The first of the 2016 Preditions in the media: Herald Sun today.
DARK NAVY BLUES
WOODEN spooners. It’s hard to see Carlton winning more than four games and climbing off the bottom of the ladder to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons. The Blues brought in 15 new players during the off-season and while they aren’t short on talent, they are on experience. Brendon Bolton will be given time to mould the list into a premiership outfit and 2016 will about giving them exposure. Carlton took four key position players from its five national draft picks, with Jacob Weitering the only one equipped to step straight into senior footy. Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni will all take time.
Thoughts.
We will win more than 4 games.
The first of the 2016 Preditions in the media: Herald Sun today.
DARK NAVY BLUES
WOODEN spooners. It’s hard to see Carlton winning more than four games and climbing off the bottom of the ladder to avoid back-to-back wooden spoons. The Blues brought in 15 new players during the off-season and while they aren’t short on talent, they are on experience. Brendon Bolton will be given time to mould the list into a premiership outfit and 2016 will about giving them exposure. Carlton took four key position players from its five national draft picks, with Jacob Weitering the only one equipped to step straight into senior footy. Harry McKay, Charlie Curnow and Jack Silvagni will all take time.
Thoughts.
Uninformed drivel >:(
Curnow and Cuningham will get games under their belt in the first half of the season, McKay will break into the side in the second half of the season and Silvagni may get a game or two.
However, as Flyboy pointed out in another thread:
Plenty of non performers in 2015 for a host of reasons - not just Malthouse - so plenty of room for organic improvement even before the recent trade and draft periods.
If Kreuzer, Gibbs, Murphy, Walker (as a forward FFS) and Thomas have good seasons - that in itself is a big, big gain on 2015.
All we need is for a couple of the GWS and Adelaide retreads to step up and a good run with injuries and our list is significantly better than last season. Add in a competent coach and a modern game plan that suits the list and 7-10 wins is achievable.
Uninformed drivel >:(
Curnow and Cuningham will get games under their belt in the first half of the season, McKay will break into the side in the second half of the season and Silvagni may get a game or two.
However, as Flyboy pointed out in another thread:
All we need is for a couple of the GWS and Adelaide retreads to step up and a good run with injuries and our list is significantly better than last season. Add in a competent coach and a modern game plan that suits the list and 7-10 wins is achievable.
Re the bold part. I disagree.
Silvagni will only get a game if we are dead last and tanking in the last couple of rounds. Otherwise, we'd be lucky to see him in 2017 i think. He hasn't even played footy for what 6 months?
The others may well get game time, but i'd suggest a lot later than you predict and only if injuries hit. Curnow is my tip to get gametime first. But i don't expect to see him before the halfway point.
The reason?
All the GWS/Adelaide boys we've got, together with the players we have coming back from injuries last year.
Players like Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Graham were all unavailable for most of the season.
I dunno, i'd go through 30-35 players before i got to any of our new recruits.
I see us improving no doubt. I don't think we will win another spoon. Surely a better coaching group with a better suited game plan along with players playing who want to win and stay at the club will be a good start for us. Thomas, Kreuzer getting more game time will also help. Surely we are good for 6 to 8 wins at least.
We've got the least AFL-proven players in the comp so we deserve every bit of our wooden spoon favoritism.
Injuries seem to be an ongoing factor for us unfortunately - Murphy shoulder not coming right already has to be a significant concern. Plowman hip operation. We've got a bit of a jinx going which sucks.
However... the biggest thing we have going for us is probably Bolton. If he can get it right his impact could be immediate and if we can somehow keep Kreuze/Cripps/Murph/Gibbs/Thomas injury free for the whole season we'll have a core to build around and be a lot more competitive.
At best 6 wins for me. At worst - lots of injuries and a total train wreck.
Re the bold part. I disagree.
Silvagni will only get a game if we are dead last and tanking in the last couple of rounds. Otherwise, we'd be lucky to see him in 2017 i think. He hasn't even played footy for what 6 months?
The others may well get game time, but i'd suggest a lot later than you predict and only if injuries hit. Curnow is my tip to get gametime first. But i don't expect to see him before the halfway point.
The reason?
All the GWS/Adelaide boys we've got, together with the players we have coming back from injuries last year.
Players like Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Graham were all unavailable for most of the season.
I dunno, i'd go through 30-35 players before i got to any of our new recruits.
I'm wearing my optimist hat Kruddler :)
The fact that the original assessment doesn't take into account our retreads is the main reason why I reckon it's drivel!
However, Weitering should be in the mix from round 1 but probably not as a dedicated key defender. I agree that Curnow is likely to be next cab off the rank as he seems more physically ready to match it with mature bodies. Cuningham will need to light it up in the NBs if he is to get a run and McKay will probably come in as a third tall if he kicks a few bags in the NBs.
As you say, we have a lot of players with potential who, for one reason or another, didn't have much impact last season. With the exception of Weitering, and probably Curnow, our newbies will have their work cut out to get a game. However, I suspect that it will happen as part of their development, but they will not be gifted games.
That genuine competition for a game is one of the reasons I think we'll start to climb up the ladder.
We will win more than 4 games.
Absolutely. We will be disrespected until teams find out the hard way if we can play or not.
But the biggest things will be how our list holds together. If we get the injuries we got this year, we are cooked. They are correct, we are very short on experience. If guys fall over, then we will be in trouble.
However, having Gibbs, Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Kreuzer, Murphy and Graham in and contributing, where Yarran, Henderson and Menzel did not or could not, will make us more competitive.
I do not expect miracles, but if we can keep something like our best 20 odd on the field, we will win games against 'good' sides. And that is not considering any reasonable contributions from our newbies.
We beat Port and should have beaten Adelaide before our list fell apart. Both of them are rated much higher than us. We will win games. But if we have to depend on our new chums and rookies, then we are in trouble.
I am not sure why we have been hit so hard by injury in recent times, but having Murphy and Plowman already have operations does not bode well. But it is something most teams will face. Take the best 6 players out of Hawthorn's lineup and they don't win either. In fact, the team on the bottom usually has a significant injury issue to players it cannot afford to miss. Looks at Gold Coast this year and in 2014: no Ablett and they were worthless.
Problem is while we will improve so will a lot of the other teams......4-6 wins is about right IMO.....with a few hammering's in between...
We have a lot of new players who dont even have a regular position to play in, its very much a experimental year IMO, 15 new players will mean a lack of system for a while
as players work out what their team-mates are doing and game plans dont get learned in one season...
We dont have a confirmed captain yet and lack leadership...the coach is a novice who learned to fly on a modern jet that you could set to auto pilot.......we are a DC4 that needs everyone playing well just to get off the ground......I would lower my expectations and not expect too much so we wont be disappointed and place pressure on BB.
