CARLTON captain Marc Murphy might need to work on his public profile.

As New Zealand gets into the AFL spirit ahead of the Blues’ Anzac Day clash with St Kilda in Wellington, Murphy was stopped and asked if he had a ticket for the game.

The Blues skipper took it in his stride telling the promo girl he was in fact playing on Saturday.

The trip across the ditch got even stranger when a 6.4 magnitude earthquake rocked the area as the club’s prepare for the match.

Blenheim police said it felt like a strong, long quake, but there hadn’t been any reports of damage in Marlborough or Kaikoura.

Despite the various distractions, Murphy says his sights remain fixed on captaining the Blues to their next premiership, insisting the players aren’t talking about rebuilding.

The gathering storm clouds have followed the winless Blues to New Zealand, but on the eve of their Anzac Day clash with St Kilda in Wellington, Murphy confronted a range of issues head-on.

Carlton chief executive Steven Trigg has told members a “significant rebuild” lay ahead of the club, but Murphy said that was irrelevant for the players.

“From the players’ point of view and captains point of view, we’re not talking about rebuilding. As a playing group we’re looking to win every week and that’s all we can worry about,” Murphy said.

“We’re not getting involved in all those conversations. As players, that’s not for us to do. We’re about sticking together and staying united as a group and training and playing hard.

“We’re realistic as to where we’re at, but I’m only 27 and I want to be captain of the next premiership (side), so that’s all I’m aiming for and the playing group as a whole, that’s what we want to do. We want to win games of football and get in the best position to play finals footy.”

Not sure if that was an earthquake or @probably_wood bowel movements. #stinkyroommate — Jason Tutt (@J_Tutt22) April 24, 2015

Besieged coach Mick Malthouse this week said he had been disrespected by sections of the football community as he closes in on Jock McHale’s coaching record of 714 games, which he equals in Wellington.

Murphy said they remained united behind Malthouse, who is out of contract at seasons end.

“It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. Obviously opening the papers or hearing the radio or watching the TV about Mick and from my point of view I’m right behind Mick just like the players are. He’s a great coach and we wouldn’t have anyone else,” Murphy said.

“I don’t listen a lot to the media, especially at the moment. The media is there to make comments, but I know from my point of view we’ve all got a lot of respect for Mick and a lot of the football world should have. He’s been a great person for the game for a lot of years.”

Murphy felt the Blues took a turn for the better last week against Essendon, despite a third consecutive loss to open the season.

“It was a small step forward. I think the way we played was certainly more encouraging,” he said.

“To be honest, the week before was terrible and everyone acknowledged that ... so last week was a better performance in terms of effort.

“I’ve played for 10 years and this is my first chance to play on Anzac Day. It’s a great opportunity, the boys are really looking forward to it and it’s a new experience coming over to New Zealand.”

The Saints players were addressed by Governor-general Sir Peter Cosgrove and will be lead out on game day by acting captain Jarryn Geary.

“It’s obviously very humbling to lead the club on such a significant day for both countries and I’m sure Nick (Riewoldt) would love to be out there, but I’m honoured to get the nod,” Geary said.

“We’ve got a few leaders out at the moment so there’s been a few of us who have needed to step up. ‘Armo’ (David Armitage) did a great job last week and this week it’s my turn.”

St Kilda, making its third trip to Wellington, is hopeful good weather, a 1.10pm start (local time) and free entry for kids will see it top the 13,409 fans who watched them lose narrowly to the Brisbane Lions last year.

Both sides trained on Westpac Stadium. Chris Yarran took part in Carlton’s session before the suspended defender was put through a torturous solo workout afterwards.