This Sunday's game is our first time as the 'home' team for the year. Apparently Watson will be playing.
This Sunday's game is our first time as the 'home' team for the year. Apparently Watson will be playing.
Yes I heard a grab of MM on the radio saying Watson was likely to return to the 1s.
is there any chance of changing our game style eg kicking the ball to your leading team mate this has to be in focus all over the ground from fwd line to backline.Lets see how fit we really are.
is there any chance of changing our game style eg kicking the ball to your leading team mate this has to be in focus all over the ground from fwd line to backline.Lets see how fit we really are.
Games wouldn't be so exhausting for us if we didn't turn the ball over so much. We are our own worst enemies.
is there any chance of changing our game style eg kicking the ball to your leading team mate this has to be in focus all over the ground from fwd line to backline.Lets see how fit we really are.
Games wouldn't be so exhausting for us if we didn't turn the ball over so much. We are our own worst enemies.
I agree with both of you.
Here are the teams for NAB #3
Carlton v Geelong
Etihad Stadium, Sunday March 22, 4.10pm AEDT
Carlton
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 5. Chris Judd, 7. Dylan Buckley, 9. Patrick Cripps, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Blaine Boekhorst, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Liam Jones, 15. Sam Docherty, 17. Sam Rowe, 18. Kristian Jaksch, 22. Jason Tutt, 23. Lachie Henderson, 25. Clem Smith, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 31. Matthew Dick, 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood, 38. Ciaran Byrne, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo
Geelong
3. Jimmy Bartel, 4. Andrew Mackie, 5. Nakia Cockatoo, 7. Harry Taylor, 9. James Kelly, 11. Darcy Lang, 13. Tom Lonergan, 14. Joel Selwood, 16. Dawson Simpson, 17. Hamish McIntosh, 18. Josh Cowan, 19. Mitch Clark, 20. Steve Johnson, 21. Jordan Murdoch, 22. Mitch Duncan, 23. Josh Caddy, 24. Jed Bews, 25. Jared Rivers, 26. Tom Hawkins, 27. Mathew Stokes, 28. Cory Gregson, 29. Cameron Guthrie, 32. Steven Motlop, 33. George Horlin-Smith, 39. Shane Kersten, 44. Corey Enright, 46. Mark Blicavs
From last week, Gibbs, Warnock, Casboult among others out.
In are Watson, Daisy, Wood, Dick, Buckley. No Ellard.
Surprisingly Byrne in ahead of Sheehan again, the club must really rate Byrne, he may even get a few early games in season proper !!
Here are the teams for NAB #3
Carlton v Geelong
Etihad Stadium, Sunday March 22, 4.10pm AEDT
Carlton
2. Troy Menzel, 3. Marc Murphy, 5. Chris Judd, 7. Dylan Buckley, 9. Patrick Cripps, 10. Matthew Watson, 12. Blaine Boekhorst, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Liam Jones, 15. Sam Docherty, 17. Sam Rowe, 18. Kristian Jaksch, 22. Jason Tutt, 23. Lachie Henderson, 25. Clem Smith, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 31. Matthew Dick, 33. Andrejs Everitt, 35. Ed Curnow, 36. Cameron Wood, 38. Ciaran Byrne, 39. Dale Thomas, 40. Michael Jamison, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo
Geelong
3. Jimmy Bartel, 4. Andrew Mackie, 5. Nakia Cockatoo, 7. Harry Taylor, 9. James Kelly, 11. Darcy Lang, 13. Tom Lonergan, 14. Joel Selwood, 16. Dawson Simpson, 17. Hamish McIntosh, 18. Josh Cowan, 19. Mitch Clark, 20. Steve Johnson, 21. Jordan Murdoch, 22. Mitch Duncan, 23. Josh Caddy, 24. Jed Bews, 25. Jared Rivers, 26. Tom Hawkins, 27. Mathew Stokes, 28. Cory Gregson, 29. Cameron Guthrie, 32. Steven Motlop, 33. George Horlin-Smith, 39. Shane Kersten, 44. Corey Enright, 46. Mark Blicavs
From last week, Gibbs, Warnock, Casboult among others out.
In are Watson, Daisy, Wood, Dick, Buckley. No Ellard.
Surprisingly Byrne in ahead of Sheehan again, the club must really rate Byrne, he may even get a few early games in season proper !!
They probably need to promote Wood first given Kruezer is out and Warnock got a knock on the shoulder and is next to useless anyway...Byrne looks ok ...stylish player..
I think Sheehan is a known quantity. They want to see what Byrne is like, as he is not.
Personally, I rate Sheehan. I think he does a lot of good things. I have hopes for Byrne, but he needs to work on his kicking under pressure.
I think Sheehan is a known quantity. They want to see what Byrne is like, as he is not.
Personally, I rate Sheehan. I think he does a lot of good things. I have hopes for Byrne, but he needs to work on his kicking under pressure.
Sheehan can kick the footy beautifully and is a bull. Reckon his future is bright.
I think Sheehan is a known quantity. They want to see what Byrne is like, as he is not.
Personally, I rate Sheehan. I think he does a lot of good things. I have hopes for Byrne, but he needs to work on his kicking under pressure.
I agree he is a known quantity, but if the club were thinking of giving him games early, I would have thought they would have him in now to get him up to speed and match hardened.
I'm surprised Bryne is getting a senior game this week. It says to me, a little surprisingly that he may have even passed Sheehan in the pecking order. If Bryne ends up a better player than Sheehan then wow !!!
I think Sheehan is a known quantity. They want to see what Byrne is like, as he is not.
Personally, I rate Sheehan. I think he does a lot of good things. I have hopes for Byrne, but he needs to work on his kicking under pressure.
I agree he is a known quantity, but if the club were thinking of giving him games early, I would have thought they would have him in now to get him up to speed and match hardened.
I'm surprised Bryne is getting a senior game this week. It says to me, a little surprisingly that he may have even passed Sheehan in the pecking order. If Bryne ends up a better player than Sheehan then wow !!!
From memory, wasnt Byrne a gun/freak Gaelic footballer and it caused outrage in Ireland when he said he was leaving to play AFL?
Correct. An absolute gun junior and there was disappointment he left Ireland so young.
I had concerns he might go back due to homesickness. Hope he sticks it out
Byrne is a goalkicker and a more stylish player than Sheehan I think the club see more upisde in him than Sheehan although Byrne still has a fair way to go and looks like he needs another season in the VFL and like Sheehan had last season he might play some senior games later in the year.
I couldnt find a spot for Sheehan in my best 22 but I still think he is a good player in the making and would expect him to force his way in as the season unfolds....lefties who kick well out of the backline are always value..
Both lads have a bright future, but we must keep in mind they are starting when others have been playing ten years. I expect they will need to be in the system for 4 to 5 years before the investment is returned.
Glad to see Watson back in the team. Would have preferred to see him in for Jones rather than Casboult though as Casboult's versatility in the ruck means he's more likely to feature in the season proper. Would have liked to see a Watson, Hendo, Casboult forward line in operation.
I know he has a lot of his detractors but I really like Watson as a forward. If he can mark anywhere within 60m of goal, he's a decent chance. We haven't got any other KPP's that bring that strength. Gives us the ability to play one of Hendo/Cas deep forward, one of them linking up towards the wing and Watson to roam the 50m line.
Gotta love these Sunday arvo games ::)
Chris Yarran has a virus and will miss this game against Geelong. Can't get the link from the Herald Sun to work properly. ::)
So we're playing today??!!
If he can mark anywhere within 60m of goal, he's a decent chance. We haven't got any other KPP's that bring that strength.
Like. Structure and good delivery by the mids is the key.
No Dylan Buckley.....injured, or just not on the radar currently?? Barring injury, you'd expect your 22 for round 1 would be in the squad??
Not getting rewarded for our tackling!!!
Getting smashed at the clearances and at the contest....Cats have had way too much of the footy...
Boekhorst has been handy, Carrazzo and Cripps have won some footy but done nothing with it...
Rowe being played forward as been ordinary and both Watson and Jones have not had a kick.......
Yarran, Simpson and Gibbs not playing really hurts us...the Geelong kids like Duncan, Caddy, Guthrie are more polished than ours with the footy...
Getting smashed at the clearances and at the contest....Cats have had way too much of the footy...
Boekhorst has been handy, Carrazzo and Cripps have won some footy but done nothing with it...
Yep
Not sure any of our tall forwards deserve a game round 1...but they're not being helped by what's going on up the ground.
Terrible turnover like last season......Cats manned us up well and gave us the sucker kick wide then Jamison put Docherty under pressure in the corridor and we turned it over
for an easy goal....nothing changes..
Down by 35 half way through the 2nd. Not looking good.
I've picked one I reckon we'll lose Mick!
Not a hard tag in sight which is typical for a practice match.
Judd getting the run around from Guthrie who is both tagging and getting forward and appears to have done plenty of work in the gym and looks a bigger unit than last season....both he and Caddy are very hard to bring down in a tackle...
Wood doing ok in the ruck but nothing around the ground....Thomas needs the run...
Same old story as far as our tackling goes. Easily fended off and broken through.
Good fight back. Kicked 4 in a row to be down by 7 points at half time. Nice big super goal by Watson.
Menzal kick a super in the first too.
