Poll
Question:
How are you feeling about 2014
Option 1: Can't contain myself
votes: 5
Option 2: Quietly excited
votes: 8
Option 3: A little bit of excitment
votes: 9
Option 4: Meh
votes: 16
So, did the first game of the year creep up on anyone else?
This is the most blase I've felt about a season since 2006/2007. I have my membership but my interest is very low.
How are you feeling?
Strangely unexcited...
There seems to be a fair bit of pessimism around regarding our chances.
I'm sure that would turn on its head if we had a 50 point win on the weekend.
....but at the moment a few unavailable players and a couple more under fitness clouds has added to the less than enthusiastic feelings.
Malthouse's second year should see us primed for a good season.
Hopefully that's what's in store for us......It's been way too long....It's unnatural.
I'm scared with how disillusioned I got with footy last year but then I just have to think back to being at the G with 95k people in that epic final and the thrill it gave me. I want that thrill again.
I despise going to Docklands - that takes out 50% of the fun
I despise watching interstate games on Foxtel - I don't have Foxtel - so I go to a pub where I never go for any other reason
No social Club
Princes Park gone
its all pedestrian and boring now...
Feeling strangely pessimistic but I am sure once the ball is bounced the excitement and passion will surface. Well, I sure do hope so.
I'm nervous about our first few games. It won't be certain how our season will go. We need every available player fit and running. I choose to be optimistic because we have the remaining few months to lose faith and watch everything turn to carp. Fingers crossed for all the optimistics around this place. ;)
I despise going to Docklands - that takes out 50% of the fun
I despise watching interstate games on Foxtel - I don't have Foxtel - so I go to a pub where I never go for any other reason
No social Club
Princes Park gone
its all pedestrian and boring now...
x2 (though I have Foxtel!)
I used to love that old Social Club bar!!!
I'm nervous about our first few games. It won't be certain how our season will go. We need every available player fit and running. I choose to be optimistic because we have the remaining few months to lose faith and watch everything turn to carp. Fingers crossed for all the optimistics around this place. ;)
With you Mantis. You can only live in hope and what's the point otherwise. If we win a few early then I'll be much more excited.
I suppose we can't win either way...
We win the pre-season and people predict doom and gloom.
We lose the pre-season and people predict doom and gloom. ::)
MM has said it is a marathon, I am quietly confident we will make the finals, after that it's anyones guess.
But if we are 0 - 3 then I will be calling for blood >:D
I want to see the guys that should/could/would want to step up and be consistently be very good or elite players actually do it - in this bracket I throw in Yarran, Kreuzer, Gibbs, Lucas, arguably even Murphy too.
Murph's 27 in a few months - and only 1 AA season?
And I want a new draftee or recent draftee - Cripps, Watto, Holman, Bell - to have a big, big, stellar season, like pushing for AA selection.
I also want Daisy and Everitt to turn it on and in Daisy's case shove it right up FIGJAM.
I'm going to be travelling for a fair part of this season so I'm not as excited as usual. However, I reckon we'll have a pretty good season and I'll be back for the pointy end of the finals :)
Objectively, we have a stronger list than last season, perhaps the strongest in ten years, and the coach and the playing group should understand each other by now. If we have a little luck with injuries and the tough draw doesn't have too much of an impact, we should be more than competitive in the finals.
I'm excited as you look at the draw and we really should be aiming to be no worse than 6-2 at our first bye. The 2nd half of the season is a lot tougher but as Port showed last year if you can build momentum in the opening rounds it can carry you right the way through the season.
I had a look at the first round today. Starting the season over two weeks, with no big or interesting games is a ho hum effort by the AFL. There needs to be something to look forward to, but there isn't. Suddenly what looks like a round of practice matches are being played for points.
Carlton v Port Adelaide? How boring to start a year (although we should get a win).
[flash=300,200]http://www.youtube.com/v/V8FiAhzKQOM[/flash]
in short - an injury to a key player away from the black dog
I despise going to Docklands - that takes out 50% of the fun
I despise watching interstate games on Foxtel - I don't have Foxtel - so I go to a pub where I never go for any other reason
No social Club
Princes Park gone
its all pedestrian and boring now...
x2 (though I have Foxtel!)
I used to love that old Social Club bar!!!
Me too!
I despise going to Docklands - that takes out 50% of the fun
I despise watching interstate games on Foxtel - I don't have Foxtel - so I go to a pub where I never go for any other reason
No social Club
Princes Park gone
its all pedestrian and boring now...
x2 (though I have Foxtel!)
I used to love that old Social Club bar!!!
So did I ;), although I used to routinely walk outside onto the social club deck seating forward of the bar as soon as the games started.
