We'll take the 'win', but geez an extra point would've really helped.
That point is most likely the difference between playing at home or paying interstate.
Unless we beat the dockers (and dogs lose to Dees) we've missed the chance to play the dream match against Pies in finals.
Important match for us is Dogs vs Dees. If Dogs win that one, dees might finish 7th and we play them week 1. Otherwise, most likely Crows away.
Just about to say that last bit.
The way the Crows handled finals last year they wouldn't feel confident either. They were awful.
Only thing that pleased me is that we found something in the last 4 minutes to come from 7pts down, draw level with 2.30 to go, the message come out that a draw would be enough, and we held on.
That was the only thing that was positive but good enough. Sometimes it is harder to make finals, wildcard in our case, or further along, harder to make the GF by winning the PF than what it is when you actually get there. It showed for us. Our composure all day was terrible until the end when we made up the 7pt deficit late and then held on.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Micky0 on August 16, 2026, 06:17:17 pm
I cant believe that just happened. Thanks to the gods that Richards ran too far 😰
Really well done in the second half by Acres, Florent, Frankie, And of course Walsh was huge!
Definitely not our finest showing but we stayed in it and limped to the line. The Dogs were ferocious and I just knew they wouldn’t play half arsed.
Also Buku looks pretty good 👌🏼
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: pertz on August 16, 2026, 06:26:32 pm
We made to the wildcard round so lets celebrate this achievement from where we came from. A bloody great effort! Sure, not our best performance. The Dogs had nothing to lose and were ferocious and committed - took our time and space away. But we found a way to come from behind and get the draw, so kudos to the boys.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: RiverRat on August 16, 2026, 06:34:39 pm
Finally got a chance to see Derksen up forward and he was okay - showed decent poise and competed well.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 16, 2026, 06:45:20 pm
Finally got a chance to see Derksen up forward and he was okay - showed decent poise and competed well.
....and nearly cost us our season as well. :o
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: tex on August 16, 2026, 07:19:45 pm
Frankie Evans is ELITE
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 16, 2026, 07:38:52 pm
There's also a some smaller chance we go to the Gabba. Lions loss to the Pies, wins by Hawthorn over the Eagles and Geelong over Richmond, near certain, and a decent size win by Adelaide over GWS might make up the 4% deficit between the Crows and the Lions.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 16, 2026, 07:43:31 pm
There's also a some smaller chance we go to the Gabba. Lions loss to the Pies, wins by Hawthorn over the Eagles and Geelong over Richmond, near certain, and a decent size win by Adelaide over GWS might make up the 4% deficit between the Crows and the Lions.
Needs to be a 20 goal margin (average 10 goal each way) for that % to be overcome.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 16, 2026, 07:45:17 pm
There's a chance we play.... 1. Dees in wildcard 2. Cats in week 2 elimination final 3. Hawks in week 3, semi final 4. Swans (away) in a prelim.
3 weeks at home is as good as we can get (if we make it past week 1)
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 16, 2026, 07:57:13 pm
I’m concerned that Wilbur may have suffered a syndesmosis injury or an equally serious lower leg fracture from his heavy landing. If so, it will create an opportunity for Ison, Moir or Hollands but we’ll miss Wilbur.
Let’s hope he’s OK 🤞
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 16, 2026, 08:00:06 pm
I’m concerned that Wilbur may have suffered a syndesmosis injury or an equally serious lower leg fracture from his heavy landing. If so, it will create an opportunity for Ison, Moir or Hollands but we’ll miss Wilbur.
Let’s hope he’s OK 🤞
Yep, called it at the time, i thought he broke (fractured) his ankle or something equally serious. I think it could be season over for him, which is a shame.
Moir is the bloke with the talent to replicate what Hayward does.....but he's also the bloke most likely to go missing.
Wonder if Fraser can sprinkle some magic dust in his weetbix this week??
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: tex on August 16, 2026, 08:02:56 pm
Great to see the lads get around Matt Kennedy after the game. Clearly a lot of respect between the playing group and him. Still a fan favourite of mine, too.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 16, 2026, 08:05:54 pm
There's also a some smaller chance we go to the Gabba. Lions loss to the Pies, wins by Hawthorn over the Eagles and Geelong over Richmond, near certain, and a decent size win by Adelaide over GWS might make up the 4% deficit between the Crows and the Lions.
Needs to be a 20 goal margin (average 10 goal each way) for that % to be overcome.
is it that much for 4%? Suppose that can be case this time of the year. I know you'd have done that maths so thinking you're right.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 16, 2026, 08:13:03 pm
I’m concerned that Wilbur may have suffered a syndesmosis injury or an equally serious lower leg fracture from his heavy landing. If so, it will create an opportunity for Ison, Moir or Hollands but we’ll miss Wilbur.
Let’s hope he’s OK 🤞
Yep, called it at the time, i thought he broke (fractured) his ankle or something equally serious. I think it could be season over for him, which is a shame.
Moir is the bloke with the talent to replicate what Hayward does.....but he's also the bloke most likely to go missing.
Wonder if Fraser can sprinkle some magic dust in his weetbix this week??
In the interview he said by the end of the game it felt fine.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: kruddler on August 16, 2026, 08:19:47 pm
Yep, called it at the time, i thought he broke (fractured) his ankle or something equally serious. I think it could be season over for him, which is a shame.
Moir is the bloke with the talent to replicate what Hayward does.....but he's also the bloke most likely to go missing.
Wonder if Fraser can sprinkle some magic dust in his weetbix this week??
In the interview he said by the end of the game it felt fine.
Because the needle had kicked in by then.
Probably didn't feel it at all.
