Thrawn
Premium Platinum
Well guys... since the departure of SOS from the playing field, there seems to be a big hole in our defense. This post will basically be about what we can do to improve for Season 2002, and what the team lineup may likely be at the start.
The team line-up looks strong, but no SOS leaves a big hole in the defence. There are also rumours that Earl Spalding will come out of retirement and play CHB for Carlton, but I'd doubt this is true. Anyways, this is the team:
FB: Christou Manton Pendergast
HB: McKay Beaumont Franchina
C: Murphy Ratten Camporaeloe
HF: Hickmott Whitnall Lappin
FF: Houlihan McKernan Fevola
R: Allan Bradley Hulme
Inter: Fletcher Eccles Plunkett Smith
Coach: Wayne Brittian
The only concern here is our defense. Eccles is a very good running player who can thrust us forward, but we need at least a few more key defenders, particulary tall ones. But on the plus side, the midfield and forward line look very good. Now I will comment about each of the key fields: Forward, Midfield and Defence. I will also have a description of the players who most most likely start, and rate them out of ten.
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Defence. Carlton's defence is more vunerable than ever. The great SOS has hanged up his boots, and therefore our only tall backman, and our best one too. This provides oppoturnity for tall forwards (like Richardson and Ottens) to break our tight defence. But what our defence has best is the grunt to play a full game of footy, and to be close checking to the opposition players. But will this be enough for Carlton to prevent the opposition team to kick a winning score? I will now rate the defenders:
Ang Christou. Has been a very good defender for Carlton, and one of our faster players. Has a great kick and reads the ball well. However, injury is his main concern, as a back problem nearly finished his career a few years ago. He is a solid contributor, and now Carlton need him more than ever. He is underrated and didn't get enough time on ground this year. Rating = 8/10
Glenn Manton. Although he doesn't get much possessions per game, it's the one percenters that no one notices. He is a good backman, and underrated highly. Rarely gets bags of goals kicked against him, and usually does a good job against Lloyd and other top forwards. His main weakness is his fitness and height. He gets beaten by Richardson and other very tall forwards because he is too short or does not have the pace or fitness to go with the likes of Richardson for the whole day. Rating = 7/10
Ian Pendergast. Ian is a future prospect for Carlton. He is an athlete footballer much like Kotua... he has the pace, the skill, the brains and the height to duke it out with his opponents. His second efforts are outstanding, and the way he reads the ball is a terrific effort. Can mark pretty well, but his kicking is sometimes questionable. Now all he needs is the muscle and the experience. Rating = 8/10
Andrew McKay. Currently the best backman we have. Macca is the physical presence down back. He is best known for is hardness at the ball, and his courage and strength. Breaks tackles with ease, always into the contest, and has a very good mark. He is rarely beaten and he works tirelessly for the team, always giving his 100% comittment and sheer workrate. Will be very important for Carlton next year. Rating = 10/10
Simon Beaumont. Simon is usually the highest possession getter in defence. He usually wears his opponent like a second skin, and has the pace and fitness to run with the likes of Hird, Ottens, etc. His left foot kicks are penetrating and valuable to the Carlton defence. Rating = 7/10
Anthony Franchina. He is the nuisance tagger of the defence. His main role is to tag a key forward in order to destroy his presence and influence in the game. He is a multi-role player, who can also lend a helping hand in the forward line, and can be used in the midfield with great success. His main strength is his desperation. Rating = 6/10
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Midfield. The strongest Carlton has to offer is in the midfield, even without Kouta. The return of Murphy and Ratten will make Carlton's midfield strong enough to tackle Brisbane and Essendon's. This midfield must push back to help out the ageing defence and have the forward thrust going on at the same time. The players in the midfield are fast, fit and skilled enough to do that, so there is really nothing to worry about here. I will rate the midfielders, and what impact they might have next year:
Justin Murphy. He's baaack! The smurf is back, and he has rediscovered his form at Geelong, and has gone over his injury troubles. He is a top class player... he can run a long way just to get a 50m goal on the run, he has the fitness to go through a whole game, but best of all... he is 25. A valuable asset to the Carlton midfield, just what we missed in 2001. Rating = 9/10
Brett Ratten. What can I say? He is Carlton's best player. The In-and-Under type player, Brett has been the "engine" room of Carlton for the past four years, or since the departure of Greg Williams. He has the best football brain in the business, is one of the roughest players, and one of the most skillfull players you'll ever see. He gets the most possessions for Carlton, gets the most tackles, and helps with the most goals. He can rip a team apart, but he is usually overlooked by everyone, therefore underrated. Surely if he wasn't, Brett would have got three brownlows by now! Rating = 10/10
