Reader's pick: 15th
Experts' picksRANK
Jake Niall17th
Michael Gleeson17th
Peter Ryan15th
Jon Pierik15th
Daniel Cherny12th
Warwick Green17th
Why they can make the eight
The Blues will hope for eight wins this year, which means the finals are a further four unexpected victories away. That looks like a big leap but, remember, they lost six matches by 19 points or less last season. If Jacob Weitering, Sam Petrevski-Seton and Charlie Curnow can become consistent, strong performers and Harry McKay kicks goals, the Blues could build momentum quickly.
Why they can't make the eight
There is still so much work to be done. The Blues had only seven wins in 2016 and six last year, including one from their final 10 matches. This list does boast great promise but it is still too early to expect a consistent, hardened side. Sam Docherty's absence is a major blow.
Jon Pierik
You expect them to proclaim us as flag favorites ?
Both the readers and the experts have us bottom 4, except Cherny, which IMO is about right. No Docherty, lots of kids, new game plan, half a forward line. On paper and recent form, I'm not sure what other conclusion one could reach.
No, but I'm amazed the Pies, Saints and Hawks consistently get rated ahead of us.....
No, but I'm amazed the Pies, Saints and Hawks consistently get rated ahead of us.....
Predictions of various types usually err on the conservative side. This fact, plus other aspects regarding the way predictions are made, mean that it's not unreasonable to rate those sides above us.
Predictions of various types usually err on the conservative side. This fact, plus other aspects regarding the way predictions are made, mean that it's not unreasonable to rate those sides above us.
Because of Eddie's influence, no one in the media will ever stick the knives into the Pies as they repeatedly do to us....
Hawks get extra points because of their recent premiership history, not their current list.
Saints, well meh.
Even with Docherty missing I think the club would want to be out of the bottom 4 at seasons end, no-one expects finals but if you are selling a rebuild/progress we need more wins than last season where we went backwards.
Because of Eddie's influence, no one in the media will ever stick the knives into the Pies as they repeatedly do to us....
Hawks get extra points because of their recent premiership history, not their current list.
Saints, well meh.
All three of those teams OUGHT to finish above us. Saints have a more mature list, in development for longer. Also looks like McCartin might play. Pies - well who knows ? The list is unbalanced IMO, but they have enough talent and experience to justify the higher rating compared to us. And the Hawks have Clarkson plus (more importantly) Ratts, plus runs on the board, so once again, maybe not finals, but they won't bottom out IMO.
I wouldn't worry about predictions. The real world has a way of making them seem gossamer and irrelevant. Some teams will perform as expected, some will disappear up their own ar$e$, and some will come from nowhere and surprise everyone.
Every expert football media person had the Tiggers and Doggies shoe in favourites to win the flag over the last two years.
Always has been and always will be crystal ball stuff.
No one looks back at what they said at the end of the season.
Internally the boys have goals to meet, do you job and the results will come.
Go NEW BLUES!
Even with Docherty missing I think the club would want to be out of the bottom 4 at seasons end, no-one expects finals but if you are selling a rebuild/progress we need more wins than last season where we went backwards.
Yes, there will be pressure to perform and I imagine there will be more effort from the coaching staff and players to win the close games.
I reckon Cherny has got our prospects nailed.
Yes, there will be pressure to perform and I imagine there will be more effort from the coaching staff and players to win the close games.
I reckon Cherny has got our prospects nailed.
Saints game showed we will be more attacking at the risk of some turnovers, but kicking goals is more a focus and I expect that to pay dividends with more wins.
I was more negative pre JLT series but I now see us being very competitive with midpack clubs and finishing 12-14 rather than 15-18 and I think thats a reasonable aim and one that
should satisfy members/supporters...
The writers will be cagey about our prospects as most would not want to go too far out on a limb at this stage. I don't therefore really worry too much about what they may say one way or the other. Personally I'm confident in us being more attacking and competitive this year and this should snag us a few more wins and even cause an upset or two. If we could end up 10 - 12 I would be content. In the 8 would be fantastic.
I expect 9th to 12th, nothing less!
There comes a point where you have to put the bar up and say "We're going to jump this!"
