Carlton Supporters Club

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fasolo-fit-to-play-but-will-the-blues-pick-him-to-face-the-pies-20190304-p511l0.html

The bloke should play - JLT about trialling as many as possible especially the newcomers.

Fas wasn't picked up to play 2s.....

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fasolo-fit-to-play-but-will-the-blues-pick-him-to-face-the-pies-20190304-p511l0.html

The bloke should play - JLT about trialling as many as possible especially the newcomers.

Fas wasn't picked up to play 2s.....

Agree he'd have to play, but who does he replace? Ed? SOJ? Polson?

I'd be resting Fish and Cripps. They have played AFLX and JLT 1. Freshen them up and aim for having everyone cherry ripe for rnd 1.

I'd be resting Fish and Cripps. They have played AFLX and JLT 1. Freshen them up and aim for having everyone cherry ripe for rnd 1.

They played AFLX, but the rest played a practice match against hawks....which was probably more taxing. ;)

They played AFLX, but the rest played a practice match against hawks....which was probably more taxing. ;)

Play the 22 or so most likely to play rD 1.

Matty K too if ready!

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/guns-will-thrive-with-new-rules-this-year-says-judd-20190304-p511pw.html

Does anyone know where this game is being played?

Agree he'd have to play, but who does he replace? Ed? SOJ? Polson?

Polson would be the most logical choice. Least value add of the three.

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/fasolo-fit-to-play-but-will-the-blues-pick-him-to-face-the-pies-20190304-p511l0.html

The bloke should play - JLT about trialling as many as possible especially the newcomers.

Fas wasn't picked up to play 2s.....

Agree if he’s ready Fasolo must play , Akex will add much needed experience to the forward line invaluable to a young side.

It's a no-branier. Of course we should play Faz. It's the last opportunity to see how he's going before the real stuff starts.

Does anyone know where this game is being played?

Morwell

I realize it's still almost a week away but I wouldn't be surprised to find the game moved if they fail to get that nearby fire under control. The authorities won't want non-regulars or non-residents traveling into those areas.

I realize it's still almost a week away but I wouldn't be surprised to find the game moved if they fail to get that nearby fire under control. The authorities won't want non-regulars or non-residents traveling into those areas.

At the moment the out-of-control fires are up around Maffra and Crooked River, well east of Morwell. However if the SE change late today/tomorrow is strong enough it could fan fires around Yinnar South would send them toward Morwell East/Churchill/Traralgon. But with rain also forecast for the area you'd think it unlikely they'd move the game.

At this stage we're planning to head to the game. Anyone else thinking of going? Reckon Chalky might be a chance.

Also, with what the local community has been through it'd be a shot in the arm for the game to go ahead (provided there is absolutely no risk to players etc). But with the Princess Hwy reopened early this morning and Vline back on the go, things are looking good.

Morwell

Oh wow! thanks

Good rains over the bushfire effected areas so that should calm any concerns about Monday's game being potentially rescheduled.

Bolton suggesting Fas may play a VFL game instead.....interesting!

Bolton suggesting Fas may play a VFL game instead.....interesting!

Perhaps this makes sense, especially if they think he's not genuinely a chance to be ready for Rnd 1.

Perhaps this makes sense, especially if they think he's not genuinely a chance to be ready for Rnd 1.

When he broke his arm and the circumstances around that incident I think that ruled him out of round 1 ...
Honest Indians like Polsen, Gibbons, Cuningham are going to be preferred initially IMO....
Fasalo will need to prove himself in the NB's and earn his way into the team which is the way it should be..

When he broke his arm and the circumstances around that incident I think that ruled him out of round 1 ...
Honest Indians like Polsen, Gibbons, Cuningham are going to be preferred initially IMO....
Fasalo will need to prove himself in the NB's and earn his way into the team which is the way it should be..

Agree with this 100% EB, that's the way it should be

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2019-03-06/ask-the-coach-bolts

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2019-03-07/new-blues-named-for-jlt-2

Fas and Stocker + Levi, Paddy Kerr and LOB added to the 300 man squad....

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2019-03-07/new-blues-named-for-jlt-2

Fas and Stocker + Levi, Paddy Kerr and LOB added to the 300 man squad....

That's a huge squad, 276 to cut before Monday. Just jokes, FB,  ;) :) Seriously though, I do hope that Fas gets a gig. If we intend to have him play R1 he should have a serious hit out before hand.

That's a huge squad, 276 to cut before Monday. Just jokes, FB,  ;) :) Seriously though, I do hope that Fas gets a gig. If we intend to have him play R1 he should have a serious hit out before hand.

Happy to give him a go but he needs to light it up to convince me to play him round 1

Personally I'd rather see what Kerr and O'Brien can offer, Fasolo needs to prove his worth through the NBs

Personally I'd rather see what Kerr and O'Brien can offer, Fasolo needs to prove his worth through the NBs

Fas for me!  I know what Kerr and O'Brien can offer ... and neither of them are pushing for a small forward spot.

I wouldn't mind Kerr getting a run before Levi but, bearing in mind Bolton's comments, Stocker may have to do a bit more work before he earns a spot.  It would be good to see him competing at the top level though.

Happy to give him a go but he needs to light it up to convince me to play him round 1

Exactamundo!

He must play - if he shines and kicks a few (say 3 or more) = hello Tigers.

Anything less, hello Bullants.

A forward six of Charlie Harry, the Guv, Gibbons, Cuners and Fas - I like it.

Of course Gibbons and Cuners can (and should) roll through the middle too....just as Crippa, Fish and others can rest forward.

No Kennedy? Which suggests his shoulder has been injured  :-\

Personally I'd rather see what Kerr and O'Brien can offer, Fasolo needs to prove his worth through the NBs

You don't get 100 games at afl level without having a bit of ability and having proven it.

Let's not forget he spent most of those games playing for a finals side.

Pre season stuff give him a go and see how he plays with his teammates.

He has more scope to surprise than anyone else, and we desperately need competition for small forwards.

Personally I'd rather see what Kerr and O'Brien can offer, Fasolo needs to prove his worth through the NBs

Assuming they are fit I wouldn't be surprised to see all the alternatives getting a run Monday.

Short of significant injury issues with players, what is the point of picking 30 blokes then culling 4 of them 90 minutes before the game?

Take Stocker for example, why put him in the 30 if you then cull the kid....or Fas for that matter (or any of them really)

Hardly good for the psyche?

Short of significant injury issues with players, what is the point of picking 30 blokes then culling 4 of them 90 minutes before the game?

Take Stocker for example, why put him in the 30 if you then cull the kid....or Fas for that matter (or any of them really)

Hardly good for the psyche?

I suspect that the players know whether they will be taking the field or providing injury cover.  How often do you hear a surprise, last minute selection say, "Bolts told me I was playing on Thursday"? The 30 man squad is just to maintain supporter interest and keep the opposition guessing.

Short of significant injury issues with players, what is the point of picking 30 blokes then culling 4 of them 90 minutes before the game?

Take Stocker for example, why put him in the 30 if you then cull the kid....or Fas for that matter (or any of them really)

Hardly good for the psyche?

Weather, final training sessions, unexpected health issues, there are any number of reasons to name squads like this well out from game day.

Short of significant injury issues with players, what is the point of picking 30 blokes then culling 4 of them 90 minutes before the game?

Take Stocker for example, why put him in the 30 if you then cull the kid....or Fas for that matter (or any of them really)

Hardly good for the psyche?

Sometimes its a test of character.  Find out if blokes are willing to do whats best for themselves, or whats best for the team.

