Carlton recruit Richard Hadley was one of seven players to play in their first victory for the Blues on the weekend, but the midfielder says this Sunday’s match against Melbourne is a bigger game for the team.

“We took a big step forward on the weekend as a team, but this [the Melbourne game] is going to be even bigger on the weekend for us to keep moving forward,” Hadley told carltonfc.com.au.

“We got a lot of positive things out of last weekend and we can quite easily take some steps back if we don’t stick together as a team and play well.

“It’s been a positive reinforcement that we can play some good footy as a team.”

Hadley said the win was “a weight off everyone’s shoulders". "I’ve only been here for the three games this year, but for the guys that have been there for the last few years, where things haven’t gone as well as hoped, it’s a great feeling for them.”

Hadley was full of praise for Carlton’s young team, “It’s a great group, it’s a young group and it’s a group that’s willing to learn. Hopefully with a bit of success it’s really going to go forward. Everyone’s eager to learn, there’s a great coaching group there and a great support base through Melbourne so its real exciting times.”

The Blues broke a 14 -game losing streak, but Hadley said the record - equaling run wasn’t a factor in the Blues' win.

“We never spoke about it; it was more about working on our game plan and working on what we had to do.”