Carlton are through to a preliminary final after winning a thriller against Melbourne in front of a packed MCG.
Blake Acres was the hero, kicking a timely dribbling goal with just over a minute to go before the final siren to send the Blues fans into delirium.
Melbourne had stormed to an early 19-point lead in the first quarter, before Carlton's Tom De Koning drilled back-to-back set shots through to bring the Blues back into it.
Michael Voss' side was led by hard-running Sam Walsh who kicked two vital goals in the deadlock, while Patrick Cripps was influential with seven score involvements
Demons forward Kysaiah Pickett was among the game's best, creating three-goal assists with his slick ball use and intensity around the contest.
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Blake Acres kicks the sealer to send Blues into prelim
It's been a big two weeks for Acres, who's producing the game-sealing goals in back-to-back finals weeks.
The wingman has been instrumental for Carlton since arriving from Fremantle in last year's trade period, and was again among the team's best, with two goals from 17 disposals.
BLAKE ACRES OH MY GOD!#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/kpqM0Udcq7
— AFL (@AFL) September 15, 2023
Sam Walsh back to best form
Any doubts about Walsh's ability to break a game open have been quickly dismissed.
The 23-year-old looked back to his All-Australian form in a blistering semi final performance, which featured a brilliant running goal to open the final quarter.
WHAT A WAY TO START THE LAST!
— AFL (@AFL) September 15, 2023
Sam Walsh wowee.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/S56H0kqnfe
Walsh was everywhere for the Blues, tallying 34 disposals and winning 11 contested possessions around the stoppage.
Having already played in a best-on-ground effort in last week's elimination final against Sydney, the Blues midfielder appears set for a massive 2024, if he stays healthy.
Kysaiah Pickett bump leaves Patrick Cripps bloodied
Pickett will face MRO scrutiny after making high contact to Blues captain Cripps in the second quarter.
Pickett elected to bump Cripps as he disposed of the ball, catching the Carlton star in the head and causing him to leave the ground with a blood rule.
The MRO is likely to view the hit as intentional and head-high, meaning the Demons forward is set for a suspension.
Cripps soon returned to the fray without undergoing a SCAT5 concussion test and played out the rest of the match.
"As soon as you opt to bump a player and you get him high, they're definitely going to look at it."
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 15, 2023
- Luke Hodge about this Pickett bump on Cripps #AFLDeesBlues pic.twitter.com/8rUe2fwgFk
Fans turn out in biggest crowd of the year
A total of 96,412 fans, forming the biggest crowd of the year, were treated to a Melbourne-Carlton classic.
The MCG was at times deafening as the two sides traded blows in a tense shootout, while Carlton fans made their discontent known to Pickett, who was involved in a number of contentious moments throughout the night.
The Round 6 clash between Collingwood and Essendon previously held the 2023 record, with 95,179 spectators enjoying the Anzac Day spectacle.
