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Okay we are not talking flags or even final eight slots here. We are talking something tangible to make the season less of a disaster and give us hope for next season. The obvious choice is Wayne Brittain as he is in the driving seat but we'll keep this on field.
This isn't a ranking of our best players necessarily, just an assessment on who holds the key to a decent finish to the year. Also not a outlet for negative rantings. If a player isn't capable, he isn't capable, no need to drag his parentage into it.
1 - Lance Whitnall - Vital that he continues his fantastic form. One shudders to think about the magnitude of our losses without him. Has turned a corner that he must not turn back from. His leadership ability and presence on the ground is at an all time peak. Batman. Just when when we needed him, he spots the bat signal and comes to our aid.
2 - Anthony Koutoufides - Injured with doubts on his comeback date. Even if he does get back he will be underdone but hands up who thinks we miss his mere onfield presence let alone his exquisite skills on the ground badly? If we get to see half of Kouta's best sometime in 2002, then we will improve our position and more importantly, find some momentum to enter the 2003 season. Let's face it, the players we have on the ground now can't do the job. A modern day Superman with knee injuries being his Kryptonite.
3 - Brett Ratten - Much of Kouta's comments apply to Ratts. We have nobody capable of reproducing anywhere near the natural skill of Ratts in our current side and that is reflected in our error rate. Our skipper will be vital in teaching the young guys the finer points of the game. Spiderman. The best hands in the business and dare I say his tackling .... 'catches thieves just like flies.'
4 - Scott Camporeale - Injury plagued season thus far and only one good quarter of football under his belt. For speed and class, look no further. He's no honest toiler. He's angry, he's brash but he's also a leader and a matchwinner. Zorro has got nothing on this guy. Carves 'em up in style.
5 - Andrew McKay - Can't do much more than he has already done. One of our best players week in week out but can not improve things from here unless he is released to play his natural game. For this to happen we are hoping for other players to provide the ultimate lift in performance. Like Whitnall, we would be in dire straits without him. Incredible Hulk. Bursts through packs like brick walls. Don't make him angry.
6 - Corey McKernan - Has shown signs of returning to form. Two good games out of 8, our only victory and our closest loss. Is there any question as to how vital Corey's input is in light of Matthew Allan's injury? Can't wait until he pulls a dominant game out of his kit. The Six Million Dollar Man. Need some return for our investment.
7 - Simon Beaumont - The number one tall in our undermanned defence. Must continue to stand up week in week out and provide direction heading back up the ground. Also reliant on others to take his game up another level as he is stifled by playing a ultra defensive game.Musketeer - D'artagnan. All for one and one for all.
8 - Justin Murphy - Not a reflection on his current form or place in our team, just an acknowledgement that he more than most others has to find his way out of his form slump and provide accurate penetration delivery into our forward line. If he stays down all year, we will be relying players that are well past their used by date or way out of their depth to compensate. That is why we are sitting 1-7 (besides injury). The Phantom except this ghost has got to stop walking and do a bit more running.
9 - Matthew Lappin - He's a goalkicker and we haven't kicked enough goals. Simple theory but why complicate matters? Robin. Teams up well with Batman on the forward line.
10 - Adrian Hickmott - For sheer impact he is a vital player but so far this year, it has been a lack of class more than a lack of grunt that has cost the side. Hicky's work will only compliment the skills of those above, when he gets back that is. The Mummy returns.
11 - Ang Christou - A sound comeback thus far and will continue to be required to produce penetrating kick outs and fulfill a sweeping role deep in defence. Musketeer - Porthos. All for one and one for all.
12 - Trent Sporn - Of all of our debutants Trent has the right to go first in saviour of the Blues stakes. Skilful, poised and versatile, he is the prototype for Carlton's new found youth policy and will have to lead the way for the others to follow. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Donatello
13 - David Gallagher - Pace in defence is a precious commodity but when you combine it with heart, its value increases ten fold. If he can delve into his bag of tricks and find some skill, he'll be a hero by season's end. Flash. Speed to burn.
14 - Luke Livingston - Important for a different reason. He's the heir apparent to our Mantons and Beaumonts and his progress must continue and thrive this season or no amount of luck or offensive skill will make up for what is about to happen to our courageous defence in the next year or two without that injection of youth. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Raphael
15 - Lindsay Smith - Certainly could provide a spark late in 2002 and beyond. As an exciting ruckman/forward, he is a required player and the offseason posturing and theorising will certainly be affected by whatever this kid does for the remainder of the year. X Men Wolverine - we'll be relying on those big hands for years to come.
