The AFL’s next big thing, Jagga Smith, has seen Carlton’s remarkable rebirth to new heights as the Blues dropped the velvet curtain on Melbourne’s own stellar season with a 19-point win in another MCG wildcard classic.

The AFL’s wildcard round appears here to stay after a second thriller in as many days, Carlton overcoming a slow start and 21-point deficit with sheer tackling will to book an elimination final against Geelong on Friday night.

For the second night in a row, a packed MCG was put through the emotional ringer, both sides exchanging the lead throughout the second half.

Carlton had four chances to seal the contest in the final five minutes; however, a string of behinds and posters ensured anxiety levels were through the roof everywhere.

But in the end, a banged-up Demons just couldn’t run with Carlton’s prime movers.

Sam Walsh was involved in almost every pivotal moment in a 39-disposal performance while Rising Star Smith announced himself as a real future star of the league.

The young gun stepped up when it mattered most, slotting a set shot with 90 seconds remaining to seal a piece of history.

Alongside his two majors, he also collected 29 disposals and nine clearances.

Carlton were third last on the table after round nine with just one win, but since Josh Fraser has taken charge, the red-hot Blues have dropped just two games.

They finished the home-and-away season in 10th, given a crack at September by the inaugural wildcard weekend, and they made the chance count.

They now head to the elimination final against the sixth-placed Cats, who they beat by four points early in Fraser’s initial caretaker coach tenure, as the form team in the competition.

There will be a watch on West Australian superstar and skipper Patrick Cripps after he left the ground in the third term with a left knee complaint before returning with extra strapping.

The Demons are left to rue missed opportunities in the back end of the season that could have seen them finish in the top six, namely a round 24 defeat to Western Bulldogs who beat Collingwood in the first wildcard game to move into September action.

Blues recruit Ben Ainsworth (three goals, 21 disposals) was everywhere on the night while spearhead Harry McKay jagged two goals.

Jacob Weitering was huge in defence with help from Harry Dean and Nick Haynes.

Melbourne skipper Max Gawn (27 hitouts, 31 disposals) started well but was reined in by Marc Pittonet.

Star midfielder Kysaiah Pickett had plenty of the ball but his finishing was left wanting, while Jake Bowey (26 disposals), Jack Steele and Harvey Langford (21 disposals) fought hard.

The Demons, without defender Jake Lever (toe) and forwards Jacob van Rooyen (suspension) and Matt Jefferson (knee), were hot early against a nervous Carlton and led by 21 points late in the opening term.

McKay steadied the Blues just before quarter-time, kicking off a run of five straight goals that ended with Brodie Kemp putting Carlton in front for the first time.

Melbourne led by a point at halftime, then had 17 inside-50s to Carlton’s nine in the third quarter, but were let down by poor kicking going forward.

Carlton snatched a four-point lead at the final change, then never looked like losing.

Melbourne, who kept butchering chances to fight back and still haven’t won a final since their 2021 premiership - losing five at the MCG - farewelled retiring pair Tom McDonald and Jake Melksham.

The other elimination final has also been set with Adelaide to host the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

- with AAP