CARLTON interim coach David Teague has praised the leadership of inspirational co-captain Patrick Cripps after the star midfielder put on a clinic during the Blues' imposing win over Adelaide on Saturday.

Cripps had the ball on a string at the MCG, finishing with 39 disposals, seven tackles and a goal.

The midfielder also won 19 clearances – only 10 less than Adelaide's entire team recorded.

Teague said Cripps showed how good a player he was and "brought his strengths" to the contest.

"We want him to go inside and win the ball and he did that," Teague said.

"He competes really hard every week. The numbers aren't always going to stack up. What we want him to do is play a role and he's been doing that for us.

"He's a super leader."

Teague said the win was probably the Blues most complete four-quarter performance, with the Carlton coach impressed by his side's adaptability.

"The game changed as it went along. The way the players out there adapted (was impressive)," Teague said.

"It became a real contest game and I thought the way the guys played when it got into the contest was really strong."

He also was full of praise for midfielder Will Setterfield, who kicked a vital final-term goal to help seal victory for the Blues.

Teague said Setterfield – who finished with 24 disposals and 1.1 – may have played the best game in his career.

"I was really impressed. Just to hear the fans get right behind him when he came off the field at one stage, our fans are so supportive and encouraging, but they recognised (him)," Teague said.

"He's just getting better and better each week and I thought today's game was possibly his most complete."