16 - Justin Davies - Ditto the above youngsters. Like a breath of fresh air we are all seeing the future running around in the number 13 jumper. If he can hold his own this early in his development, how good is he going to be? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Leonardo
17 - Ryan Houlihan - WYSIWYG. Will not save our season because he is equally adept at producing costly defensive lapses. His best moments though do have a telling affect on the mindset of his teammates and I won't say no to that sort of inspiration. He's not a key in my opinion though because of the yawning gap between his best and worst and his unwillingness to address that gap. A few cruel fans would have you believe this is Wonderwoman. Personally I don't find him that attractive.
18 - Jim Plunkett - Can get enough of the ball to turn a game and in close is a real wiz. He does have limitations though and will never have a grandstand rocking with a freakish goal or anything beyond the realms of human endeavour. The Invisible Man. Just when you get used to seeing him, he disappears again.
19 - Craig Bradley - His match winning days are pretty much behind him now and he will not be a part of whatever 2003 brings. We still need him to provide direction for the remainder of the season and if he can hold his own, we will see others grow in stature around him. Obi Wan Kenobi. You know it's obvious.
20 - Glenn Manton - Like Braddles, he isn't going to get any better but he does produce the odd bit of inspiration from time to time. His heart is going to be all important so that the cream of the side can do their jobs with less pressure. Musketeer - Aramis. All for one and one for all.
21 - Scott Freeborn - Another Houlihan but for exactly the opposite reasons. (Does that even make sense?) Does all the physical attributes but has little in the way of skill. What is harder, instilling physical elements into someone or teaching them some skill? I fear it is the latter. If Scott can contain the damage created by his less than brilliant disposal and decision making, his touch of mongrel will certainly aid our cause. Musketeer - Athos. All for one and one for all.
22 - Anthony Franchina - Can certainly be of assistance if he works out how to return to his negating best while still knowing what to do with the ball if it does fall into his arms but let's be frank (sorry) he's not going to win any matches ..... ever. Aquaman - better suited to the wet.
23 - Brendan Fevola - Could be a match winner and indeed has been in the past. Problem is off-field dramas, on field suspensions and injuries make him a liability and not someone we would want to have our hopes riding on. Roger Ramjet, come on down. More Proton Pills thanks.
24 - Andrew Merrington - A big man bar Corey has to stand up and as he has youth on Trent Hotton, he would be the ideal interim big man until Lindsay Smith produces. The Thing. He's big, he's solid, he's also slow as treacle.
25 - Trent Hotton - More mobile than Merrington and infinitely more experienced, he loses out as he has no improvement left in him. Buzz Lightyear. Thinks he does more than he really does.
26 - Andrew Eccles - Could be a rapid climber up this list if his last game was anything to go by but the jury is still out and he is unlikely to have enough time to cement his place in the side let alone carry the Blues fortunes on his shoulders. Magneto. X Men. A former ball magnet who turned bad. Time for a comeback.
27 - Adam Pickering - Take a glance up a fraction and insert the words from No.26. Cyclops. X Men. An eye for the where the ball is.
28 - Ian Prendergast - Tall, mobile, with great stamina. How could he not be the Blues answer? Well, you've got me there but he certainly isn't. If he can stand up at CHB all of a sudden, we might be singing his praises by Round 22 but ......... Rubber Man. Unfortunately he doesn't have control over which way his body bends.
29 - Simon Wiggins - Has lost a little through his absence of late. Is reasonably versatile but far from an excitement machine or a one percenter specialist. Not even an ideal size to find a niche anywhere. Where does he belong? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Michaelangelo
30 - Blake Campbell - If the rumblings emanating from the grass roots are to be believed, Blake will not only burst into the top side very soon but he will damn well stay there. Not willing to predict anything sight unseen though. Rocky the Squirrel. Clever little fellow zipping around the field.
31 - Sam Cranage - Gave the slightest glimpse of something in his game. If he can continue to show something in the centre, he may well resurrect his ailing career. I say again IF .....Bullwinkle. Hey Rocky, watch me try and pull a career out of my hat.
