BELTING out the club's theme song for just the second time this season was a combination of jubilation and sweet relief for Carlton's youngsters on Saturday night.

Not that Matt Kennedy knew all of the words.

Having made the switch to Carlton from GWS during last year's trade period, an ankle injury kept Kennedy from celebrating the club's other win against Essendon back in round eight.

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It meant that Carlton's deserved 35-point victory over Gold Coast was the promising midfielder's first win in 11 attempts in the navy blue.

"I knew the start, but then I mumbled the rest of it," Kennedy tells AFL.com.au with a smile.

"There were a few of us who were in the same boat. I had the skipper right behind me, helping me out, so it was good."

After a trying season, Carlton's journey north over the weekend – and its hard-fought victory at Metricon Stadium – represented a welcome bit of respite for many reasons.

The Blues spent four nights in Queensland and were encouraged to bring family and friends along, celebrating a rare win in the sunshine on Gold Coast's beaches.

It wasn't all relaxation, though. The group completed their main training session in warm conditions on Tuesday, before flying back to Melbourne later that day.

For the atmosphere within the club, the trip did wonders. Not that Kennedy believes Carlton's collection of young talent needed a confidence boost after a difficult season.

"We've had a bit of a tough year, but the morale of the group has been terrific," he says.

"To get that win and to enjoy each other's company, and to hang a bit of s--t on each other, it's always good fun. It makes it easier after a win."

As for Kennedy's own form, the 21-year-old finally feels like he's starting to hit his straps.

After a summer interrupted by back-to-back surgeries and a campaign halted by an ankle injury sustained just minutes into round one, the midfielder has found his feet at Ikon Park.

A career-best game against Hawthorn a fortnight ago yielded 29 disposals, seven clearances and a goal. It was backed up by another 23 disposals and five clearances against Gold Coast.

Finally, the Collingullie product feels like he's showing his teammates what he's capable of.

"It was frustrating because I had two shoulder surgeries in the off-season, so I wasn't really out training with the boys," Kennedy says.

"Being at a new club, I really wanted to impress, so to not be able to perform was frustrating. The worst thing was not being able to prove what I had.

"It helps when the body stays fit and you're able to train on the mistakes you make in games. Now I'm just looking to finish the season pretty strong, so next year we can all go in with a bit of confidence."

Helping Kennedy every step of the way has been Patrick Cripps.

Along with captain Marc Murphy and fellow experienced midfielder Ed Curnow, the three have been Kennedy's biggest mentors since he arrived at the club last spring.

A big-bodied contested midfielder himself, Kennedy says playing alongside arguably the game's best in Cripps has helped him pick up a few tricks throughout the year.

"Playing on him at training, you're always learning a thing or two," Kennedy says.

"The best thing about him is that he's really positive and he's trying to give this young group a lot of confidence. I know he's a young player himself, but he's big on giving the younger guys confidence.

"His leadership has grown along with his on-field performances. He's a terrific bloke, which is even better. It's really enjoyable playing alongside him, that's for sure."

After two years and 19 games at the Giants, Kennedy meets his former team for the first time this weekend when Carlton hosts GWS at Etihad Stadium.

Having graduated through the Giants' academy alongside players like Jacob Hopper and Harry Himmelberg in 2015, Kennedy still has a host of good friends at Spotless Stadium.

He's looking forward to meeting those close mates this weekend – and is expecting the odd sledge from a couple of them on Sunday afternoon.

"I'm really excited," Kennedy says.

"I've got a few mates there and I still keep in touch with a lot of them, but it's just like any other game, really. Once you cross the white line, you want to win and beat the team in front of you. It'll be no different to any other week.

"I look forward to a few of the boys sledging me throughout the game, but it's all a part of it. I can't wait, hopefully we get another win."

Kennedy has heard from a number of his former Giants teammates this week, with Himmelberg even trying to FaceTime with the new Blue on Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, Kennedy was too busy playing Fortnite to answer his call.

"I had to give him the flick," he laughs.

"I keep in touch with them a fair bit, especially Harry Perryman, he's a close mate. But I'm looking forward to throwing a few elbows this weekend and hopefully we get the win."

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