Sat 31st March at 1345 at Etihad.
After last night there will be some expectation on us to do well.
Richmond are the best pressure side in the comp so it will be interesting to see how we move the ball with what I'm assuming/hoping will be less pressure.
Richmond are the best pressure side in the comp so it will be interesting to see how we move the ball with what I'm assuming/hoping will be less pressure.
+1 but we could be flat as a tack next week as last night's game would have left a few of our boys sore and a bit down on confidence.
I think next week is a real danger game for us in terms of not really knowing what to expect from Gold Coast.
Every game is a danger game, wouldn't you say Thry old son ?
Hopefully our fans turn up next week, last night was embarrassing. Outnumbered 3 to 1.
Every game is a danger game, wouldn't you say Thry old son ?
Not for us. This is one we should win hence why it's a danger game.
Last night was a danger game for Richmond.
Not for us. This is one we should win hence why it's a danger game.
Last night was a danger game for Richmond.
Bolton talks about a performance mindset, and talks about dangerous thoughts that can adversely affect a performance mindset - the concept of a danger game falls into this category IMO.
GC are a big unknown for mine. On paper they have a handy list, and there could be a honeymoon period with the new coach. I'm tipping us solely for the fact that it's at Etihad.
but we could be flat as a tack next week as last night's game would have left a few of our boys sore and a bit down on confidence.
9 day break is gold. First round soreness is probably the worst and we have two extra days over the opposition...who will be flying interstate this week AND to us next week.
GC are not a team to be underestimated. Dew will have them fired up for sure but if we keep focused we should beat them imo.
Would much rather be playing them in 5 or 6 weeks after they have travelled repeatedly... Kruezer would be a massive out... and they have shown a bit pre-season.
50/50.
Bolton talks about a performance mindset, and talks about dangerous thoughts that can adversely affect a performance mindset - the concept of a danger game falls into this category IMO.
GC are a big unknown for mine. On paper they have a handy list, and there could be a honeymoon period with the new coach. I'm tipping us solely for the fact that it's at Etihad.
That's true Paulp. No sporting organisation can afford to think about games not being losable. Actually they shouldn't be thinking about the result at all.
A coach once told me that the ladder is simply where you end up relative to the rest of the competition and the ladder will look after itself provided you focus on the next contest (note not even match, but contest). You win more contests than your opponent, you win more games. The more games you win the better chance of finishing higher you have. If you don't win a contest the best way to make up for it is win the next contest. The point being that if you contest wisely you will win mire of them and win mire games. He then steered this onto tactics stating that contests are important to win in critical areas. You can lose the battle but win the war. Then put that in context of types of play and game situation.
Moral of the story is, focus on what you have to do next, otherwise you lose sight of the now.
That's true Paulp. No sporting organisation can afford to think about games not being losable. Actually they shouldn't be thinking about the result at all.
A coach once told me that the ladder is simply where you end up relative to the rest of the competition and the ladder will look after itself provided you focus on the next contest (note not even match, but contest). You win more contests than your opponent, you win more games. The more games you win the better chance of finishing higher you have. If you don't win a contest the best way to make up for it is win the next contest. The point being that if you contest wisely you will win mire of them and win mire games. He then steered this onto tactics stating that contests are important to win in critical areas. You can lose the battle but win the war. Then put that in context of types of play and game situation.
Moral of the story is, focus on what you have to do next, otherwise you lose sight of the now.
I guess my point was this : if one starts with the concept that there exists such a thing as a danger game, then simple logic dictates that there also exist games that are not danger games. And the minute you think that, you drop your guard, however slightly, and that's not a good performance mindset. I think that's what Bolts was getting at, and I agree. Which is why I stated that IMO, every match is a danger game.
We're at the stage now that we need to win these types of games. Good performances and very honorable losses to the premiers are great but mean nothing if we lose to the Gold Coast at home. Not sure about changes yet. look at that as the week goes on.
I'll be shocked if Kreuzer plays, he grabbed at his groin repeatedly after he hurt it, tried to contest the next ruck contest, grabbed it again and then limped off. He tried to come back on in the last quarter but was clearly hampered. Kennedy was hard to tell, when he first did it I thought he might have hurt his achilles, he just pulled like he'd been shot after kicking the ball, but then he limped off, so can't be achilles. If he's damaged ligaments I hope they give him a week or two to get it right rather than rush him back, inject it and keep making it worse or not allowing it to heal properly. We need both of these guys badly, but not just for round 2
I've never been a fan of playing half fit players. As a result, I would not be selecting either Kreuzer or Kennedy.
That means at least 2 'ins'.
Lobbe is probably one more week away. He didn't play against Richmond (2nds), although he was there. He'll be right to play by round #3, but he is very doubtful for the Suns.
Phillips started quite well against Richmond (2nds), but he ran out of gas in the 3rd quarter. Soldo took over in the ruck and made the most of his opportunities. I would prefer to have Phillips play at least 2 more games in the VF before considering him for senior selection.
De Koning did OK, especially as the game wore on. His general level of athleticism and his spring at the centre bounces were obvious and appreciated. Around the ground Soldo out-bodied him: he has a 4 year head start of de Koning. De Koning also so some very nice marks late in the game and has a quite decent left foot. I that he was quite similar to Harry McKay: at one point he gathered the ball and went for a gallop, but got run down because he didn't have the game awareness yet.
These are our ruck options. I can't see any of them being cherry ripe for next week, even with a 9 day break. Certainly, Lobbe and Phillips will be in the picture, but I would give them time. Otherwise we may well ruin them.
Of the not quite ruckmen, we do have a few options:
Harry McKay is the 1st who comes to mind. He is not a ruckman at this time, but has the tools to do the job in short spells. He might get done in the centre square, which would put us at a severe disadvantage, but not as much as when Gorringe was there last year.
A reasonable option is playing Harry forward and rucking Casboult.
Something of a forgotten player is Sam Rowe. He is set for his return to playing next weekend. He can do the ruck job and can play key forward or key defence. I don't think he is ready yet, but he remains an option and a long way from the worst one.
Even Patrick Kerr can play ruck, as he has a good spring. Not my first choice but it depends on who is fit enough to play.
