Carlton faces an acid test against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey
Carlton, a team that last year performed an in-house execution in its quest for ultimate glory, now faces its most thorough examination of that decision in a season-defining game.
Lose to Collingwood and the Blues could find themselves three games out of the eight at weekend's close with just eight matches left.
Missing September will have supporters asking what has changed since the Blues replaced Brett Ratten with Malthouse? Its not as if they have been hit hard by injuries or suspensions, yet the mood at Visy Park remains particularly upbeat despite a win/loss record of 6/7 which is identical to 2012.
So what has changed? The internal view is overwhelming that last years axing of Brett Ratten was the right way to go.
Carlton CEO Greg Swann is confident of the clubs direction but admits tonight is vital.
"I think we are significantly ahead of last year on the basis that we are much more consistent. Last season our good was really good and our poor was really poor,'' said Swann.
"We still think our destiny is in our own hands. But if we lose this week everyone is coming after us and that is fair enough.''
Swann spoke of calmness before the storm, and of the relaxed manner of a coach sometimes perceived as having a quick trigger.
Certainly Malthouse has appeared composed in his new role, apart from delivering a couple of deserved in-house sprays to Mitch Robinson and Jarrad Waite and letting go with the odd clip to journalists just to keep his hand in.
Players are said to have responded to his inclusive style, and a level of consistency that wasn't always evident during Ratten's tenure.
And while the club is no better off than last season from a win/loss perspective Malthouse brings with him a standing that has kept the cynics at bay, a luxury Ratten was rarely afforded.
Anthony Koutoufides, who played 278 games with the club between 1992-2007, admits to being disappointed at the constant lapses that have cost the Blues games.
"I would have thought by this time of year they would have been cemented in the eight so they haven't tracked well,'' said Koutoufides.
"They haven't put four quarters together in any important game. There are glimpses when they are extremely good, but they fade away. When will they put four quarters together?''
Mark Maclure played in Premierships with Carlton in 1979-81-82 and these days delivers it like it is in his roles as a commentator for both the ABC and Fox Footy. He knows the record doesn't show it but believes the Blues are on the right track.
"Malthouse is changing the way they play. People want success in one minute but it just doesn't happen. He knows they need a few players and there will be some big changes to their list,'' said Maclure.
"But I have seen enough improvement to suggest they will set up well for next year. The key indicators are positive and he is getting the defence right.''
Maclure believes Carlton, apart from a bad loss to St Kilda, is about where it should be. He points to Collingwood as being a club with worries.
"Rather than talking about Carlton I would ask how is Collingwood going? I don't know if Bucks (coach Nathan Buckley) has got it,'' said Maclure.
"He talks well and sounds great but he wants a bunch of goodie two shoes that follow every move he makes. Not everyone lives a life like Nathan Buckley does.
"Malthouse is really good at getting the players on side. He protects them and understands the knockabouts help you win. I reckon that is a difference.
"The blokes at Hawthorn and Sydney aren't perfect. They do all the things that normal people do but they win football matches when its important.''
WHAT YOU THINK:
Stephen, 46, Camberwell: We are a significantly better team based on our performances against the leading sides. Our draw has been harder this season but it opens up from now on.
Sue, 51, Black Rock: Bootsma might become a good player but I can't work out why Malthouse keeps picking him ahead of Duigan or Laidler. He clearly has a stubborn streak.
Sam, 15, Altona: Last year we got beaten by spud teams like Port Adelaide and Gold Coast. Now we beat the spuds and just lose to the good ones. But I don't know how St Kilda beat us.
Trevor, 65, Warrnambool: Walker kicked 56 goals two years ago and we need goalkickers. The same year Yarran played really well off half back so why swap them?
Carol, 24, Geelong: We used to get smashed by teams like Hawthorn and last year Adelaide and Port Adelaide. Those last two were embarrassing. That doesn't happen anymore.
Dino, 38, Carlton: I can see where Malthouse is trying to take us but unless we get a forward who can take a contested mark then we won't be winning a 17th Premiership anytime soon.
