No Pavlich No excuses

[DBLUES]

If we don't beat Freo without Pavlich, the spotlight must be put directly onto Ratten. Its his job to set the game plan and get the players minds right.

If Yarran gets a start I hope he shows us why he was picked ahead of Rich. He is playing at home and has no exuse.

And FFS, will someone please protect Murph from that sniper Schammer

 

[inyourcool]

We will lose so start warming up your spotlight

 

[CrippsonBlue]

If we lose, I'll be disappointed with Ratten for not sticking to his word of taking an experienced side interstate.

If we lose, i'll be putting the spotlight directly onto the PLAYERS.

At least 5 players have been recalled to the senior side, so you'd think this quarter of the team would be firing to go and prove that they deserved their inclusions.

As for the others, if they can't come out and make amends for what was truly a pathetic display against the Bombers, then we have more problems than losing to Freo minus Pavlich, or picking a long term pick rather than a ready made player to please the ignorant supporters amongst us.

Freo pushed the Cats so making amends doesn't necessarily mean a win - I want to see us play like we did against the Saints, we do that and we'll win enough to make finals whether the wins start this weekend or not.

 

[Malifice]

If we don't beat Freo without Pavlich, the spotlight must be put directly onto Ratten. Its his job to set the game plan and get the players minds right.

Pavlich hasnt been on fire this year and also done all that much damage to us in recent games regardless. IIRC he has actually been well held.

Sandilands and Haselby have been far more dangerous. Big ask of Hammer and Krueze to go up against Sandi. Look for 'second man up' ruck tactics. Also expect AJ to wear Haselby like a cheap suit.

Freo arent a complete basket case, they pushed Geelong at home a few weeks ago.

Plus Subiaco is a cauldron. You need to experience it personally to understand. Home games are worth 5-6 goals for the WA teams due to the crowd factor alone.

That said, Freo are far from imposing. If we are serious about top 8 claims, this is a game we should be putting away without too much difficulty.

Dont expect Juddy to have another quiet one either.

If Yarran gets a start I hope he shows us why he was picked ahead of Rich. He is playing at home and has no exuse.

Dont expect him to turn it on... yet. I hope (and expect) him to play well, but its fairly clear to me watching him that he looks a year or two and a full preseason away from showing his amazing potential (and have a few in here eating crow). He still looks a little off from where he was at last year in the WAFL.

From an outsiders perspective, he looks like he still hasnt built up the endurance base after an injury interrupted pre season. Also appears to be having difficulty in adjusting from relying on his amazing talent alone to playing according to a more structured/ game plan/ team role demanded at AFL level. Honestly I'd almost prefer it if he was plonked in the forward line and just told to play his natural game. Again, this is just opinion.

I do know that his 'uncle' who is a mate of mine and a few of his other relatives are going to the game (Im still trying to find out if he is actually playing on sunday or remaining an emergency... still unsure but looks likely).

And FFS, will someone please protect Murph from that sniper Schammer

If JR gets a gig, he may be the one to just that.

 

[celtic_pride]

You just know we'll lose, because the players are in a 'comfort' zone, and every time they start a game as 'warm favourites' delusions of granduer go into their mental state, and as a result, they often put in piss-weak and unacceptable second rate performances against sides they show little respect for (case in point last week against Essendon)

i've actually put a big bet on Freo to win, this is precisely the sort of game, we lose time and time and time again.

Freo actually are a fairly decent side at home, pushed the handbags a couple of weeks ago, ditto Tassie, and there is no way we're a club with the calibre of talent of Geelong or Hawthorn.

Fremantle by 24 points.

 

[Malifice]

Freo actually are a fairly decent side at home, pushed the handbags a couple of weeks ago, ditto Tassie, and there is no way we're a club with the calibre of talent of Geelong or Hawthorn.

IIRC we are currently higher on the ladder the the Hawks. And in the two games weve played against them this year havent we beaten them once preseason, and pushed them to within 3 coats of paint on a goal post?

Whether thats a indictment of Hawthorn this year, or a sign of us improving I dont know, but I wouldnt put too much weight into thier 'talent' this year.

FWIW I actually think the Blues will get up on Sunday. If we can negate Sandilands influence and tag Haselby out of it, im actually fairly confident.

Also Fev needs to put in a good game. He is not only injured, but he invariably saves his absolute sulky, petulant, selfish worst for games vs the Dockers. Plus (shockingly) Tarrant has owned him in both games they've played this year.

Id use him as a decoy forward and have Yarran, Betts, Gartlett crumbing.

