Preview Non-Essendon Threads: Carlton

[Kong]

A lot of discussion seems to be on talking about other clubs' fortunes in 2012, which makes sense considering we're getting sweet FA from our own club.

Figured we may as well make it official, starting off with the club that's provided more discussion on here than just about anything else. Talk about anything and everything related to 'em:

- How do people reckon they'll go in 2012?
- Which players should we look out for?
- Remember how they're corrupt, immoral and cheating bastards?
- I do like their theme song and jumper, though.
- lulz at their "elite midfield" consisting of Ellard, Curnow, Carazzo, Simpson, Robinson etc.

I really still can't see the talent on their list, but I'm aware I'm blinded by hatred. I rate the following: Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Warnock, Jamison, Garlett, Betts, Henderson (as a CHB only).

I rate Walker, Simpson, Duigan, Robinson and maybe one or two others as the lesser lights every side needs to have. Kreuzer's in that category for me. He's been solid, but I still don't see "it" that makes people believe he'll be the next Dean Cox. I also fear he'll struggle without the mobility he had before doing his knee.

Beyond there, it looks horrible for mine. I just don't see it, but Ross Lyon did show at St Kilda that a dedicated club and a strong style of play can overcome list deficiencies. Which is why it pains me to say I reckon they'll finish either 2nd or 3rd this year.

The way they spread from a contest and work for each other is fantastic. It's what helped Collingwood be so deadly (as well as the press, obviously), and I saw the foundations of it from Carlton in 2011.

I went to the Carlton/Sydney game at the Dome, and the way their players all ran to the right spaces, at the right times, and made repeated efforts really stood out. I admit I was envious, and it's what I know Hird and Bomber are trying to instill in our troops.

 

[Slattery_20]

They'll be right. Very smart, slick side. Haven't lost anything of note (Scotland, who was vitally important, is getting on though).

What they do need, is to grasp the bull by the horns, and plop one of their younger talls in the forward line and tell him it's his spot to lose. I haven't seen any real form out of any of them, but (like Collingwood did with Dawes) any sort of a presence down there will immediately make them a more balanced side.
Ratten's tended more to the conservative, which hasn't hindered them yet, but I don't actually think they're far off.
If the opportunity pops up - one or two of the other contenders getting old / injured / running off the rails at the right time: they can play in a GF at the least.


Oh, and yes, they are despicable, nuffy, cheating turds with the biggest bunch of fairweather, bandwagon supporters in Melbourne. But that barely needs saying.

 

[Kong]

I see they're flagging Hampson to play as a key forward.

Reminds me of when the Bulldogs tried that with Will Minson.

 

[Smyth94]

I hate their guts but my two best mates are Carlton supporters so unfortunately I do get to see a bit of them.

They should make the top 4 this season - no excuses. If things go right on the injury front I would expect them to go deep into the finals.

They do remind me a little of the Dogs at their best, although the Dogs had a much better backline.

EDIT: Can you imagine if we went for Sidebottom and this mob snapped up Hurls? *Shudder* Be just about flag favourites.

 

[Slattery_20]

I see they're flagging Hampson to play as a key forward.

Reminds me of when the Bulldogs tried that with Will Minson.

I tell you what, if Hampson ever does anything, at all... TheGeneral is going to look like the re-incarnation of Nostradamus himself.

Just looks pretty unco to me. Big and quick and all that. We'll see if the eye surgery helps, but to me, the fact he doesn't tap all that cleanly (when the ball's barely 3m away) says it isn't just eyesight.

 

[Kong]

The guy's quite the physical specimen. Huge shoulders, or broad, I should say, and really quick for someone his size.

But what does he actually do? Mediocre ruckman, terrible key forward.

 

[marky53]

I hate to admit that waites return should help them straighten up the forward line.....

 

[Slattery_20]

The guy's quite the physical specimen. Huge shoulders, or broad, I should say, and really quick for someone his size.

But what does he actually do? Mediocre ruckman, terrible key forward.

I'm prepared to give him the benefit of the doubt for 3-4 weeks... he could well be mediocre everywhere!!!

 

[windyhill]

Gibbs, big brownlow chance imo.

 

[Beerfish]

I see they're flagging Hampson to play as a key forward.

I hate to admit that waites return should help them straighten up the forward line.....

Until he gets suspended for a month in round three for being a ****wit.

 

[Lord Nicholson]

They looked like serious operators for most of the year last season (with a few notable exceptions being the late-season Footscray and Hawthorn games), and came within a bee's dick of playing in a prelim, and that was without Bryce Courtenay or whatever his name is and a few other key players. They're my flag favourites, as much as that idea makes me want to self harm.

 

[yaco55]

Should finish Top 4 this year.

Anything else will be a disappointment.

Only worry is that they have 3 or 4 games a year when they totally butcher the ball.

 

[The Speaker]

Something about them gives me the feeling this team of theirs will be similar to the Bulldogs of recent years. Prelims for a while, but no further.

 

[Slattery_20]

Something about them gives me the feeling this team of theirs will be similar to the Bulldogs of recent years. Prelims for a while, but no further.

Which is why I think they need to staple some big fat bastard to the goal square all year.

 

[vast]

Murphy is the only player they have that I dont hate, would be awesome if he played for us. The rest can go to hell.

Personally I think gibbs is terribly overrated and hell his career started with ridiculous expectations but seriously apart from being a very good kick what does he have. Even with the problems gumby has had I have never thought gee if only we could have got Gibbs, Selwood on the other hand.

Anyway I hope they fail hard this year, but if all goes well they are a chance for the the top 4. But again I hope they finish last.