Re: 2024 Practice Match Carlton vs Melbourne
Reply #116 –
We lost to Sydney by 43 points in the equivalent practice match last year.
With Vossy leaving the coaching to Ash Hansen, I’m not sure that there’s much we can learn about how we’ll play in opening round and beyond.
The usual suspects in the midfield showed that they’ll be a force again, and Chugga’s return in the VFL was promising. I was disappointed in Lij Hollands’ performance but Binns was good in his limited time on the ground.
Pitto struggled against Gawn. While that’s not unexpected, the big fella seems to be labouring and I doubt whether he’ll be ready for opening round. However, we seem to have found a promising young ruckman in Harry McKay.
Our forward line wasn’t as potent after Motlop went off. Fantasia showed that he’ll be a depth player and we really need Martin and Owies/Durdin in the mix.
The defence was under the pump from lack of pressure up the ground but I thought that Kemp and Young were much better than last game. Gov had a game to forget but, hopefully, that will be a one off. We really miss Weitering’s leadership and ability to beat his opponent, whoever that may be. His absence makes it a lot harder for the remaining defenders.
Zac Williams got through his practice match, as did Sam Durdin. Williams has to be a chance to play against Brisbane but I think we’ll go with Young and Kemp as our key defenders.
At the other end of the ground, Charlie seems to be building for another big season.