With the success of last night, we might be looking forward to this one.
We play Geelong at home at 19:15 on Wednesday 25th Feb. Alas, I will be working, so I won't be there. :(
Will we be Practice Premiers? :D
Well, if we defeat both of last year's GF's, that does say something. Last year we lost to St. Kilda! How embarrassing!
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 20, 2026, 04:18:22 pm
Who plays on Wednesday?
Out: Cerra - with a hamstring, he a certainty to miss. One of the ruck? - Playing all three last time didn't seem that successful, but we don't need to see who is playing best for Round #0. Chesser? - he didn't do much against Brisbane. Ben C? - barely touched it, eve though our centre square work was excellent while he was on.
In: Cripps - he won't miss, but he may not play the whole game Nick Newman? I'd prefer to give him a whole game in the 2's, but I guess we'll see if he is on the picture for Round #0. I'd like him to be, but his direct opponent plays for us now. Lucas C? - he had a big game against Coburg as an inside mid.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 20, 2026, 04:44:56 pm
Lij Hollands and Derksen will be outs ... unless we make early calls with our SSP selection(s).
You would think that Lucas Camporeale will come in for Ben, unless the MC decides that it wants to see more of Ben with AFL opposition. Frankie Evans should get a run, but who does he replace, Lij? Byrne can't dropped after his efforts. Crippa for Cerra is easy. Playing with a rib fracture won't do any harm but we don't need to play Weiters into form and giving him another week off may be best.
I guess it depends on whether we're treating this as a dress rehearsal for Opening Round or an opportunity to try different combinations and give newbies a taste of AFL.
I'd leave Harry, Pitto, Skull and Reidy as our forward/ruck combination, give Newey more game time in the VFL and bring Charleson and Ison in for limited game time.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 20, 2026, 04:45:43 pm
Out: Cerra - with a hamstring, he a certainty to miss. One of the ruck? - Playing all three last time didn't seem that successful, but we don't need to see who is playing best for Round #0. Chesser? - he didn't do much against Brisbane. Ben C? - barely touched it, eve though our centre square work was excellent while he was on.
In: Cripps - he won't miss, but he may not play the whole game Nick Newman? I'd prefer to give him a whole game in the 2's, but I guess we'll see if he is on the picture for Round #0. I'd like him to be, but his direct opponent plays for us now. Lucas C? - he had a big game against Coburg as an inside mid.
Frankie should play. I think we have to play O'Keefe just to see where he's at....he gave us little in the first game. But essentially we probably should be as close to our Round 1 side as we can get, and if Newman's up for it he should play.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 20, 2026, 10:42:01 pm
We can't afford not to have okeefe as an option.
Confidence would be rock bottom after doing his best simmo impersonation of donuts. Give him some kind of confidence.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: northernblue on February 20, 2026, 10:50:11 pm
Hollands and Derkson MUST play. They will both be playing round whatevertheforkitis
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 24, 2026, 11:07:09 am
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 24, 2026, 05:47:50 pm
HOK, Wilson, B. Camporeale and Cerra (inj) come out.
IMO, all 3 were disappointing. Others were happy with Wilson, but either way, it seems he is not in our master plan just yet.
Cripps and Frankie Evans come in.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: rocky on February 25, 2026, 12:10:06 pm
Surprised Wilson is out. Not even an emergency? Thought he did well when he came on. A bit concerned the Campos continue to struggle.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 25, 2026, 12:32:30 pm
Wilson was good when he came on...much better than some who have been picked. But the reality is he's still a borderline player in terms of the fact we have a number of players who can play his position (s) Added to that is we know from his VFL games (he should have been given a senior opportunity well before he was) and the end of last year what he brings so there's really no drama in him missing this game.
Final practice matches have couple of purposes. Getting close to a round 1 side is one. Having a look at new recruits is another. Having a final look before the season starts at players who are more likely to play more games in the VFL than the AFL.
There's a mix of all those in both the ins and outs I expect O'Keefe will play rnd 1 I don't think Boyd or Chesser will, but they may have very good games tonight and prove me wrong. Wilson is a borderline player. If Ben C has a couple of good games in the VFL he'll get a shot early.
We have a problem, and it's not a bad one...fitting everyone in. Good game or bad game tonight might seal your Round 1 fate. It may be the ones who have missed out, who are the lucky ones. ;)
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 25, 2026, 01:18:08 pm
My eyesight isn't the best. Can anyone see Billy Wilson playing in the VFL squad.
Injured? Playing in the main game?