Lets see how he wakes up tomorrow.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: crashlander on August 16, 2026, 08:57:23 pm
Well, we're headed to the finals. There were times today when that looked quite unlikely. The mistakes, the fumbles, the poor decisions ... And the throws! No, I'm not going there.
[1] Pitto was the most effective ruck on the ground, but the Dogs reacted to our midfield and got on top from about midway through the 2nd quarter. That was really disappointing. Cripps: 34 possessions, 12 clearances, 6 tackles ... if he'd held that mark it would have been a 3 vote getter. Having dropped it, Richard will probably get the 3 votes. :( Still, Cripps was amazing in the ruck as well. Sam Walsh: 33 possessions, 4 tackles and 2 clearances. George Hewett: 30 possessions, 8 tackles and 5 clearances. Jagga Smith: 25 possessions, 3 tackles, 3 clearances: All got a lot of the ball, but our inability to close the Dogs' midfielder down hurt us.
[2] Blake Acres: Acres was very good today. 32 possessions and 10 marks. Davidson beat him early, but Acres came back ran Davidson into the dirt. For that matter, Lord and Cerra did some good things as well. They just didn't get it 32 times.
[3] Our defence was patchy today: The Dogs took marks they shouldn't really have, but for most of the time our defence was excellent. Harry Dean was impassable. Weitering wasn't bad, but he will be better for the game. And he won't get outmarked by Naughton next time either. Nick Haynes had 26 possessions, 11 marks and 3 tackles to be probably our best defender on the day.
Our small defenders got a lot of ball, but made uncharacteristic errors that could have been lethal. Billy Wilson was lucky that Jones couldn't kick straight, even if he did have leather poisoning. Same goes for Ollie Florent. They need to be better next time.
[4] H was the dominant forward on the ground. When we ruled the middle, H was unstoppable. Later he was getting his kicks too far away from goal. But it was Will Hayward who made the opposition take notice. He dropped a couple of sitters, only to to take some serious hangers. His mark of the year contender was crucial. Mind you, Patty Cripps almost managed to equal it. That he couldn't hold on almost cost us the match.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: RiverRat on August 16, 2026, 09:22:27 pm
Our small defenders got a lot of ball, but made uncharacteristic errors that could have been lethal. Billy Wilson was lucky that Jones couldn't kick straight, even if he did have leather poisoning.
Ditto Naughton; he had a dose of the Kemps.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 16, 2026, 09:41:44 pm
is it that much for 4%? Suppose that can be case this time of the year. I know you'd have done that maths so thinking you're right.
Sorry i think i was looking at an 'unupdated' ladder.
Combined margin would be closer to 80 points
YesI
I looked at the ladder predictor in the end, which I should've done the first time. Brisbane won't get beaten by more than 15pts if they were to lose, Pies might rest a few anyway, which would make Brissie good things. Think Brisbane will win anyway. In the event of a 15pts loss, Adelaide would have to win by 61pts. You're 80pt total was pretty much spot on.
That would be the worst thing that would happen to us going to the Gabba. Doubt we will be.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Professer E on August 16, 2026, 10:15:52 pm
Richards cut us to pieces
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Sexybronco on August 16, 2026, 10:44:08 pm
He was outstanding, impressive to watch live. Love Harry Dean, he continues to roll on and hard to believe he is in his 1st year. We struggled to handle the doggies pressure today, all credit to them for the way they played as they never allowed us to get the game in our terms. It will be interesting to see how we respond next week.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 16, 2026, 10:53:28 pm
I think group got ahead of themselves today. To me they strayed away from everything they have been doing the last several weeks bar the first quarter. Unable to beat a severely undermanned side we normally beat at full strength is a tell. I think the occasion and the meaning of the game got to them, Fraser could see it also. He was as demonstrative and flustered as I have seen him be. Credit to Bevo (who I dont rate) for switching the plan at qtr time.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 16, 2026, 11:31:30 pm
Oh one more thing, Wil Hayward take a bow. The hanger was one thing but to go back and slot that goal under clear duress was huge.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Baggers on August 17, 2026, 09:03:46 am
Likes: Making finals Frase clearly unimpressed with how we didn't handle Dishlicker pressure. Wil Hayward courage. Acres last qtr. Though not playing well, weathering the storm and salvaging a draw. For the younguns, experiencing finals-like pressure.
Concerns: Straying from game-plan under pressure. A few bad old habits emerged in the 2nd qtr, in particular.
Dislike: The throw allowed by the umps leading to Dishlicker goal.
Bevo commented that it was the best front-half game they'd played all year. So, kudos to our lads for fighting through that... almost!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 17, 2026, 09:12:13 am
Dislike: The throw allowed by the umps leading to Dishlicker goal.
The dogdy AF Free kick to Freijah (high contact by Dean I think) in the first (goal resulted) The non free kick to George for Weightmans Toby Green studs to his groin (goal resulted) Thats 3 goals which in a draw is diabolical.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 17, 2026, 09:42:28 am
The dogdy AF Free kick to Freijah (high contact by Dean I think) in the first (goal resulted) The non free kick to George for Weightmans Toby Green studs to his groin (goal resulted) Thats 3 goals which in a draw is diabolical.
Not paying a free against Weightman for Tobying George was a shocker!
Paying a free against Dean when Haynes marked going back with the flight was another diabolical decision. What’s Dean supposed to do, step aside?
As bad as those decisions were, repeatedly delivering the ball lace out to an opponent or a teammate at a disadvantage didn’t help. Kicking down the line to an Evans vs Lobb contest probably isn’t the best option 🙄
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Micky0 on August 17, 2026, 10:38:44 am
Thought the umpiring was just bizarre especially having rewatched the final quarter.
