AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #45 – Today at 06:18:32 pm

We carry too many passengers that are incomplete players ie they won't can't or don't do what their role requires. Fog is one. Seen enough. Time to try somebody else. I could name ten others.
I understand Kruddler's sentiment re Cripps, he's a deadset legend but once the ball is 2 metres away he is incapable of applying any defensive pressure.

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #46 – Today at 06:20:36 pm

Quote from: kruddler – on Today at 05:51:50 pm

Quote from: ElwoodBlues1 – on Today at 03:26:09 pm
The back half defense holds up ok but the problem is the defensive skills of our midfield doesnt.....Gulden and Heeney had high tackle numbers the same cant be said for our mids who dont apply much pressure when they dont have 1st use, we have too many one way players in the middle of the ground. Then you look at our forward pressure which was also non existant...Fogarty didnt have one tackle and he is employed solely as a pressure forward and Ainsworth had one tackle...
Its the not the defense, its the rest of the team who pick and choose when to defend so the opposition mids and running half backs just stroll around unhindered and do what they like leading to the avalanche of forward entries and defenders bewildered by the pressure.
Cripps, Hewett and Walsh in the middle doesnt work as a group when defense is required, you look at Gold Coast and they have a main midfield of Anderson, Rowell and Miller who can win the footy, attack, defend and carry the ball....our group cant do the latter two skills well enough for long enough against quality opposition.

The bold is why we got rid of Kennedy. It has some merit. BUT, you gotta get replacements in to compliment that.
Yes, Jagga is one.....and an expensive one given what we gave up for him. Ditto Walker in 2027. But essentially waiting 2-3 years to get replacements is time we can't afford to wait.
In the meantime Charlie/Jack is gone. Weitering/Harry are another year closer to the end without real replacements yet. Cripps is definitely not going to recapture his Brownlow form at his age and they will be like ships passing in the night.

We need some urgency with list management decisions so we have an elite core group all around at the same time to be a genuine flag contender.

Unpopular opinion, but i'd be seeing what deal West Coast can do for Cripps at seasons end. I love the bloke as much as the next guy, but looking at whats best for the club......and maybe that is it.

I'd agree on Cripps, I think one of the main three has to make way for a player who can be that two way player , maybe it's Cody Walker. Walsh is locked in as the next skipper and long term and I think Hewett is the better defensive player than the other two. Imo a trade for Cripps could benefit both player and club, he will go down as a all-time great at the club but he looks like he has run his race, looks frustrated and in need of a fresh start Imho .

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #47 – Today at 06:25:37 pm

On the plus side, at least we are copping it in the media.

We usually go well with media height.

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #48 – Today at 06:35:28 pm

Quote from: Thryleon – on Today at 06:25:37 pm

On the plus side, at least we are copping it in the media.

We usually go well with media height.

If we lose Docherty's comments will be the least of our problems.

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #49 – Today at 07:51:53 pm

Quote from: madbluboy – on Today at 06:35:28 pm

If we lose Docherty's comments will be the least of our problems.

I'm not sure that is the case, would Doc having his public complaint be any more or less divisive than say Mathieson or Elliott?

I can't have a double standard and I won't be a hypocrite. I wouldn't tolerate this sort of rock throwing stuff from a board member, and I won't tolerate it from a past player no matter what their status may be.

Re: AFL Rd 1 2026 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

Reply #50 – Today at 07:57:43 pm

I was so glad Vossy shut down the incessant, carping, shallow questioning around the D & D bleatings. Steered the hyenas onto the now, the new and the game ahead. Good on you, Vossy.