“I WOULDN’T change it.”

While there was plenty of commentary about Patrick Cripps’ September debut, the captain was much more happy to share in the moment with his teammates.

The inspirational captain played his first final in game No.181, accumulating 21 disposals in the six-point win over Sydney.

While Cripps wasn’t at his impervious best, the skipper didn’t need to be, instead providing crucial moments at the coalface (14 contested possessions) to will his side forward.

Then, there was his third-quarter goal, which arguably had the roar of the night outside of Nic Newman’s game-saving mark with seconds to go.

As the attention turned to what it was like for him to final enjoy finals action, Cripps’ message was clear — “it’s not just me”.

“’’Doc’ 12 years, a lot of the boys eight years. I love the way we attacked it,” Cripps told Channel 7 post-match.

“It’s bloody loud out here! The ‘Baggers came out in full voice. It’s what you play footy for, these big games. The Carlton army are passionate, there’s a lot of them and we love them.

“It’s going to be one to remember.”

For all intents and purposes at the midway point of the season, it looked like Carlton’s September drought would be continuing for at least another year, languishing in 15th and devoid of confidence.

Fast forward to now, the Blues are in the final six, playing a semi final in Melbourne for the first time since 2001.

“We found what works for us and the turnaround has been pretty special,” he said.

“We’ve grown a lot. We probably lacked a bit of confidence there for a bit and we got drowned by external expectations.

“It’s been a grind. We’ve got a great bunch of lads here that have been through the tough times together, so now it’s time to enjoy some good ones.”

Then, there was the goal.

“It was pretty cool. I gave it a fair bit too . . . a bit of carry on!”