Was it the one umpire that decided calling play on within 2 seconds was reasonable? Absolutely bizarre.
We were also continuously held with no frees to us.
Surprisingly free kick count was in our favour 15-23!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 17, 2026, 11:15:57 am
Surprisingly free kick count was in our favour 15-23!
Of course it's not just what but where that matters.
I didn't get the "play on" thing, it was evident from the very first bounce someone had changed the interpretation this week, but it only seemed to apply to us. Twice we had guys instantly called to play on for shaping to handball without moving their feet or off the mark.
Both Hewett and Walsh got mown down late well after disposal without a down field free being awarded, I recall specific cases once by Libba and once by Freijah.
Weightman was blocking our defenders well off the ball, way beyond the legal distance and without eyes for the footy, and not penalised once. On the other side of the case Dean takes the space behind the fall of the ball and gets pinged for a block. Now we can debate the right or wrong of it, but the difference between each case is the real problem because Dean and Weightman are at the same end, same umpire, etc., etc..
Also, go back and watch that infamous throw, the umpires head is in the bottom of the video feed looking straight at it, he sees what everybody else saw and decided "Computer says no!" and called play on! At no stage did the Dogs player attempt to make a fist or close his hand, he just threw it! Earlier in the game one of our blokes was penalised for a volleyball spike called a throw, at strike but with open palms like a double hand ruck tap, but clearly a strike.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 17, 2026, 11:44:25 am
I think group got ahead of themselves today. To me they strayed away from everything they have been doing the last several weeks bar the first quarter. Unable to beat a severely undermanned side we normally beat at full strength is a tell. I think the occasion and the meaning of the game got to them, Fraser could see it also. He was as demonstrative and flustered as I have seen him be. Credit to Bevo (who I dont rate) for switching the plan at qtr time.
Yes, we may have.
We had the choke going on for most of the game but found our composure when it battered when we looked like blowing it. Hopefully, like after the 2022 choke in the last qtr last game, we take it on board and learn as we did in 2023. In hindsight, the fact we got through it`in the end, it might have been a good thing for us, happening in round 23 rather than Wildcard.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 17, 2026, 12:43:19 pm
I thought in the dying moments it was our older heads that took control of the momentum, as is needed, and while it was absent at times throughout the game when it was needed they delivered, but a draw is a very different to needing a win, and Bevo discussed in his post-match they were momentarily thrown by us not trying for the win.
It was certainly a contrast, and sadly as the AFL works towards forever closing the gap between the have and the have nots, it's likely we'll see more of it.
Of course, the AFL can eliminate this completely by making a draw worthless, zero, nada, nothing, zilch. Why does it need to be a split of the 4 points, if it's zero, it's zero for everybody, as good as a bye. Only ever reward wins!
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 17, 2026, 12:56:38 pm
I thought in the dying moments it was our older heads that took control of the momentum, as is needed, and while it was absent at times throughout the game when it was needed they delivered, but a draw is a very different to needing a win, and Bevo discussed in his post-match they were momentarily thrown by us not trying for the win.
It was certainly a contrast, and sadly as the AFL works towards forever closing the gap between the have and the have nots, it's likely we'll see more of it.
Of course, the AFL can eliminate this completely by making a draw worthless, zero, nada, nothing, zilch. Why does it need to be a split of the 4 points, if it's zero, it's zero for everybody, as good as a bye. Only ever reward wins!
It's 2 points because they halved the game. No-one lost either. If you draw you share the points. Half each. Shouldn't be getting a zero like a loss as you didn't lose. Losing is worse.
In our case iot was the unique situation of a draw being a "win" as it achieved the desired goal.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 17, 2026, 01:04:08 pm
It's 2 points because they halved the game. No-one lost either. If you draw you share the points. Half each. Shouldn't be getting a zero like a loss as you didn't lose. Losing is worse.
In our case iot was the unique situation of a draw being a "win" as it achieved the desired goal.
Don't agree, there is a point of difference between two teams playing to win and being tied, versus a team that has settled on a draw as the result.
If having zero points for a draw means we never see a team settle for a draw ever again then I'm all for it, we don't play soccer, draws are sh1t!
I'd rather extra time, and first to a 2pt advantage, no more settling! I think 2pts makes sense, because it allows for a defensive rushed behind while leaving a goal as a winning score.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 17, 2026, 01:18:23 pm
It's 2 points because they halved the game. No-one lost either. If you draw you share the points. Half each. Shouldn't be getting a zero like a loss as you didn't lose. Losing is worse.
In our case iot was the unique situation of a draw being a "win" as it achieved the desired goal.
Don't agree, there is a point of difference between two teams playing to win and being tied, versus a team that has settled on a draw as the result.
If having zero points for a draw means we never see a team settle for a draw ever again then I'm all for it, we don't play soccer, draws are sh1t!
I'd rather extra time, and first to a 2pt advantage, no more settling! I think 2pts makes sense, because it allows for a defensive rushed behind while leaving a goal as a winning score.
Where I disagree is you get the same zero as a loss when you didn't lose.
As for extra time. No thanks. A season is 4 x 20 min qtrs for 23 weeks and your season is based on that. Not 4 x 20 plus 10 min in one game other sides didn't get to win a game. Uneven playing field. Hate to miss out on finals by some side getting an extra 10 min to win a game that others didn't get. You get a draw you get 2pts, because you didn't lose. Zero points is for teams that actually lose.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 17, 2026, 02:45:50 pm
Derksen's "goal" has been awarded to Frankie. The replay shows quite clearly that the ball was behind the goal line when Derksen “marked” it. The goal umpire obviously thought that Derksen had marked and goaled so the ARC must have overruled him.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 17, 2026, 03:17:14 pm
How good was it to have Weiters back where he belongs?
