IN SLIPPERY conditions on enemy turf, the Blues led from start to finish in Round 14, securing a 34-point win over the Eagles.

Adam Cerra was integral to the victory, continuing what’s shaping up to be one of his best seasons yet.

The midfielder collected 30 disposals, laid five tackles, and added four intercepts and four inside 50s in a well-rounded performance all over the ground.

Reflecting on the win, Cerra highlighted the strong start - seven goals and 23 inside 50s in the opening term - as a key to setting the tone early.

“Coming over - travelling for away games is never easy - so for us to start the way we did with high energy, we put them to the sword,” Cerra said.  

“It was a credit to us – we wanted to start hard and fast and to be able to finish off the game with a win was pleasing.” 

The Blues’ momentum took a hit midway through the second quarter when co-vice captain Charlie Curnow was subbed out with calf tightness.

Cerra acknowledged Curnow’s influence - not just as a key target up forward - but as a vital on-field leader.

Given the setback, Cerra was pleased with how the team steadied themselves and maintained composure ahead of the ball.

“[Charlie is] incredible – I think every team in the competition would love to have him on their side, both as a player but as one of our leaders,” he said.  

“He really helps set up the ground for us ahead of the ball and creates incredible contests. 

“For him to go out, we had to change a couple of things, but I think the boys stood up really well. 

“Zaccy Williams played a bit taller, Mitch McGovern swung back there for the last couple of weeks and done really well, one man goes down, the next goes up so it was a really pleasing team effort.”

It was a true team performance, with the Blues holding the Eagles to just 52 points while adapting roles on the fly.

Carlton sealed the win by leaning into their strengths under pressure, winning the contested possession count by 12 and generating 48 points from the midfield – more than double West Coast’s 22.

“People are quick to point out where we can improve but our strengths are what keeps us in games,” Cerra admitted. 

“We’re going to chip away at trying to improve every week - whether it’s our ball movement or our efficiency, that’ll all come, we’re training that really hard - but at the end of the day, we have to play the game our way and play to our strengths, which is in the contest.”

With little time to pause in the modern game, the Blues’ attention now turns to Saturday afternoon’s clash with North Melbourne at the MCG – a far more familiar setting for the Navy Blue faithful.

North impressed in their Round 14 clash, pushing the Dockers to the final minutes in a hard-fought contest that showcased their determination.

Recognising the Roos’ work rate, Cerra knows the Blues will need to be sharp, with the goal now to carry their momentum into another strong showing on home turf.

“No game is easy these days – North are incredibly talented, they really took it all the way to Freo for four quarters,” he said. 

“We know we’re going to have our hands full, but we’ll do our prep, review this game and the focus will quickly shift. 

“I know it’s cliche, but we go week by week to keep the momentum going.”