I do not take too much notice of these ladder predictions because a lot of them were done months ago and based on last years results. David King had Carlton nearly last while Gerald Healey thinks that Carlton might be in the eight. King said that was unfair because he had done his months ago while Healey was doing his just then.
Look at Port in 2013 where nearly all predicted it to finish last. Port finished seventh and won a final. What had they done to improve that much in the space of 6 months? Not because of a couple of newbies like Wingard and Wines, nor average trade ins like Moncrief, White and Schulz (That's what we were told), nor Kane Cornes, the old has been. What they had done was to instil confidence and belief in themselves and trust in the club.
........... Ciaran Byrne: Casey showed he has a future: he looked a lot like some of the guys who played in the 70's and 80's. He spent the day in defence and got it 18 times with a couple of nice marks. He turned it over 3 times for 3 goals, but mostly showed pretty good composure. Doesn't look like he has a the killer instinct yet, probably still getting used to the speed and pressure of the senior game, but he definitely has a future. ............
Great review Crash, much appreciated. Saw the game on Foxtel and you are right about Byrne. I was astounded at the way he moved, handballed and kicked. For someone who only recently picked up the code he looked like a real footballer of the old type. I reckon he is going to improve at the rate of knots.
Do not know why but the picture above triggers an image of Dane Swan sitting down on the ground in the dugout late in the last quarter with a brilliant smile on his face. He is a character isn't he. Nothing seem to phase him.
Reckon still include Boekhurst, Smith, Dick, Cripps, Watson, Rainbow, Holman and Tutt in the side for the match just to give them another run. I'd rather not include Judd, Murphy or even Gibbs. Just rest them for the final game. Also rest Jacksch, he will be alright.
Thanks Lods for those words. Ease a lot my disappointment re yesterday's game.
Additionally I think leadership were missing too. As you said Simpson seemed to be cruising. Rowe did his best, however there need to be at least another four or five experienced leaders all over the ground to maintain some sort of structures during a game. Carrazzo is good at this.
