CARLTON supporters were left reeling on Sunday after the Blues were outclassed by GWS in enemy territory, falling 93-points short to the premiership contenders.

The Blues started the match on back foot after a poor first quarter and struggled to make an impact on the rampaging Giants thereafter. 

With the frustration of the weekend’s performance still fresh, Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd reflected on the defeat on SEN Breakfast on Monday morning. 

“You can’t sugar-coat it, it was a very disappointing performance,” said Lloyd. 

“Right from the first quarter we got smashed in the contest and got annihilated at the centre bounce. I’d say [to supporters] we’re disappointed and we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Yesterday’s performance was a departure from the Blues’ recent form, with five of their first nine games decided by 20-points or less.

Lloyd spoke on the aftermath of the loss as the players and coaches reconciled the performance.

“The discussion in the rooms was all about why has it happened and how can we step up in these moments and really show more leadership throughout the group,” he said.

“They’re soul-searching moments in the rooms. You’re shell-shocked really.”

Comparing yesterday’s outing to the Blues Round 7 clash with North Melbourne, Lloyd lamented the pattern of their season thus far.

“We need to be more stable; we can’t have the losses like North and GWS. We need to start getting over the line in games that we’re in,” he said.

“There’s been a pattern where we have lost tight games – Gold Coast, Hawthorn, last week against Collingwood – and we need to start nailing some of those tight games.”

The usually dependable skipper Patrick Cripps recorded a season-low 12 disposals against the Giants, essentially tagged out of action by Giant Matt De Boer.

“De Boer did a really good job on him,” he said of the skipper.

“We need to help him more, there’s no doubt in those situations. We’ve got to fly the flag for him.”