Star Carlton midfielder Adam Cerra has refused to define finals in 2023 as the be-all and end-all for Carlton, saying not playing in September wouldn’t necessarily be a failure.
The Blues are narrowly holding onto a spot in the top eight after losing three of their last four games, and fan concern is peaking after Round 8’s loss to Brisbane.
But while the Blues’ finals credentials are under fire, Cerra wouldn’t set quantifiable expectations on what the rest of the season holds.
“Every day we're just trying to get better and progress,” Cerra told a press conference on Monday.
“If we're improving from last year as a team, not just ladder position but that connection within the group and what we're building towards, I don't see it as a failure.
“Every week, Vossy's big on not just looking at the big picture, but looking at the little things week by week, just trying to get better.
“So I definitely wouldn't call it a failure, even though it's our goal.”
Voss rode a high of support in his first season at Carlton before the Blues dropped their last four games to miss finals for the ninth consecutive season.
Coming in with high expectations, Carlton was solid over the opening month in 2023 before dropping away.
Cerra admitted he and his teammates are feeling the pressure.
“It might be this year, it might be next year, but we want to get there (finals) as soon as possible,” he continued.
“Every football club feels the pressure to make the finals. That's what the players want to play in, that's what the fans want to go and watch.
“I'd be lying if I said no one feels the pressure but it's something we embrace.”
Cerra has proved a consistent star for the Blues across the last three weeks, gathering at least 30 disposals and five inside 50s in each.
The 23-year-old former Docker added he feels the recent frustrations of fans and is determined to get back onto the winners list against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.