We can't keep looking at the coming season each March and be thinking "Well maybe not this year...but next year for sure!"
Whilst I realise there is some conjecture as to whether the 3 year, 66 game rebuild is a media or CFC construct, when I look at the list, I still see 1 season to go before things get significantly better. The kids don't have enough games under their belts, the forward line is still questionable, midfield 50/50. So I think 2019 is when we will see a move up the ladder of some substance. At least I hope. 2018 is still a little early for mine - not enough pieces of the puzzle in place.
There comes a point where you have to put the bar up and say "We're going to jump this!"
We can't keep looking at the coming season each March and be thinking "Well maybe not this year...but next year for sure!"
that's the spirit Lods!
Once it clicks it will click good. There's plenty of talent with a bit more experience. Finals is certainly a real possibility. Might not make it, but must go into this season aiming for them.
that's the spirit Lods!
Once it clicks it will click good. There's plenty of talent with a bit more experience. Finals is certainly a real possibility. Might not make it, but must go into this season aiming for them.
bloody oath. no pro athlete says ok, i'll settle for 18th this year, they say, I want a medal!!
that's the spirit Lods!
Once it clicks it will click good. There's plenty of talent with a bit more experience. Finals is certainly a real possibility. Might not make it, but must go into this season aiming for them.
I subscribe to this theory too.
Said as much for a couple years now.
I still feel like our forward line is lacking, and our midfield needs more experience.
It 'could' be this year, but i'm leaning towards 2019 at the earliest.
Freo were 14th last year with 32 points (8 wins).
The 12th team had 42 points....
48 made the eight on percentage.
we won 6 and lost anoher 6 by 3 goals or less.
Personally, I think we'll easily be a 3 goals a game better team with the new game plan, and new and injured players coming into the fold.
Heck, Paddy Dow could have kicked 4 or 5 alone against the Saints had he not panicked a bit....
When I look at the other teams I simply don't see many dominant standout teams.
Sydney - will always be a good team because of their work ethic, but cracks are apeariong and their engine room doesn't purr as it did a few years back.
Hawks - lost a lot of their guns and a fair bit of their soul imo. Tommy M a ball magnet, but after that O'Meara - well time will tell. Rioli appears sidelined for the time being and their stars are fading.
Cats - of course adding Ablett to the Dangerfield-Selwood duo is a positive but given his hammy issues, when wil his season commence.....any smart oppodition coach will try and run him ragged and tweak the ld hammy again. And recall he had calf issues at GC too....after those three they don't look that flash at all. Taylor all but gone, Lonergand and Mackie gone, Hawkins not what he was.... Hendo the great white hope down back? Good luck with that.
GWS - remain the standout team on paper imo. Lots of injuries last year but they're my flaf favourite, hands down!
Adelaide - lost a flag due to complacency and the Walker-Lever issue. Will be a big threat and Bryce will be the icing, no question.
But all of these teams are very beatable on the day.
The next tier?
Tigers, Dees, Port, Bummers
Will have their good days and their bad days.
Reckon Bummer's midfield is very thin for real quality (and ruck).
Dees - their good is very good, no question.
Tigers - meh, is their style of manic intensity maintainable? Unlikely.
Port - some big additions - who maY OR may not fire, the jury's out. But all flaky types.
Doggies?
Meh.
When I look at the other teams I simply don't see many dominant standout teams.
Sydney - will always be a good team because of their work ethic, but cracks are apeariong and their engine room doesn't purr as it did a few years back.
Hawks - lost a lot of their guns and a fair bit of their soul imo. Tommy M a ball magnet, but after that O'Meara - well time will tell. Rioli appears sidelined for the time being and their stars are fading.
Cats - of course adding Ablett to the Dangerfield-Selwood duo is a positive but given his hammy issues, when wil his season commence.....any smart oppodition coach will try and run him ragged and tweak the ld hammy again. And recall he had calf issues at GC too....after those three they don't look that flash at all. Taylor all but gone, Lonergand and Mackie gone, Hawkins not what he was.... Hendo the great white hope down back? Good luck with that.
GWS - remain the standout team on paper imo. Lots of injuries last year but they're my flaf favourite, hands down!