He wasn't at his absolute best but his marking, both in defence and as a target when were transitioning from defence, was a key factor, as was his spoiling, accurate disposal and steadying influence. And no! I don't buy the baseless speculation that Weiters is a negative influence.
I was a little concerned that Lewis Young going out of the team would reduce our flexibility but Weiters' return gave Fraser the opportunity to move our talls around and try Derksen as a KPF.
The post-match interview with Weiters is good value. Apart from the cuteness overload from Florence, it was interesting to learn that it was the "Fossil", Nick Haynes, who instigated the save the game tactics, Haynes and Georgie Hewett are the most reliable teammates, and Weiters doesn't need to teach Harry Dean anything. One other interesting snippet was the conservative approach to Weiters' rehab and return to play.
It's bad luck that the boys couldn't sing the club song for Weiters and Crippa's 200th game together but the game was still notable for us making the knockout round after such a dismal start to the season.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: tonyo on August 18, 2026, 10:25:17 am
On occasion, we have a problem converting dominance into scoreboard results - 20 points up 10 mins into the second quarter, we should have been looking to turn the screw. Instead, we became patchy again, and our inside 50 delivery was appalling. Same thing happened in the Rich and Ess games a few weeks back.
It's like we 'pitch' our game to the level of the opposition - and if you give an opponent a second chance, they will probably exploit the offer. We are simply not ruthless enough yet to squash teams consistently.
Bevo out-coached Fraser with centre clearances - we started so well, but let them take control. And yet their plan was so simple - hit it straight down, Libba in and under as usual feeding it out to Richards, Sanders and others for a simple take away.
Hoping this isn't the 'real' Blues, as opposed to the side that smashed Brisbane with precision kicking and perfect F50 craft.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: madbluboy on August 18, 2026, 10:28:36 am
At the start of the season Champion data ranked the Bulldogs as the strongest list in the comp. That doesn't guarantee success but it shows they are a talented squad. Ed Richards has been a top 10 player all season, the other 9 players are all superstars but no one talks about Ed.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 18, 2026, 10:38:48 am
At the start of the season Champion data ranked the Bulldogs as the strongest list in the comp. That doesn't guarantee success but it shows they are a talented squad. Ed Richards has been a top 10 player all season, the other 9 players are all superstars but no one talks about Ed.
Subjectively I think Richards regularly performs to a high standard against us, I'm not sure if that is backed up by the figures but I recall him making a signifcant contribution to our demise in past games. At least some signficant moments.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Lods on August 18, 2026, 10:45:24 am
The Bulldogs are a funny side they seem to have patches of good or bad results for four or five games at a time They've beaten the Lions, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn Yet their attack is one of the poorest in the comp-ranking around 14th "for points for" They were on top of the ladder after round 5 and were 12th by round 9 A real Jekyll and Hyde team. I thought they were very good on the weekend and their pressure threw us off the style we'd been playing in the previous weeks. As a result the errors and turnovers occurred. It was probably typical of our games in the early part of the year...good in parts, not so hot in others.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 18, 2026, 10:47:33 am
At the start of the season Champion data ranked the Bulldogs as the strongest list in the comp. That doesn't guarantee success but it shows they are a talented squad. Ed Richards has been a top 10 player all season, the other 9 players are all superstars but no one talks about Ed.
Subjectively I think Richards regularly performs to a high standard against us, I'm not sure if that is backed up by the figures but I recall him making a signifcant contribution to our demise in past games. At least some significant moments.
Richards has been great all season. Taken huge steps this year. Descends from Collingwood royalty. His great-great-grandfather is Charlie Pannam Sr., his grandfather is Ron Richards, and his great-uncle is Lou Richards.Bad luck for the Pies, he ended up at the Dogs.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 18, 2026, 10:51:34 am
Richards has been great all season. Taken huge steps this year. Descends from Collingwood royalty. His great-great-grandfather is Charlie Pannam Sr., his grandfather is Ron Richards, and his great-uncle is Lou Richards.Bad luck for the Pies, he ended up at the Dogs.
I think he's been good for 2 or 3 season now, just overlooked in the media, forced into the backseat by bigger names (bigger heads too) who have more mates on the commentary side.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 18, 2026, 10:55:34 am
Personally, we started getting a bit lairy, and were playing selfish footy which resulted in the turnover game being what it was.
The doggies went small and ran, ran, ran against us.
We didnt fare badly, but execution errors really murdered us. Lots of missed handballs. They didnt execute particularly well either, and they set up to chop of the uncontested short football game we had been playing by really applying the pressure, and we needed to play "longer" at times, but failed to take the opportunity.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 18, 2026, 10:56:04 am
The Bulldogs are a funny side they seem to have patches of good or bad results for four or five games at a time They've beaten the Lions, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn Yet their attack is one of the poorest in the comp-ranking around 14th "for points for" They were on top of the ladder after round 5 and were 12th by round 9 A real Jekyll and Hyde team. I thought they were very good on the weekend and their pressure threw us off the style we'd been playing in the previous weeks. As a result the errors and turnovers occurred. It was probably typical of our games in the early part of the year...good in parts, not so hot in others.
Yes, when the Dogs are on they are really good. On Sunday, they were outstanding, right at their best.
A combination of their high pressure and the fact we that we lost our composure too trying to hammer in for the final nail to stitch up our Wildcard spot, threw us off our game.
