Carlton cult hero Matt Cottrell’s surprise harmonica performance after the Blues’ win over GWS has been declared the best moment of the year.
The cult hero, who was among his side’s best with two goals and 16 disposals, shocked commentators and his coach by whipping out the unusual instrument just before they sung the team song.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Matt Cottrell’s harmonica steals the show
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Fellow players loved it as Cottrell flawlessly nailed the opening bars to the Billy Joel classic Piano Man before perfectly transitioning into the iconic ‘Da Da Da Da Da’ which prompted teammates to join in.
While players appeared to be aware it was happening, coach Josh Fraser certainly wasn’t.
“I had no idea,” Fraser told Fox Footy
“But that doesn’t surprise me because ‘Cotts’ is a little bit different.”
Speaking on Sunday Footy Feast, Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes hailed it as the best thing he’s seen all year, reminding the Port Adelaide great of his grandfather.
“This is the best thing I’ve seen this year,” he said.
“Because my grandpa, who lived to 103, played the harmonica and it was a childhood memory that I’ll never forget.
“You don’t see many harmonicas. It’s not a cool instrument to play. So this was outstanding.
“He played well too. He’s important to them. He’s got a bit of sizzle about him.”
Cornes speculated that other teams might do something similar in the coming weeks.
“And you watch other teams come and copy that now,” he added.
“Maybe some drums or something came out or someone will pull out the guitar, the piano, the keyboard. I don’t know.”
After losing eight of nine games under former coach Michael Voss, the Blues are 12th (six wins, eight losses), sitting outside the top 10 on percentage.
Fraser labelled Saturday’s win over the Giants as the best he’s seen the Blues play so far — not that he’s thinking of finals just yet.
“We haven’t openly spoken about that (finals),” Fraser said.
“My experience suggests that once you start to lift your eyes too much, you can take your focus away from what’s got you into a position where you have shown signs of improvement.
“I’m really comfortable that that’s our path forward. Games like this evening continue to build belief.
“It’s always hard to compare, but probably some recency bias, I thought it was as well as we’ve played.”
Fraser — who is “trying to have fun’‘ — is still adamant he hasn’t entertained a long-term future as Carlton’s coach.
“Apart from answering the question, which I’m happy to continue to do, I haven’t lifted my eyes at all,” he said.
“I’m trying to (have fun). It wasn’t as fun at times tonight.
“You find joy in the wins, and for me, winning’s the outcome, but you find joy when you reflect on the process to get that result.”
— With AAP
