With all the champions they like to send us, we'll keep our end up.

The Carlton theme song has not been heard often in the past few years as the Blues endured their bleakest era. However after completing the signing of former West Coast champion Chris Judd yesterday that line, particularly, will be sung loudly and, most expect, far more often as the Blues' faithful return to the fold.

Judd's signing - even for a reported $6 million for five years - is an enormous coup. Inevitably it has been compared with Tony Lockett's move to Sydney and Ron Barassi's switch from Melbourne to Carlton.

Some might argue that, for all his accomplishments - Brownlow and Norm Smith medals, premiership captain - the 24-year-old Judd's name does not yet belong beside those other legends. However, in its symbolism, Judd's move ranks with any in the game's history.

Regardless of whether he can help restore the Blues on-field fortunes, from the moment Judd walked into Princes Park - earlier than yesterday judging by the posters of Judd in navy blue at his press conference - a club was transformed. Carlton were Carlton again.

Forgotten were the three recent wooden spoons, the taunts of "Blue beggars" that followed the debt-ridden club's humiliating need to gain financial assistance from the AFL, the supposed tanking for draft picks, the paltry attendances at games where once mighty Carlton were abandoned by fans who had grown up knowing only success.

The club famously patronised by Robert Menzies and Malcolm Fraser and, more notoriously, by John Elliott, could consider itself a sporting blueblood again. Even the manner in which this champion was "sent up" had a trace of old-style Carlton swagger.

That process started when billionaire Richard Pratt took on the presidency and poached Collingwood chief executive Greg Swann, who brought with him the knowledge gained during the Magpies' recent rise - including some close links with the Judd camp.

Which, for Blues fans, will only sweeten the Judd deal. Not only have they secured the services of the AFL's best player at a cut rate - giving up draft picks No.3 and No.20 and youngster Josh Kennedy in return for Judd and pick No.46 - they have gotten one over of their hated rivals Collingwood. Just as they did so often in the glory days of the 1970s and '80s.

For his part, a dispassionate Judd made a low-key entrance at a press conference yesterday. So exhaustive has the coverage been there seemed little left to add.

Judd said it had been a tough choice and all the clubs he met had impressed him. He had chosen Carlton because he wanted to help build something from the ground up. The groin injury that disrupted his season had already responded to surgery. He didn't want to be captain and hoped to earn his place for round one - something quickly assured by coach Brett Ratten.

And, for the celebrity pages, Judd said he read an article describing himself and girlfriend Rebecca Twigley as the Becks and Posh of Melbourne, and that was "not us". "I don't want to be a rock star," he said.

The big question now is whether the rest of the club can keep its end up. Adding Judd's brilliance to a midfield that will boast two No.1 draft picks Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs, as well as the experienced Nick Stevens, ensures Judd will not be a one-man band.

However, the pundits expect the Blues will not be true contenders until they bolster their defence and ruck divisions (this year's likely No.1 pick, ruckman Matthew Kruezer, will take time to develop). For now, the Carlton renaissance will be measured by a different index - the level of hatred they incite.

As a distant Eagle, Judd was so universally loved in his native Victoria that some supported the return of State of Origin just so they could see him wear the big V. Now he can expect to feel the fury of fans of rival clubs whose overtures were spurned or ignored altogether.

Melbourne, for whom Judd barracked as a child, were told their facilities were not good enough. Essendon were paid lip service. Collingwood were second best. Richmond, Hawthorn, St Kilda, the Western Bulldogs and the Kangaroos? Not even worth talking to.

That simplifies Judd's selection. But it will be the version remembered by opposition fans as Judd becomes the most vilified player in the AFL since Nathan Buckley moved from Brisbane to Collingwood in the mistaken belief he would have more chance to experience success.

It remains to be seen whether Judd will thrive as the subject of such bitter jealousy. But for his new club, it will be just like the good old days.