A Friday night game at Etihad. :(
The Dogs got run over at Optus Stadium. Their form is very up and down. Reminds me or our form ...
I can't see anyone much ready for a return, but we do need to make sure we have a match-up for their small forwards.
It's important that we bring a repeat effort of our last game to this contest.
We're in a strange position at the moment.
Most of us realise there is a bigger picture at play than the weekly results, but there's also the awareness that there are no guarantees on either the time frame or the ultimate success of the strategy.
Progress rarely happens in a straight line and there are always peaks and troughs.
What folks like to see is the little bits of improvement.
It's why results like Saturday, even though it was a loss, can serve as a ''pressure'' release.
You can go from being "under seige" to "smiles all around" on the back of one game.
"Carlton is a good place!" this week.
Once again, we don't have to win this game (although it would be nice), but we need a similar commitment.
If we're putting games into kids we want a lot of them to be the right sort of games, and then watch their confidence grow.
Human nature needs efforts to be rewarded in some way. If that does't happen then disillusionment and even despair can set in. I'm certain that club would be more than aware of this and BB would be almost desperate to get a win this week. Here's hoping anyway!
The problem with competitive losses is you get no credit for them when you get pumped.
We get another competitive loss this week and it's 0-6 and we're still smiling.
Lose to the Crows by 80 points and there's dark clouds.
Bombers spank us and we're 0-8 and Bolton's career is going the way of Mark Neeld.
The minor changes to the game plan have helped, West Coast couldn't get their free flowing game going, Carlton's defensive setup was much better. I think if we go with this throughout the year, we won't win many, but the larger losses will be managed.
As I posted earlier, if we can keep them to around 80 points, and aim for us to kick 50, then this is a solid platform to build from - we might even snag one of them as a win.
The problem with competitive losses is you get no credit for them when you get pumped.
That's true and it's where we are at the moment on the "roller-coaster" ride.
The "pumpings" or poor efforts need to be the exception.
If it's 'one up-one down' the pressure is never too far away.
That's true and it's where we are at the moment on the "roller-coaster" ride.
The "pumpings" or poor efforts need to be the exception.
If it's 'one up-one down' the pressure is never too far away.
I don't believe we have ever been 0-6 which is amazing considering our recent history.
I don't believe we have ever been 0-6 which is amazing considering our recent history.
Nope...a quick glance and we've never done 0-6
1989 we had a 0-5 start
1998 we won our first game and then proceeded to lose the next 8
2002 we only had the one win in our first 13
2006 it was two wins and a draw in our first 17 and just 3 wins for the year
What about the year Jezza took over from Thorogood?
What about the year Jezza took over from Thorogood?
Didn't Jezza take over from Serge who took over from Stewart that year (1978). We had a win in round 3 (against Melbourne)
Didn't Jezza take over from Serge who took over from Stewart that year (1978). We had a win in round 3 (against Melbourne)
Correct, 1 win in the first 6 games and Jezza took over in round 7 from Serge.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hamstrung-dickson-to-miss-a-month-20180423-p4zb97.html (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hamstrung-dickson-to-miss-a-month-20180423-p4zb97.html)
good for the Blues...
I think we'll break the duck Friday.
Bontempelli or Cripps?
The Bont does more damage but Cripps is a beast, I wish we had both of them.
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hamstrung-dickson-to-miss-a-month-20180423-p4zb97.html (https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/hamstrung-dickson-to-miss-a-month-20180423-p4zb97.html)
good for the Blues...
I think we'll break the duck Friday.
Agree, Dogs are down on form and luck plus Bevo has outsmarted himself by trying to be too clever and cute moving players around and if Bolton can keep it simple
it might be enough to us over the line and by keeping it simple I mean dont try and bring players like Weitering in who have no form and play them on someone from the Dogs who could win them the game.
