That’s resolution Carlton’s Andrew Walker says his team has made, following Saturday’s disappointing loss to the Western Bulldogs.
The Blues playing group held a team meeting early Monday to dissect the match.
Walker says it was an honest meeting, and the players want to be the ones to drive change.
“It’s not what we expect,” Walker said.
“Our desperation for the ball has to lift and just wanting success – we have to drive that a lot harder.
“Every player should be going out there for the same reason, and that’s to play finals football.”
Walker says that on a scale of one-to-10, Mick Malthouse’s anger was about a 9.5 following the match, but that’s “to be expected”.
Another aspect of the Blues game that Walker says must change is for players to give more protection to key midfielders, including captain Marc Murphy.
“He is our captain and all the boys look up to him and should be going out of their way to give him some protection,” Walker said.
“And it’s not just him (Murphy) – it’s Juddy and other guys who run through there and cop the tag every week."
Meanwhile Walker says he expects there will be changes to the team this week – at least two coming about through injury after Chris Judd and Matthew Watson were ruled out for the rest of the season.
A number of players from Carlton’s VFL affiliate the Northern Blues are pressing their case for selection, including David Ellard, who has just returned from injury.
Walker says Ellard is an inspiration.
“His determination and will to get back out on the football field is second to none.
“He’s one guy that I really admire for how hard he works. It’s an indication of his character and what other blokes should look at, in terms of character, and their willingness to play for each other.”
