A DEFIANT Stephen Kernahan has dismissed criticism of Carlton's list, with the Blues’ president declaring the club will be a force in the future.
Carlton's underwhelming season was thrust into the spotlight last week when rivals Collingwood thumped it by 41 points at the MCG.
The loss left the Blues in a worse win-loss position than at the same stage last season, and opened it to questions on whether its playing list was good enough to deliver a premiership.
However, Kernahan said the list was in good shape, supported new coach Mick Malthouse and predicted a turnaround in form.
"We don't hide from the fact that we played our worst game of the season and we've copped our right whack in the media," Kernahan said at his pre-match address before Carlton's meeting with St Kilda on Saturday.
"There's been a lot of talk about our list. We've got a really good list.
"We weren't good last week but we've got a lot to work with. Let's make known they are capable of far better than that and we will get things right.
"We're very confident we've got a very good coach.
"Those guys will get it right and we are going to be a force at some stage."
The Blues led the Magpies last week by five goals in the first quarter before Collingwood took control of the match, with Kernahan saying the loss "really knocked a lot of us around."
While the finals remain in the picture for the Blues in 2013, Kernahan urged fans to back the club.
"We will be challenged and we have been challenged, there's no doubt about that," he said.
"But it's how we respond to these challenges that will define us as a group striving for success going forward.
"I promise you we'll get it right.
"We've got the right people in place at this footy club. Stick with us."
Some have called on the club to use early former No.1 draft picks Matthew Kreuzer and Bryce Gibbs as trade bait to secure this year's No.1 draft pick from likely wooden-spooners Greater Western Sydney.
The pick would give the Blues the opportunity to recruit talented young key forward Tom Boyd, who is the standout player of this year's draft pool.
Malthouse said Kreuzer, and fellow No.1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs, were off-limits.
"I can categorically tell you that Gibbs and Kreuzer are untouchable," he said on Friday.
"I don't know how plain I can make that. Do I need to make it any plainer?
Callum Twomey is a reporter for the AFL website. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_CalTwomey.
