Better effort this week, worth watching and cheering for
Yep - agree.
The loss is obviously a downside, as is Judd's knee injury. Can't believe he might finish his career with an ACL. Dreadful way to end.
Everyone bangs on about providing 'a fan experience'. It ain't brainsurgery folks!! Today's effort was a fan experience. Watching your team, led by a caption prepared to inspire is a fan experience. Seeing a draft pick emerge who is likely to take the baton from a champion is a fan experience. Watch a guy who has been ravaged by injury come back and make a difference is a fan experience!
The best fan experience occurs between the first and last siren!!
First 4 quarter effort this year... mistakes, yes, but the first time this year I have cheered and barracked for the entire game.
Bravo boys. Get a few good blokes back after the break.
Kreuz influence on the game should not be underestimated.
Sadly, looks like Juddy's career is over but I bet he helps out as an assistant for the rest of the year.
As I have said before, I believe our list is not as bad as many believe. Needs improvement and development but we have a good base to start from.
Just a little more composure in the forward 50 might've got a different result. Still re-learning the hard running, attacking game was always going to take a few weeks to get together again. Wins will come as we get those aspects right.
Look forward to getting Jammo back to help Rowe after the bye. Rowe struggles as the no.1 defender but goes ok as the no.2.
First 4 quarter effort this year... mistakes, yes, but the first time this year I have cheered and barracked for the entire game.
Bravo boys. Get a few good blokes back after the break.
Kreuz influence on the game should not be underestimated.
Sadly, looks like Juddy's career is over but I bet he helps out as an assistant for the rest of the year.
As I have said before, I believe our list is not as bad as many believe. Needs improvement and development but we have a good base to start from.
The high and the low point of the game.
I also struggle to recall the last time we played 4 quarters like that even in games we've won.
Just a fabulous four quarter effort.
Full of mistakes, but that's what you expect from them I suppose.
Hopefully, they will learn from this that they can match it with anyone if they take the game on.
The effort was even more commendable when you consider that we carry at least 2-3 passengers every week.
Well done boys ;D ;D ;D
Better effort but the scoreline flattered us. We lost by 9 points and they had 9 more scoring shots.
Is the fitness guru good enough to stay on? Boys were on the ground cramping up all over the place
Better effort but the scoreline flattered us. We lost by 9 points and they had 9 more scoring shots.
There were also plenty of times we should have goaled but stuffed it up without getting a scoring shot, so I think we were a lot closer than you're suggesting.
The scoreboard doesn't lie.
Buckley gave Betts a bath.
Very sad to see Juddy finish up like this, he's been a great champion and we should make sure he stays at the club in some capacity in the future.
Good effort by the boys today but we just lacked the polish to finish it off, a magnificent Captain's game from Marc Murphy.
Is the fitness guru good enough to stay on? Boys were on the ground cramping up all over the place
I'm sure they'll be looking at him. Another legacy of Malthouse. >:(
Better effort but the scoreline flattered us. We lost by 9 points and they had 9 more scoring shots.
Scoreline didn't flatter us. That was a genuine game that could've gone either way.
We had alot of out of the fulls and stuff up near goal. That goal square smother in the 2nd qtr that was rushed up the other end for a goal being an example. a 12 pt turnaround there alone.
Is the fitness guru good enough to stay on? Boys were on the ground cramping up all over the place
We're just not used to running out a hard game for 4 qtrs. No amount of training will substitute for that.
Better effort but the scoreline flattered us. We lost by 9 points and they had 9 more scoring shots.
Sorry mate, not right. Inside 50s were almost identical. Statistically pretty even. They scored more from our errors than we did theirs. And we lost a key mid early. The scoreline did not flatter us. Could have been a 3-5 goal loss, and just as easily we could have won.
You have to give credit where it is due and our boys deserve acknowledgment for a much improved effort in all respects. Now to continue to improve.
Ruptured ACL for Judd confirmed.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-06/chris-judd-suffers-knee-injury-against-crows
A most entertaining game of football, with great pressure from each side and the extremes of good and bad skills on display. The sequence where walker didn't quite get the ball over the line was one of the wackier bits of play I've seen in my time.
Murphy stood tall today, with a great performance. He was well supported by Henderson, cripps, bell as the stand outs for me. Good to see Kruezer back and take some strong marks, along with Casboult who is starting to look like a real footballer.
Skill errors though are the killer and some awful turnovers from defence. Carrazzo had a couple of shockers along with Simpson whose preference for his left foot is the difference between him being a very good player and just a brave ordinary player. It frustrates me no end that such an experienced player still struggles to kick both sides of his body and has to turn to get onto his left.
At least our set up was more up to date with a spare man in defence for a period, then moving to more one on one as the game progresses.
Umpiring stunk today, with poor decisions going each way. Paying Casboult that mark deep forward was ridiculous and the holding the ball decisions are now providing too much reward for tackles. Its a case where the umpires are required to adjudicate to force a style of game to be played rather than the rules themselves.
This is the intensity level required as a minimum for the rest of the year. Now the skills nedd to lift to get a better return from effort. Such a shame for Judd to get a knee injury, and it could be a truly underwhelming end for a champion of the game.
By the way, we saw why Betts, great forward pocket that he is, still couldn't provide run in the middle when it was needed.
Ruptured ACL for Judd confirmed.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-06-06/chris-judd-suffers-knee-injury-against-crows
That's the career sadly.
1st game I haven't watched in ages.
Looking at the stats, it's nice to see Casboult kicked straight, and Kreuzer get on the board with a couple.
It looks like Murph led from the front.
51 tackles is still a bit low, gotta keep working on that one.
Very sad about Juddy.
We both should have won but deserved to lose.
The umpires helped tip the balance though with a few howlers today.
Tragic way for Judd to bow out, it would have been nice to get over the line for him.
1st game I haven't watched in ages.
Looking at the stats, it's nice to see Casboult kicked straight, and Kreuzer get on the board with a couple.
It looks like Murph led from the front.
51 tackles is still a bit low, gotta keep working on that one.
Very sad about Juddy.
Agree - tackle technique and effort needs work.
Gutted about Juddy. He's been treated very well by CFC (as he rightly should), but I do wonder what he really thinks about us deep down.
That is Carlton football. Break neck speed, playing on, running in waves. That was why we got the Friday night spots because we were entertaining to watch. The game plan has its faults like being out position when turnovers occur, however this is the game that gives these players a chance to win and compete.
Beaten but far from disgraced !!
Today, the Carlton Football Club drew a line in the sand, there was serious attack on the contest all game & 100% effort from everyone in the team, makes you proud to be a Blues fan doesn't it ??
I'll put up with losing if that is the standard of performance we get from the players, they were committed and desperate, cannot fault that approach especially when you take into account the season we've had thus far.
Where has "that" Marc Murphy been all year ?? Best game for 12-months.