Adelaide - lost a flag due to complacency and the Walker-Lever issue. Will be a big threat and Bryce will be the icing, no question.
But all of these teams are very beatable on the day.
The next tier?
Tigers, Dees, Port, Bummers
Will have their good days and their bad days.
Reckon Bummer's midfield is very thin for real quality (and ruck).
Dees - their good is very good, no question.
Tigers - meh, is their style of manic intensity maintainable? Unlikely.
Port - some big additions - who maY OR may not fire, the jury's out. But all flaky types.
Doggies?
Meh.
Your desire and ability to downplay the negatives or issues with us, yet simultaneously downplay the positives of other teams, is really quite something. Shades of Steve Jobs' Reality Distortion Field.
wtf?
I wasn't analysing us, just the opposition (briefly). You're as bad as Kruddler, arguably worse after that inane comment....
I'd concentrate on generating wins vs the bottom teams...Brisbane, Freo and North all beat us last season.....Gold Coast was another when Lynch kicked a bag....
Those are teams we need to make sure we win against if we are going anywhere, you add those wins to last years tally and the season looks ok, 2-3 more wins vs teams higher up and you are looking at finals.
We need to make sure we dont get rolled by these bottom teams and establish a dominance over them that we can carry forward so we have a bank of guaranteed wins every season...
I'd concentrate on generating wins vs the bottom teams...Brisbane, Freo and North all beat us last season.....Gold Coast was another when Lynch kicked a bag....
Those are teams we need to make sure we win against if we are going anywhere, you add those wins to last years tally and the season looks ok, 2-3 more wins vs teams higher up and you are looking at finals.
We need to make sure we dont get rolled by these bottom teams and establish a dominance over them that we can carry forward so we have a bank of guaranteed wins every season...
I was thinking much the same. Dropping games we should win is hopefully a thing of the past. But with so much youth, new game plan etc., I'm not sure we're out of the woods yet. And I don't think the kids will go 100% all season, so I'm thinking the 1st half of the season will see better results than the second. Which is what we've seen recently. Sigh............
We play the Suns, Pies, Dogs, Crows and Freo 2x each.
What I would love to see is an accuracy rating next to each pundit. We will quickly learn that although these are fun, they realistically know very little and forecasting results is even worse. I am not talking about us, as we will not doubt be in the bottom half of the ladder, but we really shouldn't take these predictions too seriously.
I'd concentrate on generating wins vs the bottom teams...Brisbane, Freo and North all beat us last season.....Gold Coast was another when Lynch kicked a bag....
Those are teams we need to make sure we win against if we are going anywhere, you add those wins to last years tally and the season looks ok, 2-3 more wins vs teams higher up and you are looking at finals.
We need to make sure we dont get rolled by these bottom teams and establish a dominance over them that we can carry forward so we have a bank of guaranteed wins every season...
Absolutely, have to win the 'easy' games....
Bold Blue - should win - 8 wins
italics maroon - likely loss. 6 games
Red - 50/50 --------- 8 games
Round 1 Thursday, March 22
RICH v CARL
Richmond
Carlton
MCG
7:25PM
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Round 2 Saturday, March 31
CARL v GCFC
Carlton v
Gold Coast Suns
ES
1:45PM
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Round 3 Friday, April 06
CARL v COLL
Carlton v
Collingwood
MCG
7:50PM
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Round 4 Saturday, April 14
NMFC v CARL
North Melbourne v
Carlton
BA
7:25PM
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Round 5 Saturday, April 21
CARL v WCE
Carlton v
West Coast Eagles
MCG
4:35PM
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Round 6 Friday, April 27
WB v CARL
Western Bulldogs v
Carlton
ES
7:50PM
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Round 7 Saturday, May 05
ADEL v CARL
Adelaide Crows v
Carlton
AO
7:10PM
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Round 8 Saturday, May 12
CARL v ESS
Carlton v
Essendon
MCG
2:10PM
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Round 9 Sunday, May 20
CARL v MELB
Carlton v
Melbourne
MCG
1:10PM
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Round 10 Saturday, May 26
GEEL v CARL
Geelong Cats v
Carlton
GS
7:25PM
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Round 11 Friday, June 01
