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A feature story I wrote for Old Dark Navys.net
As we enter the seventh season since the 1995 Blues took all before them in one of the most dominant seasons in history, it seems appropriate in light of the uncertainty of the quality of the 2002 Blues line-up to compare the two sides and gauge where we are at right now.
Based on a best guess (and let's face it, some of you are going to fall over yourselves to argue the point), I'll select my best side for 2002 minus the injured Anthony Koutoufides and compare it to the 1995 Grand Final side. With the versatility of some players, playing styles and use of the interchange then and now, the match ups too are not going to be to everybody's liking.
Craig Bradley '95 vs Craig Bradley '02
There is no doubt that Braddles of 1995 was still at his peak as one of the superstars of the league and had nothing more to learn about the game. The 2002 version has lost some pace and as a result, the quickness of the mind is not always backed up by the body. The dreaded turnover bug has planted itself into our beloved former skipper and while he is still highly talented and the voice of experience in the side, he is not the match winner he once was.
'95 - 9/10
'02 - 7/10
Brett Ratten '95 vs Brett Ratten '02
Ratts was a superb player in 1995. He had most of the ball handling skills that he has today and was even more underrated than he is today. He also had one Greg Williams as a teammate. While Diesel was in the side, Ratts was never going to be our number one ball carrier. I mean how do you compete with a two time Brownlow medallist? Since Diesel man handled his way to the end of his career, Ratts was ready willing and able to take over. And take over he has to the extent where he is considered the best in and under player in the game and has had the honour of Carlton captain bestowed upon him. As good as he was then, he is even better now.
'95 - 8
'02 - 9
Andrew McKay '95 v Andrew McKay '02
How do you try and split the performances of a player that has been so incredibly consistent throughout his career? Well, I'll try .... In my
opinion Macca has become a finer player the longer he goes on. His leadership abilities have been showcased in the past couple of seasons and he has an added physicality to his game these days.
'95 - 8
'02 - 9
Earl Spalding '95 v Lance Whitnall '02
Great matchup this one. Lance has the edge in football brains while Earl has the edge in toughness. In 1995, Earl was the Blues enforcer and a huge catalyst for a winning season. In 2002 Lance will go in hopeful that the pressure on him will be relieved somewhat but once again with an interrupted preseason. If we talk talent Lance wins this one, if we compare form at the relevant stages then Spalding gets the nod.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 8
Stephen Kernahan '95 v Corey McKernan '02
Probably Carlton's greatest ever leader, Sticks was perhaps entering a stage of his career where the goal kicking 'yips' had hit him and his body was more susceptible to injury but was still head and shoulders above where Corey is at this stage of his career. The amount of anticipation that we have in Corey providing some answers for us whilst backing up after a up and down season with the Roos probably best sums up how low our stocks have fallen since Sticks retired.
'95 - 9
'02 - 7
Fraser Brown '95 v Justin Murphy '02
The Dog was almost the antithesis to Murphy, a real hardnut versus a ball carrier with exquisite skills. Murph has returned to the Blues with a new work ethic which can only be good for the Carlton Football Club. Brownie was a fan favourite while Murphy has been much maligned in the past. The value that each player provided to the club can not be underestimated.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 7.5
Peter Dean '95 v Simon Beaumont '02
It is fair to say that Beauy is far more important to the 2002 lineup than Dean was to the 1995 lineup. Before anyone jumps up and down about that statement, of course I don't mean ability wise. Dean had one of the most fantastic cases of 'white line fever' I had ever seen and I loved him for it. He did have in form players in SOS, Sexton and Christou around him though so his absence would have been better covered than Beauy's would if he was to go down right now. Simon Beaumont is one player that has risen to take on the extra responsibility asked of him since the Blues aging stars started to retire. He would be our second best defender after McKay but in my opinion still has to lift to match Peter Dean for intensity, courage and consistency.
'95 - 8
'02 - 7.5
Glenn Manton '95 v Glenn Manton '02
A newcomer rejected by the Bombers in 1995, Mants has gone on a rollercoaster ride form wise in the ensuing seasons but due to the increased role he has been given in the side, it's not surprising if has an off day occasionally. Mants has gone on to become one of those 'heart of the club' type players and always gives his all.
'95 - 5
'02 - 7
Stephen Silvagni '95 v Ian Prendergast '02
Alright stop laughing. This is a spot reserved for Glenn Manton I know but as Mants rightfully should be compared to himself, Prender gets the
guernsey. Do I need to rave on about the Blues favourite son and fullback of the century at his absolute best versus a player with a handful of
games and unfair expectations of being the 'great blue hope' to fill the void? No, I thought not.