Ah well, still in touch. Disappointing that some of our old woes still dog us. Hopefully we can improve in the second half - at least we are showing some fight back.
The fact jamison got a 3 yr extension last year before swan resigned is disgraceful
Looked gone, showed character. Pussies will hit hard in the 2nd half, good test for us. Daisy and Murph will be better for the run. Good that Jones decided to turn up later in that quarter... was he on the ground in the first qtr?
Our biggest issue IMO is we are still too easy to score against.
Our pressure was good at times, but we don't or can't maintain it.
Observation: Henderson clunk mark, goal. Jones clunk mark, goal. Rowe clunk mark goal, Watson clunk mark, goal. They all converted. Levi can clunk as many as he likes in the forward 50, if he doesn't convert, he is of no use unfortunately.
Observation: Henderson clunk mark, goal. Jones clunk mark, goal. Rowe clunk mark goal, Watson clunk mark, goal. They all converted. Levi can clunk as many as he likes in the forward 50, if he doesn't convert, he is of no use unfortunately.
Jones only goaled because Taylor moved off him briefly...
I wish Mitch Clark chose the blues!
I wish Mitch Clark chose the blues!
I dont
We have no fwd line
We have no fwd line
Rowe,Watson, Jones, Henderson,....plus Casboult when playing.....not mobile enough in any combo of three players.....only room for two KP players IMO
Juddy is taking today to practice his set shots from 50. Hasn't nailed one yet. Taking some strong marks though.
Don't panic yet I reckon our forwardline has some talent. This is only a praccy match after all.
Don't panic yet I reckon our forwardline has some talent. This is only a praccy match after all.
On top of that, it's a praccy match without some of our best runners/ball users.
Throw in the run and carry of Walker and Simpson coming off half back at speed dishing off to Yarran and Gibbs pinpointing a forward inside 50 and our forwardline magically gets better.
Instead we are relying on players like Bell going inside 50. Doesn't quite have the same effect.
Good hitout ;)
I reckon Cripps just got a gig in R1.
I reckon Cripps just got a gig in R1.
Replaces McLean ;)
Don't panic yet I reckon our forwardline has some talent. This is only a praccy match after all.
I know its a praccy match but:
1 still too many turnovers
2 still terrible in front of goal
3 still terrible at leading at the right time (ie our fwds aren't smart enough to create separation
4 Our rucks are witches hats
5 nab or not, we are still Geelongs bitches and they let us know about
6 Geelong look very slick albeit a "praccy match"
One positive, hello P Cripps
Don't panic yet I reckon our forwardline has some talent. This is only a praccy match after all.
I know its a praccy match but:
1 still too many turnovers
2 still terrible in front of goal
3 still terrible at leading at the right time (ie our fwds aren't smart enough to create separation
4 Our rucks are witches hats
5 nab or not, we are still Geelongs bitches and they let us know about
6 Geelong look very slick albeit a "praccy match"
One positive, hello P Cripps
Insert our best run and carry players who move the ball quickly through the midfield and all those problems magically go away....well apart from the ruck problems. Although Wood wasn't too bad considering he just about rucked the whole game on his own.
Same old bombing long to a 1 on 2. Rubbish football.
I think a few positives out of the game.
Jones definitely looks like he can be a dangerous forward. Can we make him click?
Watson looked to get some confidence, found a it of ball towards the end. Missed his chances but shouldn't be an issue moving forward.
If those two can both play well consistently we have ourselves a forwardline.
Cripps found the ball 30 times.
Clem looks like he can play.
I reckon Cripps just got a gig in R1.
I reckon David King should get on him now for the rising star!!!
I think MM treated this more like a practice match than Scott did.
Cripps is going to be something special.
Clem seems to be adjusting to the pace of the game quicker than I thought he would.
Bell is standing up when we need a presence.
Jones hasn't won me over yet but if can hold onto a few more grabs we may have one. In any case he'll still be better than Waite.
Murph started slow as you'd expect but showed near the end that he'll be ready round 1.
Didn't see much difference in Daisies game from last year.
Boekhorst was disappointing.
Byrne and Everett faded out after promising starts.
Watson won't make it.
Jaksch put in but didn't have enough support.
19 points is OK though when we were missing 3 play makers like Gibbs, Yazza and Simmo.
I had Jones better until Watto really picked up the last qtr and a half.
Generally Geelong were more switched on the whole game, we were when we felt like it, usually when we were 5+ goals down. Plus the 50/50 type goals went through for Geelong whereas they missed for us. We didn't seem to have the confidence to kick to our big forwards early on hence we were haphazard going forward. Once we did we moved the ball better and they kicked some goals. Then we got back in the game. Like Wood in the ruck and Cripps. Cripps, as well as getting tough stats can go forward and take a big mark too. Wood is as good as any we have in the ruck. Takes marks, gets kicks and ducks pretty well too.
Still, we're developing the makings of a decent side. Think we'll get in to the bottom end of the 8, but that'll be it. Might win a final depending who we played.
As with all practice matches......The inclusion of half a dozen quality players will completely change the support and structures of the side.
We'll be able to make a much better judgement after round 3 of the season than round 3 of the NAB challenge ;)
As with all practice matches......The inclusion of half a dozen quality players will completely change the support and structures of the side.
We'll be able to make a much better judgement after round 3 of the season than round 3 of the NAB challenge ;)
Absolutely Lod's. Look at the turn around from the Toast game when we injected some talent to take on the Filth.
Don't panic yet I reckon our forwardline has some talent. This is only a praccy match after all.
I know its a praccy match but:
1 still too many turnovers
2 still terrible in front of goal
3 still terrible at leading at the right time (ie our fwds aren't smart enough to create separation
4 Our rucks are witches hats
5 nab or not, we are still Geelongs bitches and they let us know about
6 Geelong look very slick albeit a "praccy match"
One positive, hello P Cripps
Insert our best run and carry players who move the ball quickly through the midfield and all those problems magically go away....well apart from the ruck problems. Although Wood wasn't too bad considering he just about rucked the whole game on his own.
Agree but if those items I listed carry into the season proper, its going to be another long year.
Yep, Cripps is a keeper. While congestion continues around the ball, a big guy with quick hands and composure in traffic will be invaluable.
Seemed to me like Geelong were at full strength. Was there anyone of note missing?? No one of the calibre of Simpson, Yarran and Gibbs. A bit worried about Jammo. Definitely subbed due to an injury.
Yep, Cripps is a keeper. While congestion continues around the ball, a big guy with quick hands and composure in traffic will be invaluable.
Not to mention one tha can push forward and take a contested mark. Loved the way he used his size today.
This was a good hit out. Apart from Kreuzer and Walker, I'm happy that most players have had a good run into the new season. The real stuff will be our chance to measure results.
Very positive for me.
Not just because of the guys we had out, but how it affected our structure. Rowe played a lot forward. Wood had no real help in the ruck. Murph and Daisy having there first run looked very scratchy. The kids really stuck with it, never threw the towel in.
Cripps was good and is a lock in for round 1 but needs to do more with the ball by foot, however the rest of his game is very good and showed the way today and has some leadership prospects IMO....his big frame helped him vs the Geelong bigger bodies and I thought Bell was handy as well getting the footy and getting his big body into contests....still burns the ball does Bell but at least he gave some effort when we were down..
Contrast was Boekhorst who started well enough but once Geelong got rolling he wasnt sighted and his light frame meant he was out of the picture with the contested stuff and was just pushed off the ball.
Our forward line other than Menzel was next to useless although to be fair the delivery wasnt anything like what Hawkins and Clark got....Mnezel is a class player and we need to pray he doesnt get injured...
Watson doesnt move around enough and is a one trick pony with his big kicking.....isnt the answer up forward IMO.
Henderson...not really anywhere near his best and while being able to play both ends isnt playing either that well...
Rowe....Sam is one of my favourites but his form so far has been woeful...wasnt too bad in the 2nd quarter up forward after being unsighted in the 1st but his old enemy in Hawkins really towelled him up down back after he was moved down there to cover for the injured Jamo...
Jones..got towellled by Taylor, played from behind and although he took a couple of marks and kicked two goals I wasnt impressed by his efforts....ok the delivery was poor but so was his work rate and nous IMO.
Jaksch...not as good as last week and made some mistakes...Clark is a big unit and Jaksch needs some more kegs to handle that type of player.
Docherty....very average IMO and hasnt kicked on after initially showing promise.
Touhy....just went, got a bit of a ball but didnt do much with it...
Judd..went ok at times but his opponent Guthrie really hurt us, Judd spent some time forward and won the ball but he isnt a great converter and didnt impact on the game...
Murphy...got better as the game went on and needed the run...won some footy but was under pressure and didnt really hurt the cats...
Byrne...liked his game....neat player with potential.
Wood...probably won the hitouts but it was a nil all draw with Simpson who didnt do much...Blicavs is more the old follower style who gets around the ground and gets the footy rather than worrying too much about hitouts...was useless in the ruck but a nuisance around the ground and got involved some of Geelongs forward thrusts.
Dick....didnt get much off it and will be playing for the NB's most of the season...
Tutt...came on very late so not really any data to judge him on...
Smith...attacked the footy well but turns it over by foot and his kicking isnt flash..
Everitt......did some ok stuff but wasnt a factor this week...just went...
