Carlton defeats Melbourne in AFL wildcard match to reach elimination final

Carlton claimed victory over Melbourne in front of 91,733 fans at the MCG in their AFL wildcard match to extend their fairytale resurgence into an elimination final clash with Geelong.

Under Josh Fraser, the Blues fought back from a 1-8 start to the season that cost Michael Voss his job, to first make the wildcard round in 10th place, then reach the elimination final.

After giving up an early 21-point deficit, the Blues outgunned Melbourne, who finished seventh in the regular season. The Blues next face the sixth-placed Cats at the MCG on Friday. Adelaide will host the Western Bulldogs in Saturday’s elimination final.

Newly crowned Rising Star Jagga Smith (29 disposals, nine clearances) kicked two last-quarter goals and stood tall alongside Sam Walsh (39 disposals, six clearances). Patrick Cripps (22 disposals) fought through a left knee issue and close attention from Jack Steele (23 disposals).

Ben Ainsworth (three goals, 21 disposals) was everywhere, and Harry McKay jagged two goals. Jacob Weitering was huge in defence with help from Harry Dean and Nick Haynes.

The Melbourne skipper, Max Gawn (27 hitouts, 31 disposals), started well, but was reined in by Marc Pittonet. The midfielder Kysaiah Pickett had plenty of the ball but his finishing was left wanting.

The Demons, without defender Jake Lever (toe) and forwards Jacob van Rooyen (suspension) and Matt Jefferson (knee), were hot early against a nervous Carlton and led by 21 points late in the opening term. McKay steadied the Blues just before quarter-time, kicking off a run of five straight goals that ended with Brodie Kemp putting Carlton in front for the first time.

Melbourne led by a point at half-time, then had 17 inside-50s to Carlton’s nine in the third quarter, but were let down by poor kicking going forward. Carlton snatched a four-point lead at the final change, then never looked like losing.

Melbourne, who kept butchering chances to fight back have not won a final since their 2021 premiership – losing five at the MCG – said farewell to the retiring Tom McDonald and Jake Melksham.