SYD v CARL
Sydney Swans v
Carlton
SCG
7:50PM
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Round 12 BYE
Round 13 Saturday, June 16
CARL v FRE
Carlton v
Fremantle
ES
1:45PM
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Round 14 Sunday, June 24
COLL v CARL
Collingwood v
Carlton
MCG
3:20PM
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Round 15 Saturday, June 30
CARL v PORT
Carlton v
Port Adelaide
MCG
1:45PM
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Round 16 Saturday, July 07
BL v CARL
Brisbane Lions v
Carlton
G
1:45PM
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Round 17 Friday, July 13
STK v CARL
St Kilda v
Carlton
ES
7:50PM
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Round 18 Sunday, July 22
CARL v HAW
Carlton v
Hawthorn
ES
1:10PM
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Round 19 Saturday, July 28
GCFC v CARL
Gold Coast Suns v
Carlton
MS
7:25PM
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Round 20 Sunday, August 05
CARL v GWS
Carlton v
GWS Giants
ES
1:10PM
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Round 21 Sunday, August 12
FRE v CARL
Fremantle v
Carlton
OS
2:40PM
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Round 22 Sunday, August 19
CARL v WB
Carlton v
Western Bulldogs
ES
1:10PM
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Round 23 Friday, August 24
CARL v ADEL
Carlton v
Adelaide Crows
ES
12:00AM
Preview
I don't think we are 50/50 with GWS, I doubt anyone will be 50/50 with GWS this season! :o
I don't think we are 50/50 with GWS, I doubt anyone will be 50/50 with GWS this season! :o
In Melbourne, maybe nt 50/50 but not a guaranteed loss.
I think the Swans have big problems, their list looks very fragile and to cover the loss of a few talls they have to rob Peter to save Paul elsewhere on the field.
They could struggle a bit for 2018, if they don't it's probably one you can credit the coach for! He'll have to earn his money now!
This for me is the game plan year, sure I want more wins like the next bloke but I think if I see our play develop and looks of having a complete game plan are there then I will be content.
The list build or the majority of it is pretty much done in my book, this is the year it has to start looking like its coming together becoming weather tight and moving on from building the structure.
http://www.footyology.com.au/footyology-countdown-boltons-blues-need-to-be-bolder/
Just found this site, although some of you may already know it.
http://www.footyology.com.au/footyology-countdown-boltons-blues-need-to-be-bolder/
Just found this site, although some of you may already know it.
Thanks Paul, have seen this previously & like most in the Media, RoCo is not prepared to go out on a limb and predict the Blues will improve Ladder position, probably fair enough too:-)
Thanks Paul, have seen this previously & like most in the Media, RoCo is not prepared to go out on a limb and predict the Blues will improve Ladder position, probably fair enough too:-)
No, they all err on the side of caution, like many on here I guess.
Even though he supports the (yawn) arch enemy, he's at least tolerable, and I don't mind his articles, as long as you're on the lookout for a few expected biases.
They err on the side of caution and understandably so, with the amount of personnel changes a younger squad, it's u predictable at best. Yes some great signs but would you put your reputation on it? Still think we I'll be higher up than 16 , but one or two key injuries and we will be scrabbling
This will hit the Pies' fortunes....
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tyson-goldsack-out-for-the-year-with-acl-injury-20180312-p4z3x3.html (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tyson-goldsack-out-for-the-year-with-acl-injury-20180312-p4z3x3.html)
This will hit the Pies' fortunes....
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tyson-goldsack-out-for-the-year-with-acl-injury-20180312-p4z3x3.html (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/tyson-goldsack-out-for-the-year-with-acl-injury-20180312-p4z3x3.html)
Yep..He is a good footballer, though at the end of his career.....Collingwood are bottom 6 material IMO...
Bad luck for Goldsack, I do not wish serious injuries on anybody even a filth player, hope he has a smooth and speedy recovery!
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-13/season-preview-carlton
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-13/season-preview-carlton
Couple of things;
Based on JLT I cannot see McKay playing alongside Curnow and Casboult Rnd 1, it might depend on SpecialK's fitness.
