Carlton have recorded the most emphatic victory of Josh Fraser's interim tenure, thumping the Brisbane Lions by 76 points at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
The Blues ended Brisbane's seven-game winning streak with a commanding 24.10 (154) to 11.12 (78) performance, kicking six goals in every quarter. After a high-scoring opening term left Carlton just four points ahead, they broke clear during a devastating second quarter and never looked back.
Rising stars shine for Blues
Patrick Cripps was relatively quiet in his 250th game, but Jagga Smith produced arguably the best performance of his young career, collecting 29 possessions, six clearances and kicking two goals in a standout midfield display.
Brodie Kemp kicked an equal career-high five goals, with a late chance for a sixth going begging, while defender Harry Dean provided the highlight of the night by snapping the first goal of his AFL career and celebrating with the crowd.
Fraser's future and finals push
Carlton have now won eight of 10 since Fraser took over as caretaker after Michael Voss's sacking. Fraser has declared he has no interest in becoming the club's full-time coach, with the search for a new leader expected to ramp up in the next fortnight. The Blues moved to 10th on the ladder, putting them in a wildcard position.
Brisbane's horror night compounded by injuries
The Lions were missing suspended defender Ty Gallop, forcing Eric Hipwood into a defensive role, while Oscar Allen returned for his first AFL game since round seven. Brisbane conceded their second-highest score since Chris Fagan's first season in 2017, with only GWS's 166 earlier this year a bigger total against them in that span.
Injury concerns added to the pain, with Keidean Coleman suffering a concussion in the second quarter and Ryan Lester leaving in the third with a shoulder problem. Despite the loss, Brisbane remain fourth but will need to respond against Gold Coast in the QClash.
Carlton's wildcard hopes will be on the line next Sunday night when they face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
