Carlton star Adam Cerra stood in the changerooms post-game on Friday night with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
His Blues had just prevailed over St Kilda in the annual ‘Spud’s Game’ clash at the MCG — a night where football importantly promotes mental health awareness, in honour of the late Danny ‘Spud’ Frawley.
For Cerra, the win was another sign of improvement both individually and as a team, having now won four of their past five games.
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Their response to a 10-goal loss to Adelaide was mature and methodical, standing up in a scrappy, high-pressure clash against Ross Lyon’s Saints.
“We knew what we were going to get coming to the game,” Cerra told foxfooty.com.au after the 15-point win.
“For them to put a lot of numbers around the ball and make it a real scrap … credit to the boys, I thought we stuck in well.
“Last week we saw what happened when we went away from our roles and didn’t show up. We’re not the finished product, so every week, the team as a group — but also individually — are trying to strengthen our roles and method. We’re just going to try and keep growing week by week.”
Cerra’s night at the sporting Colosseum was a little different than normal, with coach Michael Voss forced to move his midfield magnet down to defence to to help cover for the loss of Lachie Cowan (hamstring tightness).
By Voss’ own admission, ‘Chez’ started really well on-ball, before having no choice but to quickly throw him into defence.
“We were sort of inventing new defenders there for a period of time … Cerra was able to go back from (the midfield),” Voss told journalists in his post-match press conference.
“He was playing a really good game for us ‘Chez’ where he was, so for him to be able to go back and still have an impact on the game … was a real plus for us.”
While the 25-year-old may not have filled the stat sheet on Friday night in the same way he has so consistently done this year, his selfless role down back was instrumental to Carlton collecting another four premiership points.
After an injury-hit 2024 with just 13 games — three of which he was subbed out of — Cerra entered 2025 chasing consistency. At one stage, he’d suffered five hamstring setbacks in a 12-month run. But nine rounds into this year, he’s on track.
“That was my big aim — stay on the park, week-by-week,” Cerra continued post-game.
“Touch wood, it’s going really well at the moment. My body’s feeling really good, and I’m just happy to be out there and help my teammates as much as I can.”
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He credits a full pre-season, altered training approach, and improved awareness with his body for his increased durability.
“There’s been a few tweaks to my program — both in pre-season and during the week,” he explained to foxfooty.com.au.
“(It’s) what I do at the gym; extra sessions of pilates or whatnot. I feel I’ve got a better understanding of my body and know the goals I have to hit during the week. Credit to the club, they were really open and supportive. It’s got me into a position where I’m pulling up really well.”
Friday night’s marquee match under lights wasn’t just about footy though. The emotional resonance of ‘Spud’s Game’ was well-ingrained on Cerra and the playing group.
“We spoke about it in our final meeting (on Thursday). Obviously, we’re very grateful and lucky to play in such special games,” Cerra highlighted.
“(Assistant coach) Aaron ‘Sammy’ Hamill touched on his time he spent with ‘Spud’ at the Saints. We knew that he’d want a hard, contested game of footy to watch — so that’s what we tried to bring.”
The Blues annually also take part in the ‘Peter Mac Cup’ against Collingwood, a match that strives to advance vital cancer research for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation. Additionally, Carlton’s Good Friday clash each year against North Melbourne helps raise funds for the Good Friday Appeal and the Royal Children’s Hospital.
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“These games are a good time to reflect — we have a lot to be grateful for. We’re all best mates as well, so we keep looking out for each other,” Cerra said to foxfooty.com.au.
“You see people go through difficulties and struggles, but it’s a good reminder for not just the football world, but the public as well… always be there for your mates.”
Michael Voss added post-match: “We’re really privileged that we’re chosen to be part of these games. We’re in a really fortunate position at the moment, and probably have to thank our supporters, members and people who watch us,” Voss added.
“Today, the Saints chose us to be part of that journey and spread that journey. Take care of your mates, and leave no one alone. If this is the vehicle that we get to be able to spread that message, then that’s really important to us.
“We don’t walk into these games and take it for granted; we feel really grateful that we get to be part of these games.”
In a match that asked for heart, mateship and resilience, the Blues did it tough, but delivered — and so did one of their most reliable leaders with a selfless performance.
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