And I want a new draftee or recent draftee - Cripps, Watto, Holman, Bell - to have a big, big, stellar season, like pushing for AA selection.
Make sure that's only tobacco you're smoking there Flyboy!!
Obviously the players don't share our pessimism.....which is probably a good thing ;) :D
Link from the jumper thread....
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/carlton-legend-wayne-johnston-names-robert-warnock-as-key-factor-to-blues-finals-aspirations/story-fni5f5nx-1226852882535
"I then spoke with 'Murph' (Murphy) about where the club is at because I can't remember the place being so happy and Mick Malthouse has to take credit for that."
Murph's 27 in a few months - and only 1 AA season?
Been trying to point out for some time how much we overrate him.
After reading most experts predictions for the 8 this year any pessimism I had was fuelled by only Sellars predicting us to make the 8! :(
Murph's 27 in a few months - and only 1 AA season?
Been trying to point out for some time how much we overrate him.
....and Gibbs.....and Kreuzer. Most underwhelming collective of # 1 picks ever....
Always like the excitement of a new season starting, the first couple of games will set the tone for me. Hopefully we are not disappointed!
I'm feeling Meh about this season, but I think that could be a good thing. Every other year I get super excited and have heightened expectations only to be disappointed.
Maybe the reverse will happen this year.
Murph's 27 in a few months - and only 1 AA season?
Been trying to point out for some time how much we overrate him.
We've both been critical of his Game, where no doubt he is a good player but always needed to step it up a notch. His Best in his AA year was superb and therefore I rate him a good chance with a second year of captaincy and a good pre season to bring his A Game. I'm backing him in, but I will always mark him a tad hard.
This thread is timely, I guess with the cricket just finishing, I actually watched 30 mins of pre-season, not signed up for Fantasy Football and haven't even joined a footy tipping comp yet. Maybe losing the traditional Thursday Game against Richmond has waned some peoples enthusiasm, i remember the last few years getting home from work early to watch it, not being able to concentrate at work all day. This year i told my wife that Carlton is on Saturday night... I didnt even know it was Sunday!
I have a good record of picking where the blues will finish and i really have no idea this year. I actually have a funny feeling of Top 4...
Is this lack of enthusiasm down to the club's management and their handling of the club to some extent?
The only thing sapping my enthusiasm for the season is you guys and your depressing predictions!! Haha
I'm pumped, just like I always am, and think we're going to cause all sorts of drama for teams this season. Bit of luck with injuries and we can match it with anyone!
A little more enthused now cricket is finished, but being over in SA I dare say I will only get to see 40% (or maybe less) of our matches (with no fox at home).
(Some IN's for the scum would be nice too and cheer me up a lot).
Is this lack of enthusiasm down to the club's management and their handling of the club to some extent?
not making the 150 year celebration about the ordinary supporter instead of the crazy prices they set and the entire signature debacle certainly put them behind the 8 ball IMO.
The only thing sapping my enthusiasm for the season is you guys and your depressing predictions!! Haha
I'm pumped, just like I always am, and think we're going to cause all sorts of drama for teams this season. Bit of luck with injuries and we can match it with anyone!
Yep, if we can't win the flag this year it would be good to wreck a few other team's chances! :))
Yes I think the fact we don't have our usual opener against Richmond has dampened things a little. Boy would I like to belt that mob again especially now that everyone thinks they're top 4 material, gee whiz.
I'd be more pumped for the season if 3 of our first 5 games weren't on a Sunday night.
I'm always full of beans at the start of a year.
U people who aren't should be ashamed!
Is this lack of enthusiasm down to the club's management and their handling of the club to some extent?
asked about my fixture magnet today and got told they will be sent out tomorrow.
only had 6 months or so. Our membership department is an absolute joke. Give me 3 months in there to sort it out. Who are we hiring to run these things?
I hadn't look at our draw until now and man it's favourable. There's a good chance we won't play a top 6 team twice. No excuses for missing finals.
Can we rename this thread to;
Curb Your Enthusiasm!
One of my favorite shows.
Can we rename this thread to;
Curb Your Enthusiasm!
One of my favorite shows.
:)) :)) Great idea... great show. Larry David might be the world's greatest schmuck. :)) :))
If we had of found a gun key forward in the off-season, my enthusiasm would be sky-high.
As it stands, I'm lukewarm at this point.
At Christmas time I was really pumped. I've cooled considerably since then and I'm back on the pessimism train.
This could all change after round 1-2.
Murph's 27 in a few months - and only 1 AA season?
Been trying to point out for some time how much we overrate him.
So you are using the AA selectors are know it alls now?
How many AAs has Betts got? CLEARLY better than most FPs picked over the journey.
That's an example but not the be all and end all obviously.
From what I can see going in quick and direct relying in big men taking marks appears to be the way footy is going.