Also, nice to have a big bodied player in the forward line who can take a pack mark and kick straight, Kreuzer has been badly missed.
Casboult's witchdoctor is working wonders, cannot believe he nailed that banana from the wrong pocket. There is definite improvement in his kicking accuracy, still has the occasional yip (that shot on the run then went OOF) but I don't look away like I used to. You know, if he keeps up this level of improvement, he may just make it as a genuine player.
Graham & Buckley showed why playing the younger players works for us, they have youthful enthusiasm and attack all the time, its an infectious quality.
This close tussle suited Bell's bullish game-style, he did very well as did Simpson, in fact it was hard to find a "poor" player for us today and its been long while since I've been able to write that.
Judd's career ended today which is sad, he won't come back in 12-months time, crap way to end a stellar career but that's football.
One thing that stood out last week and again today was the move of Everitt to the forward-line in a permanent role. He is a good lead, good mark and good kick at goal, he looks like a natural in this position.
Kudos to Barker for that one.
Also, how good was it when Kreuzer marked and goaled and all of the players got around him, that is team spirit, something that has been missing for some time. It also happened again when King Tutt laid that strong tackle on Sloane, inspirational acts that were acknowledged by the rest of the team.
Bloody good stuff methinks !!
Whilst we had the effort, our players are either not experienced enough or just plainly lack the skill-set, to carry out the basics with precision & consistency. Some of the younger players will get better with another 30-40 games under their belt whilst the older ones with the skill deficiencies will be replaced by others who do.
We have the nucleus of a decent team, we saw it out there today, we just lack some polish in the middle plus some important key position players.
It will get better in time though as we turn over the list. Small steps today, but at least they were in the right direction and certainly give us some much needed hope for the future.
Lastly, what was the reason for todays improved performance, the change of coach or the change of game-plan or a combination of both ??
The scoreboard doesn't lie.
Buckley gave Betts a bath.
Zac T did an even better job on him!!!
Beaten but far from disgraced !!
Today, the Carlton Football Club drew a line in the sand, there was serious attack on the contest all game & 100% effort from everyone in the team, makes you proud to be a Blues fan doesn't it ??
I'll put up with losing if that is the standard of performance we get from the players, they were committed and desperate, cannot fault that approach especially when you take into account the season we've had thus far.
Where has "that" Marc Murphy been all year ?? Best game for 12-months.
Also, nice to have a big bodied player in the forward line who can take a pack mark and kick straight, Kreuzer has been badly missed.
Casboult's witchdoctor is working wonders, cannot believe he nailed that banana from the wrong pocket. There is definite improvement in his kicking accuracy, still has the occasional yip (that shot on the run then went OOF) but I don't look away like I used to. You know, if he keeps up this level of improvement, he may just make it as a genuine player.
Graham & Buckley showed why playing the younger players works for us, they have youthful enthusiasm and attack all the time, its an infectious quality.
This close tussle suited Bell's bullish game-style, he did very well as did Simpson, in fact it was hard to find a "poor" player for us today and its been long while since I've been able to write that.
Judd's career ended today which is sad, he won't come back in 12-months time, crap way to end a stellar career but that's football.
One thing that stood out last week and again today was the move of Everitt to the forward-line in a permanent role. He is a good lead, good mark and good kick at goal, he looks like a natural in this position.
Kudos to Barker for that one.
Also, how good was it when Kreuzer marked and goaled and all of the players got around him, that is team spirit, something that has been missing for some time. It also happened again when King Tutt laid that strong tackle on Sloane, inspirational acts that were acknowledged by the rest of the team.
Bloody good stuff methinks !!
Whilst we had the effort, our players are either not experienced enough or just plainly lack the skill-set, to carry out the basics with precision & consistency. Some of the younger players will get better with another 30-40 games under their belt whilst the older ones with the skill deficiencies will be replaced by others who do.
We have the nucleus of a decent team, we saw it out there today, we just lack some polish in the middle plus some important key position players.
It will get better in time though as we turn over the list. Small steps today, but at least they were in the right direction and certainly give us some much needed hope for the future.
Lastly, what was the reason for todays improved performance, the change of coach or the change of game-plan or a combination of both ??
Fair summary.
I don't know the definitive answer to your question.
Beaten but far from disgraced !!
Today, the Carlton Football Club drew a line in the sand, there was serious attack on the contest all game & 100% effort from everyone in the team, makes you proud to be a Blues fan doesn't it ??
It does but it was also at times our best and worst for the year. The Crippler throwing the opposition out of the way, Simpson playing on pure guts, Murphy's captain's efforts, the Boult's big marks and goals and the return of Kreuzer were all amazing to see. But the constant kicking backwards, short & inaccurate kicks as we try to bring it in after a point and the slapstick performances at times in the forward line also killed me.
There is hope though. Port and the Suns after bye, if we bring that same effort with just a minor reduction in errors there is definitely a chance.
Just got back from the game. Main difference that I could see today was that we ran, and ran, and ran. Probably why we were cramping up - we're not used to it.
They kicked poorly for goal, and we kicked poorly full stop. The mistakes lessened in the second half - just in time for the umpires to step in and see frees that would have been overlooked in a hectic GF. 3 direct goals from umpiring mistakes in the last q were gut wrenching.
Vale Chris Judd. Welcome Patrick Cripps. Welcome back Matty K. I'd written him off. Has to string it together now (please, please, please).
That sort of effort is what we should see every week. A few skill errors let us down. The umpire at the Punt Rd end made a couple of howlers that cost us goals. Apart from the obvious ones, I think Graham played pretty well and showed he has good hands and is a steady kick on the run. Loved Cripps', Simpson's and Murphy's games. Let's see if we can put some wins together after the bye.
A much much better performance from the boys, maybe we are getting our team back. Kudos to Barker for a much more entertaining game style. Many good prformances but Murph was the standout for me and I was very encouraged by Crpps (future star) and by Graham who will be a very tough workhorse for us.
Looks like the endof the Judd era, sad to go out that way.
People who say umpires don't influence the result of games sometimes are kidding themselves. Absolutely robbed in the last term. And at crucial stages too!!!
Even so, can we can finally see a bright future ahead, particularly from the kids in the team. We can hold our heads up high as supporters and as a Club tonight.
Great effort Blue boys!!!
Better effort but still disappointing as I thought we had our chances but turned the ball over at crucial times and let the Crows back in...losing Judd really hurt but I thought
Simpson, Murphy and Rowe stood up as leaders.
Happy with Graham and Buckley today, thought Buckley carried on from last week where he ran and carried the footy with dash and he has to stay in the starting 18 every game IMO. Graham is just starting to feel comfortable and credit to Barker for showing confidence in him...
Kruezer gave us something forward it was just a shame Jenkins gave them something a bit more down the other end...
Better cohesion and team spirit this week and it was an honest performance....
Losing Judd was a tragedy but it might make a few players like Murphy, Gibbs step up and Cripps is already a leader the way he puts himself in for the footy...