Carrazzo...like Cripps won the footy well and was one of our best, in fair form and will play rnd 1
Daisy..like Murphy needs the work, more composed than some of his teammates but needs to do more to earn that big dough he is being paid...
I know we had a few out but the same players made the same mistakes as in the past and the better teams like Geelong really punish you on the turnover...
Forward line with three big talls will fail in most games vs the better teams ...
i was there today.
the thing that struck me was the new look of the team.
there is some remnants of the old 10 years which are just not gunna take us to a premiership...Jamison is one big stand out for me...
i hope we get new players next year that pressure blokes like jamison and carrozzo so they cant assume to be walk up starts in the 22...and in fact dont get to the best 22.
few concentration lapses..learn to work together...
the big thing for me is there is a bit of heart in the young players...
Smith...attacked the footy well but turns it over by foot and his kicking isnt flash..
Surprised by your assessment on Clem EB. I though he was much better with his disposal this week, especially when the heat was on him. Still has some work to do but I expect he's still a chance for round 1.
Smith...attacked the footy well but turns it over by foot and his kicking isnt flash..
Surprised by your assessment on Clem EB. I though he was much better with his disposal this week, especially when the heat was on him. Still has some work to do but I expect he's still a chance for round 1.
JK..There was one kick that stuck in my mind where he turned it over with a wild kick so I probably went hard on him because it was a shocker...I like him though and think he will be a player but I think when you play such a polished team like Geelong you cant afford easy turnovers.
Saying all that though its very hard to hit targets down field when we have so many players pushed back into defense and there are not enough options for players like Smith when we get the rebound play and have none to kick to...
Smith needs an attacking game plan to get the best out of him....
Smith...attacked the footy well but turns it over by foot and his kicking isnt flash..
Surprised by your assessment on Clem EB. I though he was much better with his disposal this week, especially when the heat was on him. Still has some work to do but I expect he's still a chance for round 1.
JK..There was one kick that stuck in my mind where he turned it over with a wild kick so I probably went hard on him because it was a shocker...I like him though and think he will be a player but I think when you play such a polished team like Geelong you cant afford easy turnovers.
Saying all that though its very hard to hit targets down field when we have so many players pushed back into defense and there are not enough options for players like Smith when we get the rebound play and have none to kick to...
Smith needs an attacking game plan to get the best out of him....
That's true. It was interesting to watch MM's post match presser where he said he was extremely happy when he saw the draw for the NAB challenge. West Coast in WA, Collingwood and Geelong was like a classroom for younger blokes like Cripps and we can throw Clem into that mix.
I haven't seen the game - or any of the NAB Cup - but I'm pleased with the reports on Cripps' progress. He may be a tad slow like old mate Brock but Cripps' height adds another dimension (although McLean did take quite a few marks inside 50 for a little bloke).
Having a midfielder who can win his own footy and go forward and be a marking target is something we have lacked. Yes, Bell and Judd do it occasionally but, from what I hear, Cripps has the potential to be a consisent goal scorer.
There is a reason Smith dropped to 66.
@EB1
Thanks for your analysis EB. I haven't seen the game myself yet. A few positives e.g. Cripps, but overall we still look like we may well struggle to make the eight, but very early days. I guess the Tigers game will be the real thing so I'm hoping we can get over some of our old problems then, but it may take us few games before the newbies really settle in alongside the older hands.
I haven't seen the game - or any of the NAB Cup - but I'm pleased with the reports on Cripps' progress. He may be a tad slow like old mate Brock but Cripps' height adds another dimension (although McLean did take quite a few marks inside 50 for a little bloke).
Having a midfielder who can win his own footy and go forward and be a marking target is something we have lacked. Yes, Bell and Judd do it occasionally but, from what I hear, Cripps has the potential to be a consisent goal scorer.
http://audioboom.com/boos/3010912-cripps-i-felt-comfortable-out-there
I do wonder what happens if he tanks up and becomes a monster.
Remember Fraser Gehrig went from a utility/wing to a 109kg monster G-Train.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NDAwWDI5NQ==/$(KGrHqR,!i!F!L9!)03uBQVWjWkPkg~~60_35.JPG)
(http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa143/jhardyz/g-train-angry.jpg)
Not sure if Geelong has much more to offer. About full strength, good players played well yet only won by four goals. Cripps looks very good, White shut down Motlop, Byrne shows potential, I was happy with Jaksh, Bell & Judd. Definitely top heavy early in the game, I am not having sure Watson, Henderson, Rowe & Jones in the forward line is the way to go. Though all four contributed at various times. We will miss not having players like Betts and Gartlett to harass the opposition defence this year and this appears to me to be the biggest possible weakness we will have this year. It was good to have a ruckman who wanted to compete and we will be better with Gibbs, Simpson, Yarran and Casboult and probably Tutt. Bring on season 2015!
thanks
Elwood
appreciated
There is a reason Smith dropped to 66.
(http://embed.gyazo.com/f777e8bb0b6c73d1a7f8fcb54e0e4d45.png)
There is a reason Smith dropped to 66.
(http://embed.gyazo.com/f777e8bb0b6c73d1a7f8fcb54e0e4d45.png)
I guess Cockatoo at around pick 10 vs Smith pick 66 is where you see some difference...the former is probably the replacement for Varcoe
and has electric pace and is a well balanced player with neat skills....Smith has more vigour and a love for contested footy but the new Geelong player
is dangerous every time he gets it unlike Smith who wins it well but has less idea what he is doing with it.
You look at Bell vs Guthrie and its the same deal...the Cat player isnt as rugged but is a more polished player with the footy and has more nous....
I haven't seen the game - or any of the NAB Cup - but I'm pleased with the reports on Cripps' progress. He may be a tad slow like old mate Brock but Cripps' height adds another dimension (although McLean did take quite a few marks inside 50 for a little bloke).
Having a midfielder who can win his own footy and go forward and be a marking target is something we have lacked. Yes, Bell and Judd do it occasionally but, from what I hear, Cripps has the potential to be a consisent goal scorer.
DJ ..Like all the good inside players Cripps gets rid of the footy quickly and goes with the first open target he sees...he always seems to get the ball away cleanly by hand and find his man.
Agree I think he can be a good goal scorer with his extra size and create matchup issues...he is A grade in the making.
When Bell kicks a goal or hits a target its usually an accident but we all like the contest he creates.....Juddy didnt kick well today and at times struggled to make the distance....still wins the footy as well as anyone on our list but needs some runners to dish off too once he gets in the clear. If he plays forward he needs to be close to goal....
EB.. Cockatoo's run through the middle today was Yarranesque. They've found one there. I did wonder though if Shadesy knew something about attitude or a serious flaw in Clem's game that would have clubs baulk at him through to 66. Today's commentators were suggesting we had a win by him getting through to our pick at 66.
EB.. Cockatoo's run through the middle today was Yarranesque. They've found one there. I did wonder though if Shadesy knew something about attitude or a serious flaw in Clem's game that would have clubs baulk at him through to 66. Today's commentators were suggesting we had a win by him getting through to our pick at 66.
yarran will eat cockatoo ...just wait...
Smith, 9 touches with 38% game time, that's super sub material. Only question is does he have the fitness to play out a whole game if there is an injury in the 1st qtr?
Cripps is coming along very nicely, 2 nice marks up forward too !!
Boeky was very quiet, doubtful for rnd 1 now.
Murph looked rusty, Juddy struggles to kick 50m now.
We missed Simmo and Yarrans run out of the back half.
KJ wasn't great but gained some good experience and will be better for it. 100% DE ;)
Byrne, does some nice things, still think a bit more experience back in the NB's wouldn't hurt him.
I got the feeling the coaching staff were not playing for the win, their focus was else where.
I'm very confident of a win looking forward to Richmond in 11 days time.
Go Blues !!
Bell was carltons best player.....a seriously developing player
Bell was carltons best player.....a seriously developing player
He's showing leadership qualities. Not that Murph has anything to worry about, but he is showing a quality to get amongst it when we need to dig deep.
The flaw with Clem as that he was unfit and overweight was it not?
Bell was carltons best player.....a seriously developing player
Played with good effort especially when we were well behind on the scoreboard and he won the ball well when contesting...still butchers the ball though and has that habit of running into trouble trying to barge his way through traffic rather than giving the ball off....you look at Guthrie, Caddy and Duncan and they are more sophisticated players.
I dont expect Bell to be ever the smooth operator but he needs to give the ball off to players who are.....
I cant think of another mid who runs into as many dead ends as Bell.
Bell looks like the sort of player who has been bigger than his opponents for the whole of his life and is used to breaking tackles at will, now can't adjust to the fact that he can't ragdoll opponents at will.
He reminds me of Robinson in that he has immense desire and heart, but is dumb, doesn't read the play as well as his opponents and has poor disposal.
At the moment I feel he is getting games on potential, if he doesn't wise up this year, he may well be gone.
Watching the game on TV I wasn't convinced that our forwards were doing enough in terms of leads and trying to create space. Anyone at the game care to comment on that?
Bell looks like the sort of player who has been bigger than his opponents for the whole of his life and is used to breaking tackles at will, now can't adjust to the fact that he can't ragdoll opponents at will.
He reminds me of Robinson in that he has immense desire and heart, but is dumb, doesn't read the play as well as his opponents and has poor disposal.
