It is indeed a good point, and I think really most Premiership teams have that special 'something', that happens to them along the journey which turns them from being a decent team to a great team that goes all the way.

Michael Voss I think it was once said that the belting the Lions received by the Blues at Princes Park (when Kouta had it all over Vossy) was the catalyst for the Lions winning 3 Premierships on the trot.

And with the Blues in 1995 the senior players said enough was enough, it was time for them to take some ownership and win the Flag that they could have won in the two years prior.

I think often there is a catalyst of sorts, and this 'thing' sparks a good side to become totally driven thereafter.

I think the recent Hawthorn team had it too. I remember a few years ago they were criticised for being weak, and they were constantly bullied by the bigger more experienced teams. Something clearly happened after that. The club recruited some tough mongrels and the team crossed that line Dermie spoke of, and suddenly they became a different outfit. And I'd argue genuine belief and team unity stemmed from that change.

The young Blues seem to be building a side. And it's not just the guys who are mainstays of the current 22. It's also kids like Austin and Hammer and Browne who are more on the outside of the 22, but who will probably be in the 22 in 2 years time.

That's where Ratten's talk of the players having to be accountable to the club and its members comes into focus. It's the values the old Blues used to adhere to, it's the values Grigg spoke of recently when he said every time you put this gurnsey on you have to perform.

This new 'attitude' I think is what made the virtual Second 22 do so well against the Cats 2 weekends ago. They were driven, and ruthless.

Hopefully this will last, and become part of the new culture at Carlton, and hopefully it will lead to a Premiership.

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It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to paint it

I read a book which detailed the behind the scenes journey of the Cats on their way to the Premiership win in 2007 (the name of which escapes me at this time). The Cats were very disappointed with their 2006 season and believed that they had the playing group to be successful but that attitudes needed to change if they were going to take the next step. Alot of the program focused on honesty and accountability. Players told each other what they really thought about other players actions or non-actions (everybody has heard how Ablett was told they all thought he had potential but didn't train hard enough). Every player was put under the spot light, no exceptions. Coaching staff were also included in these sessions. The leadership group was also truly empowered to make decisions about player discipline. In essence the group was encouraged to be true to themselves and their team mates. If you are anything less than honest in your performance not only do you let yourself down but also your team. The role Tom Harley played in all of this can not be underestimated.

IIRC Collingwood also started the program a couple of years ago but didn't see it through and I think Jimmy Plunkett also works for this group.