Having let winning chances slip in finals in the past two seasons, coach Brett Ratten's job hinges on leading the AFL club to their first post-season victory in a decade.

Of nine games decided by single-figure margins Carlton have played in the past two seasons, the Blues have lost eight of them.

"We have to make sure we don't let our foot off the pedal, especially towards the back end of the season, but also in any game," he said.

"They're the biggest lessons - it's a game of inches and you've got to take your opportunities."

A theme of this pre-season has been toughening up mentally.

But they also copped some huge beltings and Ratten said at times last year their competitive spirit went missing.

"It comes down to consistency in our effort and our approach, which is something that we've had a look at over the off-season. We think mentally our group is a lot tougher."

That is one of the better "best 22's" i've seen in the press in some time.

Of nine games decided by single-figure margins Carlton have played in the past two seasons, the Blues have lost eight of them.

There could be something in this