If it's a illiopsoas muscle, he's got it for the rest of the year, it won't get worse but it won't get better either.
To replace Kennedy we also have a few decent options:
[1] Sam Kerridge: Sam's form has not been that great, but he did get a lot of the ball against the Tigers. He turned it over and dropped a couple of crucial marks, but he can snap a goal (his set shots are less reliable).
[2] Darcy Lang: Lang is going the play this weekend. The question is in which team. I would like him to come through the VFL, but we might take a risk. He is a senior play and would be a reasonable replacement.
[3] David Cuningham: Cunners still has some issues, especially on the defensive side of his game, but he was explosive out of the middle against Richmond and his kicking has the depth to get over the back. His form is quite decent.
[4] Nick Graham: Graham was probably our best mid the other night. He didn't get that much game time, but he got the ball and he used it very well. We know he doesn't have the pace we like, but he does get the ball.
[5] Cam Polson: No. he didn't have a good night in the middle and struggled to have an impact.
Thanks for that, I like hearing what the guys are doing in the VFL. For me it would be a choice between Cuningham and Kerridge. I don't think they will bring Lang straight in after missing most of the pre-season, and I'd be surprised if they go back to Graham ahead of Cuningham. It will depend if they feel we need an experienced player (Kerridge) or happy to play another youngster (Cuningham)
For Kennedy it's Cunningham or Graham for me, Kerridge is more of a stopper.
But the word I have is Kennedy could be OK to go with the 9 day break.
Excellent, I thought he showed plenty on Thursday before he hurt himself
Three guys who had seriously bad nights on Thursday were Jack Silvagni, Ciaran Byrne and Jacob Wetering. Even with the 2 probable forced changes, I would seriously consider dropping a couple o these guys.
Jack has been lackluster at best this season in the pre-season games and was ordinary on Thursday. He didn't get many possessions and his opponents generally tried to run off him because they knew they had him covered for speed. Jack has shown some real commitment in hi tacking and chasing, but this just wasn't seen this season so far. Richmond are known for their fanatical attack on the ball. Stephen Silvagni was known for his fanatical attack on the ball. That is the thing that we nee identifd to see from Jack.
At this point he is out-bodied too easily. He needs to work on this badly. He is known not to be quick. He needs to work on that. He doesn't need to win a Stawell Gift, but he does need that pace over a couple of metres that his dad had. He really needs that little sprint to break contact, or to grab his man in time instead of just too late. He needs to be working on his reaction time, as he reacts that little too slowly at the moment. I guess he is not confident at predicting where the ball is going.
There is nothing here that jack cannot fix, but he needs time in the VFL to develop his confidence and work on these skills.
Byrne I have discussed elsewhere. He needs a month or so to get his touch and his game awareness back.
Weitering is no dead loss, but he needs to work on his game as well. He is a good intercept marker, but he has to work on the other aspects of his game: that extra pace over a small distance to close on the lead and the body work. In the mean time we have to be better at selecting his opponent, as a guy who leads quickly is not it.
As much as I want him to be our key defender, I would not be disappointed to have him play a quarter or so in the forward line, especially if we don't have a good match-up at some point.
With Alex Silvagni and Sam Rowe coming back, we can match our defenders to the type of attackers the opposition has. I like Alex Silvagni, for his leadership and stability as well as his close checking. Sam Rowe is also a leader, even if he does make mistakes sometimes. They are close checking players. I am not sure that either will be ready this week, but both will be ready soon.
I don't understand the hysteria re Weitering. He is 20 years old. He can play multiple roles in defense, he's smart, uses the ball well, and wins most 1 on 1 contests when they arise, he's a great reader of the ball. If I was on match committee he plays every game at this stage becuase he has shown that he will develop into an excellent defender, and he's doing enough to earn his place in the team (you need to look over a period of time, not just one game)
His weak physical approach ATM really worries me, getting outmarked by smaller players is simply not on.
Confidence may be a bit down at the moment, let's see how he goes over the next few weeks
His weak physical approach ATM really worries me, getting outmarked by smaller players is simply not on.
There is no shame in getting out marked when you are caught out of position. the issue was getting burnt going from offense to defense.
His weak physical approach ATM really worries me, getting outmarked by smaller players is simply not on.
The weakness isn't in our defence, it's in our defensive run out of our own F50, and our poor ball use exiting our own D50.
Also, even before the Kennedy injury Thursday night our midfield mix was too slow, Cripps, Ed. Curnow, Kennedy and Kreuzer cannot all be in the midfield at the same time it's too slow if they don't win the football. It's like we back ourselves in to win and damn the consequences.
It's been a problem for a long time, Nthmond moved the ball too easily and quickly from their D50 into their F50. It wouldn't matter who they were up against let alone having to deal with Martin and Riewoldt, whose team-mates handed out blocks like they were shielding children from a terrorist and all of them not penalised!
On the replay in one incident when Nthmond were heading to the right of screen, the play is on the wing in the bottom left of the widescreen, in the top right about 50m away you see a small Nthmond forward make direct front on contact with Weitering who is standing Riewoldt, this is before the ball is even kicked let alone within the allowed distance. Riewoldt breaks free and the spud commentator, I think it was Ling yet again, takes a shiv to Weitering like he's bar of chocolate which popped up in front of him. Ling spewed out his usual anti-Carlton vitriol and ranted about how it wasn't good enough from Weitering. Emotional Carlton fans seem to lapped it up, because it's become the topic of discussion here, there and everyowhere!
Ling must want Weitering at Geelong, the last bloke he carried on about like that was Tuohy! ;)
At one stage one of the commentators had a rant about Weitering being beaten by a smaller player, it was Dustin Martin! What a forking moronic stance to take!
There is no shame in getting out marked when you are caught out of position. the issue was getting burnt going from offense to defense.
With his height and reach, he should've at least got a hand on it and brought it to ground. Sure, he probably would've lost the ground contest, but its better than surrendering the mark.
I can't help but think Liam Jones would've found a way to spoil....even if he ended up on his head afterwards which was his theme for the night.
The weakness isn't in our defence, it's in our defensive run out of our own F50, and our poor ball use exiting our own D50.
