Carlton Supporters Club

We play a team below us who have looked more than ordinary. That should be good. But do we have enough fit guys to do the job?

Settlefield, Kennedy and Charley IN

Outs - ??

Settlefield, Kennedy and Charley IN

Outs - ??

Newman and Simpson?......Kennedy was average in the twos vs suburban mugs so dont see how he gets a game.
Williamson and Stocker were our best in the NB's and you would expect Setterfield and Charlie to be automatics if fit...like to see Williamson play as he is one of my favs and
a player we need in the team IMO to improve us in a few area's.

I'm not sure that Setterfield  is ready yet: his fitness is an issue.
I can't see Simmo coming up. Stocker? Williamson?
Kennedy is a question. I like to have him get a go, but his form hasn't really set the world on fire.
Kreuzer is the big question. He's been really good before he runs out of juice. He is up against a guy who usually plays well against him. But can we afford to bring in Phillips or Lobbe?

Setterfield is ready, he'll come straight back in. C Curnow will come in if fit, but that is a big if. Williamson will probably have to come in if both Simpson and Newman are unavailable, even though he's probably not ready yet. Big question is Kreuzer, read somewhere that his problem is a hamstring, if he doesn't come up we'll have to play Phillips or Lobbe, and that is a big loss

North will be up for this game, they smell a win.

Settlefield, Kennedy and Charley IN

Outs - ??

Tough round for selection as if Kreuzer is out we’ll have up to 5 changes.

Setterfield, Currnow,  Williamson and Stocker In
LOB, plowman, Simpson and Newman Out

I'd definitely give Stocker a run ... if only to see how he performs in the big league

North will be up for this game, they smell a win.

Yes, it's the same story in AFL and VFL, teams that are prepared to be brutal get hold of Carlton because our balance of introvert / extrovert is wrong.

It's not about who is or was captain, that's a smokescreen, it's about having players of a certain type, a player like Sicily or Roughead at the weekend. A player who didn't really do much, probably an average game, but he gets votes against us because they are prepared to do the brutal stuff, the dog acts needed to win!

Last night on Footy Classified the clown trio made Norp the big issue, questioned The Pudding Face Twins coaching ability. Lloyd publicly asked if Norp would either change or return to their brutal best. He knows what betters our club, and was happy to pose those questions of our pending opponent in the most public way. The three clowns tried to get Judd to buy in and criticise Scott and Norp but he wouldn't, because despite being brutal at the contest Judd is basically passive and honest, and he knows what would be our least desirable outcome. I don't really blame Lloyd, he is indoctrinated by Sheedy who's philosophy was simple. Whatever team Sheedy coached had two opponents every week, one they played against ........... and Carlton! As Carlton fans we are living through a generation of AFL media and administration dominated by the legacy members of the Sheedy indoctrination era, the Martians are not coming, they are here already!

Sounds like an abductor injury for Kreuzer which would definitely rule him out. If Charlie gets up, could we look at rucking Casboult with Harry as backup instead of bringing Lobbe or Phillips in?

Stocker, Williamson and Kennedy in for mine with Simpson/Newman out if injured and probably O'Brien as well? Plowman probably only saved if Simpson and Newman are both outs. His form on the weekend was diabolical....got lots of the ball but turned it over way too often for an experienced bloke.

Sounds like an abductor injury for Kreuzer which would definitely rule him out. If Charlie gets up, could we look at rucking Casboult with Harry as backup instead of bringing Lobbe or Phillips in?

Stocker, Williamson and Kennedy in for mine with Simpson/Newman out if injured and probably O'Brien as well? Plowman probably only saved if Simpson and Newman are both outs. His form on the weekend was diabolical....got lots of the ball but turned it over way too often for an experienced bloke.

Use Jones (and to a lesser degree big H up forward) in the ruck. But ithink Phillips must play.

Sounds like an abductor injury for Kreuzer which would definitely rule him out. If Charlie gets up, could we look at rucking Casboult with Harry as backup instead of bringing Lobbe or Phillips in?

Geez, I hope not, that has PCL tragedy written all over it!

Sounds like an abductor injury for Kreuzer which would definitely rule him out. If Charlie gets up, could we look at rucking Casboult with Harry as backup instead of bringing Lobbe or Phillips in?

Stocker, Williamson and Kennedy in for mine with Simpson/Newman out if injured and probably O'Brien as well? Plowman probably only saved if Simpson and Newman are both outs. His form on the weekend was diabolical....got lots of the ball but turned it over way too often for an experienced bloke.

Dont like Casboult vs Goldstein, if North are any good its in the middle with Cunnington, Higgins, Ziebell, dont need them getting an easy ride, think I would play Philips..

Dont like Casboult vs Goldstein, if North are any good its in the middle with Cunnington, Higgins, Ziebell, dont need them getting an easy ride, think I would play Philips..

You watch those dogs Ziebell and Cunnington go to work on the likes of Fisher and SPS this week. They'll ignore Cripps and beat the hell out of the receivers because the kids are soft targets.

The ruckmen might not make much difference if they are the spectating type! ;)

You watch those dogs Ziebell and Cunnington go to work on the likes of Fisher and SPS this week. They'll ignore Cripps and beat the hell out of the receivers because the kids are soft targets.

The ruckmen might not make much difference if they are the spectating type! ;)

I think Fisher and SPS can well look after themselves - LOB, Dow and Walsh different stories....

Setterfield should come straight back in - he's a big unit!

Sadly, my sources have both Simpson and Kreuzer out for 4 weeks. Not too upset about Simmo, but the big fella is shot even after this latest setback I'm afraid.
Have to go back to Phillips I guess as the direct swap and I'm hoping Williamson for Simmo. If Charlie is back I'd look at dropping Obrien. Maybe Stocker in as the wildcard for Ed?
We loose this one and Bolton will be just about cooked.

Sounds like an abductor injury for Kreuzer which would definitely rule him out. If Charlie gets up, could we look at rucking Casboult with Harry as backup instead of bringing Lobbe or Phillips in?

Stocker, Williamson and Kennedy in for mine with Simpson/Newman out if injured and probably O'Brien as well? Plowman probably only saved if Simpson and Newman are both outs. His form on the weekend was diabolical....got lots of the ball but turned it over way too often for an experienced bloke.

Thats gonna hurt our chances of winning...alot! :( Tractor was instrumental in that first half. None of our other ruckman come close.

I think Fisher and SPS can well look after themselves - LOB, Dow and Walsh different stories....

Setterfield should come straight back in - he's a big unit!

Ziebell and Cunnington are not fast, it might be the perfect game for the bigger bodied SoJ to get a run in the middle.

I agree about Setterfield, if he's fit he is in, Fisher, sMurph and SPS should be working outside and leaving Ziebell and Cunnington chasing them!

What about Higgins?

Ziebell and Cunningham are not fast, it might be the perfect game for the bigger bodied SoJ to get a run in the middle.

I agree about Seterrfield, if he's fit he is in, Fisher, sMurph and SPS should be working outside and leaving Ziebell and Cunningham chasing them!

What about Higgins?

You mean Cunnington

Thats gonna hurt our chances of winning...alot! :( Tractor was instrumental in that first half. None of our other ruckman come close.

Amos said on SEN he's a fair chance to play....(but we've heard that before)

You mean Cunnington

Yeah fixed, once and always a Cunning.........

How long is it since we've played a side below us on the laddder?

Amos said on SEN he's a fair chance to play....(but we've heard that before)

You can play with an abductor if you can run in straight lines and not jump or change direction, Fevola no problem, but it's hard to see a ruckmen like Kreuzer playing with an abductor strain!

Maybe Stocker in as the wildcard for Ed?

Bit harsh on the eve of his 150th!!