I think it could be smart to try and play SoJ as a defensive forward on Rance, make Rance accountable. Plus SoJ seems to attract the focus of umpires in a good way, Rance won't get away with so much under that focus.
I think Lamb or Garlett(If fit) will be in ahead of Dow, maybe both depending on how we decide to structure up. However, I reserve the right for the MC to play Dow in front of a 90K crowd just to give him a taste!
SPS looked a little underdone in the JLT, he might be in need of some VFL time to confidence up and get back to 100%. Dow could well get a nod ahead of him.
Couple of things;
Based on JLT I cannot see McKay playing alongside Curnow and Casboult Rnd 1, it might depend on SpecialK's fitness.
I think it could be smart to try and play SoJ as a defensive forward on Rance, make Rance accountable. Plus SoJ seems to attract the focus of umpires in a good way, Rance won't get away with so much under that focus.
I think Lamb or Garlett(If fit) will be in ahead of Dow, maybe both depending on how we decide to structure up. However, I reserve the right for the MC to play Dow in front of a 90K crowd just to give him a taste!
SPS looked a little underdone in the JLT, he might be in need of some VFL time to confidence up and get back to 100%. Dow could well get a nod ahead of him.
SPS still managed 6 disposals and two tackles in a bout a quarter and a half of playing time. Last year showed us that he doesn't need a lot of pre-season time to get ready for the season.
Dow plays ahead of Lamb easily for mine. Lamb shouldn't get a game unless we have substantial injuries. I think there's room for both Garlett and Dow though as Dow will play more through the middle.
Also think we'll get games into McKay.
SPS still managed 6 disposals and two tackles in a bout a quarter and a half of playing time. Last year showed us that he doesn't need a lot of pre-season time to get ready for the season.
Dow plays ahead of Lamb easily for mine. Lamb shouldn't get a game unless we have substantial injuries. I think there's room for both Garlett and Dow though as Dow will play more through the middle.
Also think we'll get games into McKay.
I thought Lamb did a fair bit of the unfashionable stuff that allowed the likes of Dow, SPS, Wright and Pickett to get some kudos in finishing.
Remove Lamb and one of them has to sacrifice themselves by hitting the coalface for remaining others to profit on the outside. I don't think any of them are ready or equipped for that, Wright has the body but not the leg speed or aerobic capacity.
Notwithstanding the difference in size, I wouldn't mind seeing Lamb on Rance for periods in the game. A bit of lip and niggle might be enough to put him off his game.
I think Bolton likes having a Lamb type up forward and Lamb seems to work very well with Pickett.
I doubt they would have played Lamb twice, and pretty much full games, if he wasn't very much likely to start round 1.
And let's not forget he owes Houli big time!
Sure, ultimately the likes of Dow, Garlett and/or Lang may well overtake him but the guy can play his role very well.
sPS will play, no question. The guy is silk.
Will Dow get a gig round 1?
I'd like to hope so - for all the ra ra about the Tigers and their smalls, I don't think they're overly quick and Dow has that explosiveness to hurt them.
Bottom line is there a seriously healthy amount of competition for spots - both with the talls and the smalls...
The Rance question - maybe one of Marchbank or Weitering takes him? Or even Cam O'Shea in a cameo role - it's take one (intercept player) to know one?
Richmond could be forced to make four changes to their premiership team in round one as they sweat on the fitness of midfielder Dion Prestia and Bachar Houli.
With Nathan Broad serving a club-imposed suspension in the first three rounds and Daniel Rioli unlikely to be ready by round one after ankle surgery from an injury suffered in the grand final, several spots could be available for the season opener against Carlton.
SPS still managed 6 disposals and two tackles in a bout a quarter and a half of playing time. Last year showed us that he doesn't need a lot of pre-season time to get ready for the season.
Dow plays ahead of Lamb easily for mine. Lamb shouldn't get a game unless we have substantial injuries. I think there's room for both Garlett and Dow though as Dow will play more through the middle.
Also think we'll get games into McKay.
Garlett is very lightly built, I think he is a horses for courses player and wont enjoy the extra physicality of the game when its wet in particular...I think Lamb and Dow will both play round 1, both played the JLT games and both had their moments.
