Wayne Carey praised Levi Casboult as the most-improved player in the AFL as the big forward kicked four goals in Carlton's 85-point win against St Kilda on Sunday.
The Blues led by 15 points at halftime before slamming on seven goals in each of the two remaining quarters to win 24.7 (151) to St Kilda's 10.6 (66) in front of a crowd of 29,297 at Etihad Stadium.
It was Carlton's biggest winning margin of the season as they moved to a 5-10 record, snapping a five-game losing streak.
Big men Lachie Henderson and Casboult and ex-defender Simon White kicked four goals each for the Blues and speedster Chris Yarran booted three majors.
Last-placed St Kilda's losing run has now reached 10 matches. Nick Riewoldt scored three goals for the Saints despite an avalanche of wayward passes from teammates.
The 199cm, 103kg Casboult had 11 possessions and eight hit-outs, grabbing eight marks including four which were contested.
A 29-game veteran who made his debut in 2012, the 24-year-old ruck/forward has caused the Blues plenty of headaches along the way according to coach Mick Malthouse.
Malthouse was quick to praise the bearded big man, who received a huge vote of confidence from Triple M Radio commentator and North Melbourne great Carey during the match.
"He's in a position now where he's starting to believe in his kicking and his marking," Malthouse said.
"Big blokes, we tend to cast them aside pretty early.
"If you've got the patience and you think there's a flicker there, you've got to stick with it and go through a bit of pain.
"And I'd say the club's been through a bit of pain with Levi in regard to his inconsistencies.
"This year he's had less of them and he's had a bigger impact when he's played.
"He would be as close to anyone who's had a major improvement from last year."
Carlton's cohesive look up forward isn't going to help the chances of Jarrad Waite winning his place back in the senior side, although Malthouse says he's leaving his options open for next Saturday night's SCG clash against Sydney.
"So (if) Jarrad plays well, he earns his spot. He's a class player, same with Jeff Garlett," Malthouse said.
Malthouse said he was confident Andrew Carrazzo (tight quad) and Troy Menzel (sore shoulder) would be in the mix for selection this week, after both were injured during Sunday's game.
The Saints face North Melbourne in Hobart next Saturday.
St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said his side weren't prepared to roll their sleeves up and work hard enough after halftime.
"We got what we deserved," he said.
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