Opinion Commentary & Media VIII

[William Caresser]

And what has Clarko done to improve this - what action has he taken other than getting rid of Patch?

It has been happening for years and there is no consequence to the players for not running hard both ways.

It's incredible that it has been allowed to go on unchecked as it has.

And I agree with your last sentence - the issue for us is whether ZLJ can call this out in his 'strategy' role and then force Clarko to do something.

Good questions.

A lack of consequences for players who don't run both ways, don't pressure the opposition, and so don't contribute to the team intercepting. It's been that way for a long time. If you look at Shaun Higgins, great accumulator, good user and rated very highly by us - 'lucky to have him' mentality. Not so much at Geelong where they didn't like his defensive output and so he was on the fringes of selection.

Back to this year, as an example of what the coaches don't really value, FOS is an outstanding runner both ways, had the game high sprints most weeks; defends very well on the ground and in the air,; doesn't hide in the zone (actually mans up) and generally makes it hard for his opponents with his competitiveness. Came 12th in the Syd Barker. Don't want to bash Caleb Daniel but he rates way, way lower on all those attributes, came 6th.

You look at Dyson Daniels receiving his $154 million contract over four years in the NBA off the back of his steals, deflections and blocks. And the best clubs in the AFL pay a lot of attention to their players' defensive output. I know a Brisbane pro-scout was looking at Tarryn Thomas for at least a year before things took a big turn for the worse - he watched a lot of matches live. I just happened to play golf with this guy, am not ITK otherwise. I said you must be worried about his off field, he said not really, far more worried about his work rate without the ball. Said he couldn't justify paying much of his big contract then because of that. But he said the rest of our side wasn't much better.

I just see this long term, ingrained culture of our best players not doing enough defensively. Inconsistent defensive effort with low minimum standards. Making it easy for the opposition. It's a feature of almost all bottom sides in any professional ball sport. We just have those 5 or 6 who do the bare minimum and then others who do work, eventually become demoralised.

It'd be great if the coaches said this year they'd be weighting their Syd Barker votes 75% based on defensive actions and effectiveness, 25% on the rest.

 

[Val Keating]

Some of these “experts” are just stealing money. No Trembath. Honestly

 

[DuckYeah]

Some of these “experts” are just stealing money. No Trembath. Honestly View attachment 2462731

Darling has to make way for Trembath

 

[the big lebowski]

Some of these “experts” are just stealing money. No Trembath. Honestly View attachment 2462731

Round 1 I’d say that’s reasonably close.

Obviously Trembath comes in. I doubt spargo plays round 1 given the shoulder reco. So Trembath on for him.

Konstanty vs spargo vs Banch would be a discussion. So konstanty vs banch initially based on pre season form.

Then there’s Dursma. We assume he will be a fixture but that is an assumption. He probably falls into the above battle for a spot.

I’m not sold that Darling is locked in best 23 in 2026. Not that he wasn’t a success in 2025, but it’s a question mark. He does contribute as a ruck chop out, so that’s a plus.

I can’t see Lmac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Interesting times ahead.

 

[Val Keating]

Darling has to make way for Trembath

Wouldn’t mind having a look at all 3 playing. Darling has a huge tank and Larkey’s not far behind and leave Trembath inside 50.

 

[Val Keating]

Round 1 I’d say that’s reasonably close.

Obviously Trembath comes in. I doubt spargo plays round 1 given the shoulder reco. So Trembath on for him.

Konstanty vs spargo vs Banch would be a discussion. So konstanty vs banch initially based on pre season form.

Then there’s Dursma. We assume he will be a fixture but that is an assumption. He probably falls into the above battle for a spot.

I’m not sold that Darling is locked in best 23 in 2026. Not that he wasn’t a success in 2025, but it’s a question mark. He does contribute as a ruck chop out, so that’s a plus.

I can’t see Lmac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Interesting times ahead.

If he was a first round pick that was out with injury for most of the year and comes in for the last 3 games and kicks 3 in each of them, the “experts” would be pumping him up.

 

[the big lebowski]

If he was a first round pick that was out with injury for most of the year and comes in for the last 3 games and kicks 3 in each of them, the “experts” would be pumping him up.

If he didn’t play for north he’d be top 5 in the rising star

 

[DuckYeah]

I can’t see Lmac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Club wants to lose games?

