Scodog10
Brownlow Medallist
I can't predict the future of of Brown or the state of the game, but in the interests of both I hope that the bolded is incorrect. I hope that the game continues to need a variety of playing types, including the smaller but strong little blokes with a manic need to work through congestion and the awareness and skill to do it. The game moved on from Blair, no doubt, but I feel confident that Brown is already a better player and that he'll continue to improve his game.
Carlton's lack of experience cost them composure, and it cost them dearly. We did well to turn the screws, but a more self-assured team --which is what Carlton look to be becoming-- wouldn't be letting that game slip away.
Therein lies the question of what Brown can become. For me guys that are in your best 22 to add pressure yet can’t impact the contest in two of the three phases of the game are done. Blair throughout his time was very limited offensively ball in hand and too easy to dismiss when tackling an opponent. In the contest though I always felt like he fought beyond his weight division. Brown currently offers value in one phase of the game because he’s a very decent conduit ball in hand because of his trigger hands and neat kick (for instance in open space I’d prefer he had the ball to Adams or Treloar) and he gets to the right spots as an outlet. The query that remains in my eyes is whether he can take his defensive game and ball winning to the next level. Right now he’s bullied when he gets midfield time. If he can tick the box with at least two of the three he’ll make it with us and if he ticks all three he’ll reach heights that previously looked beyond him. I feel that his body shape will go a long way to dictating that!
I’m not sure I agree with a lack of experience costing them. Four of the errors were from guys that have been in the system long enough to be able to execute. I’d agree that a team with more self assurance wouldn’t have let it slip, but I think the cause was more deeply routed in those individuals, Cripps aside, being guys you don’t want involved in the big moments. Only my take on it though because it’s a very subjective one.