Carlton: 2014 Season Preview

[Ahern2Boof]

Hi guys, i'm in the process of writing up a season preview for all 18 teams, and i've completed Carlton's. Thought you might enjoy having a read, seeking some feedback to strengthen my knowledge on all teams. Cheers.

Last year
2013 was a strange season for all the wrong reasons, with Carlton famously making the finals despite finishing in 9th position, thanks to the demotion of Essendon. Overall, the Blues were mostly disappointing in their first year under Mick Malthouse. They lost their first three games to Victorian rivals Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong, before a scrappy upset win over West Coast in Perth got them off the canvas. The Blues would go on to win three games in a row, defeating Adelaide and Melbourne in successive weeks at the MCG, before a disappointing loss to the lowly St Kilda on a Monday night sent them back down to earth. Carlton won another three games in a row, accounting for Port Adelaide, Brisbane and Greater Western Sydney, before a Friday night thriller against Essendon was lost in the dying minutes.

The Blues came up short against the league's best in Hawthorn in Round 12, before disappointing losses to Sydney and Collingwood saw Carlton languishing in 11th position. The Blues got their revenge over the Saints with a six goal victory, before a pulsating win over North Melbourne on a Friday night had them one game out of the top eight. They stayed in touch with a big win over the Gold Coast Suns, however fell back into the pack with two consecutive losses to Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs.

With the carrot of a finals berth still for the taking with the possibility of Essendon being kicked out of the top eight, Carlton lifted to notch a come-from-behind victory over Richmond. They came up against the beleaguered Bombers in Round 22, and again lost a tight contest with the final goal of the game the deciding factor. Needing a win in Round 23 to play finals, the Blues faced Port Adelaide in the last game at AAMI Stadium. Despite trailing by 29 points at three quarter time, Carlton rallied to post a famous win by one point, pitting them against Richmond in an Elimination Final. In front of 94,690 fans at the MCG, the Blues again came from behind to win in a sensational game, advancing to week two to play Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The Blues were disappointing, coming up short by four goals, but they definitely made the most of their second chance.

What's new
The Blues landed one of the biggest fishes in the free agency market, signing Collingwood premiership midfielder Dale Thomas, while they also welcomed Sydney defender Andrejs Everitt and Brisbane flanker Sam Docherty. Leaving Visy Park after 290 goals from 184 games was Eddie Betts, while a number of Carlton players were delisted, such as Jeremy Laidler, Rhys O'Keeffe, Andrew Collins and Marcus Davies. Shaun Hampson was traded from the Blues to Richmond also. Nick Duigan, after kicking four goals in the Elimination Final against Richmond, called a surprising end to his short career so far. The Blues welcomed impressive midfielder Patrick Cripps, who plays in the mould of Greg Williams, in the National Draft, as well as tall defender Cameron Giles and Nick Holman. Former Collingwood and Brisbane ruckman Cameron Wood was also given another chance by the Blues in the Rookie Draft.

Best 22
FB: Zach Tuohy, Michael Jamison, Heath Scotland
HB: Andrew Walker, Matthew Watson, Kade Simpson
C: Dale Thomas, Brock McLean, Bryce Gibbs
HF: Chris Yarran, Lachie Henderson, Mitch Robinson
FF: Jeff Garlett, Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer
R: Robbie Warnock, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy ©
I/C: Ed Curnow, Tom Bell, Andrejs Everitt
SUB: Troy Menzel
EMG: Andrew Carrazzo, Sam Docherty, Dennis Armfield

Defence

Zach Tuohy (24, 54 games): Is becoming a very valuable player coming out of defence. His aggression is a great asset, as is his long kicking, regularly booting goals from outside 50.

Michael Jamison (27, 111 games): Great leader in the backline. Nearly always finds a way to get a spoil in on his opponent, and is good one-on-one.

Heath Scotland (33, 264 games): Carlton's most experienced player, Scotland was delisted and placed on the rookie list for the 2014 season. Still commands a spot in the backline, where he can use his raking kick to great effect.