Been on Touhys case but he did a good job on Eddie and Levi's kicking has improved..
Really good.
Loved the attitude
Loved the run
Loved the support for one another for individual efforts
Loved to see a few players who have been down kick it up a notch.
The test is to keep it going. ;)
We get to add Yarran and Gibbs to todays team, Judds loss is devestating but will force the rest to step up. It will be intersted to see how we play out the year as we have more than enought talent to win 4-6 games and Barker is int ebox seat to stake his claim for the job.
Scoreline didn't flatter us. That was a genuine game that could've gone either way.
We had alot of out of the fulls and stuff up near goal. That goal square smother in the 2nd qtr that was rushed up the other end for a goal being an example. a 12 pt turnaround there alone.
Totally agree - just a horrible call by mbb....did you actually watch the game? Most stats heavily in our favour, better skills & decision-making & we win that game by about 6 goals.....without a shadow of a doubt.
Best game we've played for a very long time.....hardest I've barracked for a very long time, but the skills and the decision-making......*sigh*.....if only......
Judd: tragedy.
Kreuzer: triumph.
I tell ya one bloke who was ecstatic when Kreuzer took that mark in the 3rd, then even more excited when he goaled - and that was Hendo. Looked genuinely excited to have Kreuzer out there, really pleasing to see.
It was a real mixed bag today......so much to love, but as is the norm - also so much to get frustrated about. I can actually see a good team there wanting to achieve, but the skills just aren't what they need to be for most of them.
The stats favour us every week and we still get smashed.
The stats favour us every week and we still get smashed.
Nup - you've made a poor call with the scoring shots mbb, real poor.
On another topic.....Tuohy is a conundrum for mine: absolutely toweled Eddie like no-one has been able to this year - big tick. But with the ball in his hands.....OMFG, he was deadset headless - cross.
A poor call? The scoring shots are fact not opinion.
As the confidence builds the turnovers will decrease.
They are learning to play footy again. Good time for the bye.
A poor call? The scoring shots are fact not opinion.
Were you at the game? If you think the score line flattered us you didn't watch the game there was absolutely no time in the game where they played terribly and we were ok it was an even match throughout
Best team lost.
I know it's a bit of a contradiction and something that some people find unacceptable but that's how I feel. :D
A poor call? The scoring shots are fact not opinion.
You're saying the result flattered us because of that......I & most others who watched the game are saying that it was our lack of skill throughout the course of the game that prevented us from having more scoring opportunities. That also is fact. Your fact is the most simplistic of all & means nothing for those us who were at/watched the game on TV. Yep, you bet it's a poor call.
As I said in the in game thread, very sad for Judd that he's out of the game in that fashion.
Hopefully, the club will find a suitable way to honour him.
However, we all knew that this was his last season, and we have a ready replacement in Pat Cripps.
So it's goodbye to a legend, and a huge welcome to a player in Cripps, who if the Club look after him and he gets all the support he needs, and continues to mature and get better, will become the next great Carlton Champion.
As the confidence builds the turnovers will decrease.
They are learning to play footy again. Good time for the bye.
I hope your right.
If they can maintain that level of intensity and decrease the turnovers, the season won't have been a complete right off. It will also expose the serial offenders and make SOS's job easier.
As the confidence builds the turnovers will decrease.
They are learning to play footy again. Good time for the bye.
I agree. Confidence and self belief can help keeps the skill level higher. It is a good time for the bye. Time to rest up and reflect on what needs to happen next. Tweak a few things here and there. Get some players back.
Looking at the possible ins with Gibbs, Jamo and Yarran who goes out for Yarran and Jamo with Gibbs replacing Juddy?
Maybe Menzel? Tutt? Army? The latter 2 showed a lot of effort today however..
So upbeat tonight after what I witnessed today. Yeah we lost but fork me I have not been that entertained by us for a long long time. Definitely should have won, two crucial non frees to them for goals in the last term. We butchered many balls inside 50m. Players looked like they had been granted their freedom and they relished the opportunity.
Thought Tutt try as he might is just not up to it. Army also showed why he wont be here next year.
Murphy, tough courageous, never willing to take a backward step. Never seen this bloke before, even when he won the Coach's Award he didn't do stuff he did today. A real captain's game, if he plays like that on a consistent basis from now on we will win games.
Cripps. What more can you say. This kid makes some amazingly inspirational plays. Will be something special.
Bucks. Exciting, untapped potential. Needs to be given the license to run.
Finally my man Nicky Graham, didn't do too much in the first half but I thought he laid some ripping tackles in the second half, won some hotly contested ball in the forward half and kicked a ripper goal. This was a pretty fierce contest and he showed he is right up to it.
Looking at the possible ins with Gibbs, Jamo and Yarran who goes out for Yarran and Jamo with Gibbs replacing Juddy?
Maybe Menzel? Tutt? Army? The latter 2 showed a lot of effort today however..
Tutt and Army must make way.
I cannot say I agree with you about Armfield. He pops up and does some very good things and generally is trying for most of his games. Gets score on the board or at least assists to us getting a score. Sure his kicks are sometimes way off, but we have others that are bigger butchers of the ball.
Tutt and Army must make way.
Tutt yes despite a much better effort from him, but I think Army has his nose slightly ahead of Menzel ATM. Statistically they are close (although Army tackles more) but Army's weapon is his pace and he's used it well this year.
Armfield has no future
all run no skill
Menzel needs more of an engine and strength. ..
Armfield has no future
all run no skill
Menzel needs more of an engine and strength. ..
Spot on, Mozzy.
Tutt yes despite a much better effort from him, but I think Army has his nose slightly ahead of Menzel ATM. Statistically they are close (although Army tackles more) but Army's weapon is his pace and he's used it well this year.
But we need to build for the future JK, and Menzel is a part of that, Army isn't. That's my take on it. Menz gives us that extra tough of class, he will get better with more gametime.
Poignant moment Juddy going off on the buggy, a measure of the respect of the man with Adelaide fans also giving him a standing ovation as he left the ground.
So upbeat tonight after what I witnessed today. Yeah we lost but fork me I have not been that entertained by us for a long long time. Definitely should have won, two crucial non frees to them for goals in the last term. We butchered many balls inside 50m. Players looked like they had been granted their freedom and they relished the opportunity.
Thought Tutt try as he might is just not up to it. Army also showed why he wont be here next year.
Murphy, tough courageous, never willing to take a backward step. Never seen this bloke before, even when he won the Coach's Award he didn't do stuff he did today. A real captain's game, if he plays like that on a consistent basis from now on we will win games.
Cripps. What more can you say. This kid makes some amazingly inspirational plays. Will be something special.
Bucks. Exciting, untapped potential. Needs to be given the license to run.
Finally my man Nicky Graham, didn't do too much in the first half but I thought he laid some ripping tackles in the second half, won some hotly contested ball in the forward half and kicked a ripper goal. This was a pretty fierce contest and he showed he is right up to it.