 

[Bluebear]

If we don't beat Freo without Pavlich, the spotlight must be put directly onto Ratten. Its his job to set the game plan and get the players minds right.

So the players take absolutely no responsibility for their own mindset and preparation for the game.

Righteo.

If Yarran gets a start I hope he shows us why he was picked ahead of Rich. He is playing at home and has no exuse.

Because despite the fact that small forward is just about the hardest position on the ground to play well in, he should be able to do this in his 3rd or 4th game.......or he is a dud.

Righteo.

And FFS, will someone please protect Murph from that sniper Schammer

Murph can look after himself. Its the attention we need to give Judds tagger that has been lacking.
Should be bumped, blocked, scragged, head pushed into turf, wrestled at every opportunity. To allow Welsh to run around without physical pressure is a crime. Russell, Bentley...time to get mean and ragdoll young Ibbotson!

 

[Shambolic]

I completely agree.

Pavlich would have to have close to the most AA placings of all current footballers - he's so very good, in so many spots, that his loss would have to be worth 4, 5 or 6 goals.

They'll need to make a forward line of McPharlin, Murphy and a bunch of kids work.

if we cant win by 5 goals we dont deserve to play finals football, clearly.

 

[blue gunslinger]

We will lose so start warming up your spotlight

You just know we'll lose, because the players are in a 'comfort' zone, and every time they start a game as 'warm favourites' delusions of granduer go into their mental state, and as a result, they often put in piss-weak and unacceptable second rate performances against sides they show little respect for (case in point last week against Essendon)

i've actually put a big bet on Freo to win, this is precisely the sort of game, we lose time and time and time again.

Freo actually are a fairly decent side at home, pushed the handbags a couple of weeks ago, ditto Tassie, and there is no way we're a club with the calibre of talent of Geelong or Hawthorn.

Fremantle by 24 points.

Thank goodness you guys were not on the Kokoda track otherwise we would be talking about Sumo

 

[DBLUES]

So the players take absolutely no responsibility for their own mindset and preparation for the game.

Righteo.

Because despite the fact that small forward is just about the hardest position on the ground to play well in, he should be able to do this in his 3rd or 4th game.......or he is a dud.

Righteo.

Murph can look after himself. Its the attention we need to give Judds tagger that has been lacking.
Should be bumped, blocked, scragged, head pushed into turf, wrestled at every opportunity. To allow Welsh to run around without physical pressure is a crime. Russell, Bentley...time to get mean and ragdoll young Ibbotson!

So a coach has no influence on his teams mind set? Righteo
So a small forward picked at 6 can't run, chase and want the ball? Righteo
So Geelong( with 56wins from 59 games), who protect Ablett have it all wrong.Righteo

And Bently.................. FFS

 

[Malifice]

So a coach has no influence on his teams mind set? Righteo
So a small forward picked at 6 can't run, chase and want the ball? Righteo
So Geelong( with 56wins from 59 games), who protect Ablett have it all wrong.Righteo

And Bently.................. FFS

Are you intentionally trying to outdo C_P as the most negative carlton poster on BF?

Ratts has been coaching for 1 and a half years, with one of (if not THE) youngest lists in the AFL. You mentioned Geelong - and where were they (And Bomber Thompson) a few years back? In the exact same position as us and fielding the exact same critisisms.

Remember where we have come from... and dont let yourself get sucked into the hype. We are still a way off from being serious flag contenders.

A top 8 spot is a pass mark. The finals will be the bonus but honestly im not expecting too much - just a taste for a few players who have yet to experience it.

And while we are on Geelong and Ablett... didnt he have an auspicious start to his AFL career? Much like Yarran... GIVE HIM TIME!! By the way Yarran is neither small, nor is he a forward pocket. He has been drafted as a HFF with the potential to play midfield.

 

[Bluebear]

Don't be so defensive.

So a coach has no influence on his teams mind set? Righteo

How do you get to "no influence" from me denying "its his job" to get the players switched on?
Of course he has an influence, but its far from his job to do it. Each player is responsible for presenting to games "ready to play". If Ratts has to individually "switch on" each player, there is an issue with the player.....not Ratts.
How much work do you think he puts into Judd to get him "on" for a game?

So a small forward picked at 6 can't run, chase and want the ball? Righteo

Never said that. He is a very different player to Rich, and everyone wants this kid to Waltz in and be Leon Davis.
Remember how much shit we used to give Davis for the first 3-4 years of his career. Remember how much Betts copped for the first few years?
Compare apples with apples. That's all.