Other times its to maximise the players conditioning.  I.e. Stocker has been told he needs to lift his physical fitness.  Why play him for half a game against the Pies when he could play 4 quarters with the Northern Blues??  Yes the intensity is different, but he would benefit from playing 4 quarters more than he would 2, unless we are simply testing him out at the level.  Even so, with that sort of question mark over his head, he is minimum 3 months away from playing AFL unless something drastic occurs requiring us to select him.


From here, the pecking order surrounding senior spots will already have somewhat formed.  This is why there are 30 blokes chosen for JLT, to keep everyone hungry and pressing for spots for round 1.

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2019-03-10/blues-update-jlt-2-squad

Fas and Stocker playing - surprise, surprise!

No Kennedy

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/news/2019-03-10/blues-update-jlt-2-squad

Fas and Stocker playing - surprise, surprise!

Fasolo is currently playing for the NBs. Early 2nd qtr, had 7 touches early in the 2nd qtr and a goal. We lead 26-18 at half time.

NBs and Collingwood drew 46 each. Levi kicked 3 and hit the post with a left foot snap on the siren. We led by 21pts just before 3/4 time.

NBs and Collingwood drew 46 each. Levi kicked 3 and hit the post with a left foot snap on the siren. We led by 21pts just before 3/4 time.

On the final siren?

On the final siren?

Sounds like Casboult snapped on the left just about on it. He played in defence in the first half then went forward when we had the wind in the 3rd qtr and kicked 3.

At the moment the out-of-control fires are up around Maffra and Crooked River, well east of Morwell. However if the SE change late today/tomorrow is strong enough it could fan fires around Yinnar South would send them toward Morwell East/Churchill/Traralgon. But with rain also forecast for the area you'd think it unlikely they'd move the game.

At this stage we're planning to head to the game. Anyone else thinking of going? Reckon Chalky might be a chance.

You would not believe it!  I am away on a caravan holiday ! >:D  >:D  >:D  >:D  And I have to find a pub/club that has Foxtel and is willing to forego the rugby  >:D  :'(  >:D  :'(  >:D  :'(  >:D  :'(

Just praying for no injuries.

Do we have shares in a tape company? So many of our blokes are taped up, young stocker has some Cripps like strapping around his knee.

Just watching the first five minutes today, I see nothing much has changed. Setterfield marks about 43 metres out from goal in the first two minutes. Plays on looking for pPhillips in the goal square who has opponents around him.
Why wouldn't the training and so called mysterious game plan over the pre-season have been, when you take a mark inside the 50 metre arc, go back, take the responsibility, and have a shot for goal.

Mackay, sorry if I have spelled it incorrectly, has got a major problem. In the last game against Essendon and so far today, albeit that it's still early, he has major problems taking a contested mark.

If he can't overcome that issue, he won't make it in the long term.

 Getting smashed.

Looks like we are still miles off the pace sadly :(

I know we're building a great young midfield list but geez when you look at the Pies'  midfield, we're still a fair way off the mark:

Sidebottom
Treloar
Pendlebury
Adams
Beams

Then throw in the likes of Varcoe, Stephenson, Phillips, Thomas, Langdon etc...and with arguably one of the best ruckmen in the game, Grundy, it's hard to see them not finishing in the top 3 or 4 this year. They bring in Beams and effectively get a new player in Elliott, and from last year's GF also bring back Dunn, Howe, Scharenburg etc as defenders.

Anyone know the game plan, or if you do, do you understand it?
Looks like the same crappola to me.

Simpson having a shocker.

Going to struggle this year without his free disposals he used to get at the kick ins.

Anyone know the game plan, or if you do, do you understand it?
Looks like the same crappola to me.

Looks like last year.

Anyway, it's a JLT game so won't conclusively judge things yet but everythings seems the same.

I know we're building a great young midfield list but geez when you look at the Pies'  midfield, we're still a fair way off the mark:

Sidebottom
Treloar
Pendlebury
Adams
Beams

Then throw in the likes of Varcoe, Stephenson, Phillips, Thomas, Langdon etc...and with arguably one of the best ruckmen in the game, Grundy, it's hard to see them not finishing in the top 3 or 4 this year. They bring in Beams and effectively get a new player in Elliott, and from last year's GF also bring back Dunn, Howe, Scharenburg etc as defenders.

All good players for sure, but the amount of space we give them to run free is terrible. Our zone hasnt improved, we just stand in space and watch the opposition work through it.

In comparison when we get the ball we still just kick 40m down the line and hope to win a contest.

We are being put under a huge amount of pressure in our defensive zone by a very talented midfield and are struggling to move it forward.

I am sure we will put in a more professional performance against Richmond in round 1, and it's still early in this practice hit out, which is effectively what it is.

However, I still cannot see a plan in effect for the kick outs when a behind is scored, and all they are doing when they kick into the forward line is hope that one of our tall's marks it.

We are still one dimensional.

I just hope that this is not another wasted year, which is masked as a continuation of the re-build.

Bolton's feedback was positive in the huddle. Used examples well.

And we’re now ahead thanks to two quick goals from cunners and harry

We're winning!

Loving the work from Phillips. No champion, but a good honest performer.

We will need him this year.

Thanks Barbs...not currently watching it but just the possession stats in the first quarter would suggest their mids are killing us?

Cunningham has secured his spot for round 1 for sure as a forward with possible stints in the midfield with his pace.

Bolton's feedback was positive in the huddle. Used examples well.

All good, but I would have liked him to have told Setters that when he marks it 43 metres out from goal, go back and take the shot. I hope he did, but they didn't play it.
I fail to see why blokes who can kick 50-60 metres as Setterfield can, don't settle and go back and shoot for goal.

It's play on mania.

Much better this quarter.

All good, but I would have liked him to have told Setters that when he marks it 43 metres out from goal, go back and take the shot. I hope he did, but they didn't play it.
I fail to see why blokes who can kick 50-60 metres as Setterfield can, don't settle and go back and shoot for goal.

It's play on mania.

That would be nice. Hopefully he did. We only got a little bit from the huddle.

Thanks Barbs...not currently watching it but just the possession stats in the first quarter would suggest their mids are killing us?

Cunningham has secured his spot for round 1 for sure as a forward with possible stints in the midfield with his pace.

In the first their mids just ran around unchecked. The score flattered us.
The second is a different story. We’ve tightened up and managed to score a few goals.

McGovern might find life tougher as a Blue than he did as a Crow up forward.

Much better this quarter, from us.
They are still showing us a thing or two with their forward entries compared to ours.

Simpson is done.

Good while it lasted.

In my opinion, contract or not,  this will be Murphy's last year. I reckon he's gone.

Simpson is done.

Simmo always looks done this time of the year then he tends to come good.

Simmo always looks done this time of the year then he tends to come good.

I think the last couple of years he hasn't been as good as his supercoach figures suggest. I think the new kick in rule will highlight this.

Simpson is done.

The game has passed him and Murphy by. If Marchbank and Doc were fit, Simmo wouldn't get a game. Murphy will play his 250th, but won't play many more.

He can't stick a tackle because his shoulders are stuffed. He won't barrel into packs any more not because he lacks courage, but he's had bad knocks to the head, a badly broken jaw etc. He has always had issues with hitting a target when he passes. He's been a loyal servant to the club, but it's over.

Simmo is in the same boat, but for different reasons.

If Doc was fit, Simmo wouldn’t get a game this year.

I know everyone has said it, but Walsh is magnificent.

I'm getting orgasms watching him......................................which at my age, is a real achievement ::) ::)

I know everyone has said it, but Walsh is magnificent.

I'm getting orgasms watching him......................................which at my age, is a real achievement ::) ::)

Careful of that heart...lol.

massive amounts of negativity....f'n insane.