Bit harsh on the eve of his 150th!!

Woooops! Apologies Ed  O:-)

Sadly, my sources have both Simpson and Kreuzer out for 4 weeks. Not too upset about Simmo, but the big fella is shot even after this latest setback I'm afraid.
Have to go back to Phillips I guess as the direct swap and I'm hoping Williamson for Simmo. If Charlie is back I'd look at dropping Obrien. Maybe Stocker in as the wildcard for Ed?
We loose this one and Bolton will be just about cooked.

Yep its not often we will be playing a team where we are clear cut favorites and expected to win and probably win well, I think those changes are on the money.
Its just a real pity about Kreuzer and I cant see him playing, Goldstein isnt the player he was and a break even performance from Philips and Casboult is all we need IMO.
I cant see us losing based on form and logic, North are terrible, Brad Scott is under the pump and in more strife than Bolton IMO.

Nothing better this weekend if we can smash Norp, before sitting back to watch the Handbaggers bitch slap the CheatsFC on channel CheatsTV Free to Air!

Please please Footy Gods!
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/17/14/72/171472053ebc060fba1e48b62e6c7911.png)

https://www.watoday.com.au/sport/afl/blues-ponder-richo-role-for-curnow-20190430-p51ioz.html


They definitely read here!  ;)

Kruz 1 week !!!!
The other two at least 3 weeks ....
According to the injury update on CGC website..

Chances of winning just took a big hit.

Newman is a big loss if that's the case. His ball use has been pretty good and better than most. No way would you pull Jones out of FB to ruck part time.....we'll probably play Ben Brown into form at that rate. Jones to play on Brown and follow him around. It'll be Phillips or Lobbe with Casboult as backup I reckon...regardless of whether Charlie comes up.

IN: Setterfield, Phillips, Kennedy, Stocker (or Williamson)
OUT: Kreuzer, Simpson, Newman, O'Brien

We may go with Charlie on a wing if he plays.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/blues-ponder-richo-role-for-curnow-20190430-p51ioz.html?fbclid=IwAR23VuyGsb-w3j946EfspyVIMrn-YVyJF4ClXaWpUsO-CeJecY2Iev2aGW4

Willo in for Newman
Philips in for Kreuzer
Setterfield in for Simpson
Charlie in (?) for McGovern (inj?)?

Thats gonna hurt our chances of winning...alot! :( Tractor was instrumental in that first half. None of our other ruckman come close.

I hope we're not that reliant on one man for victory! A big loss, yes, but plenty of sides win big without key players.

This is a game we are expected to win and win well.

Setterfield, C Curnow, Phillips and Williamson seem logical inclusions. Or maybe we take a risk and ruck Meat rather than bringing in Flip?

We may go with Charlie on a wing if he plays.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/blues-ponder-richo-role-for-curnow-20190430-p51ioz.html?fbclid=IwAR23VuyGsb-w3j946EfspyVIMrn-YVyJF4ClXaWpUsO-CeJecY2Iev2aGW4

Thanks Mick Gleeson.  ::)

Pretty sure i floated that exact idea over 2 weeks ago on this site. April 15th to be exact.

I broke the AFLW signings a week before anyone else.

Maybe i should start collecting a wage?  ;D

Thanks Mick Gleeson.  ::)

Pretty sure i floated that exact idea over 2 weeks ago on this site. April 15th to be exact.

I broke the AFLW signings a week before anyone else.

Maybe i should start collecting a wage?  ;D

You can ask....lol.


I spoke about it last week too in the lead up to last week's game. We can't play 4 talls forwards so I figured Charlie can move to the wing and play a midfield role something he played during his u18 days.

You can ask....lol.


I spoke about it last week too in the lead up to last week's game. We can't play 4 talls forwards so I figured Charlie can move to the wing and play a midfield role something he played during his u18 days.

Do we really need 3 talls up forward?

I reckon #1 ruck plus Jones (down back) + H (up front) as spare rucks should be ample unless the opposition puts out Gawn and Preuss (for example).

Harry, the Guv and Jack/Cripps up forward + 3 smaller types...

With Charlie playing the ruck rover role....roaming forward of centre (sorry Levi)

Thanks Mick Gleeson.  ::)

Pretty sure i floated that exact idea over 2 weeks ago on this site. April 15th to be exact.

I broke the AFLW signings a week before anyone else.

Maybe i should start collecting a wage?  ;D

I think you'll find a good number of us, and other pundits, have also called for Charlie to play further up the ground and more than 2 weeks ago. Good to see you've got a 'healthy' ego. ;) ;)

I think you'll find a good number of us, and other pundits, have also called for Charlie to play further up the ground and more than 2 weeks ago. Good to see you've got a 'healthy' ego. ;) ;)

Beat me to it Baggers, well, at least, I refrained!  ;D

I think you'll find a good number of us, and other pundits, have also called for Charlie to play further up the ground and more than 2 weeks ago. Good to see you've got a 'healthy' ego. ;) ;)

Yeah, ever since he was drafted, sure, i have too.

Point of that was that i wanted Charlie on the wing because our forward line was not functioning with him in it, so move him.

That was the basis of his argument/article.....and the reason he collected his pay cheque. ;)

You can ask....lol.


I spoke about it last week too in the lead up to last week's game. We can't play 4 talls forwards so I figured Charlie can move to the wing and play a midfield role something he played during his u18 days.

Will you please stop claiming that Charlie played in the midfield as an under 18!  He didn’t, despite what Terry Wallets may think ????

Charlie played as a key defender, ruckman, then key forward.  He did not play as a midfielder.

Will you please stop claiming that Charlie played in the midfield as an under 18!  He didn’t, despite what Terry Wallets may think ????

Charlie played as a key defender, ruckman, then key forward.  He did not play as a midfielder.

I personally dont think he'll be any good in the midfield. Sure he can run and supposedly has a big tank, but he has shown me nothing to suggest he knows how to win the footy and play in the midfield.

He's surely a high half forward, Nick Riewoldt style. Not many players can run with him all day and still compete at marking contests

He's surely a high half forward, Nick Riewoldt style. Not many players can run with him all day and still compete at marking contests

Agreed. Playing the traditional wing role is not the same as playing midfield as we know it today....

He'd be the linkman....will outrun most and out mark any....not sure what the problem is DJC?

Agreed. Playing the traditional wing role is not the same as playing midfield as we know it today....

He'd be the linkman....will outrun most and out mark any....not sure what the problem is DJC?

I'd guess though that with his knee injury his running power will be somewhat reduced.

Charlie would play wing like Nick Reiwoldt did and drift down for a few goals and have the play come through him on the wing as a marking target.
A fit Charlie could play most spots IMO,  think we just need to look after him and not turn him into the next Andrew Walker who didnt know where he was playing from week to week. I'm still unsure if three talls down forward works better than two talls....Harry and McGovern have worked ok in tandem IMO and maybe depending on the opposition we need to change things up and not be so rigid playing three talls forward all the time even though it looks more menacing on paper

Charlie would play wing like Nick Reiwoldt ddidand drift down for a few goals and have the play come through him on the wing as a marking target.
A fit Charlie could play most spots IMO,  think we just need to look after him and not turn him into the next Andrew Walker who didnt know where he was playing from week to week. I'm still unsure if three talls down forward works better than two talls....Harry and McGovern have worked ok in tandem IMO and maybe depending on the opposition we need to change things up and not be so rigid playing three talls forward all the time even though it looks more menacing on paper

I think the three of them have different strengths.
H marks strongly above his head when the ball is out in front or above his head. He has strong hangs and coupled with this height will be a defenders nightmare.
Gov seems to be more at home closer to goal. Whether it be sitting on their heads or out bodying one or two opponents. He then kicks straight from any angle. Can swing to defence and help there also.
Charlie's best position is around the 50m arc whether gathering the ball off the ground, on the lead or standing on their heads, then wielding around and having a ping.
If they play to those strengths and can keep out of each others way, they will trouble many defences.

