Unfortunately the news has been rather blue for Carlton this week, in the wake of Sunday's disappointing loss.
Here’s a summary of Carlton stories in the news today:
Malthouse can rebuild Carlton, says Stephen Kernahan
The Age - Caroline Wilson
Carlton president Stephen Kernahan has backed Mick Malthouse to rebuild the struggling Blues, conceding his club is ''a fair way off'' the top four.
Kernahan refused to give details of his club’s most recent board meeting, at which Malthouse delivered a brutal assessment of Carlton’s list, declaring the Blues boasted five ''A-graders'' and that no side could be expected to challenge for the top four without at least eight.
''What’s said at the board meeting, that’s private,'' he said on Monday. "But look, Mick ... if he hadn’t said it to us, he would have said as much on what he saw last night. Quite clearly that was a major issue, what we served up last night to our members and our supporters.
Carlton has been here before but can it escape one more time?
The Australian – Patrick Smith
By now Carlton will know all of its faults and have all of its answers. That’s what Mondays are for in football. Analysis by media. Talkback radio that never stops, so many television review shows they topple into and over one another. And a social media more slanderous than helpful.
Invariably it involves sacking somebody. Normally the coach goes first but by lunch the list is not much chop either and needs to be tipped on its head, by evening the board is seen as full of self-indulgent cheer leaders and the recruiters wouldn’t know a footballer from a watermelon.
Flailing Carlton Blues look to all corners for success
The Australian – Courtney Walsh
A mixture of Blues young, old and new is certain to be considered for Carlton’s clash with Melbourne on Saturday in the fallout from Sunday night’s embarrassment at the MCG.
The Blues were savaged after a pitiful effort against Essendon that leaves it sitting 15th on the ladder and one of four sides without a victory.
Carlton remains winless and lacks the weaponry to contend against the best in the competition
Herald Sun – Mark Robinson
The Blues are 0-3, have a list which lacks real weaponry and a coach who is facing his greatest challenge since starting at Collingwood in 2000.
It was supposed to be so different.
Remember the enthusiasm when Malthouse was appointed?
Carlton captain Marc Murphy says coach Mick Malthouse has worked wonders for the embattled Blues
Herald Sun – Sam Landsberger
Carlton captain Marc Murphy last night said the Blues players had faith in coach Mick Malthouse as the club confronted the fallout from Sunday’s disastrous loss to arch rival Essendon.
The 81-point thrashing leaves the embattled Blues facing a crunch game against Melbourne, also winless in 2014, at the MCG on Saturday.
Murphy said the players were “right behind Mick”.
Blues promise more aggression against Dees
AFL.com.au – Nat Edwards
Carlton captain Marc Murphy has promised Blues' fans a more "aggressive" performance against Melbourne at the MCG this weekend following Sunday night's 81-point thrashing at the hands of arch-rival Essendon.
The Carlton leadership group convened a players' meeting after the defeat to discuss where they had gone wrong and will now work to bounce back on Saturday against the Demons.
Marc Murphy says Carlton 'let itself down'
The Age – Daniel Cherney
Carlton skipper Marc Murphy says he feels "embarrassed" by his side's woeful showing against Essendon.
The Bombers pulverised the Blues by 81 points on Sunday night, and the Blues captain said a similar performance could not be repeated.
"We let ourselves down as a team, as a club and for our members it was extremely disappointing," Murphy said outside Visy Park on Monday morning.
Worst loss I've ever been part of: Jamison
AAP – Ben McKay
Carlton defender Michael Jamison has declared Sunday night's 81-point loss to Essendon the worst defeat he has ever experienced.
The Blues were outclassed across the ground and were never in the game against Essendon after a six goals to none first quarter.
They lost every quarter and have awoken on Monday to stinging criticism from pundits and fans alike.
"It's certainly the worst loss I've been involved in," deputy vice-captain Jamison said.