Outstanding, gutsy effort epitomised by selfless, team orientated football with contributions from everybody.
All we ask for as supporters is 100% effort and we got that today.
To see blokes like Rowe step up when it matters shows that the group is developing and underlines that the club is heading in the right direction - not flash in the pan stuff but wholescale cultural shift.
Yes, that's exactly what it is.... wholesale cultural shift. Love it
So impressed with our tenacious 4qtr effort against the tide of injury..... Kruuuuuzzzz, set the tone. Our leaders really followed and got full buy in from each and every player. Sam Rowe has been developing since Jamo played 2s IMO. However, I did not expect to see what he bought to his game this week. Rowe down back, Rowe up forward, Rowe in the ruck, Rowe hits the scoreboard.
Gibbs sensational again, as was Docherty, Cripps, Murphy, Simmo, Byrne, Sumner, Lamb, and Byrne. Plowman bounced back in an undermanned defence, and 2e, Wright, Everett were solid.
A couple of guys had a quiet game, but in all an outstanding effort from a unified group. I think we can safely say the days of "the boys went into their shells" are a thing of our dark misguided past. We were steely and approached every contest with the belief of winning it. Amazing...gutsy team effort - I hope Jamo and Simmo feel the love.
Bolton and his crew have galvanized this group and the learning environment is unequivocally optimizing the boys output. I'm dreaming of what's to come if this is what can be done with this list.
Port impressive vs a lacklustre Brisbane but I think we will be looking to make it ugly footy and wont cough up as many goals....all teams have one annoying player and for its Jasper Pittard for Port....doesnt miind getting involved in push and shove games(dont know why because he cant fight) but usually comes in late when opposing players are not looking and gets a cheap shot in. Always looking for the easy receive across half back too and generally just annoys me and I hope to see him sat on his backside at some stage...
Port are good frontrunners but I think Kruezer can give us first use vs the inexperienced Howard and we can make a game of it...something flakey about Port and I reckon a bit of physical emphasis can put them off their game...
But he's played three good games in a row and still gets called a passenger.
He's been good, end of story. Next week he might be bad but people will ignore the fact he's played three good games.
There's absolutely no doubt he feels the heat, but so would I if i'd played in our backline as they've got absolutely no help for two years from the rest of the team in either pressuring the ball carrier or getting back to help out.
Yes quite. Rowe has had the measure of the champion forwards more times than not this year. Seems to have adapted to the changes rather smoothly. I'm a fan and will be until his younger protégé is ready
HM Murphy led by example Bryne was fearless again. Can't believe he's played so few games. Clone him. Kruez significant improvement, season getting on track. Kerridge solid effort. Wright ditto. Everett played his role for 3/4. Looking forward to 4/4 under Bolts regime.
Pies Pies Pies Pies by 75 - MM's record game (deliberate someone asked.... You think) Pies BLUES
The tide is turning The past is gone Bring on the new Blues - we're just starting and Bolts has already ironed out some wrinkles. Imagine having another injection of fresh talent over the next couple of years.
Lamb - likely, would like to see a bit more though
Jaksch - undecided. Has the goods - maybe more time needed. (Is it me or does he lack vertebral flexibility? from footage alone, looks as though his lower spine is flattened, that is limited lumbar curvature. No expert, so this is wild speculation only).
Considering our Clearance beast was out, our Rising star went down injured (in a courageous 2-1 effort to prevent a goal), and we have our share of injuries. I was encouraged that 9 players registered majors and that didn't include our big Levi. Had we got some of the "gettable" misses (? effect of winds), and we don't look nearly as bad as a year ago.
Just maybe Bolts is building some resilience into our list - no mean feat IMO
I don't care much for bagging a winning team, especially given we know exactly where we're headed, and that we're only on first base.
I enjoyed: - Byrne managing solid back to back performances. - Daisy, likewise. Not only dangerous around goals, but great around the ground. He finally looks fit and gaining confidence in his body (@80% at one point) - Seniors stood up for a second week. Murphy - topped off with another captain's goal. Gibbs - just solid, dug in with 10 clearances and no Cripps. - Wright, nice. Notched up a couple for number 100. Congratulations. - Plow and Phillips look to be core part of new Carlton.
In all, remained competitive for 4 quqrters again (remember that was team focus just a couple of weeks ago - big tick). Had a couple of patches of really flowing play where we made good decisions AND hit targets.
No matter how ugly it gets, winners are grinners. Enjoy the bragging rights Bluebaggers.
Everyone forgets that Graham and boekhorst are only playing their second and third seasons of footy respectively and haven't quite worked their way up to peak condition and fitness yet.
Most senior players carry some sort of restrictions and few would be 100%.
Only a few can do it early.
Sometimes giving them a week off to refresh is all they need.
I'd have thought this applies even more so for 1st yr players. Wouldn't be surprised if any of the youngsters were managed this way (or any oldies for that matter). The Cats just "rested" hendo...