OK, so here it is, the final 'best 22' for the year.
We've seen how the side performed in finals. We saw what worked and what didn't all throughout the year. Using all the information we got, who is in your best 22 now.
Lets assume all players are fit (excluding Williams and Philp to be consistent) Lets assume all players are still on our list (including delistings, retirees and potential trades)
Well round 1 is fast approaching. Most people, and rightly so, are focussed on our mens team playing finals for the first time since the AFLW comp has started. However, week 1 will be in the pre-finals bye week. So you can get your blues fix by watching the girls run out at Ikon park against the suns.
Unfortunately, i'm not expecting big things from our girls this season. We've lost one of our most improved for another season Maddy Guerrin with her ACL carried over into this season. We've also just lost our first round pick (pick 5) Lulu Beatty for the year as well.
They will join another few players on our injury list heading into round 1 meaning all but a few fit players will play.
So its round 23, 2022. Its 3/4 time and you need only to draw to make finals and you have a 4 goal lead and all the momentum against arch rivals Collingwood. Life couldn't be better. No team has even been in the 8 all year except the final round and things won't change now.
Carlton: Hold my Beer
6 scoring shots a piece in the last quarter including a rushed behind each. Carlton 0.5 Collingwood 5.0 We lose by a point against Collingwood. You miss finals by a mere 0.6% Your dream of finals is gone.
**6 months later**
A year on and a lot more optimism. We will be better for it. We have a fit-ish list, definitely in comparison to last year. Media pumping us up as top 4 potential. Finals certainties.
After R4 - Undefeated, sitting 2nd, a monty for top 4 spot. Life is good.
After R13 - Lost 8 from our last 9, including 6 in a row. Only win was against a WAFL side. Sitting 15th destined to stay in bottom 4. Talk about sacking the coach. Deja vu.
After R20 - Won 6 in a row for first time since 2000, including 5 in a row by 50+ points. Every team that has done that in the past wins the flag. Sitting 7th, 5th favourite for the flag.
After R24 - ? ? ?
Apparently our membership figures are going through the roof. I don't see how, because surely we are losing plenty of members due to stress induced heart attacks.
Who'd be a Carlton supporter?
Hopefully there is a happy ending to this season. It would make a good movie one day.
OK, Now we've seen some exposed form we should be getting more of a heads up on who deserves a spot in the best 22 and who is maybe best running around in the 2's.
We are curious about how active our little community is. We want to know how active you, and everyone is. Are we overrun by bots? Or do we have a hidden fanbase we don't know about.
Been very quiet of late on this topic. Wonder if its because the packers fans who litter this site have nothing to crow about this year?
Just a reminder, i'm a Vikings fan and just like Carlton, this team is trying to kill me with all these nailbiter games. Thankfully, thus far, we are coming out on top.....in every one.
Not sure how many people watched the Vikings vs Bills game a few weeks ago, but as a neutral supporter you would've loved it. More twists and turns than a Sydney street. Overtime win.
If that wasn't enough, Vikings vs Colts game on Saturday (Sunday morning here) tested the heart again. After going in at half time down 33-0, playing at home no less, it appeared that the bubble had very much burst. The commentators when they were doing the 'around the grounds at half time' were mocking eachother about how poor the game was.
*Nek minnut*
Scores tied 36-36 and into overtime. Field goal at the death of overtime and its the greatest comeback in NFL history....by any team....ever.
So now Vikings are 10-0 in 1 score games this season (8 points or less).....and my heart is still hanging in there.....just. 11-3 overall and NFC North champs. Just for craps and giggles, the 1 game we won, which was NOT a 1 score game was week 1 against the Packers.
Seems we've been rewarded very well after our efforts last year.
14 rounds have been released so far (we have the bye in R15).
Points of interest. 1. Thursday night opener against Tigers in R1 2. Exclusive Good Friday game vs Kangas in R4. 3. Thursday night opener of 'Gather Round' vs Adelaide in R5 4. Queens/kings birthday eve primetime slot Sunday night vs Essendon in R13
From the first 14 rounds we have... 10 Night/primetime games. 3 - Thursday Night games 4* - Friday Night games (inc. 4:20 twilight game on Good Friday) 2* - Saturday Night games (inc. 1 5:20AWT late game in Perth) 1 - Sunday Night games (Queens/Kings birthday eve)
The other 4 games are... - Giants (away) Sat 4:35. - Saints (home - Marvel) Sun 3:20 - Suns (home - MCG) Sun 1:10 and suprisingly - Pies (Home - MCG) Sun 3:20
We play the following sides twice.... Suns Giants Saints Demons Eagles Pies
Bree gets her 2nd AA nod and the sole Carlton representative this season.
Prespakis got a gig, well both did, and i'm not sure Maddie deserved it off the back of what i saw of her, but so be it. The fact she was picked as a half forward shows that the AFLW selectors also know how to screw up the AA selections as their male counterparts do repeatedly.
I reckon a few players were stiff, namely Laloifi, Peterson and Hill who basically don't know how to play a bad game.
Mckay and McEvoy got a nod in the 22 under 22 side though, so thats something.
