Key Position Players

[Kane McGoodwin]

As a non-Carlton supporter, I was interested to know the thoughts of Carlton followers, as to how you think you will go in 2002. Consider the following:

Backs: With the retirement of SOS to Ch10 & the injury to Kouta, I think you are struggling for tall defenders. Beaumont has a great year at CHF, but really should be playing on a flank (where he should have been picked in the 2001 AA team).

Forwards: Big Red is one of the best CHF's in the comp, but Fevola certainly hasn't come on as hoped since his night out in the centenary game v Pies. McKernan is handy at time, but is inconsistent. I reckon you got ripped off with trade with Porter, as I rate Porter as a handy ruckman (perhaps a better future player than Allen).

 

[Blues2001]

Here's a reply Kane

I think with McKernan in the forward line, it is looking better. I'm confident that it will help Whitnall, even if McKernan doesn't play all that well himself. Anything to help take the pressure off Lance is a good thing. You're right about Fevola, he REALLY needs to step up.


Our defence is a worry, no doubt about it. We were statistically the best defence this year, but there were times we where papering over the cracks. We are clearly lacking in key defenders (we were even when we had SOS), Kouta would have been an option for CHB but he is injured. When he comes back he has to go there. I'm a bit worried about throwing Livingston or Prendergast into a key position straight away. Manton is doing a great job for his size but he clearly needs more support. Same for Beaumont. But who do we have? We're pretty stuffed for options when we play, for example, Richmond - with Ottens and Richo.

Overall, I think our midfield looks strong, our forward line quite strong, and our defence pissweak for talls.

Overall, 2002 will be similar to 2001 in terms of ladder position.

 

[Kane McGoodwin]

Thanks for the (belated) reply Blues2001. I agree your forward line should be OK (as long as Big Red stays sound) as you also have useful flanker types in Lappin, Hickmott & Houlihan to support the talls. Your midfield always seems holds it own with Ratten, Campo & Co. But the issue which until your post, I was suprised not to get a response to was your tall backs. I honestly can't see you consistently holding the likes of Richmond, Brisbane (with Lynch, Brown, Brashaw/Keating), Hawks (Holland, Barker, Thompson), Port (Tredrea, Cornes & Lade), Sydney (Lockett, Hall & Goodes), etc. Most sides have one good tall defender who usually takes the opposition best tall forward. You would want Kouta to return from injury sooner rather than later.

 

[tashibatts]

Lacking

I think they are lacking something (unbiased fan)

There defence is very weak- No SOS- and no Kouta for the main part of the season will sting them- alot!
They have alot of young guys that can take those positions, and that I'm sure after 2/3 seasons with as much experience as possible will be fine defenders. Accept the problem is- none of those young guys have had that much experience (as far as I know) they have had very little- and I dont think they can withstand the pressure of holding up on their own. With no1 really there to help them. Carlton need a strong hold. Or they need guys like Manton etc to really stand up!

There forward line looks alright.

But I am a bit worried with this factor:
They have Allen as their main ruck- which for the past years has worked fine because if Allen was injured Porter would fill in- but now Porter has gone. And there isnt really anyone ready to fill in- theres Smith- he hasnt had much experience- but give him some games where Allen can take over and I am sure he will find his feet if need be. I heard Hottons name mentioned? But it is a bit of a worry.

That is all my opinion!

Go Roos 2002!

 

[tashibatts]

Oooh- forgot to mention in the ruck thing:
There is also McKernan who can play ruck well/good- but that leaves a large whole in ur forward line- especially is Whitnall goes up back!

Go Roos

 

[The Old Dark Navy's]

Call me a blind optimist but I have trouble understanding how a defence that was statistically number one in 2001 can lose one star player who was injured a bit last year and played up forward a bit more. I know what the bios say about the players and their respective heights but good defence is as much about covering for each other and having a good defensive pattern as anything else. If we have willing workers then we can hold our own. SOS in the 1995 finals allowed one goal in between Darryl White, Wayne Carey and Gary Ablett. The part that rarely gets mentioned is the defensive players dropping back into the holes in front of these players. We just have to make the contests and use our skills to sweep the ball away. Remember also that not every team has a very tall forward setup. Apart from that our midfield is at least equal with the very best in the comp and these guys lend a lot of support in running out of defence and our forward structure has improved immensely with McKernan coming in and the continued improvement (touch wood) of Fevola to take pressure of Lance and Lappin. Allan's injuries will be crucial but Hotton has done the job in the past and failing that we can blood a young player who will get great support from his midfield troops.

It may not pan out that way but I am not reaching for the razor blades by any stretch of the imagination.

Bring it on!