Carlton captain Marc Murphy has credited the Club's coaching staff with helping him grow in confidence as a leader. 

The 26-year-old, who is in his second year as skipper, has led by example on the field this season. He leads Carlton's tackle count and fantasy football scores, and is narrowly second to Kade Simpson in total disposals. 

While Murphy admits he is fully aware of recent external criticism of the team's leadership, he has told the Seven Network's Talking Footy that it's to be expected when the side isn't performing. 

"When you're a big club like Carlton and you're not winning games, then the heat is going to come on the guys at the top – and that's fair enough," Murphy said. 

"But I think I'm starting to work into some good form now and the boys are starting to put some good performances together."

It was a more cohesive and consistent Blues outfit that beat the Saints by 32-points at Etihad Stadium last night.  

Murphy gathered 32-possessions in the win, while leadership group members Bryce Gibbs (38), Kade Simpson (36) and Brock McLean (29) chimed in with solid showings. 

The Carlton captain says it's evidence his leadership team is rising to the challenge.  

"The rest of the guys in the leadership group, we're all putting our hand up, and it's great to see other guys in the leadership group tonight like Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson play some really good footy for us and get plenty of the ball," Murphy said.

"So we all need to out our hand up – you can't just leave it to one bloke."

Meanwhile, last night's 38-disposal effort by Gibbs was the second-most prolific performance of his 163-game career. 

The 25-year-old continues to be the subject of free agency speculation. 

But Murphy says he fully expects Gibbs to stay put at Visy Park. 

"I've spoken to Bryce a fair bit over the last few weeks," Murphy said. 

"The heat's always  going to keep on coming on Bryce until he signs, but I think we'll see him in a navy blue jumper for four or five years – hopefully – at least to come."