Their backline has no size and they dont have much up forward...it all about the Bont, McCrae, Dalhaus, Daniel etc....Harry and the Boult should kick five each.....Blues by 25 points
Whatever we did last week in the form of training and prep work for WC, we need to up it again this week to break the duck against WB. BB needs to do this in order for the boys to not think they are good enough to win this week because of a good, or better, effort last week. In the end, we lost so we have to work harder week to week to be any chance of winning week to week. The WBs have been horrible, well below their best. I do not want this Carlton team to be the Carlton of the past that runs teams back into form. No faken way. Anything less than this attitude and an amped up work rate will result in 0-6. That simple IMO.
Step one. Hard tag on Jason johannison. Stop his run and you stop the dogs rebound off half back.
Step 2. Tackle hard at every opportunity. The doggies are workmanlike. They will out fight you but they won't out class you.
here's some extra motivation...
i think we have bulldogs 2nd round pick in this years draft (and Adelaide's). Bullies have 1 win so far. We need to pump them and keep them down the bottom. It would also be nice (but unlikely) for the crows to miss the finals. wouldn't that be sweet.
go Blues !
Very interesting selection decisions coming up this week.
You'd expect that Phillips should have English easily covered, will the Dogs ruck Boyd, Sandilands pwned them!
I won't be at all surprised to find SpecialK and Kennedy having another week off. If Phillips has pulled up OK he must be given opportunity to continue developing good form and play a full game, we were soundly beaten after half-time, but against Naitanui that has to be expected although I thought Lycett was Wet Toasts better ruckmen on the day and was probably close to BoG after half-time! No rucks for either side played a full performance game last weekend.
I reckon they'll back themselves in to rove to our rucks and ignore the risks.
Very interesting selection decisions coming up this week.
You'd expect that Phillips should have English easily covered, will the Dogs ruck Boyd, Sandilands pwned them!
I won't be at all surprised to find SpecialK and Kennedy having another week off. If Phillips has pulled up OK he must be given opportunity to continue developing good form and play a full game, we were soundly beaten after half-time, but against Naitanui that has to be expected although I thought Lycett was Wet Toasts better ruckmen on the day and was probably close to BoG after half-time! No rucks for either side played a full performance game last weekend.
I reckon they'll back themselves in to rove to our rucks and ignore the risks.
They will bring Lachie Hunter straight back in and he usually racks up 30 plus possies vs us and I reckon they might bring in Jackson Trengove who has recovered from injury and can play down back on our talls as well as pinch hit in the ruck...
They will bring Lachie Hunter straight back in and he usually racks up 30 plus possies vs us and I reckon they might bring in Jackson Trengove who has recovered from injury and can play down back on our talls as well as pinch hit in the ruck...
Trengove has never really been a big factor in games against us, he collects some possessions but isn't damaging. Would they match him up with Mckay?
Trengove has never really been a big factor in games against us, he collects some possessions but isn't damaging. Would they match him up with Mckay?
Trengove is aggressive and throws his weight around and will never be anything more than handy but he has a go and I reckon stiffens up the Dogs a bit who look light on down back.
Reckon he might get Levi.....Hunter is the one that worries me more, gets a lot of the footy and can use it well...
Crozier ex Freo might come in for Dickson.....
We are a big chance IMO and I am hanging out for a win to kickstart the season, lose this and its looking like the bad old days.....
Very interesting selection decisions coming up this week.
You'd expect that Phillips should have English easily covered, will the Dogs ruck Boyd, Sandilands pwned them!
I won't be at all surprised to find SpecialK and Kennedy having another week off. If Phillips has pulled up OK he must be given opportunity to continue developing good form and play a full game, we were soundly beaten after half-time, but against Naitanui that has to be expected although I thought Lycett was Wet Toasts better ruckmen on the day and was probably close to BoG after half-time! No rucks for either side played a full performance game last weekend.
I reckon they'll back themselves in to rove to our rucks and ignore the risks.
Phillips will only play if Kreuzer is still out. Be worth resting Kreuzer a bit longer.
really need to win this game...
I too hope they rest Kreuzer and Kennedy too if any doubt.
Weiters? Play him in the 2s till he rediscovers his mojo...which he will.
Macreadie for O'Shea?
Radical suggestion...
Give Kreuzer and Kennedy another week of rest.
