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11
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by Lods -
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.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by frostydog -
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
13
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by Thryleon -


You asked your question, you got answers you dont like, and accepting that people dont share your opinion is the next logical step.

Doubling down to try and convince people because they havent considered your point of view is not the appropriate response, its an agreement to disagree.

As i said above, its not about me liking it or not, its about how people are justifying it, its shows a misunderstanding of the question, or its intent.

People think i'm attacking Florent and they are defending him. You don't need to defend him, he's not under attack.
actually, no, i think you think we could have recruited someone more useful, but personally i think youre pigeon holing florent as he can play many roles. 

His experience, leadership, ans team first ethos, and cultural impact shouldn't be underestimated.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by kruddler -


Sorta.
Its a Yes, because he is 'not bad and has positive traits'.
I never said he wasn't, and acknowledge that.

Let me pose this question to you.

Was it goof for Melbourne to recruit Grundy?
Grundy is good, perhaps the 2nd best ruck in the game.
Did it improve Melbourne though?
Could they have used his $'s better elsewhere??
12 months later answered the question was answered for all of us.
Not a knock on Grundy in all of that. Just not the best fit at the time....and Dees didn't benefit from it.

Same same, but different.

You asked your question, you got answers you dont like, and accepting that people dont share your opinion is the next logical step.

Doubling down to try and convince people because they havent considered your point of view is not the appropriate response, its an agreement to disagree.

As i said above, its not about me liking it or not, its about how people are justifying it, its shows a misunderstanding of the question, or its intent.

People think i'm attacking Florent and they are defending him. You don't need to defend him, he's not under attack.
15
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by Thryleon -
I think a lot of people are answering your question with a...

"Yes, it was well worth it." ;)

Sorta.
Its a Yes, because he is 'not bad and has positive traits'.
I never said he wasn't, and acknowledge that.

Let me pose this question to you.

Was it goof for Melbourne to recruit Grundy?
Grundy is good, perhaps the 2nd best ruck in the game.
Did it improve Melbourne though?
Could they have used his $'s better elsewhere??
12 months later answered the question was answered for all of us.
Not a knock on Grundy in all of that. Just not the best fit at the time....and Dees didn't benefit from it.

Same same, but different.

You asked your question, you got answers you dont like, and accepting that people dont share your opinion is the next logical step.

Doubling down to try and convince people because they havent considered your point of view is not the appropriate response, its an agreement to disagree.

Grundy at Melbourne is the worst example you could have thought of.  Here's one, does jack martin give geelong anything mannagh doesnt?
16
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by kruddler -
I think a lot of people are answering your question with a...

"Yes, it was well worth it." ;)

Sorta.
Its a Yes, because he is 'not bad and has positive traits'.
I never said he wasn't, and acknowledge that.

Let me pose this question to you.

Was it good for Melbourne to recruit Grundy?
Grundy is good, perhaps the 2nd best ruck in the game.
Did it improve Melbourne though?
Could they have used his $'s better elsewhere??
12 months later, the question was answered for all of us.
Not a knock on Grundy in all of that. Just not the best fit at the time....and Dees didn't benefit from it.

Same same, but different.
18
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by kruddler -
I worry about the comprehension of some people. I really do.

I'm not shooting bambi.

I'm asking a question.

I'm not saying Florent hasn't done everything we've asked of him.
I'm not saying Florent doesn't deserve a spot in our side.

I've had Florent in my best 23 since before the season started.

What i am asking is.....given the position he is playing, and given the other players playing a similar position in the 2's...and given how little cover we have in other areas.....could his list spot (and contract $'s) be better spent elsewhere?

Its the same logic i had when we recruited Fantasia. I understood why we got him, the experience, the energy levels etc....but at the end of the day, did our overall list structure suffer as a result?

You've gotta sacrifice something to get something. People around here don't want to sacrifice anything, but still want everything.
19
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by pertz -
Unpopular opinion.

What has florent bought that we couldnt get from either saad or charleson?

Florents knock is his kicking.
Saads knock is his kicking.
Charleson has been borderline getting a game a but this year. Without florent, he would most likely got a gig by now.

Florent has been solid without being spectacular, he didn't come cheap though. Could we do without him?
Florent came for a future 3rd round pick so in trade terms didn't cost a lot. His kicking is miles ahead of Saad IMO who is at the tail end of his career and has brought an additional element of composure to the team, he’s been an absolute revelation.
And he's tough and runs in straight lines rather than at right angles or in circles lije Saad
20
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel
Last post by DJC -
Unpopular opinion.

What has florent bought that we couldnt get from either saad or charleson?

Florents knock is his kicking.
Saads knock is his kicking.
Charleson has been borderline getting a game a but this year. Without florent, he would most likely got a gig by now.

Florent has been solid without being spectacular, he didn't come cheap though. Could we do without him?

What Ollie Florent brings to our club is 184 games of experience playing for one of the most consistent, successful clubs of the 21st century.  He is used to winning, being part of a winning team, and doing the hard work necessary for team success.  He is a gregarious, outgoing personality who energises those around him and enjoys mentoring younger players.

He is a smart and instinctive footballer who generally makes good decisions and executes well.  I suspect that his treatment by Dean Cox last season, and being cut adrift by the Swans, served as extra motivation and, as far as statistics go, this is by far the best season of his career.  For example, his previous best metres gained average was 370 in 2024.  He is averaging 441 metres gained this season.

I’m not sure where the knock on Florent’s kicking came from; I think the term “turnover merchant” was bandied about and it simply is wrong.  His kicking efficiency this season is 75% and that’s very good for a player who is often under extreme pressure – although kicking in duties probably helps a bit.

Why did we need Ollie Florent when we have Adam Saad, Jordan Boyd, Harry Charleson, Zac Williams, Ollie Hollands, Rob Monahan and the Camporeale twins all capable of playing halfback and not being able command a spot in the senior team?  Part of the answer lies in the fact that Adam Cerra was the preferred replacement for Nic Newman.  Then there’s the fact that, at this stage of their respective careers, Florent is playing much better football, is a hardened, mature body, and combines better with our best available team in executing the game style we’ve chosen to use.  What does it matter if Saad and Charleson can’t get a game? Nothing at all because were a better team with Florent in the mix and they had their chance when Newey went down..

Getting Florent for a future third-rounder was a bargain basement price and bringing him on board with his best mate was very astute list management.