Agree with all this, but your namesake has passed it. Can't see him playing next year.
Armfield has no future
all run no skill
Menzel needs more of an engine and strength. ..
This.
@Mondy
Thought he was really good today mate. Really good. You'd think this is his last year. Can't cover the ground like he used to and that was one of his strengths.
18 touches, 39 hitouts and a goal to Sam Jacobs today, and we wouldn't play him ahead of Warnock and Hampson.
We've made some almighty stuff ups on our way to the bottom.
@Mondy
Thought he was really good today mate. Really good. You'd think this is his last year. Can't cover the ground like he used to and that was one of his strengths.
Butchered the ball a few times and seems slow. He wasn't awful, and like everyone else, put in an effort. But I'd drop him before dropping a player like Graham.
I agree too slow and can't run hard all day like he used to. But he is still pretty damn good in the clinches.
Like Brock in his last few seasons he offers enough to be a need, but the kids will eventually push him out. Which is a good thing for the club if a senior great is being challenged for his place in the side by a younger player. Carrazzo will always be remembered for his work rate, and a will for a contest. Just like Simpson.
Today we probably saw the end of a champion. I don't think Juddy will play on after missing a year. I hope I am wrong, but I fear otherwise. It really did ruin a day that could have been so much better. In fact, it was probably the difference in the teams at the end. Tutt was OK when he came on, but he was no Judd. Judd was beating Dangerfield and would probably have continued to do so.
What cannot be cured must be endured and we will have to endure Judd on the sidelines. Hopefully one of the rookies can step up and make a mark in hid absence.
But we need to build for the future JK, and Menzel is a part of that, Army isn't. That's my take on it. Menz gives us that extra tough of class, he will get better with more gametime.
I respect what your saying Carrots and I don't disagree but Army busts his gut out there and I'm not too sure what sort of message that would send to the playing group. Also can someone enlighten me as to what Menzels role was today. We needed a dangerous small forward when the boys were bombing it in to Levi and Kreuze. We needed Menzel capitalizing on the crumb but he was never in the vicinity.
I agree too slow and can't run hard all day like he used to. But he is still pretty damn good in the clinches.
He's no fool, hence the public announcement of his desire to join the umpiring fraternity.
I agree too slow and can't run hard all day like he used to. But he is still pretty damn good in the clinches.
He is retiring at the end of this season - fact !!
He is retiring at the end of this season - fact !!
Which is why if I have Gibbs, Yarran, Jamison and Thomas to come back, I'm dropping Tutt, Army, Carrots and White. White played well today, but he's not the KPP we need.
By the way Wood is no champion but with Krooz offering support, Wood is a far better option than Warnock (who should be offloaded at the end of the year).
Which is why if I have Gibbs, Yarran, Jamison and Thomas to come back, I'm dropping Tutt, Army, Carrots and White. White played well today, but he's not the KPP we need.
By the way Wood is no champion but with Krooz offering support, Wood is a far better option than Warnock (who should be offloaded at the end of the year).
Thomas is finished. ...keep him in the reserves for the rest of his contract
jamison is finished ...his shoulders are gone.....keep him in the reserves for the rest of his contract
carrozzo is finished at years end
armfield is finished
yarran is trade material
gibbs is trade material
warnock is finished
white is depth for the reserves until we build the list up
But we need to build for the future JK, and Menzel is a part of that, Army isn't. That's my take on it. Menz gives us that extra tough of class, he will get better with more gametime.
Love Armfield's passion and endeavour as a forward and he plays with heart, something we have lacked this year - defence is too much of a risk. I'd retain him.
Walker on the other hand is really having a poor year and his disposal is deplorable at the moment.
Spot on, Mozzy.
Menzel was limping in the last qtr, so Id say that he's playing with an injury.
The quick movement of the ball by hand from defence really stood out today, as did the licence that the coah has given the players to take the game on. Armfield, Buckley, Cripps, Murphy, Simpson were great at this today.
Henderson hands were back today and I loved Casboult's game, with the exception of the kick on the full on the run and the smother in the goal square.
Good to see Kreuzer make an impact, because that didnt look very likely in the 2s last week.
Great day at the football.
Love Armfield's passion and endeavour as a forward and he plays with heart, something we have lacked this year - defence is too much of a risk. I'd retain him.
Walker on the other hand is really having a poor year and his disposal is deplorable at the moment.
+1
The first thing I noticed re today's game was the attitude of the boys. We took risks. It's been a long time since I've seen our players CONFIDENT to risk.
Today we attacked... It's been a long time since I've seen our players CONFIDENT to attack.
Like many I am perplexed as to how our boys can play so devoid of confidence under the universe's greatest ever coach for the past 2 + years, yet finally display BlueBagger boldness and risk under a rookie coach????.
Forget the bullsheissen in relation to the week 1 artificial spike under the new coach... Today our blokes in week 2 under JB, displayed an attitude that said, thank f*ck I can now enjoy playing footy."
Really, I mean really, when was the last time you saw our blokes be involved and competitive for 4 continuous quarters?
Be honest, how many were waiting for us to fold and Adelaide to take over and bury us at various stages throughout the game? How many were amazed we reeled in a deficit and hit the front... in this season!
Folks, today I do not care that we won or lost. Today I saw a glimpse of the BlueBagger spirit for 4 quarters.
The first thing I noticed re today's game was the attitude of the boys. We took risks. It's been a long time since I've seen our players CONFIDENT to risk.
Today we attacked... It's been a long time since I've seen our players CONFIDENT to attack.
Like many I am perplexed as to how our boys can play so devoid of confidence under the universe's greatest ever coach for the past 2 + years, yet finally display BlueBagger boldness and risk under a rookie coach????.
Forget the bullsheissen in relation to the week 1 artificial spike under the new coach... Today our blokes in week 2 under JB, displayed an attitude that said, thank f*ck I can now enjoy playing footy."
Really, I mean really, when was the last time you saw our blokes be involved and competitive for 4 continuous quarters?
Be honest, how many were waiting for us to fold and Adelaide to take over and bury us at various stages throughout the game? How many were amazed we reeled in a deficit and hit the front... in this season!
Folks, today I do not care that we won or lost. Today I saw a glimpse of the BlueBagger spirit for 4 quarters.
Yep...today you could watch the football and enjoy it...the players looked like they were enjoying playing and the fun was back, they knew they were in the game and could play with freedom.
Playing with freedom was great for the confidence and the skills which have been eroded through the defensive/negative tactics of the previous coach were starting to come back..might take a few weeks but the players will re -learn the skills needed to match the more attacking free running style..
Its more of a return to the Ratten era....what we need though is a balance somewhere in between but I would rather a full attacking style than a full defensive approach like we had under Mick..
Really, I mean really, when was the last time you saw our blokes be involved and competitive for 4 continuous quarters?
