Princes Park => Robert Heatley Stand => Topic started by: crashlander on March 28, 2026, 11:16:20 pm
Title: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: crashlander on March 28, 2026, 11:16:20 pm
If we can play 4 quarters ...
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Baggers on March 29, 2026, 06:03:48 pm
11 goal turnaround. 5 goals to 15 after qtr time. 4 goals to 14 after half time. 2 goals to 8 in the last qtr.
Says it all.
Fans, members and supporters don't sign up for ONE quarter per game.
Dismal.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Bluesers on March 29, 2026, 06:15:14 pm
The only interest '26 now holds for sorrya$$ cfc supporters is at what point will they pull the trigger on MV? The year is done and dusted already, MV cannot coach - he continually proves that. We need to move on from him asap and find someone who actually has a game plan and can begin developing this young list. CFC - embarrassing and pathetic.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: BluePhantom on March 29, 2026, 06:16:54 pm
I've jumped off the Voss train, it has derailed. Cripps is not leading. McKay and Kemp are soft as butter in a pack or one on one. And Young can bugger off to Auskick where he can learn a few skills. No system or plan, just seems to be U16 style football once we get pressured. But used to this now. 25 years of waiting, building, green buds, messiahs, next years... I think we are ALL JACK of it.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Thryleon on March 29, 2026, 06:17:02 pm
We wont win many carrying witches hats.
Kemp, o keefe, chesser, young. Just deer in the headlights stuff from these guys. Also we had short options clear and started kicking longer to contests instead.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 06:25:59 pm
Some might say they predicted this from us this year. Others would say that person was being negative.
Some might say that a few losses and people would immediately start calling the coaches head. Others said that we wouldnt be put in that position because we are half decent and play crap teams early.
Well... Some are not surprised that the pitchforks have already been sharpened...
All going to script so far.... unfortunately.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: pertz on March 29, 2026, 06:26:46 pm
I'm done. Can't watch this same predictable train wreck week after week. Change coach? Not sure what the answer is. Angry and sad in equal doses
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: RiverRat on March 29, 2026, 06:32:48 pm
I've jumped off the Voss train, it has derailed. Cripps is not leading. McKay and Kemp are soft as butter in a pack or one on one. And Young can bugger off to Auskick where he can learn a few skills.
Kemp was lamentable - even less effort than Charlie used to provide.
McKay was as usual - not good enough.
Young had his usual (2 or 3) panic attacks but I thought he was reasonably effective as a defender and his ruckwork in defence allowed Pitto to stay with Gawn; a tactic that seemed to work for at least half a game.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: PaulP on March 29, 2026, 06:46:31 pm
Young had his usual (2 or 3) panic attacks but I thought he was reasonably effective as a defender and his ruckwork in defence allowed Pitto to stay with Gawn; a tactic that seemed to work for at least half a game
I agree
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 29, 2026, 06:47:18 pm
We've dominated sections of every game so far this year.
But it's now become predictable we can't maintain it. We know it Other clubs know it. That's a mental barrier. I'm not sure how a coach has the ability to change that up...but if it continues Voss will be the one in the gun.
But its a bit disappointing and a sad refelction that one of the most prolific players attacking the ball and the opposition was a first gamer.
What we desperately need is a game where we break that circuit. It may be just the catalyst needed to get back on track. But there are a few changes that need to be made, more based around effort rather than ability.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Slowhand on March 29, 2026, 06:48:21 pm
I've jumped off the Voss train, it has derailed. Cripps is not leading. McKay and Kemp are soft as butter in a pack or one on one. And Young can bugger off to Auskick where he can learn a few skills. No system or plan, just seems to be U16 style football once we get pressured. But used to this now. 25 years of waiting, building, green buds, messiahs, next years... I think we are ALL JACK of it.
Im almost 66, grew up with Bomber Sheldon, been ucky to see us win the last few flags. Seen lots of good 👍. This mess is f7ckinfg got to me.
Unfortunately its taken the club too long to get someone like Wright into the organisation. In time he will sort the Football Department out.
What really passes me off is our CULTURE has gone out the window.
We're miles off most of the the top 8. Reckon Good Friday could turn real bad 👎 😕
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 29, 2026, 06:56:00 pm
You can see at the ground we were tired towards the end of half time.
We lack fitness.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: tex on March 29, 2026, 06:59:10 pm
You can see at the ground we were tired towards the end of half time.
We lack fitness.
Why is our gameplay so taxing?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: rocky on March 29, 2026, 06:59:45 pm
Was at the game and it was oh so predictable. No-one was confident, no-one was expecting the win, just an anticipation of our capitulation. It was never loud from the supporters, just a quiet resignation of what was to come. Maybe they swing the axe this week, but no confidence in that happening either. Just gutted. When will it ever turn (that's a rhetorical question). Big corwd 67,000. Wow.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Shakin77 on March 29, 2026, 07:01:47 pm
Embarrassing and yet not surprising
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on March 29, 2026, 07:08:51 pm
The only thing worse than the loss is the glee in BT's voice. he spent 1/2 the broadcast telling us he doesn't barrack for anybody, then when the Dees got on a roll he lost some much self-control he virtually evacuated himself.
This attitude manifests itself in those two frees against Hewett and Evans, the only two frees like it paid for the whole game 20m out of dead in front of the Dees goal. Fans expect it, the opposition expect it, now the officials expect it. If our club chooses stoic silence we are doomed to repeat this over and over again. I thought we had a hard nut in control as CEO, he's gone missing too!
In the Crows game BT spent an hour banging on about a wrong decision, in our game he let them both go through to the keeper, and if we don't address it it'll keep happening in the line ball decisions, and today they weren't even line ball!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: blueday on March 29, 2026, 07:09:21 pm
I'm done. I left with five minutes to go, have never walked out in my 50 years. The money and energy put into this club has been a waste. My kid bleeds blue and he's about to become an adult and known almost nothing but this rubbish. Blow it up. Coach and the senior core, gone. Start again and find some players with heart.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LordLucifer on March 29, 2026, 07:09:43 pm
That's it, Voss has to go - end of story !!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Bluesers on March 29, 2026, 07:18:30 pm
Some might say they predicted this from us this year. Others would say that person was being negative.
Some might say that a few losses and people would immediately start calling the coaches head. Others said that we wouldnt be put in that position because we are half decent and play crap teams early.
Well... Some are not surprised that the pitchforks have already been sharpened...
All going to script so far.... unfortunately.
What you say is sad, but true unfortunately. GWright and co. allowed MV to run out year 5, obviously just for the sake of some continuity and stability. Probably about now they may be regretting that decision - even if the results aren't that surprising, but just the manner we have wilted will be setting off huge alarm bells...... Sooner or later something has to give, and no prizes for guessing what comes next.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 29, 2026, 07:25:35 pm
Could just sense it in the second, even tho we were up they had a heap of shots at goal and we barely had any.
You could sense the change coming and sure enough it happened.
Saw inexcusable errors - H by himself in a paddock kicks it badly into f50, melb get it and go score a goal. They had confidence and Gawn was killing us.
Kemp was absolutely putrid, some Shocking kicking errors from Carroll And Ollie. When they pressured us we couldn’t sustain our gameplan. The two frees were pathetic but the dice had already been rolled and we knew how it would go.
Im embarrassed, i feel sorry for Jagga and for Talor, he should have had his debut game be a win.
We can’t expect to do the same thing and get a different result. Im over it.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on March 29, 2026, 07:26:06 pm
I think I first stated more than two years back on this very forum, that whoever was in charge of our sports psychology needs to be given the ar5e. Under pressure we shrink up our own clacker, now we are habitually thinking ourselves into the mire.
List management is not terrible on a pick by pick basis but we have a bad team mix, too many church mice not a single enforcer to be seen. So much so a midget like Kosi regularly beats up on us, it feels like London.
There is nothing fair or safe about AFL, it's brutal, and if you're not prepared to be brutal back you'll surely lose.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: BluePhantom on March 29, 2026, 07:27:39 pm
If only we had an experienced coach waiting in the wings ::)
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 29, 2026, 07:35:41 pm
Where do I start? Before I talk about Gawn, let me start with us. I said we'd smash Melbourne and for a couple of quarters it was looking on the cards. I felt like we moved the ball well and defended the ground very well. In the first two quarters, when Melb moved the ball from defence, we seemed to give up grass fwd of the the wing and mids and defenders seemed to position themselves to where the ball was likely going to go to. They choked the avenue to goal and repelled very well. Pitto appeared, to me at least, to concede at the centre ball up and see if he could impact when the ball hit the ground. The above all worked for 2 qtrs, then the wheels fell off (especially in the last qtr). The mids got beaten up, the defenders were under pressure and they got back in the game, simple as that. They laid down their arms and showed zero fit and grit.
I have seen some superstars of the game put on some clinics in my time but Gawn was a colossus today. If they didnt have him, I'd go as far to say they wouldnt win a game. When they needed him, he stood even taller if that's even possible. He tapped everything to advantage and seemed to mark everything in packs that came his way. If he didnt mark it, he influenced where the ball needed to go. What a player.
We had some dead set passengers today, I wont go into it by naming names, the selection committee SHOULD sort that out assuming there are some able bodied replacements that can come in.
A 63 point turn around is unacceptable in any language, however given our mental fragility it was always on the cards.
Such is Life (as a Carlton Supporter).
On to next week I guess.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 29, 2026, 07:38:53 pm
Kemp, o keefe, chesser, young. Just deer in the headlights stuff from these guys. Also we had short options clear and started kicking longer to contests instead.
I thought Young was ok today. Disposal was shaky a couple of times but was far from our worst. The others yep. One of those touched it 7 time and didnt trouble the scorers. His counter part at the other end touched it 9 times and kicked 4.1.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: shawny on March 29, 2026, 07:45:20 pm
What an absolute shambles of an organisation.
Out coached by a newbie with 2 games experience.
Slow, dumb decision makers and poor execution sums up 3/4a of our list.
The sadest part is imo the players give their all they cant play much better. They are what they are and we have known this for years.
Wright has to take a massive broom through the list and find a capable coach to lead.
Walker must be spewing he is coming to us.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: shawny on March 29, 2026, 07:47:06 pm
Kemp, o keefe, chesser, young. Just deer in the headlights stuff from these guys. Also we had short options clear and started kicking longer to contests instead.
I thought Young was ok today. Disposal was shaky a couple of times but was far from our worst. The others yep. One of those touched it 7 time and didnt trouble the scorers. His counter part touched it 9 times and kicked 4.1.
Young is symbolic of our list. the bloke tries his heart out but his disposal is not at the standard and his decision making under any pressure is heart in the mouth stuff. If we were even a middle of the road team he does not play.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 07:47:26 pm
By a club who just in the last 24 hours stated that they expect to finish top 10. The same club that took some of his elite players and watched them head out the door.
If the club had said its a building year. Fine. To demand results from a team that was already sub-par.....and lost talent....is laughable.
Its certainly not in Vossys nature, but i'd love it if he threw the keys back to the club and said, you deal with it and see how well you do.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 29, 2026, 07:49:00 pm
Some might say they predicted this from us this year. Others would say that person was being negative.
Some might say that a few losses and people would immediately start calling the coaches head. Others said that we wouldnt be put in that position because we are half decent and play crap teams early.
Well... Some are not surprised that the pitchforks have already been sharpened...
