AHEAD of his first game against his former club, Adelaide midfielder Bryce Gibbs is adamant Carlton is on the right track despite slumping to 0-6 for the first time in the club's history.
The Blues are favourites for the wooden spoon after a winless start to the season, a streak expected to continue when they face the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Gibbs, who played 231 games for the Blues over 11 seasons, said it wasn't all doom and gloom at his old club.
"They are doing it a little bit tough at the moment, but I know the strong characters they've got in that group and the leaders that will be driving them each week to improve and get better," Gibbs told reporters on Monday morning.
"I know they certainly go out each week thinking they can win that game of footy.
"I know the people inside that footy club, they are doing the right things and they are on the right track."
Bryce Gibbs spent 11 seasons with Carlton before his trade to Adelaide. Picture: AFL Photos
Gibbs said Blues supporters should be excited about the development of young players such as Zac Fisher, Charlie Curnow and Paddy Dow.
"They have such a young, inexperienced group playing at the moment, and the more games they get into those guys, the better off they will be," Gibbs said.
"Who knows? It might not take two or three years for them, it can jump pretty quick.
"I know the path they're going down, they'll be fine."
Gibbs has made a smooth transition to his new surroundings, averaging career-highs in possessions (28.2 per game), Inside 50s (5.5) and clearances (6.7) at the Crows.
But he admitted he would have mixed emotions facing the Blues, who he joined as the No.1 overall pick at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft.
The 29-year-old was granted his request for a trade to the Crows at the end of last season to be closer to his family in South Australia after having it knocked back a year earlier.
"It'll be a bit of a different build up for me," he said.
"Once the ball's bounced, it will be game on, there will be no friendships for two hours.
"After the game, we'll shake hands and everything will be back to normal.
"No doubt, there will be a little bit of banter during the week, text messages and what-not, but for that two hours on Saturday night, it will be game on."
Crows skipper Taylor Walker will have scans on Monday to determine the severity of a hamstring injury he suffered in Saturday night's 48-point win against Gold Coast, while midfielder David Mackay (glute) will also be assessed.
Vice-captain Rory Sloane (foot) and veteran small forward Eddie Betts (hamstring) could also return this week.
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