It's a scratch match....we're trailing by 3 points.

What a bunch of Richmond supporters...(pre recent success).

Careful of that heart...lol.

>:D >:D >:D ;D ;D ;D

Happy with kids in settlefield Walsh Cunningham and Weitering but sadly some things are still bottom 2 quality - when the real stuff starts just can’t carry players like Polson or Garlett.

Surely we have others who can actually contribute instead of keeping on persisting with these guys.

And omg does Roos ever shut the f*** up!! Had to mute the commentary.

A better quarter but still plenty of room for improvement.

Agree, especially about Polson. Not up to it. Garlett has got the ability, but lacks that something which would make the difference between what he is now, and what he could be.

Interesting, how murphy picked our main weakness in the half time interview he just did. their delivery into the forward line compared to ours.

Agreed bignic! Watched a fair bit of JLT games so far (much to the chagrin of the wife) and from what I've seen of the other highly ranked blokes (Lukosius, Rankine, Rozee, Smith, King etc), Walsh is vastly superior and ready made....the others have shown brief glimpses here and there but Walsh looks like a 60 game "veteran" already.

I think Simpson will play his role and probably still very important to the structure without Docherty there. But we lack a player who can take advantage of these new kick-in rules.....look at Hurn from West Coast....run 20m and then put it beyond the centre with one kick. As some commentators have said, it defeats the purpose with these new rules if you're going to chip it 20m sideways from a kick-in and get hemmed in...especially if you don't have the elite kicking skills that other teams seem to have at the moment.

Murphy and Simpson have only ever gone about 60% rat power in the preseason games. Long season. 

Agreed bignic! Watched a fair bit of JLT games so far (much to the chagrin of the wife) and from what I've seen of the other highly ranked blokes (Lukosius, Rankine, Rozee, Smith, King etc), Walsh is vastly superior and ready made....the others have shown brief glimpses here and there but Walsh looks like a 60 game "veteran" already.

I think Simpson will play his role and probably still very important to the structure without Docherty there. But we lack a player who can take advantage of these new kick-in rules.....look at Hurn from West Coast....run 20m and then put it beyond the centre with one kick. As some commentators have said, it defeats the purpose with these new rules if you're going to chip it 20m sideways from a kick-in and get hemmed in...especially if you don't have the elite kicking skills that other teams seem to have at the moment.

Agree on Walsh, looks great. The other one I've seen so far who I like is Zac Butters at PA.

massive amounts of negativity....f'n insane.

It's a scratch match....we're trailing by 3 points.

What a bunch of Richmond supporters...(pre recent success).

Thankyou FB, some of the comments are bordering on insane.

Murphy and Simpson have only ever gone about 60% rat power in the preseason games. Long season.

I have no doubt that they aren't busting their guts as the old saying goes.

I just reckon that the game has changed so much over the last three years, that  the burn out factor is going to be greater than ever for blokes who are 30 plus, unless they have special qualities which set them apart.

Agreed Cookie....seen both Port games and Butters looks fantastic....lightly built but not afraid to get in and get it and has great speed and foot skills. I think he was pretty highly rated but probably not in that top 6-8 names.

Hard to tell on TV but our structures looked much better v Cheats FC in JLT 1. Our blokes looked more confident on their home (training) deck.

Thankyou FB, some of the comments are bordering on insane.

Sorry guys but there are times when even in a game like this you need to be fair and call it as you see it.

Polson is not afl standard and Garlett lacks awareness. If players trying to get a game can’t make decent decisions in a scratch match well if you want to believe it will change when the pressure is on good for you.

There are several positives in many of the kids but need to accept the negatives as well.

I know it’s only preseason, but what is going on with Plowman????

Thankyou FB, some of the comments are bordering on insane.

Which ones?

Mackay, has taken one contested mark. We still haven't got an obvious plan when kicking out after a behind is scored. Even Murphy, at half time, criticised the way we enter the forward line.

It's a practice match. we get it.

That being the case, the question is, what the hell are they actually practicing?

If it's the game plan, then perhaps someone can enlighten me as to what is different about this years so called game plan, based on what we have seen in the two games thus far, with what the team delivered last year. We have been told that Bolton went to Harvard, and probably listened to all sorts of sports psychologists crappping on, and  that he's invited the players to barbecues and goes on drives with them to establish a closer relationship bla bla bla.

All fantastic.

But, I thought the idea of the game was to get the ball, kick it to advantage, and outscore your opponent, and you should win the game. Pretty simple really. Yes, you have to defend, and tackle hard, and put in, and concentrate, and give it your all. Those are the basic essentials as to how you play the game.

Now your team may not have the ability to do any of that, which is why you finish at the bottom.

All this stuff, is wrapped up in a game plan. I still, after 3 years, and entering a fourth , have no idea, what Bolton'rs game plan is. And I defy anyone to point out something that the players are doing, which is an example of that plan.

It doesn't matter if it has worked or not, just point one thing that he has told them to do as part of his game plan, which is obvious to you, that I am failing to see.

At this stage, with 5 minutes to play, C/wood are 90 possessions ahead of us, and Mackay just dropped an easy barely contested mark.

It's a huge problem for him!!

Interesting that despite the massive difference in possessions, inside 50 numbers are almost exactly the same....but we can't score. Maybe McGovern might spend a bit more time in the backline? I haven't been watching so I'm assuming he's playing forward? But yes, McKay needs to be able to utilise his height and size and clunk some marks.

We still have absolutely no clue whatsoever about getting the ball into our F50 properly. No different to last year. We have some excellent players but no plan. No point having good players if the system is crap.

It is JLT so I will wait for the season proper. Things may change when the real stuff starts but not holding my breath.

Rather have O’Shea kick to a forward 50 lead then polson.

Charlie had prime positions on 2 occasions in this 3rd quarter on Moore and both times polson had time yet rushed the kick and kicked to Moores advantage.

Luckily one he shanks straight to Moore who dropped an easy mark and ball spilled out the back and charlie got a cheap one - the other was yet another ill directed pass that was intercepted. If we are to improve his position needs to be replaced by a afl standard footballer.

Been disappointed with McGovern too. Ball coming in hasn’t been great but he has given us nothing.

Murphy too given us SFA.

Top 10 ranked players are pies.

17 of the top 19 are pies.

SPS been very good. Weitering been solid. Harry is getting better and is a great finisher.
Pies are likely top 2 team who are close to full strength so was always going to be a tough match.
Good signs with many of the kids.

Stoker is there right? Any chance the garden gnome is going to give him a run?

Agree Shawny.....Pies within a bee's dick of the flag last year and fielding a pretty strong team and we were last by the length of the straight last year....with so many new blokes (Newman, Walsh, Setterfield, McGovern, Gibbons etc) it's going to take a bit of time.

Rankine would have kicked it.

Blew some late chances but a respectable showing. How big would it have been if Walsh kicked that last one though!

Still a lot to work on across the ground.

Pretty harsh on McKay.
He’s 6’9” ffs and 21
Playing different roles and worked pretty hard

Charlie needs to get up the ground a lot more and get involved in general play. Could use some time at CHB and on the ball to help develop his game

Dow, SPS, Cunningham, Setters all need time
It will take another 2 years

Why not play Stoker for a half yesterday and then take him up as the ‘emergency’ today?? As it worked out today, a guy who is in need of a run, gets SFA. Doesn’t make sense..

x 2

We still have absolutely no clue whatsoever about getting the ball into our F50 properly. No different to last year. We have some excellent players but no plan. No point having good players if the system is crap.

It is JLT so I will wait for the season proper. Things may change when the real stuff starts but not holding my breath.

