Carlton defender Michael Jamison says discipline and leadership were the keys to Saturday's thrilling win over Richmond at the MCG.

The Blues kept their season alive defeating the Tigers by 10-points, 16.10. (106) to 14.12.(96).

Jamison says Carlton's senior players wanted to take a stand.

"I think the pleasing thing about the performance on the weekend is that a lot of players stood up, and there's probably no player that didn't contribute," Jamison said.

"We knew this game wasn't going to be about strategies and game plans and things like that, because it's Round 21 and if you don't know those things by now you're in a bit of trouble.

"It was going to be about discipline and guys standing up, so we're really pleased that happened."

Jamison praised captain Marc Murphy for doing "a fantastic job for us this year as captain," while he says the win will give the Blues renewed confidence as it confirms a "belief that has always been there".

Round 22 will see Carlton take on Essendon in a crucial game at the MCG.

Jamison says his team is looking forward to the challenge on football's biggest stage.

"In these games, form doesn't really come into it when you play Essendon, you play Collingwood, or you play Richmond. It doesn't matter where you are on the ladder – it's  always a huge game."