“IT’S AN unreal win for us and just what we needed.”

While Carlton’s supporters minds all across the country raced back to Robbie Gray against their team a month ago, the Port Adelaide game couldn’t have been further from Sam Walsh’s mind on Saturday night.

The 2019 NAB AFL Rising Star had just one thought when Jack Newnes had the ball in his hands as the siren blared around Optus Stadium.

‘Gee, I hope he kicks it.’

And kick it he did.

Just like Marc Murphy in the corresponding fixture last year, Newnes was the hero as Carlton produced another four-point win in the West against Fremantle.

And just like the corresponding fixture last year, Walsh had a big part to play in Carlton’s success on the night.

With 24 disposals and seven clearances on a wet night, Walsh combined his recent wing role with hits as an inside midfielder to full effect in what he described as a “crazy” night.

“I was at the top of the goal square and the crowd was as loud as anything. As soon as he kicked it, the crowd went silent.

“It was an unreal win and hopefully we can continue on with that form.

“There are still things we need to work on: going inside 50 in that last five minutes, we butchered a few — including myself. There’ll be good reviews but I’m just glad ‘Newnesy’ pulled through.”

The 20-year-old - who was inducted into Carlton’s leadership group this year - said the Blues weren’t shying away from making a run in the final six weeks of the home-and-away season.

The win sees the Blues hold a 5-6 record after 11 games, keeping them in the hunt ahead of another fixture frenzy in the coming weeks.

“We’d be silly if we didn’t think we could make finals and that’s what we’re pushing for,” he said.

“We know we’ve got to play some really good footy in the next six weeks and we believe we can do it.

“We’re in a really good spot as a group and we’ve just got to keep working hard to get there. That’ll play itself out.”

Walsh said his family back at home would’ve been just like the thousands of Bluebaggers watching on around the country, particularly with dad Wayne a lifelong Carlton fan.

“I know the Victorians are doing it tough at the moment so it’s really good for them to have footy on at home,” he said.

“Big ‘Wayne-o’ would’ve been pumped, as the whole family would… he would’ve been jumping out of his seat.

“That’s the great thing at the moment, we’re getting so much joy out of playing footy.”