All going to script so far.... unfortunately.
What you say is sad, but true unfortunately. GWright and co. allowed MV to run out year 5, obviously just for the sake of some continuity and stability. Probably about now they may be regretting that decision - even if the results aren't that surprising, but just the manner we have wilted will be setting off huge alarm bells...... Sooner or later something has to give, and no prizes for guessing what comes next.
There were probably a couple of reasons for keeping Voss. Last year of his contract...let him see that through without sacking him. Show were not doing the "old knee jerk thingy" Assess it mid-year and make a decision then.
The coaches Wright wanted may not have been available this year. Doesn't necessarily mean they haven't been spoken to, and perhaps even locked in.
I'm curious about the player coach relationship...it seems good in those team meetings. Players say the right thing and accept a large bit of the responsibility.
But they're certainly making it difficult for Voss, and the end may come sooner rather than later. There comes a point when events take over a lot of the decision making processes.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 29, 2026, 08:04:17 pm
The same club that took some of his elite players and watched them head out the door.
You can make a case for faults in our recruiting but Silvagni, Curnow and TDK all left becasue they wanted to go. That's not setting Voss up to fail. In fact there is some suggestion that some of those departing were less than enamoured with Voss's approach. DeKoning left for ridiculous money...we were bever going to match that.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Macca37 on March 29, 2026, 08:09:36 pm
When you combine our continuing mental fragility with our inability to physically run out a game, and then add our sub-standard skills, it would appear that making the top ten is a pipe dream.
The only positive is that now I only have to watch a game until a few minutes into the second quarter before going off and doing something meaningful with the rest of the day.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 29, 2026, 08:10:06 pm
The list has gone backwards the last two seasons, how can we make finals? How can Voss keep his job? Set up to fail.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 08:12:48 pm
As for some players today.
Plenty of people had brain fades with terrible kicks, from both teams, so i'm not going to hang any individuals for that.
With that said... - Young played IMO, he's best game for a couple years at least. Took some strong marks and put his body on the line in contests where previously he may have shirked.
- Byrne provided more in his first game than Fogarty has shown in years. Hopefully thats the standard we can expect from him.
- Dean has his old mans heart and courage and that may be his undoing. I heard he got taken to hospital, but not sure what the issue is. If he wants a long career, he needs to maybe save that stuff for finals. Maybe try teaching some other blokes that stuff.
- McGovern played well in his 100th in Navy Blue....could've had a couple more goals, but was our best forward....which is good and worrying at the same time.
- Pittonet...had the toughest gig in football, trying to stop Gawn, solo, in his 250th. We could've lost the game off the back of that gamble, but i think he won the battle for a half and then didn't get embarrassed (like most) after half time. I think that shows that 1 ruck from here should be the go as they're wont be a tougher gig all year.
- Elijah....played by far his best game for the year. In fairness, if he didn't touch the ball today, probably still would've qualified as he's basically worked for the opposition the last 2 matches. Hopefully he's turned the corner and continue to deliver that same output from here.
Midfield as a whole were down on output. I made a comment about missing Lord and not really replacing him today....and it looked like we were extra tired in that area as a result. Perhaps someone like Ben Camporeale should've been given a gig? Not sure if he have any other reins to pull in that regard.
A couple worries for me.... - HOK.....everyones worst nightmare....he has not only NOT come on, but also seems to have gone backwards. He's still young and there is time....but its a worry especially when looking for options up forward
- Which leads me to Kemp.....as above, he hasn't come on and seems to have gone backwards. We needed someone to stand up and take some of the spotlight that Charlie had and
- While we are at it, Harry. Didn't play terrible, but doesn't fill you with confidence. Don't think he can really grab a game by the scruff of the nexk like maybe he could about 3-4 years ago. Yes he won a coleman, but it was a Covid one. I think he is only the 2nd banana at best. We need to find a charlie replacement next year.
Finally, its easier said than done, but we really need to find someone to play on Kosi types. Was only a matter of time until he got off the leash and when he did, he did whatever he wanted to do.....and easily.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 08:19:31 pm
The same club that took some of his elite players and watched them head out the door.
You can make a case for faults in our recruiting but Silvagni, Curnow and TDK all left becasue they wanted to go. That's not setting Voss up to fail. In fact there is some suggestion that some of those departing were less than enamoured with Voss's approach. DeKoning left for ridiculous money...we were bever going to match that.
Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance
Players leave, sure.....you can't throw up your hands and say there is no way we could've seen that coming.....and a have a year at the bottom as a result.
I've been stressing the importance for years, and been mocked repeatedly for it. Yet here we are.
There will always be a player that want out. There will always be a player who misses a year through injury. There will always be an older player who falls off a cliff performance wise.
These are NOT valid excuses to fail. You PLAN for these things in advance.....like i was suggesting.
We didn't. They are to blame.
Regardless of any relationships with the coach, recruiters have failed in this area.
I've said it many times. Individually, every decision the recruiters have made, you can find make a case for. (whether it works out or not is another story) However, you are not picking a group of individuals. You are picking a complete list, with allowances to cover for injuries etc. This is the area we have failed in.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 29, 2026, 08:23:42 pm
Agree re Young thought he was quite good.
There is something pretty rank if you are known to capitulate in the third, to not do everything in your power to ensure it does not happen! If theres a system set up fitness wise to help you run out the fourth by taking your foot completely off in the third; then thst needs to change. I keep reading from the club that they know theres an issue there. I mean Doc said it out loud weeks ago (which imo was unhelpful by him)… but 3 weeks on this is still the problem. Seriously what is going on.
It is all well and good to say players have left or so and so is injured but ffs do something to change it happening time and again! It really cannot be that hard to change whatever youre doing that is contributing to that happening!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: crashlander on March 29, 2026, 08:35:17 pm
I've jumped off the Voss train, it has derailed. Cripps is not leading. McKay and Kemp are soft as butter in a pack or one on one. And Young can bugger off to Auskick where he can learn a few skills.
Kemp was lamentable - even less effort than Charlie used to provide.
McKay was as usual - not good enough.
Young had his usual (2 or 3) panic attacks but I thought he was reasonably effective as a defender and his ruckwork in defence allowed Pitto to stay with Gawn; a tactic that seemed to work for at least half a game.
Young is not the key defender we need for the long term, but he wasn't bad today. He beat his man for most of the day and took some very good marks under pressure. His kicking ... I don't want to go there.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 08:35:44 pm
There is something pretty rank if you are known to capitulate in the third, to not do everything in your power to ensure it does not happen! If theres a system set up fitness wise to help you run out the fourth by taking your foot completely off in the third; then thst needs to change. I keep reading from the club that they know theres an issue there. I mean Doc said it out loud weeks ago (which imo was unhelpful by him)… but 3 weeks on this is still the problem. Seriously what is going on.
It is all well and good to say players have left or so and so is injured but ffs do something to change it happening time and again! It really cannot be that hard to change whatever youre doing that is contributing to that happening!
On the train ride on the way home with my 10yo he was saying that all we need to do is fix the dropoffs after half time. I said its more common than you think. I asked him to pick a number between 1 and 23 and showed him the score worm for the associated round last year.
I went through 6 random numbers before i found one that bucked the trend, and it was a game against either North or West Coast who i also pointed are the worst performed teams in years.
Every man and his dog sees what the problem is, yet not a damn thing has happened to fix it. It can't be that bl00dy hard....can it?
From next week, just tell players that we are 'holding the ball up' until half time. THEN with all the energy we've saved, have the 2nd half we need. Try something as drastic as that to buck the trend, because whatever is being said/done, isn't getting through.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 08:38:08 pm
BTW, how many timely free kicks did the dees get......at least a couple of which resulted in goals when it mattered.
The Frankie Evans free kick against had me stuffed. The first contact on him when he had the ball was a swinging arm to his head, yet its holding the ball.......goal. WTF?
There was a couple more which i cannot recall with similar results, and i can't remember any going the other way to help us.
When it rains it pours.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 29, 2026, 08:55:15 pm
You can make a case for faults in our recruiting but Silvagni, Curnow and TDK all left becasue they wanted to go. That's not setting Voss up to fail. In fact there is some suggestion that some of those departing were less than enamoured with Voss's approach. DeKoning left for ridiculous money...we were bever going to match that.
Proper Preperation Prevents Poor Performance
Players leave, sure.....you can't throw up your hands and say there is no way we could've seen that coming.....and a have a year at the bottom as a result.
I've been stressing the importance for years, and been mocked repeatedly for it. Yet here we are.
There will always be a player that want out. There will always be a player who misses a year through injury. There will always be an older player who falls off a cliff performance wise.
These are NOT valid excuses to fail. You PLAN for these things in advance.....like i was suggesting.
We didn't. They are to blame.
Regardless of any relationships with the coach, recruiters have failed in this area.
I've said it many times. Individually, every decision the recruiters have made, you can find make a case for. (whether it works out or not is another story) However, you are not picking a group of individuals. You are picking a complete list, with allowances to cover for injuries etc. This is the area we have failed in.
Do we not think that Voss has had mutiple ongoing discussions with his list manager over the years with regards to the nature of the game style we play and the type of players required. Do they just cover their faces when they pass each other in the corridors and walk on. If we're that dysfunctional that there is not a collaborative approach then we probably deserve to be in the position we currently sit in.
This may be Austin's list but Voss would have had a big input.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 29, 2026, 08:58:12 pm
Players leave, sure.....you can't throw up your hands and say there is no way we could've seen that coming.....and a have a year at the bottom as a result.
I've been stressing the importance for years, and been mocked repeatedly for it. Yet here we are.
There will always be a player that want out. There will always be a player who misses a year through injury. There will always be an older player who falls off a cliff performance wise.
These are NOT valid excuses to fail. You PLAN for these things in advance.....like i was suggesting.
We didn't. They are to blame.
Regardless of any relationships with the coach, recruiters have failed in this area.
I've said it many times. Individually, every decision the recruiters have made, you can find make a case for. (whether it works out or not is another story) However, you are not picking a group of individuals. You are picking a complete list, with allowances to cover for injuries etc. This is the area we have failed in.
Do we not think that Voss has had mutiple ongoing discussions with his list manager over the years with regards to the nature of the game style we play and the type of players required. Do they just cover their faces when they pass each other in the corridors and walk on. If we're that dysfunctional that there is not a collaborative approach then we probably deserve to be in the position we currently sit in.
This may be Austin's list but Voss would have had a big input.
I doubt Voss or anyone else would ask the recruiting team to bring in players who cant kick, are slow and are poor decision makers.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 29, 2026, 08:59:45 pm
Players leave, sure.....you can't throw up your hands and say there is no way we could've seen that coming.....and a have a year at the bottom as a result.
I've been stressing the importance for years, and been mocked repeatedly for it. Yet here we are.
There will always be a player that want out. There will always be a player who misses a year through injury. There will always be an older player who falls off a cliff performance wise.
These are NOT valid excuses to fail. You PLAN for these things in advance.....like i was suggesting.
We didn't. They are to blame.
Regardless of any relationships with the coach, recruiters have failed in this area.
I've said it many times. Individually, every decision the recruiters have made, you can find make a case for. (whether it works out or not is another story) However, you are not picking a group of individuals. You are picking a complete list, with allowances to cover for injuries etc. This is the area we have failed in.
Do we not think that Voss has had mutiple ongoing discussions with his list manager over the years with regards to the nature of the game style we play and the type of players required. Do they just cover their faces when they pass each other in the corridors and walk on. If we're that dysfunctional that there is not a collaborative approach then we probably deserve to be in the position we currently sit in.
This may be Austin's list but Voss would have had a big input.
Maybe Vossy does and he gets fed the same thing they feed us every year. "There was nobody available at our pick"
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: rocky on March 29, 2026, 09:18:37 pm
You know something I'd try that is different for next week. When an opposition player takes a mark DO NOT exercise the outside 5 option, which invariable gives them about 20 meters of space to play with for then next chain in play. Get up to the mark. Get up there and do the friggin stand. Let's try that against norf. Try something. I hate the outside 5 BS
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: crashlander on March 29, 2026, 09:23:56 pm
Today was humiliating. There is no other way of describing it. We haven't learnt anything from last year. [1] There are others who may not agree, but Gawn's game today showed why having a decent ruckman is a necessity. He lifted and dragged his midfield with him. Pitto tried his heart out, but he isn't a top ruck. HOK has also gone backwards, which doesn't help us at all. Reidy doesn't look like the answer either, although he does, at least, get a few possessions. We need a top ruck if we are to ever get back to being a contender!
[2] Our fitness levels remain suspect. Our 1st quarter was as good as any played this season, but after that ... :'( :'( :'( This was clear last year, yet we don't appear to have addressed it at all. If anything, we conk our earlier. We've been in front at half time in all of our games, again! Yet, we've won one and were lucky to do so.
[3] Our disposal: Another point we noted last year. Has it improved? Well, I couldn't say yes. Our disposal at times was diabolical.
[4] Our decision making also appears no better. Again, it was obvious last year.
[5] Our style of play: it was incredibly obvious that we our game style needs work. (a) We don't stay close enough, or put enough physical pressure on to make a difference. That was so obvious when you looked at Talor Byrne's efforts, which really stood out. (b) we don't lead and we don't honour a lead. We just fill in the spaces, so there is nowhere to run into. Instead we kick long down the line to a contest, which was so predictable to the opposition that they know what we're doing better than our players do. (c) Run and carry: after quarter time we barely had any. Melbourne continually had guys open because they ran hard and kicked long. We stopped until everyone was covered before we tried to kick. (d) We don't run with anybody. Opposition good players feast out on us as nobody picks them up. Pickett doesn't get a kick on a negative player who sticks close to him. But allow him to run around and he kills you! (e) We kick the ball to the opposition's netter players instead of to ours. The number of times we kicked the ball to Gawn was ghastly!
[6] Psychological help: we clearly need it, as we lack belief. We don't think quickly. We make poor decisions. Most of that can be cured if we have faith in our teammates. We don't. We really need to have this self-belief if we are to improve.
[7] Leadership: we really are missing a fair bit there. Our 'leaders' don't go the extra mile. When things get hard, they don't stand up. Melbourne's leaders really stood up when it was needed. Ours did not. We cannot afford that.
I don not think Voss will be coaching us next year. No matter how well he might speak, his tenure has been one of lack of leadership, being unable to run out games, not being able to react to changes and not improving our game plan. I don't know who our next coach may be, but we need one. We have issues that need addressing and Voss isn't doing the job.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: blueboys_1 on March 29, 2026, 10:01:44 pm
Absolutely disgusting effort after 1/4 time. You could see it happening in the second 1/4. I'm so sick of this crap I'm finding it so difficult to stay positive and go to a game. I seriously did not want to go today, but I did. What a disaster of a club we have become. I don't want to show my colours anymore for fear of been laughed at or stirred about who I support. I have been a member for 50 years and a supporter for 60 plus and this is the lowest I have felt about the club ever. I'm so disheartened by the club its not funny anymore.
On a positive note, Talor Byrne had a great debut for the club. A great first game. A goal with his first kick after using his body to edge out the Melbourne player and a couple of great bumps to clear the way for a couple of goals. Nice work young man and good luck for the future.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on March 29, 2026, 10:03:43 pm
On a positive note, Talor Byrne had a great debut for the club. A great first game. A goal with his first kick after using his body to edge out the Melbourne player and a couple of great bumps to clear the way for a couple of goals. Nice work young man and good luck for the future.
The kid showed more physicality than our KPPs.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: blueboys_1 on March 29, 2026, 10:09:57 pm
Today was humiliating. There is no other way of describing it. We haven't learnt anything from last year. [1] There are others who may not agree, but Gawn's game today showed why having a decent ruckman is a necessity. He lifted and dragged his midfield with him. Pitto tried his heart out, but he isn't a top ruck. HOK has also gone backwards, which doesn't help us at all. Reidy doesn't look like the answer either, although he does, at least, get a few possessions. We need a top ruck if we are to ever get back to being a contender! We had one but he is no longer at the club!!
[2] Our fitness levels remain suspect. Our 1st quarter was as good as any played this season, but after that ... :'( :'( :'( Not fitness. Its mental. I remember an interview with Florent after the first game and he said that all the clubs have the same fitness base and that it is more of a mental issue. This was clear last year, yet we don't appear to have addressed it at all. If anything, we conk our earlier. We've been in front at half time in all of our games, again! Yet, we've won one and were lucky to do so.
[3] Our disposal: Another point we noted last year. Has it improved? Well, I couldn't say yes. Our disposal at times was diabolical. Nothings changed!!
[4] Our decision making also appears no better. Again, it was obvious last year. Nothings changed!!
[5] Our style of play: it was incredibly obvious that we our game style needs work. (a) We don't stay close enough, or put enough physical pressure on to make a difference. That was so obvious when you looked at Talor Byrne's efforts, which really stood out. (b) we don't lead and we don't honour a lead. We just fill in the spaces, so there is nowhere to run into. Instead we kick long down the line to a contest, which was so predictable to the opposition that they know what we're doing better than our players do. (c) Run and carry: after quarter time we barely had any. Melbourne continually had guys open because they ran hard and kicked long. We stopped until everyone was covered before we tried to kick. (d) We don't run with anybody. Opposition good players feast out on us as nobody picks them up. Pickett doesn't get a kick on a negative player who sticks close to him. But allow him to run around and he kills you! (e) We kick the ball to the opposition's netter players instead of to ours. The number of times we kicked the ball to Gawn was ghastly!
[6] Psychological help: we clearly need it, as we lack belief. We don't think quickly. We make poor decisions. Most of that can be cured if we have faith in our teammates. We don't. We really need to have this self-belief if we are to improve.
[7] Leadership: we really are missing a fair bit there. Our 'leaders' don't go the extra mile. When things get hard, they don't stand up. Melbourne's leaders really stood up when it was needed. Ours did not. We cannot afford that.
I don not think Voss will be coaching us next year. No matter how well he might speak, his tenure has been one of lack of leadership, being unable to run out games, not being able to react to changes and not improving our game plan. I don't know who our next coach may be, but we need one. We have issues that need addressing and Voss isn't doing the job.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: JonDorotich on March 29, 2026, 10:45:55 pm
That was as brutal a day at the footy as the Collingwood loss to miss the finals. For a moment I was thinking that the Syd and Richmond games were simply a case of some early season rust, but the 66 point turnaround against a very average opponent took that hope and stomped it into the ground. It feels like 26 is already done.
On the positives, I’m not a fan of Lewis Young or Elijah Holllands but both played as well as I can remember, as did another of my favourite whipping boys Mitch McGovern. Byrne, Smith, Dean, Weitering, Evans & Carroll (mostly) were also serviceable throughout.
Our senior playing group were poor when we needed them to stand up. Gawn showed us what champion leaders do when their team needs them. Cripps, Walsh, Hewett and Mckay simply didnt respond when the momentum shifted and we simply allowed wave after wave of attack and barely raised a wimper in the last three quarters. The logic of Hewett on Pickett in parts of the second half has me totally confused - how does that matchup make any sense??
Chesser is a ball butcher as is Oliver Hollands. Both are simply not good enough.
McKay is way too passive and the passage of play where he ignored three free players streaming by him to kick to a contest in front of goal sums him up - he’s no A grader and never will be.
I also expected so much more of Kemp, Ainsworth and Hayward - all had very little impact which isn’t good enough. How is it that Hayward simply can’t find the footy at the Blues?
In the coaches box Voss had another shocker - soundly out out coached by Yze last week and now King. When the momentum shifted there was no obvious structural shift to slow momentum and tighten the game.
So many issues!!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Bluesers on March 29, 2026, 10:49:07 pm
It's started already, as expected. A. we don't have the right type of players for 2026 game style, and B. we don't have a suitable modern style coach, or a coach who can consistently get the best out of our list.
There will be lots of similar stories printed in the coming weeks, especially if we capitulate once again to North, then MV will really be feeling the blowtorch. I can't see anything changing with this playing group - GW has lots of homework to do.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 29, 2026, 11:16:38 pm
I have lost confidence in the coaches.
I wish it werent so but insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
We did absolutely nothing to curb the momentum shift. Sure its on the players out there mostly but they are being directed. Why are we sticking to something that is continually not working?
A beautiful Melbourne day today, 42 pts up in the first quarter. And every Carlton supporter knew exactly what would happen. If i as a 50yo up in the stand never having played a game in my life could see it unfolding in front of me, how do the multiple Coaches not? When a team gets a run on, not once do we do something to negate it. We just continue on ‘stick to the plan’.
Well the fking plan sucks and every single supporter is sick of watching that crap.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: shawny on March 29, 2026, 11:27:16 pm
I wish it werent so but insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
We did absolutely nothing to curb the momentum shift. Sure its on the players out there mostly but they are being directed. Why are we sticking to something that is continually not working?
A beautiful Melbourne day today, 42 pts up in the first quarter. And every Carlton supporter knew exactly what would happen. If i as a 50yo up in the stand never having played a game in my life could see it unfolding in front of me, how do the multiple Coaches not? When a team gets a run on, not once do we do something to negate it. We just continue on ‘stick to the plan’.
Well the fking plan sucks and every single supporter is sick of watching that crap.
agree. i said it in the pre match thread pickett was the dangerman and yet again pir coaches allow him free reign.
We lack any imagination or innovation to swing things around. The old cripps to the forward 50 is the one move he makes and its beating a dead horse as he cant kick for goal and we lose his influence around the ball.
3 games we were beaten the exact same way and not in one of those games was magnets moved or gameplan changed to slow the flow.
not once.
The list is very light on for talent and is way too slow across the ground for the modern game but the coaching and game plan standard is laughable.
Voss has had more then enough time. Change is needed and i hope we dont wait till the year is out to pull the bandaid off. Hope we are talking to horse.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 30, 2026, 08:10:16 am
I wish it werent so but insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
We did absolutely nothing to curb the momentum shift. Sure its on the players out there mostly but they are being directed. Why are we sticking to something that is continually not working?
A beautiful Melbourne day today, 42 pts up in the first quarter. And every Carlton supporter knew exactly what would happen. If i as a 50yo up in the stand never having played a game in my life could see it unfolding in front of me, how do the multiple Coaches not? When a team gets a run on, not once do we do something to negate it. We just continue on ‘stick to the plan’.
Well the fking plan sucks and every single supporter is sick of watching that crap.
Respectfully Micky, how do we know the coaches did nothing to curb the momentum? I know what the players didnt do because that as plain as the nose on my face to see. I saw the player opposed to Kosi at the centre ball up lose touch with him far too easily because he gave him way too much space. I would much rather he gave away the frees for holding than let him stream out. I saw lots of attention to detail by the players missing when the game ramped up. I saw no leadership from the senior players. I saw players man and ball watching. The above costs you games and careers. The coach also mentioned in the presser about not sticking to roles.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on March 30, 2026, 08:18:49 am
Respectfully Micky, how do we know the coaches did nothing to curb the momentum? I know what the players didnt do because that as plain as the nose on my face to see. I saw the player opposed to Kosi at the centre ball up lose touch with him far too easily because he gave him way too much space. I would much rather he gave away the frees for holding than let him stream out. I saw lots of attention to detail by the players missing when the game ramped up. I saw no leadership from the senior players. I saw players man and ball watching. The above costs you games and careers. The coach also mentioned in the presser about not sticking to roles.
I have to agree, I saw the opposite in that I saw coaches trying stuff and getting nothing in return. It's not the kids although they weren't perfect, for example young Dean let his opponent lead him to the ball too often, and more than once in his vigor he took out team-mates instead of opponents. In fairness to Dean he is a beginner and Kemp did this twice as well. It's like they are happy to hit each other and not the opposition!
But the real problem is the older heads, when was the last time you saw a senior Carlton player use his body in the contest like Byrne did? BigH basically got brushed aside by smaller lighter bodies and was no resistance to the likes of Gawn, Gov started OK but resorted to limping as a sympathy tactic, Weiters hobbles away from every marking contest, Cripps tries to play the tough man but it's not naturally to him and costs him what he is really good at. Young I can't talk about I'll be spitting out too many teeth.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 08:27:22 am
Okay well if the coaches are changing things or the players arent doing what theyre told, thats just a complete breakdown of the coach and player relationship and if this was just the past few games then ok but its been over a year - since that GWS game we were smashing them and they killed us after half time. That was June 2024.
Cripps looked over it in a post game presser, saying its on the players we take responsibility we know Carlton fans are angry etc etc. its become a norm and no matter what, it just feels like something has to change to change the script. What sparks a change? You cant flick players mid year and get new ones in. Unfortunately in footy you only have a few levers you can pull during the season - we need something.
North will beat us, they are tougher than us. Newman is prob the only one out that might help us if we play him. Otherwise there aint much else.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: bobby on March 30, 2026, 08:33:16 am
Part of this is on the players, collapsing like a house of cards. Maybe Cripps isn’t the general we thought he was (or ever was). The umpires obviously love him so which I think indicates there’s minimal if any nastiness in his manner. I just don’t get it. Maybe he’s not great with words. but I don’t think he galvanises the team like other captains can. He never shirks anything but he’s 6’5” and lots of kgs. Is someone smaller in stature doing the same thing more inspiring? I don’t know. Grasping for straws here. It just can’t be one blokes problem. Time for Walsh? He’s going to be around for ever.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on March 30, 2026, 08:52:27 am
Cripps is finished in the modern game. In previous eras he would have been a legend up with the likes of barassi but if you cant run and spread and don't have pinpoint kicking skills you're a passengers. Plus, I'm questioning his leadership - he can't physically impose himself on the game anymore so can he actually impact ? Begs the question - who actually is a genuine leader at this rabble of a club ?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 30, 2026, 08:56:47 am
I wish it werent so but insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.
We did absolutely nothing to curb the momentum shift. Sure its on the players out there mostly but they are being directed. Why are we sticking to something that is continually not working?
A beautiful Melbourne day today, 42 pts up in the first quarter. And every Carlton supporter knew exactly what would happen. If i as a 50yo up in the stand never having played a game in my life could see it unfolding in front of me, how do the multiple Coaches not? When a team gets a run on, not once do we do something to negate it. We just continue on ‘stick to the plan’.
Well the fking plan sucks and every single supporter is sick of watching that crap.
Respectfully Micky, how do we know the coaches did nothing to curb the momentum? I know what the players didnt do because that as plain as the nose on my face to see. I saw the player opposed to Kosi at the centre ball up lose touch with him far too easily because he gave him way too much space. I would much rather he gave away the frees for holding than let him stream out. I saw lots of attention to detail by the players missing when the game ramped up. I saw no leadership from the senior players. I saw players man and ball watching. The above costs you games and careers. The coach also mentioned in the presser about not sticking to roles.
It's a circular argument though isn't it. Players v Coach
If the players aren't following instructions. If they're failing to man up. If the leadership is lacking. If players aren't sticking to their roles. Does that not point to a disconnect between players and coach. What are the consequences?
Does Voss make a statement and drop a couple of high profile players. What are the consequences of that especially given the increasing pressure that multiple fade-outs have placed on the club?
Maybe best to go down fighting...play the players who show the fight and a bit of mongrel. So that would be Byrne, Evans and .... ??? Lord was probably missed but wouldn't have made a huge difference.
It seems to me we have a number of players clearly out of form. I thought Kemp was terrible yesterday...but he has missed a year of football. A spell in the VFL may be what he needs just at the moment. Get him to make a case there for reinstatement. He's not impacting either forward or back and is a bit in no-man's land in terms of his career.
Cripps is being 'passed by' because of the way the game is being played at present. He looks frustrated. That may resolve if the game settles down as the year progresses, but that doesn't seem to be the case anytime soon.
Young cops plenty of criticism, but he seems to always draw the better forwards...the thinking is probably to free Weitering up as an interceptor but Young suffers in comparison. Young copped it again yesterday and made a couple of poor decisions but also did some good things especially with his marking. It was a mixed bag. Ideally I'd like to see him play forward and provide the second ruck option. Both O'Keefe and Reidy are not impacting enough. The problem is Harry Dean seemed to hurt himself and Haynes reportedly suffered an injury in the VFL so it might be Lewis stays and stays as a backman.
McKay is getting plenty of ball...but not plenty of goals. Flynn Young on the other hand, is among the goals in the VFL so maybe gets a game next week.
In short, too many players playing half a game or well below their best football.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Thryleon on March 30, 2026, 09:01:40 am
Respectfully Micky, how do we know the coaches did nothing to curb the momentum? I know what the players didnt do because that as plain as the nose on my face to see. I saw the player opposed to Kosi at the centre ball up lose touch with him far too easily because he gave him way too much space. I would much rather he gave away the frees for holding than let him stream out. I saw lots of attention to detail by the players missing when the game ramped up. I saw no leadership from the senior players. I saw players man and ball watching. The above costs you games and careers. The coach also mentioned in the presser about not sticking to roles.
It's a circular argument though isn't it. Players v Coach
If the players aren't following instructions. If they're failing to man up. If the leadership is lacking. If players aren't sticking to their roles. Does that not point to a disconnect between players and coach. What are the consequences?
Does Voss make a statement and drop a couple of high profile players. What are the consequences of that especially given the increasing pressure that multiple fade-outs have placed on the club?
Maybe best to go down fighting...play the players who show the fight and a bit of mongrel. So that would be Byrne, Evans and .... ??? Lord was probably missed but wouldn't have made a huge difference.
It seems to me we have a number of players clearly out of form. I thought Kemp was terrible yesterday...but he has missed a year of football. A spell in the VFL may be what he needs just at the moment. Get him to make a case there for reinstatement. He's not impacting either forward or back and is a bit in no-man's land in terms of his career.
Cripps is being 'passed by' because of the way the game is being played at present. He looks frustrated. That may resolve if the game settles down as the year progresses, but that doesn't seem to be the case anytime soon.
Young cops plenty of criticism, but he seems to always draw the better forwards...the thinking is probably to free Weitering up as an interceptor but Young suffers in comparison. Young copped it again yesterday and made a couple of poor decisions but also did some good things especially with his marking. It was a mixed bag. Ideally I'd like to see him play forward and provide the second ruck option. Both O'Keefe and Reidy are not impacting enough. The problem is Harry Dean seemed to hurt himself and Haynes reportedly suffered an injury in the VFL so it might be Lewis stays and stays as a backman.
McKay is getting plenty of ball...but not plenty of goals. Flynn Young on the other hand, is among the goals in the VFL so maybe gets a game next week.
In short, too many players playing half a game or well below their best football.
Swap kemp and young.
Sure kemp isnt a gorrilla minder, but kemp makes better decisions with ball in hand. At one point yesterday in the 3rd quarter, it was lewis young intercepts, and then kicked it to ollie hollands, and I had no faith that ball was going to our advantage next.
I look for some constructive things in there usually but aside from ignoring the easy option and taking difficult kicks on that were low percentage, thats all I could really see. Numerous times we ignored the short option that was in the clear to kick to a contest, which is what Voss alluded to in his post match presser. We have some pretty ordinary habits on this front. I can excuse a kick that was going to the right place, that misses the target, as thats an execution issue. The poor option that I saw on too many occasions... Thats a calm head under pressure option that needs to be sorted.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 30, 2026, 09:10:39 am
It's a circular argument though isn't it. Players v Coach
If the players aren't following instructions. If they're failing to man up. If the leadership is lacking. If players aren't sticking to their roles. Does that not point to a disconnect between players and coach. What are the consequences?
Does Voss make a statement and drop a couple of high profile players. What are the consequences of that especially given the increasing pressure that multiple fade-outs have placed on the club?
Maybe best to go down fighting...play the players who show the fight and a bit of mongrel. So that would be Byrne, Evans and .... ??? Lord was probably missed but wouldn't have made a huge difference.
It seems to me we have a number of players clearly out of form. I thought Kemp was terrible yesterday...but he has missed a year of football. A spell in the VFL may be what he needs just at the moment. Get him to make a case there for reinstatement. He's not impacting either forward or back and is a bit in no-man's land in terms of his career.
Cripps is being 'passed by' because of the way the game is being played at present. He looks frustrated. That may resolve if the game settles down as the year progresses, but that doesn't seem to be the case anytime soon.
Young cops plenty of criticism, but he seems to always draw the better forwards...the thinking is probably to free Weitering up as an interceptor but Young suffers in comparison. Young copped it again yesterday and made a couple of poor decisions but also did some good things especially with his marking. It was a mixed bag. Ideally I'd like to see him play forward and provide the second ruck option. Both O'Keefe and Reidy are not impacting enough. The problem is Harry Dean seemed to hurt himself and Haynes reportedly suffered an injury in the VFL so it might be Lewis stays and stays as a backman.
McKay is getting plenty of ball...but not plenty of goals. Flynn Young on the other hand, is among the goals in the VFL so maybe gets a game next week.
In short, too many players playing half a game or well below their best football.
Swap kemp and young.
Sure kemp isnt a gorrilla minder, but kemp makes better decisions with ball in hand. At one point yesterday in the 3rd quarter, it was lewis young intercepts, and then kicked it to ollie hollands, and I had no faith that ball was going to our advantage next.
I look for some constructive things in there usually but aside from ignoring the easy option and taking difficult kicks on that were low percentage, thats all I could really see. Numerous times we ignored the short option that was in the clear to kick to a contest, which is what Voss alluded to in his post match presser. We have some pretty ordinary habits on this front. I can excuse a kick that was going to the right place, that misses the target, as thats an execution issue. The poor option that I saw on too many occasions... Thats a calm head under pressure option that needs to be sorted.
Although based on what I saw yesterday, I had way more faith in Young than Kemp anywhere on the ground.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: BluePhantom on March 30, 2026, 09:17:03 am
Just a side note, where's Walshy? Signed a mega deal and has now become a so so player. Used to be the everywhere man but that mantle now seems to be Jagga. It must be that haircut or lack there of.
It's funny how when Jagga has it, I have so much confidence the ball will be bettered but when Young has it....
I wish we had a Bont type player, imposes himself on the game, a match winner. we have no one who puts their hand up.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 09:30:20 am
Just a side note, where's Walshy? Signed a mega deal and has now become a so so player. Used to be the everywhere man but that mantle now seems to be Jagga. It must be that haircut or lack there of.
It's funny how when Jagga has it, I have so much confidence the ball will be bettered but when Young has it....
I wish we had a Bont type player, imposes himself on the game, a match winner. we have no one who puts their hand up.
Walsh is low impact because of his kicking, can't knock his work rate but he doesn't hurt teams enough with the amount of possessions he gets.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Baggers on March 30, 2026, 09:36:40 am
This is not new. We've seen this movie over and over for quite some time now.
We've changed the game style, but not what is between the lugholes of our blokes. Same old, same old. You can paint stripes on a donkey and tell it to now run fast and hunt...
Bottom line: we're an embarrassment with no respect from other clubs. We have all the mental grit, resilience and strength of a turnip. But this is of our own making. How come this group is so demoralised that it can only operate when things are going their way... and easy?
Vossy admitted he's a glass half full kind of guy, looking for positives to focus on. All too often those who rely on positive thinking only do so because they're sh*t scared of negatives... reality. Fear based. Confronting fears (negatives) requires courage. Confronting the mindset of what happens to our blokes when pressure and change comes might just reveal the issue(s). We're courageous with our bodies, but not with our minds and hearts. Why?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 09:46:05 am
This is not new. We've seen this movie over and over for quite some time now.
We've changed the game style, but not what is between the lugholes of our blokes. Same old, same old. You can paint stripes on a donkey and tell it to now run fast and hunt...
Bottom line: we're an embarrassment with no respect from other clubs. We have all the mental grit, resilience and strength of a turnip. But this is of our own making. How come this group is so demoralised that it can only operate when things are going their way... and easy?
Vossy admitted he's a glass half full kind of guy, looking for positives to focus on. All too often those who rely on positive thinking only do so because they're sh*t scared of negatives... reality. Fear based. Confronting fears (negatives) requires courage. Confronting the mindset of what happens to our blokes when pressure and change comes might just reveal the issue(s). We're courageous with our bodies, but not with our minds and hearts. Why?
Limited list talent wise being coached by a man who is struggling with a modern game plan which is foreign to how he really wants the game played and looks like a deer in the headlights when the momentum changes and gets that paralysed look which all Carlton coaches of recent times get. Zero leadership from senior players, the captain looks like he has checked out and I also question our fitness.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Thryleon on March 30, 2026, 09:47:01 am
This is not new. We've seen this movie over and over for quite some time now.
We've changed the game style, but not what is between the lugholes of our blokes. Same old, same old. You can paint stripes on a donkey and tell it to now run fast and hunt...
Bottom line: we're an embarrassment with no respect from other clubs. We have all the mental grit, resilience and strength of a turnip. But this is of our own making. How come this group is so demoralised that it can only operate when things are going their way... and easy?
Vossy admitted he's a glass half full kind of guy, looking for positives to focus on. All too often those who rely on positive thinking only do so because they're sh*t scared of negatives... reality. Fear based. Confronting fears (negatives) requires courage. Confronting the mindset of what happens to our blokes when pressure and change comes might just reveal the issue(s). We're courageous with our bodies, but not with our minds and hearts. Why?
Im torn about this. Constructive criticism is the way of today. Look at kingsley and the Giants. He has gone the rant and rave, and now thats the only way to get a reaction out of his team.
Positives are good, they reinforce good behaviours. Negatives are fine, for the right type of player, but some of ours, wont wear it they drop their heads, and then become dissillusioned.
Thing is, all the strong teams, I think that its all player driven. Ours, wait. They dont own their predicament, they just keep doing the same old same old, even when the game demands something different. 3rd quarter yesterday, we are up by 20 points, we have set up to lock it into forward 50. We had the ball, and instead of maintaining posession and changing angles, I heard our crowd moan about us not playing fast. The players hear this, and the panic sets in there too. The fans around me did it on multiple occasions, and I thought to myself, we have just conceded 5 goals, 2 in the space of a few minutes. Take the pace out of the game, dont put it in. Whats the point of playing fast? We kick a goal, and go into the middle, they win the next clearance (by then the centre bounce dominance was with Melbourne) and they score again? Give us some time to make them feel pressure and take the wind out of their sails.
Nup, our boys, bomb it into a nothing contest. Ball cut off, end to end, goal.
We wont achieve anything until the players can feel that situation and rise to that occasion without someone having to tell them, hey guess what, we need a pressure relief.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 30, 2026, 09:53:07 am
We have made so much change in the last 2 seasons what do you expect?
We have been rebuilding since the end of 2024, the club just haven't told anyone.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: laj on March 30, 2026, 10:12:17 am
Respectfully Micky, how do we know the coaches did nothing to curb the momentum? I know what the players didnt do because that as plain as the nose on my face to see. I saw the player opposed to Kosi at the centre ball up lose touch with him far too easily because he gave him way too much space. I would much rather he gave away the frees for holding than let him stream out. I saw lots of attention to detail by the players missing when the game ramped up. I saw no leadership from the senior players. I saw players man and ball watching. The above costs you games and careers. The coach also mentioned in the presser about not sticking to roles.
It's a circular argument though isn't it. Players v Coach
If the players aren't following instructions. If they're failing to man up. If the leadership is lacking. If players aren't sticking to their roles. Does that not point to a disconnect between players and coach. What are the consequences?
Does Voss make a statement and drop a couple of high profile players. What are the consequences of that especially given the increasing pressure that multiple fade-outs have placed on the club?
Maybe best to go down fighting...play the players who show the fight and a bit of mongrel. So that would be Byrne, Evans and .... ??? Lord was probably missed but wouldn't have made a huge difference.
It seems to me we have a number of players clearly out of form. I thought Kemp was terrible yesterday...but he has missed a year of football. A spell in the VFL may be what he needs just at the moment. Get him to make a case there for reinstatement. He's not impacting either forward or back and is a bit in no-man's land in terms of his career.
Cripps is being 'passed by' because of the way the game is being played at present. He looks frustrated. That may resolve if the game settles down as the year progresses, but that doesn't seem to be the case anytime soon.
Young cops plenty of criticism, but he seems to always draw the better forwards...the thinking is probably to free Weitering up as an interceptor but Young suffers in comparison. Young copped it again yesterday and made a couple of poor decisions but also did some good things especially with his marking. It was a mixed bag. Ideally I'd like to see him play forward and provide the second ruck option. Both O'Keefe and Reidy are not impacting enough. The problem is Harry Dean seemed to hurt himself and Haynes reportedly suffered an injury in the VFL so it might be Lewis stays and stays as a backman.
McKay is getting plenty of ball...but not plenty of goals. Flynn Young on the other hand, is among the goals in the VFL so maybe gets a game next week.
In short, too many players playing half a game or well below their best football.
Harry plays his best footy when he gets a run on the ball, like Levi did. His confidence rises. HOK will do ok for us but is still a young tall developing, as many take time, in probably before he is ready, and needs another year in the twos. Reidy I thought would have been better. Gov has been doing well up forward as a 2nd tall. One of the few positive things for us. Hayward and Ainsworth must have wondered what they have walked in to.
Vossy can't evolve as the game evolves and the style of game needed theses days is foreign to how he likes it. He'll can't match the best coaches with the modern game. Unfortunately, the players know that too and their performance and attitude reflects that. Attitude is everything, as we found mid year 2023. It can change in a week.
If we could play 4 qtrs, even 3, like we play the first qtr, no-one beats us, but we can't and look like a rabble after the first 30 min.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: shawny on March 30, 2026, 10:13:14 am
young kemp o hollands harry florent chesser HOK Carroll is over 1/4 of the team that is on the park and are all absolute numbnuts with the ball in hand.
They make the simple look difficult. They all have a dip but decision making and execution is not even close to the required standard. The amount of times they back into trouble when clear, miss teammates with what should be a simple pass, make dumb decisions amd zero awareness.
Way too many of these sorts to have on the field and expect to get a result.
Lead by a coach who has NFI how to coach the modern game and its no wonder we are bottom 4.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on March 30, 2026, 10:37:13 am
young kemp o hollands harry florent chesser HOK Carroll is over 1/4 of the team that is on the park and are all absolute numbnuts with the ball in hand.
I seriously doubt OH was a problem this week, in fact he was probably up there in our best, had a heap of footy, intercepts, score involvements and I can only recall one obvious clanger that was more about being left high and dry by those around him than an individual error, although he will have to wear it because of the end result.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 10:58:07 am
There are always going to be miskicks and dumb decisions and the umpire calling dumb frees and players injured - every team has that. But where is our tenacity, our grit, our doggedness to get it done? Who is the group that says not on my watcg and then fights to the death to make aure it Doesnt happen. Used to be Crippa and we all bemoaned why it was always left To him… well years on and we still have no one and crippa looks over it and cant put the team on his back anymore.
So the Q is why dont the coaches implore the players to go for it, have no fear, be a mongrel do what you have to to get the W. Then do it again and again.
Ollie works his guts out and should be excused from being too harshly judged. Mcg had a decent game but again in the 4th as it was coming out of our f50 the Melb player kicked to another - mcgs opponent - and i could see when it was kicked that it was gojng to go over his head. And sure enough it did but mcg wasnt paying attention so reacted late and what shouldve been a turnover to us was swept up and taken down for a goal. H in a paddock no pressure could stop take time and wait but no bombs it in, turnover. Carroll and kemp Both shocking kicks direct to oppo.
So the players arent switched on, after getting a good lead and the oppo Starting to put pressure on. Who galvanises others? Why isnt something done to stem the flow?
In the first we were kicking short and low it was obvious I even said to my partner theyre lowering their eyes this is good, linking up well. Sure enough back to long bombs.
Something is crook in tootgarook and it aint those arseholes leaving - this has been going on too long. This is entrenched and needs to be reversed out of stat or we are wooden spooners. Wc and North are better than us atm. And we only escaped losing to Tigs because they let us.
Ffs. Another crap year!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Macca37 on March 30, 2026, 11:00:58 am
Have a look at our lists over the past ten years or more and one constant stands out - too many players who do not have the foot skills needed for the AFL.
As with our present list, these players will not risk trying to pinpoint a pass for fear of turning the ball over - and so the safe option is taken, kick down the line, kick to a contest.
With players unable to carry out the most fundamental skill, what hope does any coach have of implementing a plan?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on March 30, 2026, 11:02:38 am
OH is kicking a lot on his left this year and he is a poor kick on his non-preferred side. Still trying his guts out but his left foot kicking has pushed his kicking stats from average to awful and it's killing us.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Baggers on March 30, 2026, 11:02:42 am
This is not new. We've seen this movie over and over for quite some time now.
We've changed the game style, but not what is between the lugholes of our blokes. Same old, same old. You can paint stripes on a donkey and tell it to now run fast and hunt...
Bottom line: we're an embarrassment with no respect from other clubs. We have all the mental grit, resilience and strength of a turnip. But this is of our own making. How come this group is so demoralised that it can only operate when things are going their way... and easy?
Vossy admitted he's a glass half full kind of guy, looking for positives to focus on. All too often those who rely on positive thinking only do so because they're sh*t scared of negatives... reality. Fear based. Confronting fears (negatives) requires courage. Confronting the mindset of what happens to our blokes when pressure and change comes might just reveal the issue(s). We're courageous with our bodies, but not with our minds and hearts. Why?
Im torn about this. Constructive criticism is the way of today. Look at kingsley and the Giants. He has gone the rant and rave, and now thats the only way to get a reaction out of his team.
Positives are good, they reinforce good behaviours. Negatives are fine, for the right type of player, but some of ours, wont wear it they drop their heads, and then become dissillusioned.
Sorry 3 Leos, I guess I didn't make myself clearer. I don't see negatives as bad nor would I focus on negatives to players. You're right, positives used well and properly encourage good habits. Constant berating of players doesn't work.
What I mean is that minimalizing negatives is dangerously close to avoiding fears and problems which is often disastrous... as evidenced by our wilting in games. By focussing on positives only, we've avoided facing and dealing with the very real issue and problem of wilting, which has been around for quite a long time. Hoping that a positive focus only, will solve all negative problems is a folly. Now, it cannot be ignored any longer.
There's a reason our boys revert to safe mode when under the pump. What are we failing to confront?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Baggers on March 30, 2026, 11:06:31 am
On a more positive note, rapt with 'The Byrne.' This kid is going to become a cult figure and fave at our club.
Son of Peter (Dean) is another ripper. Great attitude and mentally tough/switched on. I hope his injury is not too bad.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 30, 2026, 11:27:32 am
This is not new. We've seen this movie over and over for quite some time now.
We've changed the game style, but not what is between the lugholes of our blokes. Same old, same old. You can paint stripes on a donkey and tell it to now run fast and hunt...
Bottom line: we're an embarrassment with no respect from other clubs. We have all the mental grit, resilience and strength of a turnip. But this is of our own making. How come this group is so demoralised that it can only operate when things are going their way... and easy?
Vossy admitted he's a glass half full kind of guy, looking for positives to focus on. All too often those who rely on positive thinking only do so because they're sh*t scared of negatives... reality. Fear based. Confronting fears (negatives) requires courage. Confronting the mindset of what happens to our blokes when pressure and change comes might just reveal the issue(s). We're courageous with our bodies, but not with our minds and hearts. Why?
Limited list talent wise being coached by a man who is struggling with a modern game plan which is foreign to how he really wants the game played and looks like a deer in the headlights when the momentum changes and gets that paralysed look which all Carlton coaches of recent times get. Zero leadership from senior players, the captain looks like he has checked out and I also question our fitness.
The talent wasn't limited in the 1st quarter!!!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: crashlander on March 30, 2026, 12:01:43 pm
Both turn over merchants and the opposite of the type of players we need.
On another note if Saints are paying Milera 2M what is Pickett worth. Can rip a game apart like no one else except maybe only nick dacios.
Kosi tore the game apart because he was allowed to.
This is all too true. When we had a fit tagger, someone who could play close, Pickett was a total non-issue who struggled to get a kick. But the last two games he hasn't had anyone playing him closely, and he has really hurt us.
Alas, this isn't an isolated case. We don't do much locking down. Cooper Lord does some, but he has limitations due to his pace. We need someone who can take out the opposition's best midfielder, which we don't have. Look at the way Collingwood struggle when Daicos is ineffective. But can we do that? We don't even try.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LygonStreetLimbo on March 30, 2026, 12:21:40 pm
I wish we hadn’t won those pre-season games against last year’s Grand Finalists. The fall from expectation to reality has been sudden and steep. No-one rates the Dees but we couldn’t beat them. I think E Hollands is looking great and Frankie gives his all. Crippa is looking slow and Walsh is not as elusive as he used to be. Gawn and Pickett killed us
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 01:14:05 pm
Really loving H Dean - he has that attitude!
I
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 02:37:33 pm
Both turn over merchants and the opposite of the type of players we need.
On another note if Saints are paying Milera 2M what is Pickett worth. Can rip a game apart like no one else except maybe only nick dacios.
Agree...Hayward and Ainsworth are handy players but not matchwinners and Id like the latter to spend some more time onball but Chesser and Florent are very average imo and I can see why the Swans let Florent go after signing him to that long deal. Chesser isnt a great contested player and I dont see what the List Management team saw in his kicking either, I thought the real difference in the game showed when the kid Lindsay and Fritsch had the ball along with K.Pickett of course and their footskills just knifed through our defense, hit up players and the goalkicking of Fritsch was A grade.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 02:56:02 pm
Both turn over merchants and the opposite of the type of players we need.
On another note if Saints are paying Milera 2M what is Pickett worth. Can rip a game apart like no one else except maybe only nick dacios.
Agree...Hayward and Ainsworth are handy players but not matchwinners and Id like the latter to spend some more time onball but Chesser and Florent are very average imo and I can see why the Swans let Florent go after signing him to that long deal. Chesser isnt a great contested player and I dont see what the List Management team saw in his kicking either, I thought the real difference in the game showed when the kid Lindsay and Fritsch had the ball along with K.Pickett of course and their footskills just knifed through our defense, hit up players and the goalkicking of Fritsch was A grade.
Fritsch always plays well against us.
Had it been even all game and we lost I wouldve been disappointed but the next day I wouldve said well they still have some excellent premiership players so okay, i wouldve given them that out and sais Kemp is only back after a year off as is Elijah, H is getting used to being the lone tall fwd, new guys are finding their feet etc BUT being 42 pts up and capitulating?! Absolutely terrible.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 03:06:49 pm
Agree...Hayward and Ainsworth are handy players but not matchwinners and Id like the latter to spend some more time onball but Chesser and Florent are very average imo and I can see why the Swans let Florent go after signing him to that long deal. Chesser isnt a great contested player and I dont see what the List Management team saw in his kicking either, I thought the real difference in the game showed when the kid Lindsay and Fritsch had the ball along with K.Pickett of course and their footskills just knifed through our defense, hit up players and the goalkicking of Fritsch was A grade.
Fritsch always plays well against us.
Had it been even all game and we lost I wouldve been disappointed but the next day I wouldve said well they still have some excellent premiership players so okay, i wouldve given them that out and sais Kemp is only back after a year off as is Elijah, H is getting used to being the lone tall fwd, new guys are finding their feet etc BUT being 42 pts up and capitulating?! Absolutely terrible.
We look a rudderless mess and even in the 1st quarter I thought it was Melbourne's poor skills and defensive efforts that helped us kick 6 goals rather than any type of brilliant method. As has been discussed at length in the media and on most forums once opposing teams even up the contest at the stoppages we start to fall away and when we have to chase and defend we get overwhelmed with the workrate required to keep up. Individually we have some decent players but as a team we dont look organised or willing to work for each other and we need someone like a Luke Hodge type who can get in players faces and demand more effort and accountability when it gets tough.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: pew2 on March 30, 2026, 03:34:00 pm
our list is to SLOW and this is why i say SOS (stuffed the club up )and Now Nick Austin should face pressure also but Voss wow no more words can save him i think.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 03:47:38 pm
Limited list talent wise being coached by a man who is struggling with a modern game plan which is foreign to how he really wants the game played and looks like a deer in the headlights when the momentum changes and gets that paralysed look which all Carlton coaches of recent times get. Zero leadership from senior players, the captain looks like he has checked out and I also question our fitness.
The talent wasn't limited in the 1st quarter!!!
The first quarter wasnt as good as it looks, Melbourne made plenty of errors and served up the ball, the first ten minutes was rubbish from both teams. Do we want to live in denial or do we want to face reality that it was a low grade team we were playing and that we still have a poor system. The Richmond game was another horrible game of poor skills despite the bright start, there are about 4-5 teams in the comp who play the worst brand of non watchable football and we are one of them, we play another on Easter Friday. Id rather see a good brand/style of play than an early flurry of goals caused by Nths self inflicted errors, we need to have a good system to fall back on to create our own goals when the other team are not handing us easy goals and thats what we lack...
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: PaulP on March 30, 2026, 04:11:21 pm
I think Melbourne had 9 or 10 players from their 2021 Premiership team.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 30, 2026, 04:43:00 pm
our list is to SLOW and this is why i say SOS (stuffed the club up )and Now Nick Austin should face pressure also but Voss wow no more words can save him i think.
SOS left like 7 years ago lol
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 30, 2026, 05:21:31 pm
There's a fair bit of deja vu associated with the Round 3 Post match thread and the same round from last year. A lot of the same problems.
https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?topic=7160.0
But just be a little careful with judging some of the new players at the moment. The chief whipping boys in that thread were Haynes and Evans. ;) :D
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 06:01:43 pm
There's a fair bit of deja vu associated with the Round 3 Post match thread and the same round from last year. A lot of the same problems.
https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?topic=7160.0
But just be a little careful with judging some of the new players at the moment. The chief whipping boys in that thread were Haynes and Evans. ;) :D
Evans hasnt hit the form he had late last season and Haynes is at the backend of his career and looks like its going to be a tough year with injury for him. I think we are worse than last season, at rock bottom and lucky to have one win on the board.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 30, 2026, 06:42:00 pm
There's a fair bit of deja vu associated with the Round 3 Post match thread and the same round from last year. A lot of the same problems.
https://www.carltonsc.com/index.php?topic=7160.0
But just be a little careful with judging some of the new players at the moment. The chief whipping boys in that thread were Haynes and Evans. ;) :D
Evans hasnt hit the form he had late last season and Haynes is at the backend of his career and looks like its going to be a tough year with injury for him. I think we are worse than last season, at rock bottom and lucky to have one win on the board.
Evans has only played one game Haynes hasn't played any. But that's not the point...the point is that at the same stage last year these two were basically written off as a waste of space, but by the end of the season they would have just about been in everyones best 23.
So criticism of the new additions to the side is arguably a bit premature. Let see how they settle.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 06:54:16 pm
Evans hasnt hit the form he had late last season and Haynes is at the backend of his career and looks like its going to be a tough year with injury for him. I think we are worse than last season, at rock bottom and lucky to have one win on the board.
Evans has only played one game Haynes hasn't played any. But that's not the point...the point is that at the same stage last year these two were basically written off as a waste of space, but by the end of the season they would have just about been in everyones best 23.
So criticism of the new additions to the side is arguably a bit premature. Let see how they settle.
The argument I heard over summer was the list is much better and better placed and that the new game plan would make us better. Im not sure it's premature, a few of us predicted what would happen. There seem to be this idea that every other team would go backwards and that our brilliant new recruits would change our fortune. Hope you didn't put any money on the outcome.. ;)
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 30, 2026, 07:15:43 pm
Evans has only played one game Haynes hasn't played any. But that's not the point...the point is that at the same stage last year these two were basically written off as a waste of space, but by the end of the season they would have just about been in everyones best 23.
So criticism of the new additions to the side is arguably a bit premature. Let see how they settle.
The argument I heard over summer was the list is much better and better placed and that the new game plan would make us better. Im not sure it's premature, a few of us predicted what would happen. There seem to be this idea that every other team would go backwards and that our brilliant new recruits would change our fortune. Hope you didn't put any money the on the outcome.. ;)
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 30, 2026, 07:29:00 pm
The argument I heard over summer was the list is much better and better placed and that the new game plan would make us better. Im not sure it's premature, a few of us predicted what would happen. There seem to be this idea that every other team would go backwards and that our brilliant new recruits would change our fortune. Hope you didn't put any money the on the outcome.. ;)
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
I was going to say the same thing as EB.
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 07:38:14 pm
The argument I heard over summer was the list is much better and better placed and that the new game plan would make us better. Im not sure it's premature, a few of us predicted what would happen. There seem to be this idea that every other team would go backwards and that our brilliant new recruits would change our fortune. Hope you didn't put any money the on the outcome.. ;)
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
We started bad last season but I think we look worse this season. To me we are at rock bottom and back to the dark old days..
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: BlackRooster on March 30, 2026, 07:51:00 pm
Was at the game. Tw things had me smiling maybe three. 1) The teams first qrt. 2) I had sitting behind me Talor Byrne Uncle and Aunt. Jumping for joy when he marked and kicked his goal. 3) I thought as others have mentioned, that Louie's game was the best for the club. He gave the Van waht every his name is a bath.
As for the rest of the day rinse and repeat.
I am not sure that MV told Pitto to win the ball in the centre an then hand it back to Melb. TWICE I am not sure that MV told the backline, when taking saving marks, please kick it back to a Melb player or find Gawn to kick it to. PLENTLY TIMES.
I am not sure if MV stays or goes but is there not like 7 other coaches sitting in a box watching the game? What are the seeing? What are they reporting (if anything) back to MV. I have come to accept that this season is gone (yes even after 3 games).
The only good thing coming out of this year will be not selling the farm for CW
I would say bring on next week but i have been scarred to the point of being numb and not caring.
Rant over
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 30, 2026, 07:53:42 pm
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
We started bad last season but I think we look worse this season. To me we are at rock bottom and back to the dark old days..
From rock bottom the only way is up. Seasons have a funny way of producing the unexpected. I'll admit you have to be pretty optimistic to see something positive about the upcoming games. We just haven't got the formula right yet. And it may stay pear shaped for the whole year. But I wouldn't be surprised to see peaks and troughs.
We have to break this cycle of giving away big leads. It may be as simple as one or two games to get that monkey off the back. It's possible it will come when we least expect it.
What happens with the coaching position may also have an impact. If things continue to go poorly as MBB points out in the upcoming game thread Voss will not be there after the mid year bye. A change in coach may deliver a game style that allows the players a bit more freedom from current roles and restrictions. It may be just a sugar hit, but most supporters would probably take that at the moment, rather than racing for the car park.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 30, 2026, 08:17:13 pm
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
We started bad last season but I think we look worse this season. To me we are at rock bottom and back to the dark old days..
I think last season was worse, I think we have shown enough to suggest we can get ourselves into a position to win. Figure out how to arrest the 2nd half mind games and we'll be fine. Round 3 and lots of changes, might take a bit of time for the aspect to click also.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 08:20:07 pm
Most of the time its not one persons fault its a collective. The collective is at the bottom of the barrell and something needs to change. Whether rightly or wrongly, something needs to change. And the only change that can really occur during a season to change what is happening immediately, is get a new coach in.
I am team Voss - i wish this wasnt so. But personally I dont see where any other change comes from and to my eye the young ones are killing themselves for us and thats not fair.
Personally I dont want to see the highly skilled media fronting Welters or Walsh saying it is on us, we need to do better. Please spare us, go and train and be the leader during the game.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 08:24:22 pm
We started bad last season but I think we look worse this season. To me we are at rock bottom and back to the dark old days..
I think last season was worse, to I think we have shown enough to suggest we can get ourselves into a position to win. Figure out how to arrest the 2nd half mind games and we'll be fine. Round 3 and lots of changes, might take a bit of time for the aspect to click also.
Admire your optimism and had it too until about 4.15pm yesterday afternoon. None of our guys want you be THE GUYS; Cripps is naturally as a born competitor but we have slowly broken him and he isnt as effective or tries to do too much and gets caught.
Personally see Cripps over it; and if we were rebuilding then we could be excited about youth but we seem to be in no-mans land slowly dropping down the ladder.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: MickyO on March 30, 2026, 08:27:12 pm
Just saw some vision of some maniac/s screaming at the players after the game! I hope they are identified and relieved of their memberships. Utterly disgusting.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 30, 2026, 08:43:48 pm
Just saw some vision of some maniac/s screaming at the players after the game! I hope they are identified and relieved of their memberships. Utterly disgusting.
Its pretty bad. I had joined a couple of Facebook pages over the years. I have farked them all off, cess pit of stupidy and nuffies. One of those nuffies called SEN and suggested Hird should coach us!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: PaulP on March 30, 2026, 09:07:33 pm
Coaches' votes :
10 Kysaiah Pickett (MELB) 6 Jake Lever (MELB) 6 Max Gawn (MELB) 4 Jack Steele (MELB) 2 Bayley Fritsch (MELB) 1 Tom Sparrow (MELB) 1 Elijah Hollands (CARL)
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Thryleon on March 30, 2026, 09:25:52 pm
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
I was going to say the same thing as EB.
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
I know its hard to compare, but youre putting words in people's mouths again. Your contention was we'd go backwards where most were saying we wont miss Charlie. Thing is, are we missing Charlie? How about tdk? Or jsos?
Thing is this is what the discussion was.
Not whether or not we'd magically improve. How far back do we slide? Id wager with Charlie in, we might have done a bit better, but tdk was going anyway, and jsos is a hard one to quantify as he only averaged 12 games a season. What if he had missed these ones?
The Melbourne loss might not be as bad as we think, theyve at least got the bones of a premiership side there and some bonafide stars. We have a vanilla team, and we play vanilla footy.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: ElwoodBlues1 on March 30, 2026, 09:51:52 pm
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
I know its hard to compare, but youre putting words in people's mouths again. Your contention was we'd go backwards where most were saying we wont miss Charlie. Thing is, are we missing Charlie? How about tdk? Or jsos?
Thing is this is what the discussion was.
Not whether or not we'd magically improve. How far back do we slide? Id wager with Charlie in, we might have done a bit better, but tdk was going anyway, and jsos is a hard one to quantify as he only averaged 12 games a season. What if he had missed these ones?
The Melbourne loss might not be as bad as we think, theyve at least got the bones of a premiership side there and some bonafide stars. We have a vanilla team, and we play vanilla footy.
I thought we had an improved team list/ game plan and now we play vanilla footy? Welcome to the dark side....
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 31, 2026, 07:51:35 am
I'd call judgement after three rounds in... premature 'expectations'. ;) :D Both for the team and individuals. We have a long way to go. We started last year 0-4 We're already ahead of that. There's a bit to play out on, and maybe off the field.
I was going to say the same thing as EB.
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
Percentage is meaningless after three games. A heavy loss or a big win can change percentage from a big positive to a big negative in one game.
Do you think Gold Coast will have a percentage of 191% at the end of the year? Percentages won't settle as an indicator until well into the season.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: madbluboy on March 31, 2026, 08:18:52 am
We have played two bottom teams for a loss and a close win.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 31, 2026, 08:32:12 am
We have played two bottom teams for a loss and a close win.
We've played two sides in the eight and the last place side for two losses and a close win. The season goes for more than 3 games.
Yep.
Still too early to be making big change.
Admittedly, our three games thus far have had significant elements of 'same old, same old (horrible)' but the coaches and players should be given the chance and opportunity to show that they can turn things around from the dreadful second half indicators to date. Not optimistic but stranger things have happened.
After we've played about 7-8 games we'll have a clearer picture. We're still masters of our own destiny... but there is a use-by date.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: pew2 on March 31, 2026, 04:10:27 pm
to all the coaches and even all new blokes brought in to help Voss ,you guys had 17 days to prepare for the melb game and with the benefit of watching dees play in perth (disgrace so disappointing )
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 31, 2026, 05:00:42 pm
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
I know its hard to compare, but youre putting words in people's mouths again. Your contention was we'd go backwards where most were saying we wont miss Charlie. Thing is, are we missing Charlie? How about tdk? Or jsos?
Thing is this is what the discussion was.
Not whether or not we'd magically improve. How far back do we slide? Id wager with Charlie in, we might have done a bit better, but tdk was going anyway, and jsos is a hard one to quantify as he only averaged 12 games a season. What if he had missed these ones?
The Melbourne loss might not be as bad as we think, theyve at least got the bones of a premiership side there and some bonafide stars. We have a vanilla team, and we play vanilla footy.
Lets put it this way. If we had those 3, they'd be in the team. If we performed the same way we have, lets say we drop those 3. Then we bring in their replacements......which are the blokes currently in the team. (because we don't have the original 3). Now, since we have performed the way we have, lets piss those blokes off (the 'replacements' for the original 3). Who do we bring in?
We have gone all in with the players we have since the departure and we don't have a backup plan in place. So, like now, when it doesn't work out we are screwed. So regardless of whether those 3 leaving are/were capable of improving our performances to a point where it makes a difference on the win/loss column, now we don't even have that opportunity.
Now.....if for some reason those 3 found some half decent form, then the sky was the limit. Currently, the sky is not the limit.......instead of reaching for the stars, i think we are just trying to keep our head above water. Its a completely different mindset.
.....and on top of all that, our 'replacements' eg, HOK, Kemp.....have lost whatever short lived form they ever had compounding all of the above.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 31, 2026, 05:02:30 pm
I think EBs point is that the judgement before a ball was kicked in anger was premature expectations.
After 3 games last year our % was 83.3% After 3 games this year our % is 72.9%......and we were luckily enough to hold on and win one of them.
Based on form.....i'm taking last year.
Percentage is meaningless after three games. A heavy loss or a big win can change percentage from a big positive to a big negative in one game.
Do you think Gold Coast will have a percentage of 191% at the end of the year? Percentages won't settle as an indicator until well into the season.
No....its not meaningless. It very much has meaning and is displaying our form accurately. Form is fleeting (we hope) and % can and will change throughout the year.
However, nobody in their right mind would say Gold Coast are struggling. Nor would they say we are flying. So again, certainly not meaningless.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 31, 2026, 05:28:23 pm
Percentage is meaningless after three games. A heavy loss or a big win can change percentage from a big positive to a big negative in one game.
Do you think Gold Coast will have a percentage of 191% at the end of the year? Percentages won't settle as an indicator until well into the season.
No....its not meaningless. It very much has meaning and is displaying our form accurately. Form is fleeting (we hope) and % can and will change throughout the year.
However, nobody in their right mind would say Gold Coast are struggling. Nor would they say we are flying. So again, certainly not meaningless.
No, it means nothing at this stage of the year.
And is definitely not comparable to previous years
Different rules Different opposition
We win a couple of games by 40-50 points at this tme of the year and you shoot past the 100% Do that at the end of the year with bigger point totals and it doesn't cause the same fluctuations.
Watch Gold Coast's percentage drop, even if they keep winning.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on March 31, 2026, 05:45:51 pm
Watch the first segment of last nights On The Couch. Nuff said.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 31, 2026, 06:25:30 pm
No....its not meaningless. It very much has meaning and is displaying our form accurately. Form is fleeting (we hope) and % can and will change throughout the year.
However, nobody in their right mind would say Gold Coast are struggling. Nor would they say we are flying. So again, certainly not meaningless.
No, it means nothing at this stage of the year.
And is definitely not comparable to previous years
Different rules Different opposition
We win a couple of games by 40-50 points at this tme of the year and you shoot past the 100% Do that at the end of the year with bigger point totals and it doesn't cause the same fluctuations.
Watch Gold Coast's percentage drop, even if they keep winning.
I understand how % works Lods.
After what round does it suddenly start to matter? We can reconvene then if you'd like. I'm interested to see what your next excuse will be. I must say the head in the sand defence was not what i was expecting this time around, so next time will also be a surprise.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 31, 2026, 07:22:02 pm
And is definitely not comparable to previous years
Different rules Different opposition
We win a couple of games by 40-50 points at this tme of the year and you shoot past the 100% Do that at the end of the year with bigger point totals and it doesn't cause the same fluctuations.
Watch Gold Coast's percentage drop, even if they keep winning.
I understand how % works Lods.
After what round does it suddenly start to matter? We can reconvene then if you'd like. I'm interested to see what your next excuse will be. I must say the head in the sand defence was not what i was expecting this time around, so next time will also be a surprise.
Do you understand it? We often see teams with percentages of well over 150% in the early rounds of a season....often greater. We rarely see teams with those figures at the end of the season. A team could win by 100 points in the first game and lose the next four by close margins and still have a percentage over 100%
Picking a point where it evens out is not an exact science.
Our percentage last year after 4 games was 81.2% Our percentage last year after 5 games was 103.6% That's the effect of a 70 point winover West Coast. A 20+% point rise
A 70 point win in round 22 would only move the dial around 4-5%
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: kruddler on March 31, 2026, 09:40:49 pm
Youve said it, ive said it. Percentage is a better predictor of how well you are going rather than wins/losses and ladder position.
You can ignore it all you like and hope we can find clubs to beat up on to inflate our %, but ill give you the hot tip, i think we've already played 2 teams that are vying for the positions held by north and west coast last year.....and i think north and west coast have very much improved, especially relative to us.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on March 31, 2026, 10:20:00 pm
Youve said it, ive said it. Percentage is a better predictor of how well you are going rather than wins/losses and ladder position.
You can ignore it all you like and hope we can find clubs to beat up on to inflate our %, but ill give you the hot tip, i think we've already played 2 teams that are vying for the positions held by north and west coast last year.....and i think north and west coast have very much improved, especially relative to us.
I agree with you it's a better predictor of performance....but not after two or three rounds when big margins can skew the percentages. I've had a bit of a look at some ladders and it actually doesn't take too long for things to settle down, probably around round 8-10, and the top team's percentages come back around the 120-130 mark. What you still get there though is some wide variations, with teams with percentages under 100% in the top eight, and teams with 100+outside the 8.
By round 24 your top 8 will nearly always be over 100%
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: DJC on April 01, 2026, 03:43:18 pm
My day at the footy:
I left home at 1300 and caught the VLine train from South Geelong. It was a leisurely trip, so leisurely that I missed our first two goals.
One of the things I noticed walking from the station to the G was how few cars were parked in Yarra Park; fuel prices are biting.
I haven’t listened to any commentary on the match, read any reviews or posts here, watched replays and I haven’t seen any stats or votes. What follows are my own impressions, as flawed as they may be.
We played damn good footy in the first quarter and it seemed that we were going to give the Dees an old-fashioned shellacking. The only concern I had was that Max Gawn was all over Pitto and Skull.
The second quarter was much the same, although we weren’t getting the results on the scoreboard and big Max stepped his game up a notch.
I braved the crush in the Legends’ Lounge at half time and enjoyed a glass of Balter XPA.
At the start of the third quarter two thirds of the G was bathed in sunlight and it looked magnificent. I thought that you couldn’t get a better day in Melbourne, if only our team could continue on. Half way through the third quarter, the sun began shining directly into my eyes and my shady seat was roasting. Mistakes were creeping into our game and Gawn had stepped up another notch. Kosi Pickett was making his presence felt too.
We started the last quarter well and my confidence was restored ... momentarily! Melbourne lifted again and it was like we’d lost all confidence and cohesion and were resigned to losing.
It’s probably unfair to single players out but I thought that Kemp had an absolute shocker. He seemed to be far more concerned about his opponent than he was about leading and making his defender work. Our youngsters – Dean, Smith, Carroll, Byrne and Skull - all made rookie errors. That’s to be expected but it’s still momentum sapping. And, speaking of momentum sapping, the holding the ball free against Hewett was critical … and the Dees seemed to get more than their fair share of critical frees.
Lij Hollands was mercurial at times and the usual suspects plugged away, but we had no answer to big Max and Kosi.
Forget about Daicos and the Bont, Max Gawn is the best footballer going around now. Apart from his ruckwork, the outcome of virtually every kick down the line was a foregone conclusion.
The train trip home was morose and strangely quiet. I spoke to a Melbourne supporter who was getting off at South Geelong too and he said, “I can’t work out how we won, or how you lost.” I think the answer is between the ears.
I got home just after 2030; a long and pretty dismal day.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on April 01, 2026, 04:01:32 pm
Forget about Daicos and the Bont, Max Gawn is the best footballer going around now. Apart from his ruckwork, the outcome of virtually every kick down the line was a foregone conclusion.
Yes, a good summary and it's obvious.
Gawn was better than good even before the playing conditions changed, and for 2026 they've changed to something strongly in his favour, if he can stay fit they can do anything.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: cookie2 on April 01, 2026, 04:09:52 pm
I left home at 1300 and caught the VLine train from South Geelong. It was a leisurely trip, so leisurely that I missed our first two goals.
One of the things I noticed walking from the station to the G was how few cars were parked in Yarra Park; fuel prices are biting.
I haven’t listened to any commentary on the match, read any reviews or posts here, watched replays and I haven’t seen any stats or votes. What follows are my own impressions, as flawed as they may be.
We played damn good footy in the first quarter and it seemed that we were going to give the Dees an old-fashioned shellacking. The only concern I had was that Max Gawn was all over Pitto and Skull.
The second quarter was much the same, although we weren’t getting the results on the scoreboard and big Max stepped his game up a notch.
I braved the crush in the Legends’ Lounge at half time and enjoyed a glass of Balter XPA.
At the start of the third quarter two thirds of the G was bathed in sunlight and it looked magnificent. I thought that you couldn’t get a better day in Melbourne, if only our team could continue on. Half way through the third quarter, the sun began shining directly into my eyes and my shady seat was roasting. Mistakes were creeping into our game and Gawn had stepped up another notch. Kosi Pickett was making his presence felt too.
We started the last quarter well and my confidence was restored ... momentarily! Melbourne lifted again and it was like we’d lost all confidence and cohesion and were resigned to losing.
It’s probably unfair to single players out but I thought that Kemp had an absolute shocker. He seemed to be far more concerned about his opponent than he was about leading and making his defender work. Our youngsters – Dean, Smith, Carroll, Byrne and Skull - all made rookie errors. That’s to be expected but it’s still momentum sapping. And, speaking of momentum sapping, the holding the ball free against Hewett was critical … and the Dees seemed to get more than their fair share of critical frees.
Lij Hollands was mercurial at times and the usual suspects plugged away, but we had no answer to big Max and Kosi.
Forget about Daicos and the Bont, Max Gawn is the best footballer going around now. Apart from his ruckwork, the outcome of virtually every kick down the line was a foregone conclusion.
The train trip home was morose and strangely quiet. I spoke to a Melbourne supporter who was getting off at South Geelong too and he said, “I can’t work out how we won, or how you lost.” I think the answer is between the ears.
I got home just after 2030; a long and pretty dismal day.
Just about nails it DJ. I watched it on tv and felt similarly morose at the end. Not encouraged to make the effort from the Yarra Valley to attend anytime soon.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on April 01, 2026, 09:53:30 pm
Rewatched the tape...up forward Byrne and Evans were handy and will be better for the run, Evans really adds something with his vision and disposal. Harry had an almost game, he's going to kick a very big bag at some point, I don't know what people are upset about because we kick it dreadfully to him but he looked very mobile. Kemp and Hayward utterly stank, likewise Florent makes too many errors for a bloke who has played 150+ games to be relied upon in defence.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: LP on April 02, 2026, 06:42:26 am
Rewatched the tape...up forward Byrne and Evans were handy and will be better for the run, Evans really adds something with his vision and disposal. Harry had an almost game, he's going to kick a very big bag at some point, I don't know what people are upset about because we kick it dreadfully to him but he looked very mobile. Kemp and Hayward utterly stank, likewise Florent makes too many errors for a bloke who has played 150+ games to be relied upon in defence.
I think the problems are form related not ability related, and good players at a new club will be below their best. Time will do it's job.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on April 02, 2026, 08:27:21 am
Rewatched the tape...up forward Byrne and Evans were handy and will be better for the run, Evans really adds something with his vision and disposal. Harry had an almost game, he's going to kick a very big bag at some point, I don't know what people are upset about because we kick it dreadfully to him but he looked very mobile. Kemp and Hayward utterly stank, likewise Florent makes too many errors for a bloke who has played 150+ games to be relied upon in defence.
I think the problems are form related not ability related, and good players at a new club will be below their best. Time will do it's job.
Listen to Andrew Russell's interview about in on SEN Brekky yesterday.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on April 02, 2026, 08:30:10 am
I'm trying to avoid SEN, they're leading the pile on.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Gointocarlton on April 02, 2026, 08:41:55 am
I'm trying to avoid SEN, they're leading the pile on.
I listen to them alot, for the most part I dont feel like they are piling on the club Vossy (Cornes aside). Ch 7 are the worst for for sure (Cornes and Caro the leaders). Ch 9 are slightly better. Fox are respectful and sympathetic for Vossy. Only way to sort the pile on is win games of footy. Anyway Russell was talking about the effect of stress and its effect on decision making. Very interesting.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Lods on April 02, 2026, 09:03:26 am
Only way to sort the pile on is win games of footy.
That's the bottom line isn't it. Win games, and they will have nothing to talk about, except how well we're going, and won't that stick in their throats.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on April 02, 2026, 10:00:16 am
On social media today a post, purportedly by Tom Morris (which has been taken down so surely a fake) claimed that Voss will be sacked today. Don't believe it myself but stuff like this doesn't help, pumps up the pressure them the prophecies become self fulfilling.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Thryleon on April 02, 2026, 10:01:40 am
On social media today a post, purportedly by Tom Morris (which has been taken down so surely a fake) claimed that Voss will be sacked today. Don't believe it myself but stuff like this doesn't help, pumps up the pressure them the prophecies become self fulfilling.
One of those went up yesterday as an april fools joke.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on April 02, 2026, 10:07:05 am
About as funny as a *******g cancer diagnosis and I'd wager close to libel. Both Morris and the club should be seeking redress. The AFL as peak governing body should be looking to assist struggling clubs to prevent a bin fire of epic proportions - we should be talking about gather round and footy not ad infinitum on coach dismissals and speculation.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: crashlander on April 02, 2026, 10:08:49 am
Derksen to play. Best wishes, young man: hopefully, we'll see the best of you.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 3 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne
Post by: Professer E on April 02, 2026, 10:10:04 am