Wouldn't be against them beating the Dees this weekend, meaning Melbourne would play us in the Wildcard round. My playing preference, in order, for our wildcard game is Melbourne, Adelaide, even if it is there, they can be brittle on those occassions, with Collingwood, who are flying, rise to big occasion, and so mentally tough, a distant 3rd.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 18, 2026, 10:56:29 am
At the start of the season Champion data ranked the Bulldogs as the strongest list in the comp. That doesn't guarantee success but it shows they are a talented squad. Ed Richards has been a top 10 player all season, the other 9 players are all superstars but no one talks about Ed.
I have always rated Richards very highly, he is the exact type of speedy ball user that we need.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Thryleon on August 18, 2026, 11:00:09 am
The Bulldogs are a funny side they seem to have patches of good or bad results for four or five games at a time They've beaten the Lions, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn Yet their attack is one of the poorest in the comp-ranking around 14th "for points for" They were on top of the ladder after round 5 and were 12th by round 9 A real Jekyll and Hyde team. I thought they were very good on the weekend and their pressure threw us off the style we'd been playing in the previous weeks. As a result the errors and turnovers occurred. It was probably typical of our games in the early part of the year...good in parts, not so hot in others.
Yes, when the Dogs are on they are really good. On Sunday, they were outstanding, right at their best.
A combination of their high pressure and the fact we that we lost our composure too trying to hammer in for the final nail to stitch up our Wildcard spot, threw us off our game.
Wouldn't be against them beating the Dees this weekend, meaning Melbourne would play us in the Wildcard round. My playing preference, in order, for our wildcard game is Melbourne, Adelaide, even if it is there, they can be brittle on those occassions, with Collingwood, who are flying, rise to big occasion, and so mentally tough, a distant 3rd.
Anyone, Anywhere, Any time.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: madbluboy on August 18, 2026, 11:45:21 am
The Bulldogs are a funny side they seem to have patches of good or bad results for four or five games at a time They've beaten the Lions, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn Yet their attack is one of the poorest in the comp-ranking around 14th "for points for" They were on top of the ladder after round 5 and were 12th by round 9 A real Jekyll and Hyde team. I thought they were very good on the weekend and their pressure threw us off the style we'd been playing in the previous weeks. As a result the errors and turnovers occurred. It was probably typical of our games in the early part of the year...good in parts, not so hot in others.
Darcy was a huge loss.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 18, 2026, 12:57:54 pm
Yes, when the Dogs are on they are really good. On Sunday, they were outstanding, right at their best.
A combination of their high pressure and the fact we that we lost our composure too trying to hammer in for the final nail to stitch up our Wildcard spot, threw us off our game.
Wouldn't be against them beating the Dees this weekend, meaning Melbourne would play us in the Wildcard round. My playing preference, in order, for our wildcard game is Melbourne, Adelaide, even if it is there, they can be brittle on those occassions, with Collingwood, who are flying, rise to big occasion, and so mentally tough, a distant 3rd.
Anyone, Anywhere, Any time.
In the end, that too.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: laj on August 18, 2026, 12:58:57 pm
The Bulldogs are a funny side they seem to have patches of good or bad results for four or five games at a time They've beaten the Lions, Adelaide, Collingwood, Melbourne and Hawthorn Yet their attack is one of the poorest in the comp-ranking around 14th "for points for" They were on top of the ladder after round 5 and were 12th by round 9 A real Jekyll and Hyde team. I thought they were very good on the weekend and their pressure threw us off the style we'd been playing in the previous weeks. As a result the errors and turnovers occurred. It was probably typical of our games in the early part of the year...good in parts, not so hot in others.
Darcy was a huge loss.
That loss couldn't have been bigger.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 18, 2026, 01:53:23 pm
I have always rated Richards very highly, he is the exact type of speedy ball user that we need.
Agreed, rare as rocking horse shizen, strong in the contest yet with speed on the outside, very few have those two qualities combined. At any one time in the AFL there is probably only 5 or 6 like that, who can also perform at a high level, when you add size to that like Judd you have a genuine freak.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 18, 2026, 02:21:09 pm
On occasion, we have a problem converting dominance into scoreboard results - 20 points up 10 mins into the second quarter, we should have been looking to turn the screw. Instead, we became patchy again, and our inside 50 delivery was appalling. Same thing happened in the Rich and Ess games a few weeks back.
It's like we 'pitch' our game to the level of the opposition - and if you give an opponent a second chance, they will probably exploit the offer. We are simply not ruthless enough yet to squash teams consistently.
Bevo out-coached Fraser with centre clearances - we started so well, but let them take control. And yet their plan was so simple - hit it straight down, Libba in and under as usual feeding it out to Richards, Sanders and others for a simple take away.
Hoping this isn't the 'real' Blues, as opposed to the side that smashed Brisbane with precision kicking and perfect F50 craft.
I thought that we dominated the game but some wayward kicking from quarter time onwards kept the Bulldogs in the contest. The only stat that we "lost" was inside 50s and I guess that shows how well our defence held up.
I was surprised to see that our disposal efficiency was much better. Where, when and how you turn the ball over can be more important than how many times you turn it over.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: LP on August 18, 2026, 04:55:36 pm
I thought that we dominated the game but some wayward kicking from quarter time onwards kept the Bulldogs in the contest.
100% agree, the stats are most likely good because we had 2, 3 or 4 good disposals in the row then burnt the last one, at least that is what I saw but I wasn't there live!
It's probably another good example of how stats can retrospectively paint the wrong picture, or cause people to draw the wrong conclusions.
