Carlton co-captain Sam Docherty believes there’s a number of positives to take out of last night’s 33-point loss to Richmond.
The Tigers got out to a flying start, leading by nearly seven goals at one point early in the second term, before the Blues won the second and third quarters.
“I don’t think we’re that rapt with the entirety of the game. We let ourselves down early and late, we sort of wrestled the momentum back in the middle quarters, we probably still let ourselves down in terms of our connection and our finish,” Docherty told AFL Nation’s pre-game show.
“It was pleasing for a young group to be able to stop that five-goal stint, especially with the new rules with the centre bounces, you can see momentum getting out of hand really quickly.
“I’m really proud of the group getting it back to two goals and giving us a chance, but we probably just let ourselves down in the last quarter.”
Docherty pointed to the midfield, Jacob Weitering and Harry McKay as players who impressed him.
“There were some terrific signs, I thought Jacob Weitering was outstanding in the backline, although Tom Lynch kicked three, I thought that he was terrific,” Docherty said.
“Our young midfielders showed a lot of spirit and fight that we probably haven’t had over the last few years. They’re starting to grow up.
“Big Harry McKay in the second half started clunking a few, so there’s some excitement there.
“We’re confident our brand of footy is going to be able to hold up. We were playing against the team that many consider the yard stick of the competition.”
Carlton travel to South Australia to take on Port Adelaide next weekend.
Defender Liam Jones will be available after receiving a $2000 fine for his bump on Jack Riewoldt.