Naturally, after I say all that we come good...lol.

Should've won in the end, not that it matters.

I didn’t get to see the game, so I have to go on what two supporters commented on the game. A Pies supporter and a Blues supporter. Both agree the Pies had a stronger squad on paper. Both expected us to lose by 4 to 6 goals. Both feel we have heaps to work on. Both agree we have definitely more to work with this season than we have had for a while. If we had played better in the third quarter we would have won the game.

I didn’t get to see the game, so I have to go on what two supporters commented on the game. A Pies supporter and a Blues supporter. Both agree the Pies had a stronger squad on paper. Both expected us to lose by 4 to 6 goals. Both feel we have heaps to work on. Both agree we have definitely more to work with this season than we have had for a while. If we had played better in the third quarter we would have won the game.

let's not forget we kicked 4.7 in the last....

5.6 or 6.5 or better wins it.....

Will be interesting to see the Rd 1 team - sounds like neither Polson nor Garlett did much today?

fly....reckon there might only be minimal changes for round 1 assuming no injuries? Maybe Polson and Garlett go out with Silvagni possibly one to come back in. And does Kruezer come straight in and keep Phillips out or do they play both and leave McKay as a permanent forward and push Charlie up the ground a bit?Hard to see Fasolo coming in for round 1 so Cunningham and Gibbons might retain the small forward positions with Polson going out?

Haven't seen any stats but Poulson seemed to be doing plenty of chasing/harassing and I noticed him lay a few tackles.

fly....reckon there might only be minimal changes for round 1 assuming no injuries? Maybe Polson and Garlett go out with Silvagni possibly one to come back in. And does Kruezer come straight in and keep Phillips out or do they play both and leave McKay as a permanent forward and push Charlie up the ground a bit?Hard to see Fasolo coming in for round 1 so Cunningham and Gibbons might retain the small forward positions with Polson going out?

Reckon McKay is the more up the ground forward. His mobility makes him a good link up marking player. Plus he'll ruck abit too. McKay reminds me of the way Buddy can play, not the same ability of course, very few are, and that can be very valuable.

The loss, though minor on the scoreboard, does not distill much faith in the coaching nor the retention of players who will never be any more than ordinary or just simply past it.

Seems harsh, but we're a long way away from looking competitive ... in my opinion.  I hope I'm wrong

Not a bad effort given what the Pies have running around in the midfield, Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom and Beams were well on top but we ran them close...they are a very good team IMO and ours was a good effort and a decent hitout in preparation for round1 vs the Tigers.

re: McGovern..will take time and you have to expect life to be tougher for him with us than with the Crows who have established other forwards and more proven method.

Not sure I see much of a plan/style going forward at this stage and we are still very haphazard with our entries.....

The loss, though minor on the scoreboard, does not distill much faith in the coaching nor the retention of players who will never be any more than ordinary or just simply past it.

Seems harsh, but we're a long way away from looking competitive ... in my opinion.  I hope I'm wrong

A little harsh imo, although we still do have plenty of development ahead of us without doubt.

There was a lot to like about our performance today and only a few negatives.

We came up against a grand finalist with the capability to one step further this year **cough, vomit, choke **

How we hung in there when they were dominating was a real credit to us, and I'm stuffed if I know how we did it.

We saw first hand, I think, the influence of the Terrier in that last qtr, they were tiring and our blokes looked to be still full of run. That endeavour and fitness should see us finish over the top of a few this year.

Love the silky skills of Cuningham but, yet again he did a Houdini for two qtrs.

Forget the Polson experiment. Yes, he's quick and gets to contests but his disposal technique is severely flawed.

Big ? on Garlett.

Be a big call to have Kreuzer displace Flip. I thought the big fella competed well against the equal best ruckman in the competition.

A bit harsh capcom.....only a practice game and if one of those late shots goes through, we win against a side that was within a whisker of winning the flag and has been strengthened even further with the addition of Beams and the return of Elliott.

Didn't watch it so can't comment on the skills or gameplan (or lack of) but that's two good JLT hitouts....a win against a team most would rate as a top 8 chance this year and a close finish against a team most would have in their top 2 or 3 going into the season.

But yes, apart from Kreuzer and maybe Marchbank, we were close to full strength so a bit of work still to go. I don't count Docherty or Pickett in that "full strength" list as they're unlikely to play at all this year and it's impossible to say on Fasolo right at the minute.

There was a lot to like about our performance today and only a few negatives.

We came up against a grand finalist with the capability to one step further this year **cough, vomit, choke **

How we hung in there when they were dominating was a real credit to us, and I'm stuffed if I know how we did it.

We saw first hand, I think, the influence of the Terrier in that last qtr, they were tiring and our blokes looked to be still full of run. That endeavour and fitness should see us finish over the top of a few this year.

Love the silky skills of Cuningham but, yet again he did a Houdini for two qtrs.

Forget the Polson experiment. Yes, he's quick and gets to contests but his disposal technique is severely flawed.

Big ? on Garlett.

Be a big call to have Kreuzer displace Flip. I thought the big fella competed well against the equal best ruckman in the competition.

Polson's disposal must be elite otherwise there should be no spot for him imo.

There was a lot to like about our performance today and only a few negatives.

We came up against a grand finalist with the capability to one step further this year **cough, vomit, choke **

How we hung in there when they were dominating was a real credit to us, and I'm stuffed if I know how we did it.

We saw first hand, I think, the influence of the Terrier in that last qtr, they were tiring and our blokes looked to be still full of run. That endeavour and fitness should see us finish over the top of a few this year.

Love the silky skills of Cuningham but, yet again he did a Houdini for two qtrs.

Forget the Polson experiment. Yes, he's quick and gets to contests but his disposal technique is severely flawed.

Big ? on Garlett.

Be a big call to have Kreuzer displace Flip. I thought the big fella competed well against the equal best ruckman in the competition.

You cant run Polson and Garlett up against quality players and the Collingwood smalls/mids are amongst the best going around..........

re: Kreuzer...take your point but Nankervis is no mug and I prefer Kreuzer and his better ground skills to Philips.....Cotchin and Martin are playing really well for the Tigers and we need midfield superiority.
As Collingwood showed we still have a young under developed midfield and we need the experienced Kreuzer to help them.

Polson's disposal must be elite otherwise there should be no spot for him imo.

Way too often he gave the aggott back to the opposition today, after having worked hard to gain possession. Deflates team mates when a bloke's disposal is ordinary in regular play and hopeless under pressure.

There was a lot to like about our performance today and only a few negatives.

We came up against a grand finalist with the capability to one step further this year **cough, vomit, choke **

How we hung in there when they were dominating was a real credit to us, and I'm stuffed if I know how we did it.

We saw first hand, I think, the influence of the Terrier in that last qtr, they were tiring and our blokes looked to be still full of run. That endeavour and fitness should see us finish over the top of a few this year.

Love the silky skills of Cuningham but, yet again he did a Houdini for two qtrs.

Forget the Polson experiment. Yes, he's quick and gets to contests but his disposal technique is severely flawed.

Big ? on Garlett.

Be a big call to have Kreuzer displace Flip. I thought the big fella competed well against the equal best ruckman in the competition.

Phillips competes really hard but he only touched it 4 times. Need more than that. Kreuzer often touches it 18-20 times.

I'm worried about Charlie Curnow's maturity.  When he first came to Carlton it was exciting to see him win the ball and  burst away it.  I never knew whether it would go to a Carlton player or to the opposition but I thought with a few years under his belt we would maybe see emerging signs of a Wayne Carey coolness under pressure.

