We play tomorrow, starting at midday. We are on TV. What a miracle!
Backs: Ryley Stoddart Stefan Radovanovic Cooper Stephens
Half-backs: Sam Petrevski-Seton Tom Williamson James Parsons
Centreline: Matt Shannon Lochie O'Brien Will Setterfield
Half-forwards: Josh Honey Toby Wooller Ben Caluzzi
Forwards: Cody Hirst Ben Crocker Corey Durdin
Followers: Tom De Koning Sam Ramsay Matt Kennedy
Interchange: Nic Newman Tom North Fraser Phillps Aaron Gundry
Emergency: Dale Marshall Lachie Swaney Lachlan Gawel
An interesting line-up. I note that Alex Mirkov is not playing. However, I am happy to see Aaron Gundry getting a game. He did well in the pre-season.
Kennedy named as the rover?
Our team looks a little stronger this week, but we are still a very short team. And to top that off, Delaney hasn't been named. he was the only tall defender last week.
Good to see the names of TDK and Nic Newman in the lineup.
SPS for that matter 😙
One to come out as medical emergency.
Being played on 7+
Carlton 2-3-15 lead Essendon 2-0-12
SPS is the Medical sub.
We're playing 5hit.
Yep
Chalk and cheese going forward (when it goes forward ::) ) compared to last week.
Essendon 5-1-31 Carlton 2-5-17 close to quarter time.
SPS is the Medical sub.
We're playing 5hit.
How is he supposed to find form by not playing?
Good to see Willo with a bit of dash, only blemish was a kick straight to an opponent. Newman looked good also.
I wonder who else saw Setterfield give up on a chase, and avoid two contests where he should have put his body in?
Kennedy looking alright.
Playing a bit selfish up forward.
How is he supposed to find form by not playing?
Couldn't agree more. Baffling.
Not playing with any system....
Is Sam Philp injured?
Good to see Willo with a bit of dash, only blemish was a kick straight to an opponent.
Seems to be playing with a lot more confidence this week and backing himself.
Despite screwing every 2nd thing up going forward we are in front.
Crocker is killing them this 2qtr.
Crocker is killing them this 2qtr.
Get him off, sign him up and get him a cab to the ‘G
I think Crocker is playing himself onto the list mid year..
Crocker is killing them this 2qtr.
The only question is will he have that strength to hold off and the speed to defeat AFL defenders on the lead.
Crocker's got all the smarts no question about that, he's a class above the VFL kids around him. A footballer surrounded by athletic robots.
A lot of talk about why our skills, in the 1s, are so poor. O’Brien hasn’t missed a target in this game. Can’t hit one in the 1s. Is it between the ears? Is it pressure applied in the 1s?
A lot of talk about why our skills, in the 1s, are so poor. O’Brien hasn’t missed a target in this game. Can’t hit one in the 1s. Is it between the ears? Is it pressure applied in the 1s?
Is it when, how and where our AFL targets lead?
They don't get dumped at VFL like you do at AFL.
A lot of talk about why our skills, in the 1s, are so poor. O’Brien hasn’t missed a target in this game. Can’t hit one in the 1s. Is it between the ears? Is it pressure applied in the 1s?
Speed of the game and pressure...
I think Crocker is playing himself onto the list mid year..
Hopefully it's our list. Like a real smaller forward rather than the pretend ones we are trying to create.
Liked TDK, Kennedy, Willo & Newman that qtr... of the AFL listed blokes.
Better from Setterfield - must have got a rocket at qtr time.
If Crocker keeps up this form... hard to see him not be snapped up onto an AFL list.
Ramsay and Honey got into the game a little more that qtr.
Just realised why we were "5hit" in the 1st qtr. We were kicking into a howler of a win. Actually we did well.
2 goals into the wind. Very handy!
Crocker is just dominate.
Said it last week. So did GTC. Grab him now
I'd still have Parson or Wooler ahead of Crocker.
Fans might like watching Crocker at VFL level, but he is not going to displace BigH, McGovern or Levi as a KPF, and I don't think he is fast and mobile enough to get a role on the flank. Which I think is a pity, because Crocker looks good enough.
Could Crocker get a gig if Betts retires, can he play the crumbing FP at AFL level?
I'd still have Parson or Wooler ahead of Crocker.
