- Dec 22, 2006
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I have a question: how the utter * is that disappointing?
At no point prior to last season has LOB had any selection pressure. He had Newnes, then bunk; Setterfield wasn't a wing, Cottrell (who I have hopes for, but would take a decent amount of improvement for him to come one) and no-one else on the list except Walsh could play the role.
If the idea is that we want good performance on the wing, it really shouldn't matter whether it's LOB or Hollands providing it so long as someone is performing at a decent level. Hollands putting his best foot forwards isn't even terribly surprising; it was in his predraft notes that he was nearly AFL ready in terms of competitiveness, running, disposal; it was noted that other clubs were surprised no-one took him before us; a great many draft watchers had him as the best prospect to play wing at AFL level in the draft.
The idea that Player X failing to capitalize on an opportunity in a preseason scratch match is disappointing is kind of silly in only the way that sports fans can be silly. The reason why we have practice matches is to see how players are tracking, not only for selection purposes but preparation. If a player is not performing they can check out why, try and work through it.
But no, gotta leave it all out on the park, pride in the jumper, hard nosed, squared jawed, socks pulled up, mud on the shorts otherwise you don't look like you got your hands dirty performative stuff.
Mmmm interesting post and a lot to digest.. The reason i thought LOB was disappointing is that I like a lot of the Carlton fans had backed him in to come good on the natural skills and the football ability we thought he possessed, that we hoped would help the team in a clear area of weakness for the side. Acres was always going to be first choice on the wing and the other side to be made up from LOB, Cotters & Hollands.. I thought LOB was the natural fit, however in 2 practice matches Hollands has shown more desire and ability, which is great for Hollands but not so great for LOB.... People could say the same about the poor showing from Dow, however I personally had already put a line through him being an AFL standard player.