Carlton Supporters Club

True, albeit Season 3 was a total wipe off.  Prior to one pre-season game and the first three this year, he hasn't played competitive footy at any level for over 18 months.  We will know by the end of this season if he is a keeper.

I just hate the thought that someone like Clarkson or Buckley will turn him into a gun.

Simple fact is, CFC does still not know how to develop young players.  It's really irritating to see the young Swans, Bombers, Demons doing such great things in their first few games, while so many of our high draft picks (other than Walsh) scratch around for 2 or 3 years and inevitably end up getting delisted and playing for Port Melbourne or Williamstown.

Witts is definitely out. Unfortunately, he's torn his ACL.

That should give us some advantage at stoppages. Although we need to show the same contested spirit because GC have a solid mf. They made WC accountable for much if the game.

I thought Paddy was reasonable and put in on Sunday, even though he didn't get the ball much.  He could be (crosses fingers...) one of these 'slow burn' players who needs experience and consistent game time to elevate himself to the next level, but in the end becomes an absolute gem.  If we drop him every time he doesn't get 20 touches, it will be back to the start.  Given our midfield is a work in progress, I would prefer to see him have another 4-5 games at least - if he hasn't progressed by then, at least we will know.

Going back a ways, as a young kid, I can remember watching Bruce Doull play for his first three years and the general consensus among those sitting around me at the time was that he was a very average performer.  Then he moved from #4 to #11 (out of a sense of 'I'm not worthy') and the rest is history.  Maybe Paddy should cash in his #2 (which must weigh very heavily on his back) and find a non-descript number like #38..... 

The guy (Burgess) who rucked once Witts went off is 191cm and 82kg.

Contrast Pitto at 202cm and 105kg.

They don't have a single fit ruckman so Pitto certainly has his chance to shine.

I've already pointed out how Pittonets ruck work is elite.

I pointed out how his game against Grundy was on a par, if not better, despite losing the hitouts by 30 (which translated to a handful only of hitouts to advantage....and less clearances by comparison)

Combined those 2 up against a 'ruck' from GC who doesn't know how to ruck and Pittonet could break an AFL record of hitouts to advantage!

Of course, if i was GC i would simply try and shark Pittonets tap and use their 'ruck' in a Grigg-style 4th midfield to negate clearances.

Last chance for awhile for Dow I reckon then. We absolutely smashed Freo through the midfield and around the ground....our midfielders (Cripps, Walsh, Fogarty, Curnow etc) were prolific...except Dow. He just can't seem to get near it and still appears to lack some footy smarts at times.

I watched the replay and noticed a number of times team-mates handballed to Dow when he was absolutely covered.  Despite a few self errors I would like to see him given a few more games.

The one important thing I noticed about Dow's game on Sunday was that he had a red hot go... and blokes who persist with that attitude can turn around their fortunes, let's give him the chance to do just that - but the clock is ticking.