Re: AFL Rd 22 2024 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn
Reply #29 –
Too often, the narrative surrounding Carlton focuses on individuals needing to lift.
The famous five always get a run: Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, Charlie Curnow, Harry McKay and Jacob Weitering.
Then it’s Mitch McGovern, Adam Saad, Nic Newman, Adam Cerra, Jack Martin or Tom De Koning.
It’s fun, but it’s garbage.
The only way Carlton will return to serious contention is having players who are disciplined enough to stick to a system when the moment demands.
Because their turnover game is good enough to take them further if they do.
Amid all the drama at the MCG during Scott Pendlebury’s 400th match, it was an ongoing flaw in their system that cost the Blues again.
And we are not talking about McGovern’s wayward last kick for goal.
They failed to defend a defensive-50 stoppage when it mattered.
In the opening minutes of the final quarter, Adam Saad let Jamie Elliott loose to receive a Pendlebury handball and snap a goal from a defensive stoppage to make the margin a match-winning (albeit tight) 32 points.
The Blues went into the match having given up 10 goals more than any team from a defensive stoppage and ranked 18th for points from clearances in the previous four rounds, having given away 52 points.
It was the second time this season a defensive-50 stoppage had cost them against Collingwood. But they haven’t fixed it. And they are running out of time to do so.
Aaron Hamill? We want answers.