MALIGNED Carlton forward Levi Casboult's confidence will lift after nailing a critical set shot in the last quarter against Collingwood, according to coach Brendon Bolton.
Casboult finished with three goals against the Pies and kicked a set shot from outside 50 with seven minutes remaining to extend the lead to 18 points.
Carlton would hold on from there, getting up by 15 points to break a run of six-straight losses against their arch rivals.
The 26-year-old was one of his side's best and was a dominant presence up forward. He took seven contested marks for the game, including five in the opening half.
His day got off to a promising start when he grabbed one running back into the goalsquare. He had to deal with a small angle but kicked truly.
A shank early in the second half went out on the full but Casboult showed enough mental resolve to put it through the big sticks when it counted.
Watch Brendon Bolton's full post-match press conference
"That one in the last should be a real spirit-lifter for him," Bolton said after the game.
"We must acknowledge that (his inaccuracy) is not through lack of effort. He's been nearly kicking his leg off (at training).
"Hopefully this is a little step forward.
"We know it's not totally remedied. We've got to keep working hard on it."
Showreel: Commanding Casboult clinches victory
Casboult has kicked 6.7 in seven matches this year.
Bolton said as long as Casboult focuses on the process of kicking goals, he would succeed.
"If our players go through their kicking routine and their mindset's right, I'll give everyone a chance, including Levi," Bolton said.
It was a dominant midfield effort from the Blues. Reigning club champion Patrick Cripps was enormous in his return from a calf injury, racking up 19 contested possessions in a 29-disposal effort.
Five talking points: Collingwood v Carlton
Ed Curnow was similarly influential with 14 contested possessions, while Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson provided the class.
Bolton was impressed with the performance of his senior players.
"We should acknowledge a few of our leaders," he said.
"Simpson had 30-odd touches, and some of his moves up through the middle of the ground were a positive on our ball movement.
"Gibbs kicked three goals and had 30 (disposals) but brought a lot of tackle pressure.
"Our leaders by and large are standing up, and that's important for this group."
