Opinion The 'Carlton related stuff that doesn't need it's own thread' thread Part 3

[TheReal99prelim]

I guardedly agree. We will know more by round three or four. Our outside and running game should be significantly better. Cobbling together an effective tall defence and a balanced forward structure are the keys.

The positives of the list changes outweigh the negatives. Charlie out gives multiple others a “good kick of the ice-cream”.
JSOS is a loss, but we only had him for half of the year. TDK may leave a hole with the ruck rule adjustments, but we are yet to see what Reidy can do with a chance, and a fit Pitto is always a decent competitor at worst.

The readiness of Kempy, development of “Skull”, and progression of Moir will play a huge part. I am optimistic we can be super effective forward of centre. Big H will be massive as “the man”.

We are a massive chance of playing finals…

Our kids are already insisting the senior group step up. A number of the entitled are gone, the remainder will have to shape up or ship out.

Agree...you simply cannot put a price on what those intangibles do when the players run out on the ground

 

[BlueNath]

Agree...you simply cannot put a price on what those intangibles do when the players run out on the ground

So you're telling me where a chance?!

 

[Jatz]

I think we're no chance personally.

Feels like we've opted for some short term pain, long term gain. And with other clubs improving around us, I struggle to see how we're moving past them.

 

[BluStreak]

I dont think we will see that big a change to the 'game plan' as I believe that contested possession was our game plan.
I believe that as long as Cripps is in our team it will remain that way. It is our 1 wood.

2026 will allow for adjustment in execution due to the influx of new players and development coaches.
The adjustment will be in the delivery to F50 as we only have one contested marking forward in Harry surrounded by more mobile forwards. This is where I believe the change will occur.

 

[marcmurphy3]

I think most reasonable supporters could stomach a low-to-mid table finish if we show that we've evolved the gameplan and learned from 2025.

This year the combination of our big slow midfield, bomb it long gameplan, and a complete refusal to change either, meant you could often look at the opposition's team on paper and know straight away the game was almost unwinnable.

Hopefully with the new additions we can be a bit more dynamic/unpredictable through the middle and forwardline.

Yeah I think its more about how we play then just the result. That said, if we finish bottom 4 with our list, we likely arent playing the right way, so there is some relationship there.

I think Voss is up against it in either case. I could see us finishing 10-12, with some positive progress, and going in a different direction regardless.

Being out of contract Voss needs to prove he is the best man for the job, not just good enough to keep the job.

Reckon he needs a very good year from both a process and outcome perspective.

 

[Accidental genius]

I dont think we will see that big a change to the 'game plan' as I believe that contested possession was our game plan.
I believe that as long as Cripps is in our team it will remain that way. It is our 1 wood.

2026 will allow for adjustment in execution due to the influx of new players and development coaches.
The adjustment will be in the delivery to F50 as we only have one contested marking forward in Harry surrounded by more mobile forwards. This is where I believe the change will occur.

Absolutely….just fixing the f50 execution to a now more mobile forward mix should see us improve quite a bit. I’d still be very happy if that was all we improved on for next season. Our contested game is already good so improved f50 entries would likely have a significant impact on achieving more wins.

 

[JimmyRabbit49]

I think most reasonable supporters could stomach a low-to-mid table finish if we show that we've evolved the gameplan and learned from 2025.

This year the combination of our big slow midfield, bomb it long gameplan, and a complete refusal to change either, meant you could often look at the opposition's team on paper and know straight away the game was almost unwinnable.

Hopefully with the new additions we can be a bit more dynamic/unpredictable through the middle and forwardline.

If we take our 2025 team and add Newman and the 2022/2023 version of Sam Walsh plus Jagga Smith on the outside of our midfield suddenly we look a whole lot better.

Yes we will lose Curnow's 32 goals but roughly 20 of them can be replaced simply by having a fully fit McKay before we get to adding Haywards 29.

I am not really worried about the loss of TDK or JSOS.

If we can get some natural development out even a of the numerous 20 year olds we had play in 2025 (Lord, Moir, Cowan, Carroll, HOK) and/or Chesser lives up to his potential we won't be anywhere near as bad as some seem to think.

As for the game plan evolution - look at the likely inclusions into our 2026 team - if we aren't playing a much more hard running game with much better footskills (plus lowering our eyes going inside 50) I would be shocked.

 

[JimmyRabbit49]

I dont think we will see that big a change to the 'game plan' as I believe that contested possession was our game plan.
I believe that as long as Cripps is in our team it will remain that way. It is our 1 wood.

2026 will allow for adjustment in execution due to the influx of new players and development coaches.
The adjustment will be in the delivery to F50 as we only have one contested marking forward in Harry surrounded by more mobile forwards. This is where I believe the change will occur.

I hope we play Harry high and leave the likes of Moir & Hayward as the deeper marking options

 

[Red_man2008]

Exactly that ..
This is the positive and exciting time of the year full of hope and pride...
Wait until round 4 / 5 and then we can all melt down again like every year

Gee I really hope not.....but....

We will be 4-1 by round 5. Maybe even 5-0 if Adelaide have already found the cliff. Early I know.

Sydney - W
Richmond - W
Melbourne - W
North Melbourne - W
Adelaide - L

 

[Red_man2008]

I dont think we will see that big a change to the 'game plan' as I believe that contested possession was our game plan.
I believe that as long as Cripps is in our team it will remain that way. It is our 1 wood.