Out: O’Shea, Lamb
In: Kerr, Cunningham
Cunningham off half back, Charlie into the guts with Cripps and Ed. Kerr as the third tall. Kerr is a genuine forward and Charlie could do anything with his tank and strength.
Lamb did a couple of selfless acts against West coast. I'd be highlighting them to the group, as a reason why not to drop him and not dropping him for the sake of it.
Let's face facts, right now if you want to drop anyone you can find a reason (excluding a select few) and there is not a wealth of players waiting to get in aside from Cunningham who also has his limitations.
Radical suggestion...
Give Kreuzer and Kennedy another week of rest.
Out: O’Shea, Lamb
In: Kerr, Cunningham
Cunningham off half back, Charlie into the guts with Cripps and Ed. Kerr as the third tall. Kerr is a genuine forward and Charlie could do anything with his tank and strength.
Like
Radical suggestion...
Give Kreuzer and Kennedy another week of rest.
Out: O’Shea, Lamb
In: Kerr, Cunningham
Cunningham off half back, Charlie into the guts with Cripps and Ed. Kerr as the third tall. Kerr is a genuine forward and Charlie could do anything with his tank and strength.
Since when has Cuningham been a HBF?
News to me. He's a mid/high HF....and has a sniff around goals (thugh Lang earmrked for that role presumably).
Would prefer Macreadie in that role till the troops return.
Cuners can more likely play Lamb's role...but the latter does plenty that doesn't garner stats imo.
Of course, rest K and K if still niggles....no brainer.
BB has often touted Charlie would get mid cameo roles - surprised we haven't seen more of it before.
Kerr allegedly more deserving than Big H of a gig and unlikely to lose much swapping him for SOJ.
Since when has Cuningham been a HBF?
News to me. He's a mid/high HF....and has a sniff around goals (thugh Lang earmrked for that role presumably).
Cuningham played as a defender in his games this season. His impact diminished when he was switched to the forward line.
BB has often touted Charlie would get mid cameo roles - surprised we haven't seen more of it before.
Bolts has repeatedly stated that Charlie’s first priority is to learn his craft as a key forward. He is one of our most effective forwards, despite his inexperience. Our midfield needs bolstering but we would gain little by weakening our forward line ... and we can’t afford to play blokes who don’t get the footy.
Kerr allegedly more deserving than Big H of a gig and unlikely to lose much swapping him for SOJ.
“Allegedly” is the operative word. From what I have seen/heard, Harry won his spot on merit but Kerr is building up to challenge for a place in the 22.
“Allegedly” is the operative word. From what I have seen/heard, Harry won his spot on merit but Kerr is building up to challenge for a place in the 22.
Where have you seen or heard that?
There was a sh1te load of media calling for him to get a game, but not a single VFL review I've read declared he was ready or even deserving of a spot! Basically at VFL we saw the same as we saw in AFL, small forward like opportunistic goals, not 200cm KPF scores. He was basically playing a Betts role at VFL level!
Interesting, did anyone else notice Daniher roving the back of the goal-square marking contests at the weekend. No wonder they are not happy with him, twice I saw him watching on and roving goal-side of a Stringer or other medium forward contested marking attempt.
Cuningham played as a defender in his games this season. His impact diminished when he was switched to the forward line.
Bolts has repeatedly stated that Charlie’s first priority is to learn his craft as a key forward. He is one of our most effective forwards, despite his inexperience. Our midfield needs bolstering but we would gain little by weakening our forward line ... and we can’t afford to play blokes who don’t get the footy.
“Allegedly” is the operative word. From what I have seen/heard, Harry won his spot on merit but Kerr is building up to challenge for a place in the 22.
Bolton said Harry wasnt ready to return to AFL senior footy after the North game but then ends up picking him vs West Coast, selection remains a mystery to me and Kerr could play any week regardless of form IMO.
I'd really only be thinking about dropping Garlett and O'Shea. Marchbank for O'Shea (after his quicker than expected recovery from the ankle injury). Not sure who should come in for Garlett, should be speed but I think only Polson could provide that...
https://twitter.com/CarltonFC/status/989307985292742657
Looks like Marchbank and Kennedy are fit but Kreuzer and Weitering are still injured.