As I have said before I think the coach likes Lamb for his application when given a role on a player and this will get him games, there has been a big investment in Dow being taken at pick 3 and he will play most games this season apart from a few where he is managed IMO. He needs to play on the best players and learn the game at senior level, think its a waste of time playing him the VFL apart from giving him a break.
Harry is another who needs senior footy to fastrack him rather than cruising in the VFL....
I’m not sold on Harry.
Needs to pull his finger out before he ends up on th same scrap heap as many before him. Seems to lope along too much for my liking. His potential won’t be enough. Thought he lacked urgency in the JLT series-was a perfect time for him to excel but failed to grab the opportunity. All the images of him with his bulging biceps count for SFA if he cant get the pill.
Will be much tougher for him in the real season and as much as he needs game time.....first and foremost he needs to be 100% committed otherwise we are wasting time we could put into others like Kerr.
Whatever other attributes Harry has, I think he plays in large part because we have no one else, and he shows the most promise. We are light on for KPF as it is, and if Krooz and Cripps are rotated between their normal positions and the forward line, and Levi is rotated between forward, ruck, wing etc., then having someone stationed pretty much as CHF would be no bad thing. Helps his development, gives the forward line some stability, gives the mids a known target etc. Could do worse IMO.
lol @ people saying we can't play harry with Curnowfides and Casboult in the same forwardline, but laying into me suggesting similar with Weitering in certain situations.
lol @ people saying we can't play harry with Curnowfides and Casboult in the same forwardline, but laying into me suggesting similar with Weitering in certain situations.
I think we can play them all.
Curnow is a bit more of a roving forward anyway.
If Kerr comes on though we may have a problem (not a bad one though) ;)
Depending on weather, opposition defence, our own structures etc. we could play all three at once, but I would not make a habit of it. Curnow must play very game - if it suits to only play 2, well I'de be favouring Harry to start with - give him a good block of games to get the ball rolling. Top 10 pick, been on our list for 2 seasons, his body is growing, more attacking game plan - it's time to let her rip I reckon.
I’m not sold on Harry.
Needs to pull his finger out before he ends up on th same scrap heap as many before him. Seems to lope along too much for my liking. His potential won’t be enough. Thought he lacked urgency in the JLT series-was a perfect time for him to excel but failed to grab the opportunity. All the images of him with his bulging biceps count for SFA if he cant get the pill.
Will be much tougher for him in the real season and as much as he needs game time.....first and foremost he needs to be 100% committed otherwise we are wasting time we could put into others like Kerr.
Harry reminds me of Joe Daniher who loped along early in his career and looked carefree and lazy, he drove Bomber fans mad and made us happy being so inconsistent and lazy looking but now we are not so happy and he is one of the best KP Forwards in the game. Trick was the Bombers stuck with him in the seniors and just kept sending the ball his way and while it took 3-4 seasons it paid off and we need to do the same with Harry. I think we can play three talls up forward and I also think Casboult can ruck a bit more than he does after covering for Kreuzer in the last JLT game fairly well IMO....and at the same time Kruezer can go forward more.
lol @ people saying we can't play harry with Curnowfides and Casboult in the same forwardline, but laying into me suggesting similar with Weitering in certain situations.
I think it's a form issue with McKay for Rnd 1, based on his JLT form. Playing him Rnd 1 will give Rance a free run, Rance won't even need to stand on the kid. The sad thing was that SoJ was also down, I reckon he could easily have a good game though because his work rate was quite high compared to McKay.
Weitering was probably one of the best in JLT2, McKay's hardly had a touch in two outings.
But the AFL JLT Supercoach (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-12/jlt-every-players-fantasy-score-afl) ratings say it all, below McKay are only other players who played part games. Maybe McKay was being managed, but it was JLT and the intensity was well down, and he's a 200cm KPP who would normally have a high percentage of game time.
I think we can play them all.
Curnow is a bit more of a roving forward anyway.
If Kerr comes on though we may have a problem (not a bad one though) ;)
I agree that Curnow, Casboult and McKay can all play in the same forward line, particularly with Curnow playing further up the ground and Casboult having a run in the ruck.
