Carlton coach Michael Voss has stated "the ladder doesn't lie" following Sunday's win over Essendon that has lifted his side into second on the ladder, but the Blues boss is well aware of "how quickly things can change".
Carlton jumped ahead of the Bombers in the league standings thanks to a 26-point win at the MCG, with Voss' men claiming their ninth win of the year.
From Round 4 to their most recent win, the Blues have played every side currently sitting in the top 10 - amassing seven wins and three losses in that period.
Their spot near the summit comes 12 months on from Carlton sitting in 15h on the ladder after Round 13 with just four wins to their name at this stage of the season.
While Voss can see the positives from that juxtaposition, the Blues coach knows how easily the competition can turn on well-placed sides too.
Speaking after his club's latest win, Voss said his side is deserving of its ranking after a challenging open half to their campaign.
"It shows you how quickly things can change. Don't take for granted where you are," Voss said.
"We've earned our right to get here. I look at where the season is at and our consistency, we've had good visibility on the competition compared to what we've played against.
"I think out of our last 11 rounds we've played all of the top 10, so we've got a clear visibility of where we are and what we've got to get to work on.
"There are still some gaps you need to address, but you'd say with the things we had to get to work on from earlier in the year till now that we're certainly producing a lot more consistent performance.
"We are where we deserve, the ladder doesn't lie. We've had to do it with some challenges, it hasn't been smooth sailing. But with that has come opportunity to try a few things, and as it's turned out there's been a couple of roles that have emerged."
The Blues remain a good chance to hold onto second spot following their upcoming Round 14 bye, with trailing clubs Essendon and Geelong also scheduled for a break this week.
Carlton will likely bank on their week off to freshen up their squad, with key forward Harry McKay hoping to have avoided any damage to his shoulder in Sunday's win.
The Coleman medallist came from the field in the second half of the game and underwent testing before having his shoulder strapped and returning to the field, with the club to further assess the concern in the coming days.
The Blues coach couldn't offer detail on the ailment post-game, but McKay's ability to play out the evening, coupled with the club's bye, falls in their favour.
"We'll assess that, he obviously got hit in the shoulder," Voss said.
"[Medical staff] assessed that in the last quarter, he was able to strap that and come back on.
"But for me to be able to form a prognosis, I don't know, I'll have to wait till Monday to find that out."
Defender Mitch McGovern wasn't able to see out the match ith a suspected leg injury and is another Blues player who is likely to be monitored over the next week.
Carlton will return to the field against Geelong at the MCG on Friday, June 21 to open Round 15.