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Messages - Lods

3
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Quote from: frostydog – on
Just on Florent. Quote below from Billy Wilson after he signed recent contract extension.

"There’s a lot to get better at, and a lot of teammates that have helped. Guys like Ollie Florent - playing alongside him in a similar role, he’s been massive during my time in the team. He’s my locker buddy as well and he’s been great for me on game day, with things like positioning and reviewing our games."

This is the type of leadership fans don't get to see

That kind of backs up the thing I was saying about Florent and Wilson pre-season. They obviously formed a bond quickly.
I'd guess Wilson isn't the ony player benefitting from the experience of Hayward, Florent and Ainsworth.
It's the type of thing we're not always privy to, but like the 1% plays and pressure acts it gets noticed internally.
I'd suspect the club are more than happy with the decision to bring Florent into the fold.
He makes us better as a team.
5
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Saad is a shadow of his best.

Anyone doubting the worth of Florent should probably grab a look at him working on a specific drill with Billy Wilson in the pre-season.
He was instructing and getting him to repeat it over and over.
Billy was taking it all on board.
I wouldn't be surprised if Florent wasn't a big contributor to Wilson's development.
That's the value of picking up an experienced player like Florent. They can be another assistant with their knowledge an experience.
6
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
One of the pleasing aspects of the last half of the year is that some players who "weren't going to make it" have....suddenly made it.
They look comfortable and are getting more comfortable each week.
The question is whether they can build on that next year.

'Poor' trade choices based on early season form are suddenly looking like bargain pick-ups.
It sometimes takes some time and adaptation to fit into a role, especially after a change of club.

A player may get thrown around in multiple positions and then suddenly find a spot that clicks.
That's what makes early judgements a bit dubious, and why we shouldn't be writing off some of our VFL youngsters too quickly.

We have been a bit lucky with one aspect, and that is our injury situation has been much improved on 2024-2025.
That's a big help in getting some consistency in terms of team make-up.
With that consistency comes familiarity under match conditions.
That awareness and understanding of your teammates is vital in forming a strong combination.
Supporting one another means the load is shared and everyone looks a bit better.

What happens next is a bit of unknown.
We only have to have one off week and it'll be game over for '26
But even if it does go off the rails, I suspect that for most supporters there is a feeling that 2026 wasn't a bad year after all.
7
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL 2026 Wildcard #1 Carlton vs Williamstown
Hewett will be 31 at the start of next season.
Ben C  with a couple more pre-seasons and a bit more experience may be able to take on that role.
Finding the ball isn't the issue with Ben.
It's what he does with it at the moment in terms of impact.
I think we might regret it if we cut him too soon.
With players like the Camporeales and Charleson there may be a few in front of them at the moment...but they represent 'young depth'.


12
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL 2026 Wildcard #1 Carlton vs Williamstown
Final Score
Williamstown 19-7-121 def Carlton 12-11-83

Disposals

Ben C 35 (Not  bad from someone who doesn't get interested until quarter time.)
Charleson 27
Walker 23 (another who only played the last 3 quarters-actually he only played the last half-Had 3-4 possessions at half time.)

Goals
Paea 4
F Young 3
14
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL 2026 Wildcard #1 Carlton vs Williamstown
Ben C has done his usual false start...but has picked up his diposals as the game has gone on.
Does he hurt the other side that much is the question.
I'd personally like to see him, his brother and Charleson all get another year.
But the cut has to come somewhere.