I think we will be bottom four....
Wooden Spoon?
A little bit of stability around the place will ensure this doesn't happen.
Because if it does, there won't be any 'stability' around the place.
....and if anyone wants to argue that's 'old Carlton' thinking...watch what happens. ;)
If we can get our senior guys all available and firing and we have been successful in choosing both our trades and one or two drafts, then we can be a lot more competitive next year. That sharper edge should breed more confidence in our guys that hopefully can lead to a few good wins.
We will need some luck too of course but if we can avoid too many injuries I'm hopeful of a much better year that leaves us with brighter hopes for the future beyond that.
It's essential we primarily strive to build a very confident, competitive and solid team environment in which we can develop our youth. I'm sure BB is the right man to do that.
Sad to say we should be wooden spoon favourites. We lost our best player this year, and teams will work out how to nulify Cripps. He is going to get so much attention in 2016 from scraggers. Hopefully he is working on his kicking so he can be dangerous around goals as that will allow him to shake tags.
I'm optimistic we could get 5 or 6 wins. But with so many new players, and an average established core we are going to take some hammerings. Injuries as alway will make a difference. Having Kruezer and Thomas play 15 odd games each will make a big difference.
Its amazing how every year we hope/anticipate the first year players will get a few games and do well. We hear about some 18 year olds being 'ready'. No they are not. If Silvangni gets a game in 2016 we will be in serious strife. If any of the first year players get more than 1 or 2 games we will have had a bad injury toll. We really want to see the likes of Boekhorst getting 10 or so decent games with 5 or 6 in a row toward the end of the season. Rowe to have been displaced by KJ by the end of the year. That would show good improvement. A strong showing by the NBs is vital to build a base for the longer term.
And a miracle win against Hawthorn in Launceston.
@ Vivian - I have no concerns about taggers on Cripps. In fact I wish them luck because they are gonna need it in spades. He will dispatch them with ease, too big and strong and his fitness is slowly becoming elite. He will be one of those midfield machines you cant stop. He is just a dead set bull.
Go Blues.
Players like Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Graham were all unavailable for most of the season.
Imagine if we could full, uninterrupted preseasons and then season proper from the blokes in that list plus Kruze and Gibbs. There will be some serious competition for spots. If the injury gods smile upon us, we could surprise a few people.
We will finish 17th-18th next year, it would be a miracle to get any higher than that based on the list we are building. Which teams will we finish higher than should be the question.
Some of the new draftees will be given games so they get a taste of what it is like at senior level but only if they warrant the selection.
Four games ?? Might not win that many actually.
The win/loss column in 2016 doesn't worry me one iota, its the gradual development of the players both individually & collectively that has me seriously interested.
2018 is when we will start to push for finals.
We will finish 17th-18th next year, it would be a miracle to get any higher than that based on the list we are building. Which teams will we finish higher than should be the question.
Some of the new draftees will be given games so they get a taste of what it is like at senior level but only if they warrant the selection.
Four games ?? Might not win that many actually.
The win/loss column in 2016 doesn't worry me one iota, its the gradual development of the players both individually & collectively that has me seriously interested.
2018 is when we will start to push for finals.
I'm with you Sheik.
We are all riding the wave of optimism following the SOS/Bolts renaissance, but the reality is that it will take several seasons before it bears fruit.
I'm the opposite.
If we're looking at 17-18 it means we're looking at a similar season to this year.
Yet we won't have the coaching debacle and uncertainty that plagued our first half of the year.
We won't have board and admin pushing the rebuild message after round two and sucking the life out of the place.
We won't have the half-hearted performances of some senior players that must have affected the players around them.
They're gone...and hopefully so has any division in the playing ranks.
We (hopefully) won't be playing the last half of the year with an eye to draft Pick 1.
Bolton will want to establish his credentials...he'll be looking for development... but he'll also be looking for as many wins as possible.
We're all pretty much aware that for the long term development it wouldn't hurt to have another low finish next year.
The problem with that is that if we do finish 17th or 18th you won't see a noticeable improvement in the team, their attitude or their play.
It just doesn't work that way.
We'll look very average.
...and as much as people declare that they're prepared to be patient, a 17th or 18th position will have one or more of the board, admin, coach and recruiting personnel under pressure.
Someone look at the Doggies' 2015 list and explain how the made the 8 - and almost won a final?
Is that list better than ours?
I think not.
Someone look at the Doggies' 2015 list and explain how the made the 8 - and almost won a final?
Is that list better than ours?
I think not.
Our list is not comparable to the Doggies 2015, more the Doggies 2012.
We still have a shallow midfield, lack pace around the ground, Lack kicking skills and lack defensive pressure. Bolton will not come in and fix this all in one year. Our draftees need 3-5 years, our GWS boys are still a question mark due to injury and no playing time. Kerridge was probably our best experienced player pick up and he could barely get a game for Adelaide last season.
I doubt we will win more than 5 games and wooden spoon is still a very real probability. In the development of the side it doesn't matter, we need another 2-3 drafts of top line talent obtained by finishing bottom 4 then we start to rise. Happened to Bulldogs, Saints, Port, West Coast.... if we continue to have off seasons like 2015 then there is no reason we will not do the same.
We were asked to be patient, we asked for no quick fixes, so why have a go at an article that is probably right and fits in with the clubs plan?
We were asked to be patient, we asked for no quick fixes, so why have a go at an article that is probably right and fits in with the clubs plan?
If you accept the "no quick fix/patience" line then it's probably a bit rich to have a go at the club.
On the other hand if you feel it's more a line to lower expectations...then it's quite reasonable to expect a bit more.
The club has nothing to gain by talking up a rapid improvement if it can convince people to sign on with the promise of a steady calculated rebuild.
Folk are signing up anyway...and many of those would be signing because they see some positive signs.
They don't think it will take as long as has been suggested.
It suits the club to say "it will take time".
On the other hand produce an 8-12 ladder finish next year and it can be 'pats on the back' all around and a "look how well we've done".
(That's actually what I'm expecting and I suspect it's where the club's real target is.)
We finished with the spoon...Is that a real indication of our ability?
Well that's where we finished I guess.
But we had so much off-field crap last year and it would have created a great deal of uncertainty among the playing group.
We had players who were already ''elsewhere'' and playing accordingly.
...and we had injuries to key players as indicated by Crash here..
However, having Gibbs, Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Kreuzer, Murphy and Graham in and contributing, where Yarran, Henderson and Menzel did not or could not, will make us more competitive.
I do not expect miracles, but if we can keep something like our best 20 odd on the field, we will win games against 'good' sides. And that is not considering any reasonable contributions from our newbies.
