Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has urged Blues members and supporters to stick with the team in the wake of Sunday night's loss to Essendon.

The 81-point hiding has left Carlton still chasing its first win of the season.

In his weekly update to Carlton members, Malthouse said the loss was “horrendous” … and the team knows it.

“We know collectively we’ve got to be better, we owe it to our great supporters who have been there for a long, long time,” Malthouse said.

“You pull a Carlton jumper on, we expect (you) to play like a Carlton player, and unfortunately we let you down.” 

The senior coach refused to make excuses, saying the simple fact is that Essendon was too good and his Blues couldn’t get back in the game.

But he says they can’t afford to dwell on the match, and must look ahead to Round 4.

“We’ve analysed the game – not a lot of good came from it, we’re first to admit that,” Malthouse said.

“However, I know our boys are better than that; they know they’re better than that.”

The only positive Malthouse said he was able to take from the weekend was that the Northern Blues had a win in their Round 1 VFL match.

Young guns Patrick Cripps and Nick Graham pressed their case for senior selection, gathering 34 and 24 disposals respectively, while veteran Heath Scotland was also a standout with 29 possessions.

Tom Temay – who is yet to make his Carlton debut – booted four goals, while new Blue Sam Docherty finished with 21 touches in his first match back from injury.  

It will leave Carlton’s match committee with some tough decisions ahead of Saturday’s clash with Melbourne at the MCG.