THE DEATH of billionaire benefactor Richard Pratt cast a pall over Carlton's preparation for Saturday's clash with Hawthorn but coach Brett Ratten pledged his team would honour the memory of the former president on an ongoing basis.

"It's going to be a motivating force for 2009," Ratten said at Visy Park on Wednesday.

"Every week that we play, our thoughts will be with Dick and what he's done for our club. This year maybe we can achieve something with his support and that will go for every year that we play footy.

"The biggest thing we could probably do for Dick is to get another four points and maybe keep our position on the ladder where it is. I think that would give him some satisfaction."

Ratten's regular weekly media conference was preceded by an appearance by current president Stephen Kernahan who wished to publicly pass on the club's deepest sympathies to the family and express his gratitude for the years of devotion on the club's behalf.

"He's been a fantastic supporter of this footy club for many years. We're feeling his loss across the board," Kernahan said.

"What he did for this club will guarantee that his legacy will continue. As a member of the board I'm here to say that that legacy will go on. It's really close to our hearts to make sure that happens.

"In early 2000 we were on our knees and it wasn't getting much better. When Dick came along the hail storm shut down and the sun came out there's no doubt about that."

Kernahan said the club was looking at a few things to permanently commemorate Pratt's involvement with the former president's family.