Opinion Our Midfield

[I AM CARLTON]

Thought I would rate our midfield for this season (not overall career) by placing them in order and see who a youngster like Cripps will replace.

With everyone fit I rate them like this:

1. Murphy
2. Gibbs
3. Thomas
4. Judd
5. Bell
6. McLean
7. Carazzo
8. Curnow
9. Robinson

Based on this I have Robinson making way in the team for Cripps, then Curnow would come out if we wanted to play either Graham or Holman or someone else in the midfield.

What do others think?

 

[ODNBlue]

I think Curnow will probably play ever game he is fit for no matter who is available for selection.

 

[pepalenko]

I'm hoping Mitch has improvement in him. Brock needs to maintain last year's levels. I dont like saying it but to me, it may well be Carrots if he cant recapture his best form.

 

[inyourcool]

I expect Graham will slide into that group too sooner rather than later.

Lucas too if he can get his head right (then again he reminds of JR and he never got his right!)

 

[Juddernaut08]

Hard to say. I hope Carrazzo makes a 2-year renaissance, but I have a feeling he won't get back to his best. In any case, I see Graham and Cripps replacing Carrazzo and Judd in 2 years time.

 

[NumberEight]

Judd is still our best midfielder...

 

[setantypants]

All good, daisy at his best might be number one.

I think Carrots' best is behind him. Bell could be top 3 if he fixes his disposal and brain fades.

 

[Juddernaut08]

All good, daisy at his best might be number one.

I think Carrots' best is behind him. Bell could be top 3 if he fixes his disposal and brain fades.

Even if Judd retires, I don't see Bell overtaking Gibbs, Murphy or Thomas.

 

[etsal1]

Might just be me, but I have been pleased by Robbo's form this preseason. Could just see him get back to his peak form.

 

[Kramer1]

As it stands Bell is a distant 9th on that list. Mitch has his brain fades, but offers plenty more.

I'm not as high on Curnow as some. Elite endurance, get's everything out of himself, decidedly average disposal.

So probably three tiers rather than any sort of order...Murphy, Gibbs, Judd and Thomas, down to Robinson and Carrazzo with a further step down to Bell and Curnow.

 

[HBF]

Judd is still our best midfielder...

Second behind Murphy IMO.
Although his third quarter against Richmond on one leg last year was EPIC.

And Gibbs really needs to stand up this time.

 

[marcmurphy#3]

Robbo probably has a few more strings to his bow than a few of those lower places mids. It'll count in his favour if the spots get tight because he is the only one who has shown some ability to go forward for an entire game and do it well

 

[Stig O'Hara]

As long as they kick a goal or two a week, couldn't give 2 hoots.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

As it stands Bell is a distant 9th on that list. Mitch has his brain fades, but offers plenty more.

I'm not as high on Curnow as some. Elite endurance, get's everything out of himself, decidedly average disposal.

So probably three tiers rather than any sort of order...Murphy, Gibbs, Judd and Thomas, down to Robinson and Carrazzo with a further step down to Bell and Curnow.

I like this system. I don't rate Bell as highly as the OP does, YET. I think he's well on his way but needs to make decisions faster. Not sure about Carrots this year, think he might struggle to get into the side now that we have a bit more depth.

 

[Azul]

This thread needs more Kade Simpson at #5.

Once we get Buckley and Docherty up and running, we'll see Simmo back in the thick of it.

 

[BIGGUS 64]

I like this system. I don't rate Bell as highly as the OP does, YET. I think he's well on his way but needs to make decisions faster. Not sure about Carrots this year, think he might struggle to get into the side now that we have a bit more depth.

Currently I wouldn't rate Carrots higher than Curnow, who basically took Carrots's spot last season. If Carrots comes up fit and firing this season, he will be like a new recruit for our current structure and our midfield depth will be supreme.
I like Bell (who doesn't?), but I also would not pin too much expectation on him just yet. Hopefully he'll have a great season though and along with Robbo and eventually Cripps add a new level of physicality to our midfield group.

Wait till Cripps has a year or two to finish growing and to develop his body - he'll be a monster!

 

[Kreuuuzeurns]

Judd is still our best midfielder...

100% agree, but he's not our most consistent anymore. Play him in 5 minute bursts to get the best out of him.

 

[Jeremias]

With everyone at full fitness I'd be going with the following rankings:

1. Murphy
2. Thomas
3. McLean
4. Judd
5. Gibbs
6. Carrazzo
7. Curnow
8. Robinson
9. Bell:

Top 2 were very easy, but it becomes a little more difficult after that.