For me the real problem is our attack.
We had few, if any functioning forwards for much of the year.
Over the last three years the number of goals kicked has been...
2013-304
2014-276
2015-219
Down nearly 100 goals in 3 seasons!
(We all know where they've gone)...but an attack that scores only 219 goals ::)
That's our worst ever under the 22 game a year system (since 1967).
Fix that one area alone with a few contributors and you're well on the way to solving a big part of our problems.
Quite simply it is better to under-hype and over-deliver than to do the opposite, which we have done all too often in past years.
For me the real problem is our attack.
We had few, if any functioning forwards for much of the year.
Over the last three years the number of goals kicked has been...
2013-304
2014-276
2015-219
Down nearly 100 goals in 3 seasons!
(We all know where they've gone)...but an attack that scores only 219 goals ::)
That's our worst ever under the 22 game a year system (since 1967).
Fix that one area alone with a few contributors and you're well on the way to solving a big part of our problems.
Hard to kick goals when the delivery inside F50 is lethargic, slow and poor. Fix that and you'll fix the forward line....look at the guys who kicked goals for the Dogs.....
I repeat, i don't see this list as any better than ours.....and they were missing Liba too. Put Walker up forward - show some ticker and intensity - the results will follow.
Run through the names...
1 Luke Dahlhaus 276 12 314 13.7 590 25.7 77 3.3 0 0 90 3.9 120 5.2 85 3.7 17 0.7 10 0.4
2 Jack Macrae 287 13.7 267 12.7 554 26.4 97 4.6 8 0.4 92 4.4 117 5.6 88 4.2 5 0.2 6 0.3
3 Matthew Boyd 321 16.9 195 10.3 516 27.2 148 7.8 3 0.2 29 1.5 40 2.1 45 2.4 1 0.1 6 0.3
4 Liam Picken 248 11.8 249 11.9 497 23.7 94 4.5 2 0.1 75 3.6 135 6.4 75 3.6 13 0.6 9 0.4
5 Robert Murphy 324 15.4 147 7 471 22.4 96 4.6 0 0 11 0.5 32 1.5 63 3 2 0.1 2 0.1
6 Mitch Wallis 205 10.2 263 13.1 468 23.4 66 3.3 1 0 123 6.1 95 4.7 74 3.7 15 0.7 13 0.6
7 Marcus Bontempelli 261 12.4 183 8.7 444 21.1 69 3.3 50 2.4 105 5 116 5.5 102 4.9 17 0.8 10 0.5
8 Jason Johannisen 270 13.5 128 6.4 398 19.9 107 5.3 0 0 13 0.6 35 1.7 84 4.2 7 0.3 3 0.1
9 Easton Wood 224 10.2 167 7.6 391 17.8 155 7 0 0 9 0.4 31 1.4 51 2.3 5 0.2 0 0
10 Jake Stringer 236 10.7 78 3.5 314 14.3 77 3.5 6 0.3 36 1.6 59 2.7 69 3.1 56 2.5 32 1.5
11 Tory Dickson 172 7.5 126 5.5 298 13 71 3.1 0 0 18 0.8 72 3.1 56 2.4 50 2.2 12 0.5
12 Lachie Hunter 147 11.3 140 10.8 287 22.1 64 4.9 0 0 16 1.2 28 2.2 38 2.9 3 0.2 5 0.4
13 Stewart Crameri 140 7.8 146 8.1 286 15.9 71 3.9 3 0.2 15 0.8 45 2.5 51 2.8 32 1.8 21 1.2
14 Jarrad Grant 135 7.1 141 7.4 276 14.5 74 3.9 20 1.1 24 1.3 39 2.1 47 2.5 11 0.6 14 0.7
15 Koby Stevens 113 9.4 131 10.9 244 20.3 34 2.8 9 0.7 46 3.8 73 6.1 37 3.1 4 0.3 4 0.3
16 Michael Talia 126 9 109 7.8 235 16.8 82 5.9 2 0.1 1 0.1 19 1.4 14 1 2 0.1 1 0.1
17 Shane Biggs 141 14.1 56 5.6 197 19.7 34 3.4 0 0 7 0.7 21 2.1 27 2.7 3 0.3 0 0
18 Lin Jong 74 5.7 116 8.9 190 14.6 24 1.8 31 2.4 38 2.9 70 5.4 31 2.4 8 0.6 4 0.3
19 Jordan Roughead 82 5.1 78 4.9 160 10 66 4.1 170 10.6 13 0.8 54 3.4 17 1.1 4 0.2 2 0.1
20 Dale Morris 70 5 85 6.1 155 11.1 69 4.9 0 0 1 0.1 35 2.5 5 0.4 0 0 0 0
21 Caleb Daniel 55 5.5 76 7.6 131 13.1 23 2.3 0 0 6 0.6 22 2.2 19 1.9 6 0.6 2 0.2
22 Mitch Honeychurch 65 5.9 65 5.9 130 11.8 26 2.4 1 0.1 15 1.4 41 3.7 11 1 9 0.8 9 0.8
23 Fletcher Roberts 55 4.6 61 5.1 116 9.7 41 3.4 0 0 0 0 19 1.6 7 0.6 0 0 1 0.1
24 Tom Boyd 74 5.3 41 2.9 115 8.2 47 3.4 41 2.9 10 0.7 33 2.4 19 1.4 16 1.1 6 0.4
25 Joel Hamling 64 5.8 47 4.3 111 10.1 53 4.8 1 0.1 1 0.1 15 1.4 4 0.4 0 0 0 0
26 Lukas Webb 65 6.5 44 4.4 109 10.9 38 3.8 0 0 5 0.5 14 1.4 14 1.4 1 0.1 3 0.3
27 Jack Redpath 80 6.7 28 2.3 108 9 50 4.2 43 3.6 7 0.6 30 2.5 22 1.8 19 1.6 9 0.7
28 Will Minson 62 6.2 40 4 102 10.2 17 1.7 265 26.5 35 3.5 41 4.1 18 1.8 3 0.3 3 0.3
29 Nathan Hrovat 44 6.3 54 7.7 98 14 19 2.7 0 0 9 1.3 22 3.1 14 2 2 0.3 4 0.6
30 Brett Goodes 53 7.6 31 4.4 84 12 17 2.4 3 0.4 17 2.4 21 3 21 3 2 0.3 1 0.1
31 Bailey Dale 42 4.2 36 3.6 78 7.8 15 1.5 0 0 7 0.7 14 1.4 13 1.3 6 0.6 4 0.4
32 Tom Campbell 24 4 43 7.2 67 11.2 14 2.3 137 22.8 14 2.3 13 2.2 12 2 0 0 3 0.5
33 Toby McLean 28 7 34 8.5 62 15.5 18 4.5 0 0 5 1.2 6 1.5 8 2 2 0.5 0 0
34 Ayce Cordy 23 3.3 31 4.4 54 7.7 13 1.9 69 9.9 9 1.3 17 2.4 7 1 2 0.3 0 0
35 Josh Prudden 26 6.5 24 6 50 12.5 16 4 0 0 2 0.5 8 2 5 1.2 0 0 0 0
36 Sam Darley 23 11.5 14 7 37 18.5 8 4 0 0 1 0.5 6 3 3 1.5 0 0 0 0
37 Clay Smith 13 4.3 15 5 28 9.3 5 1.7 1 0.3 3 1 10 3.3 5 1.7 1 0.3 0 0
Slow delivery around the boundary was never going to cut it! We need a plan that will assist power forward in the future. Then let our power forwards develop.....
