Carlton's most experienced player and its newest inclusion were able to celebrate contrasting milestones as the Blues stunned Melbourne with a 21-point AFL upset at Telstra Dome.

Carlton's surprising, but well-deserved, 13.15 (93) to 10.12 (72) victory was a fitting tribute to captain and star player Anthony Koutoufides, who brought up his 250th AFL game.

Perhaps more excitingly for Carlton supporters, the win also showcased the talents of some of their younger brigade, most notably No.1 draft pick Marc Murphy, the 18-year-old showing plenty of class.

Murphy kicked 1.1 and had a hand in setting up several other goals, picking up 17 disposals and taking five marks in all in a poised performance for a teenager playing his first match at AFL level.

It included a strong last quarter under pressure, as the Demons briefly threatened to get back into the game after trailing by 23 points at the last change.

The Blues would also have been delighted with the performances of some other, slightly more experienced, youngsters, particularly wingman Kade Simpson.

Simpson, 21, showed plenty of courage and class in marking contests and when the ball was at ground level, to pick up 22 disposals and be one of the Blues' best.

And promising 23-year-old key forward Jarrad Waite showed he could be ready to take another step this season with an exciting 10-mark performance, although his kicking was a bit off-target, with 3.4.

Plenty of Carlton's established stars also fired, in a reminder that the Blues do have some talent on their list, despite last year's wooden spoon and predictions that another one is on the way this season.

Full-forward Brendan Fevola kicked 5.3, while half-forward Heath Scotland took 11 marks and picked up 32 disposals in an excellent game.

Midfielder Nick Stevens displayed plenty of dash and skill, with good assistance from Ryan Houlihan.

In defence, Matthew Lappin was superb at reading the play, taking 13 marks to cut off Melbourne attacking moves, as well as regularly rebounding the ball to drive the Blues forward.

Lance Whitnall, at centre halfback, partnered him well, providing a formidable roadblock to the Demons, while fullback Luke Livingston did a solid job to keep Melbourne skipper David Neitz to 2.1

For Melbourne, which made an elimination final last season and would have expectations of going further this season, it was a very disappointing start to its 2006 campaign.

Brad Green and Cameron Bruce were among the Demons' best, along with half-forward Aaron Davey, who kicked three classy goals on a night when Melbourne found scoring difficult.

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