Nick Duigan says he just wanted to make the most of his opportunity and play his part of the team - after earning an eleventh hour call-up to play in Sunday's Elimination Final against Richmond.

Duigan had 20 disposals and kicked four goals in Carlton's 20-point win.

But less than half an hour before the match the 29-year-old was still sitting in the rooms, watching a replay of the previous night's football.

"So me, Dave Ellard and Levi (Caboult) were sitting in one of the other warm-up rooms minding our own business," Duigan said.

"We were just about to leave our bags there and head up to the grand-stand to sit with our family and friends to watch the game, but just as the boys were coming in from their final warm-up, that's when Brock went into the medical room.

"All of a sudden, a couple of minutes later I am having to put a guernsey on and run onto the ground."

With 95,000 fans packed into the MCG, Duigan says the atmosphere was electric.

"I took a moment to have a look around and really soak it in," Duigan said.

"It was nice to have a guernsey on and have the national anthem singing and the big roar of the crowd at the first bounce - so it was a great thrill. 

The win has booked the Blues a semi-final showdown with Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.

Duigan says his team plans to make the most of it, for their members and supporters.