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Topic: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G (Read 1218 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #30
Ison > Moir on recent form.

Boyd, forget him he is done.

Fogarty Id rather play Campo or Charleson.

Saad, one dimentionsal and his only weapons are no longer potent.

Williams is perhaps the only player who makes a difference.

Ultimately, Kruddler, your logic is fine, but on what I have personally watched at VFL level, the club has got the balance about right.  Your opinion of Reiddy though, is exactly that. 
"everything you know is wrong"

Paul Hewson

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #31
Gawn smashed Pitt last time so I don't think it matters. I would get Young to try tag him to reduce his effectiveness around the ground.
Young... He would get smashed physically vs Gawn.  Reiddy will make him earn every touch.
"everything you know is wrong"

Paul Hewson

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #32
Gawn smashed Pitt last time so I don't think it matters. I would get Young to try tag him to reduce his effectiveness around the ground.
Young... He would get smashed physically vs Gawn.  Reiddy will make him earn every touch.

Rediy would be blown up after the 1st quarter trying to chase Gawn around.

As MBB said, Young as 2nd ruck, specifically when Gawn goes forward is the matchup.

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #33
I think you're looking at Ison as a medium/ tall...comparing him to the likes of Gov, Kemp, Young, Harry etc
He doesn't play like that.

This from his draft profile.
Quote
Producing late-season form indicative of the promise he has shown throughout his junior career, Jack Ison fits the mould of new-age draft prospects. Standing at 190cm, he can play anywhere on the ground and moves like a smaller player – not to mention his deadly left-foot kicking. He has an enviable array of traits suited to the way top level football is trending.

Players like Fogarty are racking up big numbers in the VFL, but Ison with much fewer can have an impact with the quality of his.
If there is little between the choices...go with the future.

Ison plays more like those players, then as a midfielder. Thats the point i'm making.

Not sure why you guys are kicking up such a fuss.
We are already taller.
Our emergencies would make us taller again.

Besides Gawn which nobody in the AFL has a matchup for, which of the Dees talls do we need to actually worry about?
Kosi.....there's a worry.

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #34
Teams go into a game with a specific tactical plan, and the emergencies should be representative of offering some guard to that plan.

So I suspect "the plan", and any of it's potential weaknesses, might not be what fans really think it is!
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #35
Ison plays more like those players, then as a midfielder. Thats the point i'm making.

Not sure why you guys are kicking up such a fuss.

I don't think he plays anything like those medium/ tall forwards.
But we obviously see things differently...which is a bit of a surprise. :D  :D

As for kicking up a fuss.
You started it. ;)

What happens if we need to replace a small at the last minute???


Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #36
Clubs have to play to their own strength, not spend all week planning to make everything a head to head battle.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #37
It will be interesting tomorrow night, it looks like the Dees are going hard at our smalls, and our selection looks to be quite the opposite. Success might hinge on someone like Evans and Byrne being able to keep their direct opponents occupied.

I suspect we'll be hitting up a variety of marking targets, and I back Evans in particular to better similar sized and agile opponents in any overhead contest. It's a pity Hayward wasn't able to get up. Gawn can't be everywhere, and by being unpredictable entering F50 we can have him chasing the footy all across our HF line. Our breadth of goal kickers could become a real strength.

I predict Cottrell and Wilson could be a bit more dynamic tomorrow night, and dry conditions could be perfect for Acres.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #38
No Van Rooyen and no Lever takes care of one good defender and one good forward.

Viney has played no AFL this season, and played 1 VFL game, which I believe was R21, a couple of weeks ago. I can't get a read on this one. 32 years old with effectively 1 competitive game all season.......

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #39
Viney has played no AFL this season, and played 1 VFL game, which I believe was R21, a couple of weeks ago. I can't get a read on this one. 32 years old with effectively 1 competitive game all season.......

Human grenade.
Watch out Jagga.

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #40
I was sure that we already had a thread for this game but I can't find it.

One change for us; Nick Haynes comes in for Wade Derksen who has been demoted to emergency.

Wade is stiff to miss out but Melbourne relies on its small and medium forwards - as well as Gawn drifting forward.
You beat me to it. :) I put it off, because I didn't know who we'd play, and then forgot. :(
Live Long and Prosper!

Re: AFL First Wildcard Final 2026 Pre Game Predictions Carlton vs Melbourne at the G

Reply #41
Young... He would get smashed physically vs Gawn.  Reiddy will make him earn every touch.

Rediy would be blown up after the 1st quarter trying to chase Gawn around.

As MBB said, Young as 2nd ruck, specifically when Gawn goes forward is the matchup.
thats why hes an emergency on case pitto doesnt get up. 

Irrespective i dont share your dire scenario and dont see the fuss.
"everything you know is wrong"

Paul Hewson