Carlton Supporters Club

Believe it or not individual teams go into Round 1 with different mindsets depending on their stage of development. Leigh Matthews used to build into the season, and look at peaking at the right time. I dare say Chris Scott thinks likewise as would Chris Fagan. Ross Lyon will have StKilda wound up tighter than a 50's wrist watch to ensure they usher in the new era with a win...... and Vossie has a new game plan that needs to show credibility and effectiveness.  So where does that leave Dean Cox and the Swan? Will their attitude be all about showing off their shiny new toy and how that one piece of the jigsaw is enough to take them back into the top 4, or are they at a stage where the build up to a season is the way to go. As is repeated so often before (and after) around 1 games, it's worth 4 point, like every other round..... nothing more, nothing less. I think the Swans in Round 16 would be a far more dangerous outfit than in Round 1.

Quote from: townsendcalling – on March 04, 2026, 03:43:39 am

Believe it or not individual teams go into Round 1 with different mindsets depending on their stage of development. Leigh Matthews used to build into the season, and look at peaking at the right time. I dare say Chris Scott thinks likewise as would Chris Fagan. Ross Lyon will have StKilda wound up tighter than a 50's wrist watch to ensure they usher in the new era with a win...... and Vossie has a new game plan that needs to show credibility and effectiveness.  So where does that leave Dean Cox and the Swan? Will their attitude be all about showing off their shiny new toy and how that one piece of the jigsaw is enough to take them back into the top 4, or are they at a stage where the build up to a season is the way to go. As is repeated so often before (and after) around 1 games, it's worth 4 point, like every other round..... nothing more, nothing less. I think the Swans in Round 16 would be a far more dangerous outfit than in Round 1.

This is a game that the Swans are expected to win, and they also need to show that bringing in Curnow and ejecting Hayward and Florent has been the right move.  They also need to show the Sydney crowd that they are back after a disappointing 2025.  If they were to lose this game, it would be a major loss for them, not only the 4 points, but far more significantly from a PR point of view. 

Carlton, on the other hand, have lost 3 significant players and are trying to introduce a completely new game style. 

Therein lies the opportunity - an unknown quantity that might just ruin the party.  We can only hope.....

Imagine if the game came down to a Hayward or Curnow kick after the siren.....

There is a fair bit of pressure on the Swans too
Cox hasn't exactly set the world on fire.
They're expected to win
Betting is currently $1.29 to $3.64

Voss's future won't be decided on this one game...but, yes, he does need early wins.
He probably needs to get to the half-way point of the season with an even win/loss ratio.
A win over the Swans would be a good early buffer.

I reckon Voss needs a positive win/loss ratio by mid season as that's when decisions will start to be made.
Cox will be in the firing line too if Charlie the  wonder dog isn't firing and the team are struggling..

Cox reminds me of a rabbit giraffe in the headlights 🙄

Compared to average humans, blood is less oxygenated by the time it reaches a ruckman's brain......

If Frankie Evans is out, Flynn Young or Talor Byrne may come in to consideration.   Given the number of new players having to gel together tomorrow night, perhaps Flynn Young gets the nod. Based on his AFL experience and 4 goal haul in seconds last week.

Quote from: Adelaideblue – on March 04, 2026, 03:59:37 pm

If Frankie Evans is out, Flynn Young or Talor Byrne may come in to consideration.   Given the number of new players having to gel together tomorrow night, perhaps Flynn Young gets the nod. Based on his AFL experience and 4 goal haul in seconds last week.

4 goals in the 2nds to Flynn
or
3 goals in the 1sts to Byrne

I'd almost give the nod to Byrne