Is Carlton replacing Collingwood as king of the close finish?
Not yet, but they're making a case that rivals the reigning premiers, following an impressive opening to the 2024 season.
Entering their first break of the year, the Blues stole two victories from the jaws of both Brisbane and Richmond.
In 'Opening Round', the Lions led by 46 points before Michael Voss' men clawed their way back to pinch a one-point win.
More recently, the Tigers were left without the chocolates, as Carlton once again "found a way" in a tight contest.
But the opening two rounds are part of a larger sample that is quickly becoming a trend for the Blues
Carlton's past 6 wins have been by 4 points, 4 points, 6 points, 2 points, 1 point, 5 points. 22 points total for 6 wins.
Let's not make this permanent, boys. My heart can't take it.#AFLBluesTigers pic.twitter.com/lyVAtwUT2K
— Carlton News & Stats (@UptheBaggers) March 14, 2024
Carlton's last six wins haven't seen a margin greater than one goal, hinting at the similarities between Voss' Blues and Craig McRae's Pies.
The three-time premiership player lauds his men for winning in "different ways" albeit in a tight contest.
"It's definitely not deliberate," Voss jokingly said post-game.
"There's been some painful lessons along the way that's led us to that.
"You can only play what's in front of you and you got to win in different ways in this competition.
"We spoke at length about the consistency we want to become as a football team and sometimes that consistency doesn't necessarily mean that you play every quarter exactly the same way but you got to be able to find a way.
"We encourage our players to problem solve the situation because we're not out there, we can't take a runner out there, so it's really left up to their devices.
"With about five minutes on the clock, you can see the players click into gear and obviously activated a few things late in the game to make sure it made it a bit harder for them to score."
In games decided by 12 points or under (since Voss took over as coach), Carlton have won 11 out of 15 games.
Although it's not as glittering as Collingwood's record over the past two years, it is clear that the Blues can come out on top in more ways than one.
"The players are really embracing those situations and see it as a challenge," Voss said.
"I thought they did a great job in being able to deny Richmond and in the end, it was probably the difference in the game.
"Acknowledging the players the fact that they don't have the game their own way yet still able to find a way is the most impressive part of it all."
Carlton are renowned for their stoppage dominance, led by captain and 2022 Brownlow Medallist Patrick Cripps and a host of other stars like Adam Cerra, George Hewett, Jack Caroll and Matthew Kennedy.
However, in last night's match against Richmond, they were beaten in clearance 35-29 and lost the contested possession count 142-131.
They did however dominate the uncontested possession (219-169) and marking statistics (98-69), alluding to a more transitional game from the back half.
"That's an unusual profile for us," Voss said.
"We've kicked nine goals from transition and we've won off the back of that. Our strength has been contest and stoppage and yet that's almost what we lost the game by.
"And yet we won the game of the other side of the ball."
Carlton, along with Brisbane, will enjoy an early-season break as they sit on the sidelines during Round 2.
The Blues will now turn their focus to their clash with North Melbourne in the traditional Good Friday match on March 29.