I repeat, i don't see this list as any better than ours.....and they were missing Liba too. Put Walker up forward - show some ticker and intensity - the results will follow.
.
Difference is the age/talent bracket. They had done their apprenticeship, worked 3-5 years at the bottom and were ready to flourish. They had pace and skill around the ball, great ball movement off half back, they had targets up forward and a whole team that works both ways - Tom Boyd aside. We don't have that yet.
We have traded away 4 first 18 players, plus through retirements and delistings let go 11 more. We are talent poor, and not quick around the ground. We have potential but that is all at the moment, for example Graham, we would trade him in a heartbeat for any of the Doggies mids, yet he will start for us this season. In fact Cripps aside we would trade any of our mids for theirs.
.
Difference is the age/talent bracket. They had done their apprenticeship, worked 3-5 years at the bottom and were ready to flourish. They had pace and skill around the ball, great ball movement off half back, they had targets up forward and a whole team that works both ways - Tom Boyd aside. We don't have that yet.
We have traded away 4 first 18 players, plus through retirements and delistings let go 11 more. We are talent poor, and not quick around the ground. We have potential but that is all at the moment, for example Graham, we would trade him in a heartbeat for any of the Doggies mids, yet he will start for us this season. In fact Cripps aside we would trade any of our mids for theirs.
ok, leaving the capitualtion aside - that you believe CFC are schizen across the park.
WB midfield in 2015 (excl. Liba):
Biggs
Bontempelli
Matty Boyd
Dalhaus
Hamilton
Lin Jong
Macrae
Prudden
Smith
Stevens
Wallis
And you'd trade who for who exactly!
I would trade Murphy, Gibbs, Curnow, Thomas, Graham for Dalhaus, Macrae, Stevens, Wallis, Daniel. Bontempelli is probably a Cripps equal.
That would be a huge win for us.
Quite surprised really that so many believe we will get another spoon, and I thought I was a pessimist. As others have suggested BARRING injuries I can't see us coming last. We only just got there last year when Brisbane got over a sub-standard doggies unit in the last round. We were only 2 points away from the suns at 16th. Granted sides will imporve (Ablett returns for GC) but by the same token other teams drop off. Cannot accept that the Lions are a better unit than us. Bloody hell we still managed to beat Melbourne when we were on our knees!
Think with everyone on deck, fit and well, and a couple of players improving will make all the difference.
Forward line is our achilles.
A good season could see us win 6-10 games, which would see us finish somewhere between 12 & 16th.
A couple of key in-season injuries would lower that expectation. I'm really hoping for an injury free season, for once, at least compared to recent years.
I would trade Murphy, Gibbs, Curnow, Thomas, Graham for Dalhaus, Macrae, Stevens, Wallis, Daniel. Bontempelli is probably a Cripps equal.
That would be a huge win for us.
Each to their own....
This is definitely a glass half empty post. I think our mid-field is fine, barring injuries, Murphy, Gibbs, Cripps, Graham, Curnow, Thomas, Kerridge with plenty of others able to have a run through the middle. I also expect our rucks to be stronger, particularly if Kreuzer stays fit. I think our weaknesses are we do not have a power forward who commands the game, we do not have a key defender who we can put on opponents main man and we may be a bit slow across the ground. Hopefully with Bolton and the wholesale changes to our list, we may overcome our other main weakness which was the team didn't have a red hot go week in and week out. I always found in competitive sport that if you play to win you can be surprised by how often you actually do win. Maybe not the flag this year but I expect us to be a hell of a lot better this year than last.
Someone look at the Doggies' 2015 list and explain how the made the 8 - and almost won a final?
Is that list better than ours?
I think not.
Couldn't agree more. The reality is that our management, direction, culture, coaching and development have been a rabble or semi rabble for a long time. The only glimmer of hope was the brief Pratt/Ratten era, and even that was dragged down by poor recruiting and development.
The Dishlickers showed the footy world very clearly that a well drilled group will get the best out of themselves. No-one, but no-one picked the Dishlickers to have any impact this year. Like many, I am cautiously optimistic about how we will perform next year.
This is definitely a glass half empty post. I think our mid-field is fine, barring injuries, Murphy, Gibbs, Cripps, Graham, Curnow, Thomas, Kerridge with plenty of others able to have a run through the middle. I also expect our rucks to be stronger, particularly if Kreuzer stays fit. I think our weaknesses are we do not have a power forward who commands the game, we do not have a key defender who we can put on opponents main man and we may be a bit slow across the ground. Hopefully with Bolton and the wholesale changes to our list, we may overcome our other main weakness which was the team didn't have a red hot go week in and week out. I always found in competitive sport that if you play to win you can be surprised by how often you actually do win. Maybe not the flag this year but I expect us to be a hell of a lot better this year than last.
Yet the Doggies have no power forward yet two of theirs kicked over 50 goals.
Between the Bolt, Walks and Everitt - no reason they couldn't achieve the same aggregate. Don't be surprised to see Weitering played forward a bit too....
Between the Bolt, Walks and Everitt - no reason they couldn't achieve the same aggregate. Don't be surprised to see Weitering played forward a bit too....
Aside from walker (who is past his best) there is nothing to base this upon other than hope.
We're in a tough situation and everybody has to look past results and pull in the same direction. When the entire world is against us and not much is going right on the field we need everyone fighting on the same side instead of with each other - as is our typical MO - as the Hawks did when they were in the lower rungs of the ladder.
Yet the Doggies have no power forward yet two of theirs kicked over 50 goals.
Disagree there, Stringer is a power forward. He might not be 195cms, but he monsters opponents his height and beats stronger defenders on the lead. With the Dogs kicking skills and their speed, Stringer is in the box seat when they get a stride or two clear.
