Re: RD 1 - Blues Lose To Tigers (Aftermatch Angst & Teeth Gnashing)
Reply #281 –
That was a very disappointing game and it has taken me a while to get to the point where I can put my thoughts down in a relatively calm manner.
I heard the first quarter on ABC radio and had the benefit of Parko’s and Brad Sewell’s insights. I got home just after quarter time and watched the rest of the game on Channel 7. I didn’t pay a lot of attention to the commentators. I also watched Malthouse’s press conference and some of his comments/responses were enlightening.
So, what did I learn?
It’s a cliché but bad kicking is bad football. Parko reckoned we should have kicked another five goals in the first quarter after dominating the play and inside 50s. Who am I to argue with Parko and, if we were seven goals up at quarter time, it would be hard to see Richmond getting back into the game.
Jaksch is not a key position player and Malthouse made it clear that he is well aware of that. Why he was played on Griffiths in the first quarter is a bit of a mystery. He has potential as a third tall at either end and hopefully the coach will give him appropriate match ups.
Sewell’s comments about Jones were interesting. Clearly Hawthorn do not rate Jones at all because of his propensity for basic skill errors and tendency to drift out of the game. Sewell said that Jones could be an outstanding key forward if he could consistently play at his best. To me, he is far too one-dimensional to be a genuine key forward and I don’t think he is mobile enough to play as a third tall. One mark from a key forward is deplorable.
That brings me to the forward structure or, more correctly, lack of structure. Some folk have been critical of the delivery to the forwards but it seemed to me that the problem with the forward line was threefold: (1) out of form or inadequate players, (2) lack of defensive pressure inside the forward 50, and (3) forwards who don’t make position to receive the ball. I should add that Richmond’s tactic of having two players behind the ball meant that our rebounds from defence were cut off more often than not. While the forwards should have been instructed stay with those two players, it should have been obvious to them and they should have had the initiative to do so – unless that’s against team rules.
White’s game on Martin was a highlight, although Martin did pick up some cheap possessions later in the game. A little of White’s fitness, hardness, positioning and determination distributed among our playing group wouldn’t go astray. I’m glad I was listening on radio when Deledio crunched White. I was at the game when he had his neck vertebra fractured and it was a similar incident.
Smith certainly got dropped in at the deep end and, while he wasn’t quite up to the task at times, he showed enough to suggest that he will be a regular player. Fitness is clearly an issue and that affected his execution at times. Malthouse admitted that Smith was expected to play a quarter and coming on after the first minute tested his fitness. I was pleased to see Smith make the 22 and, in the normal course of events, coming on as the sub would have been an ideal introduction to AFL for him. However, having an unfit player as the sub is a sure fire way of conjuring up an early serious injury.
That brings me to Thomas and all I can say is what a disaster! Even if Thomas hasn’t actually set the world on fire as a player, he is a big personality at the club and his loss would have had a huge impact on the players. That’s not to mention the impact on midfield rotations when we already had fewer players in our midfield rotations than the Tigers. I should also say that Malthouse’s response to Damian Barrett’s question about the impact of Thomas’s injury was pathetic and embarrassing.
Bell was good and I think he is just going to continue to improve. Before those that continue to bleat about his use of the ball blow a gasket, his disposal efficiency was just above the team average. While he could and should use the ball better, there were times when the lack of forward structure meant he had no option but to kick and hope. What Bell needs is to continue to play alongside Judd and for a few of his team mates to step up.
Judd was great but he no longer gets the preferential treatment from the umpires that he enjoyed as a Weagle. The Channel 7 blokes were full of praise for McIntosh winning a one on one with Judd when he clearly grabbed Judd’s arm and slung him out of the contest. Judd has regained his ability to burn off opponents but one has to wonder how long he will go on if our performances don’t dramatically improve.
Wood was pretty good against Maric but he needed some decent support. I hope Rowe never has to go from key defender to ruck again. That has to be one of the most puzzling moves by any Carlton coach in my memory. Rowe needs to be able to settle in to his role, although I don’t mind him going forward in a swap for Henderson if absolutely necessary.
Docherty has picked up from where he left off last season and his performance was a shining light. With a full pre-season under his belt, the Doc should have a great season.
Yes, we had a few players who were underdone, losing Thomas early hurt us, and some of the MC’s selection decisions backfired. However, the big issue for me is that we lack the structures to shut down an opposition and to create scoring opportunities. Even with a few players down on form, we should be able to stop a team like Richmond moving and carrying the ball as they did.
Topic: RD 1 - Blues Lose To Tigers (Aftermatch Angst & Teeth Gnashing) (Read 117520 times)
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