There's a band i like, that nobody has ever heard of called The Zutons. The only song people seem to know is one that Amy Winehouse did a cover of - Valerie, but there is plenty worth listening too.
One of my favourites is called Pressure Point.
When watching Carlton play over the last 20-odd games, there is a section that comes to mind which i think would be good for backing music in a highlight reel see below. (I've started at the part of note in this instance)
Pressure acts. A stat that doesn't get much attention, but all hell breaks loose when you are lacking in that area, not least of which is the pressure on the coach intensifies. Its been no secret that the more you pressure your opponent, the better off you will be, in terms of the contest and the overall result.
So how have we gone so far this season and who is getting the job done? Looking at last 2 weeks for a start.
A few people have suggested that Hollands has been down on form and Cunners has been underperforming as well.
Personally i've been happy with both and i was looking through some stats to see if my eyes were telling the truth. They were.
FWIW, Carlton had 296 pressure acts. Richmond had 293.
Best for carlton.... Newman (24) Hewett (23) Cripps (22) Hollands (19) Cuningham (17) McKay (17) Acres (16) Cerra (15)
Last week it was Carlton 279 vs Lions 264 Last week, the best for Carlton was.... Cerra (30) Hollands (29) Cuningham (18) Hewett (17) Kennedy (16) Fogarty (16)
So total so far.... Hollands (48) Cerra (45) Hewett (40) Newman (37) Cripps (36) Cuningham (35) Boyd (28)
So there it is, Thats my Zutons factor and highlighting a few boys that i think deserve some credit for their pressure.
Seems we are linked with every (wo)man and their dog.
My request for a clone of bri moody is likely to come true with us trying to get her twin sister Celine accross from the dogs.
Pies Father/daughter Tarni Brown is another recruit likely to come over.
Duursma sister wants to come over.
Pritchard and Arehns also possibilities.
Unfortunately, Mua Laloifi is set to leave. For whatever reason her performances last season were not up to scratch. Add that to her multiple concussions and perhaps thats why the club are not offering her another contract? Will be hard seeing her in another uniform as she was universally loved.
OK, so here it is, the final 'best 22' for the year.
We've seen how the side performed in finals. We saw what worked and what didn't all throughout the year. Using all the information we got, who is in your best 22 now.
Lets assume all players are fit (excluding Williams and Philp to be consistent) Lets assume all players are still on our list (including delistings, retirees and potential trades)
Well round 1 is fast approaching. Most people, and rightly so, are focussed on our mens team playing finals for the first time since the AFLW comp has started. However, week 1 will be in the pre-finals bye week. So you can get your blues fix by watching the girls run out at Ikon park against the suns.
Unfortunately, i'm not expecting big things from our girls this season. We've lost one of our most improved for another season Maddy Guerrin with her ACL carried over into this season. We've also just lost our first round pick (pick 5) Lulu Beatty for the year as well.
They will join another few players on our injury list heading into round 1 meaning all but a few fit players will play.
So its round 23, 2022. Its 3/4 time and you need only to draw to make finals and you have a 4 goal lead and all the momentum against arch rivals Collingwood. Life couldn't be better. No team has even been in the 8 all year except the final round and things won't change now.
Carlton: Hold my Beer
6 scoring shots a piece in the last quarter including a rushed behind each. Carlton 0.5 Collingwood 5.0 We lose by a point against Collingwood. You miss finals by a mere 0.6% Your dream of finals is gone.
**6 months later**
A year on and a lot more optimism. We will be better for it. We have a fit-ish list, definitely in comparison to last year. Media pumping us up as top 4 potential. Finals certainties.
After R4 - Undefeated, sitting 2nd, a monty for top 4 spot. Life is good.
After R13 - Lost 8 from our last 9, including 6 in a row. Only win was against a WAFL side. Sitting 15th destined to stay in bottom 4. Talk about sacking the coach. Deja vu.
After R20 - Won 6 in a row for first time since 2000, including 5 in a row by 50+ points. Every team that has done that in the past wins the flag. Sitting 7th, 5th favourite for the flag.
After R24 - ? ? ?
Apparently our membership figures are going through the roof. I don't see how, because surely we are losing plenty of members due to stress induced heart attacks.
Who'd be a Carlton supporter?
Hopefully there is a happy ending to this season. It would make a good movie one day.