Round 16 2014 ;)
While we were all pleased to see the improved effort today it has to be remembered that our back half of last season wasn't too bad.
On the basis of that it's the first half of this season that's inexplicable.
Yes there were definite differences and improvements today but it's not form that is in our long ago past.
Rattenesque maybe....
I suspect our style of play today is more in line with those latter matches of 2014 than our first half of 2015
Nuh. There was no authority or flair in those games.
Today we looked like if we'd had the blokes we'd have won rather than been honourable losers/competitors.
The real test for us will be after the break when we have near our best side to pick from (minus Juddy ... :'()
Nuh. There was no authority or flair in those games.
Today we looked like if we'd had the blokes we'd have won rather than been honourable losers/competitors.
The real test for us will be after the break when we have near our best side to pick from (minus Juddy ... :'()
The St Kilda game was probably a poor example....they were terrible that day.
But I think we showed a bit in some of those other games.
I actually remember times when we moved the ball through the middle at speed similar to today and the commentators were questioning whether Malthouse had changed it up or the players had taken control because it seemed like a return to pre-Malthouse times.
I'm as happy as anyone with that performance today....but there are a few contributing factors which is why we need to ensure we back it up.
Thomas is finished. ...keep him in the reserves for the rest of his contract
jamison is finished ...his shoulders are gone.....keep him in the reserves for the rest of his contract
carrozzo is finished at years end
armfield is finished
yarran is trade material
gibbs is trade material
warnock is finished
white is depth for the reserves until we build the list up
Jammo makes us better in the backline, bad shoulders or not. We do need him badly at least until we develop someone else.
Gibbs now I want to see play under Barker to see if we get a return to last season, as we did with Murphy today. Same with Daisy seeing he's on this huge contract. Don't want to pay 750k for him to run around with the NBs unless we really have to.
Love Armfield's passion and endeavour as a forward and he plays with heart, something we have lacked this year - defence is too much of a risk. I'd retain him.
Walker on the other hand is really having a poor year and his disposal is deplorable at the moment.
Walker started late and has missed two lots of games. Probably not that fit. Prefer him out of the backline.
The quick movement of the ball by hand from defence really stood out today, as did the licence that the coah has given the players to take the game on. Armfield, Buckley, Cripps, Murphy, Simpson were great at this today.
Henderson hands were back today and I loved Casboult's game, with the exception of the kick on the full on the run and the smother in the goal square.
Good to see Kreuzer make an impact, because that didnt look very likely in the 2s last week.
Great day at the football.
Yes, don't the forwards love it when the ball comes in quickly. Makes so much of a difference to their confidence and hence their form.
Admit I actually like JBs media conferences. Went right off them with MM and his surly approach.
I really like that JB says we shouldn't get too carried away by the increased pressure (which I admit I did... been so long!) as it must become the norm; the standard week in week out.
I'm actually looking forward to the remainder of the season... which is something I didn't think I would have said a few weeks back. Looking forward to seeing Kroooooz staying on the paddock -- his effort at the contests was enormous -- the Irish boys returning, getting a look at Holman etc.
Judd is a proud man, and wouldn't want to leave the game in such a tragic way.
Would LARS be an option for cjay5 ?
Have to agree Baggers, although when someone asked him if he thought Judd would play on, his response was gold, just a snigger and a short I don't know, but the facial expression basically said, mate you're a d!ckhead. He just said two questions ago that he would touch base with Juddy later in the night. I'm sure the Baker would have rushed down to the car asked Judd if he was going to play on all while the game was going on. ::)
I also liked what he said about the effort, it shouldn't be thought of as fantastic, it should be what is expected every game. SPOT ON!
If Carlton play like that every game for the rest of the year, a big chunk of the crowds that stopped going will come back and the financial mess that comes with losing could be softened.
It's easy to have a bit of emotion up and going when a coach is replaced, let's hope that the Adelaide game is our base line, and we improve from here.
Cripps - who was our last player that was this natural at the game. I see why the comparisons are Diesel like. There was a ball in the forward 50 that Cripps collected and jumped up to get his arms over the tackle, instead of giving a little one to the player standing next to him, Cripps took the extra half second and put it to a clear player that I think lead to the Kreuzer running goal. It's making the right decision at the right time. Another year then Cripps is in as a Vice Captain.
Murphy - This is what I was hoping for after seeing his last 6 games of 2014, tackling, running, leadership. The tackle he laid on Walker in the first quarter just showed what he can do and should have been doing for the first 9 rounds. Sure MMs gameplan didn't suit the players but that sort of effort in tackling should have still been there.
Casboult / Rocca - We have ourselves a dominant forward, not just a dominant mark. While he will never be a Lockett or Dunstall if Levi keep that level of kicking then that a 50-60 goal forward that we can build around.
Henderson - I'm still an advocate for him at CHB but that was his best (non St Kilda) game as a forward, still is spoiled to easily and doesn't get enough shots on goal, but he controlled the forward line and his taps and knocks to advantage we very nice.
Simpson - Set the tone early, hopefully he doesn't retire too soon. STAR!
The gameplan was similar to Rattens, run in waves share the ball and play on. I hope that Yarran was watching cause this is the style of play that will make him look like a total jet. His poor standards stopped him from playing in a game that finally played to his strengths.
Just another side note, anyone who was watching the game at home, how good was Eddie's calling. Sure he is Collingwood but his emotion in this game was all for Carlton, the mark Kreuzer took, Eddie called early and you would have thought it was for the game. Then late in the third I had to check what quarter we were in because of Eddies passion for the close game. I makes a refreshing change from the backslapping of the Friday night team or when we get a Dwayne Russell / Brian Taylor lead commentary team.
A poor call? The scoring shots are fact not opinion.
Does that take into account kicks out on the full?
Does it take into account smothers 10m out from goal?
Have a look at the 'advanced stats' on the AFL website for our game.
Have a look at the G, B and G% stats.
Henderson 1 0 50%
Bell 1 0 50%
Cripps 1 0 50%
Now what that is saying is from 2 shots at goal, they kicked 1 and missed everything with the other. THAT doesn't show up on the scoreboard.
It also has Casboult 3 1 60% (missed 1 altogether).
There are another 12 players who didn't kick a goal or behind but MAY have missed shots on goal too.
So that is a definite 4 shots on goal that didn't et on the scoreboard. From memory Curnow sprayed one as well. So that's 5 at least. Doesn't take into account Casboult or Bells smothered shots 10-15m out that should've been gimmes. Suddenly its a lot closer than the scoreboard would lead you to believe. How many shots hit the post? How many behinds were rushed?
It was a crap call. Admit it and move on.
The scoreboard doesn't lie.
The scoreboard doesn't lie.
Never said it did. It doesn't tell the whole story though, which you implied it does.
For some reason this year it does.
Prior to this year if you dominated the contested ball and clearances you would probably win. We're winning the contested ball and still getting smashed.