Marchbank in for O'Shea, obviously, like to see Cunningham in for Mullet, Kennedy in for someone too.
Some good ins there laj.
Surprised Weiters needs more time with a corkie but maybe there's a sokescreen there?
No problem with resting Matty K.
Marchbank a straight swap with O'Shea.
Kennedy for Lamb, SOJ or Garlett?
I'd like to see Kennedy play up forward a bit more - very good overhead, hard at it ala Hickmott and has footy smarts.
Great to see Lang fit and back playing.
https://twitter.com/CarltonFC/status/989307985292742657
Looks like Marchbank and Kennedy are fit but Kreuzer and Weitering are still injured.
Marchbank in for O'Shea, obviously, like to see Cunningham in for Mullet, Kennedy in for someone too.
Be good to see Kennedy provide more support at the coalface for Cripps and very happy if Marchbank displaces O'Shea.
Very surprised Marchbank is back, just a week ago rumors had him at least two weeks away.
Word I had was Kennedy was also another week away, and Kreuzer was right but would probably be delayed. I reckon the MC has saw what I saw late in the game, and that was a very sore Cripps who would be unlikely to maintain that level of intensity, so they bring in Kennedy a little earlier than ideal.
Weiters is no surprise, corked early then corked again later in the same game, coupled with some bad luck maybe a bit unprofessional from us.
Bolton said Harry wasnt ready to return to AFL senior footy after the North game but then ends up picking him vs West Coast, selection remains a mystery to me and Kerr could play any week regardless of form IMO.
Bolton, in his post-match presser, responded to a question about team changes along the lines of having to watch the Northern Blues game first. It seems he did and judged McKay to be more ready than Kerr (Fraser gave both positive appraisals), a good call in my opinion. The latter will get his chance if he continues to work hard.
Marchbank in for O'Shea seems obvious.
Kennedy in to the midfield, but who goes out? I wouldn't be surprised to see Paddy Dow "managed" soon, maybe even this week
In: Marchbank, Kennedy
Out: Lamb, Garlett- both omitted.
In: Marchbank, Kennedy
Out: Lamb, Garlett- both omitted.
In, defender and mid
Out, 2 forwards
??
SPS may spend more time up forward this week
In, defender and mid
Out, 2 forwards
??
I'm still wondering how O'Shea held his place.
O'Shea given another go!
In, defender and mid
Out, 2 forwards
??
Garlett's omission is baffling IMO.....OShea very lucky to be retained although maybe while his disposal was RS perhaps he stopped his man and thats why he is still in.
Good to have Kennedy back, we look a bit bigger and stronger, maybe we are expecting a rough and tumble game from the equally desperate Dogs.
Very winnable IMO and will be interesting to see the tactics employed given both teams are struggling...men behind the ball or all out attack, reckon the former.....dont see it being pretty to watch...
Garlett's omission is baffling IMO.....OShea very lucky to be retained although maybe while his disposal was RS perhaps he stopped his man and thats why he is still in.
Good to have Kennedy back, we look a bit bigger and stronger, maybe we are expecting a rough and tumble game from the equally desperate Dogs.
Very winnable IMO and will be interesting to see the tactics employed given both teams are struggling...men behind the ball or all out attack, reckon the former.....dont see it being pretty to watch...
Ugly Win is better that a Pretty Loss.
Garlett's omission is baffling IMO.....OShea very lucky to be retained although maybe while his disposal was RS perhaps he stopped his man and thats why he is still in.
Good to have Kennedy back, we look a bit bigger and stronger, maybe we are expecting a rough and tumble game from the equally desperate Dogs.
Very winnable IMO and will be interesting to see the tactics employed given both teams are struggling...men behind the ball or all out attack, reckon the former.....dont see it being pretty to watch...
Yep. Expect a dog-fight in fact.
Marchbank might be a late test. Don’t be surprised to see Shaw moved up if Caleb doesn’t make it.
Garlett's omission is baffling IMO.....OShea very lucky to be retained although maybe while his disposal was RS perhaps he stopped his man and thats why he is still in.