Also, even before the Kennedy injury Thursday night our midfield mix was too slow, Cripps, Ed. Curnow, Kennedy and Kreuzer cannot all be in the midfield at the same time it's too slow if they don't win the football. It's like we back ourselves in to win and damn the consequences.
It's been a problem for a long time, Nthmond moved the ball too easily and quickly from their D50 into their F50. It wouldn't matter who they were up against let alone having to deal with Martin and Riewoldt, whose team-mates handed out blocks like they were shielding children from a terrorist and all of them not penalised!
On the replay in one incident when Nthmond were heading to the right of screen, the play is on the wing in the bottom left of the widescreen, in the top right about 50m away you see a small Nthmond forward make direct front on contact with Weitering who is standing Riewoldt, this is before the ball is even kicked let alone within the allowed distance. Riewoldt breaks free and the spud commentator, I think it was Ling yet again, takes a shiv to Weitering like he's bar of chocolate which popped up in front of him. Ling spewed out his usual anti-Carlton vitriol and ranted about how it wasn't good enough from Weitering. Emotional Carlton fans seem to lapped it up, because it's become the topic of discussion here, there and everyowhere!
Ling must want Weitering at Geelong, the last bloke he carried on about like that was Tuohy! ;)
At one stage one of the commentators had a rant about Weitering being beaten by a smaller player, it was Dustin Martin! What a forking moronic stance to take!
At one stage one of the commentators had a rant about Weitering being beaten by a smaller player, it was Dustin Martin! What a forking moronic stance to take!
At least he was pulled up by one of his colleagues and conceded that Martin is stronger.
Weitering was caught slightly out of position by quick ball movement and, once Martin had the prime spot, he had no chance of spoiling without giving away a free. That’s the situation where your desperately hoping that one of your teammates will fly in from the side to spoil.
It will be interesting to see how much lead the slosh in Cairns has put into the legs of the Suns players.
I thought the Suns' lifesaver colours were quite appropriate last night - there were nearly a couple of drownings on the field!
At least he was pulled up by one of his colleagues and conceded that Martin is stronger.
Weitering was caught slightly out of position by quick ball movement and, once Martin had the prime spot, he had no chance of spoiling without giving away a free. That’s the situation where your desperately hoping that one of your teammates will fly in from the side to spoil.
There is a difference between being caught out of position as a direct mistake versus a missed penalty.
Too many Carlton fans lambaste Weitering, instead of asking why we cannot deliver the football to our forwards advantage like that kick to Dusty! As you mention, there was little else Weitering could do without being penalised, and the umpires are just bursting at the seams to reward Dusty.
There is a price you pay for being a Carlton player, especially while the current generation of 80s and 90s past players remain in control of the AFL and AFL media, some of our young guys will just be starting to realise it is not an even playing field!
If we lose Kreuzer and Witts bring's that form to a dry Etihad, against Casboult as our 1st ruck, we are in big trouble!
We do not have the midfield to take advantage of roving to their dominant ruck, and to further the situation if Kennedy is also out things will be even worse!
Scary thought, surely we have to play Phillips, even if underdone
If we lose Kreuzer and Witts bring's that form to a dry Etihad, against Casboult as our 1st ruck, we are in big trouble!
We do not have the midfield to take advantage of roving to their dominant ruck, and to further the situation if Kennedy is also out things will be even worse!
I spotted Kreuzer at the local woollies. He had a chat to one of the staff in fresh produce and was asked how it's going and he said ok. The staff member asked him if he'd be up and about next week and his answer was affirmative.
Whilst I can appreciate he isn't going to come out and say no, he didn't have to be definitive.
For mine Jack and Lamb both have to be dropped this week. We have a bit of depth at the moment and the message needs to go out that poor form is unacceptable. They each had zero impact last week. In fact that last bit of play in the 4th quarter where Jack tried to drop the kick into CHF only to hit a Richmond defender on the chest and subsequently set-up the goal to snuff out any chance of victory was shocking. Byrne and Wieters were also very average but I'm thinking you you can't really drop 4 players after 1 round of footy, can you?
Too many Carlton fans lambaste Weitering, instead of asking why we cannot deliver the football to our forwards advantage like that kick to Dusty!
I think that Matty Wright and Charlie got some fairly good delivery on Thursday night.......
I think that Matty Wright and Charlie got some fairly good delivery on Thursday night.......
True, but once the fast break 1st Qtr action was no longer an option our quality of ball use seem to dessicate very quickly.
Later in the game, when things were there to be won check out our efficiency, Nthmond seemed to get better and we became horrible!
From the replay there are a couple of last quarter examples that stand out;
- The first was when Casboult has pushed forward and was basically one out on the HFF goal side of his opponent with clear space behind him. We kicked it short straight into the arms of a waiting medium defender.
- In another, Kreuzer was left goal-side of his opponent at CHF, again with a clear F50 behind him, and we kicked it short to the wall of small defenders. In and around those attempts, Nthmond scored twice opening up a multiple goal lead.
Both our failed kicks could have been 10m past the target and would have resulted in a scoring shot, the only place we couldn't kick the ball was short and that is exactly where we kicked it!
True, but once the fast break 1st Qtr action was no longer an option our quality of ball use seem to dessicate very quickly.
Later in the game, when things were there to be won check out our efficiency, Nthmond seemed to get better and we became horrible!
From the replay there are a couple of last quarter examples that stand out;
- The first was when Casboult has pushed forward and was basically one out on the HFF goal side of his opponent with clear space behind him. We kicked it short straight into the arms of a waiting medium defender.
- In another, Kreuzer was left goal-side of his opponent at CHF, again with a clear F50 behind him, and we kicked it short to the wall of small defenders. In and around those attempts, Nthmond scored twice opening up a multiple goal lead.
Both our failed kicks could have been 10m past the target and would have resulted in a scoring shot, the only place we couldn't kick the ball was short and that is exactly where we kicked it!
That might have had more to do with Kennedy and Kreuzer both having less effect on the game as it wore on.
We are already a young side. Doing it for 4 quarters against the team that just won the flag is always going to be a big ask.
Like you said, we did better early and dropped off.
