Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufides has admitted that the incredible win over Melbourne in last Friday night’s Semi Final was the best game he’s ever watched live.
Koutoufides is no stranger to big matches, playing in the Blues’ 1995 premiership triumph over Geelong among his 13 finals for the club.
Despite experiencing all of that, the former star believes the roar of the crowd last Friday was unmatched.
“It’s been a long time in the making and it’s come as a bit of a surprise,” he said on SEN’s Sportsday.
“96,000 people screaming like I’ve never heard before, it was the greatest game I’ve ever witnessed, myself.
“I’ve never in my time, and I played in those halcyon days at Carlton, ever played in front of 96,000 people and hearing the Carlton supporters scream the way that they did.
“It is truly amazing.”
The former Carlton captain has been blown away by the unwavering support and is beginning to get a special feeling about Michael Voss’ side who continues to ride the wave of momentum.
“They’re out in droves now - I didn’t think it would come this quick with them, but whatever is happening is something magical and it’s fantastic for the AFL to finally have Carlton back up there and playing like the way they are,” he added.
The Blues now face their biggest challenge yet in Brisbane at the Gabba in Saturday’s Preliminary Final.
However, Koutoufides is daring to dream.
“They’re not just making up numbers, they’re actually a big threat for this premiership cup,” he said.
“I think if there’s a team that can do it with the confidence they have, it is the Carlton Football Club. I really do believe in this team.
“When I went into the change rooms after the game, there’s just some special feeling going on.
“It’s the most exciting period of the Carlton Football Club I’ve seen in a long, long time.”
All eyes will be on the Gabba on Saturday evening to see if Carlton can continue their dream run with a berth in a first Grand Final since 1999 up for grabs.