CARLTON has passed a point of no return in its development, according to coach Mick Malthouse, and can't afford to "go back to go forwards" from now on.
In a week that has seen Chris Judd commit to playing on in 2015, young key defender Sam Rowe has signed a new two-year deal with exciting half-forward Troy Menzel expected to follow on Friday.
A smiling Malthouse said on Thursday that Visy Park was a "great place to be", with an impressive three-week run showing the club was on the right track.
Menzel set to re-sign with Carlton
"I think we crossed the Rubicon some weeks ago," Malthouse said.
"It looked as though we had [earlier in the season], but I really think that was a false dawn.
"We can't afford to go back to go forward from here ... we crossed a certain point, which we're all very aware of.
"The place is very buoyant at the moment."
Malthouse said Judd's commitment to play on had demonstrated the club was heading in the right direction.
"He (Judd) said it was the best he's felt at the football club in seven years," the coach said.
"He actually bounded into my office and I thought, 'I know which direction he's heading, he's certainly not going back to Brighton'.
"I think he really wants to stay here and be part of it ... he feels as if we've established a structure that suits the players."He needed to look at the club and ask, 'has it got a future?' He's clearly ticked that off."
Malthouse was not concerned about tall forward Jarrad Waite's decision to put contract talks on hold until the end of the season.
Waite has enjoyed a strong run of form since returning to the team in round 18, and as an unrestricted free agent could move to the club of his choice.
"I'm surprised most other players don't do that as well," Malthouse said of Waite's decision. "Some sign inside [season] some sign outside."
Meanwhile, the coach said out-of-favour forward Jeff Garlett was "in the mix" to return against Geelong at Etihad Stadium on Friday night, 12 days after he required stitches when he was involved in a city brawl.
Malthouse said the Blues were not motivated by revenge this week, having lost to the Cats by five points when the sides last met in round 12.
"We're probably a better side than when we played Geelong last time," he said.
"It's not a matter or win loss, it's about how we're structured and what are we doing - are we growing?
"We'll be changing the side by seven or eight players, they won't change their side dramatically.
"We want to be massively competitive."