Provided we highlight where it fell over, its not an issue.
That might have had more to do with Kennedy and Kreuzer both having less effect on the game as it wore on.
We are already a young side. Doing it for 4 quarters against the team that just won the flag is always going to be a big ask.
Like you said, we did better early and dropped off.
Provided we highlight where it fell over, its not an issue.
It's not like we failed to create the opportunities, we were just rubbish at implementing them when they arrived.
Old legs, young legs, maybe just excuses legs! One I think was Murphy, the other I think was Garlett.
In the dying moments, when the flag is there to be won, it will have to be done with tired legs old or young! That all happens above the shoulders, it's not a fitness issue, it's not about youth or experience! It wasn't a decision issue, the target was the right choice.
I think if Kreuzer doesn’t get up our best option is Casboult and McKay rotating, worked ok in JLT2 and the other guys are too underdone.
Wouldn’t mind seeing one of Plowman or Weitering moved up to the wing and through the middle and bring in someone like O’Shea for Kennedy. Maybe even move Mullett into the middle for a bit.
Herald Sun:
"ON THE BLOCK: The Blues have two major injury worries. Matthew Kennedy hurt his ankle early in the loss to Richmond and missed the second half. Expect him to miss the Suns game. Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is also in doubt after hurting his groin."
Look ominous
Wouldn’t mind seeing one of Plowman or Weitering moved up to the wing and through the middle and bring in someone like O’Shea for Kennedy. Maybe even move Mullett into the middle for a bit.
Yes, it seems a reshuffle is the best option given a lack of in form ready-made replacements.
btw., lots of not too good SpecialK rumors floating around, hopefully they are just rubbish, but there's a lot of them and it's often a bad sign because the rumor mills often get the result right but the reason wrong!
Herald Sun:
"ON THE BLOCK: The Blues have two major injury worries. Matthew Kennedy hurt his ankle early in the loss to Richmond and missed the second half. Expect him to miss the Suns game. Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer is also in doubt after hurting his groin."
Look ominous
Chances are the Hun knows no more than you or I.
And Kennedy did the ankle in Q1; when he came back on in Q2 he lasted 5 seconds....
9 days rest before the GC, a lot can happen - and change - in that period.
So bad rumours on Matt K? What are they?
Cunningham and McKay should both play this week, they've been on the list long enough and it's time we found out if they're good enough.
I spotted Kreuzer at the local woollies. He had a chat to one of the staff in fresh produce and was asked how it's going and he said ok. The staff member asked him if he'd be up and about next week and his answer was affirmative.
Whilst I can appreciate he isn't going to come out and say no, he didn't have to be definitive.
It wasn’t Cliff from Clematis by any chance?
Very early test in a new season to gauge where we are at particularly our new game style. Its been reported Dew has got GC to adopt a very defensive game plan so interested how our new attacking style stacks up. Yes I know its just one game but reckon the fallout of a loss is not what we want early into this season.
Reckon the next 4 weeks is the most important block of games since Bolts took over IMO.
Reckon the next 4 weeks is the most important block of games since Bolts took over IMO.
No doubt about that.
If we get off to a slow start some chains will be rattling for BB, not matter what sort of goodwill some fans are hoping for!
If we want to move up the ladder we have to beat the likes of Gold Coast, Collingwood and North Melbourne.
We play all 3 next.
Win them all = Good Job
Win 2 = Pass
Win 1 = Fail
Lose them all = Bolton in trouble
It will be a tough gig this week but I will be mightily disappointed if we don't win. We need to show we can beat these kind of teams and our performance against a much stronger Tigers outfit was encouraging. We desperately need to go on with it now.
Lose them all = Bolton in trouble
MBB, a hypothetical.
Historically for Ratten, he'd lost a bunch of our better players the year he got the chop, but fans said injuries were no excuse before MM took over and Ratten got the chop. Ratten himself sat at his presser and said he accepted AFL and Carlton was ruthless and that is just the way it is.
A few years later, MM offered injuries as an excuse for poor performances, and then he got the chop although I'm not sure the results being different would have saved him.
If BB lost Kreuzer and Kennedy, or any of the other key players, then finds himself on the bad end of some results, will he get a leave pass or will he get the chop?
I like Weitering. Got some real talent.
My query with him though is, does he have the grit/crape/mongrel required? To me, last year and this, he looks very timid and almost scared/weak at times.
He's also not the most athletic. Looks terribly slow leg speed wise but also agility wise.
Got a great footy brain/IQ though IMO. Lovely mark and kick. Reads the ball well usually.
Just a couple of slight concerns at this stage.
I like Weitering. Got some real talent.
My query with him though is, does he have the grit/crape/mongrel required? To me, last year and this, he looks very timid and almost scared/weak at times.
He's also not the most athletic. Looks terribly slow leg speed wise but also agility wise.
Got a great footy brain/IQ though IMO. Lovely mark and kick. Reads the ball well usually.
Could that be a description of Harry Taylor?????
MBB, a hypothetical.
Historically for Ratten, he'd lost a bunch of our better players the year he got the chop, but fans said injuries were no excuse before MM took over and Ratten got the chop. Ratten himself sat at his presser and said he accepted AFL and Carlton was ruthless and that is just the way it is.
A few years later, MM offered injuries as an excuse for poor performances, and then he got the chop although I'm not sure the results being different would have saved him.
If BB lost Kreuzer and Kennedy, or any of the other key players, then finds himself on the bad end of some results, will he get a leave pass or will he get the chop?
If we're 0-4 the Pokies King will sharpen his axe.
If we want to move up the ladder we have to beat the likes of Gold Coast, Collingwood and North Melbourne.
We play all 3 next.
Win them all = Good Job
Win 2 = Pass
Win 1 = Fail
Lose them all = Bolton in trouble
If the theory that our club has changed is a fact and not just some PR nonsense, then whatever happens this season should have no bearing on Bolton's future. We need to be like Geelong when Bomber Thompson was coach, or like the Tigers with Hardwick. The ladder position, wins / losses etc. will go up and down, until the team sorts itself out.
At the very least, we should wait until seasons end and not until R5 to see how the club is faring.
