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Topic: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne (Read 2447 times) previous topic - next topic
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Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #75
One player who showed some inexperience in a role was Cerra, he won't be dropped, but until last weekend he'd had a bit of a golden run as a defender.

At the weekend he found out what it was all about when the heat is on, he'll be better for that.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #76
Same for me, replay only and I agree what you say.    If Haywood is fit and ready,  then I think Byrne or Cottrell makes way.;  but I think Byrne because he looked lost and out of his depth and had zero impact.    Byrne wasn't alone tbh, but we don't want to start making too many changes to a winning combo.
I thought Byrne did OK at becoming a target as the Dees sat on Evans, Byrne attracting the footy a couple of times on the wing helped diffuse the Evans tag, even if not much come out of it. Of course I concede Hayward will cover this easily, but I don't think that Byrne wasn't contributing.

Given the Cats ruck situation, Edwards then Blicsav, I wouldn't be surprised if Young goes out for Hayward, it may depend on Pitto's freshness.

I could see Cottrell or Lord in a negative role on Bailey Smith, so the MC might want to preserve those options, last time we played Smith was let off the hook.

If Haynes is an out it may be unlucky for Derksen, if Hayward gets up Hayward / Haynes might well be the only change, or we could also see Derksen / Young if Haynes is an out. I thought last time we played the Handbaggers our problem was stopping them scoring, despite Weiters having one of his better games before he went out, our F50 functioned pretty well.
Byrne did get involved a bit,  but dropped 2-3 easy marks (he wasn't alone in that) and also appeared quite fumbly and nervous with ball in hand  -  finals nerves but he wasn't alone.   Haywood for Young makes good sense too,  as you say it just depends which way they want to go, and if haynes gets up or not. 

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #77
Byrne did get involved a bit,  but dropped 2-3 easy marks (he wasn't alone in that) and also appeared quite fumbly and nervous with ball in hand  -  finals nerves but he wasn't alone.  Haywood for Young makes good sense too,  as you say it just depends which way they want to go, and if haynes gets up or not. 
It's the unwillingness to ruck Cameron anywhere on the ground that makes the situation interesting. I understand avoiding the center square, but I've never really understood why they do not have him take stoppages inside the arc, it just doesn't make sense.

Last time we played you may recall they rucked Neale and he came off lame.
"Extremists on either side will always meet in the Middle!"

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #78

Same for me, replay only and I agree what you say.    If Haywood is fit and ready,  then I think Byrne or Cottrell makes way.;   but I think Byrne because he looked lost and out of his depth and had zero impact.     Byrne wasn't alone tbh, but we don't want to start making too many changes to a winning combo.   
I think dropping him would be a mistake - he was still effective but just couldn’t get into the game enough and imo you could see he was disappointed in his game.

McG is the funny one for me. He just cannot be relied on and as a very snr player I just get so frustrated by his dropped marks and errant kicks.

Agree totally. MOG has so much talent but he is so erratic that a simple chest mark can bounce straight off him yet in the next breath he will make a team lifting run down tackle or take a hanger.

Hes good is very good but he can be equally crap!

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #79
Besides the usual suspects having stand out games, I thought that when Ollie Hollands kicked the goal in the second qrt when know one else could, he started to play like he  belonged and boy did it show. He Ran, hunted, tackled, hit targets? And yes the roar from the crowd was unbelievable. 

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #80
And just of note, i took my daughter to the 2023 final against Melb and again on Saturday. Yes my daughter is going with me on Friday. Go Blues.

 

Re: AFL WC#1 2026 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Melbourne

Reply #81
Besides the usual suspects having stand out games, I thought that when Ollie Hollands kicked the goal in the second qrt when know one else could, he started to play like he  belonged and boy did it show. He Ran, hunted, tackled, hit targets? And yes the roar from the crowd was unbelievable. 
If the mail is correct, he wont be at our club next season.
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?