Scott Camporaeloe. Class, just pure class. He has one of the best foot skills in the business, and the way he carries the ball and lets loose a 50m, beauitiful kick with class and a good finish, makes me stand in awe. A truly class player, Campo is one of the fastest and fittest players down at Carlton. He is very dangerous, and if not shut down, will be the gamebreaker. Has been furiously tagged to down his morale in 2001, but will make a comeback and be as good as he was in 2000. Rating = 9/10
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Attack. Carlton's forward line is looking very promising! Fourth best in the league this year, and if Whitnall steps up, then it will be the best in the league. It is very strong because we have classy players up there, as well as players who can bag a few here and there, But most importantly, the physical presence up there is very strong, that is what we need for 2002. Someone to help Whitnall (which will be McKernan), and Carlton will be firing again. Here is the list of players, and how well they rate in the attacking fifty:
Adrian Hickmott. He is the physical presence up there, a tough nut. Has the courage and the skill to rip up an entire defence. His tackles and couragous marks is what holds the forward line together. He never lets you down, and his workrate is top class. Wouldn't everyone want an Adrain Hickmott in their forward line? Rating = 9/10
Lance Whitnall. His year in 2000 was his best, but with Hamill gone, 2001 was hell for him. He lacked match fitness, was down on form and had injury concerns in the middle of the year. But he'd rediscovered his form near the end of Carlton's 2001 season, and hopefully he plays from that point. He marks with ease, finds space quite easily, uses his body to great effect and has the football barin to be a future star. Now he only needs to lose some weight, and be fit for next year, full of confidence. The rating will correspond to how he did this year. Rating = 6/10
Matthew Lappin. If you want a fast, skillful, crumbing forward who can kick bags of goals, then this man is for you! Matty Lappin has had an outstanding year this year. He has been the main focal point for Carlton's forward thrust this year, and did a great job. Best game he had was in Round 17 v Essendon, where he ws a matchwinner, and kicked 6 goals. His skill and cunning is most important to the forward, and he was very unlucky to miss the All_Australian. But he will still play good footy next year, he always will. Rating = 10/10
Ryan Houlihan. He will be the next James Hird. He has pace, and class to match it with the best players in the comp. A young prospect for Carlton, Ryan will florish in the rich enviroment Carlton has to offer. Best used as a crumbling foward, since he has the skill to put a hard one through with great ease. Faulters in the midfield because he gets tackled easily, when he thinks he can take them on. Very good skills though, and will be a very good asset for the future. Needs to shake off the "soft tag" though, but being a little bit tougher by going into the contest. Rating = 9/10
Corey McKernan. A very good forward who can help Whitnall and in the ruck. Can kick very long goals accurately, but needs some confidence. Well no worries! History states that Carlton are good when it comes to confidence, and the recycling of players. "Sticks" will teach him further, and will be firing again! Rating = 8/10
Brendan Fevola. Another young player for Carlton to cherish, but he is a trouble maker. He is talented, but hasn't fired enough to get him a spot in the forward line. I believe that he will have one more chance next year, in the forward line to deliver. But if he does not, then trading time. Has a very, very long kick... but needs to be more accurate, second efforts are good but marking is questionable. Rating = 6/10
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Ruck. I'd have to admit, Porter is a big loss the the ruck, and I will miss him. But hey, that's footy, and that's life... we must move on to ensure success. The ruck will be the same as it was this year, and last year. But Carlton hopes that Matty Allan does not get injured, otherwise it's over for the ruck. McKernan will help, but he nees to be up forward, and Hotton won't be much against the likes of Primus, Everitt and even Porter! The onballers will be the key though... but Carlton needs some more onballers in the future, to replace Bradley when he retires. The below players will describe the ruckman, and the two key onballers:
Matthew Allan. When Allan is on fire, he's an All-Australian. However, he has had a lot of injuries since 1999, and hasn't had much ground action. But he did show signs of brilliance in the final between the Crows this year, and hopefully will show it all of next year. He ruckwork is great... his palm work is breathtaking. He can help in defence or attack, and is basically a link player. Rating = 6/10
Craig Bradley. The ageless warrior is one of our best players. Our captain will be 38, but will always have an impact. He can still outrun opponents that are 10 years younger than him, and he can have an impact in games. Usually kicks goals on the run, and never gets tired. The inspiration from him is enormous, and when he's around, Carlton are a better team. His skills are one of the best... well, he is the most experience player in the AFL, isn't he? Rating = 8/10