'95 - 9.5
'02 - 5.5
Michael Sexton '95 v Andrew Merrington '02
No need to comment here. Secco in '95 was reliable, versatile and professional as he was his whole career. Merrington's best years may be ahead of him but he is still an unknown quantity.
'95 - 8
'02 - 5
Ang Christou '95 v Ang Christou '02
A little bit of a nostalgic match up here because in reality Ang is a fringe player at best for the Blues best 22 this year and Mighty Mick
Mansfield may well get a run ahead of him for most of the season unless Ang comes back with a vengeance. What can we say here? Ang in '95 was at the peak of his powers while the 2002 version has been racked by injury for a few seasons and must have been close to receiving the old forced retirement talk.
'95 - 8
'02 - 5
Brad Pearce '95 v Matthew Lappin '02
What a find Pearce was for us in 1995! He found it hard to back up that form in the following seasons but all of his damage was done in that stellar season. Matthew Lappin possesses far more talent though and will again be a huge key for our finals chances.
'95 - 7
'02 - 8
Matt Clape '95 v Adrian Hickmott '02
A honest half forward rejected by the Eagles, Clape put the icing on the Blues cake in 1995 by providing another avenue to goal and playing accountable football. Adrian Hickmott is the ultimate blue collar footballer and has been rewarded with the deputy vice captain slot in 2002. His ferocious attack on the ball is an inspiration to the whole team and epitomises the way the Blues play the game these days.
'95 - 6
'02 - 8.5
Adrian Whitehead '95 v Andrew Eccles '02
This is the least interesting of the comparisons as both players hardly set the world on fire either during their career or to date. Eccles at least has the chance to improve whereas Whitehead's career was cut short by injury. However we can only judge by what we already know.
'95 - 5
'02 - 5
Greg Williams '95 v Jimmy Plunkett '02
Jimmy is no Diesel and Diesel in a Norm Smith winning Premiership year was something to behold. Nobody has the football smarts of Williams and though Jimmy is a real goer and won't shirk the issue, he doesn't come close to the Diesel legend.
'95 - 9.5
'02 - 6.5
Scott Camporeale '95 v Scott Camporeale '02
A first year player that exceeded all expectations in 1995, Scott has gone on to become one of the AFL's premier ball runners.
'95 - 6.5
'02 - 9
Matthew Hogg '95 v Darren Hulme '02
Both players capable of tight run with roles and both players honest as the day is long. Pup has the edge in aggression and narrowly gets the nod.
'95 - 6.5
'02 - 7
Dean Rice '95 v Anthony Franchina '02
Both close checking players but the similarities end there. While Franchina makes an artform of his tagging roles, "Special Fried" Rice was extremely damaging with the ball in hand in 1995. Capable of kicking the big goals (two last quarter games in the sensational one point victory over West Coast), he was equally adept at playing tall and filling the holes in defence.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 6
Mil Hanna '95 v Brendan Fevola '02
Not an ideal matchup as Mil was largely a utility player who excelled at doing a job on the opposition's best small forward and attacking strongly from the back half while Fevola is still a full forward yet to earn his stripes (or should that be monogram?). Goes to show that we achieved a lot more in 1995 with less true forwards and versatility was our key back then.
'95 - 8
'02 - 6
Justin Madden '95 v Matt Allan '02
One of our best tap ruckmen and team leader up against a player who has demanded the number one rucking position but has yet to prove he is
deserving for any other reason than we don't have Mark Porter any longer. Allan is very good player but his consistency leaves something to be desired. 'Harry' was in his declining years in 1995 but at long last had started to pull down his share of marks, something we wish Allan would do.
'95 - 8
'02 - 7.5
Anthony Koutoufides '95 v Ryan Houlihan '02
The great man himself is the only one that could compete with himself in '95. Injuries may have wearied him but his skill level has risen again
since then. Alas, we will treat any onfield time from Kouta as a bonus this year so Ryan Houlihan gets to pit himself against a fellow 'silky skilled' player who seems to glide around the ground effortlessly. Admittedly Kouta in 1995 was a year ahead of Houla's in experience and development but it must be said that Ryan possesses the potential to almost emulate Kouta's exploits on the field except for maybe marking ability. Having said that, potential does not equate to performance and Ryan has yet to discover the defensive part of his game or the ability to get the hard ball.
'95 - 9
'02 - 7
Total 1995 - 160.5
Total 2002 - 148
With some improvement from a few of our younger players and the hopeful return of Koutoufides in the second half of the season, we can hope to make up some of this ground but any further injuries will highlight just how wide the gap is between these two sides.
