CARLTON assistant coach John Barker is confident a refreshed Carlton outfit can match Fremantle this Sunday at Optus Stadium.
Barker is responsible for the Blues’ emerging young midfield is his role as stoppage coach, alongside the recently-promoted Brent Stanton.
The former Brisbane and Hawthorn forward reflected on the new coaching structure under interim head coach David Teague on Sportsday WA on Tuesday night.
“He’s [David Teague] really tried to just freshen up the place. When a coach leaves, it can be a pretty tough environment,” Barker said.
“He’s done his best to free the players up a bit and make sure the environment is as enjoyable as possible and he’s doing a pretty good job so far.”
“Matt's a hard worker, that’s the easiest way to put it.”
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 25, 2019
Check out this week's episode of Coaches' Corner for more on Matt Owies.#BoundByBlue
Having held several positions at the Club since joining Carlton as an assistant in 2011, Barker has been an integral part of the Blues’ development.
Reflecting on Carlton’s promising list, Barker is confident on-field performance is set to turn sooner rather than later.
“This year is a bit of a challenge with that, but over the coming year we feel like we’ve got a list that’s reasonably strong,” he said.
“We feel like we’ve got a pretty solid amount of talent that will hold us in very good stead over the next couple of years.
“I think the turn will come fairly soon and I’m very much looking forward to it.”
What can these three produce in the final two months of the season?
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) June 25, 2019
With a return to action this Sunday, here's who's primed for a big finish, as well as looking at everything to come. #BoundByBlue
Barker singled out third-year midfielder Zac Fisher as one of the Blues’ biggest improvers of 2019.
One of a number of Carlton midfielders from Western Australian, Fisher has impressed with his work-rate around the contest – averaging 19 pressure acts a game over the first 13 rounds.
“Zac Fisher, he’s an absolute beauty,” he said.
“His ability to go after a ball that bobbles away from congestion is elite.”
The Blues will make the trip across the Nullarbor this Sunday to take on Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
Despite their Round 14 loss to Melbourne, Barker is not underestimating the Dockers on their home deck.
“We’re hopeful that we can match it with them, but we know coming over to Perth is a pretty solid challenge especially against a team like Freo.”
