Blues focus on positive

BRENDON Bolton doesn’t subscribe to the theory teams can be “due”.

But staring at an 0-6 start to a season for the first time in the history of the Carlton Football Club, the Blues would be hoping tonight is the night against the Western Bulldogs.

“I think every week we’d love to be due,” Bolton said yesterday with a smile, adding his side had shown promising signs during a hard-fought 10point loss to premiership fancy West Coast.

He said a meeting led by injured captain Marc Murphy during the week rammed home the positives.

“They had a really strong meeting as a group and they’re determined in this next block of games to keep growing and look for the little wins,” Bolton said.

“Even though it wasn’t totally the result we wanted last week, there were some wins in quarters that they’re just going to grow off.

“I thought Murph pushed those points really strongly this week.”

Murphy, who is still three weeks away from a return because of a foot injury, also had some advice for star standin captain Patrick Cripps, who had 34 touches and 11 tackles against the Eagles.

“In our leadership meeting this week, both Crippa and Murph said ‘What a game, feel really good about it Crippa as an individual, but move on mate’,” Bolton said.

“Enjoy it until Monday but then move on because you need to reproduce. I really like that attitude, of both of them. Crippa just embraces the contested side of the game ... I don’t think there’s anyone who’s had such contested numbers. It’s inspirational for others.”

First-choice ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has recovered from the groin issue that kept him out of Round 5, but he won’t play tonight on the advice of medical staff.

“He’s pretty much right to play, however as a club we’re going to make a decision not to play him just because his training has had no continuity,” Bolton said.

“Sometimes you’ve got to protect people like Kreuz — he wants to be out there, he’s a warrior.”

Midfielder Matthew Kennedy and defender Caleb Marchbank will return.