He is still exciting to watch but when he gets a mark or takes possession and runs off he still doesn't seem to know what he is going to do with it.  He is still just as likely to kick it to the opposition and the ball rebounds out of our forward line. I know I may sound harsh but I want to see him kicking to a leading player rather than being close to a brain fade.

Haven't seen any stats but Poulson seemed to be doing plenty of chasing/harassing and I noticed him lay a few tackles.

No disrespect cookie but I’m so sick and tired of hearing this. It must take a lot more then this to hold your place in any AFL team.

Polson cannot hold his spot IMO until he learns how to hit a barn door with no pressure. He kills us every time
He goes near it as he 9/10 butchers it.

Yep he runs fast and chases well and even lays a few nice tackles most games. So what !!  If we want to accept being a bottom team then we could argue his stats are worthy of another game. Jack needs to show more imo yet is still streets ahead of polson. At least jack has some smarts and can execute when going inside 50. Polson has neither of those attributes.

Cant have those sorts of player not up to it against a top team like tigers. If the MC is serious about giving us a chance the a half fit Fasolo is a big upgrade on Polson.

Agree Shawny....unfortunately Polson has become a bit of a whipping boy for us on this forum but you're right...he needs to do more and show that he can actually do something with it on the rare occasions he actually gets it. There are some players who are 10 possessions/game types but who can win a game for you...he's not one of them. If he's spending the entire game chasing and tackling then it implies he's not getting enough of it himself. Gibbons probably deserves a spot in round 1 as does Cunningham and that's your two "small forward" types. Silvagni isn't high possession either and can still butcher it himself too but if it comes down to one or the other for round 1, I'd have Silvagni in there. Said it before re Garlett, he's not a defender (not sure where he played today)....in a top team he could be a bit of cream on the top with his skills and flashiness up forward but for the moment I reckon he's a liability.

Back 6 would be Weitering, Jones, Simpson, Plowman, Newman and Thomas for round 1. Richmond small forwards might hurt us but there's a few of the mids that can work back.

I was very happy with the way we played, we're a few years behind Collingwood and it showed today but our application was first rate.
Dow Walsh and Setterfield all look like very good players but they came up against some class and experience today, Pendlebury, Treloar, Sidebottom and Beams are hardened and classy and our kids struggled a bit, in a couple of years it will be a different story.
We're right on track as far as I'm concerned.

No disrespect cookie but I’m so sick and tired of hearing this. It must take a lot more then this to hold your place in any AFL team.

Polson cannot hold his spot IMO until he learns how to hit a barn door with no pressure. He kills us every time
He goes near it as he 9/10 butchers it.

Yep he runs fast and chases well and even lays a few nice tackles most games. So what !!  If we want to accept being a bottom team then we could argue his stats are worthy of another game. Jack needs to show more imo yet is still streets ahead of polson. At least jack has some smarts and can execute when going inside 50. Polson has neither of those attributes.

Cant have those sorts of player not up to it against a top team like tigers. If the MC is serious about giving us a chance the a half fit Fasolo is a big upgrade on Polson.

No problem Shawny but I think that's what is getting him games atm - he's doing stuff that the coaches want. I know we need better. The Faz would be a different proposition in that he's more of a marking, goalkicking type rather than a defensive type forward. Be interesting to see how this plays out. Today we struggled a bit to move the ball forward for a lot of the time so it is very important I guess to keep it there when we do achieve that.

Only saw the second half and for mine;
Negatives:
Charlie is playing badly and has to stop trying the low percentage superstar stuff. Stop reading the press and do the team thing.
Our gameplan appears to be, bomb the ball long into the forward line and see what pans out.
Garlett, Polson, Thomas and McGovern.
Our backline is struggling with quick entries and on kick ins.
Room for improvement:
Setterfield. Kicking for goal.
Positives:
Midfield. Kept at it until the end. They seem to be manning up a lot better when defending.
Think we have heaps to improve on.
Really happy with how Weitering is playing.

No problem Shawny but I think that's what is getting him games atm - he's doing stuff that the coaches want. I know we need better. The Faz would be a different proposition in that he's more of a marking, goalkicking type rather than a defensive type forward. Be interesting to see how this plays out. Today we struggled a bit to move the ball forward for a lot of the time so it is very important I guess to keep it there when we do achieve that.

Agree Cookie the defensive element is important just reckon any league player must have other strings to his bow other then just defensive pressure.

Anyhow I think the 3 tall forwards will take time to gel and understand each other so having a genuine mid sized goalkicker like fasolo changes the look and even without full fitness he will give the tigers something else to plan for and either way make us less predictable going inside 50 which can only help the 3 talls get some separation. Please

Still want to see it in the real thing but really liked watching both SPS, Cunningham and Weitering in the JLT - all 3 look primed to step up to another level this year.

massive amounts of negativity....f'n insane.

It's a scratch match....we're trailing by 3 points.

What a bunch of Richmond supporters...(pre recent success).

I tend to agree FB.  We finished last, our team is full of kids and we’re playing seasoned finalists.  :-\

I wonder how many “supporters” will retract their comments about Simmo?

Simpson was crap today, why would anyone retract?

Simpson was crap today, why would anyone retract?

I guess folk see what they want to see but, if Simpson’s game was crap, I’ll settle for more crap for the rest of the season.

I thought that he started slowly but worked his way into the game and was probably second only to Cripps in our best players.

No disrespect cookie but I’m so sick and tired of hearing this. It must take a lot more then this to hold your place in any AFL team.

Polson cannot hold his spot IMO until he learns how to hit a barn door with no pressure. He kills us every time
He goes near it as he 9/10 butchers it.

Yep he runs fast and chases well and even lays a few nice tackles most games. So what !!  If we want to accept being a bottom team then we could argue his stats are worthy of another game. Jack needs to show more imo yet is still streets ahead of polson. At least jack has some smarts and can execute when going inside 50. Polson has neither of those attributes.

Cant have those sorts of player not up to it against a top team like tigers. If the MC is serious about giving us a chance the a half fit Fasolo is a big upgrade on Polson.

How many times did Polson turn it over today?
I don't recall seeing it that much.
That contest, pickup and run in the last quarter was at least a reminder of why the coaches like him. Against Hawthorn he was putrid.

Why would I want to see Simpson turn the ball over?

I'm worried about Charlie Curnow's maturity. 

22 yo, 47 games is the main attraction in a forward line that has changed structure and personnel every year for the past 3 year.....

I think we mark harshly sometimes!! 

22 yo, 47 games is the main attraction in a forward line that has changed structure and personnel every year for the past 3 year.....

I think we mark harshly sometimes!!

Never!

Simpson was crap today, why would anyone retract?

I thought he was pretty good. He and Samo were probably our best.

That was by far the worst game I've seen Dow play. He looked fatigued and fumbly from the start.

And Charlie got absolutely destroyed.

Everyone was below their best and yet we smashed them in clearances and beat them for inside 50s and contested possessions and should have won.

Gotta be a good sign for when we do put it together.

Big name recruit McGovern struggled today.
Next big thing Curnowfides struggled today.
First team starters Kreuzer and Marchbank didn't play today.

We lost by 5 points to a team who won as many finals games as we did regular games last year.
...and we didn't play anywhere near our best either.


I'll take that.

Big name recruit McGovern struggled today.
Next big thing Curnowfides struggled today.
First team starters Kreuzer and Marchbank didn't play today.

We lost by 5 points to a team who won as many finals games as we did regular games last year.
...and we didn't play anywhere near our best either.


I'll take that.

Early in the last quarter I checked the stats on the AFL app and Collingwood had the top 10 ranked players on the ground and 17 of the top 19.

