CHRIS Judd overcame his battle with nerves as Carlton ensured football's spotlight was focused firmly in the direction of a besieged West Coast following a 37-point triumph at Subiaco Oval.

Judd, the Eagles' 2006 premiership captain and arguably the club's greatest player, conceded that he had been uncharacteristically anxious in the lead-up to last night's contest.

"I just go into games with an open mind and be prepared for whatever comes my way," Judd said. "Today, I was very nervous about it and it was a strange feeling — every time the West Coast runner came by with a drink bottle, I felt like I should get a drink off him."

Judd tallied 24 disposals despite the close attention of Adam Selwood, the pair shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries at the final siren after a spirited battle for the preceding two hours.

The 2004 Brownlow medallist also confirmed he was heavily involved in the Blues' planning for last night. "He (Selwood) did a good job, was disciplined tonight and we had a good battle," Judd said.

"I am pretty happy with where I am going, I think I'm pretty close to full strength.

"I had a fair bit of inner knowledge of West Coast players, so obviously, I did a bit more than usual."

West Coast coach John Worsfold was savage on his players' inept first half and strongly criticised his team's skill level.

"Really, there is no excuse for it," Worsfold said. "You get back off the mark and try to kick to a teammate 15 metres away and miss him.

"Players have got to show at AFL level that they have the ability to play the game under all sorts of pressure. If they can't deliver in these types of games, it's unlikely they will deliver in big games."

Worsfold denied that the Eagles were in a crisis after their sixth straight loss. "We've got injuries and we are in poor form and we have got players who need to lift," he said.

"In that second quarter, it is the first time when I have really questioned whether they are still prepared to keep the fight up."

WEST AUSTRALIAN