Carlton coach Michael Voss believes the Blues are improving with how they move the footy despite going down 59-79 to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.
While Voss is seeing positive signs, any improvements aren’t turning into results with the Blues going down in four of their last five games.
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd is also noticing that the Blues are moving the ball better, but he feels like that only happens once the game is effectively lost and they play with more urgency.
“I feel like Carlton when the game is lost, they move the ball as you should,” Lloyd asked on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“The game against Brisbane last week, the game was shot at three-quarter time but they started moving the ball quickly.
“When the game is shot halfway through the third (against the Bulldogs), they started moving the ball quickly.
“You look at the best sides like Collingwood, that’s how they play (fast ball movement).”
Given that Carlton have two Coleman Medallists in the prime of their careers up forward, it’s surprised many that their attack is average at best in 2023.
While Charlie Curnow has started the year well with 33 goals, Lloyd believes he’s turning into a one-man band as his key forward partner Harry McKay struggles in front of the big sticks.
“You wonder, is McKay a factor?,” Lloyd said.
“We talk about two great key forwards … he had a great season a couple of years ago, but what has he kicked? 12 goals for the season.
“The last two weeks (Jack) Payne has gotten hold of Curnow (against Brisbane) and then he didn’t have a great night last night (against the Bulldogs).
“If Curnow doesn’t fire, there’s a lot of pressure.”
Lloyd believes the single biggest thing holding McKay back from finding his best footy is his kicking for goal.
“Well he can’t kick for starters,” Lloyd said.
“I’m not sure who the coach is or whether he can’t be coached.
“But some of those misses last night, they were deflating and it’s demoralising for your team.
“He’s not even hitting the belly of the ball in his snaps where he was good.”
The Blues will be desperate to turn their form around when they face arch-rivals Collingwood at the MCG next Sunday.
"When the game is lost, they move the ball as you should."
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) May 14, 2023
Matthew Lloyd on the key issue with Carlton's approach, and Harry McKay's 'demoralising' goalkicking woes. #9AFLSFS | @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/3oqvqj2xyW