Darren Hulme. Courage is his name. While is body is small, that doesn't affect him. He can run very fast, tackle well and has the fitness of a cheetah. He works hard all the time, which is why he is such a great player. Has florished well under the leadership of Brittian... and can improve. A little champ! Rating = 7/10
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Interchange. A lot of people think that Carlton's depth is very bad. Well... that's not the case. Carlton's reserves have a lot of good youth, and the Interchange Bench is no different. We have the youth to push on, and Brittian will make sure of that, he seems to have a lot of confidence in young players (which is very good for Carlton). Here is the players who will probably sit on the Interchange Bench for most of the year:
Simon Fletcher. He has had a great year this year. I think he played every game this year, which stands for something. He is a great young player who is usually in the midfield. He is a good mark, has great courage and I rate him very highly. Will be handy for Carlton in the future. Rating = 7/10
Andrew Eccles. I don't know much about him, but I've heard that he is a very good and young player, but injury prevented him from getting better. But hopefully he will flourish at Carlton, and become an even better player for Carlton. Rating = 8/10
Jim Plunkett. This player is the next Brett Ratten. His ball disposal is top class, and his tackling is excellent. Can also kick some goals, which is why he is very handy. All he needs is his kicks to be more penetrating, but I've rarely seen him do much mistakes, and he is still young! Rating = 9/10
Lindsay Smith. Don't know much about this player either, but I've never heard the name "Lindsay" in my enitre life. However, he will be vital for Carlton's Flag hopes for next year. He is a great mark, good kick, and he is very tall but best of all... he's young! Will probably be used down back, since SOS is gone, but needs to build a little bit more muscle first. Rating = 7/10
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I have now covered all aspects of the team... it's now time to talk about the coach. When Parko left, there was a lot of experience missing... but that doesn't stop Carlton being a Flag chance. I will describe just a little bit about the coaching panel, and lots about our own coach, Wayne Brittian.
Coaching. The coaching at the Carlton Football Club is one of the best in the league. A lot of football brains is at the coaching department. Steven Kernahan is the forward coach... a brilliant mastermind of the attacking aspect of the game. The skills/midfield coach is a one Greg Williams, one of the best players/football thinkers I have ever seen. If Williams is part of the coaching, there is more reason to why the youth of Carlton will flourish. Ross Lyon is a pretty good reserves coach, John Worsford is our defensive coach... and he is a good coach, since Carlton had the #1 defence in the league this year. And SOS is a new addition to the coaching panel... which will serve our defence better and make our coaching panel even smarter. But the head coach is what I will be talking about:
Wayne Brittian. He will have a big test next year. this will prove if he is a good or bad coach... we'll finally be able to see what Britts has under his sleeve. This year he was a great coach... made the finals in his first year, not bad. But he knows that he can get a handful of Jock McHale medal's in his career. He is tactically very good, is superconfident (in the game plan and new players) but is not the one to bask in his own presence. He is humble and calm... and pulled off great victories through his own tactics. Been an assistant to Parkin for years... and now it's time for him to prove that he is a great coach. My opinon? He will be a supercoach in the future... you should remember that he called the shots last year, and was the match-day coach. Now if only Calrton weren't inconsistent...
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The conclusion is that Carlton will be a force in 2002. With the players we got, we can improve from here. But SOS will leave a big hole, and while we won't have as many losses as this year, or percentage will suffer, probably be about 105% next year, whcih will finally determine the outcome of the finals series. I am predicting a top four finish for the BLues, that is, if we have hardly any injuries next year. If so, then still in the eight... but we will make the eight... never write us off! Journos have been doing that since 1999, saying that "Carlton will miss the eight".
The year 2002 will determine whether we should rebuild, or recycle. It will determine where Carlton stands as a club, and where it will go from there. Next year will also determine how good we are. People... the year 2002 is the year Carlton has to deliver, this is it. If not, then the rebuilding will be harsh and painful for our team, the the supporters of it. Even if we don't win the flag, and make the top four or eight, we will be consistent. If we miss the eight... Carlton will get the "underacheivers" title from Essendon.
