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Topic: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel (Read 893 times) previous topic - next topic
kruddler, LP, Johnno, zoots, Micky0 and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #15 –
Quote from: shawny – on
Quote from: laj – on
Fun fact from round 10 to now we finish on top of the ladder.

Yep cant help but wonder what would have happened if we made the change end of last year. i know its a big if but the change in performance is amazing and clear we needed a new coach. The long down the long contested play was like driving a new car with the handbrake on.

The keep possession short game has completely transformed this team.

The form team of the finals and no one will want to play us and the multiple forward targets is unpredictable and GW fingerprints on the list changes are strikingly similar to what he did at pies and we all know how that went.

who would have predicted this at 1-8.

amazing.
Had we made the change earlier it would be unlikely that Fraser would be our coach given he needed the interim role to make him comfortable putting his hand up. Don’t know who our coach would have been let alone what we would have achieved…
The Ox is slow but I'm running out of patience.

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #16 –
If my grandmother had testicle she'd be my grandfather.

Ultimately, we cant know what the alternative universe yields.  Whats done is done.  Maybe our pea hearts could have held on against Melbourne, Collingwood, and North Melbourne and maybe we would have been eyeing a top 4 finish.
"everything you know is wrong"

Paul Hewson

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #17 –
Quote from: LP – on
Ainsworth's best game?

He's exceptionally strong overhead, very accurate in from of the sticks (like Frankie and Haywood) and has the looks and determination of Jimmy Buckley. Another N Austin great pickup!

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #18 –
Yep
Let's not turn this into another coach discussion.
There's a thread for that.
Let's keep the focus on the game today.
Lot's of positives.

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #19 –
A very polished performance to be honest. Once we took the lead we were never headed, loved it.
Freo are a mighty side and perhaps with Amiss in the side they could have stretched our defence, or not. Watching them live though, they dont like the tough stuff inside and prefer to use the outside and use their speed and skill. We murdered them in the clinches, our contested brand stands up against all comers. We have added the outside game and ball control element now which is extremely pleasing. As commentators  and players are saying, it's a fun game to play and equally fun to watch.
Evans and Ainsworth were mighty today, I'll echo TC's comment about Banger being strong overhead, I said that to a bloke next to me at the footy today. Apart of the opening 15 mins of the game, our mids were on top for the rest of the day. Ive said before and I'll say it again, when my boy Lewis plays, we are a better and well structured side. He cant kick for goal to save himself but he adds much more to the side, the ultimate soldier. I thought our tackling was ferocious and relentless today, our intent was clear,  thats the gold standard.
A fun day at the footy today.
Go Blues.
2022- Real Deal or more of the same? 0.6%
2023- "Raise the Standard" - M. Voss Another year wasted Bar Set
2024-Back to the drawing boardNo excuses, its time
2025-Carlton can win the 2025 AFL Premiership
2026-Slow start, we can kick after all, why not?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #20 –
Quote from: shawny – on
Yep cant help but wonder what would have happened if we made the change end of last year
It wouldn't have been Fraser back then!
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #21 –
One of the pleasing aspects of the last half of the year is that some players who "weren't going to make it" have....suddenly made it.
They look comfortable and are getting more comfortable each week.
The question is whether they can build on that next year.

'Poor' trade choices based on early season form are suddenly looking like bargain pick-ups.
It sometimes takes some time and adaptation to fit into a role, especially after a change of club.

A player may get thrown around in multiple positions and then suddenly find a spot that clicks.
That's what makes early judgements a bit dubious, and why we shouldn't be writing off some of our VFL youngsters too quickly.

We have been a bit lucky with one aspect, and that is our injury situation has been much improved on 2024-2025.
That's a big help in getting some consistency in terms of team make-up.
With that consistency comes familiarity under match conditions.
That awareness and understanding of your teammates is vital in forming a strong combination.
Supporting one another means the load is shared and everyone looks a bit better.

What happens next is a bit of unknown.
We only have to have one off week and it'll be game over for '26
But even if it does go off the rails, I suspect that for most supporters there is a feeling that 2026 wasn't a bad year after all.

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #22 –
Quote from: LP – on
Quote from: shawny – on
Yep cant help but wonder what would have happened if we made the change end of last year
It wouldn't have been Fraser back then!
Why not? Do you think he wouldn't have applied? Remember Wright's intent was getting him to our club, he would have invited him to interview if that were the case last year.  Listen to the grab of Simmo explain Fraser's presentation, very little of it had anything to do with the results as interim. The result most likely would have been the same. The man has been building this for 15 years not the last 6 months.
2022- Real Deal or more of the same? 0.6%
2023- "Raise the Standard" - M. Voss Another year wasted Bar Set
2024-Back to the drawing boardNo excuses, its time
2025-Carlton can win the 2025 AFL Premiership
2026-Slow start, we can kick after all, why not?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #23 –
Quote from: Lods – on
'Poor' trade choices based on early season form are suddenly looking like bargain pick-ups.
It sometimes takes some time and adaptation to fit into a role, especially after a change of club.

