COME the end of Sunday night, the only numbers that mattered were four points.

A four-point differential on the scoreboard, and four points for a memorable Carlton win.

However, how did the Blues do it in the West?

The comeback Blues

When all was said and done, the Blues overturning a 29-point deficit at the opening break entered the Club’s history books.

It proved to be Carlton’s equal-10th greatest comeback at the opening change, drawing level with the 1970 Grand Final and a famous trip to Adelaide in 2004. 

One last stand

It was at the coalface where Carlton got the job done at Optus Stadium, getting first hands on the ball when it mattered most.

Winning the contested ball differential by 10 in the final term, the Blues were able to get going at the source, winning the last-quarter clearance count 14-5.

Curnow’s clearance masterclass

The main catalyst for Carlton’s late clearance dominance came in the form of the stand-in skipper.

Leading the Blues for the first time in 157 games, nothing summed up Ed Curnow’s game more than his staggering 16 clearances.

Ranked ninth all time in the statistic since it was first recorded, there’s no denying that Curnow stood up in leading his young teammates.

Making his Marc

There was no denying who the hero was in Perth on Sunday. But if history is anything to go by, it should come as no surprise.

When Marc Murphy put the Blues ahead with seconds remaining, it capped off another standout performance across the Nullarbor from the veteran.

With 34 disposals and that match-winner, it was the seventh time Murphy had over 20 disposals and a goal in Perth — three times more than any other travelling player.

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You can't spell CLUTCH without Marc Murphy.⁠⠀ Your @barklysmokehouse player of the match. #BoundByBlue

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Jack of all trades

In the first quarter, Fremantle captain Nat Fyfe looked like he would take the game away from the Blues.

And while the Brownlow Medallist finished with 29 disposals and a goal, the shutdown role which Jack Silvagni played in the second half couldn’t be underestimated.

Keeping Fyfe to 10 disposals when directly opposed to him, Silvagni also kicked a vital final-quarter goal among 15 disposals in an impressive return to the senior side.

Bank on it

Over half of Carlton’s score came from forward half intercepts (6.6) — and the work of the Blues’ back six was crucial.

Between Nic Newman (12), Caleb Marchbank (nine), Jacob Weitering, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman and Kade Simpson, the defensive unit combined for 52 intercept possessions.

Arguably the most impressive on the day was Marchbank, who was unbeaten in five defensive one-on-one contests.