Carlton in 2005?

[GottaLoveCarlton]

Much has been said about Carlton in the last year, and that they are slowly climbing back from what was a terrible drop in 02/03. I'm just curious to know what all you other people think of Carlton, and in terms of where they can go in 2005. Are they a chance for the 8? can they go on and beat Collingwood twice again? can they upset the bombers again?. Will denis lead his boys to a premiership before we know it?

Now i'm not a Carlton supporter, but with a family that's obsessed with them, i just wan't to find out, exactly where are they going?

 

[gadj1976]

Much the same in 05 I'd think. It wont be till our draft picks develop and bulk up that we'll be top 8 material. That could be 06 or 07!

I'd expect them to be more consistent in 05 though, and not get flogged once every four weeks like we managed to do this season.

 

[inyourcool]

Still hard to determine what Carlton may be able to offer in 2005. Whilst the improvement made in 2004 is unqestionable, we were exposed terribly in some games and the gulf between us and the top 4-6 was massive. I think we should be able to hold our ground in 2005 and win about 10 odd games. If all goes well with injury and there is continued improvement with the list maybe we can push for the last spot in the 8.

However, when I compare our list to the Power, Lions, Saints, Geelong, I realise we are still a long way from competing for the sharp end of September. The draft penalties we sustained will ensure that we will be another 2-3 years away from this level. Although, at least our list is young now (2nd lowest in the league) so there is upside there

 

[Uhumagoo]

I also think we will have a very similar year to last year. If we a good run with injuries we could manage another 10 wins, with the odd belting in between. I also think much like last season, our wins will come hard.

 

[Free Willy]

Much has been said about Carlton in the last year, and that they are slowly climbing back from what was a terrible drop in 02/03. I'm just curious to know what all you other people think of Carlton, and in terms of where they can go in 2005. Are they a chance for the 8? can they go on and beat Collingwood twice again? can they upset the bombers again?. Will denis lead his boys to a premiership before we know it?

Now i'm not a Carlton supporter, but with a family that's obsessed with them, i just wan't to find out, exactly where are they going?

This year anywhere from 7 wins & 10/11th spot......... to perhaps 12 wins & scraping into the 8.

They have made progress faster than most would have hoped without major contriibutions from players like Whitnall, Campo, Kouta (the players that 2 years ago many thought would have to play above themselves to get this side anywhere).

The development of some suprises such as Thornton, Waite, Houla, Fevola, Norman, De luca........
As well as some crafty drafting & luck in terms of Stevens, Scotland, Bannister & the other re-treads, have raised us out of the cellar.

Many on this site will argue that this has in fact harmed the club in the long term by missing out on picks such as Richmond / Hawks / Dogs recieved this year - or those afforded to the Saints in years passed.
But the other side of the scale are teams such as WCE & Geelong who have built their lists through smart recruitment without numerous charity picks & plenty of them.

The strength of the sides improvement will no doubtly be related to Pagans ability to develop talent from within, & his great record with 2nd club (or more) type players.

Most blues fans would hope to make the 8 this year, but in reality we dont deserve to be in that vacinity just yet, but our gradual improvement will mean that we will be around the mark.

Another year under the belt of our more promising jnr players & the further development of players like Fev, Houla, Scotland, Deluca will make us stronger than last year - I hope our performances on the ground indicate that.

Our must achieves for this year should include;

* No 100 point beltings
* Have a winning sequence of more than 3 games twice during the season.
* Develop another KPP backman other than Thornton


There are obviously many other must fixes at Carlton & it was only 2 years ago that we hit rock bottom.

Overall I am pleased with the direction of the club, Pagans vision & how he has rebuilt the list & the certainty of playing finals within the next 2 seasons.

 

[Funkalicous]

Interesting how only Carlton supporters are responding. I don't think many people are expecting Carlton to make the eight.. but keep in mind that Pagan has the ability to susprise us....

 

[SaInts SKill]

11 wins and a draw..

 

[Free Willy]

11 wins and a draw..

Gotta say, your a lot more optimistic than many of your fellow posters, but how did you get the 11 wins & a draw ?

 

[inyourcool]

11 wins and a draw..

against your mob round 15???

or maybe that will be one of the 11 wins...

Tough opening to the year, Power and Freo away in the 1st 5 games. Also a game against the Bombers who can do anything on the day. The draw is tough in patches. 10 wins will be a good effort.

 

[NIBBLER]

Pagan is a wonderful coach. He extracted 100% from a list that would be widely accepted as a bottom 4 list.

 

[Silvagnis]

Pagan is a wonderful coach. He extracted 100% from a list that would be widely accepted as a bottom 4 list.

Are you saying one of Richmond,Hawthorn,Bulldogs and Adelaide have better lists?
Carlton should get over the line against these sides next year for a comfortable win in garbage time. If we don't get robbed next year we should beat North twice next year. Your coach should be favourite to get sacked given his efforts last year and trading talent and draft picks for broken down hasbeens.

 

[thrylos7]

I think its more the case this year that we need to get rid of the beltings we have in games and be more competitive with the top sides in the competition.

My prediction is 10-12 wins and there around 8th/9th, however what i think can happen is that we become a bit more competitive with the sides in the top tier of the competition.

If this can happen then i'm sure we'd be happy at seasons end.

 

[Abaddon]

should sneak in the 8 in 2005

 

[riccardo]

against your mob round 15???

or maybe that will be one of the 11 wins...

Don't push your luck!

Carlton should improve in consistancy and, while the results may not dramatically improve on the scoreboard or ladder, it will likley be a launchpad year for a tilt at the 8.

Should finish roughly the same position, but will show it is emerging from the gloom of previous years.

 

[Thrawn]

About the same - maybe a few places higher if we are lucky enough. A lot depends on whether our kids will improve, as well as contributions from Whitnall. If he has a good year, then we might be better off.

 

[Borry]

Carlton could be the smokey in 2005.

 

[Bloods]

Somewhere from 7th to 10th I reckon.