2026 will allow for adjustment in execution due to the influx of new players and development coaches.
The adjustment will be in the delivery to F50 as we only have one contested marking forward in Harry surrounded by more mobile forwards. This is where I believe the change will occur.

It’ll just be speed around Cripps while he’s still getting around. It wouldn’t surprise me if Cripps turns down a bit and hires a sprinting coach to get the at extra out of himself. We just need to be that much faster around Cripps in order to cover for his man when he eventually falls behind chasing. But his one wood will still be used.

 

[RPCB]

We will be 4-1 by round 5. Maybe even 5-0 if Adelaide have already found the cliff. Early I know.

Sydney - W
Richmond - W
Melbourne - W
North Melbourne - W
Adelaide - L

Likely losses to Sydney and Adelaide. Very winnable against Melbourne and Norf. Richmond is 50/50.

 

[Bluebag13]

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but the club just put out a video with Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

on how training is going.

A previous video where the boys were giving their encouragement to the girls before their PF also began with Walsh.
Cripps was 2nd.

Wonder if the club are trying to position Walsh more as he is to take over as captain.

Probably reading to much into it

 

[Tommy Alvin]

Personally, I wouldn’t change captains. There is no need. I reckon Cripps would want redemption.

As for our playing style, we have to adapt due to our list. Voss would know that and even if he doesn’t, Simpson and co will tell him. We need to remember that our coaching set up is now on a parallel with top clubs for the first time this millennium.

Our running game will improve and our efficiency with the ball too.

Have faith guys, this is the first time we have had proper management since Parkin.

TA

 

[marcmurphy3]

Personally, I wouldn’t change captains. There is no need. I reckon Cripps would want redemption.

As for our playing style, we have to adapt due to our list. Voss would know that and even if he doesn’t, Simpson and co will tell him. We need to remember that our coaching set up is now on a parallel with top clubs for the first time this millennium.

Our running game will improve and our efficiency with the ball too.

Have faith guys, this is the first time we have had proper management since Parkin.

TA

I dont think there is a need to force a captaincy handover. Cripps is only 30. Clearly the leader of the club.

Walsh hasnt even signed. Last thing we need is a year of speculation about whether our captain will walk on us.

 

[BrisbaneCFC]

Im 100% confident we will be a top 8 team and play finals.

 

[Poorman53]

Personally, I wouldn’t change captains. There is no need. I reckon Cripps would want redemption.

As for our playing style, we have to adapt due to our list. Voss would know that and even if he doesn’t, Simpson and co will tell him. We need to remember that our coaching set up is now on a parallel with top clubs for the first time this millennium.

Our running game will improve and our efficiency with the ball too.

Have faith guys, this is the first time we have had proper management since Parkin.

TA

Ideally I would love for Cripps to continue. However at some point during the season the heat is going to come on the club, I just don't think he needs to be wheeled out again. Let him enjoy his footy without the extra burden imo.

If Walsh signs on before the practice matches I'd be making him captain IF Cripps was happy to hand it over.

 

[ctwenty1]

Im 100% confident we will be a top 8 team and play finals.

*top 10

 

[katmanblue]

Im 100% confident we will be a top 8 team and play finals.

When?

 

[AndyLucimitis]

Ideally I would love for Cripps to continue. However at some point during the season the heat is going to come on the club, I just don't think he needs to be wheeled out again. Let him enjoy his footy without the extra burden imo.

If Walsh signs on before the practice matches I'd be making him captain IF Cripps was happy to hand it over.

Walsh and Cripps - it seems to be a pre-requisite as Carlton captain to talk like Paul Hogan !

 

[BrisbaneCFC]

When?

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030

 

[Garters]

Have said it for years on here Cripps is not a great captain. Warrior player but not a natural leader. Release him of the burden and give it to Walsh. Force the issue with Walsh that we are serious about change. If he is willing to leave after being annointed as captain then better the devil you know.
Dont think Walsh is part of the old guard. My concern is Cripps is a passive participant, however by stature as a player never questioned.
Need leadership change to continue with resetting the place.

 

[Accidental genius]

2026, 2027, 2028, 2029, 2030

From 2027 onwards we should make top 8

 

[GT619]

I feel like we are on the right track ... but 2026 is going to be very tough.

bring it on

 

[marcmurphy3]

Have said it for years on here Cripps is not a great captain. Warrior player but not a natural leader. Release him of the burden and give it to Walsh. Force the issue with Walsh that we are serious about change. If he is willing to leave after being annointed as captain then better the devil you know.
Dont think Walsh is part of the old guard. My concern is Cripps is a passive participant, however by stature as a player never questioned.
Need leadership change to continue with resetting the place.

Respectfully, how would you know? Seems a pretty natural leader to me. Nobody knows what these guys are like inside the 4 walls of the club.

Just because we arent a great team doesnt mean Cripps isnt a good captain. Not an easy job.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

Cripps has done his job.

He’s covered in glory, wonderful career & stuff.

Sam Walsh

18

Sam Walsh

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

84kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.1

5star

K

13.5

5star

HB

11.6

5star

M

5.1

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

3.4

5star

No current season stats available

D

26.2

5star

K

15.4

5star

HB

10.8

5star

M

6.0

5star

T

3.2

5star

CL

4.8

5star

is the next guy.