Fans might like watching Crocker at VFL level, but he is not going to displace BigH, McGovern or Levi as a KPF, and I don't think he is fast and mobile enough to get a role on the flank. Which I think is a pity, because Crocker looks good enough.
Could Crocker get a gig if Betts retires, can he play the crumbing FP at AFL level?
If they play well, just take them. In this case, best available. You're unlikely to find many from that draft who'll make it so if there's one, get him. Goes well in the air and on the ground, like I saw just then. He'll go ok on the flank.
Said it last week. So did GTC. Grab him now
We could do a lot worse.
I'd still have Parson or Wooler ahead of Crocker.
Fans might like watching Crocker at VFL level, but he is not going to displace BigH, McGovern or Levi as a KPF, and I don't think he is fast and mobile enough to get a role on the flank. Which I think is a pity, because Crocker looks good enough.
Could Crocker get a gig if Betts retires, can he play the crumbing FP at AFL level?
Croker can play mid as well.
Crocker very clean below his knees.
I can see it now… “Who was in charge of recuiting that spud Crocker ? Not up to it at AFL level !”
“Why do we persist with other clubs delistings…?”
“Should have got player X, he’s tearing it up, and we get the guy the Cows didn’t want”
🙄🙄
I can see it now… “Who was in charge of recuiting that spud Crocker ? Not up to it at AFL level !”
“Why do we persist with other clubs delistings…?”
“Should have got player X, he’s tearing it up, and we get the guy the Cows didn’t want”
🙄🙄
Yes, that's how it works...lol.
More like we "Carltonise" these players once in the seniors...haha.
Thumped the crap out of them in the end. Players were very hungry.
Kennedy could be a late in for the late game ....
Kennedy could be a late in for the late game ....
No change.
Crocker, Wooller and Honey was how I saw potential AFL players.
Honey plays with agro and can tackle, has to get a game soon...
Setterfield was OK but just lacks physicality.
Ill guess that TDK will be straight in next week given how Casboult is playing.
Thumped the crap out of them in the end. Players were very hungry.
great about the hunger!
Ill guess that TDK will be straight in next week given how Casboult is playing.
If McGovern has done a hammy TDK In is probably true, and Levi has escaped by the skin of his teeth!
If McGovern has done a hammy TDK In is probably true, and Levi has escaped by the skin of his teeth!
Kennedy in for Brackets, TDK for Levi.
Kennedy in for Brackets, TDK for Levi.
They won't do that, TDK would rotate off the bench with Pittonet and LEvi and BigH as permanent KPFs.
If Martin or SoJ was fit they might be an in for Gibbons.
They won't do that, TDK would rotate off the bench with Pittonet and LEvi and BigH as permanent KPFs.
If Martin or SoJ was fit they might be an in for Gibbons.
Gibbons did lift in the 2nd half, very quiet in the 1st
Ill guess that TDK will be straight in next week given how Casboult is playing.
Tom rucked intelligently and was dangerous. He could well be an 'in' for next week. He was supposed to be limited minutes, but really impressed.
Tom rucked intelligently and was dangerous. He could well be an 'in' for next week. He was supposed to be limited minutes, but really impressed.
That would be great if he’s ready, Levi was very ordinary today imo.
ESSENDON 5.1 5.1 8.2 8.4 (52)
CARLTON 2.5 7.12 11.15 14.17 (101)
GOALS: Crocker 3, Wooller 3, Caluzzi 2, Honey 2, De Koning, Durdin, O’Brien, Setterfield
BESTS: Setterfield, Crocker, Newman, O’Brien, De Koning, Caluzzi
Setters was hopeless early, but really upped his game and had a lot of tackles. And he looked like he wanted to tackle. I was happy with that.
Crocker was indomitable. He so dominated that it wasn't funny. He could well have had 8 goals. he had 7 marks in the forward 50 and at least 13 marks overall. He took the Essendon defence and wiped the floor with them.
Honey didn't get huge numbers, but he really attacked nicely. His attack on the ball and the opposition player was excellent.
Kennedy was very good early, but he was barely on in the 2nd half and not at all in the last quarter.
Durdin did some nice things, but just not enough of them. His disposal was nice and he negative side.
Lachie O'Brien ... didn't do enough. He is gone.
I was disappointed in Ramsey for the 2nd week in a row. Just not getting enough of the ball at this point.
