Carlton coach Brendon Bolton says his players are relieved to have won their first game of 2016 against an injury-hit Fremantle.
In a scrappy game at Domain Stadium, Carlton held on to win by just four points, sending last year’s minor premiers to the bottom of the AFL ladder in the process.
Bolton said his first victory as coach of Carlton had not been pretty, but had shown the club was on the right path.
“(The post-match mood was one of) excitement … and a bit of relief, too, because it was a grind, that game,” he said.
“It could have gone either way there for quite a while. When you win those close ones, I think the immediate reaction is relief, but when they went in and sung the song it was a lot of excitement, which was pleasing for them.”
After the match, Bolton sung the praises of his senior players, including captain Marc Murphy and midfielder Bryce Gibbs. He was also pleased with the efforts of rising star Patrick Cripps, veteran Kade Simpson and Irishman Ciaran Byrne.
“You always feel a little better when you have got a 'W' next to the group’s name,” he said.
“I’m just pleased because we have a mantra of trying to improve every game. And … that is just one little step and one little affirmation that we are improving.
“I don’t think it was pretty football on both sides, there was a lot of turnovers, but a lot of pressure and, particularly in the last quarter, I think we came out in front of the contested possessions. I’m happy too for the boys that they feel a bit better that their effort is getting rewarded.”
GALLERY: Relive Carlton's thrilling win in pictures
Bolton, whose father and both grandfathers served in the armed forces, said the Anzac weekend was important to him.
“It’s really difficult to compare football to Anzac, but you always do gain inspiration and we understand the significance of it.
“My dad was a returned Vietnam veteran and my grandfathers were involved in war, so I’ve got an appreciation of it, for sure. Not much needs to be said. We just know that it’s an important occasion.”
Carlton will now prepare for Sunday’s game against Essendon at the MCG.