At the moment I feel he is getting games on potential, if he doesn't wise up this year, he may well be gone.
Watching the game on TV I wasn't convinced that our forwards were doing enough in terms of leads and trying to create space. Anyone at the game care to comment on that?
I think Bell just lacks agility, he turns like the titanic. He gets games because he is incredibly powerful and has great endurance, which means you have to match him up with an above average player. Fev had quite a bit to say about him on the radio, thinks he needs SOS teaching him how to use his body better.
For that matter, Fev is hoping SOS gets hold of Jones, Rowe and Menzel as well, because it was SOS that taught Fev about body use and reading the drop of the ball.
The weekend forward setup was very different to what we will see Rnd 1, my neighbors chicken coop displays more organisation!
Bell looks like the sort of player who has been bigger than his opponents for the whole of his life and is used to breaking tackles at will, now can't adjust to the fact that he can't ragdoll opponents at will.
He reminds me of Robinson in that he has immense desire and heart, but is dumb, doesn't read the play as well as his opponents and has poor disposal.
At the moment I feel he is getting games on potential, if he doesn't wise up this year, he may well be gone.
Watching the game on TV I wasn't convinced that our forwards were doing enough in terms of leads and trying to create space. Anyone at the game care to comment on that?
Agree....Jones, Henderson and Rowe didnt move around enough , delivery was poor but i remember fev would make poor delivery look by better by working hard
to get to the footy. Jones just wants to take speccy's over the back, Rowe was ok in the 2nd quarter when he did move up the ground more and Henderson is lacking confidence.
Spot on about Bell too....at 96kg playing vs smaller schoolkids he would have looked like the hulk and been able to get away with smashing his way through packs etc but not vs men
who are as big and know how to tackle....never seen him sell a dummy or sidestep players...
There is a reason Smith dropped to 66.
(http://embed.gyazo.com/f777e8bb0b6c73d1a7f8fcb54e0e4d45.png)
Just disposal mate. He was touted as top 20 in talent, but his kicking is very average. what i've heard, he has the right work ethic and attitude to succeed, but his disposal saw him drop substantially with the emphasis now on minimizing turnovers.
Having said that, I have absolutely No problem picking him at 66. His talent and desire is eveident for all to see, if they can work and work on his kicking, 66 is worth the gamble. Better than a T\emay or Tiller around that pick.
I cant think of another mid who runs into as many dead ends as Bell.
He twice ran towards the Boundary... onto his left foot. Frustrating as he is becoming a good ball winning midfielder.
Watching the game on TV I wasn't convinced that our forwards were doing enough in terms of leads and trying to create space. Anyone at the game care to comment on that?
I can only comment on the Eagles game, but Watson and Jones idea of movement was head backwards to the goal square and stick a hand up. No desire to lead, push around and lead again. something Waite was very good at. Compare that in the same game to Josh Kennedy who was on the move constantly, and kicked 4 goals in tough conditions.
Watching the game on TV I wasn't convinced that our forwards were doing enough in terms of leads and trying to create space. Anyone at the game care to comment on that?
This is what I meant in an earlier post sort of. Watch Tommahawk go about it, he pushes off and leads and gets space or separation. Ours were always in a contest (the bit of the game that I watched). Also, listening to SEN commentary on the game, they had Fev as special comments. Before the game, they talked about Levis kicking. He said he wishes they would offer him a job so that he could teach Levi how to kick (Please God make this happen). Also talked about the impact SOS had on him about teaching how to read the ball drops and leading. SOS? Give em a hand will ya!
Have watched all NAB challenge games and from what I have seen the following wont make our best 22.
Watson-- Gone at seasons end.
Tutt-- Ordinary player. Don't know why we bothered.
Jones- MMM. Top up player at most. Will probably get a gig Rd1 but can easily see him playing a lot of footy for NB
Boekhurst- Am geting the feeling that this won't work out well. Could we have blown yet another Rd1 pick??
Have watched all NAB challenge games and from what I have seen the following wont make our best 22.
Watson-- Gone at seasons end.
Tutt-- Ordinary player. Don't know why we bothered.
Jones- MMM. Top up player at most. Will probably get a gig Rd1 but can easily see him playing a lot of footy for NB
Boekhurst- Am geting the feeling that this won't work out well. Could we have blown yet another Rd1 pick??
[flash=300,200]http://www.youtube.com/v/TfE93xON8jk[/flash]
The Robbo comparrison is a good one for Bell... Robbo was at his best when he played within his limitations. Handball a little more and kick a little less. Bell doesn't have to burst through a pack and kick it 60 metres every time he gets it.
I thought Jones looked good! Kicked a couple, took a couple of marks and missed one from 10m out.
Cripps is taking in some solid form into the season, he is going to be playing alongside Judd/Carrazzo/Murphy/Gibbs, this year is his chance to establish himself.
I'm probably more optimistic about the season now than i was a few weeks ago.
Have watched all NAB challenge games and from what I have seen the following wont make our best 22.
Watson-- Gone at seasons end.
Tutt-- Ordinary player. Don't know why we bothered.
Jones- MMM. Top up player at most. Will probably get a gig Rd1 but can easily see him playing a lot of footy for NB
Boekhurst- Am geting the feeling that this won't work out well. Could we have blown yet another Rd1 pick??
What a sad sack.
Most of us saw more than that.
What a sad sack.
Most of us saw more than that.
More positives or negatives?
What a sad sack.
Most of us saw more than that.
More positives or negatives?
Sorry....yes, positives.
What a sad sack.
Most of us saw more than that.
More positives or negatives?
Sorry....yes, positives.
Very good, it's a glass half argument.
But I do say this, if someone watches a full game of footy and cannot find any positives then they are probably watching the wrong sport!
@age - I'd say for example, Hawkins got the better of his opponents but not any more than he does against every other club so there is a positive. If he stays fit he is a monster, and as in the Lockett fashion if you keep him to less than 5 you are probably ahead of the curve! :D
Forwardline looks about as threatening as a My Little Pony collection in comparison to Geelongs, but apart from that we should be ok.
Cripps was good and is a lock in for round 1 but needs to do more with the ball by foot, however the rest of his game is very good and showed the way today and has some leadership prospects IMO....his big frame helped him vs the Geelong bigger bodies and I thought Bell was handy as well getting the footy and getting his big body into contests....still burns the ball does Bell but at least he gave some effort when we were down..
Contrast was Boekhorst who started well enough but once Geelong got rolling he wasnt sighted and his light frame meant he was out of the picture with the contested stuff and was just pushed off the ball.
Our forward line other than Menzel was next to useless although to be fair the delivery wasnt anything like what Hawkins and Clark got....Mnezel is a class player and we need to pray he doesnt get injured...
Watson doesnt move around enough and is a one trick pony with his big kicking.....isnt the answer up forward IMO.
Henderson...not really anywhere near his best and while being able to play both ends isnt playing either that well...
Rowe....Sam is one of my favourites but his form so far has been woeful...wasnt too bad in the 2nd quarter up forward after being unsighted in the 1st but his old enemy in Hawkins really towelled him up down back after he was moved down there to cover for the injured Jamo...
Jones..got towellled by Taylor, played from behind and although he took a couple of marks and kicked two goals I wasnt impressed by his efforts....ok the delivery was poor but so was his work rate and nous IMO.
Jaksch...not as good as last week and made some mistakes...Clark is a big unit and Jaksch needs some more kegs to handle that type of player.
Docherty....very average IMO and hasnt kicked on after initially showing promise.
Touhy....just went, got a bit of a ball but didnt do much with it...
Judd..went ok at times but his opponent Guthrie really hurt us, Judd spent some time forward and won the ball but he isnt a great converter and didnt impact on the game...
Murphy...got better as the game went on and needed the run...won some footy but was under pressure and didnt really hurt the cats...
Byrne...liked his game....neat player with potential.
Wood...probably won the hitouts but it was a nil all draw with Simpson who didnt do much...Blicavs is more the old follower style who gets around the ground and gets the footy rather than worrying too much about hitouts...was useless in the ruck but a nuisance around the ground and got involved some of Geelongs forward thrusts.
Dick....didnt get much off it and will be playing for the NB's most of the season...
Tutt...came on very late so not really any data to judge him on...
Smith...attacked the footy well but turns it over by foot and his kicking isnt flash..
Everitt......did some ok stuff but wasnt a factor this week...just went...
Carrazzo...like Cripps won the footy well and was one of our best, in fair form and will play rnd 1
Daisy..like Murphy needs the work, more composed than some of his teammates but needs to do more to earn that big dough he is being paid...
I know we had a few out but the same players made the same mistakes as in the past and the better teams like Geelong really punish you on the turnover...
Forward line with three big talls will fail in most games vs the better teams ...
Think Jones will play round 1 too ahead of Watson. Everyone will get towelled up by Taylor but if he kicked that goal from 10m (how do you miss that) he still kicks 3 on him. Think he's still getting there but he still takes a mark and kicks a couple of goals. Will go better as a 3rd tall rather than the no.1 he was at the Bulldogs. With Casboult in there he probably doesn't get Taylor.
Wood I like. Takes marks, gets taps, kicks goals and is always involved. Have no trouble having him replacing Kreuzer for as long as is needed.
