Carlton have continued their remarkable revival under caretaker coach Josh Fraser with a five-point win over old rivals Essendon amid more AFL time clock drama.
The Blues' 10.12 (72) to 10.7 (67) victory at the MCG on Sunday night - their fourth win from as many games under Fraser - lifts them within touching distance of a wildcard finals spot.
But it was tinged with controversy after the broadcast clock froze at 0:44 as Essendon surged forward in the dying stages.
Zach Reid marked before the clock skipped to 0:24, seemingly with no time lost.
Reid kicked truly, dragging Essendon back within a kick, but they couldn't find a winning goal in the remaining nine seconds after the centre ball-up.
Moments earlier, Blues forward Harry McKay was also allowed to take more than 40 seconds off the clock after indicating he was taking a set shot from well outside the 50-metre line.