I particularly noted in the 2nd half on event, we ran the footy out of D50 through CHB to the Wing then towards the HFF. We had setup with CHF vacant, and both Kemp and McGovern started deep with space to lead into. Yet we baulked at that centering kick and forced McGovern to double back and lead into the pocket. Fortunately, McGovern clunked the mark, and fortunately the Dogs had run up towards the ball carrier leaving space behind. I saw Fraser's eyes rolling in the coach's box and he made an arc with his hand like he'd also expected us to the centre the pill and not head to the pocket. Fans will celebrate that play, but the reality is it's easy to kill the footy in the pocket, and if McGovern had not marked the Dogs had the numbers to run the footy back for a full field length turnover, our Mids were pushing towards CHF 20m away from where we kicked the pill leaving nobody to crumb. That makes our lot look slow because we are caught out of position.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: DJC on August 18, 2026, 06:49:58 pm
I thought that we dominated the game but some wayward kicking from quarter time onwards kept the Bulldogs in the contest.
100% agree, the stats are most likely good because we had 2, 3 or 4 good disposals in the row then burnt the last one, at least that is what I saw but I wasn't there live!
It's probably another good example of how stats can retrospectively paint the wrong picture, or cause people to draw the wrong conclusions.
Yes, we had a bazillion more disposals than the Doggies and most hit the target, as our bazillion more uncontested marks shows.
More often than not, that ill-directed or overly aggressive kick came at the start of what should have been a possession chain. That often gave the Dishlickers the pill forward of their defensive 50 and their rebound caught our mids and defenders out of position.
It seems to me that, if we nail the first couple of disposals, we’ll usually put together a chain of possessions that results in an inside 50.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Blue Moon on August 19, 2026, 11:31:22 am
I think the Bulldogs' list is very good, I am sure not it is managed as well as it should be or their game plan maximises their potential. Having a few players out helped focus their minds as did the poor performance last week against North. I thought they played very free while we played with expectations but in the end we got the job done. At some stage in the future the umpires will stop missing obvious frees and we will get a fair run with the decisions. The Bulldogs were very physical and aggressive, especially in that second quarter, but I was happy how we stood our ground. Carlton needs to improve some of the decision making going forward and trust the process. They seem to have a game plan they are committed to and have the players to implement it. A victory over Freo next week would be nice.
Title: post match dogs
Post by: pew2 on August 19, 2026, 01:22:52 pm
i just think someone Ash hansen should be moved on been there long enough
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: DJC on August 19, 2026, 02:18:44 pm
i just think someone Ash hansen should be moved on been there long enough
If anyone goes, he has to be most likely but, as I said previously, he has done a great job with our defenders this season and Fraser is full of praise for him.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Thryleon on August 19, 2026, 09:05:23 pm
Hanson didnt put his name forward for the senior gig is potentially quite telling.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: pew2 on August 20, 2026, 02:14:42 pm
our defenders is the wrong way to look at things , we should be more looking at TEAM defence players running back to fill the holes /spaces have you ever noticed how teams score easy goals against us
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: laj on August 20, 2026, 03:00:43 pm
our defenders is the wrong way to look at things , we should be more looking at TEAM defence players running back to fill the holes /spaces have you ever noticed how teams score easy goals against us
Last week was the first time in a while we got opened right up. Weitering is too slow to be pushing that high up the ground. Lucky they didn't have their kicking boots on.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: LP on August 21, 2026, 08:04:04 am
Last week was the first time in a while we got opened right up. Weitering is too slow to be pushing that high up the ground. Lucky they didn't have their kicking boots on.
That's blaming the effect for being the cause.
The cause was 2 or 3 possessions earlier and 50m further away when the Dogs walked through our tackles like they we were giving them a pat on the back! It was the weakest effort for many months., Freijah, Libba, Kennedy, Richards, they had our lot rattled.
You have to ask yourself this question, how did the Dogs forwards find themselves surrounded by 50m of free space, and yet the Dogs mids strolled through the midfield largely untouched, where were all the players? If the Dogs F50 was so open, there should have been numbers, congestion and traffic further up the field, progress should have been slow, but they moved the footy freely! The Dogs got in their own way more than we did!
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: madbluboy on August 21, 2026, 09:16:52 am
I disagree.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Baggers on August 21, 2026, 09:26:36 am
Last week was the first time in a while we got opened right up. Weitering is too slow to be pushing that high up the ground. Lucky they didn't have their kicking boots on.
That's blaming the effect for being the cause.
The cause was 2 or 3 possessions earlier and 50m further away when the Dogs walked through our tackles like they we were giving them a pat on the back! It was the weakest effort for many months., Freijah, Libba, Kennedy, Richards, they had our lot rattled.
You have to ask yourself this question, how did the Dogs forwards find themselves surrounded by 50m of free space, and yet the Dogs mids strolled through the midfield largely untouched, where were all the players? If the Dogs F50 was so open, there should have been numbers, congestion and traffic further up the field, progress should have been slow, but they moved the footy freely! The Dogs got in their own way more than we did!
Seems we were watching different games, Spotted One. What I saw was the Dishlickers go after our strengths and succeed, to a degree... but we found a way to fight through this and level the scores - unheard of a few months ago. They had about 10 more inside fifties than us, yet our defense was able to minimize the impact. We were hunted and found wanting in a number of areas but still found a way to recover from a seven point deficit late in the game. So, credit to the Dishlickers and credit to us.
Learning how to deal with being hunted will be a part of our development.
Never did I see us allow any Dishlicker player 'walk through' our tackles.
Neither side in the second half was able to 'control' the game. And from a spectator perspective it was a ripper of a contest, flaws and mistakes included.
