Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has a reason to smile this week – not only is his side coming off its first win for the season, but also Malthouse is preparing to break Jock McHale’s record for the most games coached.

But in his weekly message to Carlton members Malthouse was determined to focus on the team, saying he is very pleased with the ways the Blues responded to a quarter-time deficit against the Saints.

“It was a great tribute to the Anzac cause in many respects that we didn’t lay down after being thumped in the first quarter by the Saints,” Malthouse said.

“I thought the boys showed some real G & D (guts and determination), led by Marc Murphy.

“It was a good result because of our consistency across the board.”

Young midfielder Patrick Cripps played his best game for the Blues on Anzac Day, gathering 33 disposals and laying 11 tackles.

Malthouse says he is “delighted” with the way Cripps is developing this year.

“We didn’t play him against West Coast so he was a bit sore, more to the point, he was able to rebound and come back and play some pretty good football for us … on the back of Chris Judd being out of the centre,” Malthouse said.

The Blues will be hoping to make it back-to-back wins when they take on Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night, in Malthouse's 715th game as a senior coach.

If you would like to receive Mick Malthouse's weekly message to members direct to your inbox, sign up for Carlton membership today. Call 1300 CARLTON or visit membership.carltonfc.com.au.