A quick message after the Hawthorn game last Friday night. For all at Carlton, it was hard to watch. Obviously we were comprehensively beaten by a powerful side in rare form. But we want to assure our members that we don't just wipe it and accept that sort of performance as 'part and parcel' of our development process.

Emotion aside, the game clearly demonstrated where we are at, and it showed where they are at (and of course where we want to be). We recognise that and we understand that our team is currently depleted, and that there will inevitably be some bumps along the way. But we have to learn from it and importantly ensure that those results are not taken as 'the norm'.

Clubs – and in particular players – must value every single game of AFL football. Which means we've still got an important six weeks ahead of us, especially in terms of individual responses and performances.

Briefly, the search for our new senior coach continues. After an exhaustive process of scouring lists, names, references and referrals – we have undertaken a series of preliminary interviews with potential candidates. Those preliminary discussions have centred on assessing the candidates’ 'fit' with our Club and our needs. That is, their personal qualities, experiences and their capacity to be able to specifically lead and develop.

We have been asked many times about the names of potential candidates. While a couple of other clubs have revealed their hand regarding a potential candidate coming from their ranks, it's our concrete policy that we won't talk about any names – out of respect for those people and the process.

What we can say however, is that from the 150+ currently active coaches, development coaches, and indeed ex-coaches – as well as the emerging 20 or so who we have engaged in discussions – there are several who emerge as strong candidates for our Club. We will take them through as rigorous a process as we can, and later next month should be in a position to make a call on it.

Hope to see you at the footy for the North game on Saturday night – another against a top eight team. We'll be looking for a strong on-field response – and everyone's support at the game would be appreciated and obviously very helpful.