Jaksch was ok on Clark. Experience would've helped. Clark got 3 but that last free kick was a shocker given by a non-controlling field umpire right in front of me. That kick out in the first qtr though was a shocker.
Watson couldn't get into it for 2 1/2 qtrs then did well late. Prefer Jones though still for round 1.
Docherty will be ok.
Rowe had a few kicked on him later by Hawkins but did some good work on the ball and occasionally around the ground. going to be very handy this year. With a 3rd tall in defence could quite easily take our 2nd ruck role at times if Casboult loses form.
Henderson isn't in great form, no better than ok. All our talls, including Rowe did get on the scoreboard at least even if they were a little down overall. Jones and Watson missed a few too. I felt for the first qtr and half the 2nd we showed absolutely no faith in going long towards our forwards. caused us to be very haphazard in our direction. Hence the forwards looked lost. Once we started kicked to them we were so much better, hence the 6 goal margin suddenly became it. By half time they had all hit the scoreboard.
Smith looks good but I did see that turnover running out of defence. If it was a real game I would've been pissed but a practice game it didn't give a crap. Generally wasn't too ball with the ball though. and certainly provides run.
Cripps looks a gun. Great extractor in the midfield and as a big, strong lad can take a strong pack mark and kick a goal up forward. Reckon he could grow into a key forward one day, at least a terrific 3rd tall.
Menzel was terrific.
Reckon there's signs. Good enough to make the bottom end of the 8.
Wasn't disheartened by what I saw.
The comparison between the forward lines was orange and lemons. Hawkins is the best power forward in the game and Clarke was handy there too, but we didn't drop anyone back, which we would of in a normal game. Our forwards are still finding their feet and had Geelong defenders dropping back all game long, that's what Geelong does. It's interesting, there was a bought in this season to prevent blocking in a marking contest which I reckon I saw Geelong defenders do every second or third time and no penalty, and we got pinged for it twice.
Selwood might be a gun player, but I think he's a git of a bloke. Sook, sniper and ducker. I loved how one of our players got him high (Juddy?) and thought oh well let's make it a good one and poor little hard done by Selwood sooked it up.
Jaksch is only going to get better with playing time, he has very good closing speed, and shows promise by foot, couple of clangers though. Doesn't seem rushed out there either.
Cripps was everywhere, I was surprised by his lack of clearances stats though he would of been in the teens. Tough and strong, great vision and great hands, shanked a kick for goal but a great game.
Jones looked promising against an elite backline, has a way to go but might do well.
I wish Watson would be more consistent, his last quarter he looked lively but before that no much. He needs to be played higher up the field, starting him in the goals square is not his bag.
Boekhurst still looks like a deer in headlights, did some nice runs early in the game, but no where near as fast as I thought he was.
Smith very promising, has grunt and attitude. Polish up his skills and we have a winner.
I shuddered a bit when I saw Byrne out there again this week, but was made to review my opinion of him, ran to good spots kicked well and defended well.
Bell I though he was better this week. Still tries to take opponents on and gets caught out, but his play around 50 was much better, twice he lowered his eyes and kicked a weighted kick to the forwards, when last season he would of looked for the 55m goal. Is improving his ground ball pick ups and team play, laying several blocks rather than running next to them expecting a handball.
Murphy timid and rusty. Thomas frustrated and rusty.
Henderson should be our CHB, end of story. He drops too many marks when he has position up forward and gets spoiled too easily on the lead. I think EB said he was almost AA CHB, I say keep him there get AA status, cause he won't get near AA CHF. When Lachie played that season at CHB and he had the ball I felt confident we were keeping it with the next kick and the dummy kicks and step arounds were almost poetry.
Forward line needs a small or two, it was only a couple of seasons ago where it was Betts, Garlett, Yarran and Armfield all zipping around the forward 50, now it's Menzel who is more of a medium marking and roving forward than a crumber.
I asked my Geelong workmate if he was happy with the game, he said they just cruised. I told him to watch the game again as they were still going hard with 5 mins to play, then pointed out a few things and said considering Geelong had a full strength side and we were missing some he should be concerned by a 3 goals win when it should have been closer to 8. He said we weren't missing that many so I reeled off, Gibbs, Yarran, Walker, Simpson, Casboult, Kreuzer/Warnock, he became quite after that.
Not a bad position to be in with round 1 on the way, underdogs but against Richmond who knows. We definitely have a bit more depth coming through. Might not be there yet but it's coming.
Selwood might be a gun player, but I think he's a git of a bloke. Sook, sniper and ducker. I loved how one of our players got him high (Juddy?) and thought oh well let's make it a good one and poor little hard done by Selwood sooked it up.
Opposition players apparently call Selwood "Yertle the Turtle" for the way he pulls his head in!
Boekhurst still looks like a deer in headlights, did some nice runs early in the game, but no where near as fast as I thought he was.
Fev talked about how hard it is for new players, even for the likes of Jones and Tutt, when they get to play in front of their first big 80K crowd. Hearing calls, spotting targets clearly and watching the pill in flight with all the colors, sound and movement of the stands in the background. He reckons it takes quite a few games before you get used to it!
I asked my Geelong workmate if he was happy with the game, he said they just cruised. I told him to watch the game again as they were still going hard with 5 mins to play, then pointed out a few things and said considering Geelong had a full strength side and we were missing some he should be concerned by a 3 goals win when it should have been closer to 8. He said we weren't missing that many so I reeled off, Gibbs, Yarran, Walker, Simpson, Casboult, Kreuzer/Warnock, he became quite after that.
That's how I saw it, and we sub'd Judd and Jammo early and they brought Bartell and Murdoch on!
Selwood might be a gun player, but I think he's a git of a bloke. Sook, sniper and ducker. I loved how one of our players got him high (Juddy?) and thought oh well let's make it a good one and poor little hard done by Selwood sooked it up.
I've heard opposition players call Selwood "Yertle the Turtle" for the way he pulls his head in!
Boekhurst still looks like a deer in headlights, did some nice runs early in the game, but no where near as fast as I thought he was.
Heard Fev talking about how hard it is for new players, even for the likes of Jones and Tutt, when they get to play in front of their first big 80K crowd. Hearing calls, spotting targets clearly and watching the pill in flight with all the colors, sound and movement of the stands in the background. He reckons it takes quite a few games before you get used to it!
At my sons kindergarten they have "mertle the turtle"
went missing a couple of weeks back and has recently resurfaced... wonder if it's the same one?
anyway, do they really call him that?
At my sons kindergarten they have "mertle the turtle"
went missing a couple of weeks back and has recently resurfaced... wonder if it's the same one?
anyway, do they really call him that?
Apparently, his own team-mates were ribbing him about it at last seasons Mad Monday!
(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5a/Yertle_the_Turtle_and_Other_Stories_cover.png)
Bell was carltons best player.....a seriously developing player
He's been developing for a while now. When is he going to develop into a player that doesn't get caught or kick scrubbers?
Just as a comparison
Cripps - 32 touches, 14 contested, 1 clanger, 6 marks (1 contested), 5 clearances, 4 tackles, 1 goal 1 behind.
Bell - 22 touches, 10 contested, 4 clangers, 3 marks (0 contested), 3 clearances, 2 tackles, 1 goal
Cripps just turned 20.
Bell is almost 24.
Cripps is doing what Bell should be doing.
Bell is doing what we'd be happy with Cripps doing.
@Raydan
You bring up an interesting point. Last year, we had absolutely zero idea when a player was pushed back. Our only option was to man him up. Any other tactic resulted in is capitulating.
It doesn't sound like we've revealed anything in the preseason around this but I hope Mick has some ideas. We'll be lucky to finish out of the bottom 6 without a second option.
@Raydan
You bring up an interesting point. Last year, we had absolutely zero idea when a player was pushed back. Our only option was to man him up. Any other tactic resulted in is capitulating.
It doesn't sound like we've revealed anything in the preseason around this but I hope Mick has some ideas. We'll be lucky to finish out of the bottom 6 without a second option.
I agree with the bolded part, it has appeared to me at least that the coaches have held a fair bit back in the NAB games, but I expect much will be revealed against the Tigers.
Cripps is doing what Bell should be doing.
Bell is doing what we'd be happy with Cripps doing.
In fairness to Bell, he played soccer until 12 and apparently only played Aussie Rules intermittently until he was 17. He'd be too slow for a senior level of soccer, and has nearly zero agility which is odd for a soccer player, so I can understand why he switched to AFL.
Cripps is doing what Bell should be doing.
Bell is doing what we'd be happy with Cripps doing.
In fairness to Bell, he played soccer until 12 and apparently only played Aussie Rules intermittently until he was 17.
....and Hampson was a soccer player who'd played about 2 years of football before he was drafted and people were calling for his head.
Are we running a football club? or a football clinic?
Are we running a football club? or a football clinic?
Get's a like from me. :))
Geelong were close to full strenghth and we lost by 3 goals..
I think we can take heart..add gibbs yarran simpson casboult
Wasn't disheartened by what I saw.
The comparison between the forward lines was orange and lemons. Hawkins is the best power forward in the game and Clarke was handy there too, but we didn't drop anyone back, which we would of in a normal game. Our forwards are still finding their feet and had Geelong defenders dropping back all game long, that's what Geelong does. It's interesting, there was a bought in this season to prevent blocking in a marking contest which I reckon I saw Geelong defenders do every second or third time and no penalty, and we got pinged for it twice.