32 - Sean O'Keefe - The most likely of the remaining players to see some senior action this season, Oke looks the type that can come in and play well from the outset. No saving graces here. Sabretooth. X Men. Ferocious attack on the ball.
33 - Jarrad Waite - An outside chance to get some development time in the top side at the end of the year unless some rookies are allowed on the list for a run. Impact minimal. Luke Skywalker. Chip off the old block.
34 - Callan Beasy - Injuries have affected his season but has claims down the track. Impact non-existent. Robin Hood. Is he a future leader of merry men or is he just someone who likes to wear tights? Time will tell.
35 - Simon Fletcher - If he can improve his judgement, commitment and skill level by 300%, he might have a say in what happens from hereon in but I won't be holding my breath. Scooby Doo. Will you do it for a Scooby Snack?
36 - Michael Mansfield - Right now I wouldn't rely on him to fetch the oranges during the break let alone save our season. Decision making is terrible but quite sound when compared to his disposal. This is not intended to be a negative assessment but how positive can I be? Gotta be Shaggy. Yikes!
37 - Bret Thornton - Should be higher if form is any indication but for some reason the Blues are loathe to promote any rookies this year. Seems to be the goods and have the right amount of talent and attitude to provide a real spark. Blue Falcon. Fledgling player with a lot of potential.
38 - Jordan Doering - Worthy of a place in the senior side considering our current woes. Like Thornton will be lucky to get a look in. Hans Solo. Needs to become a team player.
39 - Michael Davis - Third rookie in line for promotion so won't be donning any tights and a cape for the Blues this year. Astro Boy.
40 - Ezra Bray - Looked the goods in the preseason but by all accounts has not been unable to string anything more than the odd cameo together. Not a trait for an ever vigilant hero to have. Look elsewhere. Dog Wonder. Well meaning but the negatives outweigh the positives at present.
42 - Darren Hulme - Will miss most of the season but ordinarily would be high up on this assessment. Runners, crumbers, where are you? Atom Ant won't be at 'em until 2003.
43 - Matthew Allan - See you in 2003. Like Hulme, would be a much required commodity if he was playing. The Mask. The two faces of Matt Allan. Very good or very bad.
Okay we are not talking flags or even final eight slots here. We are talking something tangible to make the season less of a disaster and give us hope for next season. The obvious choice is Wayne Brittain as he is in the driving seat but we'll keep this on field.
This isn't a ranking of our best players necessarily, just an assessment on who holds the key to a decent finish to the year. Also not a outlet for negative rantings. If a player isn't capable, he isn't capable, no need to drag his parentage into it.
1 - Lance Whitnall - Vital that he continues his fantastic form. One shudders to think about the magnitude of our losses without him. Has turned a corner that he must not turn back from. His leadership ability and presence on the ground is at an all time peak. Batman. Just when when we needed him, he spots the bat signal and comes to our aid.
2 - Anthony Koutoufides - Injured with doubts on his comeback date. Even if he does get back he will be underdone but hands up who thinks we miss his mere onfield presence let alone his exquisite skills on the ground badly? If we get to see half of Kouta's best sometime in 2002, then we will improve our position and more importantly, find some momentum to enter the 2003 season. Let's face it, the players we have on the ground now can't do the job. A modern day Superman with knee injuries being his Kryptonite.
3 - Brett Ratten - Much of Kouta's comments apply to Ratts. We have nobody capable of reproducing anywhere near the natural skill of Ratts in our current side and that is reflected in our error rate. Our skipper will be vital in teaching the young guys the finer points of the game. Spiderman. The best hands in the business and dare I say his tackling .... 'catches thieves just like flies.'
4 - Scott Camporeale - Injury plagued season thus far and only one good quarter of football under his belt. For speed and class, look no further. He's no honest toiler. He's angry, he's brash but he's also a leader and a matchwinner. Zorro has got nothing on this guy. Carves 'em up in style.
5 - Andrew McKay - Can't do much more than he has already done. One of our best players week in week out but can not improve things from here unless he is released to play his natural game. For this to happen we are hoping for other players to provide the ultimate lift in performance. Like Whitnall, we would be in dire straits without him. Incredible Hulk. Bursts through packs like brick walls. Don't make him angry.
