Carlton Supporters Club

I'd like them in the 2s just to have a break from playing seniors. So many young blokes are bearing the brunt in the midfield long before their time. Takes a toll after a while.

The problem with this logic is that the VFL games can actually be more taxing on the kids.
Its a more physical brand of football in the VFL as they are less talented than the AFL, so the ball ends up on the ground a lot more leading to more contests.
The grounds are generally smaller as well, meaning players are less likely to be out in space.
The grounds generally have worse conditions too. Be that the playing surface, or the gale force winds that some experience.
All leading to more contests.

The kids, could potentially spend more time actually in the midfield in the 2's as their relative ability means they might be the #1 midfielder in the VFL team, but #6 in the AFL side.


So....all of this 'resting' in the 2's could actually be more taxing on them.

Jeza....would you not have Walsh in that list of our 3 best mids? He's streets ahead of Dow.

Another argument about "resting players in the 2s" comes from Mick Malthouse.  He is adamant that playing in the 2s negatively affects a player's performance and, accordingly, he was reluctant to let usual first 22 players spend time in the 2s.  That was why he recalled players, even if their form in the 2s didn't justify promotion.

If Russell decides that a youngster needs a break, he should have a break and not play in the NBs.

The problem with this logic is that the VFL games can actually be more taxing on the kids.
Its a more physical brand of football in the VFL as they are less talented than the AFL, so the ball ends up on the ground a lot more leading to more contests.
The grounds are generally smaller as well, meaning players are less likely to be out in space.
The grounds generally have worse conditions too. Be that the playing surface, or the gale force winds that some experience.
All leading to more contests.

The kids, could potentially spend more time actually in the midfield in the 2's as their relative ability means they might be the #1 midfielder in the VFL team, but #6 in the AFL side.


So....all of this 'resting' in the 2's could actually be more taxing on them.

Give them a break from the scrutiny of the AFL and the pressure of the crowd. Play at a lower level, rack up 30 and relax a bit, have a bit of fun and then come back. Maybe take a week off footy all together also.

Regardless.... Dow's form doesn't warrant selection in the AFL right now. I don't think many would argue with that.

I would 

He will learn nothing in the NBs, no-one in the NBs is putting their hand up to take his place, and he’s doing OK in a team that needs a couple of mature mids to take some heat off Dow, Walsh, Fisher, Samo ...