A key member of Carlton's coaching sub-committee says the shock win over Geelong on Sunday highlighted why Brendon Bolton was chosen to lead what was a fractured club.
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Ken Sheldon, the Blues' triple premiership star, played a major role last year in finding what the club hoped would be a long-term successor.
John Barker, then the stand-in coach after Mick Malthouse was sacked, and Collingwood assistant coach Scott Burns were the stand-out candidates along with Bolton. But it was the latter, complete with his teaching philosophy and a winning ethos from Hawthorn, who claimed the top role.
Sheldon, on hand at Etihad Stadium on Sunday when the Blues posted a 19-point win over the Cats, said Bolton's ability to unite the club – not only the playing list – and implement a modern game plan had been pivotal.
"It was good to see them playing for each other, having great fun and be so fanatical. They are just believing in what they are doing," Sheldon said on Monday.
"If you wrap all that up, that was why [Bolton] was recommended.
"He is able to – not only through his own abilities – to bring others in with him and the club is on one page and they are believing in what they are doing.
"Their performances of that, at this stage, are reflective, and are starting to build into that. The weekend, against Geelong, probably surprised most. They were so fanatical and they are playing for each other. From a supporter sitting there watching them, that just brings so much joy."
The players, after a rugged two years, have embraced Bolton's philosophy of team defence, the need for high disposal efficiency and a willingness to run and attack through the corridor when the opportunity arises.
While the Cats had the more accomplished team individually, the Blues were able to enforce a system built on, as Bryce Gibbs later said, playing "your role". This is the mantra Alastair Clarkson has adopted over the years with the Hawks.
Bolton's system has led to five wins, and the Blues suddenly find themselves in finals contention, with the Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium) and St Kilda to come before the mid-season bye.
"He has a system, he has a plan, there is a lot of versatility in that and a teaching methodology which is being transferred out on the oval by the players under all sorts of adversity," Sheldon said.
"They were really challenged [against the Cats] but to be able to work their way through that and be so convincing in the end, was just wonderful to see."
Sheldon said his interviews last year with Bolton were not focused on his time with the Hawks, rather "it was more about the man and his ideas – he has got his teams supporting him so well".
These "teams" were his assistant coaches, including Barker, players and the football department, with Sheldon noting the joy on the face of long-time football department lieutenant Shane O'Sullivan.
"It's step by step. There is a long way to go but we have come a long way, too," Sheldon said.