Not good enough to get a run in the Magoos Lods 😇
Maybe he’s being managed 🤔
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 25, 2026, 03:31:14 pm
The squad for the 2nds game, which is already half over: 16. Ben Camporeale, 21. Lucas Camporeale, 24. Nic Newman, 28. Harry Charleson, 30. Jack Ison, 34. Rob Monahan, 40. Hudson O’Keeffe: don't know how he'll actually play. Apparently, he got a bad corkie last week, hence his minimal game time. 41. Matthew Duffy, 45. Flynn Young, 50. Darcy Tucker, 53. Jack Polkinghorne, 54. Jack O’Sullivan, 55. Ethan Phillips, 57. Alwyn Davey, 58. Jack Sammartino, 59. Cooper Vickery, 61. Dane Harvey, 62. Oliver Warburton, 63. Ryder Corrigan: an athletic inside mid from the Bushrangers. Won't turn 19 until next month. 66. Sam Paea, 69. Cooper Hamilton, 70. Darcy Hogg, 72. Tom Evans, 73. Tom Stapleton, 77. Will Cookson: a mid 80. Tom Howard: another I haven't found out much about so far. 23 years old, originally from Sandringham Dragons
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 25, 2026, 03:35:36 pm
My eyesight isn't the best. Can anyone see Billy Wilson playing in the VFL squad.
Injured? Playing in the main game?
Not good enough to get a run in the Magoos Lods 😇
Maybe he’s being managed 🤔
There's a few posts going around that it was mentioned on "Blue Abroad" that he was injured. But nothing from the club so far. It would explain his omission when many thought he was quite good when he came on.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Sexybronco on February 25, 2026, 06:09:24 pm
Just had to share this, hard not to get a little excited…
Crossed to PP on the Ch9 news, fair crowd! Long lines to get in apparently. Its bloody February FFS.
Got plenty of Geelong supporting family members who bought tickets to this over a month ago.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 07:42:01 pm
Forgot how good Frankie's boot was. That was a big, long goal.
Good game for a praccy match. Our skills are actually good. We always seems to be in the right position when the ball drops too.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 07:44:53 pm
Boys are looking good.
Distinct game plan of moving it on quick and using the handball to link up. Kicking long is a last resort.
Dean/Derkson looking good down back. Jagga living up to expectations. Harry up forward is competing, but not getting much. Thankfully the small forwards are in good form and getting to the right spots.
Walsh, fresh of his 8 year deal gets injured in the 1st quarter.....back/rib....pushing on, but still feeling it. Not sure you need to push him in a game like this.
25-8 at 1/4 time.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 07:54:26 pm
Gee we drop a lot of marks. Didnt realise Saad has hair.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 07:58:36 pm
Kicking is still a worry I'm afraid
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 08:09:02 pm
Are we practicing to make our kicks have more height than distance?
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Thryleon on February 25, 2026, 08:16:06 pm
Forgot how good Frankie's boot was. That was a big, long goal.
Good game for a praccy match. Our skills are actually good. We always seems to be in the right position when the ball drops too.
give him a 5 year deal.
Fizzed by Frank!
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 25, 2026, 08:16:52 pm
Kicking at goal. (Sigh!) H: 2 points.
Carlton: 4 - 5 - 29 Geelong: 3 - 4 - 22
It would be nice to see, but I never get home before these games start, even if I did have pay TV. :( I guess I should get ready for the same for the next 2 weeks. :(
I really don't like mid-week footy.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 08:18:08 pm
Are we practicing to make our kicks have more height than distance?
Used it great in the 1st qtr, certainly not so much the 2nd qtr though. Was rather more scrappy. Other aspects of our game are pleasing. Like the way we are setting up and positioning ourselves, and liking our run from defence.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 25, 2026, 08:19:20 pm
Are we practicing to make our kicks have more height than distance?
Used it great in the 1st qtr, certainly not so much the 2nd qtr though. Was rather more scrappy. Other aspects of our game are pleasing. Like the way we are setting up and positioning ourselves, and liking our run from defence.
Really? Dunstall commented in that first qtr (when we kicked our 3rd maybe) that we were kicking the ball long and flat. From the instant he made that comment, it was high loopy bombs that had their defenders licking their chops.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 08:24:52 pm
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: rocky on February 25, 2026, 08:26:51 pm
Not too bad at the moment but we've had opportunities to hit up blokes in the forward arc and either blown the kick or gone the old drop a bomb to the top of the square.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: crashlander on February 25, 2026, 08:27:29 pm
Our disposal efficiency is much better than theirs: 75 to 68 We've had more of the ball, with a lot more handballs: 219 to 174, 100 to 69 But, do we do the important part: scoring?
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 08:35:47 pm
Harry started to hold his marks and look dangerous. Hit the post with 1. Pitto hit the post with a grab from the ruck. A breath of fresh air the other way and its 2 goals.
Ollie Hollands hasn't stopped running. Is a lock for a wing. Jagga is playing every game this year and finishing top 10 in the B+F. Cripps is looking fit. Saad still looking proppy, streching out before half time. Old legs not getting younger.
Reidy is a big boy, but isn't doing a whole lot yet. Pittonet is looking as fit as he's been for a while. Walsh has recovered from whatever injury he has and back to his best.