Murphy is the clear number 1 in that group at full fitness which unfortunately we haven't seen for a little while. Get back to his best and not only is he clear number 1 here but he's also right up there across the competition. Hopefully we see him back at that elite level in 2014.

Thomas is just a jet and a deserving 2nd place on the list. Some may suggest at full fitness he could pass Murphy as number 1 but I've always considered Murphy that little bit better. I never agreed with those saying Thomas was just about the best player in the game a few years back but there's no doubting his quality. Carlton supporters who still have reservations about his quality won't have them for too much longer as it's hard to not appreciate what Daisy does on the field. Beautiful combination of skill, speed and toughness and it will be a pleasure to watch him run around in Navy Blue.

McLean is my pick for 3rd which may be contentious for some. For mine he's been our best midfielder over the past 2 years or so which is unbelievable considering how far back he came from. May not be the quickest or the most skilled but he's smart enough to play within his limitations and make up for it in other areas. Just a complete and utter work horse who is committed to getting the best out of himself. Is also dangerous forward of centre which is a huge plus.

Judd at number 4 is a bit of a slider but I believe it's accurate. Clearly has slowed from his best years but still a valuable contributor capable of the super human effort but those come far less frequently now. It has been an absolute pleasure watching him play for our club but I feel this may be his final season. Looking forward to having him back in particular for the latter part of the year when he seems to lift another gear.

Gibbs I've put at 5 because I'm yet to be convinced he has what it takes to be a top level permanent midfielder. Has had some magnificent games through the midfield but I haven't seen the consistency from him yet that I have from the others. Has the talent to quite easily elevate himself to 2nd or 3rd on the list, but does he have the desire to do so? I have my doubts, but only time will tell.

Carrazzo I have next in front of Curnow but that is touch and go. Ultimately I went with the player who has done it for longer. Carrots is very much the forgotten man in our midfield rotation and could be a huge bonus if he gets back to full fitness. Not only is he very good at limiting his direct opponent's influence on the game but he's also shown himself to be more than capable of hurting the opposition going the other way. That's hugely important in the modern game as you can't really afford to have a player exclusively defensively minded, particularly running through the middle of the ground. Could have been higher on this list but his injuries over the past 12-18 months have seen him slide and may continue to do so.

Curnow was our most improved player last year and could consider himself unlucky to still find himself behind Carrazzo on this list. Realistically they are probably reversed, but as I said, I went with the player who has proven himself over the longer period of time. Curnow I feel is better defensively than Carrazzo but certainly a level or two on the offensive side of things. That's really the area he needs to improve on if he is to elevate his game into the elite tagger territory. At this stage just does not have enough hurt factor on his disposals. I'd also like to see him improve his inside game. At the moment I have him as clearly our best option to tag the best opposition "hybrid" midfielder - ie. those who are equally good both inside and outside the contest - but I think he still struggles somewhat against purely inside midfielders because he doesn't have that inside game to match them. He's a limited footballer but learn to play within his limitations and his value to us will continue to rise.

Robinson I have at 8th because he just doesn't have the game most others on this list possess. He's a limited footballer and often struggles to play within those limitations which can hurt us at times. Not particularly smart nor particularly skilled but obviously can't fault his effort or intensity. Goes at 100% at all times and that attitude is infectious and a real highlight. Doesn't have the game to be a permanent midfielder but certainly can have an impact in bursts. More often than not a role player but there are games on the way where he just explodes and puts in a BOG performance so he can certainly be a valuable contributor. Has flexibility to his game and can push forward and have a real impact on the scoreboard and I feel that's where he may spend most of his time in 2014. Not sure he's an automatic selection any more but he's still a good option to have up our sleeve.

Bell is last on the list and by a long way. Doesn't have the runs on the board and hasn't shown himself yet to be capable of being a long term senior footballer. Many are excited by his prospects but I'm yet to be convinced. Certainly has some real advantages to his game (size, strength, running power) but I feel at this stage his deficiencies are glaring and outweigh those positives. Skill level is poor as is his awareness and decision making. To his credit he looks to be a very hard worker and seems to be doing what he can to iron out those deficiencies but he still has a hell of a long way to go. Has enormous scope for improvement but he's coming from a long way back. Regardless, he gets his chance from round 1 and could become a regular senior selection but for now I remain cautious on his prospects.

 

[CrippsonBlue]

Based on comments across the board seems many are expecting Robinson to drift into fringe/depth territory - I'm tipping top 5 BnF. On the flip side lot of overrating of Bell across the board - will have his moments but has a way to go to just be considered a solid contributor.

