After conceding the first six goals of the game, Carlton looked set to be on the receiving end of another thumping.
But, in caretaker coach David Teague's first game in charge since Brendon Bolton's sacking, the Blues rallied, led by inspirational captain Patrick Cripps.
The skipper finished with four goals from 38 touches to muscle his side to their second win of the season.
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Carlton kicked 11 of the last 14 goals of the game to run out winners 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63).
The Blues went into the main break down by three goals but positive signs were there.
Teague's young side then really found their feet in the third quarter, Cripps kicking two early goals to lead the charge.
The moment of the match came in the final term, Cripps bursting away from a stoppage, dancing around Daniel Rich and kicking his third goal.
"Captain Fantastic if you don't mind at Marvel Stadium!"#AFLBluesLions pic.twitter.com/bWbiBodZKy
— AFL (@AFL) June 8, 2019
Number one draft pick Sam Walsh was also pivotal with 32 touches, while the Curnow Brothers and Zac Fisher did all they could to will their side over the line.
Though it was Cripps who rightly collected the plaudits, with the superstar midfielder saying he was disappointed with his form in recent weeks.
"What I’ve been through the past few weeks is pretty full on, as much as you’d like to say it doesn’t affect you, it does drain you," Cripps said. said.
"No disrespect to some of the players I’ve played on, they got the better of me, but I needed to respond today, I was disappointed with the way I played the last few weeks. But it’s all about winning and it’s bloody good to win today."
Having just knocked off the top four-contending Lions, Carlton will fancy their chances against the Bulldogs next week.
Cripps lauded the effort of his teammates to pick themselves off the canvas after the slow start.
"We’ve been down for a while and even the way we started today, we were down by 40 points but I liked the way we were playing," Cripps said.
"There were a few skill errors, but to the boys’ credit their effort and intensity at the contest and sticking to the plan and believing in themselves, they were unreal, so I’m over the moon."
Interim coaches are now 2/2 in their first matches in charge following Rhyce Shaw's successful coaching debut with North Melbourne last week.
