THERE has been plenty said and written about the past two rounds, but I believe it's vital everyone associated with the Melbourne Football Club – players, officials and supporters alike –display a united front at the moment.

We can't hide from the fact we've lost by two heavy margins. And although we've let ourselves down, we feel as though we've let our coach down the most.

Importantly, we intend to remain united, which is one of our club trademarks.

But for the moment, people also need to understand where we're at as a club and realise everyone is trying to improve.

The notion that we don't care is rubbish. Everyone cares and bleeds for the Melbourne Football Club. Everyone wants to be playing finals football and wants to win the Grand Final.

And it's particularly important our supporters understand we are giving it our utmost out on the ground – I can assure you of that.

But dealing with external pressures is difficult at the moment.

For example, on Monday we arrived at the club to be confronted by television cameras from Foxtel, Channel 7, Channel 9 and Channel 10, as well as several newspaper and radio journalists.

This is tough to deal with, especially when people think we're not trying. This is why it's so important not to get drawn into external forces because ultimately it can affect everyone inside the club.

Football is such a big part of society that it's hard to escape this pressure.

For me, relying on teammates, family and friends for support – as well as keeping football in perspective – is really important.

This was highlighted last year when I was struggling with injuries and trying to concentrate on university as well. It was a difficult period. But when I came back from injury, I also realised how much I enjoyed playing the game.

As a young player still finding his way in the AFL system, it is extremely difficult to hide from outside influences, as you're trying to get into the team and cement a position.

When you lose by 100 points you don't get much confidence, and neither does any other player for that matter.

In situations like this it's really important for players to focus on what they did well in the match. From there, you can work on your strengths and weaknesses with your line coach. Practice and improvement is the only way to get better.

Ultimately, as a young player, you want to make sure you're a vital member of the team and well respected as a team player. At the moment this is my main focus at the club.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.