Poor Brad:

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/north-coach-defends-list-amid-afl-struggle-20190430-p51igh.html

I think the three of them have different strengths.
H marks strongly above his head when the ball is out in front or above his head. He has strong hangs and coupled with this height will be a defenders nightmare.
Gov seems to be more at home closer to goal. Whether it be sitting on their heads or out bodying one or two opponents. He then kicks straight from any angle. Can swing to defence and help there also.
Charlie's best position is around the 50m arc whether gathering the ball off the ground, on the lead or standing on their heads, then wielding around and having a ping.
If they play to those strengths and can keep out of each others way, they will trouble many defences.

Keeping out of each others way is probably what I was alluding to, interesting this week that North have two good key defenders but lack that 3rd taller defender, would they be brave enough
to play brother Ben on Harry so they could have the right height matchup. Maybe the 3rd tall works this week for us...

Keeping out of each others way is probably what I was alluding to, interesting this week that North have two good key defenders but lack that 3rd taller defender, would they be brave enough
to play brother Ben on Harry so they could have the right height matchup. Maybe the 3rd tall works this week for us...

All three are bloody good marks really - in any situation.

All three are bloody good marks really - in any situation.

Just read Harry's brother has had pneumonia so I dont see him playing this week..Harry should have a day out as Nth dont have anyone close to his height
unless they play a reserve ruckman down back...

Charlie would play wing like Nick Reiwoldt did and drift down for a few goals and have the play come through him on the wing as a marking target.
A fit Charlie could play most spots IMO,  think we just need to look after him and not turn him into the next Andrew Walker who didnt know where he was playing from week to week. I'm still unsure if three talls down forward works better than two talls....Harry and McGovern have worked ok in tandem IMO and maybe depending on the opposition we need to change things up and not be so rigid playing three talls forward all the time even though it looks more menacing on paper

If we had quality small forwards, it would warrant going smaller, but when you look at the list of players and see names like polson, o brien, Gibbons, garlett (not jeff) you start wondering whether or not we are better off dropping another one and playing Kerr as well.

The injuries are a bit of a concern.
Kreuzer's return probably coincided with some of our best 6 quarters for the year.

Our strength has been our backline and the injuries there on the weekend suddenly had it looking a bit shaky and unsure.
Some of the errors could possibly be attributed to the uncertainty and the lack of support that was created with Simpson and Newman missing.

How well we cover that will be a significant factor in the result.

If we had quality small forwards, it would warrant going smaller, but when you look at the list of players and see names like polson, o brien, Gibbons, garlett (not jeff) you start wondering whether or not we are better off dropping another one and playing Kerr as well.

Cuners looks like he could be one of the small forwards. Sure, he tired on Sunday but after a month out, fair enough.

Gibbons looks likely to improve too - once he has licence to roam further away from goal he looks far more comfortable.

Hopefully Pickett will be a player come 2020.

The injuries are a bit of a concern.
Kreuzer's return probably coincided with some of our best 6 quarters for the year.

Our strength has been our backline and the injuries there on the weekend suddenly had it looking a bit shaky and unsure.
Some of the errors could possibly be attributed to the uncertainty and the lack of support that was created with Simpson and Newman missing.

How well we cover that will be a significant factor in the result.

Injuries are a concern, but with  Curnow, Cunningham and Williamson in the side we’re faster, more skilled  and have more X factor than two weeks ago.

Its probably time to give Stocker a run in the back pocket to see how he handles the step up to AFL - not much to lose at 1-5 in the 4th year of a 5 year rebuild

The injuries are a bit of a concern.
Kreuzer's return probably coincided with some of our best 6 quarters for the year.

Our strength has been our backline and the injuries there on the weekend suddenly had it looking a bit shaky and unsure.
Some of the errors could possibly be attributed to the uncertainty and the lack of support that was created with Simpson and Newman missing.

How well we cover that will be a significant factor in the result.

Even though I love him, Simpson has also had some critical turnovers and Newman is just a solid depth player. Kreuzer is a big loss but how many times can we say that.

Even though I love him, Simpson has also had some critical turnovers and Newman is just a solid depth player. Kreuzer is a big loss but how many times can we say that.

Simpson and Newman  are more about the structure of the defence and the roles they play.
Jones has been great this year.. but I wonder whether some of his uncertainty on the weekend stemmed from their missing as the game progressed
That's where it may be hard to cover

BTW I think Newman has been more than just a good depth player for us this year.

Simpson and Newman  are more about the structure of the defence and the roles they play.
Jones has been great this year.. but I wonder whether some of his uncertainty on the weekend stemmed from their missing as the game progressed
That's where it may be hard to cover

BTW I think Newman has been more than just a good depth player for us this year.

I have been critical, not of Simmo himself, but of his continued use in defence.  He is not a natural defender and his ability to lose his opponent has cost us dearly.  However, I agree that the loss of Simmo unsettled our defence.

Newman has been more than reliable and his accurate, generally long kicking out of defence has been a key factor in our competitiveness.  We'll miss both of them but they are relatively easily replaced, and you can't say that for Kreuzer. 

All three of them are senior players that form part of the framework upon which we are developing our young talent. That is the worst aspect imo and it remains to be seen whether others can fill the gap in terms of wise heads and maturity under pressure. We don't exactly have a lot of this to burn - 3 is a big number.

This week is a good test for is.

This game is one we should win.  The media are pumping up our tires after losing narrowly.  We have lost some senior bodies for this weekend and the media are bagging north Melbourne quite hard.

It all adds up to a north win and more heart break for us.

If we manage to win I'll be pleased but I'd temper expectations.   Our side cant afford to lose cool experienced heads.  It's what is most lacking in our side at the moment.

All three of them are senior players that form part of the framework upon which we are developing our young talent. That is the worst aspect imo and it remains to be seen whether others can fill the gap in terms of wise heads and maturity under pressure. We don't exactly have a lot of this to burn - 3 is a big number.

Newman gives the impression of maturity but he’s still very much a novice with under 40 games.  He is a great addition to our list and will be an absolute gun when he has 100+ under his belt.

However, relative to potential replacements; Williamson, Stocker, Macreadie and Schumacher, Newman is a seasoned veteran.

It seems that there’s a chance that Kreuzer will get up for game but we’re still replacing 350 games of experience with players who will have up to 20 games between them.  I would play SOJ in defence and bring in one of Stocker and Willo.  I’m not sure who will go out for Charlie and that may depend on the seriousness of Kreuzer’s cork - fingers crossed!

Assuming Kreuzer is ok, two changes   Out: Simpson,  Newman   In C Curnow, Stocker

Casboult needs to stay as Kreuzer insurance and second ruck
Stocker is more match fit than Williamson at this stage.
C Curnow to play Jack's role from last week, Jack to assist down back. 

@ DJC

Yes indeed. That lack of mature depth is probably our biggest hurdle  to overcome atm. However, I think we are close to the breakthrough and a win this week would be invaluable.

Club injury report states Kreuzer out this week.

Club injury report states Kreuzer out this week.

That's not 100% correct LP:

There could also be a vacancy in the ruck, with Matthew Kreuzer sustaining a cork to his hamstring in the Round 6 clash. 

“Matty Kreuzer got a cork to his hamstring in the game, which caused him to change his running mechanics,” he said.

“He’s actually got a bit of muscle overload to his adductor region and inside hamstring. It will probably see him miss a week."

