Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Recent Posts
23
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 16 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs West Coast at Marvel
Last post by LP -
I'm not confident this week, after watching the replay of the GWSD match I saw signs of the team work ethic slipping, in respect to reverting to some bad habits that have largely been absent for the last few weeks. Against CheatsFC it was just ugly execution by both teams, but moments in the GWS game saw a bit of selfishness returning and to me that's a bad indicator after only a handful of wins.

Believing their own hype maybe?

Wet Toast will think we are cherry ripe for the picking after seeing some of the old stuff creep into the GWS game.
24
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: Jim Park Voting AFL Rd 15 2026 Carlton vs GWS
Last post by LP -
Team B

5 Walsh
4 Hewett
3 Cripps
2 Smith
1 Acres

I feel conflicted only giving Cripps 3 votes, but watching the replay I felt Walsh and Hewett had more influence over the outcome. I can only give the Team a B because I noticed some old bad habits starting to slip into the execution. This week will be interesting, the squad might be starting to relax and that could lead to an unexpected result.
26
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Last post by Lods -
Quote from: DJC – on
I don't think that there's any question about Billy Wilson's ability to have an impact at AFL level now, and I think that he has probably consigned Adam Saad to depth player status.  Billy's chase and run down tackle with 30 seconds to go warmed the cockles of my heart.  That's the effort and desperation that wins finals.

I'm a Billy Wilson fan.

I like his work ethic. He provides pace and link work coming out of defence and has a pretty good boot on him.
His run-down tackle late in the game on the weekend was sensational, occurring when it did.
His pace allows him to do those run-downs.

But if I was to identify a weakness in his game it's probably the front-on tackle.
It's an issue that will probably be addressed with extra strength and experience but just at the moment he does find it difficult to contain players running straight at him.
27
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Last post by Lods -
Quote from: DJC – on
You shouldn’t take Cripps and Walsh’s performances in isolation.

Their best performances are when the support cast is firing.

You may debate which is the cause and which is the effect and, to a certain extent, it’s a feedback loop.  However, my observations are that Cripps and Walsh are riding on the wave of support from their teammates.

^
This.
If the players around him aren't contributing then the job of Cripps becomes that much harder.

It is easier for the opposition to nullify him....because their own jobs aren't difficult and they can lend a hand.
But if they're tied up with their Carlton opponents it gives an opportunity for Cripps to get off the leash.
At the moment a few of our 'big dogs' are loose.
28
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Last post by DJC -
Quote from: kruddler – on
People talking about 2nd year blues are just guessing. We'll know soon enough.

But every year i say the same thing when evaluating our chances.
Some kids won't come on as expected, or even go backwards.
Some older players will decline in output, some may even fall of a performance cliff and/or retire early.
Some gun players will get injured.

Happens to everyone, every year.
Whether thats Jagga and Dean, or Byrne and Ison.....or whoever.
This year O'Keeffe definitely fits that bill.

Skull has the added burden of being set for a new role and one that may not entirely suit his skill set.
29
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Last post by DJC -
You shouldn’t take Cripps and Walsh’s performances in isolation.

Their best performances are when the support cast is firing.

You may debate which is the cause and which is the effect and, to a certain extent, it’s a feedback loop.  However, my observations are that Cripps and Walsh are riding on the wave of support from their teammates.
30
Robert Heatley Stand / Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Last post by ElwoodBlues1 -
Quote from: kruddler – on
Quote from: DJC – on
While I wouldn't say that we had players standing back, I think that the improved form and effort of the support cast in Hewett, Acres, Cerra, Aisworth, Hayward, and now Cottrell, has taken pressure off Cripps and Walsh.  If Cripps or Walsh is quiet, others are filling the void but that support is also enabling Cripps and Walsh, as well as Jagga Smith, to accumulate possessions and distribute the pill effectively.

Cripps' form is scary when compared to the teams performance

Have a look at the following breakdown of team with Cripps possessions in that game in brackets.

Our worst 2 games for the year IMO would be...
Sydney (19 touches)
St. Kilda. (14).

Our best games of the year would be IMO
GWS (33)
Port Adelaide (32)
Geelong (30)
Brisbane (32)
Fremantle (32)
Richmond (32)
Bulldogs (29)

Average/poor performances against....
Melbourne (21)
North Melbourne (21)
Adelaide (29)
Collingwood (25)
Essendon (23)


Coincidence??

No Cripps. No Carlton
Thats the point I have been making yep others have improved but imo its all down to Cripps and to a lesser extent Walsh returning to their best. The timing of the improvement is also confusing for me, why did the change of coach prompt such a massive form reversal and ability to run out games. I dont buy its all the new Fraser game style/methodology etc etc ...Cripps couldnt run out of sight on a dark night under Voss but under Fraser is bobbing up as the matchwinner late games under Fraser and is in brownlow form.