Tom Hawkins suggested we shouldn't play 2 rucks as they are both the same type.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 08:37:01 pm
Our disposal efficiency is much better than theirs: 75 to 68 We've had more of the ball, with a lot more handballs: 219 to 174, 100 to 69 But, do we do the important part: scoring?
We've been good in front of goal. As mentioned, we've had 2 hit the post.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 08:46:35 pm
Good footy for 45 min. Game turning a bit to crap now as these games can. Not hitting the target like we did in the first 45 min.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 08:47:36 pm
Umpires need a praccy game too. Some of the decisions are awful.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 08:56:47 pm
Umpires need a praccy game too. Some of the decisions are awful.
The crossing the line in the ruck contest that Pitto got done for will force a rule change before the season starts.
For those not watching.... Pitto vs SDK at a centre bounce. SDK launches himself, Pitto sidesteps him so SDK missed pitto and the ball. Pitto, still standing, waits for the ball to come down gets underneath it and takes it. Unfortunately for him, the ball came down on the 'other' side of the line, so he crossed the line to get it on the way down.
Not sure what the umpires want him to do, let it hit the ground and then go on the other side of the line? Maybe put his toes on the line and lean over it to try and reach the falling ball?? Either way, its a terrible look and will need to change. Every AFL players would've done what he did and every AFL player would be upset that that is now a free kick.
But thats why we have pre-season games to work out the quirks.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 08:59:09 pm
Set shots have been good tonight.
Elijah, Kemp, Jagga.....Frankie from outside 50.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 09:01:43 pm
....and speaking of ruck rules....
We've just seen what looks like our first PCL injury (knee on knee) in the ruck, which is why we went away from these ruck rules originally.
Reckon they will tweak this rule again before 2027.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: bricky on February 25, 2026, 09:07:06 pm
Liking the ball in Jagga's hands
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 09:08:48 pm
Umpires need a praccy game too. Some of the decisions are awful.
The crossing the line in the ruck contest that Pitto got done for will force a rule change before the season starts.
For those not watching.... Pitto vs SDK at a centre bounce. SDK launches himself, Pitto sidesteps him so SDK missed pitto and the ball. Pitto, still standing, waits for the ball to come down gets underneath it and takes it. Unfortunately for him, the ball came down on the 'other' side of the line, so he crossed the line to get it on the way down.
Not sure what the umpires want him to do, let it hit the ground and then go on the other side of the line? Maybe put his toes on the line and lean over it to try and reach the falling ball?? Either way, its a terrible look and will need to change. Every AFL players would've done what he did and every AFL player would be upset that that is now a free kick.
But thats why we have pre-season games to work out the quirks.
You got that right.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 09:10:57 pm
Looking like a pre-season game now, skills have become scrappy from both sides. They were good for 45 min. Might be looking more to next week now.
Liked plenty of what I have seen though.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: rocky on February 25, 2026, 09:11:25 pm
....and speaking of ruck rules.... We've just seen what looks like our first PCL injury (knee on knee) in the ruck, which is why we went away from these ruck rules originally. Reckon they will tweak this rule again before 2027.
Exactly what I was questioning last week. Don't get the change and I'm thinking if Neale has done his PCL then Scott who doesn't complain much, NOT, will have something to say about it
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 09:11:56 pm
Harry started to hold his marks and look dangerous. Hit the post with 1. Pitto hit the post with a grab from the ruck. A breath of fresh air the other way and its 2 goals.
Ollie Hollands hasn't stopped running. Is a lock for a wing. Jagga is playing every game this year and finishing top 10 in the B+F. Cripps is looking fit. Saad still looking proppy, streching out before half time. Old legs not getting younger.
Reidy is a big boy, but isn't doing a whole lot yet. Pittonet is looking as fit as he's been for a while. Walsh has recovered from whatever injury he has and back to his best.
Tom Hawkins suggested we shouldn't play 2 rucks as they are both the same type.
Yes, agree with Tommy.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 09:12:12 pm
Ruckman need to put knee pads on, its not that hard.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 09:21:28 pm
Harry started to hold his marks and look dangerous. Hit the post with 1. Pitto hit the post with a grab from the ruck. A breath of fresh air the other way and its 2 goals.
Ollie Hollands hasn't stopped running. Is a lock for a wing. Jagga is playing every game this year and finishing top 10 in the B+F. Cripps is looking fit. Saad still looking proppy, streching out before half time. Old legs not getting younger.
Reidy is a big boy, but isn't doing a whole lot yet. Pittonet is looking as fit as he's been for a while. Walsh has recovered from whatever injury he has and back to his best.
Tom Hawkins suggested we shouldn't play 2 rucks as they are both the same type.
Yes, agree with Tommy.
Yep, looking that way.