 

[DuckYeah]

Wouldn’t mind having a look at all 3 playing. Darling has a huge tank and Larkey’s not far behind and leave Trembath inside 50.

3 talls doesn’t work

 

[Val Keating]

3 talls doesn’t work

It depends

 

[Val Keating]

If he didn’t play for north he’d be top 5 in the rising star

Probably get good value then

 

[DuckYeah]

It depends

Doesn’t work. But you can explain how you think it can? One as a rotation off the pine? But that one will have to ruck.. if you are going to play 3 talls one has to pinch in the ruck. Darling is no good at that. Larkey plays higher up as a CHF trembath goes deeper and CCJ/Goad (possibly post bye) will be the pinching in the ruck.

 

[Ocha905]

Round 1 I’d say that’s reasonably close.

Obviously Trembath comes in. I doubt spargo plays round 1 given the shoulder reco. So Trembath on for him.

What a breath of fresh air he's been. Please, please, please kick on Cooper.

Konstanty vs spargo vs Banch would be a discussion.

An inconsequential one but sure.

So konstanty vs banch initially based on pre season form.

Then there’s Dursma. We assume he will be a fixture but that is an assumption. He probably falls into the above battle for a spot.

Hopefully he shows something this season so we can get a return for him when he seeks greener pastures.

I’m not sold that Darling is locked in best 23 in 2026. Not that he wasn’t a success in 2025, but it’s a question mark. He does contribute as a ruck chop out, so that’s a plus.

Of course not but he can actually play to a system so should be one of the first 5 picked.

I can’t see LMac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Another deck chair shuffle.

Interesting times ahead.

Is it?

 

[The Y Factor]

Wouldn’t mind having a look at all 3 playing. Darling has a huge tank and Larkey’s not far behind and leave Trembath inside 50.

Surely it’ll be all three. They worked well together

 

[shintemaster]

Round 1 I’d say that’s reasonably close.

Obviously Trembath comes in. I doubt spargo plays round 1 given the shoulder reco. So Trembath on for him.

Konstanty vs spargo vs Banch would be a discussion. So konstanty vs banch initially based on pre season form.

Then there’s Dursma. We assume he will be a fixture but that is an assumption. He probably falls into the above battle for a spot.

I’m not sold that Darling is locked in best 23 in 2026. Not that he wasn’t a success in 2025, but it’s a question mark. He does contribute as a ruck chop out, so that’s a plus.

I can’t see Lmac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Interesting times ahead.

Wouldn't think Duursma would be a lock, well not in October, though obviously there is a lot of time between now and Round 1 - players can and do often make quantum leaps at this point in their careers.

Konstanty would be on precarious ground, love his pressure (and the team is desperate for that obviously) but it wouldn't take much for another player to show the required intensity and displace him given how poorly his conversion lapsed over the year. Trembath would be a monty to roll out round 1 barring setbacks.

 

[Val Keating]

Surely it’ll be all three. They worked well together

Did we have a game where all three played? I can’t remember

 

[Val Keating]

Doesn’t work. But you can explain how you think it can? One as a rotation off the pine? But that one will have to ruck.. if you are going to play 3 talls one has to pinch in the ruck. Darling is no good at that. Larkey plays higher up as a CHF trembath goes deeper and CCJ/Goad (possibly post bye) will be the pinching in the ruck.

Depends on the type of talls. If they’re all different, as in, an athletic type with the tank that can get up the ground present for a get out kick from defence, one that can be second ruck, a lead up forward, a contested mark specialist etc.. If all three are pure tall forwards, like, say a Hawkins type then it doesn’t work.

 

[Val Keating]

Round 1 I’d say that’s reasonably close.

Obviously Trembath comes in. I doubt spargo plays round 1 given the shoulder reco. So Trembath on for him.

Konstanty vs spargo vs Banch would be a discussion. So konstanty vs banch initially based on pre season form.

Then there’s Dursma. We assume he will be a fixture but that is an assumption. He probably falls into the above battle for a spot.

I’m not sold that Darling is locked in best 23 in 2026. Not that he wasn’t a success in 2025, but it’s a question mark. He does contribute as a ruck chop out, so that’s a plus.

I can’t see Lmac not playing round 1. Does he come in for Logue or Pink?

Interesting times ahead.

LMac definitely plays round 1. He’s a good defender. Massively underrated in here because he doesn’t give us much going forward.

