UP FOR the challenge. 

With a weekend to digest the Collingwood win, Carlton is firmly looking ahead to a date with the fifth-placed St Kilda on Sunday afternoon. 

While six wins in a row might bring a smile to Blues’ fans, AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss - speaking to media on Thursday morning - wants his players to “stay on edge”, particularly against a team that had its measure earlier this season.

“Some separation between the game and when we start our week again probably puts the game back in its place where it belongs, and you get to shift your focus forward on what to do next,” Voss said. 

“We’re walking in with a really healthy respect with every opponent.”

Wins on the board definitely help the confidence factor Voss admitted, but he also believes the Blues are learning some tough lessons along the way on what is and isn’t their best football. 

Regardless of whether it’s a winning or losing streak, Voss wants to be done with those conversations and focus on the now.

“Some of the end results are always a nice confirmation: it’s harder to build confidence and belief if the results aren’t going your way. We’ve got a really strong feel on what it doesn’t look like and we’ve got a really strong feel on what it does look like,” he said. 

“We validate what worked through those times and what didn’t work, we’ve told that part of the story and we need to keep moving forward and keep our eyes in and on the lessons we've learnt through that.” 

Turning to the Saints, Voss was firm on the threat that they can bring to the competition, urging others to not underestimate their position on the ladder. 

Knowing what challenges they bring, Voss was preparing for a tough outing when it comes down to it on Sunday. 

“Ross [Lyon] himself has said that the ladder doesn’t lie and they’ve been in really solid form, they have a great body of work and that’s what we pay attention to,” he said. 

“The Saints have certainly stated their case, fifth on the ladder playing a home game and they’re going to be close to full strength, so we have to make sure we’re ready.” 

One aspect of the game that has impressed Voss over the last week is the forward setup, particularly acknowledging the work of Jack Martin and his role that can occasionally go unnoticed in the chaos. 

“I’m very confident with what Jack Martin can do, there’s never been any question mark here,” he said.  

“Clearly his presence out there makes others walk taller. He’s tough — he probably doesn’t get called that a lot, but we love having him there.

“He can be a terrific leader for us, but we’re not asking him to do any more than he’s doing right now – he’s really gelling with that forward mix and he’s getting his job done.”