Thats why we need HOK instead of Reidy. He's much more agile and can play forward.......more like TDK.....just not as good
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 09:25:15 pm
Frankie limping off, think its a hip ???
Just got a ruck penalty for 'offside'. Pretty sure it was foot across the line before the jump at the ball.
Stupid rule. Needs to go or be a bit more relaxed in its interpretation.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 09:26:19 pm
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 09:50:00 pm
Our B+F winner from last year is our 4th best midfielder tonight....and you could argue that daylight should actually be 4th.
Walsh Jagga Cripps
Dominating tonight.
Walsh kicked a goal that Huddo said probably shaded Andersons goal of the year last year and despite copping a knock early, looks strong, fresh and fit. If it wasn't for the other 2 i mentioned above, he'd be a sneaky brownlow chance if he keeps playing like that.
Jagga 37 touches, all class, composed and good vision. Looks like Walsh in his first year.....just belongs.
Cripps looks fit.....or at least fitter than he did for most of last year. Not brownlow medal form, but exactly what we need from him. Not trying to do too much which has been my biggest criticism of him over the journey. Thanks to the others....including Hewitt helping out with the workload.
Hayward and Fogarty were good early, don't think they played after half time. Byrne and Chesser i think were the 2 that have played after half time.....with both kicking a goal.
From this side, i don't think Young and McGovern get a game. Derksen and Dean to start. Possibly not Fogarty, Byrne and Chesser either....too many better types already playing. I think Lord has continue to be underwelming as well.....but in Cerras absence, probably plays.
EDIT: Lord had 13 tackles, easy to miss some of them....even outtackled Atkins who had a mere 9. Hewett had 30 touches and 8 clearances.....so wasn't bad, but i don't think he was quite as influential as the other 3.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 09:56:15 pm
I think Lord has continue to be underwelming as well.....but in Cerras absence, probably plays.
EDIT: Lord had 13 tackles, easy to miss some of them....even outtackled Atkins who had a mere 9. Hewett had 30 touches and 8 clearances.....so wasn't bad, but i don't think he was quite as influential as the other 3.
Yep I'm guessing you've got a bit of a set against Lord. A bit like Wilson.
You need to watch them a bit more closely. Lord was good last week and even better this week. His tackling was elite...not just in number but in quality.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 25, 2026, 10:20:01 pm
Selection for next will be interesting, tonight raised more questions than provided answers. 1. Reidy and Pitto or just one? 2. Moir? Underwhelming tonight 3. Chesser and Gov? Also underwhelming 4. Will Newmy play? 5. Acres? 6. Is Evans hurt? 7 Ainsworth was quiet. 8. Hayward appeared to be managed and only played min minutes 9. Young and Gov cant play in the same side IMO. 10. Young cant play without Wetiers (Sounds like Weiters is playing next week).
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 25, 2026, 10:27:30 pm
I believe that the AFL has conceded that the free kick against Pitto was wrong.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 10:27:47 pm
Selection for next will be interesting, tonight raised more questions than provided answers. 1. Reidy and Pitto or just one? 2. Moir? Underwhelming tonight 3. Chesser and Gov? Also underwhelming 4. Will Newmy play? 5. Acres? 6. Is Evans hurt? 7 Ainsworth was quiet. 8. Hayward appeared to be managed and only played min minutes 9. Young and Gov cant play in the same side IMO. 10. Young cant play without Wetiers (Sounds like Weiters is playing next week).
Just Pitto. Make HOK to ruck with him. Not sure Moir Chesser or Gov play. Hopefully Frankie's ok, if not, Moir might play. Newman, not sure. Given he was in the VFL they might be giving him more time. Derkson might have worked his way in.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 25, 2026, 10:28:03 pm
I believe that the AFL has conceded that the free kick against Pitto was wrong.
They did.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on February 25, 2026, 10:51:10 pm
Rules that aren't easy to umpire are stupid, and this ruck rule is as stupid as it gets.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 25, 2026, 11:07:20 pm
Not sure what to make of that. Both teams were concentrating on managing players but getting the W was still front of mind.
While we didn’t put all of our eggs in the Jagga basket, the eggs we did put in were well worth it. He adds a different dimension to our midfield and will make life easier for Cripps, Walsh, Hewett and whoever else gets a midfield gig.
Harry Dean is a ripper and Wade Derksen showed tonight that he can do a job on key forwards and shifty bastards like Danger.
The Hollands brothers were great and Lij’s ability to play different roles was impressive.
Kempy’s growth as a key forward is evident and his willingness to get up the ground to provide a marking target or help out in defence is a positive.
The player who surprised me tonight was Campbell Chesser. He got plenty of the ball, defended well, and kicked a classy goal. I had him pencilled in as a depth player but I suspect that he’ll play more AFL games than VFL games.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 11:16:08 pm
I think Lord has continue to be underwelming as well.....but in Cerras absence, probably plays.
