DOUBLE milestone games don’t get much better than that. 

When Orazio Fantasia first arrived at Carlton back in November last year, the general consensus publicly would be the crafty small forward would be a work in progress. 

Privately, the new recruit had his eyes on Opening Round, for what would be both his Carlton debut and his 100th AFL game in one.

He simply couldn’t have imagined how it was going to play out.

01:50

Interview: Plenty to celebrate for new Blue, Orazio

Orazio Fantasia joined Carlton Media after his Navy Blue debut and 100th AFL game ended in the most improbable of one-point wins at the Gabba.

The Blues rallied from 46 points down to produce one of the greatest home-and-away wins in the Club’s 160 years of history, with a late Harry McKay winner sealing a one-point win.

Speaking the following morning to Carlton Media, Fantasia said he was still coming to terms with exactly how Friday night panned out.

“It’s pretty special. You’re still pinching yourself after a game like that,” Fantasia said.

“I was lucky enough to play my first game [for Carlton] and my 100th all in one. For a win like that with this group, it’s pretty special. We never gave up. It’s a real confidence booster to take into the rest of the year.”

The football world is well aware of what Fantasia can do, but after just four AFL games in the last two years, it’s been a grind for the 28-year-old. The clash with Brisbane was his first at senior level in 11 months, when he was subbed on in a Showdown in Round 3 last year.

With two direct goal assists, Fantasia’s energy and zip was noticeable, but he’s backing himself to improve week on week on the back of consistent training and game time.

04:32

Opening Round | All the goals

Watch all Carlton's goals from the dramatic clash with Brisbane.

“I wasn’t brilliant, but I feel like as I keep playing, I’ll keep getting back to the level I know I can be at.

“In my mind, I was always trying to be there for Opening Round. Between Between ‘Vossy’ and ‘Jack’ [Andrew Russell], they’ve been really good to me and allowed me to have a slower start to pre-season and get my body right. Now I can reap the rewards and build in.”

Another facet which Fantasia can’t wait to taste more of is the Carlton crowd, with the Blues’ first home game of the season to come this Thursday night against Richmond at the MCG.

He loved what he saw in Brisbane, and he’s looking forward to that being ramped up in just a few more days.

“The crowd, it honestly felt like a home game. I can’t wait to get to the MCG and actually feel a home game. It was amazing.”