After defeating the Gold Coast Suns on the weekend, defender Sam Docherty has revealed Carlton's backline has been working on its offensive tactics.
Backmen Zach Tuohy and Dylan Buckley both scored goals in the Blues’ 34-point win and Docherty says it’s “been good” for the defenders to kick some goals.
“We’ve been focusing on that as a backline over the last few weeks to really step our game up offensively,” Docherty told 3AW on Monday.
“We feel like our defensive work has gotten pretty good over the last few weeks in terms of the team defence and also as the back six.
“As a back six we’ve been practicing taking the game on and we’ve wanted some backline boys to kick some goals so it’s been good,” he said.
After a rocky start to the season, the Blues, under John Barker, have managed to record back-to-back wins after the bye and create plenty of positivity around the club.
“It’s been good the last couple of weeks to get a few wins in a row," Docherty said.
“The team's got a bit more confidence in itself … so it’s definitely better coming into training when we’ve had a win."
Docherty praised the Blues’ big men, including Matthew Kreuzer and Cameron Wood who have played vital roles in Carlton’s victories.
“He’s (Kreuzer) just a competitor – he creates a contest wherever he is and plays a variety of positions like in the ruck or up forward.
“Cam Wood has been terrific for us all year and he battles away – having Kreuz back helps him out a bit too.”
As well as Kreuzer and Wood, Docherty says young players like Troy Menzel, Patrick Cripps and Nick Graham have all taken their games to the next level.
“There’s a lot of boys stepping up and shouldering the load rather than leaving it to a few,” he said.
Carlton's next challenge will be taking on the in form Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.