After a gutsy and spirited win against Geelong on Sunday, assistant coach John Barker says the coaching group is “really proud” of the team’s efforts. 

With two players down halfway through the first quarter, including captain Marc Murphy, the Blues fought hard until the final siren, walking away 19-point winners over the top-four contenders.

“It was a pretty solid performance from the boys yesterday – we’re really proud of them,” Barker told RSN on Monday. 

Although the weekend’s win positions Carlton just one game outside the eight, alongside Port Adelaide and Melbourne, Barker emphasised the Blues know their focus is all about improvement and development. 

“We know we’re five and five, but it’s about us as a group and our own growth, as well as holding equilibrium regardless of whether we win or lose, ensuring what we’re doing is on an upward trajectory. 

“We set about changing some things late last year and we’ve continued to do that over the pre-season, and so far we’re seeing some of those signs of growth and we’re hopeful they keep going.”  

Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer returned to the team after spending a week on the sidelines with a knee injury, and his influence was massive. 

Remarkably, just a week and a half after having keyhole surgery, ‘Kreuz’ became the first player over two metres tall to have 12 tackles and eight clearances in a game, and it didn’t go unnoticed.   

“He wasn’t quite jumping as well has he had been, but his competitiveness once the ball hit the deck was second-to-none – his pressure was red hot,” Barker said.

Carlton will be hoping its list is fit and firing this weekend, as the Blues face off with the Brisbane Lions this Saturday afternoon at Etihad Stadium.