 

[gokangas]

Interesting dilemma for the Boos.

‘Not doing this for f---ing Zios’: Captain Carlton mascot storms out of Bar Mitzvah celebration​

A man working as a mascot for the Carlton Football Club has stunned guests at a Bar Mitzvah celebration after he stormed out when he learned the money gifted to the boy would be used to support Israeli soldiers.
Shannon Deery and Carly Douglas

2 min read
October 22, 2025 - 4:59PM


Carlton Football Club is at the centre of an anti-Semitic furore after the club’s mascot stormed out of a young fan’s Bar Mitzvah after learning he was raising money for wounded Israeli soldiers.
Carlton has confirmed a man working as mascot “Captain Carlton” will no longer be employed by the club after the incident at the lavish celebration on Sunday.
The boy’s parents had arranged for Captain Carlton to make a surprise appearance at the function.
But witnesses said the mascot abruptly left before making his grand entrance after learning the money gifted to the 13-year-old would be used to support Israeli soldiers.
He was allegedly overheard saying “I’m not doing this for f---ing Zios”, referring to Zionists.

The walkout stunned guests, which included leading Jewish community figure Jeremy Leibler. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.
The walkout stunned guests, many of whom were senior Carlton members and Jewish community leaders, including leading Jewish community figure Jeremy Leibler.
It comes amid growing concerns about the rise of anti-Semitism in Victoria, which prompted Jacinta Allan to establish an Anti-Hate Taskforce earlier this year.
The scourge has prompted the Israeli government to repeatedly a crackdown by both the government and Victoria Police to use available laws to prosecute anyone inciting racial and religious hatred.
In a statement, the Carlton Football Club said it “exists as a united, inclusive, and values-led club and are committed to fostering a respectful environment for all members of our community.”



“The Club is aware of a matter that occurred at a private event and has taken the appropriate steps to address it in a manner that aligns with our values and responsibilities as a club.
“The matter has now been closed out and resolved with all parties involved.”

Chair of the Anti Defimation Commission Dvir Abramovich says simply being Jewish in Victoria now risks leaving innocent people targeted. Picture: David Crosling

Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Dr Dvir Abramovich, applauded the quick response of Carlton to sever ties with the man working as the mascot.
“They said no. No to hate. No to prejudice. No to the idea that being Jewish or supporting Israel makes you a target,” he said.
“This wasn’t just an ugly outburst. It was a window into something poisonous that has seeped into our culture where the word Zionist has become a slur, a new code for ‘enemy’.
“Where ‘Israel supporter’ now means legitimate target.
“The word Zionist, simply meaning someone who believes the Jewish people have the right to a homeland, has been hijacked and twisted beyond recognition.
“Now it’s used as a weapon to ostracise, to shame, to exclude.”
Mr Abramovich said simply being Jewish in Victoria now risked leaving innocent people targeted.
“The terrifying truth is that there is no safe space left. Not at synagogues, not in schools, not even in the joy of a family milestone,” he said.
“Wherever Jews gather, hatred finds a way to intrude in a loud, shameless, uninvited way.
“This moment should shake every Australian. Because when a man in a mascot suit feels comfortable spitting on the word Zionist in a country built on tolerance and mateship we should all be asking ‘what kind of nation are we becoming?’
“I call on the company that employs this individual to sever all business relationships with them immediately and ensure they are never used again.
“Anything less would send the wrong message.”

 

[Val Keating]

Interesting dilemma for the Boos.

‘Not doing this for f---ing Zios’: Captain Carlton mascot storms out of Bar Mitzvah celebration​

A man working as a mascot for the Carlton Football Club has stunned guests at a Bar Mitzvah celebration after he stormed out when he learned the money gifted to the boy would be used to support Israeli soldiers.
Shannon Deery and Carly Douglas

2 min read
October 22, 2025 - 4:59PM


Carlton Football Club is at the centre of an anti-Semitic furore after the club’s mascot stormed out of a young fan’s Bar Mitzvah after learning he was raising money for wounded Israeli soldiers.
Carlton has confirmed a man working as mascot “Captain Carlton” will no longer be employed by the club after the incident at the lavish celebration on Sunday.
The boy’s parents had arranged for Captain Carlton to make a surprise appearance at the function.
But witnesses said the mascot abruptly left before making his grand entrance after learning the money gifted to the 13-year-old would be used to support Israeli soldiers.
He was allegedly overheard saying “I’m not doing this for f---ing Zios”, referring to Zionists.