E.g O Florent. He has been a ball tearing recruit as it turns out, equally as import as Ainsworth and Hayward. Since finding his feet at the club, Ollie has been dynamite.
2022- Real Deal or more of the same? 0.6%
2023- "Raise the Standard" - M. Voss Another year wasted Bar Set
2024-Back to the drawing boardNo excuses, its time
2025-Carlton can win the 2025 AFL Premiership
2026-Slow start, we can kick after all, why not?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #24 –
Unpopular opinion.

What has florent bought that we couldnt get from either saad or charleson?

Florents knock is his kicking.
Saads knock is his kicking.
Charleson has been borderline getting a game a but this year. Without florent, he would most likely got a gig by now.

Florent has been solid without being spectacular, he didn't come cheap though. Could we do without him?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #25 –
Quote from: kruddler – on
Unpopular opinion.

What has florent bought that we couldnt get from either saad or charleson?

Florents knock is his kicking.
Saads knock is his kicking.
Charleson has been borderline getting a game a but this year. Without florent, he would most likely got a gig by now.

Florent has been solid without being spectacular, he didn't come cheap though. Could we do without him?
Florent makes quick decisions and goes, and most importantly, he breaks lines and links up with others.

I think it is the running play of Florent and Wilson that has revolutionised our game style.  Once those two start running, Cerra, Walsh, Smith, Cripps et al get on their bike as well and the wave commences.  Our style is now unrecognisable compared to the dump kick to the wing that was the only way we could get out of D50 earlier this year.  I should add Cerra's amazing improvement in kicking as well.

I thought Wilson and Florent were on the podium for BOG yesterday.
This is now the longest premiership drought in the history of the Carlton Football Club - more evidence of climate change?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #26 –
Quote from: tonyo – on
Quote from: kruddler – on
Unpopular opinion.

What has florent bought that we couldnt get from either saad or charleson?

Florents knock is his kicking.
Saads knock is his kicking.
Charleson has been borderline getting a game a but this year. Without florent, he would most likely got a gig by now.

Florent has been solid without being spectacular, he didn't come cheap though. Could we do without him?
Florent makes quick decisions and goes, and most importantly, he breaks lines and links up with others.

I think it is the running play of Florent and Wilson that has revolutionised our game style.  Once those two start running, Cerra, Walsh, Smith, Cripps et al get on their bike as well and the wave commences.  Our style is now unrecognisable compared to the dump kick to the wing that was the only way we could get out of D50 earlier this year.  I should add Cerra's amazing improvement in kicking as well.

I thought Wilson and Florent were on the podium for BOG yesterday.

Not saying i disagree, but do we not have 2 other options who have essentially not been used this year?

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #27 –
Quote from: kruddler – on
Quote from: tonyo – on

Florent makes quick decisions and goes, and most importantly, he breaks lines and links up with others.

I think it is the running play of Florent and Wilson that has revolutionised our game style.  Once those two start running, Cerra, Walsh, Smith, Cripps et al get on their bike as well and the wave commences.  Our style is now unrecognisable compared to the dump kick to the wing that was the only way we could get out of D50 earlier this year.  I should add Cerra's amazing improvement in kicking as well.

I thought Wilson and Florent were on the podium for BOG yesterday.

Not saying i disagree, but do we not have 2 other options who have essentially not been used this year?
Yeah and Saad is coming to the end of his career. You harp on about not doing any planning for the future and then we actually recruit one in Florent and he’s been a jet and you question it??
 

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #28 –
Quote from: tex – on
Quote from: kruddler – on


Not saying i disagree, but do we not have 2 other options who have essentially not been used this year?
Yeah and Saad is coming to the end of his career. You harp on about not doing any planning for the future and then we actually recruit one in Florent and he’s been a jet and you question it??

Charleson is on the list ready to go but we havent played him.

Point I'm making is.
Is florent taking the spot of a kid....charleson.
If the kid doesnt work out, weve got saad as senior backup.

Technically weve also got ollie hollands as back up currently as well. He will most likely leave as a result not getting a game.

Re: AFL Rd 24 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle at Marvel

Reply #29 –
Ive seen some Mature smart play from Florent which made me see his value to us. I loved Saad but he is not as he was and Charleson wouldnt have the calm head yet of Florent.

Love all the new recruits, didnt think Ainsworth was great last week but by accounts he was excellent this week? Hayward is just chefs kiss and all 3 boys game play is confident and assured which i think we were lacking.