Do I hope we climb the ladder? Part of me says yes, the other says build slowly. The worst thing that Pagan did was get us up the ladder before we had talent. This means we got Jordan Russell instead of a Delideo, Roughead, Franklin or Griffin.
We need a talent base which takes time at the bottom, trading away aged talent for low picks. I would be happy if McCarthy didn't want to go back to Freo this season and we traded Casboult for pick 15ish win for both parties and the player. He can have a crack at a premiership and we get another under 20 pick.
The Dogs also have Crameri (for the time being anyway) and Dickson who are both handy and strong goal kicking types.
Aside from walker (who is past his best) there is nothing to base this upon other than hope.
We're in a tough situation and everybody has to look past results and pull in the same direction. When the entire world is against us and not much is going right on the field we need everyone fighting on the same side instead of with each other - as is our typical MO - as the Hawks did when they were in the lower rungs of the ladder.
It's one thing that did go ok last year. Everitt, Casboult, and Walker very late in the year, did hit the scoreboard regular despite the most putrid delivery one could imagine in a side that barely had a crack. It's more than hope when they actually did it. Would've been interesting if we had a side that had a crack and moved the ball alot better into the F50.
Re the bold part. I disagree.
Silvagni will only get a game if we are dead last and tanking in the last couple of rounds. Otherwise, we'd be lucky to see him in 2017 i think. He hasn't even played footy for what 6 months?
The others may well get game time, but i'd suggest a lot later than you predict and only if injuries hit. Curnow is my tip to get gametime first. But i don't expect to see him before the halfway point.
The reason?
All the GWS/Adelaide boys we've got, together with the players we have coming back from injuries last year.
Players like Thomas, Byrne, Sheehan, Graham were all unavailable for most of the season.
I dunno, i'd go through 30-35 players before i got to any of our new recruits.
C.Curnow is a big, strong boy. If he has a good pre-season I reckon he could be straight in. Agree more with the rest. Cunningham, McKay 2nd half of the year, Cunningham first being a mid. McKay, like McCartin aat the Saints, will get the odd game to get the feel of AFL. SOSOS will need a year in the twos as he need physcial development.
We've got the least AFL-proven players in the comp so we deserve every bit of our wooden spoon favoritism.
Injuries seem to be an ongoing factor for us unfortunately - Murphy shoulder not coming right already has to be a significant concern. Plowman hip operation. We've got a bit of a jinx going which sucks.
However... the biggest thing we have going for us is probably Bolton. If he can get it right his impact could be immediate and if we can somehow keep Kreuze/Cripps/Murph/Gibbs/Thomas injury free for the whole season we'll have a core to build around and be a lot more competitive.
At best 6 wins for me. At worst - lots of injuries and a total train wreck.
We'll win more than you think as, unlike last year, we will actually try!
We'll win more than you think as, unlike last year, we will actually try!
I was thinking about this today, we finished 18th this year but was that our "real" position? How much of that was where are at and how much of it was "manufactured" (many in the industry refer to it as tanking, just as many will tell you tanking doesn't exist)?
Sad to say we should be wooden spoon favourites. We lost our best player this year, and teams will work out how to nulify Cripps. He is going to get so much attention in 2016 from scraggers. Hopefully he is working on his kicking so he can be dangerous around goals as that will allow him to shake tags.
I'm optimistic we could get 5 or 6 wins. But with so many new players, and an average established core we are going to take some hammerings. Injuries as alway will make a difference. Having Kruezer and Thomas play 15 odd games each will make a big difference.
Its amazing how every year we hope/anticipate the first year players will get a few games and do well. We hear about some 18 year olds being 'ready'. No they are not. If Silvangni gets a game in 2016 we will be in serious strife. If any of the first year players get more than 1 or 2 games we will have had a bad injury toll. We really want to see the likes of Boekhorst getting 10 or so decent games with 5 or 6 in a row toward the end of the season. Rowe to have been displaced by KJ by the end of the year. That would show good improvement. A strong showing by the NBs is vital to build a base for the longer term.
And a miracle win against Hawthorn in Launceston.
There seems to be a myth about first year players not being ready to play AFL. Yes, some aren't ready and Silvagni seems to fall into that category at the moment.
Last year's first 20 draft picks averaged just over 7.5 games with Brayshaw clocking up 21, De Gooey 16, Heeney 14, Lever and Duggan 12 and Boekhorst 11. Only three failed to crack it for a game so the 17 that did play averaged 9 games between them.
I reckon it's a safe bet that Weitering, McKay, Curnow and Cuningham will average more than 7.5 games in 2016. The only reason they won't is if everyone else plays out of their skins and we finish top 4.
Quite surprised really that so many believe we will get another spoon, and I thought I was a pessimist. As others have suggested BARRING injuries I can't see us coming last. We only just got there last year when Brisbane got over a sub-standard doggies unit in the last round. We were only 2 points away from the suns at 16th. Granted sides will imporve (Ablett returns for GC) but by the same token other teams drop off. Cannot accept that the Lions are a better unit than us. Bloody hell we still managed to beat Melbourne when we were on our knees!
Think with everyone on deck, fit and well, and a couple of players improving will make all the difference.
Forward line is our achilles.
"BARRING injuries"... hmmm..
What are the chances of that? Every club gets injuries and some clubs (i.e. ours) have a playing list predisposed to accumulating injuries. And we dumped a lot of experience in this off-season and replaced them with kids. We are a few key injuries away from train wreck.
Unless Bolton is a magician - a possibility I do not rule out.
Re Walker: I was all ready to concede that pinning any hope on him up forward would be unrealistic. However in his last 4 games last year up forward, where we got smashed in 3, he averaged 2.5 goals per game.
In any man's language, if we as a team can improve, he should be pencilled in for 30 - 40 for the season, if fit and played forward.
"BARRING injuries"... hmmm..
What are the chances of that? Every club gets injuries and some clubs (i.e. ours) have a playing list predisposed to accumulating injuries. And we dumped a lot of experience in this off-season and replaced them with kids. We are a few key injuries away from train wreck.
Unless Bolton is a magician - a possibility I do not rule out.
Menzel was injury proned......now someone else's problem
Yarran refused to play with a niggle........now someonelse's problem
Ellard couldn't get on the park........retired.
We have offloaded some injury liabilities.
Re Walker: I was all ready to concede that pinning any hope on him up forward would be unrealistic. However in his last 4 games last year up forward, where we got smashed in 3, he averaged 2.5 goals per game.
In any man's language, if we as a team can improve, he should be pencilled in for 30 - 40 for the season, if fit and played forward.
Walker is the type of player that will always offer your side more as a forward than in the back 50m. He makes mistakes and costs us goals as a defender. Up forward he can create some magic. Just tell him not to try taking mark of the year every time he has an opportunity to fly for a mark. Let the big bodies fly and get the ball when it hits the deck.
