Carlton backs Brendon Bolton as Matthew Kreuzer, Jack Silvagni and Liam Stocker enter selection frame

Carlton says Brendon Bolton is hurting but resolute after breakdowns lead to the club’s fourth consecutive loss. JON RALPH looks at where the club is at and which returning stars can help.

Dale Thomas reacts to Carlton’s loss. Picture: Getty Images

Carlton is adamant it has unwavering faith in Brendon Bolton as it prepares to turn to Matthew Kreuzer and Jack Silvagni in its search for an elusive victory.

The club’s loss to Gold Coast was a comedy of errors as it handed Gold Coast half a dozen chances in the final two minutes before Jack Bowes finally converted.

But head of football Brad Lloyd told the Herald Sun the club was united behind Bolton despite only 15 wins in 70 games at Carlton.

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“There is going to be scrutiny at this time which is what comes with the start we have had but there is a lot of belief around the group. We just aren’t consistent for long enough,” he said.

“We need to improve but there is a really strong belief across the football department and the whole club. We just need to get some reward.”

The Blues haven’t scored 80 points in 18 games and have issues with midfield-forward connection, horror skill errors and organisation after tactical breakdowns late against the Suns.

Bolton’s unique rolling contract will give the club a chance to assess his prospects at season’s end but the club hierarchy remains staunch in support of him.

Jack Bowes celebrates his last second goal. Picture: AAP Images

“He is certainly hurting from the game but the type of character he is, he came out swinging (Monday) and was ready to go and attack the week,” Lloyd said.

“He is a strong resilient character and has shown good leadership through the year. He will dig in and get back into it.”

Worryingly for Bolton, the club has half a dozen players in career best form including Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay and Liam Jones as well as high-profile recruits but continues to struggle.

The only good news is Adelaide’s poor early form with the Blues having secured Liam Stocker and as of current ladder positions handed over pick one but getting the fifth selection in return.

Stocker is nearing an AFL debut after being named emergency last week, playing as a small defender in the VFL and putting his explosive speed and beautiful field kicking to good use.

Kreuzer is a certain starter against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday after a 121-ranking point best-afield performance in the VFL.

He looked in commanding form with 15 possessions, 27 hitouts and a goal, set to add real grunt to the midfield.

Patrick Cripps did everything he could against the Suns. Picture: AAP Images

Jack Silvagni is also a likely inclusion after a 90-ranking point game with two goals, 20 possessions and five tackles.

The Blues have continually tried to kick to small targets Michael Gibbons and in Round 3 Cam Polson despite an array of key position targets.

Alex Fasolo has had little influence in the senior side and is listed as a test after a back spasm early in the VFL last week.

The club will need to make a priority of a Jamie Elliott-style mid-sized forward who can regularly kick goals at the end of the season.

It has so far got the best possible talent into the club but having built strong depth cannot attempt to recruit for specific needs, which will include a talented small forward.

Originally published as Carlton backs Brendon Bolton as Matthew Kreuzer, Jack Silvagni and Liam Stocker enter selection frame