Wooller was not as impressive this week: he spent no time on the ball, as we had other ruck options. He did take some nice marks, though.
Radovanovich was solid again, although not as prominent. He doesn't get beaten very often.
One lad who played his best game for us so far was Cooper Stephens. The lad did a really solid job and really moves and kicks like Nick Duigan.
Basically, we had a real team effort with everyone making a contribution. Essendon had 2 or 3 ball getters and rest did nothing.
Would you describe Crocker as smart?
The one thing that we seem to lack is players with football intelligence.
We have guys that can play that do dumb things and we have guys that are so so in the playing stakes that do smart things. Gibbons is one.
If Crocker is one then if look hard at him for mid year.
Can't wait to have Nic Newman back in the AFL team.
Would you describe Crocker as smart?
The one thing that we seem to lack is players with football intelligence.
We have guys that can play that do dumb things and we have guys that are so so in the playing stakes that do smart things. Gibbons is one.
If Crocker is one then if look hard at him for mid year.
In my 20 mins of watching him play, yeah he’s got a bucketload of smarts.
BUT does he have the tricks to overcome our haphazard forward delivery AND the bigger, faster, stronger defender…?
That’s what will define him making it or not.
Would you describe Crocker as smart?
Not by looking at him - although I guess all the tatts could be intended as some sort of camouflage.
Good to see Willo with a bit of dash, only blemish was a kick straight to an opponent.
Apart from seeing TDK back in action, the best thing I saw all match was Willo kicking with his right foot and not looking completely unco doing so.
Crocker is a very good VFL player. Not quite big enough to be a AFL player. Couldn't make it at Collingwood or Adelaide before us. Also I think we are more in need of another key defender rather than another key forward.
Newman was a big in for us. We have really missed him down back. The lesson for Willo is for him to back himself the next opportunity he gets in the AFL. Kennedy, Setterfield, TDK & O'Brien are all too good for VFL football. What they need to do is make the next step to AFL level. Honey and Ramsay are developing nicely and Durdin did some nice things. Considering we had eleven listed players not playing and Kennedy only played half a game, Essendon don't appear to have a lot of depth considering they got a goal before the match for a pretty soft free kick, and they got another after the ball had clearly gone out of bounds, so other than five minutes at the end of the first quarter and five minutes at the start of the third, there really wasn't a lot there. Carlton could have and should have won by a lot more but it was the same old problem we see at AFL level, poor disposal, poor decision making and poor finishing cost us a more sizeable victory.
If Owies can stay fit and in form that might keep Crocker out of our recruiting plans.
If Owies can stay fit and in form that might keep Crocker out of our recruiting plans.
It was interesting to hear O'Keefe a week or so back, he was talking on a footy radio show and basically alluding a good part of the success of Crocker, Wooler and Parson on the work ethic and running patterns of Owies, even though Owies himself wasn't having outstanding personal results.
Gibbons did lift in the 2nd half, very quiet in the 1st
Agreed, but like Pitto, against good teams that put a foot on your throat you don't get the luxury of making the second half hero comeback!
Would you describe Crocker as smart?
The one thing that we seem to lack is players with football intelligence.
We have guys that can play that do dumb things and we have guys that are so so in the playing stakes that do smart things. Gibbons is one.
If Crocker is one then if look hard at him for mid year.
Top 3 attributes of crocker in no particular order.
Smart
Good disposal (including at goal)
Likes body contact
Those 3 alone are enough to give him a shot as it's 3 areas we lack.
Someone said owies could keep him out of the side, but that's a very short term view. Eddie will be gone and Fishers body keeps letting him down. Even still, I'd play all 3 up forward together. No team would have 3 small defenders capable of stopping them all at once.
Someone said owies could keep him out of the side, but that's a very short term view. Eddie will be gone and Fishers body keeps letting him down. Even still, I'd play all 3 up forward together. No team would have 3 small defenders capable of stopping them all at once.
I suspect the thing that will keep Crocker out is if we go with BigH, McGovern and Levi we'd be too slow if you add Crocker.
Could Crocker fill an undersized version of the McGovern role for a few weeks? Crocker does like a bit of argy-bargy, which is something we lack!
Is Crocker allowed to play in the AFL?
I suspect the thing that will keep Crocker out is if we go with BigH, McGovern and Levi we'd be too slow if you add Crocker.
