Well, I reckon you don't have to be Nostradamus to realise our chances are slim for this game. After Carlton's great win last Thursday they'll be full of confidence and the additions of Kouta, SOS and Braddles will be a big boost for them. As a Crows supporter, I'd love to see us get up but I'm struggling to see how we can possibly win.
Everything would have to go right for us, the midfield would have to get on top and Roo and Macca would have to play blinders. Traditionally Carlton's runners have a field day against us, we can never seem to stop Ratten, Campo and Braddles.
With Crowell being in good form at full back this year and keeping Bassett out of the team, I thought great, we have a little bit of depth at that position. Just our luck to have both injured at the same time
This game will test our defence, Whitnall, Fevola, Lappin, Hickmott will present a challenge while their midfield usually kicks a few goals as well. I wouldn't mind seeing our runners being a bit more accountable through the middle of the ground.
Possible matchups in defence
Whitnall- McGregor? (not sure about this one)
Fevola- Stevens?
Hickmott- Hart
Lappin- Smart
What about Kouta?? I've got no idea. Robran, Biglands?? He has the ability to tear us apart, hopefully he'll be far from his best after missing last week.
Up forward will be a problem, as always, especially against Carlton's miserly defence. Vards, Jars, Welshy and Robran will need to be at their best to kick a winning score and we'll definitely need our midfield to match theirs in terms of goals kicked to stay close.
Last week we played without confidence and belief, both in ourselves and each other, while our skills were particularly disappointing. To turn it around in one week, against a professional unit with 3 extra days break and at one of the toughest home grounds in the league will be nigh on impossible. You never know however and I'll certainly be glued to the screen, with fingers, toes and arms crossed. A little divine intervention would be quite handy too...
BTW, Macca, you'll be pleased to see Ricky in the team, now he can't stuff up the Magpies this week, right??
Everything would have to go right for us, the midfield would have to get on top and Roo and Macca would have to play blinders. Traditionally Carlton's runners have a field day against us, we can never seem to stop Ratten, Campo and Braddles.
With Crowell being in good form at full back this year and keeping Bassett out of the team, I thought great, we have a little bit of depth at that position. Just our luck to have both injured at the same time
Possible matchups in defence
Whitnall- McGregor? (not sure about this one)
Fevola- Stevens?
Hickmott- Hart
Lappin- Smart
What about Kouta?? I've got no idea. Robran, Biglands?? He has the ability to tear us apart, hopefully he'll be far from his best after missing last week.
Up forward will be a problem, as always, especially against Carlton's miserly defence. Vards, Jars, Welshy and Robran will need to be at their best to kick a winning score and we'll definitely need our midfield to match theirs in terms of goals kicked to stay close.
Last week we played without confidence and belief, both in ourselves and each other, while our skills were particularly disappointing. To turn it around in one week, against a professional unit with 3 extra days break and at one of the toughest home grounds in the league will be nigh on impossible. You never know however and I'll certainly be glued to the screen, with fingers, toes and arms crossed. A little divine intervention would be quite handy too...
BTW, Macca, you'll be pleased to see Ricky in the team, now he can't stuff up the Magpies this week, right??