The team line-up looks strong, but no SOS leaves a big hole in the defence. There are also rumours that Earl Spalding will come out of retirement and play CHB for Carlton, but I'd doubt this is true. Anyways, this is the team:
FB: Christou Manton Pendergast
HB: McKay Beaumont Franchina
C: Murphy Ratten Camporaeloe
HF: Hickmott Whitnall Lappin
FF: Houlihan McKernan Fevola
R: Allan Bradley Hulme
Inter: Fletcher Eccles Plunkett Smith
Coach: Wayne Brittian
The only concern here is our defense. Eccles is a very good running player who can thrust us forward, but we need at least a few more key defenders, particulary tall ones. But on the plus side, the midfield and forward line look very good. Now I will comment about each of the key fields: Forward, Midfield and Defence. I will also have a description of the players who most most likely start, and rate them out of ten.
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Defence. Carlton's defence is more vunerable than ever. The great SOS has hanged up his boots, and therefore our only tall backman, and our best one too. This provides oppoturnity for tall forwards (like Richardson and Ottens) to break our tight defence. But what our defence has best is the grunt to play a full game of footy, and to be close checking to the opposition players. But will this be enough for Carlton to prevent the opposition team to kick a winning score? I will now rate the defenders:
Ang Christou. Has been a very good defender for Carlton, and one of our faster players. Has a great kick and reads the ball well. However, injury is his main concern, as a back problem nearly finished his career a few years ago. He is a solid contributor, and now Carlton need him more than ever. He is underrated and didn't get enough time on ground this year. Rating = 8/10
Glenn Manton. Although he doesn't get much possessions per game, it's the one percenters that no one notices. He is a good backman, and underrated highly. Rarely gets bags of goals kicked against him, and usually does a good job against Lloyd and other top forwards. His main weakness is his fitness and height. He gets beaten by Richardson and other very tall forwards because he is too short or does not have the pace or fitness to go with the likes of Richardson for the whole day. Rating = 7/10
Ian Pendergast. Ian is a future prospect for Carlton. He is an athlete footballer much like Kotua... he has the pace, the skill, the brains and the height to duke it out with his opponents. His second efforts are outstanding, and the way he reads the ball is a terrific effort. Can mark pretty well, but his kicking is sometimes questionable. Now all he needs is the muscle and the experience. Rating = 8/10
Andrew McKay. Currently the best backman we have. Macca is the physical presence down back. He is best known for is hardness at the ball, and his courage and strength. Breaks tackles with ease, always into the contest, and has a very good mark. He is rarely beaten and he works tirelessly for the team, always giving his 100% comittment and sheer workrate. Will be very important for Carlton next year. Rating = 10/10
Simon Beaumont. Simon is usually the highest possession getter in defence. He usually wears his opponent like a second skin, and has the pace and fitness to run with the likes of Hird, Ottens, etc. His left foot kicks are penetrating and valuable to the Carlton defence. Rating = 7/10
Anthony Franchina. He is the nuisance tagger of the defence. His main role is to tag a key forward in order to destroy his presence and influence in the game. He is a multi-role player, who can also lend a helping hand in the forward line, and can be used in the midfield with great success. His main strength is his desperation. Rating = 6/10
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Midfield. The strongest Carlton has to offer is in the midfield, even without Kouta. The return of Murphy and Ratten will make Carlton's midfield strong enough to tackle Brisbane and Essendon's. This midfield must push back to help out the ageing defence and have the forward thrust going on at the same time. The players in the midfield are fast, fit and skilled enough to do that, so there is really nothing to worry about here. I will rate the midfielders, and what impact they might have next year:
Justin Murphy. He's baaack! The smurf is back, and he has rediscovered his form at Geelong, and has gone over his injury troubles. He is a top class player... he can run a long way just to get a 50m goal on the run, he has the fitness to go through a whole game, but best of all... he is 25. A valuable asset to the Carlton midfield, just what we missed in 2001. Rating = 9/10
Brett Ratten. What can I say? He is Carlton's best player. The In-and-Under type player, Brett has been the "engine" room of Carlton for the past four years, or since the departure of Greg Williams. He has the best football brain in the business, is one of the roughest players, and one of the most skillfull players you'll ever see. He gets the most possessions for Carlton, gets the most tackles, and helps with the most goals. He can rip a team apart, but he is usually overlooked by everyone, therefore underrated. Surely if he wasn't, Brett would have got three brownlows by now! Rating = 10/10