Otherwise, Bolton will become another Ratts, and I for one don't want that.
Just like Bomber, back in his Weapon days! ;)
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/kreuzer-kennedy-on-track-for-suns-clash-20180327-p4z6gt.html
Kreuz 'n Kennedy good chances for Sat. :)
Let's hope so.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/kreuzer-kennedy-on-track-for-suns-clash-20180327-p4z6gt.html
Kreuz 'n Kennedy good chances for Sat. :)
Let's hope so.
I hope so, but the footy media circles are still expecting both to miss.
If we want to move up the ladder we have to beat the likes of Gold Coast, Collingwood and North Melbourne.
We play all 3 next.
Win them all = Good Job
Win 2 = Pass
Win 1 = Fail
Lose them all = Bolton in trouble
Wouldnt want to lose this week....GC are a team we should beat in Melbourne every game every season....they are devoid of real superstar talent bar Lynch and
are struggling to retain talent.
Sometimes a crappy win does more for you than an honourable loss, it did in 2016, as it gives you belief. We might be a bit scratchy for a while but if we get over the line we'll get over the line in the next couple too.
Wouldnt want to lose this week....GC are a team we should beat in Melbourne every game every season....they are devoid of real superstar talent bar Lynch and are struggling to retain talent.
I think that Cold Toast may be a different proposition with their new coach. However, the promising signs we showed against Richmond will mean nothing if we don't get a win this week.
Jack & Kennedy out - O’Shea & Cunners In
Teams are in.....and Silvagni is not.
In: D.Cuningham, C.O'Shea
Out: J.Silvagni, M.Kennedy (ankle)
New: Cameron O'Shea (Northern Blues)
Fair call...Cunningham earned a promotion in the practice game.
Jack obviously didn't shine....a spell in the two's won't do him any harm...but he really hasn't been replaced "like for like"
Excellent changes. Now I'm pretty sure we're fair dinkum.
SOJ was giving his all but not hurting the opposition. Cam O'Shea to free up Mullett for a more attacking/midfield role and maybe Cuningham HFF, he can hit the scoreboard?
Interesting that the AFL websitse has TDK as an emergency and the club's website has H as an emergency ??? AFL website also had Kennedy as omitted :o
Fair call...Cunningham earned a promotion in the practice game.
Jack obviously didn't shine....a spell in the two's won't do him any harm...but he really hasn't been replaced "like for like"
I'm not really familiar with the gold coast side, specifically the forward line, but i'm a little surprised that Weitering being left without a matchup last week has not only held his spot, but they've brought in an extra tall defender in Cam OShea to take on the suns. :o
There is no backup ruck option named in the emergencies (unless you count Tom De Koning, which i don't) so perhaps its cover for Kreuzer who is obviously under a cloud. Krezuer out, Casboult ruck, weitering forward ? If not that, then i'm pretty baffled with the selection table discussion this week.
Excellent changes. Now I'm pretty sure we're fair dinkum.
SOJ was giving his all but not hurting the opposition. Cam O'Shea to free up Mullett for a more attacking/midfield role and maybe Cuningham HFF, he can hit the scoreboard?
Interesting that the AFL websitse has TDK as an emergency and the club's website has H as an emergency ??? AFL website also had Kennedy as omitted :o
Bit of a stuff up...
Kennedy is obviously an injury.
Harry could still play if Kreuzer doesn't come up.
Interesting that the AFL websitse has TDK as an emergency and the club's website has H as an emergency ??? AFL website also had Kennedy as omitted :o
Since when have they been naming 4 emergencies anyway?
............
Interesting that the AFL websitse has TDK as an emergency and the club's website has H as an emergency ??? AFL website also had Kennedy as omitted :o
Well spotted Baggers - and now for the obvious question - which one is right ?
I'd believe the club website...makes more sense
100 games for Murph as captain and 50 AFL games for Jed Lamb.
I'd believe the club website...makes more sense
The clubs must feed the team sheet to the AFL - so how were the names transposed ? Do the teams submit a sketch list and then a final ?
FWIW, I really want to see Harry play, but as an emergency, that's most unlikely.
The clubs must feed the team sheet to the AFL - so how were the names transposed ? Do the teams submit a sketch list and then a final ?
FWIW, I really want to see Harry play, but as an emergency, that's most unlikely.
Not if Kreuzer doesn't come up
Not if Kreuzer doesn't come up
Yes, I guess so, although you'd think Krooz would not be named unless he was a strong chance. I'd like to see them both on the park.
100 games for Murph as captain and 50 AFL games for Jed Lamb.
Congratulations to Murphy and The Pest ...
Hope the boys get the win for our milestone men
Go Blues
Well, it's obvious that Kennedy is still injured.
Jack dropped. Well it was on the cards.
Happy with the ins.
Excellent changes. Now I'm pretty sure we're fair dinkum.
SOJ was giving his all but not hurting the opposition. Cam O'Shea to free up Mullett for a more attacking/midfield role and maybe Cuningham HFF, he can hit the scoreboard?
Interesting that the AFL websitse has TDK as an emergency and the club's website has H as an emergency ??? AFL website also had Kennedy as omitted :o
AFL now have H listed. Perhaps they saw your post Baggers ^-^
Carlton
B: Lachie Plowman, Liam Jones, Jacob Weitering
HB: Cameron O'Shea, Caleb Marchbank, Ciaran Byrne
C: Aaron Mullett, Patrick Cripps, Kade Simpson
HF: Zac Fisher, Levi Casboult, Dale Thomas
F: Jarrod Garlett, Charlie Curnow, Sam Petrevski-Seton
R: Matthew Kreuzer, Ed Curnow, Marc Murphy
Int: Paddy Dow, David Cuningham, Matthew Wright, Jed Lamb
IN: Cameron O'Shea, David Cuningham
OUT: Jack Silvagni (Omitted), Matthew Kennedy (Injured)
Gold Coast
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Rory Thompson, Jesse Joyce
HB: Michael Rischitelli, Steven May, Kade Kolodjashnij
C: Lachie Weller, Jarryd Lyons, Jack Bowes
HF: Jack Martin, Tom Lynch, Aaron Young
F: Ben Ainsworth, Sam Day, Alex Sexton
FOLL: Jarrod Witts, Touk Miller, David Swallow
I/C: Nick Holman, Brayden Fiorini, Darcy MacPherson, Aaron Hall
IN: Aaron Hall
OUT: Matt Rosa (Omitted)
Both sides have 4 emergencies named. I can't think of a good reason for it, but ...