So Geelong( with 56wins from 59 games), who protect Ablett have it all wrong.Righteo
And Bently.................. FFS

Why are you comparing Murphy and Schammer to protection of Ablett?
Did you not read my comments about Judd?

How much "protection" does Bartel get?

When are school holidays over?

 

[Jezza U Beauty]

I'm not sure that we underachieve if we lose just because Pav's not there.

Freo at home is no easy assignment.

As others have said, big Sandi is much more the issue. Somehow, somehow we have to come up with a game plan to reduce the advantage they gain fromn his ruck dominance.

As with every week, I believe we'll win if our blokes turn up, but you just can't predict from week to week whether they will.

One thing i DO know though, is this board will burst into flames if JR handpasses over a teammate's head in the forward line when we're 3 points down with 35 seconds left.

 

[jonoman89]

If we don't win, we don't deserve to play finals football.

The travel excuse is an absolute cop out, as is any other excuse. Freo are scraping the barrel to get a side out there. If we lose we are a shambles.

 

[Mr.X]

This is a must win game.

We'll miss the finals if we lose this one

 

[CrippsonBlue]

This is a must win game.

We'll miss the finals if we lose this one

We'll still have one of the easiest runs home if we lose...

Check the games this week - very good chance we'll still be top 8 even if we do lose shock horror....

 

[Mr.X]

We'll still have one of the easiest runs home if we lose...

Check the games this week - very good chance we'll still be top 8 even if we do lose shock horror....

Not even an easy run home will help us if we lose this one ...

Their confidence will be shot

 

[transmed_999]

If we don't beat Freo without Pavlich, the spotlight must be put directly onto Ratten. Its his job to set the game plan and get the players minds right.

If Yarran gets a start I hope he shows us why he was picked ahead of Rich. He is playing at home and has no exuse.

And FFS, will someone please protect Murph from that sniper Schammer

Yarran is crap and you know it so stop pretending otherwise. Should of picked Rick instead.

 

[Shambolic]

Yarran is crap and you know it so stop pretending otherwise. Should of picked Rick instead.

Whether or not we should have picked Rich instead, Yarran isnt crap.

yarran is young and was good v Adelaide. Id have liked to have seen him get more game time.

Id like to see Ratten employ a 4 or 5 forwards structure rather than playing 3 defensive forwards every match! Some opponents you need that - St Kilda, hawthorn - but not every one!

 

[wavefall21]

unfortunately it's a distinct possibility imo that we will lose, i have no confidence at all after such a disgraceful perfomance last week, and to think we lost to freo the last time and we are such poor travellers i'm really starting to think that freo are a great bet for this week, if we lose all hell will break loose, there's no excuses for rats and the players

 

[Gozz]

To be honest I think our team has been hurt more with the outs than freo this week, so if anything it is no excuses for them if they lose.

In my opinion the outs of Stevens and Scotland outweigh their loss of Pavlich, Rattens selections are just woeful.

 

[HeziBarecket]

We're "favourites" (hence cursed), we are hopeless on the road and Fevola has lost it.

It doesn't look good. Not at all.

Will need a Herculean effort by the likes of Houlihan and Russell and we don't have many options in stopping Frankenstein who monstered us last game.

We can't afford to be arrogant with this game, but alas, hopefully a few players will be put on serious notice if we lose.

 

[Aposta87]

I agree it's not going to be easy. Freo won't be pushed over at subiaco like they were here in melbourne against collingwood. Freo missing Pav is a massive mental hurdle for them....regardless of whether he does alot of damage against us or not.

I am looking to Juddy, Murph and Gibbs to really take control tomorrow in the clearances. Sandilands will out do kreuz and hammer in the ruck.... he is too big and too experienced for our young guys....

I reckon the boys will bounce back with a win.... well I hope so anyways.

 

[The Cranium]

Well I've tipped Freo, reality over heart.

 

[greenred]

I agree it's not going to be easy. Freo won't be pushed over at subiaco like they were here in melbourne against collingwood. Freo missing Pav is a massive mental hurdle for them....regardless of whether he does alot of damage against us or not.

I am looking to Juddy, Murph and Gibbs to really take control tomorrow in the clearances. Sandilands will out do kreuz and hammer in the ruck.... he is too big and too experienced for our young guys....

I reckon the boys will bounce back with a win.... well I hope so anyways.

You could argue Fremantle don't miss Pavlich much at all. In 2008 Fremantle won 2 of the 3 games he missed, which is a fair result, given they only managed 5 wins for the season. If Carlton want to be taken seriously, they need to win this weekend. Fremantle's youngsters are tiring and there are a number of senior players returning from injury or struggling with form. There's no excuses for the Blues.