Selwood might be a gun player, but I think he's a git of a bloke. Sook, sniper and ducker. I loved how one of our players got him high (Juddy?) and thought oh well let's make it a good one and poor little hard done by Selwood sooked it up.
Jaksch is only going to get better with playing time, he has very good closing speed, and shows promise by foot, couple of clangers though. Doesn't seem rushed out there either.
Cripps was everywhere, I was surprised by his lack of clearances stats though he would of been in the teens. Tough and strong, great vision and great hands, shanked a kick for goal but a great game.
Jones looked promising against an elite backline, has a way to go but might do well.
I wish Watson would be more consistent, his last quarter he looked lively but before that no much. He needs to be played higher up the field, starting him in the goals square is not his bag.
Boekhurst still looks like a deer in headlights, did some nice runs early in the game, but no where near as fast as I thought he was.
Smith very promising, has grunt and attitude. Polish up his skills and we have a winner.
I shuddered a bit when I saw Byrne out there again this week, but was made to review my opinion of him, ran to good spots kicked well and defended well.
Bell I though he was better this week. Still tries to take opponents on and gets caught out, but his play around 50 was much better, twice he lowered his eyes and kicked a weighted kick to the forwards, when last season he would of looked for the 55m goal. Is improving his ground ball pick ups and team play, laying several blocks rather than running next to them expecting a handball.
Murphy timid and rusty. Thomas frustrated and rusty.
Henderson should be our CHB, end of story. He drops too many marks when he has position up forward and gets spoiled too easily on the lead. I think EB said he was almost AA CHB, I say keep him there get AA status, cause he won't get near AA CHF. When Lachie played that season at CHB and he had the ball I felt confident we were keeping it with the next kick and the dummy kicks and step arounds were almost poetry.
Forward line needs a small or two, it was only a couple of seasons ago where it was Betts, Garlett, Yarran and Armfield all zipping around the forward 50, now it's Menzel who is more of a medium marking and roving forward than a crumber.
I asked my Geelong workmate if he was happy with the game, he said they just cruised. I told him to watch the game again as they were still going hard with 5 mins to play, then pointed out a few things and said considering Geelong had a full strength side and we were missing some he should be concerned by a 3 goals win when it should have been closer to 8. He said we weren't missing that many so I reeled off, Gibbs, Yarran, Walker, Simpson, Casboult, Kreuzer/Warnock, he became quite after that.
Not a bad position to be in with round 1 on the way, underdogs but against Richmond who knows. We definitely have a bit more depth coming through. Might not be there yet but it's coming.
Good summary, agree with near all of that.
Henderson, is a terrific CHB but will be CHF now as the forward line will look thin without him there. He and Rowe may swing in games if one or the other is struggling a touch. I have alot more confidence in Rowe now and the confidence he has in himself these days will allow will allow him to play better footy up forward than before.
If Jaksch really kicks on then one of he or Rowe may be able to go forward and support Henderson.
Witht he game at Etihad a lot more people were able to see it and have commented accordingly. Sorry it has taken me so long, but I've been busy.
Well, here is my 2 cents worth:
[1] Our ruck division:
For the 2nd week in a row our lack of ruck depth was seriously exposed. We really need to do something about it in the next recruiting period.
Wood was good, but when he went out of the middle we were undermanned and badly lost the clearances.
I was pleasantly surprised by Wood. He had probably his best game as a tap ruckman. he had about 4 opponents for the day and more than held his own, getting more hits to advantage than we've had a quite a while.
However, Geelong do not have a Sandilands or the like. We really need to get someone who can give our mids first use.
[2] Our midfield:
We were nowhere near full strength, but we really had some limitations. We badly need Judd to commit to another couple of seasons. We really lack class in there otherwise, and pace.
For all that, there were some real positives. Cripps did a very good job and showed how effective he is at getting first possession. Bell roamed around and did quite well; he was always dangerous, although his kicking is still dubious. Carrots was excellent and did a good job for the 2nd week in a row.
[3] Skills:
To see the way Geelong hit targets was enough to make a grown man cry. Their forwards got excellent service with ball our defenders simply could not stop. If we could move the ball like that we would be a finals certainty.
[4] Forward Structure and movement:
Geelong moved the ball well, kicked it well and kicked it leading targets, always out in front, often on the nose. We kicked to packs. We kicked in such a way as to have our forwards have to be still to be in the contest. We kicked long without anyone to crumb the ball. We kicked over the heads of our forwards, expecting them to double back. Our default kick was to a pack: not so bad but we just couldn't get any crumbs at all. We desperately need a crumbing forward with real pace.
For all that, we were not that bad. We had a lot less of the ball and had a lot of disposals coming from those whose disposal wasn't so good. However, we did seem to have some plan in moving the ball forward. It just wasn't as good as Geelong's, nor was it backed up by disposal.
Conclusion: we need more leading more often. We badly need a serious crumber, as we produce plenty of crumbs.
[5] Opponents moving the ball out of defence:
This was where we lost the game. Geelong had a lot of possessions, and they were cheap possessions, but they rarely went very far backwards and they always outnumbered our guys. Result: the ball moves crisply and easily out of our forward half.
We need to man up better and put more pressure on the guys running freely. Most of the Geelong defenders wouldn't know how to get a contested kick: they have never needed to.
[6] Recruiting:
This is another one I will probably be flogging this year: where are our young superstars? Where are the guys to inherit the mantle from Judd, Waite, Betts, Fev, etc?
I am happy with Cripps. he is going along nicely. But otherwise we have a large number of good, ordinary players. We really need to get a few champs.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
[8] Players:
Troy Menzel: In a way it was surprising to see that he had 3 goals. he spent a lot of time upfield and very little near goal. Nor did he do much leading (his strength) or crumbing (barely a shot). if we are to prosper this year, he needs to kick more goals. he is one of very few who looks capable.
Marc Murphy: Needed the run. Got a bit of the ball, but was nowhere near his best. Will be better for it, but needs to produce more. he got more of the ball than I thought, but his possessions didn't hurt Geelong.
Chris Judd: We need to convince Juddy to play on. This could be final year and that would be terminal for us. When he and Selwood played head to head, Juddy simply slaughtered him. Yes, Juddy can't kick 50 m any longer, and that is a problem, but he looked more dangerous as a forward than most others.
Patrick Cripps: Excellent. 32 disposals, with most hitting the mark. He needs to work on his negative side in the middle, just do things a little faster. otherwise he just needs to make the most of his kicks. he showed that he can be really dangerous near goals.
Matthew Watson: Much better as a forward than as a defender, but he doesn't do enough too often. When he turns on that left foot, the ball has to go through the goals. Instead he had 4 shots in the last quarter for minimal result (2 points). His supergoal was excellent, but it was his only real set shot.
Blaine Boekhorst: Had a shocker. Should not play round 1 on that effort. Very little effort, little real run, didn't pick up his man and looked exhausted for most of the day. Very disappointing.
Liam Jones: Showed some good signs, but needs to lead more. He will tale mark of the year one day. had he got the service that Geelong gave their forwards, he would have kicked 10. As it was, he needs to work on his body work and to lead more.
Sam Docherty: Quiet early, but improved as the day went on. he become quite dominant across half back.
Sam Rowe:
Better in defence, but is near where he started last season, not how he finished last season. Needs time in the key defensive post. I understand why he hasn't played there: we needed to blood Jaksch. But he really needs a few weeks getting his form and confidence back. Terrible in the ruck.
Jason Tutt: Started on the pine and didn't have much influence when he got on. A couple of nice tackles, but he didn't get a kick.
Lachie Henderson: Well down on his best at the moment. Like Rowe, he could do with some time in defence. However, we now have guys to fill those roles. We needs him leading and taking marks.
Clem Smith: Played him up the ground and he was much better for it. He tends to underkick at times, and needs to work on his disposal by foot.
I was against recruiting Smith having seen him last year, but he could make me eat my words.
Tom Bell: Solids game.
Matthew Dick: Not bad in the first quarter, but he sunk out of the game. In the last quarter he struggled for the pace of the game. he will be better. I don't know if he is the answer we were looking for, but I am willing to give him enough time to show what he can do.
Kristian Jaksch: Pretty good on Clark, struggled on Hawkins. He is not there yet, but he shows plenty of promise. His disposal is usually pretty good.
Andreas Everitt: Perhaps his worst game in our colours. He showed little and was kicked early. It amazed me that he got 7 marks for the day.
Ed Curnow: Really struggling for form at the moment. He was given a lot of different jobs, but had nothing like his usual effect on the game. really in danger of missing selection for round 1.
Cameron Wood: His best game ever as a tap ruckman. He got 33 taps and beat 4 guys. He wasn't as effective around the ground as he usually is, but his efforts were promising. Nor did he get his goals: he couldn't rest up forward with the logjam of tall options down there already and wanting to fly in the pack.
Ciaran Byrne: Casey looked promising again. In his time on the ground he held his man and got a fair bit of the ball. he only made 1 bad turnover this week. Good pace. Looked like he will get senior games this year.
Dale Thomas: Daisy needed the run. he was nowhere near his best.
Michael Jamison: Had the better of Hawkins until he was substituted off. Got very little of the ball.