EDIT: Lord had 13 tackles, easy to miss some of them....even outtackled Atkins who had a mere 9. Hewett had 30 touches and 8 clearances.....so wasn't bad, but i don't think he was quite as influential as the other 3.
Yep I'm guessing you've got a bit of a set against Lord. A bit like Wilson.
You need to watch them a bit more closely. Lord was good last week and even better this week. His tackling was elite...not just in number but in quality.
Nothing against lord, just is easier to see players with the ball than without. With the ball, or simply getting the ball, he has not been doing anything noteworthy. Similar to binns last year....both do 'ok' but nothing that makes you go 'wow'. At least lord has a defensive game though.
Wilson obviously didnt play, but it's the same with him....what about him and his play is elite? Shifter sheahan always said you need to be elite at something at afl level. I dont see what that is. Throw in chesser... Theres plenty on the list. Nothing personal, just calling it as I see it.
Doesnt mean they are useless to us, just means they are replaceable.
Given we are trying to play more free flowing, fast moving, good ball movement style, lord stood out as someone not performing as well in that area. As mentioned, great at tackling.... but so was fogarty last year, and that didn't really translate into goals.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 25, 2026, 11:18:48 pm
I believe that the AFL has conceded that the free kick against Pitto was wrong.
....and the other 2 against reidy i think where he had a foot on/over the line as he jumped?
If the umpire wants to influence the game, just throw the ball to one side and penalise the ruck for going over the line to get access to it. Its bollocks.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 25, 2026, 11:28:18 pm
I probably should have mentioned Cooper Lord before. He’s your quintessential blue collar worker whose efforts lead to chains of possessions and disrupt opposition plays.
He’s a player who is easily overlooked and/or undervalued.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 25, 2026, 11:39:58 pm
I think Lord is a definite starter next week Wilson didn't play in either the AFL or the VFL so I suspect he was injured. I doubt it would be 'managed' at this stage of the year Either way he'll probably start the year in the VFL. There are probably still a couple of half-back/ wingers ahead of him. I'm not so sure he'll be playing VFL by the end of the year. He's still very young and on the improve. A replacement for Saad in my opinion.
You may need to have one elite aspect to your play to have a long AFL career...but I'm not even sure about that. We have numerous young players on our list who don't carry the elite tag in any of the key stats. I'm not sure an improving 20 year old needs it...yet Doesn't mean they're not on the way.
Now the test will be that youngsters won't have great games every week (unless they're Jagga). They'll have down days. But if you address the poor games then you have to acknowledge the good games...and Lord gave us plenty tonight.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on February 25, 2026, 11:47:31 pm
If the umpire wants to influence the game, just throw the ball to one side and penalise the ruck for going over the line to get access to it. Its bollocks.
Wind blows!
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on February 25, 2026, 11:49:38 pm
I probably should have mentioned Cooper Lord before. He’s your quintessential blue collar worker whose efforts lead to chains of possessions and disrupt opposition plays.
He’s a player who is easily overlooked and/or undervalued.
More than blue collar, and is making the most of his opportunities, that is all we can ask of some, don't waste the opportunity.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: LP on February 25, 2026, 11:56:40 pm
The AFL got the ruck rules wrong starting two years back when Scott complained about TDK, it was wrong again last year and instead of admitting a mistake it has doubled down.
And as I have been warning, that could easily have been BigH hobbling off instead of Neale.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 26, 2026, 12:26:35 am
The AFL got the ruck rules wrong starting two years back when Scott complained about TDK, it was wrong again last year and instead of admitting a mistake it has doubled down.
And as I have been warning, that could easily have been BigH hobbling off instead of Neale.
No, Harry knows what he’s doing at ruck contests and has been taught how to look after himself. Neale would have benefited from sessions with Matty K.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 26, 2026, 08:20:25 am
Not sure why Byrne was spending a fair bit of time in the backline at one stage of the game but it's not where we need him.
Lewis Young is a strange one. He has the tools to play the game, but is pretty indecisive at times and slow to react. He's very much a confidence player.
Just on the Ruck contests...without looking at the stats Pittonet seemed to be dominating them and continued to do so around the ground. He also seems to be picking up quite a few disposals After they started getting pinged both him and Reidy seemed to be hesitant in their approach to the contest at centre 'Throw-Ups'. Confusion reigned. ::)
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Milhanna13 on February 26, 2026, 08:58:34 am
Byrne and Chesser i think were the 2 that have played after half time.....with both kicking a goal.
I think Chesser started the game. It would be easy to miss him, as i reckon he had 2 or 3 touches, where the (blue and white hooped) commentators were too busy telling us about what brand of tea each cats player prefers, to call the name of the blues player with the footy
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Milhanna13 on February 26, 2026, 08:59:20 am
Not sure why Byrne was spending a fair bit of time in the backline at one stage of the game but it's not where we need him.
