Ben Ainsworth says Carlton’s extraordinary rise from a 1-8 start to an AFL elimination final has felt more like a television script than a football season, with former Richmond premiership defender Alex Rance helping him keep his focus amid the sudden surge in expectations.
The former Gold Coast forward was central to the Blues’ 19-point wildcard-final victory over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday, kicking three goals as Carlton ended the Demons’ campaign in front of 91,733 spectators. The result set up a meeting with Geelong at the same ground on Friday, September 4. ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1597454/blues-fairytale-run-continues-after-epic-wildcard-finish-against-demons?utm_source=openai))
“It’s pretty crazy to be in this position,” Ainsworth said. “Obviously, playing in our first elimination final off the back of the wildcard final, and where we were at 1-8 at the start of the year, to be here now is pretty incredible.”
Carlton dismissed Michael Voss midway through the season before Josh Fraser took charge, and the Blues have won 11 of their past 14 matches under their new coach. Their latest success came after Melbourne opened the game strongly, with Carlton eventually prevailing 10.14 (74) to 7.13 (55). ([afl.com.au](https://www.afl.com.au/news/1597454/blues-fairytale-run-continues-after-epic-wildcard-finish-against-demons?utm_source=openai))
Ainsworth, who joined Carlton from Gold Coast at the end of last season, said Fraser had restored belief in a group that had appeared to be heading towards another disappointing campaign.
“A lot of the pillars at the start of the year were laid in terms of the foundation of how we want to play and things like that,” he said. “But it’s probably the small acts that we’re celebrating internally that probably doesn’t get blown up in lights externally.”
The 28-year-old has also relied on Rance, who won a premiership with Richmond in 2017 before retiring two years later. Rance has since worked in leadership and mental-performance roles at Gold Coast, where he remained a trusted figure for Ainsworth.
The pair speak each Monday, reviewing the previous match and helping Ainsworth separate useful lessons from the noise surrounding the team.
“He’s obviously still up on the Gold Coast, but he’s a fantastic person to have in my corner,” Ainsworth said. “Pretty much just to filter out all the stuff throughout the week and over the game, and then reset for the coming week.”
The routine also involves identifying Ainsworth’s strengths and bringing them to the forefront before the following weekend. He described Rance as “a great support network” and said the former Tiger’s energy had been unmistakable during their time together at the Suns.
“At the Gold Coast days, he was just a ball of energy,” Ainsworth said. “He’d roll into the room, just bloody dancing or whatever, singing. He’s a great man.”
Ainsworth’s arrival was one of several changes to Carlton’s forward line this season, alongside recruits including Will Hayward and Ollie Florent. His impact has grown as the Blues’ revival has gathered pace, and his three-goal display against Melbourne made him one of the decisive figures in their first AFL finals victory of the campaign.
Geelong, meanwhile, are considering whether to bring Max Holmes straight back into the side after the midfielder completed full training following ankle and syndesmosis surgery. The Cats will need to contain a Carlton midfield led by Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh and rising star Jagga Smith.
Despite the attention now surrounding the Blues, Ainsworth said the playing group was determined to remain insulated from the changing mood outside the club.
“People are going to come for us when the bad times arise, and, obviously, they’re going to celebrate with us in the good times,” he said. “But no matter what, we’re going to have each other there.”
