Carlton co-captians Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty model with the clubs new co-major partner Great Southern Bank. Image: carltonfc.com.au
Carlton Co-Captains Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty are refusing to throw the towel in on season 2021 despite conceding that the Blues are “a long way behind the eight ball at the moment”.
At four wins, seven losses, and sitting 13th on the ladder, the Blues face the West Coast Eagles this Sunday in a relocated game at the SCG in what is a crunch game for both clubs.
After aggressive off-season recruiting, Carlton had stated pre-season that it was their goal to return to finals action this season for the first time since 2013.
Speaking to the media on Friday in Darling Harbour as the Blues confirmed Great Southern Bank as a new co-major sponsor, Docherty said while finals footy remains a goal, the focus is what comes up week to week.
“Every list has that goal [Finals football] in mind,” Docherty said.
“I think if you ask anyone here, that’s what we’re aiming for but we understand that we’re a long way behind the eight ball at the moment.
“Sitting where we are, we can’t have full focus on that, we have to focus on what comes up week to week.”
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Carlton have had their issues defensively this season, conceding over 100 points 6 times in 11 games this season.
Co-captain Patrick Cripps highlighted the issues in consistency in the Blues game and said the team is continuing to train and search for that answer.
“We’re still trying to search for that answer and that’s part of the journey as a team” Cripps said.
“Things don’t click straight away. You hear about all great teams when they reach the pinnacle and they talk about the journey and the learning process about that.
“We’re not getting results but it’s a great learning phase for our group.
“We know we’ve got to win those games. We have to tighten up our defence, but you can’t pinpoint one single thing, there are always little things that you’re always trying to improve.”
Cripps is on the verge of re-committing his future to the Carlton Football Club, turning his back on free agency and is set to reportedly sign a four-year deal.
“It’ll get done at some stage, just the timeframe I’m not too sure. We’re definitely on the same page with it all,” Cripps said.
“Myself, my manager, the club have been in constant dialogue, and what I’ve said the whole time throughout the year is that I’m very happy at the club and I’m sure it’ll sort itself out soon.
“If you ask any of the players and leaders, you’ll see how committed I am to the club and really determined to keep taking this club forward. I’ve got a lot of belief in the playing group and the club in general about where we’re going.”
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