“DEFENCE is always the one that wins you games of footy.”

While a lot of commentary has centred around Carlton eclipsing the 100-point barrier for the first time in over 1000 days, captain Patrick Cripps outlined an integral part of yesterday’s breakthrough win.

The Blues’ back six stood up to the task at Marvel Stadium, restricting their hosts to just seven goals for the game on the way to a 44-point win.

It continued the collective’s strong form for the season, with the numbers showing just how well Carlton’s defensive unit is holding firm.

After five rounds, the Blues are conceding a shot on goal 39.3 percent of the time the ball enters the opposition’s attacking 50.

It ranks Carlton fourth in the competition, behind St Kilda, Geelong and Gold Coast.

Over the season’s opening month, the Blues have seen the opposition score an average of under 79 points: that’s improved in the last two weeks, with scores of 59 and 57.

It’s a far cry from the side which conceded triple figures on 13 occasions out of 22 games — so far from five games, Carlton’s opposition hasn’t passed the total once.

It’s no wonder Brendon Bolton has been quick to sing the praises of the likes of Jacob Weitering, Liam Jones and recruit Nic Newman.

Weitering ranks among the elite in the competition for intercept possessions and spoils, Jones has conceded a paltry four goals from five games and Newman has been critical in providing drive from down back (fourth in the competition for metres gained).

Add in the equally-solid Caleb Marchbank and Lachie Plowman as well as the experience of Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas, and the defensive unit is clicking under the tutelage of Dale Amos.

While the Blues won’t be resting on their laurels after one win, the case for the defence in recent seasons has rarely been stronger.