CARLTON midfielder Adam Cerra spoke to media from IKON Park on Monday morning following the disappointing Round 8 loss to Brisbane.
Here's what he had to say.
On the players mood on Monday morning:
"There’s a frustration within the group that we’re not playing at the level that we think we should be playing at. At the same time, we’re excited where the growth can come . . . everyone's eager to get back into training and get back into the work. We know we can play much better footy and we’re excited to explore that."
On the feeling of the fans:
"We feel their frustration. We expect to be playing much better footy at the moment, we believe we will.
"We’re grateful that we have such a passionate and vocal fanbase and we embrace that: it’s part of our responsibility, putting on the jumper and playing for them. We want to win just as badly as they do and we want to do it for them, we’re grateful for that.
"When we’re doing well, they’re loud and cheering and it gives us energy, we love that. When we put on the jumper, we represent them, we represent the Carlton community, we want to do it for them and it motivates us even more."
On efficiency going forward:
"We’ve gone to work over the last few weeks in that midfield group and we’re winning a lot of contested ball - the numbers are good - but we haven’t been as efficient as we would like. That’s something we’re working on – building that connection across the ground so we can get more bang for our buck with ball in hand.
"The numbers are showing that the effort is there on game day with the amount of ball that we’re winning, but it's just execution that’s letting us down."
On the forward mix:
"We’ve got not just Harry [McKay] and Charlie [Curnow], but we’ve got our small forwards getting to work, 'SOS' [Silvagni] has been really good as well. I think it’s just execution with the ball in hand, giving them more opportunities and locking the ball in our forward half.
"A big part of our game is trying to lock the ball in our forward half and give not only Harry and Charlie opportunities, but give our small forwards a chance as well, let them get to work and put the pressure on. It’s not just on the midfield, it’s not just on the forwards, it’s on everyone as a whole."
On the pressure of making finals:
"I think every club feels pressure to make the finals, that’s what the players want to play in and that’s what the fans want to watch. I’d be lying if I said no one felt pressure but it’s something that we embrace. We’re grateful for a big supporter base but we have a responsibility that comes with that.
"Every week, 'Vossy' is big on not just looking at the big picture, but looking at the little things, week by week trying to get better. We’re going to get there as soon as possible."