Can't believe the people are still banging on about Army needing to make way.
His standard effort level is what the rest of the team finally came with. He has shown more determination than the rest of our list combined.
He is never going to win a brownlow, but he is the type of player that players love playing with.
To say he is finished at seasons end on the back of a 2 goal game is rather amusing to me. Plenty to go ahead of him based on efforts this season.
FWIW, a quick word on Carrazzo. There was at least 3 occasions yesterday were he made VERY uncharacteristic fumbles/mistakes in close. It was a clear sign to me that age has not only caught up with him, but has jumped on his back! Of course there was a couple examples later on where he managed to haul in some errant handballs that made me think he's not quite there yet.
I suspect this year is definitely his last though. Given that, it may be advantageous to give him the odd spell to let some kids get more games.
Armfield is one of the few guys who has the running power that is required to be competitive in 2015.
For some reason this year it does.
Prior to this year if you dominated the contested ball and clearances you would probably win. We're winning the contested ball and still getting smashed.
So your justification for saying the scoreboard tells the whole story is that SOME stats are now more misleading than they have been previously.
So the scoreboard only tells the whole story this year....when you want it too. Whereas last year it didn't.
Keep digging mate, you're halfway to china now.
Fact is the scoreboard
suggests we were lucky to get that close based on the scoring shots it shows.
Reality is, there is more information that shows we should've been a hell of a lot closer than the scoreboard suggests.
You made a bad call. Deal with it.
They had 9 more scoring shots than us and won by 9 points. Deal with the facts.
Converting opportunties and inside 50s into scoring shots is good football.
They had 9 more scoring shots than us and won by 9 points. Deal with the facts.
Converting opportunties and inside 50s into scoring shots is good football.
We had 100 more possessions, their coach conceded Adelaide should probably have lost, he thought in just a few moment Carlton lost the match more than Adelaide won it!
300% improvement since the departure of Malthouse, football worth watching!
They had 9 more scoring shots than us and won by 9 points. Deal with the facts.
Converting opportunties and inside 50s into scoring shots is good football.
Wouldn't that mean we played the better football ?
Do they have stats for this ? Scoring efficiency or some such ?
They had 9 more scoring shots than us and won by 9 points. Deal with the facts.
Converting opportunties and inside 50s into scoring shots is good football.
We had a number of shots that went out of the full, stuff-ups 10 metres from goal that causing 12 pt turnarounds. That doesn't count though as it doesn't suit your argument. 9 scoring shots doesn't necessarily mean a side played way better footy. Most misses were in the 2nd qtr. If they missed a heap in the last qtr it might be more applicable. Game was most competitive thoughout, especially in the last half. They weren't necessarily better than us then, as anyone with eyesight could see if they were watching, maybe just more composed.
The stuff ups do back up my argument. Getting lots of the ball and not using it well is poor football.
Why bother? Any old fool can see there was a massive improvement in both gameplan and intensity. We played some great footy and showed that maybe our team does have some talent and is capable of much better. I for one am pining for our next game cannot believe we have a bye next week!
Why bother? Any old fool can see there was a massive improvement in both gameplan and intensity. We played some great footy and showed that maybe our team does have some talent and is capable of much better. I for one am pining for our next game cannot believe we have a bye next week!
I'm actually happy we have the bye next week, get some players healthy work on some more changes to the game. Gives Kruezer and Cripps some decent recovery. Hopefully Gibbs and Jammo are right to go next weekend and can have a run in the NBs
Just another side note, anyone who was watching the game at home, how good was Eddie's calling. Sure he is Collingwood but his emotion in this game was all for Carlton, the mark Kreuzer took, Eddie called early and you would have thought it was for the game. Then late in the third I had to check what quarter we were in because of Eddies passion for the close game. I makes a refreshing change from the backslapping of the Friday night team or when we get a Dwayne Russell / Brian Taylor lead commentary team.
My mate and I said exactly the same thing. He is a great caller when not calling the Pies.
The stuff ups do back up my argument. Getting lots of the ball and not using it well is poor football.
You thought their bad kicking cost them a much easier win. That's what you were getting at. It didn't. Now it's something suddenly backing up your theory. You were wrong like you have been again and again and again. Admit it, you backed the wrong horse. Spinning it to suit your argument will just make it look worse and you look silly.
Actually, just watched some of the 1999 GF on Ch.7 Footy Flashbacks. We had the same amount of scoring shots as North Melbourne. Could've won or played a draw if we kicked straight according to your stupid theory.
My mate and I said exactly the same thing. He is a great caller when not calling the Pies.
He also knows how important for the competition to have Carlton up and about.
You thought their bad kicking cost them a much easier win. That's what you were getting at. It didn't. Now it's something suddenly backing up your theory. You were wrong like you have been again and again and again. Admit it, you backed the wrong horse. Spinning it to suit your argument will just make it look worse and you look silly.
Actually, just watched some of the 1999 GF on Ch.7 Footy Flashbacks. We had the same amount of scoring shots as North Melbourne. Could've won or played a draw if we kicked straight according to your stupid theory.
It's not theory, it's the way the game is scored. 6 points if you're accurate, 1 if you're not.
And 0 when it goes out on the full which it did quite a few times.
And 0 also when you kick into a player when going for goal.
That game was so even the entire game - that's why it was so good. We played really well and should've won but didn't for a variety of reasons. It was not a one sided game like you're suggesting and we were 'lucky to be in it' - we had it, it was ours - and if we didn't have that dick MM for the past two years and had a coach that actually instilled confidence in his players, we may very well have gone on with it.
Onwards and upwards - I for one was bloody proud yesterday and it's been a helluva long time since I've been at the footy, up on my feet, getting tingles as the crowd is trying to get the boys over the line. Loved it. So hope they keep it up.
But yes, you stick with your theory that we were crap and Adelaide kept us in it through their bad kicking - I'm actually not sure they had one entry into the F50 that didn't score.
pleased we are playing better but what still bothers me is that we still go the long bomb into fwd line to a pack. did you see lynch 2 goalsin the last q it was kicked to correct side and it was 1v1 why cant we do this.
who was that masked man ? or masked men ? - the ones playing in navy blue yesterday
i cant remember being prouder of those men in navy blue - the fact that in the face of adversity (juddys knee) they were able to compose themselves and continue makes me proud - in fact juddy leaving the game did not seem to phase them at all
even better is seeing the red and black mob being in the medias spotlight instead of us
A loss is still a loss, we're just getting a bit excited because we've been beyond bad this season and yesterday's loss was more respectable.
The most pleasing thing was that we had lots of contributors, even our lesser lights like Armfield, Tutt and Graham put their hands up at various times during the game, but whether we can muster the same effort over four quarters against one of the better teams remains to be seen.
After the last month any loss under 5 goals is a massive improvement but I'll be waiting until we play some good sides after the bye before I say we've turned the corner, personally I think there's still some heavy losses coming over the next 12 rounds.
