In the dying stages of a tense contest against a heavily-favoured Geelong side, Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps adorned the cape that so often has been a feature of his storied captaincy.
The 31-year-old Cripps soared over superstar Jeremy Cameron to take a contested mark in front of goal, kicking truly to provide his side with a deserved four points.
It marks the Blues' third straight victory, keeping interim coach Josh Fraser's record unblemished.
Cripps' performances across that three-week span are reminiscent of his game-wrecking best, and have seen pundits eating their words, too. The West Australian is averaging over 30 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight clearances and eight score involvements per game, while booting four majors from three outings, since Fraser took over.
Fraser expressed joy for his players, who were beneficiaries of a rocking MCG crowd, after spending much of the season's early sledding maligned by their own fans.
“I'm just so happy for our players to get to experience an occasion like this tonight," fraser said.
“Playing a great opposition on a big stage. The game wasn't perfect for us, but our ability to manage certain moments and players who weren't having massive impacts, having important moments. It was really pleasing.”
Fraser also lauded his midfielders, who found different ways to contribute when their stoppage game deserted them.
“That's our evolution; we need to be good at stoppage and when we are not, hurt sides in other ways. Leigh Adams was great as our midfield coach and the adjustments we were able to make [tonight].”
Fraser has been steadfast in his assertion that he is not in the running for the full-time role at Princes Park, despite rumblings continually being amplified by his immediate success in the interim chair.
"I respect the questioning around it, but my answer is going to be pretty consistent. Off the emotion of a win, it's not going to change. My focus is on next week and playing Essendon," Fraser said.
"I'm quite specific and deliberate about that. The external noise doesn't sit comfortably with me and the spotlight, it doesn't sit that comfortably with me. But I'll channel my energy towards others and keep trying to be better."
The three victories have Blues faithful wondering if a wildcard position could be on their horizon. The next step towards that end would be a win over languishing rivals Essendon, come next Sunday.
