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Blues president throws support behind Malthouse

Getty

Getty

Carlton president Mark LoGiudice is sticking with his decision to retain embattled coach Mick Malthouse for the remainder of the AFL season.

LoGiudice spoke to reporters on Monday after the Blues slumped to a nine-point defeat at the hands of previously-winless Brisbane at Etihad Stadium – a loss he described as “extremely disappointing”.

“As I’ve said from the start – Mick will continue to coach the Carlton football club for the rest of the season,” LoGiudice said.

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Carlton are one of three sides mired at the bottom of the ladder after six rounds with just one win, but the president is standing firm on his commitment to honour the last year of Malthouse’s current three-season deal.

Carlton president Mark LoGiudice on Micke Malthouse.

Carlton president Mark LoGiudice. Photo: Getty

The coach has previously stated that speculation over his future could prove to be a negative influence on the playing group, but LoGiudice is unmoved by that argument.

“I’d be disappointed if the players are concerned about their coach,” he said.

“Mick is contracted to coach this football club until the end of the season and that will happen.”

LoGiudice said Sunday’s performance had been hard to watch, but added that it had been business as usual at the club on Monday.

He also defended his decision to go public with the club’s desire to rebuild its playing list – a decision that was criticised for its potential to be a destabilising influence on the group.

The president denied putting Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs on the trade table in a bid to stockpile high draft picks, while not being able to guarantee their future.

“I can’t guarantee anything other than to say that they have long-term contracts with this football club and they will continue to be leaders of this football club,” he said.

“We’re backing Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs and the leadership group to continue playing to the best of their ability and to lead this football club.”

AAP

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