Lewis Young is a strange one. He has the tools to play the game, but is pretty indecisive at times and slow to react. He's very much a confidence player.
Just on the Ruck contests...without looking at the stats Pittonet seemed to be dominating them and continued to do so around the ground. He also seems to be picking up quite a few disposals After they started getting pinged both him and Reidy seemed to be hesitant in their approach to the contest at centre 'Throw-Ups'. Confusion reigned. ::)
Byrne helping out in defence is part of the small forward's role. He covers the ground well and seems to have the endurance necessary for end to end running.
I thought that Young was good again last night. I don't think that he is as indecisive as the look on his face suggests :-\
Pitto and Reidy smashed the Geelong rucks, even with the dodgy frees. What was interesting was that the Cats used De Koning as their athletic, leaping ruckman at centre ball ups and he managed just three hitouts for the game. I think that we'll go with the two rucks next week. Working in tandem seems to suit Pitto and Reidy more than it did Pitto and TDK.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Professer E on February 26, 2026, 09:29:17 am
Cats kick well for goal from range (e.g. Henry) but the continued reliance upon aging players like Danger and Martin is catching up... Martin's first goal was rubbish, his second was after a non- HTB call. I thought SdK was bullied in the ruck and woeful at ground level, didn't want to get his hands dirty. Pretty clear it's all about slick ball movement in 2026. George Hewitt is still a vital ball getter and distributor, just wished he was a better kick.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Baggers on February 26, 2026, 10:04:20 am
Caveat: preseason game.
Loves: Ollie on the wing. Jagga. Walshy. Coops. Game plan. Work rate.
Likes: Deano. Crippa. Hewey. Pitto. Derks. The Byrner.
Concerns: Chesser. Fogarty. Moir.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Lods on February 26, 2026, 10:06:54 am
Does anyone have the game stats. Particularly interested in Pittonet's He seemed to be picking up quite few disposals.
Edit- No worries got them here https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/8251#player-stats
Pittonet 16 (32 hitouts), Reidy 8 and (19 hitouts)... Fogarty wasn't great and apparrently iced up but only played a third of the game. Hayward only played a third of the game as well and apparently threw up again. Maybe he's a bit crook and shouldn't have played at all.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 26, 2026, 10:13:29 am
Thanks for that DJC... I didn't thinK AFL.com would cover the stats for the pre-season games...so I didn't check first :-*
One interesting and promising stat was in the 'Team' ones. Most of last year our efficiency inside 50 was terrible (30s and 40s). Last night it was up to 55% Now we have to be careful because the defensive pressure will be much greater in a 'real' game, but it's one to watch as the season progresses.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Thryleon on February 26, 2026, 11:02:11 am
Does anyone have the game stats. Particularly interested in Pittonet's He seemed to be picking up quite few disposals.
Edit- No worries got them here https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/8251#player-stats
Pittonet 16 (32 hitouts), Reidy 8 and (19 hitouts)... Fogarty wasn't great and apparrently iced up but only played a third of the game. Hayward only played a third of the game as well and apparently threw up again. Maybe he's a bit crook and shouldn't have played at all.
I know Lucas was a bit unwell in his game vs Hawthorn last year, but I havent seen a player in a carlton shirt force themselves to that point for quite some time. Bryce Gibbs came to mind but I was like surely there was someone else...
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Blue Moon on February 26, 2026, 12:11:41 pm
My one concern is that we played another quarter where we didn't score a goal. The inability to manufacture goals when things are not going your way has been an ongoing problem for years. I think we need to be able to score goals against the run of play more consistently than we have in the past. However beating the two grand finalists from last year must mean we are Premiership favourites.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: tonyo on February 26, 2026, 12:26:48 pm
Loves: Ollie on the wing. Jagga. Walshy. Coops. Game plan. Work rate.
Likes: Deano. Crippa. Hewey. Pitto. Derks. The Byrner.
Concerns: Chesser. Fogarty. Moir.
Agree with most of this, although I thought Chesser was pretty good.
I went last night so I could see how cohesive the new game plan is (watching on the box doesn't let you look 50-100 metres down the ground.....)
A couple of observations.....
- Our forwards need to learn how to work better with this new game plan. The timing of their leads is poor, either too early, or not committed enough so they don't get a break on their defenders. We had several centre breaks that could have led to easy goals, but the leads weren't there.
- Yet again, too many intercept marks by Geelong defenders were effectively uncontested. If we want the small/mid forwards more involved, there must be someone in Blue contesting every mark in F50
- On point 2, if a forward does go up in a marking contest, a mark is good, but a spoil and subsequent crumbs may be just as good. The aim must be to make sure the opposition doesn't get it.
- We really need Newman back with his left foot daggers. The short play in our D50 is heart-in-mouth stuff (especially if Mitch McGovern and Lewis Young are involved!).
