Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney (Read 1920 times) previous topic - next topic
Tones and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #30 –
Quote from: kruddler – on
I'm the opposite.

We are a big unknown right now.
We don't know how we will line up and how we will play.....how the hell do the opposition scout that?

We have the ability to come out of the blocks early and get the jump on them before they get a chance to react.
On the other hand, we have 2 ex-sydney players who would be well aware of their gameplan. The only difference with them is who they kick to in the 50 now.

Later in the year when we've shown our hand it will be harder to get wins IMO.
Early on, anything is possible.

Similarly, we could get done by 100 points if we haven't got our $h!t together.....but more chance of a win than that happened IMO.

I'm thinking along the same lines.  We could have seven or eight debutants on Thursday and that's going to be a headache for Sydney's opposition analysts.  We've also gone from a conventional two KPF forward line to a more dynamic, multi-faceted offence and, potentially, different and more efficient ball movement.

Sydney were rubbish last season, with no real excuses apart from a coach on his Ls.  They won more games than us but with almost the same percentage despite our glaring inability to score. 

Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on
Cant lose to a midpack team like the Swans and need to bank wins early and get the pressure off Voss. I dont see much fallout from the top 8 from last season apart from Collingwood who I think will struggle and we cant be losing to teams around us or below imho.

Yes, if we're going to have any joy at all this season, we can't afford to drop games against mediocre teams, even if they have brought in a messiah ... with dodgy knees, questionable attitude and poor second efforts.
 
"Negative waves are not helpful. Try saying something righteous and hopeful instead." Oddball

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #31 –
Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on
Quote from: shawny – on


Do you think they are around us EB?

Many of the experts have them in the top 4 and us in the bottom 6. They had an off year last year I expect them to jump right back up this year - their ruck, midfield and forward groups are as good as any if all fit. And if you add a fit Charlie who knows how far they can go.  

Their back 6 is their query so hopefully ball spends more time in that section of the ground on Thursday night for us to have a chance    
Shawny, apart from Charlie their list is the same as last season minus Haywood/Florent and they are relying on  organic growth plus their Coach improving his output. I'm less optimistic about their chances than the scribes, one injury to any of Heeney, Gulden or Warner and they are back struggling as Cox doesn't have the innovation or levers to pull that the top coaches have imho.

Agree they dont have depth but if they are fit their list is very strong and has less holes than ours all things being equal.

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #32 –
Quote from: Professer E – on
Gulden and Heeney concern me more than the traitor, Swans are half the side when Gulden is absent or under control.

Henney always tears us to shreds,  we never seem to have a good match up for him  (they always try Gov, and it never works)

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #33 –
Quote from: shawny – on
Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on

Shawny, apart from Charlie their list is the same as last season minus Haywood/Florent and they are relying on  organic growth plus their Coach improving his output. I'm less optimistic about their chances than the scribes, one injury to any of Heeney, Gulden or Warner and they are back struggling as Cox doesn't have the innovation or levers to pull that the top coaches have imho.

Agree they dont have depth but if they are fit their list is very strong and has less holes than ours all things being equal.
They are usually competitive and have a star laden midfield with a couple of players we don't have matchups for but I think with careful planning we can contain those players and a good start is imperative.
 

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #34 –
I hope your right mate but after watching us get humbled by a reserve team outfit last year in R1 I'm dont have a heap of confidence beating Sydney in Sydney.

In melb it may have been an even money bet but up there is never easy
 

Re: AFL Rd 0 2026 Pre-game Prognostications Carlton vs Sydney in Sydney

Reply #35 –
Quote from: shawny – on
I hope your right mate but after watching us get humbled by a reserve team outfit last year in R1 I'm dont have a heap of confidence beating Sydney in Sydney.

In melb it may have been an even money bet but up there is never easy
 
I'm more optimistic the players will lift for the coach given this season is make or break in many ways and I think the Swans are also at the crossroads with their new coach and have sold the farm for Charlie for an instant fix when I think the problems are elsewhere.