Could Crocker fill an undersized version of the McGovern role for a few weeks? Crocker does like a bit of argy-bargy, which is something we lack!
Piss Levi off for starters. Tdk in.
Crocker doesn't need to be quick, he is smart. Kick it to him in a one on one contest, even along the ground, and you won't have to worry about him chasing his opponent because the ball will be going back to centre with the umpire.
Re slowness.....that was keeping Jack Silvagni out of the side for a while....then we realised Jack was smart enough to cover for lack of pace and we played him anyway. Same with Crocker.
That's our closest player to Crocker, Jack silvagni.
Is Crocker allowed to play in the AFL?
Nope.
We can draft him in the midseason draft though.
Nope.
We can draft him in the midseason draft though.
Then I would do it in a heartbeat and give him a game. Both games I've seen him play he was a cut above the rest
Then I would do it in a heartbeat and give him a game. Both games I've seen him play he was a cut above the rest
Yep. Hopefully nobody beats us to him.
Yep. Hopefully nobody beats us to him.
How does it work Krudd? Don't we get 1st dibs?
How does it work Krudd? Don't we get 1st dibs?
Reverse ladder order....for teams that have a spot available. Not all teams do, but you can get one with a retirement or a season ending injury.
Marchbank gave us our one.
How does it work Krudd? Don't we get 1st dibs?
Nope, it's a draft.
Reverse ladder order....for teams that have a spot available. Not all teams do, but you can get one with a retirement or a season ending injury.
Marchbank gave us our one.
Why isn't Charlie one too?
Surely he's been on the LTI list?
Is a Crocker type player our most immediate backup need?
Is a Crocker type player our most immediate backup need?
I'd say KP backup is a greater need.
I'd say KP backup is a greater need.
I think there may be a couple of ruck options we could look at first, at this stage we've got the out of form Pitto and Levi, and the returning fragile talent called TDK.
Having lost McGovern to the hammy, the ruck situation is even more serious.
I've this horrible fear, Pitto or Levi get injured so we ruck BigH, ............ it's Carlton's way, you make em, we break em!
I think there may be a couple of ruck options we could look at first, at this stage we've got the out of form Pitto and Levi, and the returning fragile talent called TDK.
Having lost McGovern to the hammy, the ruck situation is even more serious.
I've this horrible fear, Pitto or Levi get injured so we ruck BigH, it's Carlton's way!
Yes, fair point. But my hope is that we can negate the opposition ruckman to a degree by our stoppage structures and set ups.
My fear is that we don't really defend as it stands now. If Jones goes down, we're in a bit of trouble. If Weitering goes down, we're in deep do dos and you can confidently shut the gate on 2021 IMO.
Crocker will get a taller player at AFL senior level, Tigers often use Grimes on small players who have marking skills like Eddie, Cameron, Ryan etc. I dont mind taking the punt with Crocker as its a cheap gamble but I wouldnt be expecting bags of goals like at VFL level and he would have to improve his defensive game like I have said previously.
Reminds me of a slightly smaller version of Dean Galea the ex Port/Williamstown mid sized goal kicker...
trade setters and kennedy not good enough for seniors ,get ball kick ball types ,we need to add pace in our midfield and i can see O'Brien on a hbf we his deadly left foot ,bit like salem from melb type but he needs to drink some concrete first
Reminds me of a slightly smaller version of Dean Galea the ex Port/Williamstown mid sized goal kicker...
Actually, I think Crocker is equal or got Galea covered for size, it's hard to tell these days because they are all bigger than just a decade ago!
I know some sites listed Galea at 188cm, but I'd say on the 180cm side of that! However, Galea was a footballer's footballer.
Galea
Actually, I think Crocker is equal or got Galea covered for size, it's hard to tell these days because they are all bigger than just a decade ago!
I know some sites listed Galea at 188cm, but I'd say on the 180cm side of that! However, Galea was a footballer's footballer.
Galea was around 6'2 and had more meat on him than Crocker and would have been 90kg plus IMO, not as quick as Crocker but strong in the body and like Crocker could kick straight.
Crocker does have an advantage in that he can play up the ground as a winger/mid and does a good imitation of a poor mans Dusty with the fend off.
For half a season at peanut rookie money what is there to lose? We probably have more pressing issues with no backup Key Defenders or Key Forwards but you think back to the likes of Tory Dickson@the Dogs and he made a nice little career out of making good position, kicking straight and has a premiership medal for his efforts.