I was thinking about this today, we finished 18th this year but was that our "real" position? How much of that was where are at and how much of it was "manufactured" (many in the industry refer to it as tanking, just as many will tell you tanking doesn't exist)?
We've been thinking what's our real position since 2002.... I have bad news for you.... It's time for the cfc to accept reality and work on getting better than they actually are rather than improve of where they believe they are
Menzel was injury proned......now someone else's problem
Yarran refused to play with a niggle........now someonelse's problem
Ellard couldn't get on the park........retired.
We have offloaded some injury liabilities.
Good point.
Dale Thomas though. Kreuze played a dozen games in 3 years. Jamo. Walker. Jaksch. Graham, White.
Plenty of injuries left in that lot.
Menzel was injury proned......now someone else's problem
Yarran refused to play with a niggle........now someonelse's problem
Ellard couldn't get on the park........retired.
We have offloaded some injury liabilities.
unfair to Ellard.
Could get on the park, just couldn't get the pill and be damaging with it when he did.
The Dogs also have Crameri (for the time being anyway) and Dickson who are both handy and strong goal kicking types.
Dickson a classic example of hope though ladies and gents - 28 yo with 50 games under his bely not tall, not fast, not much really - snared 50 goals in 2015.
If he can do that, so could the Bolt, Everitt and several others....
It's all between the ears...or not.
Dickson a classic example of hope though ladies and gents - 28 yo with 50 games under his bely not tall, not fast, not much really - snared 50 goals in 2015.
If he can do that, so could the Bolt, Everitt and several others....
It's all between the ears...or not.
A lot depends on how we structure.
I've always liked the idea of Everitt as a permanent full forward.
He kicked 31 goals as a 'part timer' last year.
Definitely a 50 goal plus option.
A lot depends on how we structure.
I've always liked the idea of Everitt as a permanent full forward.
He kicked 31 goals as a 'part timer' last year.
Definitely a 50 goal plus option.
I tend to agree with Lods , Everitt as FF would be a good reliable shot at goal, can take a grab. We do need a go to person , some one who we can have confidence in to convert. The amount of times in the last few years where we have taken huge efforts to finally get a shot at goal, only to see it squandered is disheartening & has has effect on on field performance.
Agree there is nothing special about Dickson except none of our blokes can kick as straight...50 goals 12 behinds for the season......thats about as efficient as it gets.......
Probably important to remember that a number of our boys who are young but have been around for a few years haven't been coached properly, or given a game plan that just plain didn't suit them (or the team, for that matter... yes, that'd be you, MM).
If the Dishlickers taught us anything it's that a 'good ordinary' list properly coached is capable of anything.
Matt Murnane and a few of our players must have read some of the comments posted in this thread ;)
So much recently has been spoken about the youth that has now flooded the Blues' list and there is a genuine acknowledgement throughout the club and supporters that a "reset" is needed.
There are no quick fixes this time, however that being said, the club still wants to see improvement every year - the graph heading in the right direction.
And so especially in the short term, the men at the top of the "experience" food chain - Gibbs, captain Marc Murphy, Thomas, Kreuzer, Michael Jamison and Andrew Walker and others - will have a vital role to play.
If that group can produce close to career-best football – much like Robert Murphy and Matt Boyd did for the Western Bulldogs this year, for instance – then that could make an immeasurable difference to Brendon Bolton's grand plan.
"For the last few years, we have never had all our senior players out there. Hopefully we have a bit of luck this time," Kreuzer said.
Thomas sees it the same way: "We've got enough blokes in that bracket, but we just haven't had a decent run at it together".
Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/afl/carlton-blues/pain-of-2015-driving-carlton-leader-bryce-gibbs-20151216-glopl9.html#ixzz3uWqFnARY
Matt Murnane and a few of our players must have read some of the comments posted in this thread ;)
I often think that DJC. Many of the issues raised here (initially as far as I can tell) end up in the media, sometimes nearly word for word with the same examples etc etc.
"You read it her first!" could certainly be claimed by CSC a lot of the time. :)
Re Walker: I was all ready to concede that pinning any hope on him up forward would be unrealistic. However in his last 4 games last year up forward, where we got smashed in 3, he averaged 2.5 goals per game.
In any man's language, if we as a team can improve, he should be pencilled in for 30 - 40 for the season, if fit and played forward.
Walker been unfortunate to have been played out of position most of his career.
We have three potential 40ish goal forwards in Everitt, Walker and Casboult. That's a good start in anyone's language. If we get a good game plan going and players buy right in and execute that type of forward line will be very handy. We'd get plenty of the midfielder kicking goals too.
Walker been unfortunate to have been played out of position most of his career.
We have three potential 40ish goal forwards in Everitt, Walker and Casboult. That's a good start in anyone's language. If we get a good game plan going and players buy right in and execute that type of forward line will be very handy. We'd get plenty of the midfielder kicking goals too.
Kerridge clearly is capable of kicking bags as a mid/HFF - surely he fits in the 40+ category too.....
Kerridge clearly is capable of kicking bags as a mid/HFF - surely he fits in the 40+ category too.....
Lamb and Wright can kick a few too ...
Seriously? I like that we've got Kerridge, but just remember he couldn't get a game at Adelaide. If he could kick 40, I'm sure they would have squeezed him in somewhere.
I saw another poster mention Kerridge as an option for captain! ;D
@ Ray (from another thread) - no talent? Sure, a lot to prove, but hey would you have bet Dickson would have kicked 30 goals, let alone 50, for the Dogs this year?
In bold are my 'emerging' B+ to A+ players..... 5 out of 6 contributed
nothing to the team in 2015 (apologies to Docherty)
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-11-19/collingwood-v-richmond-who-has-the-better-list-we-crunch-the-numbers (http://www.afl.com.au/news/2015-11-19/collingwood-v-richmond-who-has-the-better-list-we-crunch-the-numbers)
Quote
The Tigers have 12 players who were taken in the top 15 of their draft years, and the Pies 10.
Carlton (after next week): 15 :o :o 8) ???
#1s - Gibbs, Smurf, Special K & Weitering
#2 - Daisy, 1AW
#3 - Plowman
#8 - Charlie Curnow
#10 - Gorringe, Sumner
#11 - Everitt, Harry McKay
#12 - Jaksch, Docherty
#13 - Cripps
#18 - Cunigham, Cameron Wood
#19 - Boekhorst
#21 - Jed Lamb
I know it's far from the be all and end all but surely it means something e.g. the problem is largely between our ears!?
