AHEAD of Melbourne's Sunday clash with the Suns, Steven King has addressed media to discuss the focuses for the Dees, the strength of Gold Coast and the selection opportunities leading into Round 4. 

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RD 4 | Media Conference | Steven King

Steven King speaks to the media ahead of our round 4 match against the Gold Coast Suns.

CARLTON REVIEW

“We reviewed the second half and what that looked like from a pressure perspective which probably got our game going," King said. 

"We acknowledged the first quarter in particular around our basic fundamentals, skill errors, and not executing, but we didn't really go back into it too much because I'm sure the players didn't mean to miss some kicks, drop some marks and fumble some ground balls. During this week, we’ll keep working on that craft.

“I’m really proud of the way the boys stood up when the game was on the line and they made it a really good memory for [Tom McDonald and Max Gawn].”

SUNS CHALLENGE

“They’re on fire at the moment and playing great footy. You can see their system’s well embedded, they’ve got great talent and they're the benchmark of the competition at the moment," King said. 

"It’s another amazing opportunity for us, Easter Sunday at the ‘G, and I just hope our supporters get there like last week, the atmosphere was amazing [in Round 3].

"I'm certain we're going to have to start better because you can't give Gold Coast a start like that, they're playing four quarters each week, so they are a team to beat at the moment."

RIVERS SELECTION

"It's just a reset [for Trent] to get his body right. He's been carrying a couple little grumbles that I think the week off would have benefited [from]," King said.

"If he trains strongly this week, he would be up for consideration, but it was quite frustrating having no VFL game in Round 2 for us. We weren't participating in Opening Round so it was a bit of a head scratcher, but it's the cards we got dealt. 

"It is frustrating for the guys on the edges that are trying to press for selection, that's for sure."

JIATH INJURY

"We'll follow whatever the medical team suggests is the best way to go about it,” King said. 

"I think with calves and soft tissues, the first week will tell us how quickly he's going to come along.

"So, we won't rush him. We'll just take as much time as he needs. He's a unique athlete with his speed and power, so we need to respect that.”