Carlton Supporters Club

Quote from: Baggers – on Today at 01:24:26 pm

Sure is very real.

Why does our discipline, focus and intensity drop so dramatically when challenged? Why do we react (or simply drop our bundle) rather than respond? Why is our mental discipline and toughness so fickle? Do we collectively sulk when we're scored against? Is there an element of downhill skier in our culture?

Mentally tough individuals and teams love adversity, they love being challenged and tested. We seem to fear adversity and challenge. Mentally tough individuals and teams step into and confront fear(s), whereas also-rans seek ways to avoid fear(s).

It's like the kid at school that always scores 50-60% on their math tests. After 10 exams where you just scrape through, your whole-of-body behaves accordingly. The way you feel about math, the way you prepare for exams, the way you behave in class, your expectations wrt marks etc. This is not just limited to not "liking" math, but can be observed in physical habits like the faces you pull, slouching in class etc. Breaking through to score very high marks can be done, but it's rare and requires a certain character.

None of our players, at least not in Carlton jumpers, have experienced much winning. They are all professional, they are all trying their hardest. They all want to win. But that little voice inside your head when things don't go your way is very familiar. You accept some wins, some floggings, some honorable losses, and mid table finishes because like the kid in math, your history precedes you.

All 18 teams are competing in a very limited space. Coaches and players are pulled from a limited pool, they all have the same cap, same budget, same list limitations etc. The margin for gaining an advantage over other cubs is miniscule.

Quote from: Gointocarlton – on March 05, 2026, 11:23:55 pm

I sat behind the goals at ground level so btw that and the goons in front us standing up all the time, it was to “see” the game. My comments are
As follows:
- we controlled the game quite well in the first half
- we transitioned the ball very well in the first half.
- at about the 10 min mark of the 3rd, we looked out of petrol and fatigued. The mistakes started at that point.
 I thought it was going to be a tough assignment  but a 12 goal to 4 3rd was as bad as I have seen from us. I dont know what we do at the 1/2 time break in the rooms with food and drink but its been a while that we come out in the 3rd looking they need a sleep because their bellies are full.
Not a good start to 2027

You know, you raise an interesting point GTC old son. I also lift an eyebrow or two when I see the massive sugar and carb hits at half time. Seems to be a dietician playbook from decades ago.

The folks I know through my work rely on quality electrolytes during sustained exertion... high in magnesium, potassium and sodium - no sugar! As for white bread carbs... p1ss off! And some folks are okay on fruit, others not at all. And definitely no caffeine tablets - great way to dehydrate!!

Quote from: Thryleon – on Today at 01:23:44 pm

im not saying make the call now, but if it comes when it comes this continuation of trend will stand as one of the reasons why.

A little while ago, I mentioned downhill skiing would be an improvement.  We got there at times, where we are gold provided we are on top.

Thay evolution needs to happen.  I know that quarter was damaging for various reasons but the way the Swans piled on goals last night was typical of an issue identified back in covid years which cost teague his job.

I would suggest this issue precedes Teague by several years, and if that's true, I'd say the issues are deeper than the coach.

Quote from: PaulP – on Today at 01:28:52 pm

I would suggest this issue precedes Teague by several years, and if that's true, I'd say the issues are deeper than the coach.

What do you think it is Paul?
I'm not saying you're wrong, but just about the only common aspects of the team from days gone by... is Cripps.
Coaches, list management, admin, players have all been turned over.
Understandably a culture of struggle and losing can impact youngsters as they come into the side.
I suspect Byrce Gibbs and Marc Murphy were introduced to a culture of struggle,loss and division.
Is that's what's happened with our group...and if that's the case is that also affecting player retention.

Too many smiles at the end of the game last night, not just with Curnow.
Fitness....we were done by just after half-time.
Size and strength....we're carrying a few light youngsters (and a couple of oldies) at the moment. That will improve but a large part of our list are a few years away from that maturity.
And chief of all...the inability of coaches and on-field leaders to stem that run of goals in the third term.