One thing is sure this year will make or break for Levi/Rowe
From what I can see going in quick and direct relying in big men taking marks appears to be the way footy is going.
One thing is sure this year will make or break for Levi/Rowe
Pearce, Crowely & Ballantyne in double figures tonight. The big boys pretty quiet.
From what I can see going in quick and direct relying in big men taking marks appears to be the way footy is going.
One thing is sure this year will make or break for Levi/Rowe
This style doesn't work too often if the small men don't pick up the crumbs. Hitting targets on a lead is O.K. because it can leave a big mark winner one on one in the square like Levi. Rowe and Henderson or Waite, need to lead to take 2 tall defenders away from Levi. Defenders won't leave the other 2 free in space just to double team another tall forward. My opinion only. ;)
From what I can see going in quick and direct relying in big men taking marks appears to be the way footy is going.
One thing is sure this year will make or break for Levi/Rowe
Pearce, Crowely & Ballantyne in double figures tonight. The big boys pretty quiet.
Scoring shots and transitioning. Rucks have been important and Pavlich could and should have kicked 4 or 5.
I dont necessarily disagree with you but in tonight's game the talls have do e very little on both sides.
That's an example but not the be all and end all obviously.
Not sure how much you can overrate him when he was the first bloke to steal away a B+F from Judd. Clearly shows he has talent. How much talent, and how good he is compared to the rest of players in the league is a question that everyone will answer differently.
What Murphy does on and off the field is good enough for me...i expect he will continue to improve.
That's an example but not the be all and end all obviously.
Not sure how much you can overrate him when he was the first bloke to steal away a B+F from Judd. Clearly shows he has talent. How much talent, and how good he is compared to the rest of players in the league is a question that everyone will answer differently.
What Murphy does on and off the field is good enough for me...i expect he will continue to improve.
No question that Murph has talent, but does he have the
drive to go past a very good player to
elite? He shows glimpses from time to time but as captain, he needs to take over a game like he did a couple of quarters late last season.
How many times did Judd put the side on his shoulders and will the side to win? The Sydney game being the burnt memory for determination.
Koutas 99 premlim final where he was everywhere, Fevs games where he was unstoppable, Hamill throwing his body at every contested mark, Sticks standing and marking amongst 2-3 defenders, Bradley running his guts out all game, Diesel winning every contested ball in his area and giving clear possession to the runners, SOS blanketing the best forward in an era when big forwards kicked 10+ goals regularly. These were feats that turned good players to great, great to legends of the Carlton Football Club.
Thank you very much Raydan finally some acknowledgment! Yes Murph is a brilliant footballer but is he really the best he can be? I reckon he can do a lot better personally. I reckon he could be anything if he adds some other elements to his game.
If he retired now would he go down as a club legend? Absolutely not.
If he maintains this level will he? I don't think so.
Could he and should he be? Yes.
It's all up to him.
Thank you very much Raydan finally some acknowledgment! Yes Murph is a brilliant footballer but is he really the best he can be? I reckon he can do a lot better personally. I reckon he could be anything if he adds some other elements to his game.
If he retired now would he go down as a club legend? Absolutely not.
If he maintains this level will he? I don't think so.
Could he and should he be? Yes.
It's all up to him.
well said
That's an example but not the be all and end all obviously.
Not sure how much you can overrate him when he was the first bloke to steal away a B+F from Judd. Clearly shows he has talent. How much talent, and how good he is compared to the rest of players in the league is a question that everyone will answer differently.
What Murphy does on and off the field is good enough for me...i expect he will continue to improve.
No question that Murph has talent, but does he have the drive to go past a very good player to elite? He shows glimpses from time to time but as captain, he needs to take over a game like he did a couple of quarters late last season.
How many times did Judd put the side on his shoulders and will the side to win? The Sydney game being the burnt memory for determination.
Koutas 99 premlim final where he was everywhere, Fevs games where he was unstoppable, Hamill throwing his body at every contested mark, Sticks standing and marking amongst 2-3 defenders, Bradley running his guts out all game, Diesel winning every contested ball in his area and giving clear possession to the runners, SOS blanketing the best forward in an era when big forwards kicked 10+ goals regularly. These were feats that turned good players to great, great to legends of the Carlton Football Club.
We know Murphy is still only 26 right? We are comparing him to some of the very best from the club, and game.
Be realistic guys. We all hope he improves and moves into that category, but he is no Luke Livingston/Jordan Russell/Trent Sporn now is he. Fair's fair.
Be realistic guys. We all hope he improves and moves into that category, but he is no Luke Livingston/Jordan Russell/Trent Sporn now is he. Fair's fair.