That makes sense as at the ground I could see him struggling to run but it certainly wasn't a pulled muscle.

Simpson and Newman  are more about the structure of the defence and the roles they play.
Jones has been great this year.. but I wonder whether some of his uncertainty on the weekend stemmed from their missing as the game progressed
That's where it may be hard to cover

BTW I think Newman has been more than just a good depth player for us this year.

I found the comments from the Dale Amos interview on SEN (which I listened to last night) really illuminating and encouraging in this regard.

He was asked about the loss of Simmo / his leadership in last week's game when he was off injured. Amos pointed out that Daisy stepped up big time and filled that breach really well... and that our poor third qtr had little to do with injuries but more about failure to adjust and adapt to the Dawks increased effort/pressure/set-ups after half time. (And don't underestimate the huge growth in leadership down back from Weitering).

I wonder if there's a trap in looking at injuries (unless it's a ridiculous number) and how it sets up excuses in advance for any poor showing against a side we should, and must, belt? The run and huge left boot of Willo might actually improve our backline, plus he brings some much needed mongrel. Charlie running up and back between the arcs will improve us. Kreuzer is a loss, but we're used to it, we know the bloke is a glass man (not a criticism, just a statement of reality) and sadly cannot be depended on for consistent appearances... ditto Flip.

Our 'ins' for this week should more than compensate for the 'outs.' There is no hiding from the fact that if we have progressed as far as some believe then we should account for the 2nd bottom side quite well.

That makes sense as at the ground I could see him struggling to run but it certainly wasn't a pulled muscle.

He couldn't jump MBB, if he has an abductor tear it can take weeks. By the way, many of you will remember he's played through this once before a couple of years back, and many complained about his apparent lack of form and influence during that same period. Back then at the time I thought he looked like he had an iliopsoas tear, it looks the same now.

I found the comments from the Dale Amos interview on SEN (which I listened to last night) really illuminating and encouraging in this regard.

He was asked about the loss of Simmo / his leadership in last week's game when he was off injured. Amos pointed out that Daisy stepped up big time and filled that breach really well... and that our poor third qtr had little to do with injuries but more about failure to adjust and adapt to the Dawks increased effort/pressure/set-ups after half time. (And don't underestimate the huge growth in leadership down back from Weitering).

I wonder if there's a trap in looking at injuries (unless it's a ridiculous number) and how it sets up excuses in advance for any poor showing against a side we should, and must, belt? The run and huge left boot of Willo might actually improve our backline, plus he brings some much needed mongrel. Charlie running up and back between the arcs will improve us. Kreuzer is a loss, but we're used to it, we know the bloke is a glass man (not a criticism, just a statement of reality) and sadly cannot be depended on for consistent appearances... ditto Flip.

Our 'ins' for this week should more than compensate for the 'outs.' There is no hiding from the fact that if we have progressed as far as some believe then we should account for the 2nd bottom side quite well.

Williamson is a fav of mine and rebounded the ball well vs Werribee but his defending was very average and he had about 5 goals kicked on him for the game, looks like he needs another game to get his head around playing defense at senior level IMO.

X2, but I'd play him. It's a risk,  but nobody else available can really do the role.    He's a good match up for those medium types like Ziebell,  DeGoey etc

Quality running defenders - something we need to address next draft period.

Williamson is a fav of mine and rebounded the ball well vs Werribee but his defending was very average and he had about 5 goals kicked on him for the game, looks like he needs another game to get his head around playing defense at senior level IMO.

We had some many ins in VFL it might be hard to read that result, frequent multiple changes break down systems faster than an active opposition!

I'm more than willing to cut Willo some slack on conceding 5 gls, especially when you consider the circumstances of most of those goals. As the game wore on he regained composure (after a disastrous 1st qtr).

But early on, I agree, he had a shocker but I wonder if that just wasn't over exuberance and want to prove his worth to get back into the seniors... seems to me he's champing at the bit to regain his place. And didn't we all have Willo in our best back-line scenario at season's start?

We just need Willo's type in the 1s, that is how I see it anyway!

I think Phillips will be an in for Kreuzer, he isn't a great tap ruckmen but he can nullify Goldstein who is a great tap ruckmen. Goldstein isn't what he use to be around the ground, so that is less of an issue this week.

X2, but I'd play him. It's a risk,  but nobody else available can really do the role.    He's a good match up for those medium types like Ziebell,  DeGoey etc

Quality running defenders - something we need to address next draft period.

And he won't take a backward step if Ziebell, Cunnington start getting dirty....

And he won't take a backward step if Ziebell, Cunnington start getting dirty....

The worry is someone like Marchbank will though, I realise he's an injury plagued career so far, but he's very disappointing.

Am I being unfair to Marchbank, relative to say Weitering or Jones?

The worry is someone like Marchbank will though, I realise he's an injury plagued career so far, but he's very disappointing.

Am I being unfair to Marchbank, relative to say Weitering or Jones?

His career has been stop start, so it's hard to say. I think ability wise he is fine, but injuries are a bigger concern IMO. He just can't get continuity.

Am I being unfair to Marchbank, relative to say Weitering or Jones?

Marchbank 39 games, Weitering 62  (fair to say that the 40s weren't Jacob's most productive!)  Continuity and games for Marchbank.  He has talent.

Apparently McGovern has a hamstring and will miss at least this week, possibly more. That will mean 4 forced changes (at least) for this week

Apparently McGovern has a hamstring and will miss at least this week, possibly more. That will mean 4 forced changes (at least) for this week

Polec wont be playing for North is the rumour...

Marchbank 39 games, Weitering 62  (fair to say that the 40s weren't Jacob's most productive!)  Continuity and games for Marchbank.  He has talent.

Marchbank has been disappointing IMO....injured a lot and his delivery by foot is very poor.
He has some talent and can mark the footy but I'd be looking at a free agent like Tomlinson from GWS as an upgrade to Marchbank....bigger, quicker and a great kick either foot.

Just read Josh Fraser's review of how the listed players went in the NBs game, reading between the lines I think Stocker is a better chance of getting a game than Williamson. I'd suggest Phillips for Kreuzer, C Curnow for McGovern, Setterfield for Newman, and Stocker for Simpson. Don't think Setterfield will play defense, so maybe a reshuffle with Murphy going to HBF? Another possibility is Garlett, he trained HBF during pre-season and played the first couple of games there. Hasn't been in great form, but at least he already knows where to go and what he should be doing

Apparently McGovern has a hamstring and will miss at least this week, possibly more. That will mean 4 forced changes (at least) for this week

Hammy strains are rarely less than 3 weeks unfortunately.

Apparently McGovern has a hamstring and will miss at least this week, possibly more. That will mean 4 forced changes (at least) for this week

I saw that on Facebook and I suspect that it’s fake news from the Hun.  Simmo had “hamstring tightness” and sat out the second half.  McGovern allegedly has a “hamstring strain” but played out the game because we already had three injured players  ::)  I suspect that a “hamstring strain” is just a little more serious than “hamstring tightness” and “corked adductor”.

I guess the injury could have come to light at training but it should have been picked up in time for the Terrier’s report.

Apparently McGovern has a hamstring and will miss at least this week, possibly more. That will mean 4 forced changes (at least) for this week

We literally just got the full team on the park - Kreuzer/Cunningham and Williamson & Curnow almost back - then bang 4 key injuries.

This is going to have an impact.

Kreuzer / Simmo / Newy / Gov all out.

Phillips / Williamson / Setterfield / Curnow back in.

We really need Charlie to play a bloody good game. If he stinks it up again we're in all sorts of strife.

