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21
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 10 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Last post by LP -
I think this next game will be closer than everyone thinks, our weakness is our D50 but they are injury riddled which seems to be the dominant issue.

Bont could well play forward against us, he'll be wasted if he just has a head to head with Cripps and breaks even.

There will be opportunities for Harry and Kemp.

Can we play with the same intensity coming back from Brisbane?
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 10 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Last post by LP -
We can't take much from the VFL game regarding the talls, because the Demons were basically a squad of kids. For example even Moir looked to be a class above, especially when we started avoiding Tom McDonald.

But the smaller of our on ball brigade did OK, better than OK, effectively against a bunch of peers.

I like the look of Ison in that turnover transition roll, but I'm not sure he has an AFL tank yet, he's another in that Kemp or Cripps size bracket and to me looks a bit like Kemp before we pigeon-holed Kemp as a defender.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 9 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Brisbane
Last post by LP -
Yep. Stuck to what he is best at, get the aggott and hand it off to someone in a better position... creating an opportunity for a team mate - leadership (rather than kick and hope or taking on 3 tacklers - hero stuff).
I don't think it is hero stuff, I think the problem is doubt surrounding the decision chain for being tackled with the footy. Cripps is playing like prior opportunity does not exist, and just panic hacking the ball forward hopelessly, it's very ugly.

It's clear to me now that umpires have moved the emphasis on the decision chain to the tackler needing controlling the opponent with the footy, which is a bit more old school. You can't just have a midget hang off a giant who is charging down the ground and call it a tackle, the tackler must actually impede the ball carrier's progress or disposal. That is why late in the game Walsh was riding tackles, being spun and disposing of the footy, he was strong enough to stand in the tackle and dispose of the footy. Also, the way it is being umpired is another reason why teams have become drilled at dropping the footy cold, because under the old school variant if the ball is knocked free it's play on even if you've had an opportunity to carry it.

As sad as it may be for the sport, you almost need multiple versions of game style subject to the way umpires are working on the day.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 9 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Brisbane
Last post by laj -
I am still struggling to get my head around how this team can play 7-8 weeks of utter sh1te and look like a basketcase so badly.

Next thing we see is against the reigning premiers, once again, play like a totally incompetent busted butthole in the first half and then magically transform into near worldbeaters in the second half and nearly pinch it from them.

What did they drink, smoke or inject in the rooms at halftime ??

What pixie dust did they have sprinkled on them ??

What did Voss do or say that completely changed their mindset and application so dramatically ??

The other big question now has to be, was this a one off 'flash in the pan' or will the raised standards continue for the remainder of the season ??


Not wanting to be a wet blanket but... Or to what degree did Brisvegas ease up, even just a little?
Probably part of it although sides don't ease up that much to allow a side to get within 10 pts with a few minutes to go either. When the margin comes down too much they usually pick up again very quickly.

We play have games to show we have talent, then play have a game with pur pressure rating between 130-150.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 9 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Brisbane
Last post by IvanAwfulbigone -
I thought Chris Fagan's press conference was good. Balanced assessment of the game, and said some good, and to my mind, correct things about us.

His post-game pressers are probably the best of all the coaches. Insightful, measured, doesn’t overuse the cliches, but I reckon he never gives up “the good oil”. Didn’t realise he has a Uni degree which is neither here nor there but he’s clearly no dummy.
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Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 9 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Brisbane
Last post by Baggers -


Or... we just about always give a half of terrific footy but generally follow it with a shocker. This time we reversed the halves  ;)  ;D
The most reliable thing, for whatever reasons(s), about us is inconsistency. If our team had a psychiatric identity it'd be Multiple Personality Disorder :(

Bipolar.

Which type?  ;) As an aside, K, did you know -- probably do-- that most of the great discoveries and inventions of human existence were made by bipolar, high functioning autistic/aspergers, depressive folks... and so on? Neurodivergent if you like. Then, of course, you have many great artists (music, painting, sculpture etc.) who created some of their best works whilst on psychedelics! Seems neuro-normals are just destined to be consumers  ;D

Back on topic... Perhaps, just perhaps, after half time we were in the 'nothing to lose' mindset so the players threw off the shackles and played with freedom and boldness/risk. Fingers crossed we learned something from it.

One of the things you get from playing as we did in the second half is reward for effort. Amazing how, when getting reward for effort, it energizes and any perceived tiredness and slowness just vanishes. Everyone seems quicker and boundless with energy!