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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 7 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle
Last post by RiverRat -
Quote from: LP – on
I thought in the end Reidy did pretty well against someone who when fit and in form is probably one of the leagues Top 5 players.

Finally, Williams showed us some glimpses of what he can do inside, it's been too long since we listened to the noise and gave up on him as a midfield rotation option.

Reidy does show some potential around the ground but not so much in centre circle contests - even in the VFL he has struggled to get elevation - maybe the AFL will need to change the ruck rule again.

Williams has been pretty good in this area so far this year - as well as in defence.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL Rd 5 2026 Carlton vs Tasmania in Hobart
Last post by LP -
At the moment having Saad and Hewett is distorting the performances of the rest a bit. Opponents are loathed to leave either with too much space to work in, and they both hold their position well, it makes a huge difference to the players around them. I wonder what our MC want from them in terms of change or evolution. Hewett looked to be a step up on Cerra yesterday, the only negative I can see is that both Hewett and Saad tend towards safe options, they have become a bit turnover gun shy. But AFL 2026 style no longer allows you to "safe yourself" to a victory, it's not soccer and a 1-0 ain't going to cut it!

2026 is being defined by attacking momentum bursts, not stoic defence.

The Tassie side is pretty raw, lots of young talent, aggression, energy, living off the excitement, but it's all a bit naivé.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL Rd 5 2026 Carlton vs Tasmania in Hobart
Last post by Lods -
Quote from: kruddler – on
From what i can see, Wilson didn't have to do a lot of defending, so we'll see how that goes in the 1's.

I'm also a bit unsure about Wilson's 'defending' side.
He's a bit like Saad in that respect.
He's an 'attacking' defender.
But he doesn't make a lot of tackles, and a couple of times last night he failed to stick ones he probably should have made.
On the other hand he doesn't shirk the contest...so that may be a watch if he's given a senior opportunity.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 7 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle
Last post by LP -
Some positives.

I thought in the end Reidy did pretty well against someone who when fit and in form is probably one of the leagues Top 5 players.

Finally, Williams showed us some glimpses of what he can do inside, it's been too long since we listened to the noise and gave up on him as a midfield rotation option. One stupid little bump off the ball and we decided the gig wasn't for him, I'd argue that's exactly what we've been lacking.

Walsh has now fully transitioned his game, to all the naysayers who keep claiming nothing changes, he's the A-Grade counter argument to your otherwise spurious claims. To think just a week ago certain AFL Special Comments types were potting him. Even some fans were potting him yesterday for missing a +50m running shot at goal by 1m. :o For me at least we pulled the trigger, the first few rounds we've been gun shy!

If you want to see what Kemp might be able to do as a mid-rotation watch Jackson yesterday, Jackson has gone full circle and now he is a weapon in every role he plays. Kemp has the acceleration and enough size to be a genuine transition type mid-fielder.

It pays not to pigeonhole players.

It would be stupid to make permanent changes to rotations, but it's just as stupid to say never, variety is the spice of life!
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 8 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs St. Kilda at Marvel
Last post by LP -
Quote from: Professer E – on
Maybe if blokes could get to his feet wed do better, not enough from the small blokes. But then again, out kicking into F50 isn't suburban standard.
I think part of the problem is that we are continually outnumbered at the fall because opposition seem to know where it is going before our own blokes know!

When you are at the ground and not ball watching it becomes obvious, we are always second to react, we've been that way for a long time. I think partly we could get away with it having twin KPFs, at least when they were fit and firing they knew were to lead. Now with H solo it's become a major weakness.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 8 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs St. Kilda at Marvel
Last post by LP -
Quote from: kruddler – on
Honestly, i don't know if i'd want Harry back in this week.
Give him an extra week just for $hits and giggles.
Kemp+McGovern worked well together - 9 goals between them is about as good as you could hope for.
I pretty sure H will be back if fit, but it tells us something about our ball use and decision making. When we make H the default we are too predictable, we almost need to be without him for a few weeks to break the habit. Then bring him back as a genuine option alongside the others.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: VFL Rd 5 2026 Carlton vs Tasmania in Hobart
Last post by kruddler -
I saw about 2.5 quarters of this, working around the seniors, and just made my ins/outs for next week.

I've got Wilson coming in.
Not because of the amount of possessions, because they were inflated somewhat by 1-2's, but more because of his kicking.
I'm sick of Florent pinpointing opposition, so i'd do a swap between them.
From what i can see, Wilson didn't have to do a lot of defending, so we'll see how that goes in the 1's.
Charleson was a bit similar.....but there isn't anyones spot he looks close to taking yet.

Overall the boys did alright considering they had nobody up forward to kick too.
Hewett shows he is too good for this level and deserves a recall

Tassies first ever loss in the VFL thanks to us.
Happy to do that in the 1's in a couple years too.  >:D
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 8 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs St. Kilda at Marvel
Last post by kruddler -
Quote from: Gointocarlton – on
Quote from: shawny – on
Just thinking who from Saints is in need of a form lift....

Hmm Milera has been quiet. He will get 30 and kick 3 as an unchecked half back flanker

TDK is another one. We will make look like he is being paid unders.

Or will it be one of their small forwards who gets off the chain and kicks 5.

Nah rest assure Voss will have a plan this week how to curtail the matchwinners of the opposition 

I need to stop.  :-X
Nothing surer that NWM will have a ball tearer and TDK will monster our ruckman. The former yet another example of what we dont have on our list, speed, poise, ball use.

Not surprising that 2 of the highest paid players in the game may cause us grief.

You think of that yourself did you Shawny? Gold star for you.

Also happens to be 2 players we have not a single matchup for on our list. But it'll be Vossys fault he doesn't have a unicorn ruck and an elite stoppage midfielder with pace to burn to play on these 2.

Honestly, i don't know if i'd want Harry back in this week.
Give him an extra week just for $hits and giggles.
Kemp+McGovern worked well together - 9 goals between them is about as good as you could hope for.

My changes for this week....
Wilson <-> Florent.....simply need better disposal
F. Young <-> Byrne.....one needs a rest, one needs a gig.
HOK <-> L.Young....Young is not the future, let HOK run around with TDK all day and learn something.
Evans <-> Saad.....Frankie wasn't bad, but i'd like to inject a bit more run and chaos. Potential NWM matchup.
O. Hollands <-> Cottrell.....one is fitter than the other.
Cerra <-> Hewett....i think Cerra was cramping late (or a soft tissue injury) Hewett runs out the games better and has done his time.

Overall, that should give us more run and better disposal, despite being 'like for like' in a lot of ways.

If we are a bit cleaner going inside 50 and in front of goal, then that loss (and this one?) could be turned into a win pretty easily.

Overall, i expect about 1 of them to actually go ahead.....but thats what i'd do.