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Topic: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn (Read 683 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #30
All teams play a stinker now and again. Even the mighty Swans have been smacked twice in recent weeks. The real issue is how we respond, and whether we are capable of responding. That's one thing that separates the good teams from the others.

I really hope the boys play next week like their lives depend on it. Collingwood are very determined and not in any way easy beats. Not to be underestimated IMO.

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #31
The bloke who pleasantly surprised me again last night was Derksen, I get he fumbled some marks in horrendous conditions, but you have to put that into context, he out positioned opponents and read the ball better to get there in the marking position in the first place. The mark itself is a confidence and experience thing.

Derksen presents an interesting situation going forward.
With 2027 presenting a situation where all of Dean, O'Farrell and Weitering are available then there may not be a spot for him in defence.
But his strength in terms of his retention is probably his versatility and the ability to play both ends.
Given that Kemp is currently struggling in that key forward role, when Weitering comes back Derksen may be better used as a KPF.
We've tried him a bit at VFL level let's see how he goes at senior level.


Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #32
Horrible conditions horrible umpiring and they played the conditions so much better then us.

Losing George early hurt but our forwards being constantly behind in those conditions was dumb and the first cross against Fraser.

Still we were bound to drop a game and in those conditions against a top 4 team im not surprised- next week is a better game to see where we sit imo.



Lol
2012 HAPPENED!!!!!!!

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #33
Well, that was a reality check! 

The atrocious umpiring didn't help but we would have copped a hiding even if we did have competent umpires ... and brought Acres into the team for Hollands  ::)

There were a few positives: 

Flynn Riley showed that he's competitive at AFL level but he needs to build up his strength and learn how to use it.  Conditions weren't ideal for the big lad, but he battled hard and his five tackles is a good sign.  I suspect that he will cause headaches for our opposition if he gets to rest forward.

Wade Derksen continues to work hard and make the most of his opportunities.  He may be fourth banana in our KPD ranks but he deserves a place in the team, perhaps as a forward.

Mitch McGovern may have been fortunate to get a contract extension but he has certainly shown that it was a good decision.  This could well be his most consistent season whether he's playing forward or in defence.  He was one our players who did adapt to the conditions.  I think that he may well get another year.

Frankie Evans was lucky to get a chance at a third club but, after a shaky start, he has shown that he is a capable AFL footballer.  He was another one who played to the conditions.

Jack Ison has been quiet in last couple of games but I thought that he did quite well last night.  He was probably a little too adventurous in the conditions but he was a presence for us even if he has a lot to learn.

I think that Adam Cerra has become a bit of a whipping boy but he was another who adapted to the conditions and worked hard all night.  We might need him to a little more if Georgie's back doesn't come good.

Sam Walsh was mercurial!

I wonder if players are still taught to kick the laces surface of the ball in wet conditions  :-\
"Negative waves are not helpful. Try saying something righteous and hopeful instead." Oddball

 

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #34
If you want some conspiracy, you could imply the umpiring howlers were the AFL's best attempt at securing some home grown Melbourne content for the finals series, because it's looking more and more likely to be a largely vacant MCG.

If for nothing less than avoiding the potential controversy of forcing two interstate teams to play a final in Melbourne! ;D

Proper cynics might even claim the wildcard is the AFL's method of ensuring it meets the terms and conditions of the MCG contract. Otherwise the short term at least looks very bleak for Vic metropolitan based teams participating in finals.

For this season, Aints have the softest run home, they are almost a certainty after Cameron breaking his collarbone, Butters done, Nthmond a non-event. So it's likely our season is done, we might finish level with the Aints on points, in is not impossible, but we are way behind on percentage.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #35
Having seen Channel 7 going over the incident involving the 50 m to Ginnevan, it looks even worse than it did at the time.
I wish they would go over some of the others, to be honest, but I know they feel they have to tread lightly.
But to say those decisions were critical is not an understatement: they robbed us of confidence, because we were penalized for doing the right thing and they were not penalized for doing the wrong thing.

But what do we do about it? It is too late to go back and undo their decisions. Maybe the AFL will offer the club an apology, but I wouldn't even be sure of that.

Channel 7's team appear to think that the umpires are lacking confidence and second guessing themselves. It would be hard to argue against that.
Live Long and Prosper!

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #36
AFL senior ranks will close and that will be the end of it.
Reality always wins in the end.

Re: AFL Rd 18 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Hawthorn

Reply #37
Once again we are on the end of crap AfL officialdom.  Us and the Crows seem to cop the brunt of such rubbish.
DrE is no more... you ok with that harmonica man?