Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer's inspirational leadership was a critical reason for the Blues' two-point win over Port Adelaide, coach Brendon Bolton says.
Kreuzer kicked the match-winning goal after Carlton trailed by 18 points halfway through the final term.
He had left the field with an injured ankle in the second quarter but returned. Coming back was important for the Blues, with fellow tall Levi Casboult having already gone down with a hairline fracture in his tibia.
The 27-year-old finished with 38 hit-outs. Port Adelaide managed 27 as a team.
Perhaps just as importantly, Kreuzer slotted two goals for the game.
Bolton said Kreuzer's ability to keep fighting was essential to his side notching up its fourth consecutive victory.
"I've always been one for (the idea that) big blokes, when they lead by the way they play, others follow," Bolton said.
"Others were following (Kreuzer)."
Clearance specialist Patrick Cripps was similarly influential. He collected 30 disposals and won eight clearances.
Patrick Cripps came back to finish the match after landing awkwardly in the third term. (Photo: AFL Photos)
He too went down to the rooms after appearing to buckle his right knee late in the third quarter, but fought on.
Bolton was unaware about the nature of the injury but said Cripps thrived in adversity.
"Farm lad, finds a way. Rolls his sleeves up," he said.
Carlton did not lead at any of the breaks but showed the competitiveness it has displayed the whole year.
The Blues' largest winning margin has been 15 points, against both Essendon and Collingwood.
At times against the Power they only had two players available to interchange.
"You've got to be creative (with two on the bench)," Bolton said.
"That's why we're proud our guys endured – they found a way. Particularly late, they had cool heads under pressure.
"We're making some huge steps forward."
The club celebrated Kade Simpson's 250th match and Michael Jamison's 150th game, and Bolton said that had been a motivating factor.
"There was a little extra one per cent there today, if that's what it was," he said.
He tipped last year's No. 1 pick Jacob Weitering to return soon from a right shoulder injury, suffered in round six against Essendon.
"I reckon he's really close," Bolton said. "I'm hoping it's this week, but if not it should be the week after," he said.
Carlton faces ladder-leaders North Melbourne next Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