They had 9 more scoring shots than us and won by 9 points. Deal with the facts.
Converting opportunties and inside 50s into scoring shots is good football.
They had 9 more SCORING shots, i agree. They did not have 9 more shots on goal though. FACT.
If you cannot see the difference in this, then you have just lost a lot of respect.
Another thing to like which some of us mentioned from last week's game.....and that is Everitt as a permanent forward. Give us another dimension, as he's not a designated 'tall forward' as such and I like the way he's prepared to lead and doesn't get in the way of the other big forwards. That's a big tick for John Barker right there, 'cos that move has only happened since Mick's departure.
And on another note - if I had to choose between Carrazzo & Curnow right now, I'd take Curnow everyday of the week.
We are leading the clearances as the old coach was a big fan of grinding contested football. He missed the memo that clearances are ok, but you want clean ball from the contest and run and Carry from half back.
Geelong started it and we missed the memo.
Catching up now. Who's the other great clearance side? Gold Coast under Rocket Eade.
Another thing to like which some of us mentioned from last week's game.....and that is Everitt as a permanent forward. Give us another dimension, as he's not a designated 'tall forward' as such and I like the way he's prepared to lead and doesn't get in the way of the other big forwards. That's a big tick for John Barker right there, 'cos that move has only happened since Mick's departure.
And on another note - if I had to choose between Carrazzo & Curnow right now, I'd take Curnow everyday of the week.
Everitt played that role in the preseason and did well. I fear injuries forced him elsewhere.
Now, he is playing the role we initially designated to Liam Jones....and doing a better job of it. It does help that we have Kreuzer, Wood, Casboult and Henderson rotating up forward to ease the load for Everitt. A luxury Mick never had.
One thing Mick was right on though, Matthew Kreuzer being the 'recruit of the year'. How much better do we look when he is in the side?!
Hopefully he stays fit.
I think Walker needs some time in the NBs. He was ordinary to unsighted yesterday.
I think Walker needs some time in the NBs. He was ordinary to unsighted yesterday.
Unsighted? Only 4 players on the ground had the ball more than him.
I certainly wouldn't say it was anywhere near his best game, but i think the unsighted comment says more about you than him.
Very encouraging but I think we obviously need to see a bit more.
We've talked about the fact that our effort was a big improvement.
It certainly was...
but
Adelaide looked a little flat yesterday.
They seemed to be struggling towards the end but still managed to pull off the win
The Fremantle/Adelaide match last weekend may have been a bit taxing given that neither side has come up well this weekend.
We don't need that sort of reality Lods..
We don't need that sort of reality Lods..
Probably not.
Let's just enjoy it for a couple of weeks :D
Unsighted? Only 4 players on the ground had the ball more than him.
I certainly wouldn't say it was anywhere near his best game, but i think the unsighted comment says more about you than him.
As far as I saw he did very little that could beconsidered noteworthy whether he had the ball or not. Careful about your personal comments too oh font of all knowledge.
As far as I saw he did very little that could beconsidered noteworthy whether he had the ball or not. Careful about your personal comments too oh font of all knowledge.
Personal comments? Implying you may want to get your eyes checked because he had the ball more than 30-odd other blokes out there? Thats a little bit precious isn't it?
I just think it's weird that you singled him out, and used the term unsighted of all things to justify it. Suggest he had a crap game by all means if you wish...but unsighted? :o
A poor call? The scoring shots are fact not opinion.
... but they don't include the non-scoring shots or scoring opportunities that dont'
... but they don't include the non-scoring shots or scoring opportunities that dont'
Don't bother. He's heard all that already.
@Mondy
Thought he was really good today mate. Really good. You'd think this is his last year. Can't cover the ground like he used to and that was one of his strengths.
We are at polar opposites on the value of Watson but I fully concur with your assessment of Carrots - a major contributor.
I think we might have won if he hadn't spent the last part of the game off the ground - injured?
Personal comments? Implying you may want to get your eyes checked because he had the ball more than 30-odd other blokes out there? Thats a little bit precious isn't it?
I just think it's weird that you singled him out, and used the term unsighted of all things to justify it. Suggest he had a crap game by all means if you wish...but unsighted? :o
Mate, you want to talk about precious, you invented it! My eyes are fine even with glasses and whatever 1AW did with ball yesterday did not capture my attention. Now go and split that hair, that's your forte.
Henderson hands were back today
The big difference in Henderson's hands was that he didn't have an opponent knocking the ball out of them - Talia gave him so much latitude I thought Matthew Watson had switched clubs and was wearing #12.
Henderson is a very smart player but not a great contested mark.
The big difference in Henderson's hands was that he didn't have an opponent knocking the ball out of them - Talia gave him so much latitude I thought Matthew Watson had switched clubs and was wearing #12.
Henderson is a very smart player but not a great contested mark.
The reason Henderson had more space was because we didn't spend 2 minutes wrestling the ball around the boundary line! ;)
A loss is still a loss, we're just getting a bit excited because we've been beyond bad this season and yesterday's loss was more respectable.
The most pleasing thing was that we had lots of contributors, even our lesser lights like Armfield, Tutt and Graham put their hands up at various times during the game, but whether we can muster the same effort over four quarters against one of the better teams remains to be seen.
After the last month any loss under 5 goals is a massive improvement but I'll be waiting until we play some good sides after the bye before I say we've turned the corner, personally I think there's still some heavy losses coming over the next 12 rounds.
It is indicative of how badly we have been playing that we are all so justifiably happy to lose a match.
It is indicative of how badly we have been playing that we are all so justifiably happy to lose a match.
I agree.
Honorable loss, great effort, tried hard, some improvement, we turned the corner, blue skies ahead,....etc etc
we still lost, we are still equal bottom and the wooden spoon is real.... >:(
It is indicative of how badly we have been playing that we are all so justifiably happy to lose a match.
I think we all know that if we turn up with effort like that each week and a game plan that plays to our strengths the wins will come, as will the improvement in skills.
I think we all know that if we turn up with effort like that each week and a game plan that plays to our strengths the wins will come, as will the improvement in skills.
Hence the level of positivity among Carton supporters. Finally we have hope again, under the previous bloke, there was no hope.
Just another side note, anyone who was watching the game at home, how good was Eddie's calling. Sure he is Collingwood but his emotion in this game was all for Carlton, the mark Kreuzer took, Eddie called early and you would have thought it was for the game. Then late in the third I had to check what quarter we were in because of Eddies passion for the close game. I makes a refreshing change from the backslapping of the Friday night team or when we get a Dwayne Russell / Brian Taylor lead commentary team.
I'm a long way from being an Eddie Maguire fan, but just watching the highlights, I have to agree with you Raydan. Kudos to Eddie I suppose.
Hence the level of positivity among Carton supporters. Finally we have hope again, under the previous bloke, there was no hope.
Whilst the powers that be make cowboy decisions at our football club, hope is a difficult thing to come by.