We just can't take a trick with injuries. We seem to have a regular number of blokes who are always out injured. Agreed, Charlie needs to make a bit of a statement this week if he's up and running. His form before getting injured was pretty ordinary at best. Our best chance this week is to get it in long to Harry as he'll outmark Thompson and/or Tarrant 9 times out of 10.

We literally just got the full team on the park - Kreuzer/Cunningham and Williamson & Curnow almost back - then bang 4 key injuries.

This is going to have an impact.

Kreuzer / Simmo / Newy / Gov all out.

Phillips / Williamson / Setterfield / Curnow back in.

We really need Charlie to play a bloody good game. If he stinks it up again we're in all sorts of strife.

Nothing on any 'legitimate' site to validate the rumour about Brackets.

Injury list wise we're actually in better shape than most. The Kangabies have 14 listed injuries compared to our 8. 10 sides have 9 or more on the injured list, 5 of them in the 8!

Should our 'ins' include Setterfield, Williamson and Curnow then we have 3 blokes who'd, in most people's books, be in our ideal starting 22.

Kreuz was on the bench when we mounted that spirited and almost successful comeback in the last qtr against the Dawks. Daisy took up the slack when Simmo went down.

Point being... we are still in very good shape for this one, much better shape than the Kangabies (list wise) and in better form than the Kangabies.

We should win this one by between 5-9 gls. Another % boost.

Current odds on Pick A Winner are $1.70 North, $2.15 Blues. Both Carey and Brown talked about the 4 outs for us. Quite complimentary about our form this season. Also stated their opinion that Jones is currently the best defender in the comp and in AA form. Not sure about that, but the fact that he's even in the conversation is already massive. Well done LJ.

Both tipping the Kangas.

Nothing on any 'legitimate' site to validate the rumour about Brackets.

Injury list wise we're actually in better shape than most. The Kangabies have 14 listed injuries compared to our 8. 10 sides have 9 or more on the injured list, 5 of them in the 8!

Should our 'ins' include Setterfield, Williamson and Curnow then we have 3 blokes who'd, in most people's books, be in our ideal starting 22.

Kreuz was on the bench when we mounted that spirited and almost successful comeback in the last qtr against the Dawks. Daisy took up the slack when Simmo went down.

Point being... we are still in very good shape for this one, much better shape than the Kangabies (list wise) and in better form than the Kangabies.

We should win this one by between 5-9 gls. Another % boost.

Love your optimism. I'd be happy with a 5 point win.

Will we push SOSOS to the back flank?

Will we push SOSOS to the back flank?

Surely not, SoJ must get midfield time against an otherwise relatively slow inside midfield group that is perfectly suited to develop his characteristics.

I'd like to see Setterfield get a crack resting forward to allow Cripps to stay further out of the forward zone, cut down Cripps kilometers. Keep Charlie out and up the ground as well, he is already covering lots of ground so I don't see any point restricting his movement especially with McGovern out!

I could see SoJ do a run with Ziebell though, that might be a nice match up for us!

I suspect we do not win with too many injuries forcing the changes, but you never know as sometimes these things go the other way simply because you become an unknown to the opposition! But I'm not sure BB as a coach is ready for that, he's not yet got the freedom or earned the right to experiment like Clarkson.

We literally just got the full team on the park - Kreuzer/Cunningham and Williamson & Curnow almost back - then bang 4 key injuries.

This is going to have an impact.

Kreuzer / Simmo / Newy / Gov all out.

Phillips / Williamson / Setterfield / Curnow back in.

We really need Charlie to play a bloody good game. If he stinks it up again we're in all sorts of strife.

This is the type of game where we run teams into form. Norf travelling terribly, their coaches c--- is on the block, enter the Blues and they get a win. Well I want this trend arrested NOW! And I hope our players and coaches want this also and have made a point of it. If they have danced around this issue, we are farked. We absolutely, positively cannot drop this one and I dont care who is out. If we do...

Surely not, SoJ must get midfield time against an otherwise relatively slow inside midfield group that is perfectly suited to develop his characteristics.

I'd like to see Setterfield get a crack resting forward to allow Cripps to stay further out of the forward zone, cut down Cripps kilometers. Keep Charlie out and up the ground as well, he is already covering lots of ground so I don't see any point restricting his movement especially with McGovern out!

I could see SoJ do a run with Ziebell though, that might be a nice match up for us!

I suspect we do not win with too many injuries forcing the changes, but you never know as sometimes these things go the other way simply because you become an unknown to the opposition! But I'm not sure BB as a coach is ready for that, he's not yet got the freedom or earned the right to experiment like Clarkson.

Even with players out we should beat Nth Melbourne who are rockbottom, we cant use injuries as excuses given their poor form and they also have a lengthy injury list.
This is our big chance after the Hawks game to show we are the real deal and put away a bottom team.

This is the type of game where we run teams into form. Norf travelling terribly, their coaches c--- is on the block, enter the Blues and they get a win. Well I want this trend arrested NOW! And I hope our players and coaches want this also and have made a point of it. If they have danced around this issue, we are farked. We absolutely, positively cannot drop this one and I dont care who is out. If we do...

Luckily for us they are going in favourites to win.

X2.

I don't give a *+$! about norf and their problems and that "shinboner spirit" claptrap. We're the better team,  I expect to win,  and I don't want excuses.  Drop this and the burners under Bolton should be switched to high.

Luckily for us they are going in favourites to win.

What? haven't they seen our form?

Phanto, we're the pantomime villain club.... Rolled out to provide the downtrodden shinboners a desperately needed win.

and probably play Brown into form as well.

and probably play Brown into form as well.

If Jones lines up on Brown, and assuming the good Liam shows up, Jones should have him covered easily.

Looking at all the ins for this weekend and still no Kennedy? He must be doing something wrong in the VFL?

And please, surely not bringing Garlett back in? Did he even play in the VFL last week?

Both Lobbe and Phillips named in the extended squad? Maybe cover in case Curnow doesn't come up and Casboult plays permanent forward with Lobbe/Phillips sharing the ruck?

In: Charlie Curnow, Jarrod Garlett, Matthew Lobbe, Andrew Phillips, Angus Schumacher, Will Setterfield, Liam Stocker, Tom Williamson
Out: Matthew Kreuzer (adductor), Mitch McGovern (hamstring), Nic Newman (knee), Kade Simpson (hamstring)

New: Angus Schumacher*, Liam Stocker* (both players included on the extended bench)

Extended bench: Garlett Lobbe Phillips C Curnow Schumacher Williamson Setterfield Stocker

Both Lobbe and Phillips named in the extended squad? Maybe cover in case Curnow doesn't come up and Casboult plays permanent forward with Lobbe/Phillips sharing the ruck?

Philips has been injured recently yeah?
Maybe its just a precaution if he doesn't come up.

A must win for us! No doubts, no questions, no excuses.

Any confidence I had evaporated with that list of outs.

CARLTON
B: Caleb Marchbank, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman
HB: Marc Murphy, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas
C: Zac Fisher, Patrick Cripps, Lochie O'Brien
HF: Sam Walsh, Jack Silvagni, Ed Curnow
F: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harry McKay, Michael Gibbons
R: Levi Casboult, Paddy Dow, David Cuningham
Int: Will Setterfield, Angus Schumacher, Jarrod Garlett, Liam Stocker, Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Matthew Lobbe (Four to be omitted)

IN: Will Setterfield, Angus Schumacher, Jarrod Garlett, Liam Stocker, Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Matthew Lobbe
OUT: Kade Simpson (Injured), Mitch McGovern (Injured), Nic Newman (Injured), Matthew Kreuzer (Injured)

We have 4 awful outs this week, 4 players we really struggle to replace. Hopefully our rucks can control Goldstein, who usually plays well against us. It will be interesting to see what ruck combination we actually come up with.