The other thing is that he has to play each week as well....no point picking him up and plonking him back in the twos, you play him down forward and work a game plan to get the best out of him. He wont fire every week but he might win 2-3 games for you which might be enough to get a finals berth.
No one will beat Marlon Pickett in terms of mid season pickups but Crocker is a low risk gamble who might pay off with some smart coaching which is probably more of an issue than Crockers ability.
I can't see that a medium / small forward is our priority right now - we have Martin, Murphy, Jack, Honey, Durdin, Ramsay [and Fisher] all on the list who didn't play on the weekend. That's 7 players, plus Matt Kennedy.
We have very limited backup for KP defenders and Ruck. TDK is on the way back which potentially gives you Levi as the only realistic backup for both roles. If Jones or Weiters got injured we would probably play Parkes as a key defender which is not ideal at this stage of his development. One the numbers and the risks I would be looking for a tall asap.
I can't see that a medium / small forward is our priority right now - we have Martin, Murphy, Jack, Honey, Durdin, Ramsay [and Fisher] all on the list who didn't play on the weekend. That's 7 players, plus Matt Kennedy.
We have very limited backup for KP defenders and Ruck. TDK is on the way back which potentially gives you Levi as the only realistic backup for both roles. If Jones or Weiters got injured we would probably play Parkes as a key defender which is not ideal at this stage of his development. One the numbers and the risks I would be looking for a tall asap.
Its not really about priority right now.
Its about getting quality cheaply that may pay off.
Whatever KP or ruck we'd likely get in the midseason draft could take years to come on. Very few are capable of playing AFL level to any decent standard.....so what is the point of rookieing someone who can't play unless they are showing they are a cut above VFL level.
Crocker could perform at AFL level now, but IMO he'd get drafted next year off the back of his efforts this year. So why not get him cheap now. He could play now too.
If there was an 18/19yo tall kid who was lighting up the 2's, yes, they would fill a need in the long term, wouldn't give us squat now though. Could we get better at the end of season draft? Via trade? I think so.
Its not really about priority right now.
Its about getting quality cheaply that may pay off.
Whatever KP or ruck we'd likely get in the midseason draft could take years to come on. Very few are capable of playing AFL level to any decent standard.....so what is the point of rookieing someone who can't play unless they are showing they are a cut above VFL level.
Crocker could perform at AFL level now, but IMO he'd get drafted next year off the back of his efforts this year. So why not get him cheap now. He could play now too.
If there was an 18/19yo tall kid who was lighting up the 2's, yes, they would fill a need in the long term, wouldn't give us squat now though. Could we get better at the end of season draft? Via trade? I think so.
Jack Hayes from Woodville West Torrens is a 194cm KP player who I would look at, can play a bit of 2nd ruck too and has been in excellent form in the SANFL. You have to have a back up plan if Crocker is picked up by another club , after the success of Marlon Pickett clubs wont treat the mid season rookie draft as a joke any more and see it as a serious way to get talent in and Crocker is going to stand out like Dogs nuts to struggling clubs.
Jack Hayes from Woodville West Torrens is a 194cm KP player who I would look at, can play a bit of 2nd ruck too and has been in excellent form in the SANFL. You have to have a back up plan if Crocker is picked up by another club , after the success of Marlon Pickett clubs wont treat the mid season rookie draft as a joke any more and see it as a serious way to get talent in and Crocker is going to stand out like Dogs nuts to struggling clubs.
194cm is not a backup ruck at AFL level.
I remember in the superdraft where we took Gibbs, some were saying Sellar was a potential pick 1 option. He went at 17 from memory....and never made it because he was essentially an undersized ruck. Positionless in the AFL.
Be wary of 'talls' playing well in the SANFL.
194cm is not a backup ruck at AFL level.
I remember in the superdraft where we took Gibbs, some were saying Sellar was a potential pick 1 option. He went at 17 from memory....and never made it because he was essentially an undersized ruck. Positionless in the AFL.
Be wary of 'talls' playing well in the SANFL.
Hayes is a KP player by trade who falls into that 194cm Oscar Allen (WC) type option as a ruckman.....just relief when you need it, I'm not trying to sell him as a genuine 2nd string ruck....but someone who can play CHB, FF, CHB and do a job where needed.