Carlton has climbed off the canvas in David Teague's first game in charge, coming from behind to defeat Brisbane by 15 points at Marvel Stadium.
The Blues conceded the first six goals of Saturday's game before mounting a Patrick Cripps-inspired comeback to prevail 11.12 (78) to 9.9 (63), less than a week after sacking fourth-year coach Brendon Bolton.
Cripps was sublime for Carlton in just its second win for the season, gathering 38 disposals and booting four goals in another performance certain to net him three Brownlow Medal votes.
The brilliant skipper put the result beyond doubt in the dying minutes when he soared out of a pack and kicked truly for his fourth major.
Ed Curnow (30 disposals, eight clearances) was also influential in the midfield and helped to quell the influence of Brisbane ball magnet Lachie Neale, while younger brother Charlie booted three goals in his best game of the season.
Sam Walsh showed why he is the favourite for the NAB AFL Rising Star award with 32 possessions in the best performance of his budding career.
Neale racked up 24 disposals to half-time but managed just seven after Curnow went to him in the second half.
After witnessing North Melbourne upset Richmond in Rhyce Shaw's first game in charge, Carlton fans were hoping their own caretaker coach would conjure something similar.
But six minutes into the second quarter, Brisbane held a six-goal lead and the Blues were yet to kick a major.
The Blues had 10 of the first 11 inside-50s but continued to waste their opportunities, allowing Brisbane to seize the momentum.
Quick goals to Charlie Cameron, Neale and Hugh McCluggage extended the Lions' lead to six goals before Michael Gibbons finally put the Blues on the board at the 12-minute mark of the second term.
Having reduced the margin to three goals at half-time, the Blues came out firing in the third quarter as Cripps booted two goals in quick succession.
Mitch McGovern then took a strong contested mark and kicked truly to put Carlton ahead and pave the way for a much-needed victory.
Key defender Harris Andrews held Harry McKay goalless and was among Brisbane's best but the Lions were well-beaten in the midfield.
MEDICAL ROOM
Carlton: Looked set to come through the match unscathed until Lochie O'Brien was caught in a gang tackle in the fourth term and hurt his left leg. He limped from the field under the aid of two trainers.
Brisbane: Dayne Zorko copped a knee to his hip and came from the field in the second quarter. He came back on and quickly left the ground again, but was able to play the match out.
NEXT UP
Carlton will be confident of logging a second straight victory when it faces the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night, while Brisbane will have the bye to lick its wounds.
CARLTON 0.3 3.4 8.9 11.12 (78)
BRISBANE 3.3 6.4 8.5 9.9 (63)
GOALS
Carlton: Cripps 4, C. Curnow 3, Gibbons 2, O'Brien, McGovern
Brisbane: McStay 2, Hipwood, Allison, Cameron, Neale, McCluggage, Zorko, McCarthy
BEST
Carlton: Cripps, E. Curnow, Weitering, Walsh, C. Curnow, Fisher, Gibbons
Brisbane: Neale, Rich, McCluggage, Robinson, Hodge, McStay
INJURIES
Carlton: O'Brien (left leg)
Brisbane: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Nicholls, Williamson, Mitchell, Glouftsis
Official crowd: 32,211 at Marvel Stadium