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Jasper Pittard
HB: Luke McDonald, Scott D. Thompson, Shaun Atley
C: Trent Dumont, Shaun Higgins, Jared Polec
HF: Tarryn Thomas, Mason Wood, Jack Ziebell
F: Kayne Turner, Ben Brown, Nick Larkey
R: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jed Anderson
Int: Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Nathan Hrovat, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Jy Simpkin, Sam Wright, Tom Campbell, Cameron Zurhaar (Four to be omitted)

IN: Shaun Higgins, Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Jy Simpkin, Tom Campbell
OUT: Aaron Hall (Omitted)

Looking at all the ins for this weekend and still no Kennedy? He must be doing something wrong in the VFL?

And please, surely not bringing Garlett back in? Did he even play in the VFL last week?

Hard to see what O’Brien is doing better than Kennedy right now.

And the other mob get back their best player plus some.  AAAArGH.

And the other mob get back their best player plus some.  AAAArGH.

Professory, we've got them well and truly covered. Our ins (with the possible exception of Lobbe or Phillips) are quality replacements.

Hard to see what O’Brien is doing better than Kennedy right now.

Kennedy is learning his craft... patience Barbs  ;)

Hard to see what O’Brien is doing better than Kennedy right now.

Covering the ground is about the only thing he's doing better.  I'd consider dropping him for garlett or setterfield.

Covering the ground is about the only thing he's doing better.  I'd consider dropping him for garlett or setterfield.

Nuh, following on from the BluePhantom... patience, Grasshopper...

Covering the ground is about the only thing he's doing better.  I'd consider dropping him for garlett or setterfield.

I don't really understand the role he is supposed to [or can] play now that we have Walsh in the team? Walsh and Murphy have played on the wings for most games, and it often seems like he is no mans land with his positioning in general play. I wonder how much of that is coaching and not understanding what his role is?

He probably played his most important game when we played the Dogs and he had a run with role [with Murphy from memory] on Hunter. He did a good disciplined job and Hunter had very limited influence. I can't for the life work out why we didn't get him to follow that good performance up last week with a similar role on O'Meara [or Wingard / Shiels].

I would give him a job this week on either Higgins or Polec. He's not a big possession winner so if he can hold those guys to less than 20 and get 10 himself that is a big win for us imo.

If Higgins and Polec get 20 or less we win by eight goals.

I don't really understand the role he is supposed to [or can] play now that we have Walsh in the team? Walsh and Murphy have played on the wings for most games, and it often seems like he is no mans land with his positioning in general play. I wonder how much of that is coaching and not understanding what his role is?

He probably played his most important game when we played the Dogs and he had a run with role [with Murphy from memory] on Hunter. He did a good disciplined job and Hunter had very limited influence. I can't for the life work out why we didn't get him to follow that good performance up last week with a similar role on O'Meara [or Wingard / Shiels].

I would give him a job this week on either Higgins or Polec. He's not a big possession winner so if he can hold those guys to less than 20 and get 10 himself that is a big win for us imo.

x50. or drop him...

Philips has been injured recently yeah?

Phillips played a full game last week in the twos. He’s fine.

I don't really understand the role he is supposed to [or can] play now that we have Walsh in the team? Walsh and Murphy have played on the wings for most games, and it often seems like he is no mans land with his positioning in general play. I wonder how much of that is coaching and not understanding what his role is?

He probably played his most important game when we played the Dogs and he had a run with role [with Murphy from memory] on Hunter. He did a good disciplined job and Hunter had very limited influence. I can't for the life work out why we didn't get him to follow that good performance up last week with a similar role on O'Meara [or Wingard / Shiels].

I would give him a job this week on either Higgins or Polec. He's not a big possession winner so if he can hold those guys to less than 20 and get 10 himself that is a big win for us imo.

Was he even that good on hunter?

We really got a hold of them and they weren't able to stop our talls.

Hunter got it 18 instead of his average 28 odd.  O brien touched it 7 times.

If we had another player getting 25+ and hunter got his 28 odd, we'd have actually been further ahead on the stats sheet.

For mine
IN:Liam Stocker (Newman), Charlie Curnow (Gov), Andrew Phillips (Kruze), Tom Williamson (Simmo)

Hard to disagree.

Given Garlett seems to be doing little in the 2s, hard - very hard - to justify his inclusion at LOB's expense....

For mine:
Out: Kreuzer, McGovern, Simpson, Newman
In: Phillips, C Curnow, Garlett, Schumacher

That is based mostly on Williamson and Stocker both not being match fit and ready for AFL

Charlie (auto in), Phillips (we need a genuine ruck even if a battling one), Setterfield  (did enough to warrant coming straight back in given no-one knocking down the door in the 2s) and (subject to being sufficiently match fit) Williamson (quality player) for mine.  If Willo not considered ready then try Stocker if he is fit enough - if not then Schumacher.  No to Garlett - has not done much in the 2s after being putrid in the 1s albeit played out of position, no to Lobbe unless Phillips doesn't come up for some reason.

Kennedy is learning his craft... patience Barbs  ;)

Kennedy is far ahead in the craft learning department. Why does he have to improve his game in the twos when O’Brien gets to work on his in the big time?

O’Brien might be the better runner but he lacks match smarts and strength. I’d rather see Kennedy run less but collect 20 possessions working mostly in the packs helping Cripps than O’Brien gathering 10 possessions running all over the park.

Marngrook footy show - most of the panel tipped kangaroos by 60pts :-[
Hope the boys see they have egg on their face. The little bald dh dismissed the Blues as if we were a non existent ????

Marngrook footy show - most of the panel tipped kangaroos by 60pts :-[
Hope the boys see they have egg on their face. The little bald dh dismissed the Blues as if we were a non existent ????

Obviously they didnt watch North Melbourne last week.......we should win by 5 goals IMO.

Yes,  but this the CFC,  we've become habituated to our team chucking it in.   The whole scenario is so familiar.... Side under pressure comes out fired up,  place us under pressure..... Game essentially  over by twenty minute mark of first quarter.   Plus,  at least one of ours will get nailed (Ziebell and Cunnington and Dumont have form), they'll get f all sanction... And don't get me started on the sh1t umpiring we'll be on the end of.   If Gloutftis runs out we may as well go home anyway.  Touch Brown and he'll get a free,  while Our Forwards will be molested with impunity by the likes of Thompson the high spoiler all game.

If the above happens I want the blowtorch applied.... Over it.

Obviously they didnt watch North Melbourne last week.......we should win by 5 goals IMO.

Agree & 5 goals at least.

Stocker confirmed as a definite in. So I'm guessing him along with Curnow and one of either Phillips/Lobbe and the other I'd have is Setterfield. He was running into some good form before getting suspended.

For mine:

IN: Stocker, Setterfield, Curnow, Phillips
OUT: Kreuzer, McGovern, Simpson, Newman

It's pretty much like for like ins/outs other than Setterfield who is probably more wing/midfield but I reckon they can cover the others. Plowman probably lucky that Simpson and Newman are both out as his form has been terrible. Please don't bring Garlett back to play in defence.

So Stocker to debut, no other confirmed changes but one assumes Charlie is in for Ed's 150th, and a ruck for SpecialK.

That leaves one spot, Setterfield or Williamson?

As much as I like and want Willo, I think Setterfield could have a big day against Norp and in relative retrospect he hadn't done anything wrong to be banned in the first place!

Stocker is no doubt a concession about our kicking skills, because he doesn't look quite ready but if we can get the ball in his hands off the HBF he'll give somebody some nice delivery.

Curnow has been confirmed via the club on Twitter also. Said Willo is in consideration. If Setters come in I dare say they move LOB back.

