"Has been an interesting week for both clubs - Melbourne has certainly been on the end of plenty in the media and we have also copped our criticism - and ours was deserved.
"Talk about it all we want - only actions will change things and we expect to see a change today," Kernahan said at the official pre-match function at the MCG.
Kernahan said last week against Adelaide was disappointing last week and the injury to Marc Murphy, who had surgery on his shoulder on Monday, made it worse.
"Murphy will be in a sling for 4 weeks and his return is expected to be 8 to 10 weeks, not season ending as reported by some media trying to sensationalize matters," Kernahan said.
Adding to the occasion was the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the 1987 Carlton premiership, Carton's 15th.
"It is fantastic to have nearly all players from the 1987 premiership here today. Hard to believe it is nearly 25 years since we celebrated the Grand Final victory over Hawthorn.
"It is important we continue to recognise our history and celebrate important milestones. However the most important thing right now is for the 2012 team to create their own positive history, starting today," Kernahan said before the guests heard from Wayne Johnston and Mark Naley two of the Blues premiership players in 1987