6 - Corey McKernan - Has shown signs of returning to form. Two good games out of 8, our only victory and our closest loss. Is there any question as to how vital Corey's input is in light of Matthew Allan's injury? Can't wait until he pulls a dominant game out of his kit. The Six Million Dollar Man. Need some return for our investment.
7 - Simon Beaumont - The number one tall in our undermanned defence. Must continue to stand up week in week out and provide direction heading back up the ground. Also reliant on others to take his game up another level as he is stifled by playing a ultra defensive game.Musketeer - D'artagnan. All for one and one for all.
8 - Justin Murphy - Not a reflection on his current form or place in our team, just an acknowledgement that he more than most others has to find his way out of his form slump and provide accurate penetration delivery into our forward line. If he stays down all year, we will be relying players that are well past their used by date or way out of their depth to compensate. That is why we are sitting 1-7 (besides injury). The Phantom except this ghost has got to stop walking and do a bit more running.
9 - Matthew Lappin - He's a goalkicker and we haven't kicked enough goals. Simple theory but why complicate matters? Robin. Teams up well with Batman on the forward line.
10 - Adrian Hickmott - For sheer impact he is a vital player but so far this year, it has been a lack of class more than a lack of grunt that has cost the side. Hicky's work will only compliment the skills of those above, when he gets back that is. The Mummy returns.
11 - Ang Christou - A sound comeback thus far and will continue to be required to produce penetrating kick outs and fulfill a sweeping role deep in defence. Musketeer - Porthos. All for one and one for all.
12 - Trent Sporn - Of all of our debutants Trent has the right to go first in saviour of the Blues stakes. Skilful, poised and versatile, he is the prototype for Carlton's new found youth policy and will have to lead the way for the others to follow. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Donatello
13 - David Gallagher - Pace in defence is a precious commodity but when you combine it with heart, its value increases ten fold. If he can delve into his bag of tricks and find some skill, he'll be a hero by season's end. Flash. Speed to burn.
14 - Luke Livingston - Important for a different reason. He's the heir apparent to our Mantons and Beaumonts and his progress must continue and thrive this season or no amount of luck or offensive skill will make up for what is about to happen to our courageous defence in the next year or two without that injection of youth. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Raphael
15 - Lindsay Smith - Certainly could provide a spark late in 2002 and beyond. As an exciting ruckman/forward, he is a required player and the offseason posturing and theorising will certainly be affected by whatever this kid does for the remainder of the year. X Men Wolverine - we'll be relying on those big hands for years to come.
16 - Justin Davies - Ditto the above youngsters. Like a breath of fresh air we are all seeing the future running around in the number 13 jumper. If he can hold his own this early in his development, how good is he going to be? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Leonardo
17 - Ryan Houlihan - WYSIWYG. Will not save our season because he is equally adept at producing costly defensive lapses. His best moments though do have a telling affect on the mindset of his teammates and I won't say no to that sort of inspiration. He's not a key in my opinion though because of the yawning gap between his best and worst and his unwillingness to address that gap. A few cruel fans would have you believe this is Wonderwoman. Personally I don't find him that attractive.
18 - Jim Plunkett - Can get enough of the ball to turn a game and in close is a real wiz. He does have limitations though and will never have a grandstand rocking with a freakish goal or anything beyond the realms of human endeavour. The Invisible Man. Just when you get used to seeing him, he disappears again.
19 - Craig Bradley - His match winning days are pretty much behind him now and he will not be a part of whatever 2003 brings. We still need him to provide direction for the remainder of the season and if he can hold his own, we will see others grow in stature around him. Obi Wan Kenobi. You know it's obvious.
20 - Glenn Manton - Like Braddles, he isn't going to get any better but he does produce the odd bit of inspiration from time to time. His heart is going to be all important so that the cream of the side can do their jobs with less pressure. Musketeer - Aramis. All for one and one for all.
21 - Scott Freeborn - Another Houlihan but for exactly the opposite reasons. (Does that even make sense?) Does all the physical attributes but has little in the way of skill. What is harder, instilling physical elements into someone or teaching them some skill? I fear it is the latter. If Scott can contain the damage created by his less than brilliant disposal and decision making, his touch of mongrel will certainly aid our cause. Musketeer - Athos. All for one and one for all.
22 - Anthony Franchina - Can certainly be of assistance if he works out how to return to his negating best while still knowing what to do with the ball if it does fall into his arms but let's be frank (sorry) he's not going to win any matches ..... ever. Aquaman - better suited to the wet.