- I'd really like to see a bit more one-on-one defense. We coughed up quite a few goals by using a zone approach but being too loose. (eg check out Ollie Henry's goal in the last quarter - he strolled in and kicked from 40 while a couple of Carlton defenders were trying to guard space instead of pressuring the ball-holder).
Overall, a pleasing change, and watching it is much more enthralling than the treacle approach we have been using in the past.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: RiverRat on February 26, 2026, 12:48:38 pm
He didn't have much to beat but I thought Pitto's game was very impressive and contributed greatly to our clearance work.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 26, 2026, 04:22:04 pm
Thanks for that DJC... I didn't thinK AFL.com would cover the stats for the pre-season games...so I didn't check first :-*
One interesting and promising stat was in the 'Team' ones. Most of last year our efficiency inside 50 was terrible (30s and 40s). Last night it was up to 55% Now we have to be careful because the defensive pressure will be much greater in a 'real' game, but it's one to watch as the season progresses.
Do for the Community Games as they organise it. Scratch matches they don't.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: laj on February 26, 2026, 04:25:42 pm
Loves: Ollie on the wing. Jagga. Walshy. Coops. Game plan. Work rate.
Likes: Deano. Crippa. Hewey. Pitto. Derks. The Byrner.
Concerns: Chesser. Fogarty. Moir.
Agree with most of this, although I thought Chesser was pretty good.
I went last night so I could see how cohesive the new game plan is (watching on the box doesn't let you look 50-100 metres down the ground.....)
A couple of observations.....
- Our forwards need to learn how to work better with this new game plan. The timing of their leads is poor, either too early, or not committed enough so they don't get a break on their defenders. We had several centre breaks that could have led to easy goals, but the leads weren't there.
- Yet again, too many intercept marks by Geelong defenders were effectively uncontested. If we want the small/mid forwards more involved, there must be someone in Blue contesting every mark in F50
- On point 2, if a forward does go up in a marking contest, a mark is good, but a spoil and subsequent crumbs may be just as good. The aim must be to make sure the opposition doesn't get it.
- We really need Newman back with his left foot daggers. The short play in our D50 is heart-in-mouth stuff (especially if Mitch McGovern and Lewis Young are involved!).
- I'd really like to see a bit more one-on-one defense. We coughed up quite a few goals by using a zone approach but being too loose. (eg check out Ollie Henry's goal in the last quarter - he strolled in and kicked from 40 while a couple of Carlton defenders were trying to guard space instead of pressuring the ball-holder).
Overall, a pleasing change, and watching it is much more enthralling than the treacle approach we have been using in the past.
Thought for 45 minutes we had things going nicely. Our skills were good and we were bad at getting to the right spots. It was a very defensive game for much of the first half. After that it turned more into a practice match, hence alot more intercept marks.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 26, 2026, 04:59:28 pm
One thing that bugs me - and did so last night - is when our players go to "outside 5" when an opposition player has a mark or free near the 50. We effectively turn a low percentage scoring shot or kick to the hot spot into a gettable shot at goal or short pass opportunity.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: kruddler on February 26, 2026, 06:47:07 pm
Stats below show the centre bounce attendances which will give you some insight into the rotations we have.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: cookie2 on February 26, 2026, 07:03:01 pm
My one concern is that we played another quarter where we didn't score a goal. The inability to manufacture goals when things are not going your way has been an ongoing problem for years. I think we need to be able to score goals against the run of play more consistently than we have in the past. However beating the two grand finalists from last year must mean we are Premiership favourites.
Generally agree. Apparently our I50 entry work shows improvement but I would like to see it improve further. There still seems to be too many poorly directed kicks and lack of creative leading. Otherwise I thought it was a pretty good effort.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Gointocarlton on February 26, 2026, 07:46:14 pm
My one concern is that we played another quarter where we didn't score a goal. The inability to manufacture goals when things are not going your way has been an ongoing problem for years. I think we need to be able to score goals against the run of play more consistently than we have in the past. However beating the two grand finalists from last year must mean we are Premiership favourites.
Generally agree. Apparently our I50 entry work shows improvement but I would like to see it improve further. There still seems to be too many poorly directed kicks and lack of creative leading. Otherwise I thought it was a pretty good effort.
Generally agree with your general agreement.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Baggers on February 27, 2026, 08:19:25 am
My one concern is that we played another quarter where we didn't score a goal. The inability to manufacture goals when things are not going your way has been an ongoing problem for years. I think we need to be able to score goals against the run of play more consistently than we have in the past. However beating the two grand finalists from last year must mean we are Premiership favourites.
Yep, noticed the same thing. That 2nd qtr was a reminder of previous years. On the up side, the 3rd and final qtrs were strong improvements.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Adelaideblue on February 27, 2026, 08:34:19 am
My one concern is that we played another quarter where we didn't score a goal. The inability to manufacture goals when things are not going your way has been an ongoing problem for years. I think we need to be able to score goals against the run of play more consistently than we have in the past. However beating the two grand finalists from last year must mean we are Premiership favourites.
