Stunning Blues comeback keeps crazy AFL fairytale alive
The fairytale Carlton run remains alive after the Blues staged an epic comeback to knock Melbourne out of AFL premiership contention in a Saturday night thriller.
More than 91,000 fans packed the MCG to watch the second ever wildcard game, and they were treated to a belter of a contest between two Melbourne clubs.
Jagga Smith of the Blues celebrates a goal with teammates. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Demons kicked the first four goals of the night as the Blues struggled to convert opportunities.
Melbourne took an 18-point lead into quarter time, but from there Carlton managed to wrestle back control of the contest and then ran away with it in the fourth term.
Young superstar Jagga Smith slotted a set shot in the final two minutes to ice the stunning 10.14 (74) to 7.13 (55) victory.
The Blues face another elimination game against Geelong in the first week of finals proper.
Smith, the 20-year-old who took out the AFL’s Rising Star award earlier this week, finished with 29 touches for the night while his teammate Sam Walsh racked up 39.
Smith kicked two goals and was one of the best players on the field.
“It’s a remarkable feeling,” he told Fox Footy.
“This place was going off, the pressure was high. That was unbelievable.
“It’s a pretty good feeling, when the Blues fans are loud it’s amazing.
“(It is) not job done yet, we still have four more to win.”
Veteran forward Harry McKay was one of many left in awe of Smith’s performance on the big stage.
Harry McKay of the Blues celebrates kicking a goal. Getty Images
“He’s been huge for us, it’s crazy to think he has played 20 games of (AFL) footy,” McKay said.
“He’s going to be a star for the next 15 years and we love him.”
Carlton’s turnaround this season has been nothing short of incredible.
The Blues won one of their first nine games, and Michael Voss was sacked as head coach.
The only other team in V/AFL history to make finals after a 1-8 start to the season was Fitzroy in 1984.
Josh Fraser, acting for most of the season in an interim capacity, has completely reinvigorated the Blues.
“From where they were in this season, this was in their wildest dreams,” Richmond legend Jack Riewoldt said on Fox Footy.
Fraser looked drained as he fronted up on Fox Footy following the victory.
“It’s probably the most I’ve ridden the rollercoaster in the last 14 or 15 weeks,” he said.
“I have great belief in the group, and I think they’ve grown so much in terms of managing games and what that looks like.
“I’m really proud of that group. Fantastic effort.
“I’m just so happy for our staff, and our fans who have been through a bit.”
The first week of AFL finals proper is now locked in.
Jagga Smith of the Blues is tackled by Jack Steele and Jack Viney. AFL Photos
AFL qualifying and elimination finals
Times in AEST
Qualifying final: Fremantle vs Hawthorn, Thursday at 8.10pm
Elimination final: Geelong vs Carlton, Friday at 7.40pm
Qualifying final: Sydney vs Brisbane, Saturday at 3.15pm
Elimination final: Adelaide vs Western Bulldogs, Saturday at 7.35pm
