Mick Malthouse believes poor decision making has been his side’s Achilles heal this season. 

The Blues have lost six games by a margin of 15 points or less this season, including last Thursday’s five-point defeat at the hands of Fremantle. 

In his weekly message to Carlton members, Malthouse said while they were beaten by a better team, his men weren’t far off the mark. 

"They are a wonderful football side Fremantle,” Malthouse said. 

"They’ve been up and about for a number of years – particularly being what they are with the age and their experience – they are a very good football side, so we knew we were in for a tough, hard game. 

"I thought we met that challenge very, very well. I thought the players played with confidence in one another to try to win the game ... It was over the game that we made just enough mistakes to keep them in the game and ultimately at the end we just took some wrong options.”

In some positive signs for the Blues, Malthouse said he believed the match was the best one Dale Thomas has played in the navy blue jumper so far, while Cameron Wood was good at ground level as well as in the ruck. 

The Blues take on the Gold Coast at Etihad Stadium this weekend as the Suns battle for a spot in the top eight. The Carlton coach is hoping his team can rain on the Suns’ parade and finish off the year with some solid wins. 

To receive Mick Malthouse’s weekly message to members sign up for Carlton membership. Visit http://membership.carltonfc.com.au