Ablett picked up 33 possessions (14 kicks, 19 handballs) and four goals in helping set up the Cats' 19 goal win at Optus Oval.

Senior coach Mark Thompson was on hand to watch 18-year-old Ablett turn it on.

``I thought Ablett was terrific,'' Thompson said yesterday.

Former Bomber Steven Johnson also enhanced his chances of a senior recall with six goals from full forward.

Talls David Mensch and Cameron Mooney booted three apiece, while Danny O'Brien was good in the midfield and Tim McGrath strong in defence.

VFL coach Ron Watt described the 24.16 (160) to 6.10 (46) win as the team's best for the season.

``You know you're playing well when you're 15 goals up and blokes are diving to save goals,'' Watt said.

``We were out of the blocks quick and just did not relent.

``We completely dominated Carlton and I'd say we won in every position on the ground.''

Watt said first year player James Bartel was serviceable in the midfield and young ruckman Paul Chambers was a clear winner in the ruck after seeing off three opponents.

The win gave the Cats outright second place on the ladder after Coburg was beaten by seven goals by the Murray Kangaroos.

Ladder leader Box Hill almost stumbled against lowly Tasmania, playing out a draw at Ulverstone in Tasmania.

The Cats have a bye next weekend before hosting Port Melbourne at Skilled Stadium.