while continuing to play as a forward, an electrifying three goals in a quarter got Carlton back into the Round 8 match against Hawthorn. Toward the end of 2002, Houlihan began to play-off the half-back line, where his skill and run were used to set up forward thrusts. He played an important role off half back in the Round 21 victory against the Bulldogs, with 23 possessions and set up the winning goal. 2003 A change of coach and an improved pre-season saw Houlihan bigger and stronger and he spoke of feeling more confident under Denis Pagan and wanting to win more contested ball. Houlihan played all 22 matches in 2003, the highlight being the Round 3 victory over Essendon, in which he would gather a then career best 28 possessions, kick two goals and receive the three Brownlow votes. His goal in the last quarter, in driving rain, from a tight angle in the forward pocket, which would seal the win and be celebrated by a 'Chainsaw' maneuver, would be a career highlight. He kicked three goals in the Round 5 victory over the Kangaroos. A versatile player, able to play a variety of positions, Houlihan was moved from the forward line to defence in mid-2003, where he was played as a running half back, who was able to set up forward thrusts with precise kicking. He would spend the next three seasons in that role. He finished 2003 off well with a team and new career high 31-possession effort and was one of the few players to stand up in the Round 22 thrashing by the Kangaroos. His improved consistency saw him finish in the top 10 in the Best and Fairest and in the top four for disposals and kicks for the first time. He remained in the top 10 for average disposals and kicks every year from 2003–2010. At the end of 2003 Houlihan received a lucrative offer to join Melbourne Football Club but stayed loyal to Carlton and continued to do so for the remainder of his AFL career. 2004 Houlihan had another consistent year playing off halfback in 2004, managing 21 of 22 games (troubled by groin problems late in the season), again finishing in the top 10 in the Best and Fairest and in the top five for disposals, marks and kicks. 2005 Houlihan played his 100th game in season 2005 and became