Good to have Kennedy back, we look a bit bigger and stronger, maybe we are expecting a rough and tumble game from the equally desperate Dogs.
Very winnable IMO and will be interesting to see the tactics employed given both teams are struggling...men behind the ball or all out attack, reckon the former.....dont see it being pretty to watch...
Agree re Garlett. Didn't have the best game, sure, but is a unique type player who we can't replace...and certainly didn't replace with those in's.
OShea must have some incriminating photos of someone. Not sure what he has done since getting in the side, last week (with potential concussion issues) he should've been given a 'rest' from the 1's.
I think last week has been the ONLY week all year where i've been happy with the team balance....and was probably our best effort for the year since R1. Thought we'd turned the corner there, but apprantly not.
Interestingly, Kerr not named in the emergencies this week. Missed his chance?
No Cunningham in emergencies either :o
I'm still wondering how O'Shea held his place.
You and me both, he was woeful last week.
CARLTON
B: Lachie Plowman, Liam Jones, Caleb Marchbank
HB: Aaron Mullett, Sam Rowe, Kade Simpson
C: Zac Fisher, Patrick Cripps, Sam Kerridge
HF: Sam Petrevski-Seton, Charlie Curnow, Dale Thomas
F: Jack Silvagni, Levi Casboult, Matthew Wright
R: Andrew Phillips, Ed Curnow, Paddy Dow
Int: Matthew Kennedy, Harry McKay, Cameron O'Shea, Lochie O'Brien
EMG: Jarrod Garlett, Jed Lamb, Matt Shaw, Kym Lebois
Matt Shaw and Kym LeBois - quite a surprising pair to me for emergencies, but they appear to have the faith of the Match Committee. I don't know that I would have included Kennedy: he needs a full game without getting injured. I would have started him in the VFL. Cam O'Shea has to consider himself a little lucky, but I guess he deserves a chance. He simply cannot turn the ball over as much this week as he did last week.
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Matthew Suckling, Aaron Naughton, Zaine Cordy
HB: Jason Johannisen, Easton Wood, Hayden Crozier
C: Bailey Williams, Lachie Hunter, Ed Richards
HF: Josh Dunkley, Marcus Bontempelli, Mitch Wallis
F: Luke Dahlhaus, Tom Boyd, Billy Gowers
R: Tim English, Toby McLean, Jack Macrae
Int: Patrick Lipinski, Bailey Dale, Caleb Daniel, Lin Jong
EMG: Lewis Young, Jackson Trengove, Lukas Webb, Mitch Honeychurch
Marchbank might be a late test. Don’t be surprised to see Shaw moved up if Caleb doesn’t make it.
Maybe thats why OShea is still in...
Maybe thats why OShea is still in...
In that case i'd have O'Shea as an emergency.
Not surprised to see lebois named emergency. He's been a live wire kicking goals and applying forward pressure (missing at AFL level for us) for the Northern blues.
We have a bit of a problem this week.
Running a defensive forward tag on johannison is key to beating the Bulldogs and we've dropped one of the few players who can do it in lamb and another who has the attributes to keep up with him in Garlett. That leaves matt Wright or jack Silvagni. I don't like either of those match-ups for johannison.
Our forward pressure is poor so we drop two of our better guys at it and bring in a midfielder and another HBF.
Dogs by 10 goals with numerous end to end goals.
Looks like we may be planning to revert to our more defensive style of last year for this week. Reduce our turn overs by not pressing forward so much, drawing the Dogs out and trying to smother their rebound/attacks a bit closer to our D50, and trying to get them to turn it over instead, creating our own quick rebound. Be interesting how our game plan reflects the team selected.
Puzzling selections. We have been too tall generally this year, Dogs are a small side with pace, so we bring in a key defender meaning we have 3 (4 if you count O'Shea - BTW how does he keep his place in the side?) to choose to play against their single key forward and a slower mid and drop one of our quicker players and our best defensive forward, admittedly both players who have been performing poorly.
Who stops JJ's run from half back? Who do 2 of Rowe/Jones/Marchbank pick up? Who gets Bontempelli if he plays forward?