 

[Magruder]

If Gibbs gets his shit together, he will be the pre-eminent mid bar Ablett. Has it all.

Would love to see Yaz on that list by the end of this season.

 

[Juddernaut08]

With everyone at full fitness I'd be going with the following rankings:

1. Murphy
2. Thomas
3. McLean
4. Judd
5. Gibbs
6. Carrazzo
7. Curnow
8. Robinson
9. Bell:

Top 2 were very easy, but it becomes a little more difficult after that.

Murphy is the clear number 1 in that group at full fitness which unfortunately we haven't seen for a little while. Get back to his best and not only is he clear number 1 here but he's also right up there across the competition. Hopefully we see him back at that elite level in 2014.

Thomas is just a jet and a deserving 2nd place on the list. Some may suggest at full fitness he could pass Murphy as number 1 but I've always considered Murphy that little bit better. I never agreed with those saying Thomas was just about the best player in the game a few years back but there's no doubting his quality. Carlton supporters who still have reservations about his quality won't have them for too much longer as it's hard to not appreciate what Daisy does on the field. Beautiful combination of skill, speed and toughness and it will be a pleasure to watch him run around in Navy Blue.

McLean is my pick for 3rd which may be contentious for some. For mine he's been our best midfielder over the past 2 years or so which is unbelievable considering how far back he came from. May not be the quickest or the most skilled but he's smart enough to play within his limitations and make up for it in other areas. Just a complete and utter work horse who is committed to getting the best out of himself. Is also dangerous forward of centre which is a huge plus.

Judd at number 4 is a bit of a slider but I believe it's accurate. Clearly has slowed from his best years but still a valuable contributor capable of the super human effort but those come far less frequently now. It has been an absolute pleasure watching him play for our club but I feel this may be his final season. Looking forward to having him back in particular for the latter part of the year when he seems to lift another gear.

Gibbs I've put at 5 because I'm yet to be convinced he has what it takes to be a top level permanent midfielder. Has had some magnificent games through the midfield but I haven't seen the consistency from him yet that I have from the others. Has the talent to quite easily elevate himself to 2nd or 3rd on the list, but does he have the desire to do so? I have my doubts, but only time will tell.

Carrazzo I have next in front of Curnow but that is touch and go. Ultimately I went with the player who has done it for longer. Carrots is very much the forgotten man in our midfield rotation and could be a huge bonus if he gets back to full fitness. Not only is he very good at limiting his direct opponent's influence on the game but he's also shown himself to be more than capable of hurting the opposition going the other way. That's hugely important in the modern game as you can't really afford to have a player exclusively defensively minded, particularly running through the middle of the ground. Could have been higher on this list but his injuries over the past 12-18 months have seen him slide and may continue to do so.

Curnow was our most improved player last year and could consider himself unlucky to still find himself behind Carrazzo on this list. Realistically they are probably reversed, but as I said, I went with the player who has proven himself over the longer period of time. Curnow I feel is better defensively than Carrazzo but certainly a level or two on the offensive side of things. That's really the area he needs to improve on if he is to elevate his game into the elite tagger territory. At this stage just does not have enough hurt factor on his disposals. I'd also like to see him improve his inside game. At the moment I have him as clearly our best option to tag the best opposition "hybrid" midfielder - ie. those who are equally good both inside and outside the contest - but I think he still struggles somewhat against purely inside midfielders because he doesn't have that inside game to match them. He's a limited footballer but learn to play within his limitations and his value to us will continue to rise.

Robinson I have at 8th because he just doesn't have the game most others on this list possess. He's a limited footballer and often struggles to play within those limitations which can hurt us at times. Not particularly smart nor particularly skilled but obviously can't fault his effort or intensity. Goes at 100% at all times and that attitude is infectious and a real highlight. Doesn't have the game to be a permanent midfielder but certainly can have an impact in bursts. More often than not a role player but there are games on the way where he just explodes and puts in a BOG performance so he can certainly be a valuable contributor. Has flexibility to his game and can push forward and have a real impact on the scoreboard and I feel that's where he may spend most of his time in 2014. Not sure he's an automatic selection any more but he's still a good option to have up our sleeve.

Bell is last on the list and by a long way. Doesn't have the runs on the board and hasn't shown himself yet to be capable of being a long term senior footballer. Many are excited by his prospects but I'm yet to be convinced. Certainly has some real advantages to his game (size, strength, running power) but I feel at this stage his deficiencies are glaring and outweigh those positives. Skill level is poor as is his awareness and decision making. To his credit he looks to be a very hard worker and seems to be doing what he can to iron out those deficiencies but he still has a hell of a long way to go. Has enormous scope for improvement but he's coming from a long way back. Regardless, he gets his chance from round 1 and could become a regular senior selection but for now I remain cautious on his prospects.