Charlie managed to lead Carlisle up the ground in JLT1 but we didn’t really capitalise on his efforts. I’m sure that Teague will be fine-tuning how our forward line operates.
Harry showed that he can handle himself in ruck contests and I think that means that we’re unlikely to see much of Phillips and Lobbe.
It would be an embarrassment of riches if Kerr lives up to his potential ????
McKay looks like Kurt Tippett Mark II.
McKay looks like Kurt Tippett Mark II.
Yep, time to prune that dead wood... ????
Yep, time to prune that dead wood... ????
Well let's hope he is not the dead wood just yet, but wasn't impressed in lack endeavour by Harry , he seemed our Great White Hope for a while now , it now time to fullfill some of that hope . Yes it was JLT as has been commented but perfect time to grow the green shoots in a nice lawn before he is mowed under
McKay looks like Kurt Tippett Mark II.
Tippett looked a million dollars, before he got a million dollars! ;)
The Swans should sue his management, the money ruined him!
Depending on weather, opposition defence, our own structures etc. we could play all three at once, but I would not make a habit of it. Curnow must play very game - if it suits to only play 2, well I'de be favouring Harry to start with - give him a good block of games to get the ball rolling. Top 10 pick, been on our list for 2 seasons, his body is growing, more attacking game plan - it's time to let her rip I reckon.
One thing abuot Harry, we'll never know if he's any good if he's playing the 2s.
And out first 6 games this season are 'easy' games on the wholwe, what better time to tell the kid - your spot is guaranteed for 2 months, so go hard and play hard.
Agree re the weather, three bigs up there too much if it's going to be wet, wet, wet.
Against the Tigers, I'd be swinging both Curnow and Weiters through on Rance... make the guy very accountable.
One on one, Charie will beat him in the air and Weiters should have the smarts to at worst negate him.
And if Houli is an out, the run out of the Tigers' defensive 50 evaporates pretty quickly.
And play and Harry. Astbury only 195cm how does he alone handle the twin towers, both over 200cm?
But again, it's all about fast (and idealy first) use of the ball.
We got smashed out of the centre in H1 of JLT2.....bad set ups? Sure, Special K off but Levi went ok but they inevitably won the ball.
Need Ed Curnow to do more. I think SPS will show his quality this year.
And Murph hopefully will move out of first gear against the Tigers.
Should Kennedy tag Dusty and Ed get the job on Cotchin. After that they'e meh anyway. Sounds like Prestia is an out too.
We have to persevere with Harry. He is the type that we are desperate for and the potential payoff is huge. Maybe a few frustrating times ahead but we must not make a premature call knowing that such big key types need more time. Patience is not a dirty word, impatience maybe is?
Agreed Cookie, the bloke is 203/204cm (still growing?) and only 20; a potential 10 yr key forward.
What's the hurry?
After all, it's up to the midfield to get its act together to deliver the ball forward in a coherent way in the first instance?
If Harry’s attitude is right and is following team instructions then he’ll play, regardless of how many goals he kicks.
He’s got the physical tools, we just to make the call on what he’s got between the ears.
It’s a pity we haven’t heard from Kerr...
Agreed Cookie, the bloke is 203/204cm (still growing?) and only 20; a potential 10 yr key forward.
What's the hurry?
After all, it's up to the midfield to get its act together to deliver the ball forward in a coherent way in the first instance?
Yes I agree FB. We are still building both forward and Midfield structures and they need a bit more time in development even before they start to mesh and function well together. Signs are encouraging. Our defence is obviously our strength atm and that sort of proves that we can go through a process of development successfully. It's always important to remember that we are still going through pretty much of a total rebuild from ground up. I think we have the right recruitment and coaching staff on board now to successfully do that.
I think our midfield has huge upside - even from what we saw against St Kilda.
Murphy and Charlie doing diddly then SPS, Lang and Kennedy to add much needed inside and outside support.
All experienced players now and guys who know what it takes.....
Reckon Garlett should be given some time in the guts too - like SPS, a silky mover, finds the pill and has plenty of tricks....and turning 22 this year, has a mature body and excellent endurance.
But no problems letting Garlett find his feet in the 2s, especially given the shoulder 'injury'.