Team balance worries me.
Are we trying to lose FFS.
MC at its worst again.
Puzzling selections. We have been too tall generally this year, Dogs are a small side with pace, so we bring in a key defender meaning we have 3 (4 if you count O'Shea - BTW how does he keep his place in the side?) to choose to play against their single key forward and a slower mid and drop one of our quicker players and our best defensive forward, admittedly both players who have been performing poorly.
Who stops JJ's run from half back? Who do 2 of Rowe/Jones/Marchbank pick up? Who gets Bontempelli if he plays forward?
Team balance worries me.
Fair points, the Dogs are small and you look at their backline its about intercept, run and rebound rather than key negative defenders, they will try and suck us into bombing the ball long to our bigger talls then running the ball out easy.I dont understand Garlett missing and JJ will need a man as will Bontempelli, I dont think we can allow the latter to play off Cripps and may the best man win scenario, the Bont is way too dangerous...
I reckon there may be some late changes....would have thought Cuningham was an ideal player to include vs the Dogs?
Agree, must be late changes, named side is too slow and top heavy. Cunningham is an obvious opponent for JJ, at least he'd learn something.
if that is really the best they can do (the match committee) they should resign en masse.
Laughable...
All depends upon the game plan! ;)
Who said that we have to do like for like?
Would've kept Lamb in for JJ. But hopefully the in's can bring a bit more to the table and break our duck for the year. Hope Kennedy isn't underdone again.
Was really impressed with Phillips and Zac Fisher last week. I think Fish has progressed further than SPS and the latter has stalled after a promising first season. Still love em both.
Want to see competitiveness and want to make the Dogs earn every goal.
Also wouldn't mind seeing Matty Wright hit the scoreboard ffs, has been playing a bit higher the last couple games and I reckon he reads the play real well, couple cheapies out the back would be good. Blues by 14
All depends upon the game plan! ;)
Who said that we have to do like for like?
Perhaps the MC considered creating difficult match ups for the Doggies ...
My main concern is that we haven’t been sucked in to naming injured players :-X
I thought that Garlett was very patchy last week and failed to chase on several occasions. I’m a little surprised that he was omitted but I think it may be beneficial for him to work on his defensive pressure in the NBs. I’m not really sure why Lamb got a recall and I don’t think he’ll be missed.
O’Shea needs to repay the MC’s faith.
Perhaps the MC considered creating difficult match ups for the Doggies ...
My main concern is that we haven’t been sucked in to naming injured players :-X
I thought that Garlett was very patchy last week and failed to chase on several occasions. I’m a little surprised that he was omitted but I think it may be beneficial for him to work on his defensive pressure in the NBs. I’m not really sure why Lamb got a recall and I don’t think he’ll be missed.
O’Shea needs to repay the MC’s faith.
Well, you always know it will be dry and ideal conditions at Etihad, so why not try something a bit different and take lots of marks and draw lots of frees from undersized defenders.
I'm waiting to see something different from us, our game plan suiting our playing list, not just a copy of the stuff everybody else is doing!
Over the last couple of years I've really started to doubt the intelligence of AFL coaching panels in general, the bulk of them seem to be followers not trend setters, and they try to follow game plans not suited to the playing list they have available.
All depends upon the game plan! ;)
Who said that we have to do like for like?
No-one says we have to do like for like - but when we seem already to be taller and slower than them, on Etihad and at night why do we go taller and slower?
Perhaps the MC considered creating difficult match ups for the Doggies ...
Sound point, but what match-uo difficulties in particular? I get going tall up forward gives us a height advantage, but the risk is if marks aren't taken (and on recent history they usually aren't) that opens up the Doggies chance to run from defence against our taller & slower forwards. To my mind a risky strategy and not one I am overly keen on. But what is worse is that instead we seem to have loaded up on key defenders against a team that has ONE key forward. We may well have them massively outgunned in the air in our defence but what if they don't bomb it in but instead lower the eyes? At ground level and on the lead we risk being cut up badly with that line-up.
Anyway that is my amateur observers 2 cents worth, I certainly hope to be proved wrong.
