The Blues were back on the training track at Visy Park today, determined to bounce back from Sunday night’s loss to Essendon.

The team has just a six-day break before facing Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

Speaking on radio FIVEaa last night, coach Mick Malthouse said the team would be seeking redemption this week after letting Carlton supporters down. 

“The members, to me, are the most important people at a football club,” Malthouse said.

“We owe it to our supporters (and) our members, who are there all the time for us – we owe them a light that is shining and we know where we’re heading.”

Malthouse said his men put in solid training and preparation in the lead-up to Round 3, but come game day failed to put enough pressure on their opposition.

He says the test for players this week isn’t to just prepare physically – but to prepare mentally as well.

“You have the talented players with the skill level and the game plan, but then it gets down to straight mental preparation and mental strength,” Malthouse said.

“There’s no sin in failure, but the test of a man is to be able to get off the canvass.

“You may get knocked down again, but it’s a test to get up again, and that’s all mental.”

Malthouse said he was pleased that Carlton’s leadership group called a players-only meeting post match to address their poor performance.

The senior coach says he believes the players left that meeting with some resolve about what they must do as a group to turn things around; their challenge now is to put that into action.