Carlton website:

Best:

Jones, Cripps, Simpson, Petrevski-Seton, McKay, Murphy

Now there’s a discussion point!!!

Will be interesting to see the Rd 1 team - sounds like neither Polson nor Garlett did much today?

I cant see Garlett holding a defensive role. Looked lost.

Fellas, there's no way I've written them off.  Just gonna be a slow start IMO and how we develop

What went really well today were the amount of times we were able to break down their ball movement. They had a lot of possessions which went sideways and back which was obviously a result of our midfield defensive slide across the ground to cut off easy options. When they picked a way through the midfield our defense were pretty good at intercepting them. We won't face too many midfields more capable of cutting up an opponent through the midfield than collingwood.

What dropped off from last week was the damage from the small forwards. Gibbons, Ed and Polson weren't able to have the impact crumbing they did against the bombres.

Cunningham was very good again but down on last week.

One comment: There seemed to be a breeze blowing to the end that we kicked to in the last quarter. It was the scoring end - but the commentators never seemed to pick up on it.

Early in the last quarter I checked the stats on the AFL app and Collingwood had the top 10 ranked players on the ground and 17 of the top 19.

Relying on stats rather than paying attention to what the players are doing will always provide an unrealistic impression of the game.

Our defensive pressure forced Collingwood to use lots of dinky sideways or backwards kicks.  Most of the possessions racked up by the Collingwood players were inconsequential.  With an ounce of luck, we would have won the game even though we had less of the ball.  What we did do is win the clearances and and apply pressure all over the ground.  A little more system inside 50 and going inside 50 and we would have been easy winners - and that's with a team of kids playing against last year's grand finalists.

One comment: There seemed to be a breeze blowing to the end that we kicked to in the last quarter. It was the scoring end - but the commentators never seemed to pick up on it.

I also thought the wind was making the ball drop short and we were struggling to read it. I think it was when we were kicking to the right of screen.

Some very harsh calls on Simpson, Curnow, Mckay who were all serviceable.

I also didn't think that Garlett was too bad I'd have him in the team well before either of Polson who lacks the ability to finish and Plowman who simply moves too slowly.Plowman is a real concern as he's too slow moving toward the ball and getting the ball to his boot - his actions are all too telegraphed and I'm just not sure if it's possible to train somebody to speed up their body movement after they've been playing footy for so long.

Some very harsh calls on Simpson, Curnow, Mckay who were all serviceable.

I also didn't think that Garlett was too bad I'd have him in the team well before either of Polson who lacks the ability to finish and Plowman who simply moves too slowly.Plowman is a real concern as he's too slow moving toward the ball and getting the ball to his boot - his actions are all too telegraphed and I'm just not sure if it's possible to train somebody to speed up their body movement after they've been playing footy for so long.

Not that impressed with Garlett or Polson...I know we need a small defender with pace but you put either of those two up vs quality and its going to end in disaster IMO.......
Richmond are not the team to be experimenting with either......
Collingwood didnt play DeGoey and used Elliott as a main forward and its a tactic we struggle with IMO.....did the same thing with Sidebottom and Treloar last season.

Plowman is a lock down defender who got lost with the game plan of defending grass least season, then got injured and looks a bit rusty. I think his slowness is more to do with needing game time to pick up the pace of the game, like to see him give the ball off to players like Newman a bit more who can carry and use the footy.

I'd like to know what  MacGovern is going to do to justify the  fat term contract.  Yet to be impressed.  Not buying the hype.

Dow....  Be prepared for second year blues I reckon.

Biggest concern... The coach.   Game plan and system... When are we going to see some???

Not that impressed with Garlett or Polson...I know we need a small defender with pace but you put either of those two up vs quality and its going to end in disaster IMO.......
Richmond are not the team to be experimenting with either......
Collingwood didnt play DeGoey and used Elliott as a main forward and its a tactic we struggle with IMO.....did the same thing with Sidebottom and Treloar last season.

Plowman is a lock down defender who got lost with the game plan of defending grass least season, then got injured and looks a bit rusty. I think his slowness is more to do with needing game time to pick up the pace of the game, like to see him give the ball off to players like Newman a bit more who can carry and use the footy.

Yes, I’d prefer to see Garlett on a wing, but with Williamson and Docherty on the pine we need somebody with pace to help Newman and Simpson handle opposition small forwards. A combination of Simpson, Thomas & Plowman will be way too slow and if we go with that Castagna, Butler etc will have a field day.

I would have liked to see Stocker trialled in defence during the JLT as he looks to have some size and pace and could do what Carrazzo did when he first came to the blues playing out of the back pocket.

I'd like to know what  MacGovern is going to do to justify the  fat term contract.  Yet to be impressed.  Not buying the hype.

Dow....  Be prepared for second year blues I reckon.

Biggest concern... The coach.   Game plan and system... When are we going to see some???

In the last two games there was more intent than any other year under Bolton tongo thhough the corridor. There has been less side to side than previous years meaning we are moving the ball
Faster. In theory this should mean better entries into our 50 but we aren’t there yet.

Defensive game plan looked good and we’ve also seen a heap
More intercept marking.

Gone are the days of an all encompassing game plan. Different scenarios require different tactics - lots of good progress over the pre season in this regard. As players mature and get fitter execution will improve.

Carlton website:

Best:

Jones, Cripps, Simpson, Petrevski-Seton, McKay, Murphy

Now there’s a discussion point!!!

AFL website:

Best - Cripps, Simpson, Petrevski-Seton, Cuningham, McKay, Jones

I reckon that’s pretty close to the mark.

A few things;

Firstly, I can't see us running with one ruck and McKay, it's obvious where McKay does his best work and when you move him out of F50 you are robbing Peter to pay Paul. So I suspect that when the big dance starts dependent on opposition we will in fact have two rucks as well as McKay and McGovern. I don't really count Charlie as he can play anywhere, but I thought the problem was when McKay went into the ruck Charlie, Cripps and McGovern resting at FF didn't work, they just aren't that sort of target. That will make the selection of those around them critical, to balance out the lack of run. Also, we need our small forwards to be far more aggressive at offering the marking targets some chop-outs and blocks, we are still miles behind a team like Nthmond in this regard.

(FWIW, one ruck with a rotating KPF didn't really work for either side.)

Secondly, I hope when the big dance starts the old timers lift their game, excluding Daisy who always gives 100%, the other seniors on our list were the prime offenders in terms of missing targets and turning the ball over. I hope like hell that the problems are not endemic, we need the old blokes setting an example not dragging the kids down! (I can't believe some Carlton fans still want Daisy out, without him we'd self-destruct behind the football! (Daisy's almost our most important player in the absence of a fleet of runners.)

Finally, do not expect too much this season. Despite taking a big step forward in terms of depth and skill our kids are still kids with small AFL bodies. When the heat goes up another level many of them will be easily brushed aside, we looked small and light next to the Filth's men. Which is a worry for blokes like Cripps, Charlie, Kreuzer, Jones, Weitering and McGovern who will have to wear much of the physical heat if we are to progress.

Great summary, especially your Daisy comment

I'd like to know what  MacGovern is going to do to justify the  fat term contract.  Yet to be impressed.  Not buying the hype.

Dow....  Be prepared for second year blues I reckon.

Biggest concern... The coach.   Game plan and system... When are we going to see some???

McGovern is going to do something that most of our guys dont.

Kick straight.  Particularly when the pressure is on.