No-one says we have to do like for like - but when we seem already to be taller and slower than them, on Etihad and at night why do we go taller and slower?
Etihad is always ideal conditions, hot or cold, day or night, it's never any different unless the idiots leave the roof open in the lead up to a game and it rains!
If tall forwards cannot mark the ball in the dry, uniform lighting, almost windless conditions of Etihad, you may as well find some replacements!
The media bang on about diminishing skills, but FFS, half the AFL clubs train indoors now when it rains, so unfamiliar it is for them to play in drizzly conditions.
As for running out of defense, you can only run out of defense when you have space to run into, and free opponents up the field to overlap with.
Although I'm a bit confused about the omissions, because superficially I would peg Garlett and Lamb as two of our better defensive forwards. A couple of weeks back I had Marchbank listed as one of the main offenders who failed to chase when we turned the ball over, Lamb was also one I listed but playing him out of position was the problem there, Plowman, Simmo, Cripps, Casboult were also going at 50% in one direction much of the time. Now Cripps is captain! :o
We have them covered as far as them kicking long to a F50 target is concerned so our mids have to really smother their forward run in the defensive arc ahead of our D50 and into the centre of the ground. My guess then is that our mids won't try to press too far forward tonight.
Interesting that the Dog's key backs are Aaron Naughton (5 gamer, 1st season and 195cm, 89kg) and Eaton Wood (187cm, 86kg).....or Cordy at 193cm (90kg).
Compare to Big H (203cm, 100kg) and Levi (201cm, 103kg).
Get the ball in fast and our lads can have a field day! as long as they work hard defensively too!!
Blues by 34.
Harry and/or Levi to kick 6. ;)
Fishwr extends till end of 2021! 8)
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2018-04-27/fisher-signs-on (http://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2018-04-27/fisher-signs-on)
Interesting that the Dog's key backs are Aaron Naughton (5 gamer, 1st season and 195cm, 89kg) and Eaton Wood (187cm, 86kg).....or Cordy at 193cm (90kg).
Compare to Big H (203cm, 100kg) and Levi (201cm, 103kg).
Get the ball in fast and our lads can have a field day! as long as they work hard defensively too!!
Blues by 34.
Harry and/or Levi to kick 6. ;)
Yes if we can get it forward quickly to Charlie, Harry and Levi it will be interesting - if they can hang on to the marks of course! Dropping Garlett maybe means we will play more defensively and tight in the midfield and try to disrupt any run the Dogs may generate. They are good scrappers also though so it should be a bit of an arm-wrestle there.
Blues with the challenge to avoid a 0-6 start for the first time
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/bulldogs-to-be-bolstered-for-danger-match-against-carlton-20180426-p4zbq7.html
The match hasn’t quite got official "mockbuster" status, but it’s unlikely Channel Seven are particularly excited with how the cards have fallen for this Friday night's clash.
Six days after a forgettable loss to Fremantle in Perth, the Western Bulldogs host Carlton at Etihad Stadium. It’s hardly a match-up with top billing, but sometimes it’s the low-profile matches that are suddenly captivating.
There’s plenty on the line for both teams. The Bulldogs are delicately placed with a 1-4 record and will be desperate to avoid their season going into freefall. At the same end of the ladder, Carlton are yet to post a victory and run the risk of starting a season with a 0-6 record for the first time.
You need to go back to 1989 and twice in the 19th century - 1897 and 1899 - to find the other times the Blues have opened their season with five straight losses.
Carlton have injury woes of their own, with Matthew Kreuzer to miss again as club medicos err on the side of conservatism with the big ruckman and his groin complaint.
"He’s pretty much right to play," said coach Brendon Bolton. "However as a club we’re going to make a decision not to play just because his training has had no continuity.
"He’s feeling pretty good this week, but we just need more training into him, so he’ll miss.
"He wants to be out there, he’s a warrior.
"His injury is not significant anymore. He’s pretty much right but (he’s had) just no training.
"I think our medical team made a decision which is right."
The Blues are arguably "due" for their first win of 2018 after falling to West Coast by 10 points at the MCG.
