“I THINK we know as a playing group we’re better than that.”
There was no sugarcoating the 13-point loss to an undefeated Geelong on Saturday afternoon, with midfielder Matt Kennedy saying the group was as disappointed as AFL Senior Coach Michael Voss in his post-match press conference.
Going in with a mindset of whole-team defence and playing your role, hallmarks of the Blues throughout Voss' tenure, Kennedy admitted they didn’t live up to their own standards.
However, he said the team was determined to rectify those issues this week against the old enemy in Collingwood.
“We went after a few standards, especially defensive standards throughout the week: we didn’t live up to those,” Kennedy said.
“As players, we felt his disappointment and agreed with him. I think that’s something we’ve gone to work on this week together as a playing group.”
Carlton and Collingwood is always a blockbuster event on the AFL calendar, and it’s sure to be a packed-out MCG on Friday night when the Blues look to redeem themselves from last week’s disappointment.
The enormity of the occasion isn’t lost on the current Blues, with Kennedy noting the passion and rivalry is still alive and well at IKON Park as the teams approach their 265th encounter.
“We’ve had a few past players that have come in and spoken to us before the games in the past. I think when you hear some of these old legends come back and talk, you can really hear the passion in their voice and almost hear the hatred towards each other,” he said.
“I love that build up and that’s what footy is all about.
“To be able to play in front of these big crowds and in these big games, it’s pretty awesome. We definitely don’t take it for granted.”
Acknowledging the Pies’ ability to transition the ball from end to end and their pressure at the source, the 27-year-old was certain that his midfield group would have a great challenge on their hands.
While clearances were no issue for the Blues last week, Kennedy said their ability to get back and defend was their main focus for Friday night.
“[Collingwood are] a great outfit, we know they love to go through the corridor and play that aggressive footy but I think their scramble around the contest is also really elite,” he said.
“I know us midfielders, our reaction to get back and help and support the defenders wasn’t good enough on the weekend.
“We went to work on a few things as a midfield group but I’m sure every line did as well – we’ve definitely got an intent to come out and defend harder.”
As Carlton looks to make history with five straight MCG crowds with over 80,000 people, another milestone reached during the week brought a smile to the Collingullie product.
With the Club reaching 100,000 members for the first time in its 160-year history, father-to-be Kennedy was chuffed to be involved with such an occasion, saying seeing the uptick in younger supporters and families coming to the footy made winning games even sweeter.
“I think the passion has always been there, but what we’re starting to find is that next generation, we’re starting to inspire and definitely starting to see a lot more youth and that’s great,” he said.
“When you see a family come to the game, and it’s a good win and see a family on the sidelines celebrating together, I think that’s quite special as a player to see you’re playing a role in a family childhood memory.
“They’re definitely the loudest they’ve ever been so it’s pretty awesome."