We're a work in progress with still a long way to go, as Frase has articulated clearly, on a number of occasions.
And I also saw what MBB pointed out, Weiters did often seem all at sea which disrupted our offensive efforts and run out of defense (launching attacks from defense), a strength of recent times.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Thryleon on August 21, 2026, 09:41:06 am
Me too.
The Ed Richards would be winner came about because Weiters and Pittonet got into a screaming match and the Bulldogs played on quickly whilst Weiters was too busy pointing fingers and at least 3 other conversations were going on elsewhere as a result.
Luckily we got the next 2 scores, and tied the game up.
We laid 62 tackles to the bulldogs 55, but they had double the tackles inside 50 to ours of 16 vs 8. The average of the afl comes in at 11. So why did they manage to go to elite levels of forward 50 tackles? Probably us welcoming pressure.
Weiters is a gun, but he often makes teamates go into their shells.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: DJC on August 21, 2026, 09:44:37 am
The Bulldogs had 58 inside 50s to our 48. That indicates a breakdown in team defence and significantly more pressure on our defenders, as does the Bulldogs 16 tackles inside 50.
Despite that, our defenders, ably led by Weiters, allowed the Bulldogs only ten marks inside 50 and prevented them from kicking a winning score. Weiters took as many marks as the Doggies’ forwards did inside 50 but he did take several up the ground. Our defenders grabbed 50 marks between them, most inside our defensive 50.
It’s our midfield coaches that need to address defensive deficiencies, not Ash Hansen.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Professer E on August 21, 2026, 11:22:25 am
I thought we looked slow and unbalanced with Weitering in the side. Derkson or him, not both.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Gointocarlton on August 21, 2026, 12:12:42 pm
I thought we looked slow and unbalanced with Weitering in the side. Derkson or him, not both.
We'll be better with Young in the side this week.
How we use him will be interesting. I want to see more of Derksen forward, but for this game it might be a better option to move Derksen back into Haynes's spot and play Young as a forward/ruck.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: LP on August 21, 2026, 12:18:32 pm
Never did I see us allow any Dishlicker player 'walk through' our tackles.
I have no idea how anyone could miss it throughout the 1st half!
Even now retrospectively the stats post-game looked even, but in real time the top ranked to 1/2-time was Dog dominated. We were burning entries into F50, they were taking it end to end and wasting shots on goal, lucky for us.
So many contests, we outnumbered the Dogs at the fall of the ball, and that underDog won! I think a few even posted as much in the game thread, about our return to the bad ways!
What I will say is this, Derksen didn't work forward, what I won't claim is that he would've been any better than Weitering if Derksen had been in D50!
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Baggers on August 21, 2026, 12:27:24 pm
Never did I see us allow any Dishlicker player 'walk through' our tackles.
I have no idea how anyone could miss it throughout the 1st half!
Even now retrospectively the stats post-game looked even, but in real time the top ranked to 1/2-time was Dog dominated. We were burning entries into F50, they were taking it end to end and wasting shots on goal, lucky for us.
The Dishlickers came after our strengths and, being still young in our 'newer' layer of offense and spread, were caught out... but... we adapted and adjusted in the second half and that is a big credit to players and coaches alike. That's a positive sign and a part of our growth, with plenty still to come and needed to advance up the ladder. We're a work in progress and shouldn't be hung, drawn and quartered for mistakes - it's a part of learning.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: LP on August 21, 2026, 12:53:31 pm
The Dishlickers came after our strengths and, being still young in our 'newer' layer of offense and spread, were caught out... but... we adapted and adjusted in the second half and that is a big credit to players and coaches alike. That's a positive sign and a part of our growth, with plenty still to come and needed to advance up the ladder. We're a work in progress and shouldn't be hung, drawn and quartered for mistakes - it's a part of learning.
I posted earlier in the thread that I wasn't at this game, I won't go to icicle nosebleed stadium. I'm only analysing video from the AFL and Kayo.
But I had some mates there, and from a behind the goals vantage point they both tell me Weitering was one of the main reasons after half time for our lift in performance. They said he became far more vocal and assertive after halftime making sure players got to the right spots at the right time. The trouble is most of that early work the cameras never show, it's over and done long before the footy arrives with the cameras following. The blokes that arrive late at the last possible moment and effect the big mark or spoil often get all the kudos, but the very best defenders get the job done before the ball even arrives. You should expect to see this sort of change in young Dean over the next couple of seasons, some fans will think he is going off the boil, when in reality he is getting better at his job, he'll go from winning contested chaos to boring "mise en place".
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Thryleon on August 21, 2026, 02:04:06 pm
The Dishlickers came after our strengths and, being still young in our 'newer' layer of offense and spread, were caught out... but... we adapted and adjusted in the second half and that is a big credit to players and coaches alike. That's a positive sign and a part of our growth, with plenty still to come and needed to advance up the ladder. We're a work in progress and shouldn't be hung, drawn and quartered for mistakes - it's a part of learning.
I posted earlier in the thread that I wasn't at this game, I won't go to icicle nosebleed stadium. I'm only analysing video from the AFL and Kayo.
But I had some mates there, and from a behind the goals vantage point they both tell me Weitering was one of the main reasons after half time for our lift in performance. They said he became far more vocal and assertive after halftime making sure players got to the right spots at the right time. The trouble is most of that early work the cameras never show, it's over and done long before the footy arrives with the cameras following. The blokes that arrive late at the last possible moment and effect the big mark or spoil often get all the kudos, but the very best defenders get the job done before the ball even arrives. You should expect to see this sort of change in young Dean over the next couple of seasons, some fans will think he is going off the boil, when in reality he is getting better at his job, he'll go from winning contested chaos to boring "mise en place".