As we enter the seventh season since the 1995 Blues took all before them in one of the most dominant seasons in history, it seems appropriate in light of the uncertainty of the quality of the 2002 Blues line-up to compare the two sides and gauge where we are at right now.
Based on a best guess (and let's face it, some of you are going to fall over yourselves to argue the point), I'll select my best side for 2002 minus the injured Anthony Koutoufides and compare it to the 1995 Grand Final side. With the versatility of some players, playing styles and use of the interchange then and now, the match ups too are not going to be to everybody's liking.
Craig Bradley '95 vs Craig Bradley '02
There is no doubt that Braddles of 1995 was still at his peak as one of the superstars of the league and had nothing more to learn about the game. The 2002 version has lost some pace and as a result, the quickness of the mind is not always backed up by the body. The dreaded turnover bug has planted itself into our beloved former skipper and while he is still highly talented and the voice of experience in the side, he is not the match winner he once was.
'95 - 9/10
'02 - 7/10
Brett Ratten '95 vs Brett Ratten '02
Ratts was a superb player in 1995. He had most of the ball handling skills that he has today and was even more underrated than he is today. He also had one Greg Williams as a teammate. While Diesel was in the side, Ratts was never going to be our number one ball carrier. I mean how do you compete with a two time Brownlow medallist? Since Diesel man handled his way to the end of his career, Ratts was ready willing and able to take over. And take over he has to the extent where he is considered the best in and under player in the game and has had the honour of Carlton captain bestowed upon him. As good as he was then, he is even better now.
'95 - 8
'02 - 9
Andrew McKay '95 v Andrew McKay '02
How do you try and split the performances of a player that has been so incredibly consistent throughout his career? Well, I'll try .... In my
opinion Macca has become a finer player the longer he goes on. His leadership abilities have been showcased in the past couple of seasons and he has an added physicality to his game these days.
'95 - 8
'02 - 9
Earl Spalding '95 v Lance Whitnall '02
Great matchup this one. Lance has the edge in football brains while Earl has the edge in toughness. In 1995, Earl was the Blues enforcer and a huge catalyst for a winning season. In 2002 Lance will go in hopeful that the pressure on him will be relieved somewhat but once again with an interrupted preseason. If we talk talent Lance wins this one, if we compare form at the relevant stages then Spalding gets the nod.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 8
Stephen Kernahan '95 v Corey McKernan '02
Probably Carlton's greatest ever leader, Sticks was perhaps entering a stage of his career where the goal kicking 'yips' had hit him and his body was more susceptible to injury but was still head and shoulders above where Corey is at this stage of his career. The amount of anticipation that we have in Corey providing some answers for us whilst backing up after a up and down season with the Roos probably best sums up how low our stocks have fallen since Sticks retired.
'95 - 9
'02 - 7
Fraser Brown '95 v Justin Murphy '02
The Dog was almost the antithesis to Murphy, a real hardnut versus a ball carrier with exquisite skills. Murph has returned to the Blues with a new work ethic which can only be good for the Carlton Football Club. Brownie was a fan favourite while Murphy has been much maligned in the past. The value that each player provided to the club can not be underestimated.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 7.5
Peter Dean '95 v Simon Beaumont '02
It is fair to say that Beauy is far more important to the 2002 lineup than Dean was to the 1995 lineup. Before anyone jumps up and down about that statement, of course I don't mean ability wise. Dean had one of the most fantastic cases of 'white line fever' I had ever seen and I loved him for it. He did have in form players in SOS, Sexton and Christou around him though so his absence would have been better covered than Beauy's would if he was to go down right now. Simon Beaumont is one player that has risen to take on the extra responsibility asked of him since the Blues aging stars started to retire. He would be our second best defender after McKay but in my opinion still has to lift to match Peter Dean for intensity, courage and consistency.
'95 - 8
'02 - 7.5
Glenn Manton '95 v Glenn Manton '02
A newcomer rejected by the Bombers in 1995, Mants has gone on a rollercoaster ride form wise in the ensuing seasons but due to the increased role he has been given in the side, it's not surprising if has an off day occasionally. Mants has gone on to become one of those 'heart of the club' type players and always gives his all.
'95 - 5
'02 - 7
Stephen Silvagni '95 v Ian Prendergast '02
Alright stop laughing. This is a spot reserved for Glenn Manton I know but as Mants rightfully should be compared to himself, Prender gets the
guernsey. Do I need to rave on about the Blues favourite son and fullback of the century at his absolute best versus a player with a handful of
games and unfair expectations of being the 'great blue hope' to fill the void? No, I thought not.