"Almost due?" Bolton said with a wry smile. "Every week we’d like to be due.
"There’s just been some circumstances that have made it a little bit challenging.
"(But) our players are embracing that challenge.
"They had a really strong meeting as a group. They’re determined in this next block of games to keep growing and look for the little wins even though (last week) wasn’t the result we totally wanted."
Yes if we can get it forward quickly to Charlie, Harry and Levi it will be interesting - if they can hang on to the marks of course! Dropping Garlett maybe means we will play more defensively and tight in the midfield and try to disrupt any run the Dogs may generate. They are good scrappers also though so it should be a bit of an arm-wrestle there.
Indeed, who's going to run with Charlie from the Doggies....
If he's the one to kick 6, I'm ok with that :D
Indeed, who's going to run with Charlie from the Doggies....
If he's the one to kick 6, I'm ok with that :D
That would be sweet.
Indeed, who's going to run with Charlie from the Doggies....
If he's the one to kick 6, I'm ok with that :D
Who is running with Bontempelli?
Who is running with Bontempelli?
I'd rather big Meat run through him!
Otherwise, why not give Marchbank or Jones a tagging job.
Who is running with Bontempelli?
I reckon it would be Ed? Not super quick but can go all night (as the actress said to the bishop).
You know what I would love, I'd love this 100th game for Levi to be his break out game!
This bloke can deliver 300% more than he has so far, he capable of a 10+ goal game, can tonight be the night?
I reckon it would be Ed? Not super quick but can go all night (as the actress said to the bishop).
Hopefully they play Bont forward so we can leave Ed on Macrae.
Hopefully they play Bont forward so we can leave Ed on Macrae.
Yes, well I reckon that would suit us better.
Hopefully they play Bont forward so we can leave Ed on Macrae.
Think he will rest forward but play onball in the main to offset Cripps, Ed has been playing alright but his direct opponents have been braining us, Bont is a bit of a unit at 193cm so I think Marchbank might get him if he goes forward and Kerridge might even get a run with role on him maybe and mix it up with Ed.
Macrae and Hunter need close checking too....
I want to see us play a spoiling dog fight type game and keep most of the action in the midfield outside of our defensive 50. Hopefully that will help us win enough ball to get it forward to kick enough goals while frustrating the Dogs run forward. If we can do that we're definitely in with a show but we're in for a hard game imo.
I want to see March bank freed up to play that intercept and rebound player that he is, not a negating tall back.
The bont actually hasn't been playing that well thus far this season (not by hisstandards anyway).
he's either going to play his best footy, or continue that trend.
Meanwhile I'd sit Ed on Caleb Daniel. I'd wager he'd be in their best for score involvements and someone we'd stop easier.
I just want to see us with more points than them when the final siren goes ;D Dont care how we do it, dont care who plays on who, dont care what it looks like TBH. Just want a W for the boys more than anything.
Go Blues
I just want to see us with more points than them when the final siren goes ;D Dont care how we do it, dont care who plays on who, dont care what it looks like TBH. Just want a W for the boys more than anything.
Go Blues
Agree. If we lose, this will be the first time in our history that we've started the season at 0-6.
Priority pick, he we come.
Priority pick, he we come.
Murphy was a priority pick. He's coming to the end, so I guess a new PP whipping boy will come in handy.
Phillips is a real chance to dominate tonight. English is a ‘no name brand skinny kid’. First use will be handy!!
Good to see Levi carrying two future Carlton players :D
Fun fact of the night...
Our Top 4 from our B+F are not playing tonight.
Murphy
Doc
Kreuzer
Gibbs.
:-\
Phillips is too good to be playing in the 2's.
Gees the doggies get looked after....
SPS is a slack lazy cherry picker.
SPS is a slack lazy cherry picker.
Running in parallel, not shepherding, few tackles, he looks like the opposite of Fisher.
We're too reliant on Cripps and Fisher in the midfield. SPS, Kennedy, Dow and O'Brien not impacting anywhere near enough atm imo.
Oops, wrong thread.
SPS is a slack lazy cherry picker.
needs to be sropped, like many others....
And like this thread.