Their forward line has 2 talls, Day and Lynch and 4 shorter guys.
I hope Kreuzer has recovered. I probably wouldn't have played him, but I am pretty conservative in that area. The club rarely follows my opinions on such matters.
Last year at Etihad was one of the very few times that Kruezer got beaten last year. Witts had him covered. That was something I never expected to see: I was not impressed by Witts at Collingwood. However, Witts was excellent in 2017 and made me eat my opinion. I would certainly like Kreuzer to be 100% in the circumstances.
Lynch also really hurt us. Kicking 10 goals was the difference then.
Hope Holman does well. Reckon he'd be a good mid for the mighty Blues.
On paper, their team looks so-so.
Hope Holman does well. Reckon he'd be a good mid for the mighty Blues.
On paper, their team looks so-so.
:-[ :-[ :-[
In his draft year he was one of only 2 Murray Bushrangers to get selected. He wanted the ball and it showed. I was disappointed when he was let go. Pace was his issue then. Hopefully it still is.
Hope Holman does well. Reckon he'd be a good mid for the mighty Blues.
On paper, their team looks so-so.
Not a lot of big names have GC...missing two metre Peter is an advantage for us...their midfield is very blue collar, Hall is a good inclusion for them.
Ainsworth and ex Port player Aaron Young are two we need to watch, both good goalkickers and we wouldnt want to be too loose down back....
With the players named we are probably one tall too many down back given their four small/mid forwards.....think OShea might start on the bench and Mullett at half back which concerns me...
No disrespect to O'Shea, but picking him with the other tall defenders in the 22, makes zero sense.
No disrespect to O'Shea, but picking him with the other tall defenders in the 22, makes zero sense.
Very tall back six, Byrne is 188 but plays much taller. Desperately need some run from him. He just needs to be a bit more composed and pick his time to go. You can tell the boys want to get it to him to run it out, has a killer sidestep. Just needs to use the ball a bit better.
I think we should win by 5 goals, but I'll take a one point win. Hope Cunners can cement himself a spot. Has a bit of toe and I think he'll make it, if he believes he can. Talent is there
No disrespect to O'Shea, but picking him with the other tall defenders in the 22, makes zero sense.
Yep, team balance is a concern this week.
We've gone tall down back (perhaps as an over reaction to the risk of Lynch carving us up) but they've got a number of smaller forwards (like Richmond) who may out run us too easily.
We then seem to also be embracing the small forward line approach when we could play an extra tall and really stretch them. Maybe Weitering will be moved forward this week?
And light in the midfield. With Kennedy out I would have brought in Kerridge to have one more bigger mature body helping out Cripps. Hopefully I'm wrong on Cuningham (I didn't see the VFL match last week) and he's hardened up and learned to tackle.
We have to win this one and I think our approach will be a lot more measured than it was v. the Tigers. I expect we will include longer periods of tight defensive play especially if we can build a 3 to 4 goal lead. We have to avoid running out of gas and the risk of mistakes and turnovers.
No disrespect to O'Shea, but picking him with the other tall defenders in the 22, makes zero sense.
Some might have said the same thing last week. ;)
This week doubley so.
What's the thinking though?
There must be some plan to it all.
The folks doing the selection aren't novices in terms of team selection.
So you have to think there's some "method in the madness".
What's the thinking though?
There must be some plan to it all.
The folks doing the selection aren't novices in terms of team selection.
So you have to think there's some "method in the madness".
Look at what went wrong in our last game and what we need to change to fix that.
What's the thinking though?
There must be some plan to it all.
The folks doing the selection aren't novices in terms of team selection.
So you have to think there's some "method in the madness".
Is SOS on the selection committee?
What is the thinking with filling your list with so many tall defenders to begin with?
He has a penchant for tall defenders....and given his standing in the game, he probably believes they are the most important player in the team.....that can even go forward if need be.
I'm not sure SOS's career is 'the rule' and more the exception though.
Not sure how much method there is, but madness....sure.
I suspect Writers to go forward..... Horribly unbalanced line up.
Maybe kreuzer won't play?
Terry agrees...too many talls down back
Weitering to the wing
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/03/29/terry-wallace's-fantastic-new-position-for-weitering/
Former AFL coach Terry Wallace has suggested an entirely new position for struggling Carlton defender Jacob Weitering.
Rather than send the 2015 number one draft pick up forward, where he was trialled early last season, to cover for the omitted Jack Silvagni, Wallace says that playing the 20-year-old on the wing would best suit his abilities as a player.
“I’d like to see him play as a defensive wingman,” the ex-Richmond and Western Bulldogs coach said on SEN’s The Match Committee.
“He would be fantastic in that role because he would cover off as an interceptor, which is the best role that he plays, and he also sets up very well with his feet.”
Wallace believes that the Blues defensive unit from their loss to Richmond last week was simply too tall, considering a move further up the ground for Weitering would help the side in being able to rebound the ball out of their backline quickly.
“To me, Lachie Plowman, Liam Jones, Jacob Weitering and Caleb Marchbank is too tall,” he said.
Terry agrees...too many talls down back
Weitering to the wing
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/03/29/terry-wallace's-fantastic-new-position-for-weitering/
Interesting analysis and it will be even more interesting to see what we actually do. On the subject of Weitering, I don't know if he always looks so glum but he certainly had that look in the Tiger game. Is he an unhappy vegemite or does he just look like one?
Could be the first good idea Terry's ever had.
It's interesting how these plebs call blokes struggling after one game in which they appear to get stitched up by nthmond's Dustin Martin!
Last night Dusty kick 5 on the Crows GF defence, are they struggling too, because it was being out-bodied by Dusty that started all this Weitering rubbish?
A bigger issue, reports are that SpecialK is at best 50/50 for tomorrow.
