AT NO point did Josh Fraser feel worried or panicked in the coaches' box, even when Carlton gave up the first four goals of the game to Melbourne's fast and furious style.

Instead, the resilience Fraser has been building into his team since taking over in round 10 was what they leant on.

DEMONS v BLUES Full match coverage and stats

"It didn't feel like we got spooked. It was another sign of the growth in this group, where momentum's against you. Stay connected, trust the system," Fraser said post-match.

"It felt like a really mature performance, particularly in that first quarter. They're just growing, our players. They're just growing in different scenarios and finding different ways to win, and I think they embrace everything that's thrown at them from the coaches' box. We didn't feel flustered; there were parts of our game early which we thought were the right way to play.

"We weren't connecting with some fundamentals, made some errors. You have to embrace that in a final, and our boys did a good job of that."

The intention under Fraser has been to spread the load. Not rely on a handful of guys to drag them over the line, rather embed role players across the field who they can rely on when the going gets tough.

That's what was on show on Saturday evening as the Blues went from down and out in May, to wildcard winners in August.

"Historically there's been certain players who have felt like they've had to do everything, and the intent's fine, but it's misguided, and actual fact, you've just got to be so reliable in your role and trust the guy next to you to get his job done," Fraser said.

"I thought we had a really even spread of contributors tonight, and I think that's been our story for large parts of the last 14, 15 weeks. We're not reliant on one or two. Absolutely, guys will stand up and have very good games, but the load's shared and spread. So is the ownership."

The likes of Ollie Hollands, who only returned from a sojourn in the VFL last week, Blake Acres, who had to scrap and fight for a return to the top level, and Ben Ainsworth, who stepped up and kicked a game-high three goals, have filled out the list in the way Carlton has been needing for years.

"This year in a football sense has provided a lot of challenges for Ollie, and I can speak to his character, he turns up wanting to grow his game," Fraser said.

"Maybe the disappointment of not being in the team and going back to VFL, turns up with the right mindset and attitude and gets to work on his game. So we've had a high level of confidence to bring him in at the right time to play a role."

It doesn't end here. If anything, this is just the beginning of a new season for Carlton, with arguably its biggest challenge just six days away – an elimination final against Geelong.

Fraser admitted that injured forward Will Hayward was "close" to being selected in Saturday's wildcard match, and is hopeful he will return against the Cats.

But for the briefest of moments, Fraser is allowing the group to celebrate what it has achieved.

"(We were) probably presented an opportunity, just with the players and some staff, to not so much take a breath, but just enjoy it for a minute. The rooms felt incredible with our family and friends, and so many people connected to the club. Incredible support from the crowd," Fraser said.

"They kept turning up and giving us great energy. But we, I just said to the players, they should understand what performances like this do to so many people and for so many people connected to the club. They're important and just that moment to enjoy it for a minute was important."