“WE JUST need to get better.”

It formed the foundation of Michael Voss’ address at last year’s John Nicholls Medal, and it’s clear that’s been the overriding message at IKON Park this summer.

That quote was from Aaron Hamill’s interview with SEN WA, where the assistant coach outlined where he sees the Blues’ improvement coming from leading into season 2023.

For Hamill, who returned to IKON Park 18 months ago as part of what was Voss’ all-new coaching group, he said that there were some key focus areas that Carlton had been addressing in recent months.

Rather than mentioning one specific aspect, Hamill said it was a case of adding layers to what had been introduced throughout 2022, in all modes and phases of the game.

“We need to be better with ball in hand, which will help us defend better.

“We’ve got to be able to take the moments in-game that present with ball in hand, in terms of when to go quick or cool our jets.

“In terms of our defence, we need to be more consistent with it — we showed patches and we climbed to eighth in points against, but we’re all chasing those top-four teams.

“That’s where we’re at: we need to make what we do more consistent until it becomes a habit. That’s been our real focus.”

Last year, all eyes were on the new individuals coming into Carlton and the impact they would make. However, as mentioned by Jacob Weitering last month, the stability at IKON Park has been a key change this year compared to previous.

However, when quizzed about two new draftees, Hamill mentioned his appreciation for the way draftees Jaxon Binns and Ollie Hollands had gone about their business in pre-season No.1.

“They cover the ground really well and they’re elite runners: in today’s game, which is such a transition game, they’re going to provide that,” he said.

“With the amount of kilometres these guys cover, it’s the speed they’ve got, the change of pace they’ve got, while they use the ball well and they’re composed under pressure.

“They’re building their bodies, they’re learning about the game plan and what’s critical is the connection with their teammates — they’ve slotted in really well.

“They’ve got a really good appetite to work and they’re quality young men that want to make a difference. When you’re ready, you’re ready: when that is we don’t know, but they’re progressing well.”