23 - Brendan Fevola - Could be a match winner and indeed has been in the past. Problem is off-field dramas, on field suspensions and injuries make him a liability and not someone we would want to have our hopes riding on. Roger Ramjet, come on down. More Proton Pills thanks.
24 - Andrew Merrington - A big man bar Corey has to stand up and as he has youth on Trent Hotton, he would be the ideal interim big man until Lindsay Smith produces. The Thing. He's big, he's solid, he's also slow as treacle.
25 - Trent Hotton - More mobile than Merrington and infinitely more experienced, he loses out as he has no improvement left in him. Buzz Lightyear. Thinks he does more than he really does.
26 - Andrew Eccles - Could be a rapid climber up this list if his last game was anything to go by but the jury is still out and he is unlikely to have enough time to cement his place in the side let alone carry the Blues fortunes on his shoulders. Magneto. X Men. A former ball magnet who turned bad. Time for a comeback.
27 - Adam Pickering - Take a glance up a fraction and insert the words from No.26. Cyclops. X Men. An eye for the where the ball is.
28 - Ian Prendergast - Tall, mobile, with great stamina. How could he not be the Blues answer? Well, you've got me there but he certainly isn't. If he can stand up at CHB all of a sudden, we might be singing his praises by Round 22 but ......... Rubber Man. Unfortunately he doesn't have control over which way his body bends.
29 - Simon Wiggins - Has lost a little through his absence of late. Is reasonably versatile but far from an excitement machine or a one percenter specialist. Not even an ideal size to find a niche anywhere. Where does he belong? Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle - Michaelangelo
30 - Blake Campbell - If the rumblings emanating from the grass roots are to be believed, Blake will not only burst into the top side very soon but he will damn well stay there. Not willing to predict anything sight unseen though. Rocky the Squirrel. Clever little fellow zipping around the field.
31 - Sam Cranage - Gave the slightest glimpse of something in his game. If he can continue to show something in the centre, he may well resurrect his ailing career. I say again IF .....Bullwinkle. Hey Rocky, watch me try and pull a career out of my hat.
32 - Sean O'Keefe - The most likely of the remaining players to see some senior action this season, Oke looks the type that can come in and play well from the outset. No saving graces here. Sabretooth. X Men. Ferocious attack on the ball.
33 - Jarrad Waite - An outside chance to get some development time in the top side at the end of the year unless some rookies are allowed on the list for a run. Impact minimal. Luke Skywalker. Chip off the old block.
34 - Callan Beasy - Injuries have affected his season but has claims down the track. Impact non-existent. Robin Hood. Is he a future leader of merry men or is he just someone who likes to wear tights? Time will tell.
35 - Simon Fletcher - If he can improve his judgement, commitment and skill level by 300%, he might have a say in what happens from hereon in but I won't be holding my breath. Scooby Doo. Will you do it for a Scooby Snack?
36 - Michael Mansfield - Right now I wouldn't rely on him to fetch the oranges during the break let alone save our season. Decision making is terrible but quite sound when compared to his disposal. This is not intended to be a negative assessment but how positive can I be? Gotta be Shaggy. Yikes!
37 - Bret Thornton - Should be higher if form is any indication but for some reason the Blues are loathe to promote any rookies this year. Seems to be the goods and have the right amount of talent and attitude to provide a real spark. Blue Falcon. Fledgling player with a lot of potential.
38 - Jordan Doering - Worthy of a place in the senior side considering our current woes. Like Thornton will be lucky to get a look in. Hans Solo. Needs to become a team player.
39 - Michael Davis - Third rookie in line for promotion so won't be donning any tights and a cape for the Blues this year. Astro Boy.
40 - Ezra Bray - Looked the goods in the preseason but by all accounts has not been unable to string anything more than the odd cameo together. Not a trait for an ever vigilant hero to have. Look elsewhere. Dog Wonder. Well meaning but the negatives outweigh the positives at present.
42 - Darren Hulme - Will miss most of the season but ordinarily would be high up on this assessment. Runners, crumbers, where are you? Atom Ant won't be at 'em until 2003.
43 - Matthew Allan - See you in 2003. Like Hulme, would be a much required commodity if he was playing. The Mask. The two faces of Matt Allan. Very good or very bad.