Never suggested he was anything like that, I said he was a very good player, but for us to be a better team and as Carrots said quite well for Marc Murphy to become a Carlton legend he needs to take the next step and as he turns 27 this season it has to be done soon. He is closer to retirement than his debut.
I have never been flatter to begin a new season.
And it's not only me its the majority of long time supporters I know.
The afl as a comp is nothing on what it was. Too few good quality games each round as there is simply too many teams for the limited talent pool - too many new rules that are umpired inconsistently- fixture times that only make sense to AFL.
Marking contests are another area that from a spectators perspective are close to impossible to understand as the change what forwards can do and can't do 10 times a match.
On top of this all the Essendon drug circus, vlads total disregard for the anything or anyone other then his own agenda. Over paid players - meat market trading period where fav players are all fair game means there is very little the average supporter has these days that is better then it was say 20 years ago. I used to regularly go to blockbuster games in the early 90s watching ablett senior, Lockett, Carey was so entertaining that many opposition supporters would go along. Wouldn't even consider it these days as they are no real exciting players and no one on one contests that supporters looked forward to. Remember watch SOS v Lockett Carey. Rhys vs dermie, anyone vs ablett senior. Those contests are finished.
AFL was a big part of my life even in our dark days. Sadly these days I watch our game when its on and pretty much switch off until the following weeks game.
Todays game is unfortunately is no longer run for the loyal supporters but for TV right, corporate sponsors and greedy afl executives.
They have ruined forever what was the best game in he world. :-[
Funny thing is my old man was the same.....he was obsessed but slowly lost interest.....but the game didn't really change during this period. I think as you get older priorities and values change.
I still say last year's final was as much fun as I've had in a long time.
I think we're just all natural spent on expectation.
This is part is the clubs fault - the marketing has been quite aggressive in recent years.
The improvement has been static since we were one kick away from a prelim, from then on there has been a decline, when we all thought we'd improve. Kernahan a while back said we'd have 2 premierships by 2015. This shows me that not even the upper echelons of our club know where things are at, let alone an awareness of other clubs. I read today, the next 2 candidates for presidency are nothing to be excited about.
I guess we're just tired and flat - we had 4 years of improvement under Ratts from a very low base, and now I m not really sure where things are at. don't think we'll make final this year or next year - the fact that I think that sh1ts me to no end
Feeling strangely pessimistic but I am sure once the ball is bounced the excitement and passion will surface. Well, I sure do hope so.
Tend to agree with this, not a huge fan of some of our time slots this year. Our first 3 games are great examples.
Obviously tonight at 7:40, we have 3 games in this time slot, i just cant seem to get into as much as i have to get up extra early for work in my trade, ditto with Thursday night games, of which we have 2 this year.
And also our Monday night game against the Aints.
I know i'm being picky but i just can't get into these games, which kind of curb's my enthusiasm a little. I'd say mildly excited.
I still say last year's final was as much fun as I've had in a long time.
I dont know about a LONG time...but at least since the final agaisnt the bombers. ;)
I still say last year's final was as much fun as I've had in a long time.
I dont know about a LONG time...but at least since the final agaisnt the bombers. ;)
+1
Hard to tell where the chips will fall this year. Watched Freo systematically slaughter Collingwood (expected), GWS surprised Sydney but Im confident something went wrong for Sydney as they didnt even score in the final quarter. Rewind to our EF, suggests Sydney lacks run and possibly fitness. GC were good but I think Richmond helped them look good. They are one way front running squibs who cannot run out four quarters, and their ball use was deplorable.
I will wait to pass judgement further but Richmond are a team not playing for each other and it shows. Undisciplined, playing for free kicks and whinging a lot. Prestia and Swallow ran amock whilst Gablett had numerous opponents that couldnt touch him.
I will wait to pass judgement further but Richmond are a team not playing for each other and it shows. Undisciplined, playing for free kicks and whinging a lot. Prestia and Swallow ran amock whilst Gablett had numerous opponents that couldnt touch him.
Go ahead and pass judgement Thry, Richmond are completely devoid of the on field leadership, mental fortitude and elite skill levels required to achieve anything significant. Will struggle to make finals this year as they start to realise that their best is nowhere near good enough.
I will wait to pass judgement further but Richmond are a team not playing for each other and it shows. Undisciplined, playing for free kicks and whinging a lot. Prestia and Swallow ran amock whilst Gablett had numerous opponents that couldnt touch him.
Go ahead and pass judgement Thry, Richmond are completely devoid of the on field leadership, mental fortitude and elite skill levels required to achieve anything significant. Will struggle to make finals this year as they start to realise that their best is nowhere near good enough.
Hit. Nail. Head.
Makes tonights game so important now, as Richmond, Collingwood and Port are who we are competing against for the 5-8 spots on the ladder.