Kennedy is far ahead in the craft learning department. Why does he have to improve his game in the twos when O’Brien gets to work on his in the big time?

O’Brien might be the better runner but he lacks match smarts and strength. I’d rather see Kennedy run less but collect 20 possessions working mostly in the packs helping Cripps than O’Brien gathering 10 possessions running all over the park.

The problem with Kennedy is that he’s not working hard enough yet.  The last thing we need is a slow midfielder who doesn’t apply defensive pressure.  O’Brien may not be getting much of the pill but he’s working his butt off to apply defensive pressure.

The problem with Kennedy is that he’s not working hard enough yet.  The last thing we need is a slow midfielder who doesn’t apply defensive pressure.  O’Brien may not be getting much of the pill but he’s working his butt off to apply defensive pressure.

I think Kennedy is a bit harshly judge at times, he wins plenty of contested footy and we lack that forward of our D50.

I'd love to see a D50 setup that lets Weitering and Stocker push forward to deliver the ball inside F50 much more often. When a player like Weitering starts getting shots around the F50 arc we will look far far more dangerous, and life for Charlie, McGovern and McKay will get easier.

It's time we made some opposition forwards defend!

The problem with Kennedy is that he’s not working hard enough yet.  The last thing we need is a slow midfielder who doesn’t apply defensive pressure.  O’Brien may not be getting much of the pill but he’s working his butt off to apply defensive pressure.

On last VFL match, Willo shouldnt come in for being undisciplined.

Stocker is probably the one who we should gift a game to at this stage to give him a taste of the big time, and because he is a bigger body who seems to work his way through traffic really well even when the pressure is on.

O'Brien is not AFL ready yet, and its time for him to get a reprieve and build some form in the VFL.
https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-carlton-blues--lochie-o-brien

His pressure acts might be fine, but you can't dine out on those with those sorts of statistics.

He has played 4 matches.

averaging 9.2 disposals, 1.2 tackles a game, 0.5 goals a game, and 2.2 clangers a game.

If he wasnt a newbie he would be in deep trouble, and he isnt playing in starvation corner like some of our other small forwards have.  Food for thought:

Fasolo's stats:

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-carlton-blues--alex-fasolo

He has played 2 matches.

averaging 7 disposals,  3 tackles a game,1 goal a game, 2.5 clangers a game.

Jarred Garlett:

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pp-carlton-blues--jarrod-garlett

he has played 2 matches.

Averaging 11 disposals, 3.5 tackles a game, 0 Goals a game, 3.5 clangers a game.

Fasolo and Garlett are playing very different roles to O'Brien too.  The clangers for Jarrod are a real concern, but he is getting more of the footy and tackling more on average, and playing a role that is a bit different to what he is used to.

The only reason O'Brien gets a game is because he is young and has a future, but I dont think that warrants playing AFL level footy ahead of others who are more likely to impact a game.  Lets not pretend that Garlett and Fasolo played in matches against Port and Richmond which we lost, whilst O'Brien has had the benefit of better chemistry from our team as well as playing a role more conducive to getting his hands on the pill more frequently in games where we were a better chance to win and where the team synergy was improving.  We should get better every week from here.

This week I wouldnt necessarily drop O'Brien due to simply weight of numbers going in and out of the team, but he is in the gun.  4 matches with those sorts of stats is just not good enough for a player who should be helping our outside game.

No disrespect to the young lad, but he has shown nothing to date to suggest he should have been a #10 pick...

At least with Paddy, the talent is obvious....O'Brien?

No disrespect to the young lad, but he has shown nothing to date to suggest he should have been a #10 pick...

At least with Paddy, the talent is obvious....O'Brien?

I agree Fly, but thats not his fault, and we need to be mindful of that.

He does have time on his side.

https://afltables.com/afl/stats/players/K/Kade_Simpson.html

Simpson took a little while to get going.  There are some similarities with O Brien.

He shouldnt be playing at the moment, and arguably, at another club he wouldnt be and he should be coming in this week, but there isnt much to say about that.

Simpson took a little while to get going.  There are some similarities with O Brien.

Footywire is a great site to compare, firstly Simmo didn't get a game until he was 20 or so, O'Brien has played 20 games and he is not yet 20.

If I look at Simmo's 4th season of 22 games compared to O'Brien's 22 games so far it not much difference;

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/ft_player_compare?playerStatus1=A&tid1=4&playerStatus2=A&tid2=4&type=A&pid1=446&pid2=6492&fid1=A&fopt1=22&fid2=C

Philips, Curnow, Williamson, Stocker

No real surprises there.

Ruckman for ruckman
Tall forward for tall forward
Back flankers for back flankers.

townsend....I'm a bit surprised that Setterfield misses out. He was running into some form before being suspended. That said, rapt to seem Williamson back. His kicking out of the backline was a feature back in 2017 and will be a handy replacement for Newman in that respect. But that leaves us pretty "tall" down back with Jones, Marchbank, Weitering, Williamson and Plowman? North aren't exactly endowed with height up forward at the moment.

I'm more concerned that I've been hearing/reading that Williamson needs another couple of weks to get match fitness and Stocker needs time to build his endurance up to AFL level. Hope they both have great games, but I'm worried if they both fade late in quarters and late in the game we could be exposed

I agree with the 4 ins, I picked them all actually. Really excited to see Stocker get a run, hope he tears it up and justifies the move made by SOS. Excited also to see my man Willo back, good luck son. Charlie needs to pull his finger out, been terrible thus far. Phillips is a C grade ruckman at best,  he needs to bust a gut, crack in, compete hard and make life very difficult for Goldy.

A little worried that with Willo and Stocker we have picked 2 guys who are underdone.  Would have preferred one of them and bringing back Setterfield who it seemed to me had done well before being suspended.

CARLTON
B: Caleb Marchbank, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman
HB: Marc Murphy, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas
C: Zac Fisher, Patrick Cripps, Lochie O'Brien
HF: Sam Walsh, Jack Silvagni, Ed Curnow
F: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harry McKay, Michael Gibbons
R: Levi Casboult, Paddy Dow, David Cuningham
Int: Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Liam Stocker

Emg: Will Setterfield, Angus Schumacher, Jarrod Garlett, Matthew Lobbe

IN: Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Liam Stocker
OUT: Kade Simpson (Injured), Mitch McGovern (Injured), Nic Newman (Injured), Matthew Kreuzer (Injured)

NEW: Liam Stocker

Probably the right choices on the bench, but we will really miss the 4 guys out. :(

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Jasper Pittard
HB: Luke McDonald, Scott D. Thompson, Shaun Atley
C: Trent Dumont, Shaun Higgins, Jared Polec
HF: Tarryn Thomas, Mason Wood, Jack Ziebell
F: Kayne Turner, Ben Brown, Nick Larkey
R: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jed Anderson
Int: Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Jy Simpkin, Cameron Zurhaar

Emg: Nathan Hrovat, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Sam Wright, Tom Campbell

IN: Shaun Higgins, Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Jy Simpkin
OUT: Luke Davies-Uniacke (Omitted), Sam Wright (Omitted), Aaron Hall (Omitted), Nathan Hrovat (Omitted)

Goldstein is still the worry for mine. Nichevo. I'm not surprised to see Hall dropped. Wish he was in. :(  >:D >:D

Shocked at Setterfield not being selected.