Have no doubt he, Lang and Willo will force their way into the 1s within the month of the season's start though if we're 6-0 and the current 22 is getting the job done, no complaints from me!!
It’s a pity we haven’t heard from Kerr...
Kerr's played the last two VFL practice matches, his first games since hip surgery! :o
Enough to make one puke...
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b)
Enough to make one puke...
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b)
This is the problem when you have professional sports commentators who have careers that are dependent on senior executives who are CheatsFC supporters!
The problem isn't the CheatsFC booster in front of the camera, the problem is that the boosters know a CheatsFC corporate sycophant butters their bread!
Some cool stats....
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-12/jlt-every-players-fantasy-score-afl?camefrom=EMCL_2157080_91295444 (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-12/jlt-every-players-fantasy-score-afl?camefrom=EMCL_2157080_91295444)
indicative of who might play Rd 1?
Kerr's played the last two VFL practice matches, his first games since hip surgery! :o
Are you telling me the lazy good for nothing prick hasn’t played since last August ? ????
My point was that I haven’t seen any headlines about how well Kerr is traveling, it would be helpful if he was providing some competition for a spot in the seniors, don’t you think ?
Are you telling me the lazy good for nothing prick hasn’t played since last August ? ????
My point was that I haven’t seen any headlines about how well Kerr is traveling, it would be helpful if he was providing some competition for a spot in the seniors, don’t you think ?
Like the front page March 1st news story on the club's own website, the story explaining his injury, recovery, an associated illness and then his eventual return to competitive football in the pre-season drawn match!
Nah, haven't heard a thing!
But given this bloke was able to hold down the 2017 VFL 1st Ruck duties while carrying a hip injury I reckon he'll eventually go OK. Red heads, hard as nails! ;)
Do the captains count as "pros" ?
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-15/captains-call-giants-danger-tipped-for-glory
Paddy Wow picked by 4 captains to win the RS. Next best was LDU with 3 captain's votes.
Enough to make one puke...
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b (http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/essendon/essendon-2018-afl-season-preview-david-king-says-essendon-is-ready-to-rise/news-story/de22e2863ed8df3811ecb794537cae6b)
Ready to rise?
Someone mix up their PEDs with viagra?
I think it's a form issue with McKay for Rnd 1, based on his JLT form. Playing him Rnd 1 will give Rance a free run, Rance won't even need to stand on the kid. The sad thing was that SoJ was also down, I reckon he could easily have a good game though because his work rate was quite high compared to McKay.
Weitering was probably one of the best in JLT2, McKay's hardly had a touch in two outings.
But the AFL JLT Supercoach (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-03-12/jlt-every-players-fantasy-score-afl) ratings say it all, below McKay are only other players who played part games. Maybe McKay was being managed, but it was JLT and the intensity was well down, and he's a 200cm KPP who would normally have a high percentage of game time.
Look, i'm far from convinced Harry is the long term answer. I've been banging on about the need to get in more key forwards for years.
However, we need to play him. We are not trying to win the flag this year.....well....i'm sure we are trying, but development is #1 priority.
We need to work out if McKay is worth persisting with long term and if we need to draft/trade in a replacement. The only way we know that is if we play him. The best opposition to play him against would be the reigning premiers, on the all australian captain, on opening night at the mcg in front of 90,000 people.
If he can perform on that stage, he can perform on any stage.
Alternatively, you play him in the VFL, in front of 900 people, on a guy who watched the all-australian on tv and was once captain of U9's.
Whats that going to tell you?
Agree with this^^^
Agree with this^^^
If Harry plays, there's no spot for Jack imo....
Like the front page March 1st news story on the club's own website, the story explaining his injury, recovery, an associated illness and then his eventual return to competitive football in the pre-season drawn match!
Nah, haven't heard a thing!
But given this bloke was able to hold down the 2017 VFL 1st Ruck duties while carrying a hip injury I reckon he'll eventually go OK. Red heads, hard as nails! ;)
I’m sorry my life got in the way of reading and dissecting every dynamic newsworthy morsel from the northernblues mate... ????
Ready to rise?
Someone mix up their PEDs with viagra?
;D classic. Love it.