Interesting analysis and it will be even more interesting to see what we actually do. On the subject of Weitering, I don't know if he always looks so glum but he certainly had that look in the Tiger game. Is he an unhappy vegemite or does he just look like one?
It's not new, and it's something I've wondered about myself.
I think it's just his natural demeanour.
He's had a high level of expectation in his first couple of years and he may feel the weight of those expectations.
If you have a look at some of the threads since his time with us...you'll see a number of references to him stating that "he doesn't look like he's enjoying his football" but it may be he's just not the excitable kind.
Interesting analysis and it will be even more interesting to see what we actually do. On the subject of Weitering, I don't know if he always looks so glum but he certainly had that look in the Tiger game. Is he an unhappy vegemite or does he just look like one?
He's always had that fairly dour demeanour - downturned eyes and mouth don't help.
I remember criticism of Mick during his time that he was going too tall as well. Is this a thing with defensive minded coaches ?
Bolton's pre-match.
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2018-03-30/bolton-previews-suns-clash
Interesting analysis and it will be even more interesting to see what we actually do. On the subject of Weitering, I don't know if he always looks so glum but he certainly had that look in the Tiger game. Is he an unhappy vegemite or does he just look like one?
He's always looked like that, and he takes his football very very seriously which doesn't help. The moment it's time to run on the ground he gets that game face, see him 1/2hr earlier and he'll be hypo, laughing and joking looking forward with anticipation to the game. Cross the white line and it's business time.
I suspect at the moment he won't particularly like our game style, he'll be happier a few games into the season when the defensive structures get sorted out, Weits is a bit of a control freak and last week at times we looked like headless chooks!
In that respect he is not unlike an AFL coach, they won't be happy at the moment either, most games are becoming shot outs because everyone seems to be experimenting! Don't be fooled, this free flowing scoring sh1te is going to end in the coming weeks, coaches hate it!
He's always had that fairly dour demeanour - downturned eyes and mouth don't help.
I remember criticism of Mick during his time that he was going too tall as well. Is this a thing with defensive minded coaches ?
Wallace's timing is a bit out, he's talking about us being too tall as we take on the Suns with Lynch and Day.
No wonder he was a failure as a coach! ;)
Seem to have an abundance of defenders in the team, wonder if we might play seven down back to prevent Lynch leading for the footy and getting too many one out duels.
After last week's game I wrote that some of the more ugly moments in our defence came about because of our almost obsessive attack, particularly from Marchbank, Byrne and Simpson, they ran so hard forward they often left Jones and Weitering under-manned and outnumbered in defence when the ball was eventually turned over. To me that was obvious, but a lot of people pointed the finger at Jones and Weitering for having shockers.
I was most disappointed in Simmo, he gather heaps of footy but he burnt team-mates in the process, yet some gave him votes. His game was almost glory hunting, he is a senior and he should deliver better than that.
I was glad to hear BB mention in his presser that he thought Paul Roos comments about our game lacking balance between attack and defence was on the money, and that they have worked hard to address that during the week. BB mentioned the kids tend to go all one way or the other, they play to extremes, and that is no doubt the case.
I expect to see a bit more control and tempo this week, attacking when the opportunity arises, and holding when we have to. I hope to see a far more team orientated effort!
Terry agrees...too many talls down back
Weitering to the wing
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2018/03/29/terry-wallace's-fantastic-new-position-for-weitering/
Seems my bandwagon is getting more and more passengers by the day. Terry being the latest addition.
Perhaps i could proclaim "you heard it here first!"
After last week's game I wrote that some of the more ugly moments in our defence came about because of our almost obsessive attack, particularly from Marchbank, Byrne and Simpson, they ran so hard forward they often left Jones and Weitering under-manned and outnumbered in defence when the ball was eventually turned over. To me that was obvious, but a lot of people pointed the finger at Jones and Weitering for having shockers.
I was most disappointed in Simmo, he gather heaps of footy but he burnt team-mates in the process, yet some gave him votes. His game was almost glory hunting, he is a senior and he should deliver better than that.
I was glad to hear BB mention in his presser that he thought Paul Roos comments about our game lacking balance between attack and defence was on the money, and that they have worked hard to address that during the week. BB mentioned the kids tend to go all one way or the other, they play to extremes, and that is no doubt the case.
I expect to see a bit more control and tempo this week, attacking when the opportunity arises, and holding when we have to. I hope to see a far more team orientated effort!
Think you need to get recalibrated because you are a bit off with that assessment.
Nobody that i can recall was bagging out Jones. He made some mistakes, but he saved our butts several times too.
Weitering is not getting blasted because he got outmarked in 1 contest with Dustin Martin.
You can bag out Simmo, but i'm pretty sure the coaches voted him 3rd BOG behind Cripps and Martin.
Seems my bandwagon is getting more and more passengers by the day. Terry being the latest addition.
Perhaps i could proclaim "you heard it here first!"
Slight difference...You wanted Weitering out of the side. ;D
Nobody that i can recall was bagging out Jones. He made some mistakes, but he saved our butts several times too.
He's still developing in that position...He sometimes plays the risky game and that can look bad if it doesn't come off, but the upside is better than the down.
His disposal off the back when he's in control is usually pretty good and his defensive marking is also going well.
You cant fault his second efforts and desperation.
With regard to spoiling....
It appears to me that his main intent is to "kill" the contest at hand with little regard to what happens next...what happens after that is sometimes uncertain and he can look very good or very bad depending on who gets the next possession after a spoil.
Slight difference...You wanted Weitering out of the side. ;D
I wanted Weitering out of the backline, and suggested others should be played ahead of him forward. Never thought about a midfield role for him. Its not a terrible idea to have him hovering between the arcs going forward and back as he sees fit. Just worried the opposition will do the same thing when he plays back and doesn't have a matchup - play through his smaller, quicker opponent.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-30/blues-will-leave-kreuzer-call-to-last-minute
Despite being named for the clash against the Suns, Blues coach Brendon Bolton said Kreuzer is still no certainty.
"We're going to give him every opportunity. He's really determined to play. We know how Kreuz goes about it so we'll give him every chance," Bolton said at Ikon Park.
"We'll leave it to the deadline."
