Toast Fisher returns for Blues!

[Mister Carlton]

Carlton forward Brad Fisher will play against the Hawks at the Dome on Sunday.

Brett Ratten confirmed today that Fisher, who was named in the squad for last week's NAB Cup opener against North Melbourne game but did not play, will play in Sunday's NAB Cup match against Hawthorn.

"He worked extremely hard with his rehabilitation prior to, and immediately after Christmas, and he has been back in full training for over a month. Indeed it is a credit to him the manner in which he worked to overcome the injury. Last week it was decided to have one more week of training before playing and it will be good to see him working in the forward line with Brendan," Ratten said.

Fisher suffered an elbow injury while completing a tackling drill in December and returned to full training in January.

Fisher’s career commenced with a series of injury worries, but his luck has turned, missing just four matches over the past two seasons.

Fisher has played 91 matches for Carlton since he was drafted at number 72 in the 2002 National Draft, and last season led the Blues mark count with 151.


GO FISHER!

 

[Chism]

Great news and i think he will have a great season this year.

 

[blues4flag]

Best of luck to Fish. Personally, I think he has a lot more to offer us than many on this board do. Let's not forget he was one short of 40 goals in 2007 - and at 24, I hardly think he can't recapture that form as some seem to suggest.

Although his work at ground level is a worry, 40 goals is more than fair compensation for it, especially given our lack of viable talls up forward.

 

[Juddys_navy_blues]

Hope Fish has a big 2009, anything above 40 goals will help us win alot of close games.

 

[jonoman89]

Fisher = the most unfairly maligned player on this board. Sure his kicking was not great in 2008, but he is the 2nd best forward in our team by the length of the flemington straight.

Rip it up Fish!

 

[blues_gibbzy]

Fisher = the most unfairly maligned player on this board. Sure his kicking was not great in 2008, but he is the 2nd best forward in our team by the length of the flemington straight.

Rip it up Fish!

Jordan Russel board but to the OP can we fit Fisher, Kreuzer, Cloke and Fev in the same forward line when the season commences?

 

[celtic_pride]

Brad Fisher kicking 40 goals this year ?

Tell em, he's dreaming ..

There is a fair reason why Fish is maligned (and no it's not unfairly either) he's had troubles with injuries and his consitency has been very erratic the past couple of seasons, add to the fact, he's kicking at goal is shithouse ...

Sadly we have seen the best of Brad Fisher.

 

[blues4flag]

Brad Fisher kicking 40 goals this year ?

Tell em, he's dreaming ..

There is a fair reason why Fish is maligned (and no it's not unfairly either) he's had troubles with injuries and his consitency has been very erratic the past couple of seasons, add to the fact, he's kicking at goal is shithouse ...

Sadly we have seen the best of Brad Fisher.

Any reason why he couldn't kick 40 goals in 22 games when he managed 39 in 19 only 2 years ago?

Was 23 then, he'll be 25 this season. Given he hasn't had any crippling/degenerative injuries, I simply don't understand how you can definitively say we've seen the best of Fisher?

His kicking was horrid last year, but 39 goals 15 was an excellent return in 07. With Houlihan and Walker both expected to play up forward in 08, they can control the flanks and leave Fisher to play deep, floating around the goal square where he plays his best footy and doesn't have to worry about kicking it 45 (not to mention being found out on the wing with his below par ground level skills).

 

[40yearBLUE]

Any reason why he couldn't kick 40 goals in 22 games when he managed 39 in 19 only 2 years ago?

None whatsoever. If we are to succeed as most here think we will someone must add to Fevs tally, in fact we need about 3 more contributors 25 - 40 goals, so no reason why Fish cant do it again, if anything he will be more likely not less, he is in a better team with a better midfield more likely to be getting more of it and better quality delivery so no reason at all.

 

[celtic_pride]

Any reason why he couldn't kick 40 goals in 22 games when he managed 39 in 19 only 2 years ago?

Was 23 then, he'll be 25 this season. Given he hasn't had any crippling/degenerative injuries, I simply don't understand how you can definitively say we've seen the best of Fisher?

His kicking was horrid last year, but 39 goals 15 was an excellent return in 07. With Houlihan and Walker both expected to play up forward in 08, they can control the flanks and leave Fisher to play deep, floating around the goal square where he plays his best footy and doesn't have to worry about kicking it 45 (not to mention being found out on the wing with his below par ground level skills).