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2015-12-16/wright-settling-in-well (http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2015-12-16/wright-settling-in-well)
Very solid citizen you would think. Total professional from what i've heard out of SA.....
http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2015-12-16/wright-settling-in-well (http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2015-12-16/wright-settling-in-well)
Very solid citizen you would think. Total professional from what i've heard out of SA.....
Agree...I reckon he might be the new player who impacts most...
We "won" the spoon this year and have lost Judd, Carrazzo, Bell, Henderson and Yarran, we would be at fairly short odds to go back to back.
If we win half a dozen games we'll have done very well, 8 wins will be a minor miracle and will probably mean that our five or six top players have played near to a full season, and Jamison as well.
I'm hopeful that we'll improve but not confident.
We "won" the spoon this year and have lost Judd, Carrazzo, Bell, Henderson and Yarran, we would be at fairly short odds to go back to back.
If we win half a dozen games we'll have done very well, 8 wins will be a minor miracle and will probably mean that our five or six top players have played near to a full season, and Jamison as well.
I'm hopeful that we'll improve but not confident.
We only had Judd for a short while, Carrazzo was good, Bell was OK and Henderson and Yarran were non-contributors. It won't take much to put a stronger team on the park and our gameplan should be more competitive and better suited to our list.
The minor miracle should be achievable, if we manage to keep our better players fit and firing.
We "won" the spoon this year and have lost Judd, Carrazzo, Bell, Henderson and Yarran, we would be at fairly short odds to go back to back.
If we win half a dozen games we'll have done very well, 8 wins will be a minor miracle and will probably mean that our five or six top players have played near to a full season, and Jamison as well.
I'm hopeful that we'll improve but not confident.
According to the AFL stats, we had about 5 times the number of games lost to injury than the average of other clubs. Only Gold Coast were comparable to us in their injury woes. It was one of the things that Trigg noted in trying (and failing) to answer my question last night. Then, look at the guys who were injured and the number of critical players was huge.
Look at the guys you mentioned: neither Henderson, Yarran nor Menzel (who you didn't mention) made
any significant contribution in the season. Their output on 2015 levels will not be missed and their replacement must improve our overall output. Judd we missed terribly, but we were always going to miss him in 2016. Carrots did well when he was fit, but he was also expected to retire. Bell is the only one of those who would be expected to make a significant contribution based on 2015 form (only). I doubt very much that our replacements cannot cover those losses in the circumstances.
I cannot see us winning more than 8 games either, but I expect us to show a lot for large segments of games and to surprise many teams. Hopefully we can surprise a few them terminally.
Agree...I reckon he might be the new player who impacts most...
Bolton's comments on Wright last night were all about character and morals from memory. All about attitude. Said the same about Kerridge. That young man could well be trump all bar 1 or 2 draftees this year in their contributions to the CFC. Very confident and I just have a feeling that he will be a Scotland like contributor; v solid and importantly, providing consistent output. A lot of Crow members were un-impressed that they traded him out. That speaks volumes in my book. Enjoy Menzel Adelaide. As SoS said so succinctly last night; if you don't want to be at Carlton, we move you on. And they did.
Bolton's comments on Wright last night were all about character and morals from memory. All about attitude. Said the same about Kerridge. That young man could well be trump all bar 1 or 2 draftees this year in their contributions to the CFC. Very confident and I just have a feeling that he will be a Scotland like contributor; v solid and importantly, providing consistent output. A lot of Crow members were un-impressed that they traded him out. That speaks volumes in my book. Enjoy Menzel Adelaide. As SoS said so succinctly last night; if you don't want to be at Carlton, we move you on. And they did.
Averages 17 disposals a game, 4 marks, 3.5 tackles and has 63 goals from 94 games...not bad stats from a bit part player who was never a fixture, had one game where he had 37 possies and 4 goals vs Freo...hard work getting those stats vs a ultra defensive mob like Freo who clamp anything that moves...
Both him and Kerridge should be close to being in our best 22 and while Wright would be seen as experienced depth more than a regular senior player I think he can be better than that and give us contributions like Scotland and Hickmott did as imported experienced players...
Averages 17 disposals a game, 4 marks, 3.5 tackles and has 63 goals from 94 games...not bad stats from a bit part player who was never a fixture, had one game where he had 37 possies and 4 goals vs Freo...hard work getting those stats vs a ultra defensive mob like Freo who clamp anything that moves...
Both him and Kerridge should be close to being in our best 22 and while Wright would be seen as experienced depth more than a regular senior player I think he can be better than that and give us contributions like Scotland and Hickmott did as imported experienced players...
Fixing our age structure was one of SOS's targets and I think that he did pretty well with these two.
Yep, I'm optimistic that both Kerridge and Wright will become very valuable players next year. They seem to have that level of intensity and enthusiasm we've been crying out for.
Bolton's comments on Wright last night were all about character and morals from memory. All about attitude. Said the same about Kerridge. That young man could well be trump all bar 1 or 2 draftees this year in their contributions to the CFC. Very confident and I just have a feeling that he will be a Scotland like contributor; v solid and importantly, providing consistent output. A lot of Crow members were un-impressed that they traded him out. That speaks volumes in my book. Enjoy Menzel Adelaide. As SoS said so succinctly last night; if you don't want to be at Carlton, we move you on. And they did.
And all the poisonous rats (the guys who didn't want to be there) don't get the chance to poison the thinking of the new young (and older) recruits......when there's 3 or 4 guys out there who aren't trying much (for example Yazz, Hendo, Menzel), especially when they're senior or 'good' players it really can destabilise the whole team effort (probably goes without saying).
Contrast Wright and Kerridge who look like very solid, bust your gut types, who will do the 1%ers repeatedly, well that lifts the playing group effort immeasurably.
Was a big, big Yazz fan and saddened by the manner of his exit but he's a man and must take responsibility for his actions - on and off the park.
And all the poisonous rats (the guys who didn't want to be there) don't get the chance to poison the thinking of the new young (and older) recruits......when there's 3 or 4 guys out there who aren't trying much (for example Yazz, Hendo, Menzel), especially when they're senior or 'good' players it really can destabilise the whole team effort (probably goes without saying).
That is why sometimes I am bemused at people calling for Murphy and Gibbs to be moved on. I believe that they are very much committed to the cause and are opposite to the 'poisonous rats' and are needed to reinforce the values and the work ethic that we now require. I also put Thomas in that category too.
This thread of December predictions makes for very interesting reading when you have a spare 10-15 mins!!
This thread of December predictions makes for very interesting reading when you have a spare 10-15 mins!!
A few predicted 6-10 wins (DJC and Amers I think) and were spot on.
A few predicted 6-10 wins (DJC and Amers I think) and were spot on.
It wasn't rocket science GIC. Just a considered appraisal of the list and factoring in the impact of a competent coach.
