Learning from their mistakes, sticking to their structures, and balancing defence and offence – they’re some of the areas the Blues will continue to work on according to Carlton skipper Marc Murphy. 

After hanging tough, but ultimately going down to the in-form Bulldogs last Saturday night at Etihad Stadium, Carlton hit the track this week to rectify parts of its game it needs to improve. 

“I think during the second quarter we were actually playing some good footy, it was just our polish and turnovers that really cost us, and against good sides like the Bulldogs you can’t afford to do that,” Murphy told RSN radio on Tuesday. 

“As long as you don’t keep making the same errors – that’s something Bolts is really big on – learning from your mistakes, showing action and that you’re working hard during the week to rectify the error.

“If we do this we’ll start eliminating those errors, giving opposition sides less chance to score against us.” 

The midfielder, who came off “second best” on Saturday night after headbutting Jordan Roughead’s knee, says he believes the type of footy the Blues are implementing will hold up against any team.

“Bolts has come in with a really strong idea about how we play football and a brand of football that he thinks, and I think, will hold up towards the pointy end of the season – when we eventually get there,” Murphy said. 

“I’ve really enjoyed the new style of playing and I think the boys are really starting to become accustomed to it, we haven’t seen the results, as in getting the four points yet, but we’ve been playing some really good footy at times.”

Attacking from the backline and looking structurally sound in defence is one area the Blues have worked tirelessly on during the pre-season, and in this case the results are starting to show.

“I think our supporters are starting to see a collective team defence, which the really good sides have got.

“It’s been six or seven months of a lot of hard work, but it’s a really exciting time because you feel like you’re starting to get the benefits of that hard work.”

In the first four rounds of the season, Carlton has held three of its four opponents to less than 100 points, a mighty effort considering teams scored more than 100 points against the Blues on 14 occasions last season. 

Jake Stringer, one of the Bulldogs’ most dangerous forwards, was kept goalless last week, thanks to the team’s defence and an impressive performance by Carlton debutant Lachie Plowman.

“Lachie had filled me with great confidence over the pre-season,” Murphy said. 

“Just his attitude around the place, he’s a big unit, he’s a really smart footballer and he’s composed. To come off a game and half in the VFL and then to come out and perform on the weekend was a really good effort.”

The Blues’ backline will be put to the test again this weekend, as the Blues prepare to travel west to take on the Dockers – Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne, Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne make for a potent forward line.

Fremantle, which is yet to win a game this season, will no doubt be looking to perform in front of its boisterous and loyal home crowd – a fact not lost on Murphy.

“It’s a big challenge going over there, obviously they’re (Fremantle) under the pump a little bit, but we’re looking forward to the chance of playing against them – they’ve got some really good footballers.

“Their side’s been down, but they’re still a really good football club so it’s a good challenge for us.”

Although it will be huge test for Carlton, Murphy is confident the Blues can take it right up to the Dockers if they keep to their structures.  

“We’ve been going into every game with a good plan through Bolts, knowing if we can stick to our system and structure that we can match it with anyone,” he said.

“I think we’ve shown in the games to date that when we do stick to that system and are composed with the football, we can make good decisions and play some good footy.” 

Carlton takes on Fremantle this Sunday afternoon at Domain Stadium, with the match kicking off at 4:15pm (AEST).

Don’t forget to book your tickets to Carlton’s Hall of Fame night, being held at the Athenaeum Theatre on 29 April. For more information on this prestigious event, click here