Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says his side has tried everything to lift its spirits in recent weeks but he concedes confidence remains low.

The Blues slumped to equal bottom on the ladder after a nine-point loss to Brisbane at Etihad Stadium yesterday.

In his weekly message to Carlton members Malthouse said there are no excuses, but he believes the players were trying.

“I generally thought that the effort was there – we were beaten by a side that was just as desperate, so we find ourselves now equal bottom and a task in front of us,” Malthouse said.

“I guess one of the things about life is that if you accept your lot you’re gone and if you don’t, well do something about it, and that’s us – we have to do something about it.”

Malthouse says there were some positives to take from the weekend including four goals to Levi Casboult and a win for the Northern Blues.

Carlton could also regain several key players from injury ahead of Saturday’s match against Greater Western Sydney, including Matthew Kreuzer. Kreuzer returned from injury in the VFL and kicked two goals in the Northern Blues’ win over Frankston.

To receive Mick Malthouse’s weekly message to members, sign up for Carlton membership. Call 1300 CARLTON or visit membership.carltonfc.com.au