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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 17 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
Quote from: kruddler – on
1. Less reliant on contested ball......because the opposition are worse and offer less resistance and are allowing us to do as we please more.
2. Training standards lifted....interesting considering that was something that Voss was VERY strong on in his Damo interview about introducing that to the club and being something he is proud of.

As mentioned previously, game plan shift was highlighted 2-3 weeks before Voss' exit. Confirmed by Voss, Fraser, Wright and Davies (and maybe Priestly too)

You can see from our performance, Cripps performance and by those mentioned above that this became evident in the Brisbane game.

A lot of fecking around with the ball, way more disposals than the Tigers, beat them in the clearances/stoppages easily but for only 49 entries only....Tigers had 49 entries also but their I50 work was less efficient.
We are moving the ball better and retaining possession(less turnovers) but a lot of it is going nowhere( across the ground/backwards) and we dont score enough for the amount of ball we have.
Vs Essendon we lost the ruck/contested ball/clearances but were saved by Essendons poor i50 work(39% efficient) to our i50(49%) which was poor also but not as bad....
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 17 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond
Last post by kruddler -
1. Less reliant on contested ball......because the opposition are worse and offer less resistance and are allowing us to do as we please more.
2. Training standards lifted....interesting considering that was something that Voss was VERY strong on in his Damo interview about introducing that to the club and being something he is proud of.

As mentioned previously, game plan shift was highlighted 2-3 weeks before Voss' exit. Confirmed by Voss, Fraser, Wright and Davies (and maybe Priestly too)

You can see from our performance, Cripps performance and by those mentioned above that this became evident in the Brisbane game.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 17 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond
Last post by Shakin77 -
Regarding Cripps, I was one of those who thought he was carrying an injury earlier in the season. However, as the club has never confirmed any current or previous injury, it's difficult to know if there was one, when it occurred, or how much it was affecting his performances. By the same token, it's also hard to suggest that Cripps is suddenly 100% injury-free simply because Michael Voss has departed. Without any information from the club, that's just speculation.

There have, however, been a number of changes under Josh Fraser that may have contributed to Cripps' improved performances.

Lower contested game

Carlton's game style has shifted significantly.

"Carlton’s strengths under Voss, contest and clearance, remain, but they are less reliant on these areas. Their contested possession rate is down from 37.3 per cent and sixth in Voss’s last five games to 32.8 per cent and 17th under Fraser. It’s a style more in keeping with how football is played in 2026."

A less contest-heavy game could reduce the physical toll on Cripps over four quarters. If he's not repeatedly crashing into stoppages, it makes sense that he'd have more energy and explosiveness around the ground.

It's also worth considering whether the greater midfield support from players like Hewett, Smith and Ainsworth has allowed Cripps to be more selective with his contests rather than carrying such a heavy workload himself.

Training standards

Players have also spoken publicly about Fraser's increased focus on fundamentals and raising training standards.

Interestingly, they've also said training sessions have become less physically demanding. Despite that, Carlton's match-day pressure has actually increased, and the group appears to have more energy late in games.

If players are fresher because they're not being physically taxed as heavily during the week, that could certainly benefit someone like Cripps. It's also possible that this is a broader team effect rather than something specific to the captain.

Ultimately, there are several plausible reasons for Cripps' resurgence, but without confirmation from the club about his physical condition, it's impossible to attribute it solely to a coaching change. The shift in game style, increased midfield support, and altered training approach all appear just as likely to have played a role.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Hawthorn at MCG
Last post by Gointocarlton -
So here's the thing for me. I reckon we have gone back to the sort of form that on our day/night, we can beat anyone.
You can see it in the players actions in game (ie the type of footy we are playing) right across the board.
You can see it in the players demeanours.
You can hear it when they speak in the media.
The player that stands out the most to me in all this and IMO has led this "re-boot" of our club is S Walsh.
He's been the first to run in and start a blue to stand up for our club and say "f-off" to the oppo.
He has taken his hardness at the contest to another level (frankly I didnt think he had it in him.
The fact he extended his contract early shows he is committed to the club and wants to drive standards to another level.
You can see the determination in his eyes every time he runs out and goes for the ball.

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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Hawthorn at MCG
Last post by Baggers -
Quote from: Lods – on
Quote from: Gointocarlton – on
Getting really tiresome Shawny, let it go and we all move on mate.

That’s terrific advice…for everyone.
It’s time to move on.
But we won’t.

What Shawny’s post highlights is that posters have picked a side.
It’s black and white, and there is little or no acceptance of alternative views.
But it’s not black and white. There are multiple shades of grey across a number of aspects of the difference before and after the change of coach.

As long as one side puts up an argument the other side will respond. But we’re covering the same territory over and over, across multiple threads.

That’s the only real issue I have with Shawny’s post…it’s sent the thread ‘off topic. ‘
Not intentionally, because it does have relevance.
People will see the result of next weeks game completely differently, and it will be used to justify a position.
But in the big scheme of things… it’s meaningless.
Because change is coming in 2027.

Carlton v Hawthorn….discuss.



Amen, Principal Lods. Exactamundo.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Hawthorn at MCG
Last post by Lods -
Quote from: Gointocarlton – on
Quote from: shawny – on
Call me Shawny Nostradamus 

Carlton wins:
Voss Sympathisers:  Hawks had injuries and were prime for the taking. Win is good but still the real tests are to come.  
Non Voss believers:  We may never lose again. We could win the flag

Carlton loses:
Voss Sympathisers: First test and we failed. Told you sacking Voss was a mistake.
Non Voss believers: Going great. 7-1 to 1-8 is a massive upgrade. 

Getting really tiresome Shawny, let it go and we all move on mate.

That’s terrific advice…for everyone.
It’s time to move on.
But we won’t.

What Shawny’s post highlights is that posters have picked a side.
It’s black and white, and there is little or no acceptance of alternative views.
But it’s not black and white. There are multiple shades of grey across a number of aspects of the difference before and after the change of coach.

As long as one side puts up an argument the other side will respond. But we’re covering the same territory over and over, across multiple threads.

That’s the only real issue I have with Shawny’s post…it’s sent the thread ‘off topic. ‘
Not intentionally, because it does have relevance.
People will see the result of next weeks game completely differently, and it will be used to justify a position.
But in the big scheme of things… it’s meaningless.
Because change is coming in 2027.

Carlton v Hawthorn….discuss.