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COMEBACK hero Ryan Houlihan rated Saturday night's miracle comeback victory against the Brisbane Lions among his top five at the club.

The nine-year Blue has not played since round two after undergoing double hip surgery and made a spectacular return with three first quarter goals to jumpstart his team at the Gabba.

While admitting to running out of puff in the second half, his silky skills were on show in the first term with s snapped left footer and running goal from 45m among his majors.

But it was Carlton's comeback from 32 points behind at the final change that left Houlihan in awe on his return.

"It's just fantastic. Juddy stood up as captain and I think he had 13 (possessions) in the last and everyone followed and for a young group to do that and hold Brisbane to no goals in the last is just fantastic," he said.

"It'd have to be in the top five for me personally. Coming back, I thought when I was lying in bed 12 weeks ago after having both hips operated on I didn't think I'd be back and playing in such a good win so it'd be definitely right up there with my best wins at the club.

"I kept telling myself I would (get back) but you just don't know. I'm glad I'm back and hopefully some good footy ahead of me."

Houlihan, who has 160 games under his belt for the club, ended up with 19 possessions on his return. While he dominated the first quarter, Brad Fisher took over with three goals in the second to keep the momentum going.

It was part of a well shared scoring spread that saw spearhead Brendan Fevola kick just two of Carlton's 18 majors.

It was Carlton's first win at the Gabba since 2000 and a huge contrast from their last trip north, which ended in a 117-point mauling and the eventual sacking of then coach Denis Pagan last year.

Houlihan said he was "excited" with his first quarter burst.

"I knew I was going to get a bit leg weary after half time but I kept trying to tell myself to stay in the game, stay in the game, and I did that and thought I did okay first one back.

"The body's feeling the best it's ever felt. I've had this (hip problems) for three or four years and it felt really good out there and I need a good pre-season to get my fitness back up and I'm really looking forward to next year."

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