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Blues appeal for unity amid AFL woes

14th April, 2014
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Even as key Carlton figures call on powerbroker Bruce Mathieson to keep the faith with the beleaguered AFL club, they concede his angst is justified.

President Stephen Kernahan and captain Marc Murphy have appealed for unity as Carlton reel from their worst start to a season in 25 years.

On Saturday, Mathieson called for the immediate removal of Kernahan and chief executive Greg Swann following the upset 23-point loss to strugglers Melbourne.

It left the Blues wallowing in second-last spot with a 0-4 record.

Kernahan, who will step down in June once the Blues mark their 150th birthday, said Mathieson’s comments were slightly disappointing.

“Our members and supporters are hurting out there and I’m so aware of that, I really am, that’s why people make comment,” Kernahan said.

“But it’s so important that our club sticks fat at the moment.

“He (Mathieson) is an integral part of the football club, he’s a member and everyone is disgruntled with the last few weeks’ performances and we understand that.”

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Kernahan also had a dig at Mathieson, saying the millionaire wanted to throw the keys in a decade ago when Carlton were at their lowest ebb.

He added Mathieson was kept briefed on what was happening at the club.

“I’m going to do the June 14 function for our 150th and we’ll have a new president,” Kernahan said.

“So from that point of view I’m not sure what Bruce is talking about because we speak with Bruce and we are close with Bruce.

“But he’s made his comments and that’s fair enough.”

Murphy also fronted the media on Monday and said it was pointless for Blues supporters such as Mathieson to attack the club.

“You’d prefer him to be a little bit more positive towards the club at the moment, but he’s got every right to say what he feels,” Murphy said.

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“At times like this, there’s no point being individuals. We’ll get nowhere.

“We all need to stick together – that’s everyone at the club. Everyone in terms of all the staff, the players, coaches and everyone involved.”

Kernahan said senior players such as Murphy had to step up as the Blues try to rebuild their shattered confidence.

“The leadership group, they know they have some soul-searching to do,” he said.

“They know they need to lift in a few areas.

“But … we have 22 blokes who ran out on the weekend – we’re bereft of confidence and that’s how they’re playing.

“That can turn around and I’m sure it will, but at the moment it looks pretty tough for our members and supporters.”

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Carlton’s next opponents on Easter Sunday are the Western Bulldogs, who have won their past two games.

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