FOR Carlton senior coach Daniel Harford, Sunday’s loss to old enemy Collingwood was a result of “enormous pressure.”

Speaking to media following the 15-point loss, Harford was quick to praise his Blues for levelling key statistics after a slow start at Ikon Park.

“We chased our tails, we gave away a couple of free kicks early and that was their two goals early,” Harford said.

“We didn’t deal very well with that, but in the second half we did equalise that pretty well and, in the end, gave ourselves a chance.

“Nine shots to nine is a pretty even game of footy, inside 50s were separated by one for the afternoon.”

Efficiency hindered the Blues' efforts to level the scores through the afternoon, finishing the day with six behinds.

“That was part of it, what they were able to do was use the outside of the contest really well, link up and run and carry the ball,” he said.

“When we had it, it seemed to be just more of a surge mentality which is not something we want to do, but it certainly was a result of the pressure they applied today.”

Former Magpie Nicola Stevens spent a second week in the forward line, a new role for the speedster in 2020.

Despite a quiet start to her career up forward, Harford is confident Stevens will become a key link inside 50 as the season progresses.

“I think she’s going to be really important for us in that position and we’re really keen to make that happen for her,” he said.

“She’s a real connector for us from mid to forward.

“She’s going to be really important for us and we will be encouraging that to continue for the rest of the season.”