Zach Tuohy: A pretty strong game from the Irishman. 13 possessions and 7 marks when he was only on for about half the game.
Simon White: Solid
Andrew Carrazzo: Another strong effort from Carrots. He got a lot of the ball and didn't muck it up much.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
EB, your views expressed in the second para I strongly suspect are shared by one MM (although he will never come out publicly and state them).
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
With due respect EB, I strongly disagree. Judd has shown himself to be such a force in his twilight years that we should exploit opposition efforts focused on Judd and inject youth to capitalize on this disadvantage.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
With due respect EB, I strongly disagree. Judd has shown himself to be such a force in his twilight years that we should exploit opposition efforts focused on Judd and inject youth to capitalize on this disadvantage.
If our young blokes can't pick up the torch while guys like Judd and Murphy are getting the attention of the opposition, how are they going to do it when Judd is gone?
They need to stand up now, and take advantage of the fact that they have a superstar in the team to show them how it is done. If they can't do it now, then they need to go.
We remain steadfastly set down written in stone as the worst ball users by foot in the competition.
Opposition clubs know that with every forced kick Carlton are 50/50 or better chance of losing possession, while the benchmark clubs like the Dawks or Swans retain the ball and cut through opponents.
All the effort, exposure, endeavour, stepping up, efforts, and application won't help us unless we find some blokes who are smart ball users and can kick accurately.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
With due respect EB, I strongly disagree. Judd has shown himself to be such a force in his twilight years that we should exploit opposition efforts focused on Judd and inject youth to capitalize on this disadvantage.
If our young blokes can't pick up the torch while guys like Judd and Murphy are getting the attention of the opposition, how are they going to do it when Judd is gone?
They need to stand up now, and take advantage of the fact that they have a superstar in the team to show them how it is done. If they can't do it now, then they need to go.
You can lead a horse to water...
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judds future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
With due respect EB, I strongly disagree. Judd has shown himself to be such a force in his twilight years that we should exploit opposition efforts focused on Judd and inject youth to capitalize on this disadvantage.
If our young blokes can't pick up the torch while guys like Judd and Murphy are getting the attention of the opposition, how are they going to do it when Judd is gone?
They need to stand up now, and take advantage of the fact that they have a superstar in the team to show them how it is done. If they can't do it now, then they need to go.
it will also help to have a Judd in the team to help tear an opposition to shreds in case a youngster does step up and starts wearing a harder tag.
You can't make judgments on practice games when the senior players are instructed to go half pace.
Did Nick Graham play in this one?
Did Nick Graham play in this one?
No
You can't make judgments on practice games when the senior players are instructed to go half pace.
I have often wondered how you instruct an elite footballer to 'go half pace'. I can't imagine Judd not trying his hardest to stop Selwood getting the pill.
Senior players will often spend more time on the pine or may be played out of position but I doubt if they are told to take it easy.
You can't make judgments on practice games when the senior players are instructed to go half pace.
I have often wondered how you instruct an elite footballer to 'go half pace'. I can't imagine Judd not trying his hardest to stop Selwood getting the pill.
Senior players will often spend more time on the pine or may be played out of position but I doubt if they are told to take it easy.
There's a significant drop off in intensity, no doubt about it.
You can't make judgments on practice games when the senior players are instructed to go half pace.
I have often wondered how you instruct an elite footballer to 'go half pace'. I can't imagine Judd not trying his hardest to stop Selwood getting the pill.
Senior players will often spend more time on the pine or may be played out of position but I doubt if they are told to take it easy.
Juddy didn't tackle too hard.
Daisy, Judd and many had some really soft tackle attempts. I never expect full intensity in NAB games. I hope we don't see too many soft efforts from Round one this season though.
Daisy, Judd and many had some really soft tackle attempts. I never expect full intensity in NAB games. I hope we don't see too many soft efforts from Round one this season though.
Daisy's tackle on Guthrie when he did that blind turn and goaled was a Barry Crocker...no effort and Daisy looked like an old man trying to make it.....
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
x 2. One thing they did prove they can do much better than us is win more than 2 or 3 in a row.
Daisy, Judd and many had some really soft tackle attempts. I never expect full intensity in NAB games. I hope we don't see too many soft efforts from Round one this season though.
Daisy's tackle on Guthrie when he did that blind turn and goaled was a Barry Crocker...no effort and Daisy looked like an old man trying to make it.....
Senior players are instructed to just use the games for fitness. If they're seen to be going too hard they get subbed off.
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
Really? Didn't they win 11 straight or something like that (including Sydney round 23)? No way we could've done the same thing.
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
Really? Didn't they win 11 straight or something like that (including Sydney round 23)? No way we could've done the same thing.
They did win a string of games and beat the Swans but I still dont rate them...played above themselves IMO.......if we cannot beat them in round 1 then
its going to be a long season...
This is definitely a very important game as a barometer for 2015 in terms of how we are progressing or not. No excuses Blues, we MUST win. I will be tipping us in expectation!
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
Really? Didn't they win 11 straight or something like that (including Sydney round 23)? No way we could've done the same thing.
Its dead set embarrassing to think we haven't won 3 in a round since the latter part of 2013. Cant remember the last time we strung together more than 3, I think we won 4 in a row back in 2011. Unacceptable.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judd's future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
Fair call. I was very disappointed in the way that nobody picked up Guthrie early. He really hurt us when he was running free. He barely had a possession after half time, but the damage had been done.
In a lot of ways I hope they do take Judd on: he showed on Selwood that in a contest between them was a win for Judd. It may allow a good player to run freely sometimes, one of my criticisms of Judd was his relative inability to pick up his man, but it does free Judd up to do some serious damage.
I don't think Malthouse will allow anyone to run around on Judd: he likes to have the best mid tagged out (pity we can't manage it all of time, but that is another issue).
I really do think Judd can go on. I just don't think he will.
As for our midfield, yes, we do have to learn to survive and prosper without Judd. However, I am looking for a replacement, our next star mid and I cannot see him on our list at present. We have a lot of 'good, ordinary players', some real good troopers. But we do need to have a champion or 2. Gibbs stepped up last year. But we still need real pace in our centre square unit.
We remain steadfastly set down written in stone as the worst ball users by foot in the competition.
Opposition clubs know that with every forced kick Carlton are 50/50 or better chance of losing possession, while the benchmark clubs like the Dawks or Swans retain the ball and cut through opponents.
All the effort, exposure, endeavour, stepping up, efforts, and application won't help us unless we find some blokes who are smart ball users and can kick accurately.
I think our newer Blues are better kicks than some of the guys who have gone, but we do retain a few guys whose kicking is their Achilles' Heel. Casboult sticks out, but he is not alone. It probably looks worse for the way we aim to move the move the ball. Our forwards don't lead much: we try to kick the ball over their heads so they fall back to take the marks. I would much rather us determine to be always in front and to kick the ball in front of them more. It works for Geelong.
[7] Conclusion:
For all of the bad things, and there were many, we still lost by a relatively small margin. And, had we been able to kick straight, we could have done them in. It suggests that we are doing some things right. Judd, for example, was brilliant.
Thought Judd lowered his colours which doesnt happen often and Guthrie both held him and flogged us when he had the ball....Juddy didnt pick him up at any stage and allowed him to get the footy too often..
I'm probably a bit different with regards Judd's future and I think he needs to retire at years end and let Cripps, Bell, Graham etc take over and it may force them to step up....we are over reliant on Judd and I expect teams to now try and exploit him by playing more talented players on him rather than going purely negative..
Fair call. I was very disappointed in the way that nobody picked up Guthrie early. He really hurt us when he was running free. He barely had a possession after half time, but the damage had been done.
In a lot of ways I hope they do take Judd on: he showed on Selwood that in a contest between them was a win for Judd. It may allow a good player to run freely sometimes, one of my criticisms of Judd was his relative inability to pick up his man, but it does free Judd up to do some serious damage.
I don't think Malthouse will allow anyone to run around on Judd: he likes to have the best mid tagged out (pity we can't manage it all of time, but that is another issue).
I really do think Judd can go on. I just don't think he will.
As for our midfield, yes, we do have to learn to survive and prosper without Judd. However, I am looking for a replacement, our next star mid and I cannot see him on our list at present. We have a lot of 'good, ordinary players', some real good troopers. But we do need to have a champion or 2. Gibbs stepped up last year. But we still need real pace in our centre square unit.
Guthrie was moved to half back after half time as part of his education according to Chris Scott....interesting too that Judd spent time forward in the 2nd half and won some footy
but couldnt convert on any long range shots as he seems to have lost some depth in his kicking..
I see Cripps taking Judds role as the inside bigger extractor but without the breakaway speed...
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
Really? Didn't they win 11 straight or something like that (including Sydney round 23)? No way we could've done the same thing.
They did win a string of games and beat the Swans but I still dont rate them...played above themselves IMO.......if we cannot beat them in round 1 then
its going to be a long season...
And Nick Bowen's prophesying may well come true.
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
If not lower Paul, if not lower :(
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
If not lower Paul, if not lower :(
Really ? That low ?? Lets see if we can prove them all wrong. There are many areas we can improve on, so we can't be all that bad. Just need the best attitude to get the season rolling.
