The “benchmark” for tackling pressure and hard-ball-gets has been set, according to Carlton youngster Nick Graham.
Although Carlton lost to premiership contender Sydney last Friday night, the team took a huge step in the right direction, which they hope to build on this Saturday afternoon against Adelaide.
Graham, who had a game-high seven tackles against the Swans, says interim coach John Barker has urged the players to attack the ball and the opposition.
“John placed a lot of emphasis on our tackling pressure and hard ball gets,” Graham told Crocmedia on Wednesday.
“Obviously over the last couple of weeks they’ve been lacking a little bit, so they were our two big ticket items coming into the game.”
These two "big ticket items” will also be the main focus when Carlton takes on Adelaide at the ‘G on Saturday.
“If we keep improving on those areas … bring the effort and tackling pressure, it will hold the team in good stead,” Graham said.
“John is very clear in his message and very clear to the players about what he wants to work on and improve on."
The young midfielder, who has been in and out of the senior team this season, hopes he can cement a spot in the Blues’ line-up.
“Hopefully I can string a few games together now and really start to hit my straps and understand what it takes to be an AFL footballer," he said.
