WHEN Carlton produced one of their most famous victories in its history against Melbourne last Friday night, the immediate feeling was jubilation.

Among the next thoughts? Brisbane at the Gabba, and the 23 who’ll take to the field that day.

There’s a selection squeeze at IKON Park, with key forward Harry McKay on track to return following a concussion in the elimination final, while the dynamic Jack Martin has served his one-game suspension.

While there are plenty pining for a spot, the emotions and reactions in the stands and in the rooms post-match showed this was a connected Carlton team solely with the focus of going as deep as possible into this finals series. 

It’s a squad mentality which Marc Pittonet believes has fuelled the Blues. And it’s not being the star of the show.

“It’s part of the journey. It’s one of those things at this time of the year, it’s exactly the issue you want to have,” Pittonet told RSN.

“Everybody knows you’ve just got to get your role done. It’s not about being a match winner or getting 30 disposals or kicking five goals — it’s ‘what is your specific role that gets us to win’. If you get that done, you’ll be fine.

“For the blokes unfortunate to miss, it’s about approaching it the right way to make sure we’re getting the win. If we can, they can set themselves up to come in the week after.”

Pittonet has long been an embodiment of just that — going out there with the sole focus of doing what his coaches have asked him to do. There’s nothing overly flashy about the on-ball brute, but there doesn’t need to be. 

Friday night was a prime example. The best player on the ground in the first qualifying final was Max Gawn, with 27 disposals, 10 inside 50s and 10 clearances for the brilliant Melbourne captain against Collingwood — yet his influence was stifled by Carlton’s ruck duo.

Tom De Koning had a career night in attack, kicking the Blues’ first two of the game and providing an enormous presence around the ground on a night where Charlie Curnow was well-held by Steven May.

Neither of those happen without Pittonet doing the dirty work, making his teammates the best they can be. While there may no be the external praise of some others, all Pittonet needs to know is that he’s ticking the boxes set out for him before the game.

“The combination with ‘Pitto’ and Tom has been really important, it’s evolved over the course of the year,” AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss said.

“He’s a bit of a monster in there and he likes to bring his aggression. That’s ‘Pitto’s’ strength. Tommy can then come in and do what he needs to be able to do, they complement each other so well.”

So why Carlton? Why can the Blues be the first team to knock off the Lions on their home deck this year?

“Why not?,” is the response from Pittonet.

“We’ll get a great Carlton contingent at the ground which will help us. It’ll be our home away from home. The way we see it is we’re going with the same mentality of anywhere, anytime.”