Andrew Walker (27, 165 games): Extremely versatile, can play almost anywhere on the ground. Had a terrific season in the backline in 2013, but may spend more minutes in the midfield this year. Great user of the ball.

Matthew Watson (21, 16 games): Big lump of a lad, played five games in 2013 and looked comfortable in a key position role in defence. His development is crucial, as it allowed Lachie Henderson to play up forward.

Kade Simpson (29, 200 games): Was Carlton's most consistent last year, winning the best and fairest from the backline. Courageous, regularly putting his body on the line for his team. Slick user of the footy.

Midfield

Dale Thomas (26, 157 games): Carlton's biggest signing since Chris Judd. The former Collingwood star comes to Visy Park with some injury worries, but it is hoped he can make a full recovery. When fit, he's simply one of the best players in the game, and could push Carlton into the top four.

Brock McLean (27, 141 games): Has resurrected his career in the past couple of seasons, commanding a spot in the Blues' midfield. Tough in the clinches and racks up plenty of disposals. Can kick a goal as well.

Bryce Gibbs (24, 155 games): It was hoped that under Malthouse, Gibbs would mature and settle in a full-time midfield role. Extremely talented but needs to lift.

Robbie Warnock (27, 70 games): Averaged 34.5 hitouts from 12 games in 2013. Superb tap ruckman, but stuck in no-man's land as he offers little else around the ground.

Chris Judd (30, 259 games): The champion's impact on games is starting to lessen noticeably, but still knows when to stand up when his team needs him. Watch the second half of the Elimination Final to be reminded of how good Chris Judd is.

Marc Murphy (26, 165 games): His first season as captain was slightly underwhelming, but grew into the role as the year went on. Instrumental in Carlton's finals push.

Forward

Chris Yarran (23, 84 games): Polarises Carlton supporters with his flashes of brilliance. Kicked 26.25 in 2013. Could develop into a truly deadly player in the midfield.

Lachie Henderson (24, 84 games): Was thrown forward on occasions in 2013, kicking 18 goals in a six week period. Straightens the Carlton side up considerably when at centre half forward, and might spend majority of his time there this year. Levi Casboult on stand-by.

Mitch Robinson (24, 88 games): Doesn't leave anything out on the field when he plays. True heart and soul player of the club, made amends for a poor mistake in the Elimination Final to be one of Carlton's best. Possibly inspired Miley Cyrus' hit song 'Wrecking Ball'.

Jeff Garlett (24, 98 games): Kicked 43.29 from 22 games. Pressures the opposition defence well, and can kick goals from half chances.

Jarrad Waite (30, 168 games): Might never play a full season, but is still extremely important when he is on the field. Kicked 27 goals from 14 games, including 7.2 in Carlton's two finals. Great contested mark.

Matthew Kreuzer (24, 105 games): A tireless workhorse, needs to start making the most of his time while resting forward. Will always give 110%, and tackles like a midfielder.

Interchange

Ed Curnow (24, 51 games): Was Carlton's designated tagger in 2013. Runs himself into the ground in every match and is very tight on his opponent. Finished fourth in the best and fairest. Needs to tidy up his disposal. Is keeping Andrew Carrazzo out of the team.

Tom Bell (22, 16 games): Former rookie has had a fantastic pre-season and is impressive shape. Could be something special.

Andrejs Everitt (24, 79 games): At his third club, the former Swan and Dog can be used in defence but, like Walker, can be put anywhere. Might even be used as a defensive forward.

Troy Menzel (19, 7 games): Clever goalsneak booted 8.6 from seven matches in 2013. Has buckets of talent, and can provide a spark coming off the bench as the substitute.

Ready to explode
Some have drawn comparisons to Carlton legend Anthony Koutoufies, but Tom Bell might make a name for himself in 2014. With one of the most impressive rigs in the AFL, he is set for more midfield time and could become a vital player in the shadows of Murphy, Gibbs, Judd and Thomas.

Needs a big year
A former first round draft pick, Kane Lucas has a huge amount of talent but the work ethic just isn't up to an AFL standard yet. Despite starting the year in good form, Lucas lost his spot in the team just prior to the finals, and with Carlton's impressive depth, may find it hard to break back into the best 22. A strong NAB Cup campaign will be a good start for 'Sugar'.