The people you spoke to might be biased towards what happens at the ends of the ground.
1st quarter. Game was on our terms, but the Doggies hung in there. We had all the play scoring 5.3 to 3.2. 2nd quarter, the doggies started winning the ball out of the middle (at the source). From there, they had the game largely on their terms and had their running game going, because they went a smaller more mobile setup majority of the time. We werent able to get speed on the ball, and it felt like a throw back to the first half of the season in comparison to the last few matches. The Dogs pressed right up, and took the short kick off us and we didnt quite know how to play through it. they scored 4 goals 2, to 1 goal 2 and had stoppage dominance. I was listening to the radio and they picked up on it too. 3rd quarter was an arm wrestle. Lots of end to end stuff. We kicked 4.2, to their 2.4. 4th Quarter was more of the same. They scored 3.2 we scored 2.3.
Ultimately, the scoreboard doesn't really back up any assertion regarding whom really rallied anyone. The mobile setup the dogs went with made us change up our structure, so we pulled pittonet off, moved derkson forward, and then let Dean go roaming up the ground due to a lack of match up.
This was as even a keel game as I have seen, and both teams were able to go end to end frequently with the final kick into 50 being the one that invariably led to the turnover, and then the burn.
I was sitting level 3 on the wing, and could see the game unfold. The Doggies did their homework, and preventing Frankie Evans from distributing into forward 50. They really put the clamps on him getting into the scoring chains, and I think we lacked a bit of creativity as a consequence. Last week he had something remarkable in terms of score involvements (10) with 12 inside 50's. This week only registered 5 score involments with 5 inside 50's (mostly in the 1st quarter).
Ultimately, Weitering will tell you himself, he has had a poor 2026, and if I were to have a conversation with him, I would tell him to worry less about his own game, and let others shine whilst directing traffic, picking up the loose man.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: kruddler on August 21, 2026, 02:11:33 pm
I think Libba in the middle disrupting our clearance strength made as much difference as anything. I thought so at the time, but just checked the stats and was surprised.
Player x - 33 touches, 5 tackles, 12 clearances Player y - 34 touches, 6 tackles, 12 clearances
x = Libba y = Cripps.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: Thryleon on August 21, 2026, 02:34:17 pm
At one stage the ruck contest was Cripps vs Kennedy just to back up the smaller more mobile setup. They forced us to make moves by making moves themselves by surrendering the ruck.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: DJC on August 21, 2026, 03:08:07 pm
At one stage the ruck contest was Cripps vs Kennedy just to back up the smaller more mobile setup. They forced us to make moves by making moves themselves by surrendering the ruck.
I thought that was good thinking by Crippa to make the Doggies take Chugga out of the ruck contests. When it’s Chugga vs a second ruck, he can provide an advantage but he just couldn’t compete against Crippa.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: kruddler on August 21, 2026, 03:24:01 pm
At one stage the ruck contest was Cripps vs Kennedy just to back up the smaller more mobile setup. They forced us to make moves by making moves themselves by surrendering the ruck.
I thought that was good thinking by Crippa to make the Doggies take Chugga out of the ruck contests. When it’s Chugga vs a second ruck, he can provide an advantage but he just couldn’t compete against Crippa.
Reaching back into my greatest hits catalogue.... The argument about a 'big mid' being a second ruck was often poo-poo'd because you are putting them in 'harms way'. In reality, as saw in this match, its often '2nd ruck vs 2nd ruck'....in that case, 2 midfielders. If your stand-in 2nd ruck gets you a nil-all draw......thats a win over having a standalone 2nd ruck. All of that can vary based on your personnel out on the ground.....but its a good starting point.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: LP on August 21, 2026, 03:37:17 pm
There is a distinct difference between an occasional pinch hit event and a regular role, which is the point of difference for all the sort of shock tactics that occur.
The suggestion they can be the default and be effective every time is the flawed suggestion.
Under the current rules, I can't recall a single team surrendering the ruck in advance, and turning it into a victory.
Title: Re: post match dogs
Post by: LP on August 21, 2026, 03:43:02 pm
I think Libba in the middle disrupting our clearance strength made as much difference as anything. I thought so at the time, but just checked the stats and was surprised.
Player x - 33 touches, 5 tackles, 12 clearances Player y - 34 touches, 6 tackles, 12 clearances
x = Libba y = Cripps.
Libba absolutely smashed us on the inside and gave first class delivery to Richards on the outside, and Richards doesn;t even need that help as he can win his own inside footy. When they lost the clearance our predictable direction worked against us because they had blokes running of the HFF and HBF like Freijah coming into the square and smashing guys like Walsh and Hewett. We were basically being taken out of the disposal chain by late dumping tackles, most of them unpenalized, which killed our overlap run. That's a tell to how teams will counter us in the finals when the heat rises! I hope we have taken some learnings from that game.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Professer E on August 21, 2026, 05:07:24 pm
Young would really handy if he could turn shots on goal into goals.
Title: Re: AFL Rd 23 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs at Marvel
Post by: Lods on August 21, 2026, 05:25:50 pm
I reckon the erratic nature of their season has given us a lack of appreciation as to how good the Bulldogs team is. They've had some key players missing throughout the year. They've been very good at times Pretty dismal at others It's been hard to get consistency. Even without English and Bont, they pushed us. Beveridge even commented that some that their front half pressure game on the weekend was the best for the year.
We probably went into the game with a bit of confidence, especially given their outs. It turned out to be a little harder than expected. They may still be in it after next week.