FOUR games left in the home-and-away season.
The Blues have another four rounds to prove themselves and - according to Zac Fisher - they aren't looking too far ahead, with the focus firmly set on the remaining games against Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Collingwood respectively.
In what is a challenging run home on paper, Carlton will be looking to finish strong, with Fisher noting that the side wasn't going to be looking at where things could lead until that time comes.
Rather, the next big challenge is whatever game is in front of them.
“I don’t think we can afford to [look at finals],” Fisher said.
“I think we have to just play what’s in front of us: we do have a tough run at the end so there’s no point looking too far ahead.”
Adelaide will post a tricky assignment for Carlton at a venue it has never triumphed at, while Brisbane, Melbourne and Collingwood all currently sit in the top four.
Fisher noted that it will be beneficial for the Blues to take on these sides late in the season, with the potential of playing them once again just a few weeks later should things fall accordingly.
“If you do play finals, you do have to play those teams in the end. I don’t think it’s a disadvantage playing those teams earlier in the year, because you know where you’re at,” he said.
“We haven’t been in this position for a fair while so we’re all excited. We do have a tough draw to finish off but we’re excited for the challenge.”
Michael Voss reiterated this sentiment after the loss to the Cats, stating that it was a good time to measure themselves up against a contender in the business end of the season.
Not many Blues have had the chance to play finals footy, but Fisher said he is confident that the leadership around the Club will hold them in good stead going forward.
“There’s not many of us that have finals experience,” he said.
“I think the way Paddy Cripps goes about his footy and Sam Docherty, they’re very consistent players and I think we’re going to lean on them when it comes to finals time.
“I think you’d be silly not to pick [Voss’] brain like that – he’s well equipped to tell us whatever he’s been through.”
From a personal standpoint, the versatile Fisher is having a career-best season, having played every game of the campaign so far.
Having slotted 15 goals so far (his most in a season) and averaging just shy of 20 disposals a game, Fisher has been influential around the ground, with his kicking penetration and pace a highlight of his game.
For Fisher, having the opportunity to play around the ground has been a big growth area for him, enjoying being able to help out his teammates wherever he can.
“I think the key to my year this year has been my versatility,” he said.
“I’ve been playing a bit of wing, a bit of midfield and small forward so just being able to be used wherever ‘Vossy’ wants me and being able to do my job for the team.”
Having struggled with injury frustrations at times throughout his career, Fisher has now had a consistent run at the AFL level, being able to put in the work in pre-season that he hasn’t always been able to achieve.
“The body is holding up, which is allowing me to get the full benefit out of pre-season,” he said.
“I think it’s year six or seven now, so back-to-back pre-seasons are always nice and it’s always great to get 'Vossy' and Ash Hansen working with us.”