A few things;

Firstly, I can't see us running with one ruck and McKay, it's obvious where McKay does his best work and when you move him out of F50 you are robbing Peter to pay Paul. So I suspect that when the big dance starts dependant on opposition we will in fact have two rucks as well as McKay and McGovern. I don't really count Chalrie as he can play anywhere, but I thought the problem was when McKay went into the ruck Charlie, Cripps and McGovern resting at FF didn't work, they just aren't that sort of target. That will make the selection of those around them critical, to balance out the lack of run. Also, we need our small forwards to be far more aggressive at offering the marking targets some chop-outs and blocks, we are still miles behind a team like Nthmond in this regard.

(FWIW, one ruck with a rotating KPF didn't really work for either side.)

Secondly, I hope when the big dance starts the old timers lift their game, excluding Daisy who always gives 100%, the other seniors on our list were the prime offenders in terms of missing targets and turning the ball over. I hope like hell that the problems are not endemic, we need the old blokes setting an example not dragging the kids down! (I can't believe some Carlton fans still want Daisy out, without him we'd self-destruct behind the football! (Daisy's almost our most important player in the absence of a fleet of runners.)

Finally, do not expect too much this season. Despite taking a big step forward in terms of depth and skill our kids are still kids with small AFL bodies. When the heat goes up another level many of them will be easily brushed aside, we looked small and light next to the Filth's men. Which is a worry for blokes like Cripps, Charlie, Kreuzer, Jones, Weitering and McGovern who will have to wear much of the physical heat if we are to progress.

Yet blokes like Newman, Fasolo, Gibbons are also mature bodies. All should be regular starters. Ditto Cuners and SPS (the latter is as slippery as any going around). Philips and Lobbe too.

Plowman is now 24 and hardly a glass man.

Marchbank and Willo? We'll see what the Terrrier can conjure?

So, I don't buy the small body line....plenty of teams with plenty of light framed, young types who go just fine.

A bigger issue imo is the durability of our ruck stocks - all three seem injury prone.

Curnow, MM and big H need to fire up, that would be a good start!

Kernahan, Pearce, Spalding?
Curnow, McGovern, McKay

I'm not suggesting it is like for like but if the first three could run around a forward line together and not upset each other then why can't the new lot.
Bombing into the forward line has and never will work. We have three talls that can lead and mark (unfortunately not like Fev could though).
Why can't they lead in different directions, we should be blessed with leading options to kick to.
Why do we bomb and hope then? If we are going to bomb it then kick it away from the player so he can run on to it, don't kick it onto his head.
Always kick to advantage, unless your Polson then kick it under the backman to the player behind. ;D
Teague is forward coach isn't he? Come on mate make us look classy not messy.

It'll take time to gel....

Harry played 13 games last year, MM zero in a navy jumper!!

Delivery I50 a bigger issue but as others have said, Pies' midfield just about the best around....our young blokes did pretty well against that line up?

Kernahan, Pearce, Spalding?
Curnow, McGovern, McKay

I'm not suggesting it is like for like but if the first three could run around a forward line together and not upset each other then why can't the new lot.
Bombing into the forward line has and never will work. We have three talls that can lead and mark (unfortunately not like Fev could though).
Why can't they lead in different directions, we should be blessed with leading options to kick to.
Why do we bomb and hope then? If we are going to bomb it then kick it away from the player so he can run on to it, don't kick it onto his head.
Always kick to advantage, unless your Polson then kick it under the backman to the player behind. ;D
Teague is forward coach isn't he? Come on mate make us look classy not messy.

The bomb into the forwardline is known as "chaos ball theory".  It's a defensive mechanism, not an offensive one.


You put the ball into dangerous positions that could/should result in scoring provided opposition defenses are put under enough pressure.

The thing is with the chaos ball, its not elegant, but its effective at preventing opposition defenses from rebounding.  You actually don't care if you mark it, the whole point is to create space.  You do it often enough and defenses get "lazy". They stop manning up and start marking grass instead.  Once they are worried about the turf war, you then open up the forwardline for more elegant leading.



Slicing your way through is what you call an idealist approach to playing football.  You will find that the first is a function of creating the time and space required to execute the second.

It'll take time to gel....

Harry played 13 games last year, MM zero in a navy jumper!!

Delivery I50 a bigger issue but as others have said, Pies' midfield just about the best around....our young blokes did pretty well against that line up?

How many games have Harry, Charlie and Mitch played together?  It might take them a few games to gel, but gel they will ???? And then there’s Crippa playing as a key forward too.  Teague has his hands full but what talent to work with!

I thought our mids did quite well given the quality of the opposition.  Even the most optimistic supporters would have to concede that we were outmatched.

It’s still a work in progress but there are good signs ????

It’s still a work in progress but there are good signs ????

Yes good signs long term.

I expect if we can stay in games we'll get hold a few teams this season, but the reverse is also true.

AFL website:

Best - Cripps, Simpson, Petrevski-Seton, Cuningham, McKay, Jones

I reckon that’s pretty close to the mark.

I didn't think any of our boys actually played a better than average game by their own standards.

Cripps and Jones were solid, SPS was good, Cunningham played his role and Simpson really struggled under pressure.

https://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2019-03-11/jlt-2-cripps-class

how good is this young bloke!

Seems to have added some polish to his kicking too  :)

What went really well today were the amount of times we were able to break down their ball movement. They had a lot of possessions which went sideways and back which was obviously a result of our midfield defensive slide across the ground to cut off easy options. When they picked a way through the midfield our defense were pretty good at intercepting them. We won't face too many midfields more capable of cutting up an opponent through the midfield than collingwood.

What dropped off from last week was the damage from the small forwards. Gibbons, Ed and Polson weren't able to have the impact crumbing they did against the bombres.

Cunningham was very good again but down on last week.

One comment: There seemed to be a breeze blowing to the end that we kicked to in the last quarter. It was the scoring end - but the commentators never seemed to pick up on it.

Spot on. This aspect was a huge improvement on anything I saw last year.

I'd like to know what  MacGovern is going to do to justify the  fat term contract.  Yet to be impressed.  Not buying the hype.

Dow....  Be prepared for second year blues I reckon.

Biggest concern... The coach.   Game plan and system... When are we going to see some???

Mcgovern looks like hen is catching up after missing a bit of pre-season. He'll end up a good player for us for many years even if he has a slow start. Getting used to playing in our forward line will be an eye-opener for him.

Mcgovern looks like hen is catching up after missing a bit of pre-season. He'll end up a good player for us for many years even if he has a slow start. Getting used to playing in our forward line will be an eye-opener for him.

My brother played at VFL reserves level and even though he follows some unmentionables he is quite complimentary to our list. But he said we have all the premium ingredients but it looks like we have just thrown them into one big pot hoping to end up with a three course meal.

If you look at the last JLT game against the Filth, our size and strength deficiency is glaring in the list of the oppositions top players

https://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/jlt-community-series/2019/2/coll-v-carl#full-time-stats

No matter how good Cripps is, he cannot overcome that sort of discrepancy on his lonesome and pushing him too hard to try will just break him as a long term player.

I am on the other side of the fence to the ones saying Simmo is cooked.

While I agree he is not at the peak of his powers he is the one player on our list we can least afford to lose at the very moment! He makes up a very small number of geniune running defenders we have down back. The only others we have that are fit are Newman (yet to play oen game for us yet) and Garlett (not a  fan).

Once we get both Williamson and Doc back then that will change things but till then Simmo plays every week.   

I am on the other side of the fence to the ones saying Simmo is cooked.

While I agree he is not at the peak of his powers he is the one player on our list we can least afford to lose at the very moment! He makes up a very small number of geniune running defenders we have down back. The only others we have that are fit are Newman (yet to play oen game for us yet) and Garlett (not a  fan).

Once we get both Williamson and Doc back then that will change things but till then Simmo plays every week.  

