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, captain Patrick Cripps inspired the Blues as a 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.
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 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."
Cripps, meanwhile, had a mammoth 12 disposals in the fourth quarter to go with two earlier goals.
More to come...
