As good as Chris Judd was late in Carlton's tight win over St Kilda, coach Brett Ratten is heartened that this time it was not just the skipper lifting the Blues home.

Judd's extraordinary performance at the SCG the previous weekend ensured a tight win over Sydney.

But, after falling in nail-biters in cut-throat finals in the past two seasons, Ratten feels the spread of contributors in Monday night's three-point win over the Saints is a more healthy sign.

He said it was the type of match his side would have lost in the past.

"We've been in those spots where we've had to fight and dig and find the will to win," Ratten said.

"That's showing through the group that we've matured a little bit as a team across the board.

"It's not just Chris Judd standing up and doing what he has to do, I think the credit has to go to a lot of men in the team, not just one individual.

"I thought his performance last week was outstanding.

"But this week I thought (Michael) Jamison and (Nick) Duigan and (Bryce) Gibbs on (Brendon) Goddard was outstanding, (Chris) Yarran's first half was brilliant, there were a lot of players that played their part and did a great job."

Ratten said it was the sort of win that would build confidence throughout the playing group.

While the Blues lost Ed Curnow to an AC joint injury, their mood will be further boosted by the imminent return to football of ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

Ratten said Kreuzer, out since injuring his knee in round 13 last year, could play in the VFL as soon as next weekend, although it might be a week later.

"We haven't fully decided which way we'll go there, but he's within a week or two of playing," Ratten said.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP