Princes Park => Robert Heatley Stand => Topic started by: kruddler on August 10, 2026, 04:53:30 pm
Title: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 10, 2026, 04:53:30 pm
Draw or better and we are playing finals.
Otherwise needs saints and giants to lose one of their next 2.
Big question for mine is.... Do we bring in Weitering? Who goes out?
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Lods on August 10, 2026, 05:30:18 pm
Think it will be Weitering for Young. English is almost a certainty not to play so Young's relief ruck work won't be needed to the same extent. I'd move Derksen to the forward line (with the option to move him back if required)
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: RiverRat on August 10, 2026, 05:37:05 pm
Most likely although Young doesn't deserve to be dropped.
No, he doesn't. I'm not sure anybody does. "Unchanged" seemed to work pretty well for us.
I guess the thing is that if we do make it to the wildcard round we would want Weitering there, so best get him back in sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 10, 2026, 06:47:29 pm
IMHO, weitering was hardly as dominant as made out.
He had two very poor efforts too which resulted in goals to the saints on Sunday.
1. He assumed a ball was going to carry over for a throw in, just to have a saints player shark it from behind him.
2. Another one where he turned it over in defense.
There was another one where he went the short option to ollie hollands who got caught holding the ball and it was more ollie being indecisive on the next kick than anything else.
Even so, i didnt think he played particularly well against a saints team that wasn't flushed with tall talent.
The Doggies arent overly tall, and our balance is as good as ever. Not sure we need weiters back this week, and would rather play charleson than weiters.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: madbluboy on August 10, 2026, 06:48:31 pm
I'll say it. We are better without him.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: PaulP on August 10, 2026, 07:08:32 pm
I wouldn't be too critical of his VFL game He was playing his first game back after injury. His outing was designed to just get him some game minutes. And the wind was such that players were misjudging the ball all over the ground. With the wind the ball was carrying further than expected and against it...holding up.
Should he play this week? If he's to be part of the rest of the campaign he needs to be back in.
Young and Weitering.
Yes, it's also obvious, and has been for some years, that Young often performs better without Weitering there. That could partly be because he takes more responsibility when Weitering has been absent. Young is very much a confidence player and it may be Weitering has put some extra pressure on him at times over the years.
As for the trade... Firstly Weitering needs to agree to it. He's shown no indication that he's anything other than fully committed. But if he was OK with it... For the first time in a decade Weitering being absent isn't the issue it has been in the past...and it would no doubt get us some good picks and/or players.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 10, 2026, 07:54:55 pm
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: bratblue on August 10, 2026, 11:01:57 pm
We don't need Weiters so much because we have a bloke that we picked up from Darwin that nobody was interested in and another bloke that we wanted to offload last year but again there was no interest.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: tonyo on August 10, 2026, 11:29:35 pm
If we get into a wildcard match and perhaps maybe more, there are blokes like McStay, Tilthorpe, Chol, Curnow, Treacy, Neale, Draper that we need to manage. We would be crazy not to get Weiters back in so he has a couple of games under his belt before he may have to face any of that lot.
It's easy to forget that not too long ago, he was the one guy we couldn't afford to lose.
Also, for those who think we can move him on, any trade value for a guy who can't get a game in the firsts is going to be diminished.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 11, 2026, 07:59:08 am
@tonyo,weitering is a gun. He has played 10 games for the year and hasn't been very fit in any of them.
1 more game in the reserves wont kill him. Bring him back for the freo game.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 11, 2026, 04:54:29 pm
I thought that Weiters looked a bit rusty in the Magoos but was clearly a class above everyone else on the park. He took 12 marks, most of them contested in my book, in conditions that didn't really suit marking. Our three AFL-listed ruck-forwards managed just three marks between them.
On form alone, Reidy should be promoted, but he won't be. Pitto was even better, and with English out, I doubt whether we'd be going with two ruckmen. Again, on form alone, I'm not sure that Weiters should be promoted. On potential and importance to the team, he's a monty to be recalled. But who misses out?
Lobb and Naughton shouldn't hold too many terrors for our defenders although Lobb has a lot of size over Derksen, Dean and Haynes, and Weiters for that matter, but an in form Weiters would be far too good for Lobb. Lewis Young has done well on Lobb in the past and, since his recall, has provided us with a versatile tall who can play forward and back and pinch hit in the ruck. Having Young as a fallback if Lobb was to get the better of Derksen and/or Dean would be handy. If we go like for like, it will be Derksen who misses out, as unfair as that may be, but fairness shouldn't get in the way of putting the best combination on the field.
Another possibility is that Cerra's hamstring is worse than I thought and he can't play. In that case, I would bring Weiters in, play McGovern in Cerra's role, and swing Derksen forward. If Cerra is good to play, I'd be inclined to go with an unchanged side and bring Weiters back for the Freo game where he will be needed.
I expect that Weiters will be desperate to get back, but he is level-headed and a committed team player who will go along with what's best for the team.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 13, 2026, 06:50:10 pm
Weiters, Ison and Boyd added to the squad but no outs yet.
I'm a bit surprised to see Boyd included but he has been pretty consistent over several games. Perhaps he's cover for Cerra.
I thought Ison showed quite a bit last week and his tackling with intent probably attracted attention.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 13, 2026, 06:51:09 pm
If Weitering is in, and he is named at FB, then I'd suggest Cerra is already an out!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 13, 2026, 06:56:45 pm
The result of this match will most likely determine who gets to stay in Melbourne for the wildcard match
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: crashlander on August 13, 2026, 09:19:26 pm
Our line=up, given that three have to come out:
B: 2 Lachlan Cowan 23 Jacob Weitering 15 Billy Wilson HB: 11 Mitch McGovern 35 Harry Dean 14 Oliver Florent C: 46 Matthew Cottrell 9 Patrick Cripps 5 Adam Cerra HF: 39 Talor Byrne 10 Harry McKay 12 Ben Ainsworth F: 36 Cooper Lord 17 Brodie Kemp 44 Francis Evans R: 27 Marc Pittonet 29 George Hewett 18 Sam Walsh Int: 26 Nick Haynes 7 Jagga Smith 33 Lewis Young 30 Jack Ison 19 Will Hayward 37 Jordan Boyd 47 Wade Derksen 13 Blake Acres
[1] I'd play Young, as we need a 2nd ruck option. Having just 1 is just not smart, even with English out. I'd have considered Reidy, as he was tremendous last week, but I guess the 2's need him.
[2] Jordan Boyd: I'm really not sure where he is headed. At times he looks really good, while at other times he isn't physical enough or smart. He really needs to show something if he is to remain on our list, which I can't see at the moment.
[3] I really want to see us come our firing, as we've been bitten before when the opposition has had injuries. I recall a final against Geelong ... :(
[4] I really hope we're only playing fit players, as we saw last week why playing suspect players can really blow up in your face.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Micky0 on August 13, 2026, 11:20:32 pm
They are limping into finals, and are looking at the equation of winning the flag the hardest way possible, so they will be looking at making sure they are good to go physically and if that means going interstate, so be it. They can't fall out of finals, there aren't enough games left.
The rest of the ladder is up in the air too much to really worry about where you go or whom you will likely play against. The spots from 3 to 10 are not cemented in enough yet, all that's happened is everyone underneath 12th is mathematically season over.
If the moons allign, they could go as high as 6th, but that means Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong and Collingwood must lose whilst they win both of theirs. Its impossible, as Collingwood face Brisbane, and Geelong have Richmond in the final round.
IMHO< the Wildcards will be Adelaide 7th, Collingwood 8th, us 9th, and the Doggies 10th.
They beat us, we will go to Adelaide, whilst they play Collingwood.
Id rather play Adelaide on recent form.
If they beat us, we are very likely not to play finals at all.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 14, 2026, 10:19:02 am
Often the most dangerous opponent: nothing to lose.
Agree, English and Bont are big out but beware the wounded dog.
Supporters might be focusing on the Doggies’ outs but Fraser will be wholly focused on the 23 they do put on the park. If he fails to ensure that all 23 of our blokes have the same focus, we will be in trouble.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: madbluboy on August 14, 2026, 11:38:22 am
They are limping into finals, and are looking at the equation of winning the flag the hardest way possible, so they will be looking at making sure they are good to go physically and if that means going interstate, so be it. They can't fall out of finals, there aren't enough games left.
The rest of the ladder is up in the air too much to really worry about where you go or whom you will likely play against. The spots from 3 to 10 are not cemented in enough yet, all that's happened is everyone underneath 12th is mathematically season over.
If the moons allign, they could go as high as 6th, but that means Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Geelong and Collingwood must lose whilst they win both of theirs. Its impossible, as Collingwood face Brisbane, and Geelong have Richmond in the final round.
IMHO< the Wildcards will be Adelaide 7th, Collingwood 8th, us 9th, and the Doggies 10th.
They beat us, we will go to Adelaide, whilst they play Collingwood.
Id rather play Adelaide on recent form.
If they beat us, we are very likely not to play finals at all.
Thanks yes was posting on the fly and not giving it thought altho yes technically they can still make 6th but gotcha road to there is highly unlikely.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 14, 2026, 12:45:38 pm
Agree, English and Bont are big out but beware the wounded dog.
Yep, the replacements will be more motivated than playing a sore superstar in a meaningless game.
The way the Wildcard has panned out this season, finishing anywhere from 7th to 10th means nothing. It won't always be that case if they retain this system, but this year that is the way it is. Some may hate his antics, but Bevo is no dullard!
Winning from 7th to 10th is like climbing Everest carrying your own kit, no Sherpas allowed!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 14, 2026, 12:48:15 pm
Agree, English and Bont are big out but beware the wounded dog.
Yep, the replacements will be more motivated than playing a sore superstar in a meaningless game.
The way the Wildcard has panned out this season, finishing anywhere from 7th to 10th means nothing. It won't always be that case if they retain this system, but this year that is the way it is. Some may hate his antics, but Bevo is no dullard!
Winning from 7th to 10th is like climbing Everest carrying your own kit, no Sherpas allowed!
Sorry? Not sure I get you. For a team like us that had a horrendous start to the year, finishing 7th to 10th means everything.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 14, 2026, 12:51:44 pm
Sorry? Not sure I get you. For a team like us that had a horrendous start to the year, finishing 7th to 10th means everything.
It's meaningless in terms of who you play in the Wildcard round, it will be one of three other Melbourne based teams with similar capability, which remains the most likely scenario unless the Lions and Crows fall off the perch finishing 7th causing an away game to be interstate!
Our game and the Norp Handbagger games are the most interesting of the round.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: pew2 on August 14, 2026, 01:40:44 pm
coll and hawks had players missing
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: PaulP on August 14, 2026, 05:12:54 pm
On the SEN website they're saying Young out and Weitering in. Seems a little harsh IMO.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 14, 2026, 05:23:01 pm
On the SEN website they're saying Young out and Weitering in. Seems a little harsh IMO.
If so, it's not only harsh but robs us of some flexibility. Weiters is one of the best key defenders in the game but that's it. He might put his hand up for the odd ruck contest but he hasn't played as a forward since his second season and has kicked just two goals in the nine seasons since then. Young has shown that he can pinch hit in the ruck and is competent as a KPD or KPF.
I guess that someone has to miss out and whoever does will be stiff.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: tex on August 14, 2026, 05:29:06 pm
Derksen very lucky IMO
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: crashlander on August 14, 2026, 06:23:21 pm
On the SEN website they're saying Young out and Weitering in. Seems a little harsh IMO.
It certainly leaves us short of ruck options. I guess Weitering coming in will be important, as he is one of the best defenders going around, but the defence has being going OK. Our ruck is a structural bottleneck, with only Pitto. Granted that the Dogs have ruck issues of their own, but just because they have issues does not mean we can't get them too.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 14, 2026, 06:27:20 pm
I'm sure Kennedy will have a point to prove.
I reckon Khamis will try and give us a 'live audition' as well.
Couple things that can come back to bite us if simply expect to win.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: pertz on August 14, 2026, 06:37:26 pm
On the SEN website they're saying Young out and Weitering in. Seems a little harsh IMO.
If so, it's not only harsh but robs us of some flexibility. Weiters is one of the best key defenders in the game but that's it. He might put his hand up for the odd ruck contest but he hasn't played as a forward since his second season and has kicked just two goals in the nine seasons since then. Young has shown that he can pinch hit in the ruck and is competent as a KPD or KPF.
I guess that someone has to miss out and whoever does will be stiff.
Hold the phone! So now Weitering replacing Young is harsh? Granted he has played a couple of good games but he is not even in the same discussion as Weters in terms of importance to the team unless I have been on Mars the last few years!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 14, 2026, 06:41:59 pm
If so, it's not only harsh but robs us of some flexibility. Weiters is one of the best key defenders in the game but that's it. He might put his hand up for the odd ruck contest but he hasn't played as a forward since his second season and has kicked just two goals in the nine seasons since then. Young has shown that he can pinch hit in the ruck and is competent as a KPD or KPF.
I guess that someone has to miss out and whoever does will be stiff.
Hold the phone! So now Weitering replacing Young is harsh? Granted he has played a couple of good games but he is not even in the same discussion as Weters in terms of importance to the team unless I have been on Mars the last few years!
It's a no brainer that Weiters comes back in, but dropping Young is still harsh in the context of the contribution he has made since his recall. It would have been equally harsh if Derksen, Dean, Haynes, Kemp, McGovern, etc were dropped for Weiters.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 14, 2026, 07:30:18 pm
Its all about team balance.
Weitering coming in sures up our defence, but weakens our ruck and forward options.
My preference was to drop/rest Haynes. That strengthens our defence but doesn't weaken our ruck or forwardline.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 14, 2026, 10:13:09 pm
If so, it's not only harsh but robs us of some flexibility. Weiters is one of the best key defenders in the game but that's it. He might put his hand up for the odd ruck contest but he hasn't played as a forward since his second season and has kicked just two goals in the nine seasons since then. Young has shown that he can pinch hit in the ruck and is competent as a KPD or KPF.
I guess that someone has to miss out and whoever does will be stiff.
Hold the phone! So now Weitering replacing Young is harsh? Granted he has played a couple of good games but he is not even in the same discussion as Weters in terms of importance to the team unless I have been on Mars the last few years!
weiters has had a terrible 2026 by his standards.
It is harsh. Lewis youngs played good footy this season even if he isnt as capable.