IN 1997, Adelaide won its first AFL Grand Final.

In 1998, it went back-to-back.

However, when a rebuilding Carlton visited Football Park two months before the latter Grand Final, the reigning premiers were stunned.

The Blues entered the contest second-last on the AFL ladder, having endured a 10-goal loss to Richmond a week prior.

Heading into enemy territory on a Friday night, the signs looked dire for the Blues, who conceded five of the first six goals in the opening term. For all money, it looked like the third-placed Crows were on the way to an easy one.

However, it wasn’t to be — and an 18-year-old key forward had a big say.

A future club Hall of Famer, Lance Whitnall would record the first Brownlow votes of his career, and it was more than justified given the performance he put in.

With 18 disposals, seven marks and four goals, Whitnall was the standout forward on the ground, kicking Carlton’s first and last goals to star in the four-point win.

After a promising debut season, 1998 was the year where Whitnall stamped himself in the Carlton line-up. As an 18-year-old, he would go onto kick 46 goals in a season where his side finished in 11th place.

"I'm definitely feeling that the supporters are getting right behind the players... the boys love it when the fans get there."



See you at the 'G, Bluebaggers.#BoundByBlue — Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) July 26, 2019

In the two years following, Whitnall converted 55 and 70 goals in years where Carlton would make a Grand Final and preliminary final respectively.

As for the win over the Crows, it was the second time in that season alone where the Blues accounted for the reigning premiers, having also tasted success against them in Round 1.

Craig Bradley (three votes) and Matthew Allan (one vote) also featured prominently, but it was that game at Football Park where Lance Whitnall announced himself to the football world.

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