Re: Carlton vs Brisbane Practice Match
Reply #193 –
Alan Jeans was asked long ago the secret to his success as a coach. He replied, "Cattle". L Matthews said the same thing.
IMHO our troubles started in the mid 90s and weren't properly addressed until very recent years. Salary cap cheating/penalties didn't help.
Pagan was handed a poison chalice, had a very ordinary list and was clearly the wrong bloke for that diabolical situation. Ratts had a half decent list 2009-2011, resting on the shoulders of C. Judd. BB was handed a list rebuild/kids/GWS rejects/some trade shockers/duds, and did an amazing job -- along with the marketing dept -- to hold the place together for 2 years with very little in the way of 'cattle'. But he couldn't transition from the coaching style appropriate to the initial rebuild. Too deeply mired in a defensive game plan that focussed on avoiding a hiding. But he miraculously kept spirits high... until late in year 3 and then year 4 when the wins had to start coming.
And I'm sure that DT is fully aware that his success is also tied to 'cattle.' DT has inherited some strong foundations and loads of potential. But I'm not as bullish as some re the quality of our list as a potential finalist. Failing to get at one or two of Mitchell, Smith, Rockliff, Saad, Scully, Coniglio, Shiel (all blokes we were linked to - made a play for) was a deeply concerning result. DT has a better list than BB did and more stability which affords him the ability to be more attacking. But, ultimately, it'll come down to the cattle... again.