MANY experts have narrowed their premiership field to five teams but Carlton coach Brett Ratten says observers shouldn’t discount his men.
The Blues fell from fifth to seventh on the back of a 12-goal hammering from the Adelaide Crows in round 22.
As a result, Carlton now faces a cut-throat elimination final against the Brisbane Lions on enemy territory.
Pundits and bookmakers alike believe the battle for the flag is likely to be fought between the top four and Adelaide.
But Ratten, whose side won 13 matches in the home and away rounds and claimed some big scalps, doesn’t necessarily agree.
From his own experiences he knows anything is possible in September, with his view only further strengthened following an address by former Blues premiership coach David Parkin on Monday.
Parkin spoke to Carlton’s playing group on Monday and his words only added to belief in the Blues’ camp.
“If you’re in it, you’re a chance,” Ratten said on Tuesday morning.
“Anything’s possible. Even David [Parkin] was speaking about Carlton’s success in finals as a club.
“We’re a dangerous commodity when we’re in there, we’re a dangerous opposition when we get in there.
“It’s a new season, opportunity arises … I think this is a stepping stone and for our group the ambition was to play finals but now another window opens for us.”
Carlton skipper Chris Judd, sitting alongside his coach, said Parkin – who coached the Blues to the 1995 flag – had inspired his team with a few “key messages”.
Club president Stephen Kernahan, who captained that premiership team, also addressed the Blues at a dinner following last week’s loss.
He emphasised the need for each player to have an impact when it was his turn, a notion supported by the senior coach.
“I think he really hit the mark with the 22 contributing in the game,” Ratten said.
“Having their [own] moment or just to make sure we don’t fall away … the great thing about finals football is reputations can be built.
“As a team or a player, your reputation can actually take a big jump in the footy world … hopefully our reputation takes another step forward.”