Well you said it there about his kicking style last year ...
When you shank it, from 20 meters out directly in front (on several times last year I might add) you know we have a problem. He had a serious knee injury two years ago, and i don't think he's been the same player since in terms of kicking ability.

I've been wrong many times before, but really I just don't see him having any more 40 goal plus seasons.

I'd actually prefer him to roam more around the CHF area this year, our main structure problem last year at times, was getting past the CHF zone (esp against the flooding and Clarko's Cluster) andI think perhaps if he can play further up the ground, and then feed it off to passing midfielders, or further down to Fev, that would be of more value.

I'd actualy think it's more pivotal that our midfielders kick more goals on the run this year, it's unrealistic to expect Fisher to play an Roughead foil like role to Fev/Franklin.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

He is 6'2 with hands like buckets,
kicked 40 odd as a marking forward in 2007.

Spent last year with a pin in his thumb after a pre-season injury.
and played as a leading/roaming forward,
most shots he had were off his limited distance.

Exceptional mark for his size in a key position

 

[Jeremias]

Looking forward to seeing him back out there.

A fit Fisher is great news for the team because he plays taller than he is and can provide a geniune marking target in the forward 50 or as a lead up forward roaming around the 50 metre line.

There is absolutely no reason why he can't recapture the form of 2 seasons ago that saw him kick 39 goals. If he does this, I say we'll make finals a near certainty.

Not sure who comes out for him but it will be interesting to see how he goes on Sunday.

 

[Blue Dawn]

He is 6'2 with hands like buckets,
kicked 40 odd as a marking forward in 2007.

Spent last year with a pin in his thumb after a pre-season injury.
and played as a leading/roaming forward,
most shots he had were off his limited distance.

Exceptional mark for his size in a key position

Indeed he is BUT he is also an ordinary kick (with the exception of '07) and lazy defensively. I hope he can come out and cane it but i really don't see Fisher as being particularly important in our plans for the next 5 years or so i've got to say.

 

[Salt Lake Cities]

Is CP the enthusiasm police in these parts or something

 

[Blue_Ninja]

I think that we should give Fisher a little more time before writing him off just yet.........
Last year wasn't great, wasn't as bad as some of our 'forwards' however, and I think he still has some credit from '07. Lets wait at least a season before we throw him to the wolves.

 

[thylacine60]

Is CP the enthusiasm police in these parts or something

Donny! How's the downhill?

 

[j-ham]

Not a bad return for a pick in the 70's, but ****en hell it shits me how he consistently brings his opponent into the contest when the ball is going to Fev.

Just get out of the way sometimes FFS.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

all is good

Something about the true country.

 

[Rambo Stallone]

Fisher is a important player to Carlton,like it or not,how many players can take overhead/pack marks in the forward line none really.His kicking lets him done sometimes but we have more of a chance of scoring more goals with him then without plus he did play with injuries last year.

 

[C4[2]Yo`DooR]

Whilst I do think Brad Fisher is seriously over-rated on this board, and by most Carlton supporters in general.

I am happy to see him back.

 

[Mister Carlton]

I agree that Fisher's career is on the line this year. But I think that he will return to the same form as he last couple of years. I really hope that he shows members on this forum... *cough celtic_pride cough* that he is DREAMING

 

[RiCHii]

Goodluck to Fisher, hope he has a good game!

 

[Jezza U Beauty]

Fish is a more than handy player for us when he's kicking straight, but it's no surprise there are a few knives out on this board after how bad his kicking was last year.

I suspect his prospects will hinge a fair bit on Yarran's development.

Fish will get limited opportunities on a wing or HFF with Grigg, Simmo, Walker, Houla and Russell fit, and Eddie and Fev are lock-ins for the full forward line, so i'd see Fish alternating with maybe Kreuzer and the resting rover in the pocket. Unless Yarran's there.

 

[TorresIsGod]

Jordan Russel board but to the OP can we fit Fisher, Kreuzer, Cloke and Fev in the same forward line when the season commences?

He did say 'unfairly maligned'.

It's not unfair in Russell's case. He's a hack of the highest order.

 

[Azzurri Blues]

Any reason why he couldn't kick 40 goals in 22 games when he managed 39 in 19 only 2 years ago?

he would need 250 shots at goal