Scott Camporaeloe. Class, just pure class. He has one of the best foot skills in the business, and the way he carries the ball and lets loose a 50m, beauitiful kick with class and a good finish, makes me stand in awe. A truly class player, Campo is one of the fastest and fittest players down at Carlton. He is very dangerous, and if not shut down, will be the gamebreaker. Has been furiously tagged to down his morale in 2001, but will make a comeback and be as good as he was in 2000. Rating = 9/10
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Attack. Carlton's forward line is looking very promising! Fourth best in the league this year, and if Whitnall steps up, then it will be the best in the league. It is very strong because we have classy players up there, as well as players who can bag a few here and there, But most importantly, the physical presence up there is very strong, that is what we need for 2002. Someone to help Whitnall (which will be McKernan), and Carlton will be firing again. Here is the list of players, and how well they rate in the attacking fifty:
Adrian Hickmott. He is the physical presence up there, a tough nut. Has the courage and the skill to rip up an entire defence. His tackles and couragous marks is what holds the forward line together. He never lets you down, and his workrate is top class. Wouldn't everyone want an Adrain Hickmott in their forward line? Rating = 9/10
Lance Whitnall. His year in 2000 was his best, but with Hamill gone, 2001 was hell for him. He lacked match fitness, was down on form and had injury concerns in the middle of the year. But he'd rediscovered his form near the end of Carlton's 2001 season, and hopefully he plays from that point. He marks with ease, finds space quite easily, uses his body to great effect and has the football barin to be a future star. Now he only needs to lose some weight, and be fit for next year, full of confidence. The rating will correspond to how he did this year. Rating = 6/10
Matthew Lappin. If you want a fast, skillful, crumbing forward who can kick bags of goals, then this man is for you! Matty Lappin has had an outstanding year this year. He has been the main focal point for Carlton's forward thrust this year, and did a great job. Best game he had was in Round 17 v Essendon, where he ws a matchwinner, and kicked 6 goals. His skill and cunning is most important to the forward, and he was very unlucky to miss the All_Australian. But he will still play good footy next year, he always will. Rating = 10/10
Ryan Houlihan. He will be the next James Hird. He has pace, and class to match it with the best players in the comp. A young prospect for Carlton, Ryan will florish in the rich enviroment Carlton has to offer. Best used as a crumbling foward, since he has the skill to put a hard one through with great ease. Faulters in the midfield because he gets tackled easily, when he thinks he can take them on. Very good skills though, and will be a very good asset for the future. Needs to shake off the "soft tag" though, but being a little bit tougher by going into the contest. Rating = 9/10
Corey McKernan. A very good forward who can help Whitnall and in the ruck. Can kick very long goals accurately, but needs some confidence. Well no worries! History states that Carlton are good when it comes to confidence, and the recycling of players. "Sticks" will teach him further, and will be firing again! Rating = 8/10
Brendan Fevola. Another young player for Carlton to cherish, but he is a trouble maker. He is talented, but hasn't fired enough to get him a spot in the forward line. I believe that he will have one more chance next year, in the forward line to deliver. But if he does not, then trading time. Has a very, very long kick... but needs to be more accurate, second efforts are good but marking is questionable. Rating = 6/10
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Ruck. I'd have to admit, Porter is a big loss the the ruck, and I will miss him. But hey, that's footy, and that's life... we must move on to ensure success. The ruck will be the same as it was this year, and last year. But Carlton hopes that Matty Allan does not get injured, otherwise it's over for the ruck. McKernan will help, but he nees to be up forward, and Hotton won't be much against the likes of Primus, Everitt and even Porter! The onballers will be the key though... but Carlton needs some more onballers in the future, to replace Bradley when he retires. The below players will describe the ruckman, and the two key onballers:
Matthew Allan. When Allan is on fire, he's an All-Australian. However, he has had a lot of injuries since 1999, and hasn't had much ground action. But he did show signs of brilliance in the final between the Crows this year, and hopefully will show it all of next year. He ruckwork is great... his palm work is breathtaking. He can help in defence or attack, and is basically a link player. Rating = 6/10
Craig Bradley. The ageless warrior is one of our best players. Our captain will be 38, but will always have an impact. He can still outrun opponents that are 10 years younger than him, and he can have an impact in games. Usually kicks goals on the run, and never gets tired. The inspiration from him is enormous, and when he's around, Carlton are a better team. His skills are one of the best... well, he is the most experience player in the AFL, isn't he? Rating = 8/10