Prediction
The Blues showed in patches that they were worthy of the top eight position they luckily received on the back of the Essendon scandal. Continued improvement from their youngsters as well as breakout seasons from Gibbs, Yarran, Henderson and Thomas could possibly land them in the top four. Need to start claiming some big scalps, falling to all of Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney and Fremantle in 2013.

 

[Franc de Borges]

I enjoyed that read. I'd probably have Menzel in the 18 and Everitt as the sub, but that's just an opinion so good work.

 

[Magruder]

I think you've largely nailed it.

Being picky:
Menzel is getting on for 190cms and still growing, could be anything from a Nathan Fyfe type to a slightly dehydrated looking Jarrod Waite. I would also have him in the 18.
Scotto is probably no longer in the first 18
Kruezer 1st ruck, Casboult in the pocket, (but that's just an opinion on a long-running issue.)

I also think we'll see Armfield in a defensive forward role and Lucas in the side.

 

[Magruder]

and the break-out player?

2e for mine.

 

[BluesMan]

and the break-out player?

2e for mine.

I think he's already broken out. Dont see him becoming that much better, but that isnt a bad thing mind you! Incredibly important player for us down back is the irish.
Love it when he gets the recieve running outside the F50, kicking on goals, hardly misses. Just awesome to see him go BANG.

 

[HARKER]

Impressive preview from a non-Carlton person and much more accurate and engaging than for most professional reports I've read, year to date.

There will always be elements that some may not agree with but all-in-all, an excellent job.

 

[Magruder]

I think he's already broken out. Dont see him becoming that much better, but that isnt a bad thing mind you! Incredibly important player for us down back is the irish.
Love it when he gets the recieve running outside the F50, kicking on goals, hardly misses. Just awesome to see him go BANG.

Gotta love the Irishman. I think, (maybe just hope), he has another level to go to. Particularily if he can become a more regular part of mid-field rotations.

 

[mediumsizered]

Impressive preview from a non-Carlton person and much more accurate and engaging than for most professional reports I've read, year to date.

There will always be elements that some may not agree with but all-in-all, an excellent job.

Agree with this.

You tend to have your heart in your mouth when reading an opposition supporter's assessment of our club, but this write up is well researched & objective. A really good read.

 

[thylacine60]

I think you've largely nailed it.

Being picky:
Menzel is getting on for 190cms and still growing, could be anything from a Nathan Fyfe type to a slightly dehydrated looking Jarrod Waite. I would also have him in the 18.
Scotto is probably no longer in the first 18
Kruezer 1st ruck, Casboult in the pocket, (but that's just an opinion on a long-running issue.)

I also think we'll see Armfield in a defensive forward role and Lucas in the side.

Ha, brilliant.

Nice write-up, I'm devouring anything I can get my hands on so that tells me I'm officially in withdrawal mode. Many thanks.

 

[Ahern2Boof]

I'm officially in withdrawal mode. Many thanks.

Heh, aren't we all?

Counting down the days until my mob smash play yours in the NAB Cup

 

[Magruder]

Heh, aren't we all?

Counting down the days until my mob smash play yours in the NAB Cup

You're allowed to smash us in the Nab cup. Afterall it's one point wins during the regular season that count.

I thought your write up showed a real grasp of where we are at. Many Thanks.

 

[Beer n Skittles]

Great stuff, always enjoy your write ups & match previews.
Since you're looking for a critique, the only one I can come up with is that Matty Watson didn't look that comfortable in defence. Doesn't yet have the footy smarts to make up for his lack of speed & agility.

Mitch Robinson (24, 88 games): Doesn't leave anything out on the field when he plays. True heart and soul player of the club, made amends for a poor mistake in the Elimination Final to be one of Carlton's best. Possibly inspired Miley Cyrus' hit song 'Wrecking Ball'.

 

[blue gunslinger]

lacks David Ellard

 

[HARKER]

Heh, aren't we all?

