Re: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS
Reply #83 –
While I wouldn't say that we had players standing back, I think that the improved form and effort of the support cast in Hewett, Acres, Cerra, Aisworth, Hayward, and now Cottrell, has taken pressure off Cripps and Walsh. If Cripps or Walsh is quiet, others are filling the void but that support is also enabling Cripps and Walsh, as well as Jagga Smith, to accumulate possessions and distribute the pill effectively.
Cottrell's ability to get to contest after contest and affect the outcomes of those contests is elite. I don't think that he'll ever by a high possession player but his work rate, endurance and ability to snag a goal or two is invaluable ... and then there's his gob iron 
I don't that there's any question about Billy Wilson's ability to have an impact at AFL level now, and I think that he has probably consigned Adam Saad to depth player status. Billy's chase and run down tackle with 30 seconds to go warmed the cockles of my heart. That's the effort and desperation that wins finals.
Harry Dean's ability to hold down a KPD spot, even in the absence of Weiters, has probably exceeded my fairly high expectations. You know that he's not going to lose many contests, even against the best key forwards. Then there's his willingness to fly the flag for his teammates. I wonder how Toby Greene felt when he was ragdolled by an 18 year old.
Harry's equally inexperienced fellow KPD in Wade Derksen has also exceeded my expectations and has shown that he's more than capable at AFL level. His lack of experience shows at times but his ability to intercept and spoil is right up there. Some folk have concerns about his lack of height but he's on a par with Dean and Weiters. It would seem inevitable that Weiters will replace Derksen but the latter will be stiff to miss out. Maybe he should get a shot as a forward 
I was on board with Thry's prediction that Ainsworth would the best of our trade-ins but I think that Hayward has just shaded him now, and Florent is not far behind. The ability, aggression and attitude that those three have added to the team is really starting to pay dividends.
Brodie Kemp's ability to win the ball inside 50 was a real bright spot but his kicking for goal is reminiscent of Levi Casboult at his worst. His field kicking is good but his technique is all over the shop when he lines up for goal. The "experts" will tell you that kicking for goal is the one aspect of the game that has never improved and Kemp is living proof. I'm reminded of a Nathan Burke anecdote. He thought that having his AFLW players just concentrate on the goals might help so he had the behind posts removed for training. It made no difference at all to their accuracy. Anyway, a goal kicking coach for Kemp is a must.
Lods suggested that it might be time for Jack Ison to refresh with a run in the Magoos. I'm not to sure about that. While he may not be getting much of the pill, he is tackling and his tackles stick. I'm more concerned about Byrner, but he is also contributing to our forward pressure. Like Kemp, he needs to work on his goal kicking.
I wasn't confident going into the game, particularly without Weiters, but it was a good win even if our poor kicking for goal reduced the margin.
Topic: AFL Rd 15 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs GWS (Read 14867 times)
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