I think the majority just get frustrated with his disposal.
Most left footers that have played as much as Simmo have elite skills.
Simmo, no where near unfortunately.
He does make up for it in other ways

I think the majority just get frustrated with his disposal.
Most left footers that have played as much as Simmo have elite skills.
Simmo, no where near unfortunately.
He does make up for it in other ways

He's hardly on his pat in this respect amongst our senior lads...!

Early in the last quarter I checked the stats on the AFL app and Collingwood had the top 10 ranked players on the ground and 17 of the top 19.

Yep. There's very little point in quibbling about internal polling. Even teams that get flogged by 100 points need to choose a best, 2nd best etc.

Until our players fill the majority of the top dozen BOG positions week in week out, we won't go far.

I didn't think any of our boys actually played a better than average game by their own standards.

Cripps and Jones were solid, SPS was good, Cunningham played his role and Simpson really struggled under pressure.

And we still got within a few points of last years runners-up.

Not a bad effort really.

Can't believe the negativity towards Simpson. The bloke has played over 300 games for Carlton and I reckon you could count the number of bad ones in that lot on your fingers. He has an ordinary practice game and all of a sudden we want him gone? Without Docherty (again), he is a crucial part of the backline....maybe not as the best player but someone with experience...and it's not like we're flushed with that down back at the moment.

If Walsh had've nailed that shot and we'd won (a practice game) would we be talking the same way?

And someone posted yesterday that "Rankine would've kicked that"......he's done a hammy and likely to miss 8 weeks!

I didn't think any of our boys actually played a better than average game by their own standards.

Cripps and Jones were solid, SPS was good, Cunningham played his role and Simpson really struggled under pressure.

Fair enough.

I thought they got hold of us a couple of times but we generally controlled the tempo and played the game on our terms.  A lot of Collingwood possessions were inconsequential and I think that making that last shot at goal would have produced a fair result - neither team really deserved to win.

The way I saw the game, Simmo worked his way up decent form in the second half and was critical in several chains of possessions.  It was certainly not one of his better games but I’d still include him in our best players.

Can't believe the negativity towards Simpson. The bloke has played over 300 games for Carlton and I reckon you could count the number of bad ones in that lot on your fingers. He has an ordinary practice game and all of a sudden we want him gone? Without Docherty (again), he is a crucial part of the backline....maybe not as the best player but someone with experience...and it's not like we're flushed with that down back at the moment.

If Walsh had've nailed that shot and we'd won (a practice game) would we be talking the same way?

And someone posted yesterday that "Rankine would've kicked that"......he's done a hammy and likely to miss 8 weeks!

Thanks for that info WA - it's my fantasy league PSD tonight, saved me picking him and wasting 8 weeks!

Walsh is streets ahead of Rankine :P

Walsh is streets ahead of Rankine :P

Yes I know BP but I don't think he will last until my pick unfortunately. I think he'll go P1 and I have P3 as my first one.

Yes I know BP but I don't think he will last until my pick unfortunately. I think he'll go P1 and I have P3 as my first one.

Sorry Mr Monster I wasn't having a go at you but more to the comment of Ranking would've kicked it.
I'm very happy we chose Walsh and not Rankine or Lukosis.

Sorry Mr Monster I wasn't having a go at you but more to the comment of Ranking would've kicked it.
I'm very happy we chose Walsh and not Rankine or Lukosis.

No worries BP - I am also very happy we got Walsh.  :)

 I was clearly joking about Rankine kicking it.

I'm almost happier that we lost yesterday.

Hopefully we get a little more underestimated than if we'd finished JLT with 2 wins. Tigs can get a bit ahead of themselves as we've seen.

I'm almost happier that we lost yesterday.

Hopefully we get a little more underestimated than if we'd finished JLT with 2 wins. Tigs can get a bit ahead of themselves as we've seen.

The last time we beat them in R1 was 2012. And the coach was......  :D

However far ahead of themselves they get, I doubt they'll lose. 

The last time we beat them in R1 was 2012. And the coach was......  :D

However far ahead of themselves they get, I doubt they'll lose.

Chin up Paul, the real footy's about to start!

Chin up Paul, the real footy's about to start!

The Crying Game, Season 7.

I was clearly joking about Rankine kicking it.

Must've jinxed him, he's done his hamstring tendon and out for a while.

Walsh is streets ahead of Rankine :P

Managed to get him tonight for my fantasy team after all!  :)

https://www.facebook.com/Overreactorband/videos/322542658295383/UzpfSTU4MTAyNDc2NjoxMDE1NzQwNTczNjc2NDc2Nw/

Just watched the first three quarters of the replay.

Thoughts:

1. Reckon the Curnow brothers got on the piss the night before - they were either entirely MIA or pitiful.
2. Polson - at this stage, no thanks.
3.Murphy - start practising your kicking again.
4. Garlett and Plow - show a bit of intensity ffs.

Positives - Harry, Walsh, Crippa, SPS, Jones, Phillips, Weiters.

Thought Weiters stood up in some very big tackles.....he's a big man now, not a big kid.

We're still giving up cheap junk time goals - 2 in the last 3 minutes of Q3 - inexcusable....

Plenty of cruising from both sides granted.

No way in hell should ed Curnow play forward. He's a stopping mid and sfa else.

Just watched the first three quarters of the replay.

Thoughts:

1. Reckon the Curnow brothers got on the piss the night before - they were either entirely MIA or pitiful.
2. Polson - at this stage, no thanks.
3.Murphy - start practising your kicking again.
4. Garlett and Plow - show a bit of intensity ffs.

Positives - Harry, Walsh, Crippa, SPS, Jones, Phillips, Weiters.

Thought Weiters stood up in some very big tackles.....he's a big man now, not a big kid.

We're still giving up cheap junk time goals - 2 in the last 3 minutes of Q3 - inexcusable....

Plenty of cruising from both sides granted.

No way in hell should ed Curnow play forward. He's a stopping mid and sfa else.

Agree on Ed...he had some poor games last season where he got towelled up but he is still our best tagger and especially vs the Tigers you need
to stop players like Cotchin and Martin, cant afford them running loose and hoping your loose players do more damage.
Weitering should be able to play in a Rance like manner vs the Tigers and intercept a lot of ball...Tigers only have Riewoldt as a genuine marking threat with Lynch unlikely and Caddy out
and he should enjoy this opportunity to throw his weight around and influence the game.
Garlett is a very iffy player to be playing on the Tiger small forwards......

Under the new rules there is going to be much less chop outs and blocking for mids, it will be interesting.

It will be interesting to see which mids fade, I'm presuming those who rely on the kindness of team-mates will struggle somewhat, and those that rise will be the self-sufficient types. So I suspect Cripps will be a big beneficiary of the new rules.

Agree on Ed...he had some poor games last season where he got towelled up but he is still our best tagger and especially vs the Tigers you need
to stop players like Cotchin and Martin, cant afford them running loose and hoping your loose players do more damage.
Weitering should be able to play in a Rance like manner vs the Tigers and intercept a lot of ball...Tigers only have Riewoldt as a genuine marking threat with Lynch unlikely and Caddy out
and he should enjoy this opportunity to throw his weight around and influence the game.
Garlett is a very iffy player to be playing on the Tiger small forwards......

If Kennedy comes good, Ed may well get squeezed out.....

Setterfield looks like he's getting better and better every game, Dow showing signs and Fisher yet to find his groove (but no doubt will). Walsh is Walsh....

Murphy needs to hit targets much more than he does - a bloke like him should be icing on the cake....

Much to like about our midfield. It's a question of when not if it goes BANG.