Darren Hulme. Courage is his name. While is body is small, that doesn't affect him. He can run very fast, tackle well and has the fitness of a cheetah. He works hard all the time, which is why he is such a great player. Has florished well under the leadership of Brittian... and can improve. A little champ! Rating = 7/10
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Interchange. A lot of people think that Carlton's depth is very bad. Well... that's not the case. Carlton's reserves have a lot of good youth, and the Interchange Bench is no different. We have the youth to push on, and Brittian will make sure of that, he seems to have a lot of confidence in young players (which is very good for Carlton). Here is the players who will probably sit on the Interchange Bench for most of the year:
Simon Fletcher. He has had a great year this year. I think he played every game this year, which stands for something. He is a great young player who is usually in the midfield. He is a good mark, has great courage and I rate him very highly. Will be handy for Carlton in the future. Rating = 7/10
Andrew Eccles. I don't know much about him, but I've heard that he is a very good and young player, but injury prevented him from getting better. But hopefully he will flourish at Carlton, and become an even better player for Carlton. Rating = 8/10
Jim Plunkett. This player is the next Brett Ratten. His ball disposal is top class, and his tackling is excellent. Can also kick some goals, which is why he is very handy. All he needs is his kicks to be more penetrating, but I've rarely seen him do much mistakes, and he is still young! Rating = 9/10
Lindsay Smith. Don't know much about this player either, but I've never heard the name "Lindsay" in my enitre life. However, he will be vital for Carlton's Flag hopes for next year. He is a great mark, good kick, and he is very tall but best of all... he's young! Will probably be used down back, since SOS is gone, but needs to build a little bit more muscle first. Rating = 7/10
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I have now covered all aspects of the team... it's now time to talk about the coach. When Parko left, there was a lot of experience missing... but that doesn't stop Carlton being a Flag chance. I will describe just a little bit about the coaching panel, and lots about our own coach, Wayne Brittian.
Coaching. The coaching at the Carlton Football Club is one of the best in the league. A lot of football brains is at the coaching department. Steven Kernahan is the forward coach... a brilliant mastermind of the attacking aspect of the game. The skills/midfield coach is a one Greg Williams, one of the best players/football thinkers I have ever seen. If Williams is part of the coaching, there is more reason to why the youth of Carlton will flourish. Ross Lyon is a pretty good reserves coach, John Worsford is our defensive coach... and he is a good coach, since Carlton had the #1 defence in the league this year. And SOS is a new addition to the coaching panel... which will serve our defence better and make our coaching panel even smarter. But the head coach is what I will be talking about:
Wayne Brittian. He will have a big test next year. this will prove if he is a good or bad coach... we'll finally be able to see what Britts has under his sleeve. This year he was a great coach... made the finals in his first year, not bad. But he knows that he can get a handful of Jock McHale medal's in his career. He is tactically very good, is superconfident (in the game plan and new players) but is not the one to bask in his own presence. He is humble and calm... and pulled off great victories through his own tactics. Been an assistant to Parkin for years... and now it's time for him to prove that he is a great coach. My opinon? He will be a supercoach in the future... you should remember that he called the shots last year, and was the match-day coach. Now if only Calrton weren't inconsistent...
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The conclusion is that Carlton will be a force in 2002. With the players we got, we can improve from here. But SOS will leave a big hole, and while we won't have as many losses as this year, or percentage will suffer, probably be about 105% next year, whcih will finally determine the outcome of the finals series. I am predicting a top four finish for the BLues, that is, if we have hardly any injuries next year. If so, then still in the eight... but we will make the eight... never write us off! Journos have been doing that since 1999, saying that "Carlton will miss the eight".
The year 2002 will determine whether we should rebuild, or recycle. It will determine where Carlton stands as a club, and where it will go from there. Next year will also determine how good we are. People... the year 2002 is the year Carlton has to deliver, this is it. If not, then the rebuilding will be harsh and painful for our team, the the supporters of it. Even if we don't win the flag, and make the top four or eight, we will be consistent. If we miss the eight... Carlton will get the "underacheivers" title from Essendon.
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