CARLTON midfielder David Ellard says a heart to heart between teammates following last week's heavy loss to Collingwood steered the side towards its belting of arch-rival Essendon.
The Blues smashed the Bombers by 76 points at the MCG on Friday night - six days after being humbled at the same ground.
Ellard, who was part of that losing Blues outfit, said the players had an open discussion about their performance the day after.
"We obviously got down and got to a few truths," Ellard said of the Sunday gathering.
"We had a bit of an honesty session which was good.
"We just all got together and put it out on the table what we felt.
"I suppose every club has them throughout the year, and we had ours. We just knew that we had to bounce back physically and stand up for each other."
Ellard admitted the blowtorch had been applied to everyone at Carlton in the lead-up to Friday night's clash.
That made the 23.11 (149) to 9.19 (73) result all the more satisfying.
"To bounce back was really good," Ellard said.
"There was a lot of pressure from inside and outside of the club.
"We made sure there were 22 contributors and everyone played their role.
"We came tonight and just knew we really had to have a crack ... that's the sort of footy we can play if everyone comes with the right mindset. It's a step in the right direction."
Ellard played a significant role on Friday night.
The 21-year-old said he was given more licence to hunt the footy in his fourth match - his game-high seven clearances and 14 possessions repaying the faith coach Brett Ratten showed in his ability to win the ball.
While Ellard booted a crucial third-term goal, his efforts in curbing the influence of Essendon captain Jobe Watson were perhaps more influential.
Watson had 13 disposals to half time but finished the match with just 20.
Ellard had returned to the line-up in his home state when Carlton took on West Coast at Subiaco in round 17.
After stringing together some impressive performances he hopes he is on his way to becoming a regular member of Ratten's side.
"I'm feeling a lot more comfortable now," he said.
"I've just got to play my part each week. Whatever the coach asks, you'll give it your all - that's all you can do."
