Clarko still likes what Blues are aiming for

FOUR-TIME premiership coach Alastair Clarkson yesterday backed the direction of Carlton, despite another heavy loss filled with potentially serious injuries.

The Blues lost by 72 points to the Hawks at Etihad Stadium as Zac Fisher went down with a possible broken leg and Liam Jones limped off with a knee injury.

Coach Brendon Bolton said he feared Fisher had suffered a fractured leg, with Jones cleared of ACL damage but likely to be out for some time.

The Blues relentlessly coughed up the ball early, with a scoreless first term the first in 28 years dating back to a Western Oval clash in Round 18, 1990. They only scored their second goal 19 minutes into the third term, but fought out the match with six secondhalf goals.

Good mates Clarkson and Bolton spent time together on Friday, with the Hawks coach adamant the Blues are making progress despite a one-win season.

“They are on the right track as a footy club. It’s just really hard yards. It is easy to dig the boots in, but we were in a similar position in 2005 and what you need is to be really strong internally.

“I spent some times with Bolts as recently as Friday night and we didn’t talk much footy but he is on the right path. As long as clubs stay tight internally.

“Where Carlton have been at with that is strong.”

Bolton said scans tomorrow would uncover the extent of Fisher’s issues after a first-half collision.

“Fisher had a really heavy knock to his leg. I am a little nervous about that one.”