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
If not lower Paul, if not lower :(
The afl.com.au crew are predicting the Suns to finish 7th.
Sigh.
That was the attempt in the 1st or second quarter. I think it was the 1st. Lazy practice teaches lazy as a way of life. Sure you don't have to completely take a guys head off but Daisy wouldn't have even put a twig like Garlett off with that attempt. Guthrie made our blokes look weak in body, slow by foot, and a lack of awareness from what I saw.
I have read the previous posts, but after watching the game there are some sugar coated reports on player performances. Not to worry as we need to see round one against Richmond. I am starting to worry about this first match.
Tigers will start favourites and Nick Bowen in his AFL preview of our season predicted us to finish 14th...so we are underdogs going into the game which isnt a bad thing IMO.
I dont rate Richmond at all and would be very dissapointed if we lost to them...
Really? Didn't they win 11 straight or something like that (including Sydney round 23)? No way we could've done the same thing.
They did win a string of games and beat the Swans but I still dont rate them...played above themselves IMO.......if we cannot beat them in round 1 then
its going to be a long season...
And Nick Bowen's prophesying may well come true.
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
Do you not speak to supporters of other Clubs? Yes thats how they se us. We have become "irrelevant" and have a lot of work to do regain the respect of other Clubs. Once feared, now laughed at.
The turn around we need to do to become relevant again can be done, just look at Port and Hawthorn.
They were both push over teams for a while then after some shrewd management become a force again.
I think shrewd management might be the key here, hopefully with our new leaders things will change.
But if we had won those close ones last year or that final against Sydney was played on a decent ground or that umpiring decision in Perth in that final went our way then we would be sitting in a very different place right now.
Good TEAM management and a good ounce of luck to finally go our way then....Happy Days :)
14th ? God, is that how the outside world sees us ?
If not lower Paul, if not lower :(
The afl.com.au crew are predicting the Suns to finish 7th.
Sigh.
I was listening to a SA radio station a couple of weeks ago and they had the Suns in the 4 :o
They did say that there was often a team that performed beyond expectations and I reckon that will be us - touch wood!
I have no problem coming into the season as underdogs. Hopefully we have been truly underestimated by the footy pundits and can deliver a big surprise!
As for our midfield, yes, we do have to learn to survive and prosper without Judd. However, I am looking for a replacement, our next star mid and I cannot see him on our list at present. We have a lot of 'good, ordinary players', some real good troopers. But we do need to have a champion or 2. Gibbs stepped up last year. But we still need real pace in our centre square unit.
Yes, the idea that one of our 'good, ordinary players' will step up to fill the void when Judd retires is fanciful. The club needs to do everything it can to convince him to keep going for another couple of years. It should also be doing everything it can to find a star midfielder to take his place.
As for our 'good, ordinary players', Bell and Cripps look like they are ready to take the next step.
i really don't get the criticism of Bell ???
I have no problem coming into the season as underdogs. Hopefully we have been truly underestimated by the footy pundits and can deliver a big surprise!
With you there, Fluffy Biscuit. We actually seem to be 'on the nose' with most 'experts.'
I do not take too much notice of these ladder predictions because a lot of them were done months ago and based on last years results. David King had Carlton nearly last while Gerald Healey thinks that Carlton might be in the eight. King said that was unfair because he had done his months ago while Healey was doing his just then.
Look at Port in 2013 where nearly all predicted it to finish last. Port finished seventh and won a final. What had they done to improve that much in the space of 6 months? Not because of a couple of newbies like Wingard and Wines, nor average trade ins like Moncrief, White and Schulz (That's what we were told), nor Kane Cornes, the old has been. What they had done was to instil confidence and belief in themselves and trust in the club.
I do not take too much notice of these ladder predictions because a lot of them were done months ago and based on last years results. David King had Carlton nearly last while Gerald Healey thinks that Carlton might be in the eight. King said that was unfair because he had done his months ago while Healey was doing his just then.
Look at Port in 2013 where nearly all predicted it to finish last. Port finished seventh and won a final. What had they done to improve that much in the space of 6 months? Not because of a couple of newbies like Wingard and Wines, nor average trade ins like Moncrief, White and Schulz (That's what we were told), nor Kane Cornes, the old has been. What they had done was to instil confidence and belief in themselves and trust in the club.
It's all in the head at this level......no question. Think you're the best and have that incessant will to win - you will win.
I think our newer Blues are better kicks than some of the guys who have gone, but we do retain a few guys whose kicking is their Achilles' Heel. Casboult sticks out, but he is not alone. It probably looks worse for the way we aim to move the move the ball. Our forwards don't lead much: we try to kick the ball over their heads so they fall back to take the marks. I would much rather us determine to be always in front and to kick the ball in front of them more. It works for Geelong.
It is amazing how different people see things.
I don't see Casboult's kicking as a problem at all, if he clunks enough marks inside F50 he will kick his 2 to 3 goals a game easily. I don't care too much that he kicks at 50% as long as he has enough shots.
But that bit in bold, you see I don't believe it is a forward not leading problem, in fact in recent years we have had lead up targets like Waite, Betts, Garlett and Walker all who had no trouble getting out in front of their direct opponent. Only to watch the ball sail over their head more often than not. I am not sure that kick is in anyway intentional, in fact I doubt they "try to kick the ball over their heads so they fall back" at all, but they do kick over the leading forwards head with monotonous regularity!
Ironically over the last few years blokes like Casboult, Kreuzer, Waite, Henderson, Everitt and even Warnock and Hampson have had no problem marking the ball from kicks out of our D50, but my conjecture is this is a result of different players are doing the kicking from deep in defense as opposed to our mids entering F50. Our mids are yet to demonstrate to me that they can hit the side of a moving barn let alone a moving forward! ;)
If you want to know why opposition captain's rate us so poorly, our kicking entering F50 holds a massive clue!
It is amazing how different people see things.
I don't see Casboult's kicking as a problem at all, if he clunks enough marks inside F50 he will kick his 2 to 3 goals a game easily. I don't care too much that he kicks at 50% as long as he has enough shots.
But that bit in bold, you see I don't believe it is a forward not leading problem, in fact in recent years we have had lead up targets like Waite, Betts, Garlett and Walker all who had no trouble getting out in front of their direct opponent. Only to watch the ball sail over their head more often than not. I am not sure that kick is in anyway intentional, in fact I doubt they "try to kick the ball over their heads so they fall back" at all, but they do kick over the leading forwards head with monotonous regularity!
Ironically over the last few years blokes like Casboult, Kreuzer, Waite, Henderson, Everitt and even Warnock and Hampson have had no problem marking the ball from kicks out of our D50, but my conjecture is this is a result of different players are doing the kicking from deep in defense as opposed to our mids entering F50. Our mids are yet to demonstrate to me that they can hit the side of a moving barn let alone a moving forward! ;)
If you want to know why opposition captain's rate us so poorly, our kicking entering F50 holds a massive clue!
Re the bolded part, hence my interest in the training thread about how well we have been kicking to a lead at training.
It's a skill that seems to have departed the CFC for way too long now.
It is amazing how different people see things.
I don't see Casboult's kicking as a problem at all, if he clunks enough marks inside F50 he will kick his 2 to 3 goals a game easily. I don't care too much that he kicks at 50% as long as he has enough shots.
But that bit in bold, you see I don't believe it is a forward not leading problem, in fact in recent years we have had lead up targets like Waite, Betts, Garlett and Walker all who had no trouble getting out in front of their direct opponent. Only to watch the ball sail over their head more often than not. I am not sure that kick is in anyway intentional, in fact I doubt they "try to kick the ball over their heads so they fall back" at all, but they do kick over the leading forwards head with monotonous regularity!
Ironically over the last few years blokes like Casboult, Kreuzer, Waite, Henderson, Everitt and even Warnock and Hampson have had no problem marking the ball from kicks out of our D50, but my conjecture is this is a result of different players are doing the kicking from deep in defense as opposed to our mids entering F50. Our mids are yet to demonstrate to me that they can hit the side of a moving barn let alone a moving forward! ;)
If you want to know why opposition captain's rate us so poorly, our kicking entering F50 holds a massive clue!
Re the bolded part, hence my interest in the training thread about how well we have been kicking to a lead at training.
It's a skill that seems to have departed the CFC for way too long now.
I reckon it's not so much a skill issue but more the way in which we set up and try to move the ball. We don't keep possession, we move the ball slowly. and we are often under pressure when trying to deliver the ball. Lack of structure in the forward line doesn't help.
When I played footy and we did a training drill whereby you kicked to a leading forward - if you kicked it behind them you dropped and did 50. You got over that mistake pretty fast...
When I played footy and we did a training drill whereby you kicked to a leading forward - if you kicked it behind them you dropped and did 50. You got over that mistake pretty fast...
Blues would have had the best shoulders in the league if we did that.
When I played footy and we did a training drill whereby you kicked to a leading forward - if you kicked it behind them you dropped and did 50. You got over that mistake pretty fast...
Its a new era Professer, its the old argument of athletic ability and beep tests vs good old footy nouse and skill.
I wonder if Sam Mitchell did a good beep test?
I play vets AFL 9s and we have heaps of run with our younger teammates. We got pumped the other night by a team of dads that could easily hit a beer can from 50 meters away. It was magic to watch. (all ex WAFL players of course)