I didn't pick our wins over Freo and Geelong and thought we'd beat St Kilda (twice) and Brisbane. St Kilda is clearly a little ahead of where I rated them.
It wasn't rocket science GIC. Just a considered appraisal of the list and factoring in the impact of a competent coach.
I didn't pick our wins over Freo and Geelong and thought we'd beat St Kilda (twice) and Brisbane. St Kilda is clearly a little ahead of where I rated them.
Dunno about StK DJ. I wouldn't compare us to them based on how we played against them. Our 4 qtrs vs them in game 2 were utterly putrid. A VFL would have made a better fist of it. We continued those 4 shockers with another 2 vs Bris. Rectified that in the 3rd and 4th and played 4 solid qtrs vs Melb. Prior to the StK game, we played really well vs WC, Syd and Haw and unfortunately couldn't carry that form vs a side closer to us. What it would have taught our group was what they need to bring week in week out if you want success in the AFL.
Dunno about StK DJ. I wouldn't compare us to them based on how we played against them. Our 4 qtrs vs them in game 2 were utterly putrid. A VFL would have made a better fist of it. We continued those 4 shockers with another 2 vs Bris. Rectified that in the 3rd and 4th and played 4 solid qtrs vs Melb. Prior to the StK game, we played really well vs WC, Syd and Haw and unfortunately couldn't carry that form vs a side closer to us. What it would have taught our group was what they need to bring week in week out if you want success in the AFL.
I think that St Kilda's development is a little more advanced in that they are more consistent. Our best is probably as good as the Saints but our worst is really bad. I am expecting more consistent footy from us next year as well as an improved list from both development and informed drafting/trading. I'm not sure that St Kilda will continue to progress, at least at the same rate.
I had to check back to see if I made a prediction of how many we'd win. I saw I didn't but my predictions was 8 wins. I was right! Anyone believe me? ;D.
Oh, was I supposed to predict back in December?..lol.
I think that St Kilda's development is a little more advanced in that they are more consistent. Our best is probably as good as the Saints but our worst is really bad. I am expecting more consistent footy from us next year as well as an improved list from both development and informed drafting/trading. I'm not sure that St Kilda will continue to progress, at least at the same rate.
Would you agree though the we have played less "really bad" qtrs than last year? It would be interesting to analyse the 84 qtrs played this year and determine how many were in that really bad category compared to last year. But yes, you are correct, StK have been more consistent than us.
Saints have more firepower up forward than us and some of their kids are more advanced.....they also have Carlisle to come into the team....
I'd also suggest they are a destination club now they are on the rise....and will attract players on the move who think they will play finals sooner than later.
Saints have more firepower up forward than us and some of their kids are more advanced.....they also have Carlisle to come into the team....
I'd also suggest they are a destination club now they are on the rise....and will attract players on the move who think they will play finals sooner than later.
For some unknown reason we seem to have lost out to them in recent years. Carlisle, membrey, rice to name a few. I do t see it but some folks obviously like the long drive to and from training
Would you agree though the we have played less "really bad" qtrs than last year? It would be interesting to analyse the 84 qtrs played this year and determine how many were in that really bad category compared to last year. But yes, you are correct, StK have been more consistent than us.
Definitely! And we'll play even less next season as Bolton and Co instil greater determination to apply consistent effort.
Definitely! And we'll play even less next season as Bolton and Co instil greater determination to apply consistent effort.
And I honestly believe this is what will have us climb the ladder next year moreso than any new draftees. Big PS, consolidation of roles and game plan, some luck with injury (CC and Big H) and next year could be brighter than people think. The loss of Murphy was huge to our structure. Byrne was awesome also prior to the knee injury. Our back six (2E, Doc, Simmo, JW, Rowey, Plow) has performed very well and should be left alone to continue to get the job done. Only 2E may get pushed out, if we draft a better defender, and used more in the midfield.
Yes kudous to our back 6.
At the end of r22 we had least points against out of all bottom 9 teams.
I was most impressed with that pointless statistic :o
It does, however, give us confidence that our defense is shaping up nicely. And its happened very quickly with some injury woes in Jamo and Byrne.
Yes kudous to our back 6.
At the end of r22 we had least points against out of all bottom 9 teams.
I was most impressed with that pointless statistic :o
It does, however, give us confidence that our defense is shaping up nicely. And its happened very quickly with some injury woes in Jamo and Byrne.
True although poor old Jamo never really got going this year. Imagine a Jamo in the form of a few years back in that back line nurturing Weiters.
Didn't expect us to win four games let alone 7 or 8.
However, my key point about the development of the players individually & collectively rang true.
Didn't expect us to win four games let alone 7 or 8.
However, my key point about the development of the players individually & collectively rang true.
To some extent that's more important than the wins. However, Bolton is about building the confidence and culture of the club, not just the playing group, and I think that our competitive efforts will lay a solid foundation for improved performances next season.
To some extent that's more important than the wins. However, Bolton is about building the confidence and culture of the club, not just the playing group, and I think that our competitive efforts will lay a solid foundation for improved performances next season.
Yes I agree. As far as our list goes, I was looking through it yesterday and we have a few young blokes coming through who look very promising. Add in a few newbies this year and, assuming SoS keeps up his good work, next year should see further improvements. Light on the horizon!
At the end of r22 we had least points against out of all bottom 9 teams.
I was most impressed with that pointless statistic :o
Would be good....if it were true! :P
14th Carlton - 1875
11th Port Adelaide - 1873
10th Melbourne - 1836
...
12th Collingwood - 1886 (Only 11 points worse off)
Points for is a little disturbing...
Carlton - 1489
Essendon - 1334
...
Fremante - 1505 (16 points better)
then daylight to everyone else.
In short, we are worse offensively then we are good defensively.....if that makes sense.
Anyone know whatever happened to Barb? Was our biggest supporter in the outer back in the 90s but can't remember the last time I saw her at a game. Was always good fun watching her in action
Anyone know whatever happened to Barb? Was our biggest supporter in the outer back in the 90s but can't remember the last time I saw her at a game. Was always good fun watching her in action
Her name is Barb Fitzbibbon and her father played for the Blues in the 1940s. I imagine she's still going but I haven't seen her since we left Princes Park.
Thx jofo
Her name is Barb Fitzgibbon and her father played for the Blues in the 1940s. I imagine she's still going but I haven't seen her since we left Princes Park.
Fred Fitzgibbon was a bit of a character too. :D
He got suspended for four games just before the 1945 finals.
In the bloodbath Grand final he jumped the fence in the last quarter in his street clothes and joined in the fights.
He was arrested and thrown out and also copped another 4 weeks.
He was a more disciplined premiership player in 1947