Port impressive vs a lacklustre Brisbane but I think we will be looking to make it ugly footy and wont cough up as many goals....all teams have one annoying player and for its Jasper Pittard for Port....doesnt miind getting involved in push and shove games(dont know why because he cant fight) but usually comes in late when opposing players are not looking and gets a cheap shot in. Always looking for the easy receive across half back too and generally just annoys me and I hope to see him sat on his backside at some stage...
Port are good frontrunners but I think Kruezer can give us first use vs the inexperienced Howard and we can make a game of it...something flakey about Port and I reckon a bit of physical emphasis can put them off their game...
But he's played three good games in a row and still gets called a passenger.
He's been good, end of story. Next week he might be bad but people will ignore the fact he's played three good games.
There's absolutely no doubt he feels the heat, but so would I if i'd played in our backline as they've got absolutely no help for two years from the rest of the team in either pressuring the ball carrier or getting back to help out.
Yes quite. Rowe has had the measure of the champion forwards more times than not this year. Seems to have adapted to the changes rather smoothly. I'm a fan and will be until his younger protégé is ready
HM Murphy led by example Bryne was fearless again. Can't believe he's played so few games. Clone him. Kruez significant improvement, season getting on track. Kerridge solid effort. Wright ditto. Everett played his role for 3/4. Looking forward to 4/4 under Bolts regime.
Pies Pies Pies Pies by 75 - MM's record game (deliberate someone asked.... You think) Pies BLUES
The tide is turning The past is gone Bring on the new Blues - we're just starting and Bolts has already ironed out some wrinkles. Imagine having another injection of fresh talent over the next couple of years.
Lamb - likely, would like to see a bit more though
Jaksch - undecided. Has the goods - maybe more time needed. (Is it me or does he lack vertebral flexibility? from footage alone, looks as though his lower spine is flattened, that is limited lumbar curvature. No expert, so this is wild speculation only).
Considering our Clearance beast was out, our Rising star went down injured (in a courageous 2-1 effort to prevent a goal), and we have our share of injuries. I was encouraged that 9 players registered majors and that didn't include our big Levi. Had we got some of the "gettable" misses (? effect of winds), and we don't look nearly as bad as a year ago.
Just maybe Bolts is building some resilience into our list - no mean feat IMO
I don't care much for bagging a winning team, especially given we know exactly where we're headed, and that we're only on first base.
I enjoyed: - Byrne managing solid back to back performances. - Daisy, likewise. Not only dangerous around goals, but great around the ground. He finally looks fit and gaining confidence in his body (@80% at one point) - Seniors stood up for a second week. Murphy - topped off with another captain's goal. Gibbs - just solid, dug in with 10 clearances and no Cripps. - Wright, nice. Notched up a couple for number 100. Congratulations. - Plow and Phillips look to be core part of new Carlton.
In all, remained competitive for 4 quqrters again (remember that was team focus just a couple of weeks ago - big tick). Had a couple of patches of really flowing play where we made good decisions AND hit targets.
No matter how ugly it gets, winners are grinners. Enjoy the bragging rights Bluebaggers.
Everyone forgets that Graham and boekhorst are only playing their second and third seasons of footy respectively and haven't quite worked their way up to peak condition and fitness yet.
Most senior players carry some sort of restrictions and few would be 100%.
Only a few can do it early.
Sometimes giving them a week off to refresh is all they need.
I'd have thought this applies even more so for 1st yr players. Wouldn't be surprised if any of the youngsters were managed this way (or any oldies for that matter). The Cats just "rested" hendo...
Watched the game (you'll be pleased to know it was with lots of fellow baggers). Here's my 2 cents worth FWIW.
Standouts - Daisy was dangerous up forward - Byrne oozes confidence and self- belief, can run and carry, isn't scared of anything (blood rule x 3 in past 2 games) - Murphy led by example, head over the ball, got belted up, and just kept running. Kicked a captain's goal - Simmo was clean and his usual courageous and instructive - Rowe, yes Rowe was a general. He instructed his defenders and beat the Pav repeatedly. If he could mark a few of the spoils, he'd give his forwards a headache - Crippa is a champion who believes in his teammates (50:50 results - this will improve as the list improves) - Weitering has so much time.... If you want to see him out of Mr Composed mode - win the game, his celebration was priceless - he couldn't stop grinning - Ex-Crows add so much grunt to our game. 2-3rd efforts get the tick - Lamb seemed to be everywhere, albeit at times without polish (I don't think we're a polished type side just yet)
Somewhere in between The Jones boy - totally seemed to mis read play at times, meaning he'd be too pooped for 2nds. Liam Jones - take a bow son. When you needed to mark and slot it - you did just that. You've earned another game.
Serviceable - Gibbs, although he missed a very gettable set shot, he linked nicely and kicked true when the heat was on. He needs to develop this consistently. Looked to be giving plenty of advice to young fellas - Curnow's are unstoppable runners. I think Charlie's work off the ball, and even in defence ran his defender ragged. - Buckley had a crack and looked to improve defensively - GWS. The Plow played his role and showed a few tricks - he's going to be such an upgrade in our defense. Sumner's defensive pressure and energy impressed - Casboult works really hard around the ground but still hasn't nailed his kicking. His contribution up field might be a worry for some teams - Rucks tapped well but not much more - Doc was courageous but uncharacteristically (or characteristic of the game) fumbly, especially early on - 2e, not his best game
In all, can't fault the effort and perseverance. As we know, skills leave a lot to be desired, especially set shots. Several players missed gettable shots. I saw some structure, leadership and teamwork as though the new plan is starting to stick.
Blue baggers we might not see many wins this year. So enjoy your celebrations.
Re: Rd. 5 - Pre Game Thread - Blues V Dockers « Reply #155 on: April 23, 2016, 02:13:37 PM » Quote from: Gointocarlton on April 23, 2016, 11:37:28 AM I reckon we are a sneaky chance.
Same. Freo are far from their best and nowhere near where they were last year. When we last played them at Domain, they were average. Had we not had no. 13 "chipping" it, too afraid to engage, and 23 realising he was on a footy field (what the hell was that.... Oh Walters just sat on my shoulders and took a screamer), we were close to matching it. Our best is a certain chance.
Jones hits the scoreboard and Gibbs hits his straps...... Go Blues
Its with much pleasure that I say "see above prediction - well IT HAPPENED" Ugly arm wrestle of a game but...... We were slightly less ugly for 4 quarters and that was enough 4 points is 4 points. We just kept grinding it out and the rest is history.
Big cheer to the Blue baggers at the game - you were loud proud and relentlessly optimistic.
I hope this gives our young fellas a lift - they deserve it. Go Blues.
(deliberate someone asked.... You think)