CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse insists he's not frustrated despite his side's winless start to the season.

 

The Blues fell 16 points short against Geelong on Saturday night and face another stern test against West Coast in Perth next weekend.

 

It's the first time since 1987 that a Mick Malthouse-coached side has lost the first three games of a season.

 

"Every coach wants to win," Malthouse said on Saturday night.

 

"Is it frustrating? No, I don't get frustrated. I look at the evidence and see what we can do about it."

 

The Blues made a charge in the final term against the Cats, kicking the first four goals.

 

Despite holding the momentum, the Blues conceded a vital goal to Steven Motlop late in the match that crushed any hopes of a win.

 

"I think good sides last longer. They're a very good football side," Malthouse said.

 

"The three sides we've played have given us some food for thought. I'm not disappointed in the attitude or the effort, I think what we let ourselves down in is in five-to-seven minutes a quarter or half.

 

"That's what's happened, the pattern has been over three games. We've just allowed the opposition to take a firm hold of those vital minutes.

 

"We'll get better because of it."

 

Encouragingly for the Blues, they won the clearances 38 to 29 and registered just three less inside 50s than Geelong. 

 

"I'd say [there was] not enough technique," Malthouse admitted.