major.
Ed Curnow (30 disposals, eight clearances) was also influential in the midfield and helped to quell the influence of Brisbane ball magnet Lachie Neale, while younger brother Charlie booted three goals in his best game of the season.
Neale racked up 24 disposals to halftime but managed just seven after Curnow went to him in the second half.
After witnessing North Melbourne upset Richmond in Rhyce Shaw’s first game in charge, Carlton fans were hoping their own caretaker coach would conjure something similar.
But six minutes into the second quarter, Brisbane held a six-goal lead and the Blues were yet to kick a major.
The Blues had 10 of the first 11 inside-50s but continued to waste their opportunities, allowing Brisbane to seize the momentum.
Quick goals to Charlie Cameron, Neale and Hugh McCluggage extended the Lions’ lead to six goals before Michael Gibbons finally put the Blues on the board at the 12-minute mark of the second term.
Having reduced the margin to three goals at halftime, the Blues came out firing in the third quarter as Cripps booted two goals in quick succession.
Mitch McGovern then took a strong contested mark and kicked truly to put Carlton ahead and pave the way for a much-needed victory.
Key defender Harris Andrews held Harry McKay goalless and was among Brisbane’s best but the Lions were well-beaten in the midfield.
The Blues host the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next Saturday while the fifth-placed Lions head into their mid-season bye with seven wins and five losses, having blown a golden opportunity to remain in touch with the top four.