FLEET-FOOTED Carlton midfielder Zac Fisher has hailed co-captain Patrick Cripps' ability to inspire his teammates, after one of the season's best individual performances.

Cripps produced an extraordinary game just when his club needed him on Saturday, ensuring a trying week that began with Brendon Bolton's sacking ended with a 15-point Blues triumph.

The 24-year-old superstar racked up 38 possessions (16 contested), eight clearances, five inside 50s and four goals as Carlton rallied from a 37-point deficit to beat in-form Brisbane.

"He put the team on his back and he's just an amazing player," Fisher told AFL.com.au.

"For him to do that – four goals and 38 disposals – is a credit to him. He's a star of the competition.

"The way he plays; he's a very brutal, physical presence and that definitely lifts us."

Fisher is one of 195cm Cripps' chief midfield lieutenants despite being 18cm shorter, 17kg lighter and still a handful of days shy of his 21st birthday.

He is second, behind Cripps, at the Blues for centre attendances this year, averaging 20.4 disposals (8.8 contested), four clearances and 3.2 inside 50s.

Fisher is also ranked top 20 in the competition for looseball-gets, one of the sub-categories that makes up a contested possession.

The Perth product, in just his third season in the AFL, had another 25 touches against the Lions to be one of Carlton's best players, but the victory was what pleased him most.

"It is really special. We were 1-10 (win-loss record) up until now, and obviously having a head coach change put a lot of pressure on the boys – and it was different," he said.

"We were in a situation where it was the first time going through that for a lot of us, so we were able to talk to each other about that.

"It was weird, because no one likes change, but I thought we brought good energy and to come away with the win – and against Brisbane, who were fifth on the ladder – is really good."

The Lions were in a similar position to the Blues a year ago and are now in finals contention, something Fisher dares to dream about.

"That does excite us and internally we've always had that belief," he said.

"We just have to keep believing in each other and our strengths, and that will allow us to play the best football we can."