AND SOMEHOW, Carlton has done the seemingly impossible.
Under the guidance of interim coach Josh Fraser, the Blues have confirmed a wildcard position with a round to play, following a dramatic draw with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon.
Captain Patrick Cripps put the side on his back, leading the 12.10 (82) stalemate under the Marvel Stadium roof, as he finished with 33 disposals and 12 clearances out of the middle.
His midfield proteges Sam Walsh (33 disposals, 318 metres gained) and Jagga Smith (25 disposals, six inside 50s) flanked him, pulling the Blues back up every time it looked as if the Bulldogs had landed the crucial blow.
In a see-sawing encounter at Marvel Stadium, the Blues trialled by seven points with six minutes remaining, with a Bulldogs win to leave Fraser's side needing to beat Fremantle next week to guarantee finals.
A Dogs win would have also kept St Kilda and Greater Western Sydney alive heading into the final round of the season.
But the Blues rallied with a behind from Ben Ainsworth and then a goal through Francis Evans that levelled the scores with less than three minutes remaining.
And despite some nervous moments late, the Blues held on for a draw that leaves them six points clear of the chasing pack with one round remaining.
It is the second draw in less than 24 hours after Hawthorn and Collingwood finished all square at the MCG on Saturday night.
Nick Haynes' sweet patch of form continued, with 26 disposals and 12 intercept possessions, and Harry Dean's aggression was channelled well to record eight intercepts and seven marks. The pair jelled well with the returning Jacob Weitering, who didn't miss a beat on his first game since round 12.
And at the other end of the ground, Carlton's talls caused some headaches for the Dogs' defence. Harry McKay (two goals), Mitch McGovern (one) and Brodie Kemp (one) effectively worked together, creating leading space for one another and separating the Dogs' keys.
Hayward's frequent flyer points
Will Hayward is known for his capacity to fly at the ball, and protect it on its way down, but there aren't too many Hayward highlights better than his fly over Ryley Sanders in the third quarter. One-out against the young Bulldog, Hayward leapt and kept climbing to take what very well could be Mark of the Year. Unfortunately for the Blue, he hurt his ankle on the landing, and while the adrenaline was high enough for him to kick truly for his third goal, he immediately came from the ground in lieu of celebrating and went straight to the rooms with the club doctor. He spent the better part of the second half trying to convince the medical staff he was able to play on, and after a brief return to the field, he was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.2 7.4 9.8 12.10 (82)
CARLTON 5.3 6.5 10.7 12.10 (82)
GOALS
Carlton: Hayward 3, McKay 2, Evans 2, McGovern, Lord, Pittonet, Acres, Kemp
