Carlton have come alive in their first game under interim coach Josh Fraser to defeat the flailing Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Just days removed from the immediate departure of Michael Voss amid a seven-game losing streak, captain Patrick Cripps inspired the Blues as an unlikely fourth-quarter fightback sealed a 10.14 (74) to 9.8 (62) win.
The Dogs’ collapse made for another disappointing night after they only narrowly ended a four-game losing streak last week, with Marcus Bontempelli — still playing through knee and heel issues — stifled late once more.
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Carlton’s home crowd lapped up the rare success capped off by debutant Jack Ison’s sealer from a head-high free kick.
The teenager had started his first game — and first Sir Doug Nicholls Round appearance — taking part in the Welcome to Country alongside teammate Zac Williams and Bulldogs speedster Arty Jones.
Ison showed off his silky left boot throughout the game and calmly converted for his first AFL goal late in the final term.
“He’s been terrific, absolutely terrific,” David King said in commentary on Fox.
“His energy — from the moment he was part of the pre-game ceremony he put a smile on the face of every Carlton player, every Carlton fan. This will be massive.”
Ison celebrated his goal with a crocodile snap as a tribute to teammate Jesse Motlop’s Larrakia community in Darwin — the feature of the Blues’ Indigenous Round guernsey this year.
He said participating in the pre-game ceremony was “super special”.
“We put it together last minute but it came off pretty good. Such a special round and to be a part of it is a dream come true,” he said.
Cripps heaped praise on Ison after the game.
“I just love his composure. He doesn’t miss those, he’s got a great kick,” the skipper said.
“And he gave us the dance — that’s what this round’s all about, it’s about celebrating Indigenous culture and he was able to do it that.
“He’s not shy of confidence and I think he’s built for the moment, Jacky. He’s going to be a good one for this club for a long time.”
Cripps himself had an impressive 13 disposals in the fourth quarter to go with two earlier goals.
“I’m proud of the boys, big emotional week,” he said.
“It’s tough when someone you go to battle with, the captain, leadership group, senior players have a huge amount of respect for your senior coach — I’m not going to lie, I was flat just because I respect him so highly.
“I’m proud of the boys, the energy created this week, we felt the emotion of it, everyone felt it in different ways but the next day we got back to work.
“No team’s going to feel sorry for us, they’re going to come and compete so it was our job to show up tonight. This year we’ve played patches of games (with) some good footy and we’ve also played some really poor footy.
“It was just nice tonight to finish the game full of run.”
