WINNING while learning.
For Josh Fraser and the Blues, it wasn't perfect, but the team's biggest score and winning margin of the season was cause for celebration following the triumph over West Coast.
Here's what the Interim Coach had to say.
On the performance as a whole:
“I thought it was a step forward, with what the game presented in terms of a challenge. Watching West Coast a little bit, I really like what they’re building. They presented a challenge around the way they’re trying to play: I think teams trying to build an identity can become dangerous, so the way we were able to manage some of their strengths I thought was pleasing.
“We defended the ground largely pretty well, there were some moments in the game which I wasn’t thrilled with but that’s part of our learning. I said to the boys, if I’m to surmise where we’re at, I think we’re still going through some growing pains. We’re doing it while getting results, but there are still parts of our game which we need to get to work on.”
On the Blues’ defensive solidity:
“It’s coming on the back of pressure, defence and winning contest. We’re trying to link our phases together and make sure that our defensive game is in order, which allows us to attack in offence. That’s been something we’ve grown.
“It’s not perfect, I thought at times West Coast got through us a little bit too easily. The game will always give you things to work on. But on the whole, really pleasing. We leave here with some areas to get better at, but it’s pleasing we were able to transition the ball and score a little bit better than what we have.”
On George Hewett’s game against Harley Reid:
“I’ve really enjoyed George’s form. He’s a guy we can send to someone and get a job done for the team. He spent a bit of time at half-forward and he’s such a team-oriented player, with the ability to find the ball. I really enjoyed what George did today, along with our midfield. George has given us an asset to send to a player at any given stage during the game.
‘Can you believe he was out of the side?’
“I can [believe it]. When you’re trying to find out about your list and where the game is going, you need to have a look at what that mix can look like. When we spoke about the challenge of individuals getting better six weeks ago, George was in that boat too.
“He doesn’t play exclusively midfield, Adam Cerra has gone out to a wing, Benny Ainsworth is spending more time inside. Our players have to grow their games in different parts of the ground which gives us flexibility on game day, and we’ll keep considering what that looks like.”
On the Blues’ backline group:
“They’ve been terrific. Nick Haynes, Nic Newman and Ollie Florent, that experience and the way they’re leading allows Wade Derksen to come in and play a role. He looks like he belongs at AFL level, which I’m so happy for him. Lachie Cowan, he’s a young player. We’ve got youth in the team that’s standing up really well. Billy Wilson has come in and given something different to our backs. I’m probably missing someone…
“That’s what we’re trying to build, we’re building stability in roles. That doesn’t necessarily mean personnel can’t change, but it means that roles need to continue to grow and we’re building that from VFL level through to the way we train through to performances like today.”
On the player he forgot to mention...:
“Harry Dean, I can’t believe I overlooked Harry Dean!
“You saw pretty early on how competitive he was. When young players come in, you want them to play to their strengths, but I think he’s got a unique set of strengths in that he’s the ultimate competitor.
“He looks like a Carlton footballer. He brings an edge, he’s demanding of his teammates. I’ve loved what he’s added to where we’re going, for a player in his first season.”
On winning the disposal count while also winning the tackle count:
“There’s an appetite to apply pressure, that’s been something we’ve trained. We’re not turning up on game day hoping it’s what we’ll produce, we’re deliberately training what that method looks like.
“The pressure part of the game is still a real thing. It’s a transition game more than it’s ever been, but your ability to force turnover and then what that looks like around the contest itself, they’ve been parts of the game we’ve gone after.
“Those acts energise our fans. We had over 40,000 fans here today and yes, the goals get them out of their seats, but I think they’re enjoying the pressure we’re applying to the opposition.
“They feel the energy that our supporters give us. We’ve got an incredible supporter base. Over 40,000 here today, I think they’re energised by the style of football that we’re playing. Clearly the wins are important, but our players enjoy playing in front of our supporters.”
On continued attention around his prospects:
“The only thing I’d like to do right now is review the game really well and make sure we’re set up well on Monday!
“I understand the questioning, I really do. But I’d love to think this is less about me and more about our football club, our coaching group, our footy department and most importantly, our players.
“There’s a lot of good things happening at the moment, and that’s not just based on results: that’s based on the process in what we’re doing. I’m part of it, I’m not the whole thing. That’s where I’ll leave that.”
On Jacob Weitering’s availability:
“There’s been a slight reoccurrence: I can’t give you more than that, because I don’t know at this point in time. We’ll dig into that early in the week. Our priority for Jacob, as it is with any player, is to set them up really well to return with a clean bill of health, to come in and play a role for us.”
On players putting their hand up:
“Our VFL team played today, I was really impressed with what I saw from them. I don’t think they got the result, but it looked like a Carlton game. I’m assuming there’ll be a number of players pushing for selection off the back of that.”