'95 - 9.5
'02 - 5.5
Michael Sexton '95 v Andrew Merrington '02
No need to comment here. Secco in '95 was reliable, versatile and professional as he was his whole career. Merrington's best years may be ahead of him but he is still an unknown quantity.
'95 - 8
'02 - 5
Ang Christou '95 v Ang Christou '02
A little bit of a nostalgic match up here because in reality Ang is a fringe player at best for the Blues best 22 this year and Mighty Mick
Mansfield may well get a run ahead of him for most of the season unless Ang comes back with a vengeance. What can we say here? Ang in '95 was at the peak of his powers while the 2002 version has been racked by injury for a few seasons and must have been close to receiving the old forced retirement talk.
'95 - 8
'02 - 5
Brad Pearce '95 v Matthew Lappin '02
What a find Pearce was for us in 1995! He found it hard to back up that form in the following seasons but all of his damage was done in that stellar season. Matthew Lappin possesses far more talent though and will again be a huge key for our finals chances.
'95 - 7
'02 - 8
Matt Clape '95 v Adrian Hickmott '02
A honest half forward rejected by the Eagles, Clape put the icing on the Blues cake in 1995 by providing another avenue to goal and playing accountable football. Adrian Hickmott is the ultimate blue collar footballer and has been rewarded with the deputy vice captain slot in 2002. His ferocious attack on the ball is an inspiration to the whole team and epitomises the way the Blues play the game these days.
'95 - 6
'02 - 8.5
Adrian Whitehead '95 v Andrew Eccles '02
This is the least interesting of the comparisons as both players hardly set the world on fire either during their career or to date. Eccles at least has the chance to improve whereas Whitehead's career was cut short by injury. However we can only judge by what we already know.
'95 - 5
'02 - 5
Greg Williams '95 v Jimmy Plunkett '02
Jimmy is no Diesel and Diesel in a Norm Smith winning Premiership year was something to behold. Nobody has the football smarts of Williams and though Jimmy is a real goer and won't shirk the issue, he doesn't come close to the Diesel legend.
'95 - 9.5
'02 - 6.5
Scott Camporeale '95 v Scott Camporeale '02
A first year player that exceeded all expectations in 1995, Scott has gone on to become one of the AFL's premier ball runners.
'95 - 6.5
'02 - 9
Matthew Hogg '95 v Darren Hulme '02
Both players capable of tight run with roles and both players honest as the day is long. Pup has the edge in aggression and narrowly gets the nod.
'95 - 6.5
'02 - 7
Dean Rice '95 v Anthony Franchina '02
Both close checking players but the similarities end there. While Franchina makes an artform of his tagging roles, "Special Fried" Rice was extremely damaging with the ball in hand in 1995. Capable of kicking the big goals (two last quarter games in the sensational one point victory over West Coast), he was equally adept at playing tall and filling the holes in defence.
'95 - 7.5
'02 - 6
Mil Hanna '95 v Brendan Fevola '02
Not an ideal matchup as Mil was largely a utility player who excelled at doing a job on the opposition's best small forward and attacking strongly from the back half while Fevola is still a full forward yet to earn his stripes (or should that be monogram?). Goes to show that we achieved a lot more in 1995 with less true forwards and versatility was our key back then.
'95 - 8
'02 - 6
Justin Madden '95 v Matt Allan '02
One of our best tap ruckmen and team leader up against a player who has demanded the number one rucking position but has yet to prove he is
deserving for any other reason than we don't have Mark Porter any longer. Allan is very good player but his consistency leaves something to be desired. 'Harry' was in his declining years in 1995 but at long last had started to pull down his share of marks, something we wish Allan would do.
'95 - 8
'02 - 7.5
Anthony Koutoufides '95 v Ryan Houlihan '02
The great man himself is the only one that could compete with himself in '95. Injuries may have wearied him but his skill level has risen again
since then. Alas, we will treat any onfield time from Kouta as a bonus this year so Ryan Houlihan gets to pit himself against a fellow 'silky skilled' player who seems to glide around the ground effortlessly. Admittedly Kouta in 1995 was a year ahead of Houla's in experience and development but it must be said that Ryan possesses the potential to almost emulate Kouta's exploits on the field except for maybe marking ability. Having said that, potential does not equate to performance and Ryan has yet to discover the defensive part of his game or the ability to get the hard ball.
'95 - 9
'02 - 7
Total 1995 - 160.5
Total 2002 - 148
With some improvement from a few of our younger players and the hopeful return of Koutoufides in the second half of the season, we can hope to make up some of this ground but any further injuries will highlight just how wide the gap is between these two sides.