CARLTON
B: Caleb Marchbank, Liam Jones, Lachie Plowman
HB: Marc Murphy, Jacob Weitering, Dale Thomas
C: Zac Fisher, Patrick Cripps, Lochie O'Brien
HF: Sam Walsh, Jack Silvagni, Ed Curnow
F: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Harry McKay, Michael Gibbons
R: Levi Casboult, Paddy Dow, David Cuningham
Int: Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Liam Stocker

Emg: Will Setterfield, Angus Schumacher, Jarrod Garlett, Matthew Lobbe

IN: Charlie Curnow, Andrew Phillips, Tom Williamson, Liam Stocker
OUT: Kade Simpson (Injured), Mitch McGovern (Injured), Nic Newman (Injured), Matthew Kreuzer (Injured)

NEW: Liam Stocker

Probably the right choices on the bench, but we will really miss the 4 guys out. :(

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Jasper Pittard
HB: Luke McDonald, Scott D. Thompson, Shaun Atley
C: Trent Dumont, Shaun Higgins, Jared Polec
HF: Tarryn Thomas, Mason Wood, Jack Ziebell
F: Kayne Turner, Ben Brown, Nick Larkey
R: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jed Anderson
Int: Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Jy Simpkin, Cameron Zurhaar

Emg: Nathan Hrovat, Luke Davies-Uniacke, Sam Wright, Tom Campbell

IN: Shaun Higgins, Marley Williams, Taylor Garner, Jy Simpkin
OUT: Luke Davies-Uniacke (Omitted), Sam Wright (Omitted), Aaron Hall (Omitted), Nathan Hrovat (Omitted)

Goldstein is still the worry for mine. Nichevo. I'm not surprised to see Hall dropped. Wish he was in. :(  >:D >:D

Nth ins probably make them better, was impressed with Larkey last week, takes a good mark and kicks straight.
Hall is a ball butcher and not too fond of the hard ball, I hope we dont do something dumb like play Obrien on Polec.

A little worried that with Willo and Stocker we have picked 2 guys who are underdone.  Would have preferred one of them and bringing back Setterfield who it seemed to me had done well before being suspended.

they weren't that bad in terms of match fitness in the vfl last week.

What I'm worried about is the mixed messages in our selection.

Garlett as travelling emergency last week didn't play at all, yet this week two blokes playing vfl (not in top form either) get a look in.

Seems a tad unfair.

Bolton's first real negative imho.

No point in holding Setterfield back as the game day emergency unless he is a genuine chance to come in otherwise a fit player has missed 3 weeks. No point Lobbe doing the job because he’s only able to replace 1 player as a last minute call
up. Garlett might be the sacrificial lamb for 2 weeks in a row.

A little worried that with Willo and Stocker we have picked 2 guys who are underdone.  Would have preferred one of them and bringing back Setterfield who it seemed to me had done well before being suspended.

If there's one thing you can be very, very sure of and that is if The Terrier reckons they're good to go, they're good to go. Look at how quickly Marchbank hit the ground running after a long lay-off, ditto Kreuz.

If there's one thing you can be very, very sure of and that is if The Terrier reckons they're good to go, they're good to go. Look at how quickly Marchbank hit the ground running after a long lay-off, ditto Kreuz.

I reckon it's as much about injecting some enthusiasm into a side which was hit hard by injuries and may be feeling sorry for itself. The pick me up a smiling kid running himself ragged shouldn't be undersold

I'm more concerned that I've been hearing/reading that Williamson needs another couple of weks to get match fitness and Stocker needs time to build his endurance up to AFL level. Hope they both have great games, but I'm worried if they both fade late in quarters and late in the game we could be exposed

I was impressed by how well Williamson was still running throughout the last quarter last week. It was noticeable - this guy has a natural endurance well above the average footballer.

I have no doubt the step up to the AFL will be more intense but I have zero worries about him running out the game.

And Stocker had a full preseason. He'll be right.

Had a listen yesterday to our defence coach, Dale Amos - 'Amos on learning from critical moments.' Really, really impressive. Hadn't heard the bloke talk at length before. What a clear and all round excellent communicator. Senior coach material, for sure.

I was impressed by how well Williamson was still running throughout the last quarter last week. It was noticeable - this guy has a natural endurance well above the average footballer.

I have no doubt the step up to the AFL will be more intense but I have zero worries about him running out the game.

And Stocker had a full preseason. He'll be right.

I have read and heard he is a training and preparation beast, to the point where it was the cause of his back problems. He is now under control thanks to Jack Russell.

Willo is a fitness freak.   His draft camp numbers were unbelievable, just about drafted on that alone.  I think he was also the youngest kid drafted that Year.   Plus,  he can really play,  which helps.

Shocked at Setterfield not being selected.

LOB has him covered with ease....not!

I have a feeling that Gibbons is ready for a breakout game. Found his spot and is adjusting to the tempo more every week.

I have read and heard he is a training and preparation beast, to the point where it was the cause of his back problems. He is now under control thanks to Jack Russell.

Yeah I got that impression from Bolt's prematch press conference.

Took some "maturing" to find the balance in how he prepares his body.

Several times late in the game last week he put in long sprints on the far side switch. Not just to provide an option but then after getting the mark/kick run on AGAIN to make himself the next option. You wouldn't think he was the guy playing his 3rd game in a couple of years.

I have a feeling that Gibbons is ready for a breakout game. Found his spot and is adjusting to the tempo more every week.

He did have 21 disposals, 6 marks and kicked a goal from the forward pocket against Dogs. Isn't he already "broken out" so to speak?

He did have 21 disposals, 6 marks and kicked a goal from the forward pocket against Dogs. Isn't he already "broken out" so to speak?

Serviceable?? Yes, Breakout ?? Not for me

BEST
Carlton: McKay, Cripps, Petrevski-Seton, Murphy, Simpson

We just have to win this one, otherwise, the media throng will once again turn their attention onto us for the coming week.

Prior to the injuries I was quite confident of success, now it is going to be harder again but sometimes through adversity, players rise to the challenge.

I'm really hoping for some of the lesser lights to play out of their skins.

Angus Schumacher is the emergency for the main team which probably means no late change.

We just have to win this one, otherwise, the media throng will once again turn their attention onto us for the coming week.

Prior to the injuries I was quite confident of success, now it is going to be harder again but sometimes through adversity, players rise to the challenge.

I'm really hoping for some of the lesser lights to play out of their skins.

We've been able to replace them alot better than days gone by, so that's some help.

He did have 21 disposals, 6 marks and kicked a goal from the forward pocket against Dogs. Isn't he already "broken out" so to speak?

We're talking a "breakout", "breakout" game, not simply a "breakout" game...lol.

I have a feeling that Gibbons is ready for a breakout game. Found his spot and is adjusting to the tempo more every week.

TC I reckon more than a tempo thing, it was coming to grips with structures/positioning and learning to work together H, Charlie and Gov.

47 pt win, and our highest score in years.

Can't believe, considering their list and brave but ordinary form, that the Kangabies are faves... if I was into betting...

47 pt win, and our highest score in years.

Can't believe, considering their list and brave but ordinary form, that the Kangabies are faves... if I was into betting...

I wish I could share your confidence Baggers. If Kreuzer was playing I wouldnt be worried, with him is another story.

47 pt win, and our highest score in years.

Can't believe, considering their list and brave but ordinary form, that the Kangabies are faves... if I was into betting...

Agree...this is a game we should win well, the Kangas have been woeful and dont have that much talent spread across the park and while Kreuzer is out
its not like Goldstein has been dominating either, tag Higgins and they dont have much left to worry us.

I wish I could share your confidence Baggers. If Kreuzer was playing I wouldnt be worried, with him is another story.

If we're a one man team, we are in much bigger trouble than anyone could imagine.

While Kreuzer out is a blow, their rucks, as EB1 said, are no great shakes.

Looking forward to seeing us kick 16+ goals.

Who is this Baggers person... phew, talk about deluded. More than an optimist... he's a dreamer... :)

Maggot bags are in the oven, tomato sauce on the coffee table, open fire roaring... yep, ready to watch us demolish the Kangabies. %.