Went to the open training today. What I got from it was there are a heap of players that I don't know, Kreuzer didn't really participate and afterwards one player left the ground with an ice pack on the outside of his thigh (refer to first part - no idea who it was! )
The young feels loved it and a few more photos to his collection. All players very accommodating, Mrs said SPS was the standout in dealing with the photos and autographs.
Seems my bandwagon is getting more and more passengers by the day. Terry being the latest addition.
Perhaps i could proclaim "you heard it here first!"
Hitching your wagon to Terry Wallets may not necessarily be a good move Kruddler :)
With a couple of exceptions, our defenders are a versatile bunch and most could play up the ground or as forwards if required. Similarly, most of our midfielders and forwards could hold down a defensive role. I’m also reminded of the old adage, “A good big man will always beat a good small man.”
I have a feeling that our coaching staff know more about our list and how to select a balanced team than most commentators. Time will tell ...
Hitching your wagon to Terry Wallets may not necessarily be a good move Kruddler :)
With a couple of exceptions, our defenders are a versatile bunch and most could play up the ground or as forwards if required. Similarly, most of our midfielders and forwards could hold down a defensive role. I’m also reminded of the old adage, “A good big man will always beat a good small man.”
I have a feeling that our coaching staff know more about our list and how to select a balanced team than most commentators. Time will tell ...
A broken click is still right twice a day.... Terry is due. ????
In regards to team balance.... Do you think our coaching staff got it right last week? This week?
I agree about our flexibility and versatility of our defenders, one exception though is weitering...his forward work has been patchy at best at senior level.
It's amazing how the "real meaning" in some forum postings seem to swing with the wind, like a weathervane!
Kreuzer out Polson in
https://www.triplem.com.au/sport/afl/news/matthew-kreuzer-forced-out-late-for-carlton?station=melbourne
Kreuzer out Polson in
Not surprised, the media backstage rumor mill had SpecialK out as most likely scenario all of last week, they never waivered. The next question is, for how long?
I suspect well see one of Cripps, O'Shea or Marchbank spending some significant time in F50, neither marchbank or O'Shea is big enough to stand Day or Lynch, and the rest of the GC forward pack are sub 190cm. O'Shea might be that tall running wingman some are looking for, as long as he doesn't drag opposition into the path of Simpson, Byrne or Marchbank coming off the HBF.
Having Cripps play forward might seem like robbing Peter to pay Paul, but I think it's a good idea. Cripps cannot play a full season of midfield games at the sort of physical intensity he did last week, he'll break down. Having the odd game in which he spends more time forward might be the way to manage him through the season, and he'll be fresh at the F50 stoppages which will create some real issues for the opposition.
With Kreuzer out that tells me Casboult and Jones are sharing ruck duties. Jones was a star on the ball in the VFL last year.
With Kreuzer out that tells me Casboult and Jones are sharing ruck duties. Jones was a star on the ball in the VFL last year.
GC have two 200cm KPFs, BB said Jones would be going to Lynch, lets see what happens.
I hope they don't hang Charlie out to dry, May has the ability to monster even seasoned AFL KPFs.
Kreuzer out Polson in
We'll certainly be shorter now, possibly in more ways than one ;)
Maybe we're looking to get an edge playing to Witts taps.
Very interested to see this game from the match up viewpoint.
Go Blues
Well we know one thing, this SpecialK out was always part of the plan, because McKay was named emergency and played in the VFL practice match.
GC have two 200cm KPFs, BB said Jones would be going to Lynch, lets see what happens.
I hope they don't hang Charlie out to dry, May has the ability to monster even seasoned AFL KPFs.
BB say that before or after Kreuzer was out? We're not going to get a choice as Levi can't go all day and someone has to be forward.
BB say that before or after Kreuzer was out?
He said it yesterday, and he said McKay was a chance as the replacement.
But Kreuzer must have always been out, they played McKay at Craigieburn and announce Kreuzer's withdrawal today with Polson as a replacement. That tells me the club knew Keruzer was never a genuine chance and that they have planned this all week. Otherwise they would have had McKay on hand in case Krezuer was a late withdrawal.
It also means Casboult's had the whole week to set himself, let's see how he goes because based on last week Witts is a genuine challenge!
GC have two 200cm KPFs, BB said Jones would be going to Lynch, lets see what happens.
I hope they don't hang Charlie out to dry, May has the ability to monster even seasoned AFL KPFs.
Who are these 200cm giants?
Witts 209cm
2m Peter - not playing
Lynch 199cm (Jones' the man)
Day 197cm (good test for weiters)
May 193cm
May will struggle to keep up with Charlie for a quarter, let alone stop him in the air. He has height, speed and athleticism on May, by a mile!!
Tall defenders to combat Levi/Weitering? Other than May? Thompson who's a handy player when fit.
Who are these 200cm giants?
Witts 209cm
2m Peter - not playing
Lynch 199cm (Jones' the man)
Day 197cm (good test for weiters)
May 193cm
May will struggle to keep up with Charlie for a quarter, let alone stop him in the air. He has height, speed and athleticism on May, by a mile!!
Tall defenders to combat Levi/Weitering? Other than May? Thompson who's a handy player when fit.
Lynch and Day are both 200cm, websites list them below 200cm, but they are clearly both taller than Kreuzer and our website lists Kreuzer at 200cm up from 199cm! Lynch was listed at 199cm when drafted, and according to the GC website he hasn't grown, very unlikely and he's always been taller than Kreuzer! ;D
Anyway, regardless of the figures being a centimetre here or there, it is irrelevant because they are rarely correct after the players draft year. It's the game style of those 200cm KPP types that determine who you have to play on them. I think we have five players in the club of the right type to stand Lynch or Day, and they are Rowe, Weitering, Jones, ACoS and Macreadie out of which only two are available.
Levi will be in the ruck, and even when he's forward you don't need a tall defender to cover him, you just need someone who is physical and disrupts his run and jump.
May may struggle to run with Charlie's intensity, but if we do our usual tricks and put the ball on Charlie's head May will rag doll him. I think May is probably the 2nd best genuine one on one KPD in the competition next to McGovern, in my opinion they are both better than Rance!