Four-time Carlton premiership great Wayne Johnston believes both the players and the coaching staff must take responsibility for the Blues’ demise this season.
Carlton were thrashed by fellow struggles Brisbane by 65 points on Saturday, as their season continues to decline at an alarming rate, sitting last on the AFL ladder with just one solitary win.
While Johnston admits that Blues coach Brendon Bolton hasn’t been helped by injuries to key players, he says the lack of effort shown by the players donning the jumper each week is a grave concern.
“I do accept that we do have a high injury rate, especially with some of our better players, but still once again the effort has been lacking,” he told SEN Mornings.
“I think that’s what people are sort of complaining about, who do you blame?
“Do you blame the players for their lack of effort, lack of knowledge or lack of ability? Or is it their coaching staff? I think it’s a combination.
“You pick the player, you trust the player and if he’s let you down, he’s let you down.
“It’s very hard to just blame the coach.”
Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes has labelled this Blues side the worst since the Fitzroy side that exited the competition in 1996.
“There’s clearly serious issues,” Cornes said.
“It’s probably the worst team we’ve seen in the AFL since Fitzroy in 1996, which is saying something and something must to be done.
“Is it the coaching? Does the list need another overhaul? Do you use the number one pick? Do you trade it? Who can you get in?
“There’s so many questions that need to be asked to Stephen Silvagni, the board, Mark Logiudice and Chris Judd.”
Listen to Wayne Johnston’s chat on SEN Mornings with Kane Cornes in the player below