It took Josh Fraser’s Blues oh so many attempts to seal it in the final quarter, but Josh Fraser has officially taken his club from 1-8 to an Elimination Final — defeating Melbourne by 19 points in Saturday night’s wildcard clash.
After conceding the first four goals of the night, the 10th-placed side exploded to kick 11 of the next 14 majors to finish 10.14 (74) over the Demons’ 7.13 (55).
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Ben Ainsworth starred with three goals in the Blues’ attacking half, while defensive duo Jacob Weitering and first-year star Harry Dean were excellent on the last line down back.
September is a barely believable reality for Fraser’s side, who after Round 9, sat just percentage off the bottom of the table before sacking Michael Voss as head coach after four and a half years at the helm.
Carlton will now play Geelong next Friday night at the MCG, while the Demons’ stellar 2026 has ultimately gone in vain without a win after the home-and-away season.
Melbourne goalkickers: Sharp, Langford, Laurie, Gawn, McDonald, Petty, Fritsch
Carlton goalkickers: Ainsworth 3, McKay, Smith 2, Cripps, Hollands, Kemp