Usually agree with a lot of the stuff you post but Mclean better than Gibbs and Judd is the stuff of la la land.

Mclean was criminally underrated and slagged off unfairly on this board for a long time. But I believe the pendulum has swung too far the other way. Yes, he has been consistent over the last two years, but he is not in the same ball park as the other two.

Judd and Gibbs were both tagged in games over the last two years. That alone should tell you something.

 

[mediumsizered]

Based on comments across the board seems many are expecting Robinson to drift into fringe/depth territory - I'm tipping top 5 BnF. On the flip side lot of overrating of Bell across the board - will have his moments but has a way to go to just be considered a solid contributor.

I'm with you on this. Robbo is such an important component of our midfield. When he's playing well, the team is generally travelling well. Bell is still finding his feet & his best work is done in bursts. Robbo uses the ball better than Bell & hits the scoreboard more often than Bell.

 

[Jeremias]

Usually agree with a lot of the stuff you post but Mclean better than Gibbs and Judd is the stuff of la la land.

Mclean was criminally underrated and slagged off unfairly on this board for a long time. But I believe the pendulum has swung too far the other way. Yes, he has been consistent over the last two years, but he is not in the same ball park as the other two.

Judd and Gibbs were both tagged in games over the last two years. That alone should tell you something.

If we're ranking them as footballers then quite clearly Gibbs would be ranked ahead of McLean, no doubt about it. However, as as a pure midfielder I believe McLean is certainly ahead at this stage.

Brock has been just about our best midfielder over the past few seasons whilst Gibbs has, at times, struggled with the step up to permanent midfielder.

Gibbs clearly has the talent to push well ahead and it wouldn't surprise should that happen this season but for now I have McLean in front.

Judd is a tough one to rank. It's difficult to isolate his prospects for this season without reflecting upon his past. I've tried to do that which is why we see him at 4th on the list. He's still a very good footballer but is a shade of his former self and clearly is a champion on the decline. Still capable of the super human efforts but they aren't as frequent as they once were.

 

[gbatman]

I'm not going to rank them in order, just state if they are good enough or not. If we are to be flag-worthy, these players in bold don't get a game:

Murphy, Gibbs, Thomas, Judd, Bell, McLean, Carazzo, Curnow, Robinson

We desperately need Cripps to turn out. We still need a big strong clearance player but we need one who can play and isn't poorly skilled or as slow as treacle. Our top ball winners need to be players who are regularly capable of getting 30+ possessions and need to be players who can use it. It's embarrassing having a top ball winners who are incapable of disposing of the footy well. It's embarrassing having midfielders who get rings run around them and fumble and aren't good below their knees and have the agility of a bus. There really is no red hot elite AA quality talent in our midfield at the moment. We need some kids coming through. The fact that guys like Robinson, Bell and Mclean are still getting games and are our more relied on midfielders speak for our drafting over the last few years. Not good enough!

 

[Brettox]

I'm not going to rank them in order, just state if they are good enough or not. If we are to be flag-worthy, these players in bold don't get a game:

Murphy, Gibbs, Thomas, Judd, Bell, McLean, Carazzo, Curnow, Robinson

We desperately need Cripps to turn out. We still need a big strong clearance player but we need one who can play and isn't poorly skilled or as slow as treacle. Our top ball winners need to be players who are regularly capable of getting 30+ possessions and need to be players who can use it. It's embarrassing having a top ball winners who are incapable of disposing of the footy well. It's embarrassing having midfielders who get rings run around them and fumble and aren't good below their knees and have the agility of a bus. There really is no red hot elite AA quality talent in our midfield at the moment. We need some kids coming through. The fact that guys like Robinson, Bell and Mclean are still getting games and are our more relied on midfielders speak for our drafting over the last few years. Not good enough!

I think you hit the nail on the head.

Look at Hawthorn for example, have gone out and recruited strong running players such as Isaac Smith and Bradley Hill, who might not be superstars but compliment Sewell and Mitchell very well. Freo have a similar brand of strong running players Hill & Co. Both of those teams structures support the strong in and under midfielders with run and pressure, qualities not displayed that well by CFC. That is where sides will get Sydney on the big grounds.

Port showed us how to do it last night. Maybe not having Judd is the difference at the moment.