Counting down the days until my mob smash play yours in the NAB Cup

Just had an argument with one of my North supporting mates about that very game......................god it felt good.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

So good to read a post about Carlton from an opposition supporter that isn't just telling us that we're cheaters and shit.
Quite enjoyed it, even if you did say that we were 'disappointing' more than a few times

 

[Silvagnis]

Chris Yarran (23, 84 games): Polarises Carlton supporters with his flashes of brilliance. Kicked 26.25 in 2013. Could develop into a truly deadly player in the midfield.

This.

A Carlton supporter would probably be torn to shreds for posting this on the main board. Felt like mentioning Yarran in a post on the Big Mids thread last night. Isn't a giant in terms of height, but he's got more power than Murphy. Ragdolled Baguley, Griffen and Melksham with tackles that spun them 360 degrees. Turned Ablett and other players inside out like they were Mclean.

 

[Magruder]

This.

A Carlton supporter would probably be torn to shreds for posting this on the main board. Felt like mentioning Yarran in a post on the Big Mids thread last night. Isn't a giant in terms of height, but he's got more power than Murphy. Ragdolled Baguley, Griffen and Melksham with tackles that spun them 360 degrees. Turned Ablett and other players inside out like they were Mclean.

Could be anything. even if just on the burst.

 

[Silvagnis]

Lappin didn't make an AA side until he was at his second club and a 28 year old sweeper. People can't see the forest for the trees.

We can be impatient with McKay, Sticks and Bradley only coming across as mature and ready made recruits.

Kouta, Ratts and Campo took their time before they had true break out seasons.

 

[blueboy25]

So good to read a post about Carlton from an opposition supporter that isn't just telling us that we're cheaters and shit.

You can thank James Hird and his mates for that

 

[Silvagnis]

Great stuff, always enjoy your write ups & match previews.
Since you're looking for a critique, the only one I can come up with is that Matty Watson didn't look that comfortable in defence. Doesn't yet have the footy smarts to make up for his lack of speed & agility.

Footy smarts are miles ahead of what we saw from Bower who was agile and a good runner. You can't find and use the ball like Watson if you lack vision and the ability to read the play. Haven't seen him squib it.

Hard to defend to lace out passes in the modern era. We'd roast Talia and Carlisle who conceded a bag to Jesse White and Waite. Gutless wonders gave Henderson the Bronx cheers in the Essendon draw in his third season.

Watson isn't an overnight sensation and superstar like Cameron, but Darling, Smith, Johnson and Parker are the only players who have outperformed him. We compare our 2010 picks to the guns we overlooked, rather than the average players, players who have been delisted or changed clubs after three seasons.

 

[Beer n Skittles]

Footy smarts are miles ahead of what we saw from Bower who was agile and a good runner.

Yep, Bower had speed & agility to compensate. Still wasn't enough.
You're setting the bar pretty low using him as an example for required footy smarts. McLean would be better.

Gutless wonders gave Henderson the Bronx cheers in the Essendon draw in his third season.

KPP always get judged harshly too young. People are idiots. Watson should develop the positioning & skills he needs given a chance.

Watson isn't an overnight sensation and superstar like Cameron, but Darling, Smith, Johnson and Parker are the only players who have outperformed him. We compare our 2010 picks to the guns we overlooked, rather than the average players, players who have been delisted or changed clubs after three seasons

Nah the only people I compare Watson to are the players he's fighting for selection against. I've no interest in hindsight drafting

 

[Magruder]

Agree hindsight drafting is pointless.

 

[Big Sim]

Agree hindsight drafting is pointless.

but by golly it sure is easy...

a good read and as a Yaz fan through thick and thin hats off for you insight there.

one thing but: Carrots starts. for sure.

 

[ESKIE]

Well done Spitt enjoyed the read,

 

[SBYM]

Hi guys, i'm in the process of writing up a season preview for all 18 teams, and i've completed Carlton's. Thought you might enjoy having a read, seeking some feedback to strengthen my knowledge on all teams. Cheers….

Excellent job. Based on your insights into an opposition side, you know your fußball...

And as most have pointed out, any comments will just be matters of opinion.

See ya in the NAB Cup.