Not to mention the disposal by foot leaves hope of achieving a lot hard to come by from our group.
I think we all know that if we turn up with effort like that each week and a game plan that plays to our strengths the wins will come, as will the improvement in skills.
Exactamundo.
I think we all know that if we turn up with effort like that each week and a game plan that plays to our strengths the wins will come, as will the improvement in skills.
So all we are after is some wins?
We will be able to win a flag with that effort and level of skills?
We need to realise that we don't just need wins, we need to come up with a gameplan and a list that will demand wins and be able to do that in September.
Our bar is so low at the moment that we are excited with anything other than a 10-goal smashing. We need to look at the bigger picture and ensure we get a coach who can not just take us to the next level, but the 3 levels above that!
So all we are after is some wins?
We will be able to win a flag with that effort and level of skills?
We need to realise that we don't just need wins, we need to come up with a gameplan and a list that will demand wins and be able to do that in September.
Our bar is so low at the moment that we are excited with anything other than a 10-goal smashing. We need to look at the bigger picture and ensure we get a coach who can not just take us to the next level, but the 3 levels above that!
Little steps though Kruddler, first get effort, then a win or two will come, team spirit follows that may get us another win or two and it's a snowball effect. Is what we've got now going to gets us a premiership? No, but you have to turn around somewhere to start your journey and I'd like to think/hope that was done June 6 2015.
Is what we've got now going to gets us a premiership? No, but you have to turn around somewhere to start your journey and I'd like to think/hope that was done June 6 2015.
Talk about turnarounds
Just realised that's D-Day ;D
Little steps though Kruddler, first get effort, then a win or two will come, team spirit follows that may get us another win or two and it's a snowball effect. Is what we've got now going to gets us a premiership? No, but you have to turn around somewhere to start your journey and I'd like to think/hope that was done June 6 2015.
No doubt about any of that, but many on here seem to think that premiership contenders is just the natural next step. Just trying to bring some reality back to the situation.
We have a long way to go as a football club. Sure, signs are encouraging so far, but thats about 5% of the journey, not 75% of it.
No doubt about any of that, but many on here seem to think that premiership contenders is just the natural next step. Just trying to bring some reality back to the situation.
We have a long way to go as a football club. Sure, signs are encouraging so far, but thats about 5% of the journey, not 75% of it.
I actually don't think that many on here would believe that premiership contenders is the natural next step. None, probably. I think we're all realistic enough to know that consistent effort is the first port of call, followed by consistent competitiveness - that would be good for 2015. Consistent ruthless effort and consistent competitiveness will bring wins, and we're still a far way from that, but early (EARLY) signs suggest we've taken the first step and the first step only in the right direction -- as opposed to the side-ways, backwards, shuffling of recent times.
I highly doubt anyone thinks we are premiership contenders off the back of Saturdays game. For starters, we lost, sit at 17th on the ladder with one win, recorded out of Australia!
What we saw was effort, the boys getting around each other, pumping each other up or sticking up for each other - for whatever reason, under MMs regime they didn't do this. I guess we saw them playing for each other.
With all that will come confidence and wins and belief and who knows where we go from there - but that's the starting point we need.
I actually don't think that many on here would believe that premiership contenders is the natural next step. None, probably. I think we're all realistic enough to know that consistent effort is the first port of call, followed by consistent competitiveness - that would be good for 2015. Consistent ruthless effort and consistent competitiveness will bring wins, and we're still a far way from that, but early (EARLY) signs suggest we've taken the first step and the first step only in the right direction -- as opposed to the side-ways, backwards, shuffling of recent times.
Spot on, with all these factors comes development of youth and culture which is what we've all been crying out for for a long time.
Thry is advocating signing up Barker now. Others are more than happy with our progress and expect it to continue. Some thought the mere sacking of Mick was all we needed to turn everything around.
This is based on little more than showing effort. If we are going to sign up a coach simply because we now show effort, then we are going down the wrong path.
What i'm suggesting is even with a continued improvement in effort...and even a little (somewhat unrealistic) improvement in skill. We have a long way to go before we CAN be premiership contenders. I'm not saying people think we are premiership contenders this year. Just that this type of improvement alone inevitably leads us to that point.
Being competitive, to winning more than you lose, to being able to beat the top sides, to being able to win a flag are giant steps. Passing one level doesn't guarantee the next level.
Basically i don't want people to get too excited about Barker simply because we show some competitiveness.
No way Barker should be signed up now. Twas a positive sign and if he can somehow get our boys to play like that for the majority of the remainder of the season THEN AND ONLY THEN can he be seriously considered for the role. Good start but as you said, 5% forward. We need to get Gibbs back in the side and have a serious crack at Port who seem to have hit some form. Let's see what we can produce.
No way Barker should be signed up now. Twas a positive sign and if he can somehow get our boys to play like that for the majority of the remainder of the season THEN AND ONLY THEN can he be seriously considered for the role. Good start but as you said, 5% forward. We need to get Gibbs back in the side and have a serious crack at Port who seem to have hit some form. Let's see what we can produce.
Bingo! All focus should be on the next game... plus Byrne, Gibbs (as you mentioned), Jamison, Thomas and Yarran should all be in contention for the Port game.
(and hopefully over the coming months we'll get a squiz at, at senior level, Fields, Russell, Holman and Walsh)
Bingo! All focus should be on the next game... plus Byrne, Gibbs (as you mentioned), Jamison, Thomas and Yarran should all be in contention for the Port game.
(and hopefully over the coming months we'll get a squiz at, at senior level, Fields, Russell, Holman and Walsh)
I can see club elevating Walsh from the Rookie list to replace Juddy. Has been very solid for the NB all year.
Thry is advocating signing up Barker now. Others are more than happy with our progress and expect it to continue. Some thought the mere sacking of Mick was all we needed to turn everything around.
This is based on little more than showing effort. If we are going to sign up a coach simply because we now show effort, then we are going down the wrong path.
What i'm suggesting is even with a continued improvement in effort...and even a little (somewhat unrealistic) improvement in skill. We have a long way to go before we CAN be premiership contenders. I'm not saying people think we are premiership contenders this year. Just that this type of improvement alone inevitably leads us to that point.
Being competitive, to winning more than you lose, to being able to beat the top sides, to being able to win a flag are giant steps. Passing one level doesn't guarantee the next level.
Basically i don't want people to get too excited about Barker simply because we show some competitiveness.
They're playing for him but right now no way he should be signed now. He goes through the process like every other prospective coach. He's at the advantage (or disadvantage if we go crap) of having a hands on job interview but this time we goes though the process of interviews from the start. If Barker's the best man for the job after that then so be it but not before.
For starters, we lost, sit at 17th on the ladder with one win, recorded out of Australia!
There's your answer.....relocation!!!
There's your answer.....relocation!!!
I don't think we've ever lost a game in Wollongong ;D