The walkout stunned guests, which included leading Jewish community figure Jeremy Leibler. Picture: Arsineh Houspian.
The walkout stunned guests, many of whom were senior Carlton members and Jewish community leaders, including leading Jewish community figure Jeremy Leibler.
It comes amid growing concerns about the rise of anti-Semitism in Victoria, which prompted Jacinta Allan to establish an Anti-Hate Taskforce earlier this year.
The scourge has prompted the Israeli government to repeatedly a crackdown by both the government and Victoria Police to use available laws to prosecute anyone inciting racial and religious hatred.
In a statement, the Carlton Football Club said it “exists as a united, inclusive, and values-led club and are committed to fostering a respectful environment for all members of our community.”



“The Club is aware of a matter that occurred at a private event and has taken the appropriate steps to address it in a manner that aligns with our values and responsibilities as a club.
“The matter has now been closed out and resolved with all parties involved.”

Chair of the Anti Defimation Commission Dvir Abramovich says simply being Jewish in Victoria now risks leaving innocent people targeted. Picture: David Crosling

Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, Dr Dvir Abramovich, applauded the quick response of Carlton to sever ties with the man working as the mascot.
“They said no. No to hate. No to prejudice. No to the idea that being Jewish or supporting Israel makes you a target,” he said.
“This wasn’t just an ugly outburst. It was a window into something poisonous that has seeped into our culture where the word Zionist has become a slur, a new code for ‘enemy’.
“Where ‘Israel supporter’ now means legitimate target.
“The word Zionist, simply meaning someone who believes the Jewish people have the right to a homeland, has been hijacked and twisted beyond recognition.
“Now it’s used as a weapon to ostracise, to shame, to exclude.”
Mr Abramovich said simply being Jewish in Victoria now risked leaving innocent people targeted.
“The terrifying truth is that there is no safe space left. Not at synagogues, not in schools, not even in the joy of a family milestone,” he said.
“Wherever Jews gather, hatred finds a way to intrude in a loud, shameless, uninvited way.
“This moment should shake every Australian. Because when a man in a mascot suit feels comfortable spitting on the word Zionist in a country built on tolerance and mateship we should all be asking ‘what kind of nation are we becoming?’
“I call on the company that employs this individual to sever all business relationships with them immediately and ensure they are never used again.
“Anything less would send the wrong message.”

Good on him. The IDF are a disgrace

 

[DuckYeah]

LMac definitely plays round 1. He’s a good defender. Massively underrated in here because he doesn’t give us much going forward.

He’s a ****ing cabbage. Not taking us anywhere. We continue to play these spuds then strap in for another shit year

 

[Val Keating]

He’s a ****ing cabbage. Not taking us anywhere. We continue to play these spuds then strap in for another shit year

He might not be top shelf, but he’s definitely not a cabbage. The amount of times he gets smashed in a tackle rather than give off hands, the reason we see him chasing after a forward that isn’t his direct opponent on the lead because he’s covering for someone. Thats the reason his peers respect him. He doesn’t get to play unaccountable at all.

Ever wonder why he’s highly respected amongst his teammates? It’s because he does all the thankless things so players like Kerch, Daniel etc. can play unaccountable.

 

[DuckYeah]

He might not be top shelf, but he’s definitely not a cabbage. The amount of times he gets smashed in a tackle rather than give off hands, the reason we see him chasing after a forward that isn’t his direct opponent on the lead because he’s covering for someone. Thats the reason his peers respect him. He doesn’t get to play unaccountable at all.

Ever wonder why he’s highly respected amongst his teammates? It’s because he does all the thankless things so players like Kerch, Daniel etc. can play unaccountable.

Give me a spell. Another negative possession player. For one good thing he does, he does 5 things that hurt the other way. He leaks heaps of goals too. We just cant keep playing him, he is a great negative impact player.

But he can lay a tackle? Cool

 

[Cyber_punk]

Ever wonder why he’s highly respected amongst his teammates? It’s because he does all the thankless things so players like Kerch, Daniel etc. can play unaccountable.

Respected or just liked? Cause the most liked leaders are often the ones who don't enforce standards or push others to be better.

 

[ToxicMegaPunts]

Good on him. The IDF are a disgrace

Should have just told them he was donating his entire appearance fee directly to Hamas.