“I THINK any win is always nice.”

To former-Docker Adam Cerra, winning over his old side wasn’t necessarily on his agenda, but admits the feeling is nice all the same. 

The ever-humble midfielder was diplomatic on playing against some of his best mates and the arm-wrestle of a game that the Blues’ faced at Adelaide Oval. 

“In footy sometimes it goes your way and sometimes it doesn’t, we've had our moments as well but we’ll take a win whenever we can,” Cerra said.  

“It was a tough game of footy and I thought the balls held up really well in the end to really own their moments late in the quarter and stay in the game.”

It’s been well documented from the likes of Patrick Cripps and Michael Voss that Carlton put a mountain of work into situation training - particularly close finishes in the last quarter -  proven with their last seven wins being decided by less than 10 points. 

The 24-year-old explained that the training has been so routine since Voss’ arrival that the group feels rather comfortable heading into a nail-biting finish. 

What helps the team build on these finishes week in and week out is the connection and communication between players that is being built at IKON Park, along with a team-first mentality. 

“For us, we train those moments a heap over the last two years so we feel quite comfortable - whether we’re down by a goal or up by a goal - that everyone gets their jobs done and plays their roles,” he said. 

“There are moments of brilliance: Charlie had a nice mark, went back and finished it, and a few big clearances from us.

“The set-up around the ball and everyone’s ability to connect, communicate and get their job done has been a massive growth area for us and it’s shown in all of our close games.”

The midfield group was instrumental in the final minutes of the Round 4 clash, winning centre clearances and bullying their opponents around the ball. 

One thing Cerra is excited about is potentially seeing Sam Walsh back in the fold, admitting it’s getting tough to hold back the determined 23-year-old in training sessions. 

Knowing the work rate and mindset of Walsh, Cerra has no issues with his seamless transition back into the team. 

“He’s been dominating training for the last couple of weeks, trying to play on him is pretty tough, I can’t wait to have him back on my side running amuck,” he said.  

“He’s been working extremely hard on his rehab, I know he’ll fit really well back in the side and the form he finished off with in the finals series last year is a reminder of what he can do.”