Yep, noticed the same thing. That 2nd qtr was a reminder of previous years. On the up side, the 3rd and final qtrs were strong improvements.
Yes we seemed to lapse back into old habits in the 2nd quarter. Several times we ignored the short kick to the player free on the flank and instead did the usual big kick down onto the head of our key forwards.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 27, 2026, 10:46:15 am
I'm not sure that the second quarter was that bad.
We had 13 inside 50s with four kicks marked by defenders (one ball was tapped inside 50 and led to several possessions and a missed snap by Williams). We took two marks inside 50 (three with Smith's "not 15") and kept possession or forced a stoppage from seven inside 50s. Where we fell down was our goalkicking with two shots falling short (one from outside 50), two set shots missed from 35m and two gettable snaps missing. We probably should have kicked three for the quarter and one of Geelong's two was gifted to Martin.
Our ball use and decision making was good but our finishing let us down and we really can't afford to miss set shots from inside 50.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: Baggers on February 27, 2026, 12:07:30 pm
I'm not sure that the second quarter was that bad.
We had 13 inside 50s with four kicks marked by defenders (one ball was tapped inside 50 and led to several possessions and a missed snap by Williams). We took two marks inside 50 (three with Smith's "not 15") and kept possession or forced a stoppage from seven inside 50s. Where we fell down was our goalkicking with two shots falling short (one from outside 50), two set shots missed from 35m and two gettable snaps missing. We probably should have kicked three for the quarter and one of Geelong's two was gifted to Martin.
Our ball use and decision making was good but our finishing let us down and we really can't afford to miss set shots from inside 50.
And that's the issue, just like recent years we got it into forward 50 plenty of times in the 2nd qtr but finishing let us down... again. BUT, it was corrected in the 3rd and final.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 27, 2026, 01:17:59 pm
I'm not sure that the second quarter was that bad.
We had 13 inside 50s with four kicks marked by defenders (one ball was tapped inside 50 and led to several possessions and a missed snap by Williams). We took two marks inside 50 (three with Smith's "not 15") and kept possession or forced a stoppage from seven inside 50s. Where we fell down was our goalkicking with two shots falling short (one from outside 50), two set shots missed from 35m and two gettable snaps missing. We probably should have kicked three for the quarter and one of Geelong's two was gifted to Martin.
Our ball use and decision making was good but our finishing let us down and we really can't afford to miss set shots from inside 50.
And that's the issue, just like recent years we got it into forward 50 plenty of times in the 2nd qtr but finishing let us down... again. BUT, it was corrected in the 3rd and final.
The difference is that our forward 50 entries in the second quarter were much better than what we often dished up last season. We dropped some marks, didn't crumb as a well as we should have and our kicking for goal was atrocious. Our forward 50 entries were generally deep and well executed and Geelong only taking four defensive marks and only two spoils (neither of which killed the ball) reflected that. We really should have scored three goals from the looks we got, and won the quarter by a goal (two if the umpires were fair dinkum) but bad kicking (for goal) is bad football.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: DJC on February 27, 2026, 01:22:11 pm
I'm not sure that the second quarter was that bad.
We had 13 inside 50s with four kicks marked by defenders (one ball was tapped inside 50 and led to several possessions and a missed snap by Williams). We took two marks inside 50 (three with Smith's "not 15") and kept possession or forced a stoppage from seven inside 50s. Where we fell down was our goalkicking with two shots falling short (one from outside 50), two set shots missed from 35m and two gettable snaps missing. We probably should have kicked three for the quarter and one of Geelong's two was gifted to Martin.
Our ball use and decision making was good but our finishing let us down and we really can't afford to miss set shots from inside 50.
And that's the issue, just like recent years we got it into forward 50 plenty of times in the 2nd qtr but finishing let us down... again. BUT, it was corrected in the 3rd and final.
The difference is that our forward 50 entries in the second quarter were much better than what we often dished up last season. Our forward 50 entries were generally deep and well executed and Geelong only taking four defensive marks (Stewart only got one!) and only two spoils (neither of which killed the ball) reflected that. We dropped some marks, didn't crumb as well as we should have and our kicking for goal was atrocious. We really should have scored three-four goals from the opportunities we had, and won the quarter by a couple of goals (more if the umpires were fair dinkum) but bad kicking (for goal) is bad football.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: pew2 on February 27, 2026, 03:07:31 pm
we still kick the ball to many times straight to the opposition how many times did Geelong intercept ( only practice match ) so what do the coaches done or changed over pre season.
Title: Re: 2026 Last Practice Match Carlton vs Geelong
Post by: madbluboy on February 27, 2026, 03:12:04 pm
we still kick the ball to many times straight to the opposition how many times did Geelong intercept ( only practice match ) so what do the coaches done or changed over pre season.