THE Coleman Medal leader and the potential John Nicholls Medal leader weighed in on Carlton’s return to winning form against Hawthorn.

Harry McKay overturned a quiet day to produce one of the moments of the match against the Hawks with the sealing goal, while Sam Walsh set the tone from the first bounce with another first-class showing at the MCG.

Both spoke to FOX Footy in the aftermath of the game, labelling the victory as much-needed after the Blues toiled away in recent weeks without reward.

“We’ve been in every game against most teams, so it’s just that last quarter we have to put together. We’re improvement every week and I think this will be a good stepping stone,” McKay said.

“We’ve been learning and growing every game and it’s been frustrating not to get the reward. We’ve played against some good teams but haven’t played four quarters to allow us to win games,” Walsh said.

“There are still parts of today’s game to work on, which is the best part of footy. It’s a big game for us next weekend again.”

A strong crowd turned up to the home of football on Saturday afternoon, with the majority in attendance wearing a shade of Navy Blue.

Not for the first time in 2021, the biggest cheer was reserved for a McKay moment of magic, with his 35th goal of the season the best of the lot so far.

Following a game where he was well-held, McKay spoke of the long-range goal which effectively iced the match for his side.

“It was one of those games. We always talk about how it might not be your game but you can still have a moment to impact the game,” he said.

“As a forward, you always back yourself in! It was nice that it got the distance and went through.”

For Walsh, who once again covered the most distance of any Blue, he said it was a case of backing himself in on the wide expanses of the MCG.

“Playing on the ‘G definitely gives you room to run and that’s one of my strengths,” he said.

“I play with a lot of good players around me that let me do that. It felt like I was able to impact at either end, which is my role for the team.

“It was great to get the win.”