Positivity & Perspective

[Smalls0304]

Reading this board (& facebook) since the doggies loss ive seen a wave of negative comments directed at players & the gameplan. Thought it was the perfect time to break my "create thread" virginity and bring up what has gone right this year. I wasn't able to watch the game as i was working but reading this board after it seemed as if we lost by 80+ points and were never in it. Watching it later without expectation, i found myself alot less frustrated with the team. 2nd year of a rebuild and we lost to the reigning premiers without 2 important midfielders in Cripps & Curnow in an already weak midfield. Perspective pls
Positives:

PLAYERS
Marchbank - Serious tick, looked great early on, thought he faded a little but showed hugely positive signed in his longest string of AFL games
Gibbs - Taken his game to another level, upped his value (if he leaves) and carried us through games
Kreuzer - Best ruck in the game at the moment. Second full year in a row doing him wonders and should be a lock for the AA
Pickett - Think we need to lower expectations so far for Pickett, this year was all about getting back playing footy consistently and has been fit all year. Another pre-season will help him significantly
Doc - Best half back in the game, but for me is showing that he may be too good to leave at half back. Could become a very valuable midfielder for us without having to recruit one
Williamson - Giant tick at pick 61. Could be the replacement for Simmo we need but also showing signs of being able to be used on a wing
Polson - Another big tick at 59. Don't think he played much (any?) football last year so to break into the side in his first year is a very good effort. Another player who will benefit of a pre season
Jones - Move over LeBron, we've got the new LBJ (Liam the beast Jones). Absolute gem and couldn't be happier for him. The path is there for any player who wants it enough
ASOS - Showed way more than i thought he would. Thought he was recruited to add experience to the NB side but showing serious signs at AFL level. Also took Buddy to town
C.Curnow - Could be anything. Delicious
Cuningham - Finally was showing signs he belongs at AFL level. He is too good for VFL, he just has to believe it. Can't wait to see him really start taking the game on.
Macreadie - Another first year player showing great signs at AFL and VFL level. Still got a very slim build which makes it tough as a defender, but has shown signs of being a solid AFL player and also seems a level above in the VFL
Plowman - Started the season really, really well. Also have to understand he is somebody to hasn't played consistent football. Showing good versatility being able to play tall and small. Needs to keep building the tank. Will get better as the midfield does.

THE CLUB
Bolton - Defence first gameplan. Keeping sides honest and getting the kids to turn up most weeks. Roos started Melbourne with the same system and they would be a serious side this year without the injuries. Love the way he speaks and the passion in the box.
Rising Stars - 3rd club ever to have 5 or more. Huge effort. Think the long season is starting to effect them, but seriously good signs for the future.
Giving players chances - I personally love how Bolton is giving some players the chance to play for their careers at AFL level. It would keep morale and the hunger up for the squad. Now to give KJ his shot
Destination club - Without the wins on the board, i think we are a seriously good option for players to look at. Cashed up, a chance to play for one of the biggest AFL clubs, talented young list, good culture, great coach. Kelly on the way

We are the second year into the rebuild. If we lose more games than last year that does not mean we have gone backwards at all. The signs are great. The younger players are starting to play more vital roles within the team, the average age of the team will drop again at the end of the year. Players like White, Rowe, Armfield, Korcheck, Sheehan, Casboult?, Palmer? could all be turned into younger players. We are on the right path!
Please add anything else that you're happy with

 

[djw1952]

Reading this board (& facebook) since the doggies loss ive seen a wave of negative comments directed at players & the gameplan. Thought it was the perfect time to break my "create thread" virginity and bring up what has gone right this year. I wasn't able to watch the game as i was working but reading this board after it seemed as if we lost by 80+ points and were never in it. Watching it later without expectation, i found myself alot less frustrated with the team. Positives:

PLAYERS
Marchbank - Serious tick, looked great early on, thought he faded a little but showed hugely positive signed in his longest string of AFL games
Gibbs - Taken his game to another level, upped his value (if he leaves) and carried us through games
Kreuzer - Best ruck in the game at the moment. Second full year in a row doing him wonders and should be a lock for the AA
Pickett - Think we need to lower expectations so far for Pickett, this year was all about getting back playing footy consistently and has been fit all year. Another pre-season will help him significantly
Doc - Best half back in the game, but for me is showing that he may be too good to leave at half back. Could become a very valuable midfielder for us without having to recruit one
Williamson - Giant tick at pick 61. Could be the replacement for Simmo we need but also showing signs of being able to be used on a wing
Polson - Another big tick at 59. Don't think he played much (any?) football last year so to break into the side in his first year is a very good effort. Another player who will benefit of a pre season
Jones - Move over LeBron, we've got the new LBJ (Liam the beast Jones). Absolute gem and couldn't be happier for him. The path is there for any player who wants it enough
ASOS - Showed way more than i thought he would. Thought he was recruited to add experience to the NB side but showing serious signs at AFL level. Also took Buddy to town
C.Curnow - Could be anything. Delicious
Cuningham - Finally was showing signs he belongs at AFL level. He is too good for VFL, he just has to believe it. Can't wait to see him really start taking the game on.
Macreadie - Another first year player showing great signs at AFL and VFL level. Still got a very slim build which makes it tough as a defender, but has shown signs of being a solid AFL player and also seems a level above in the VFL
Plowman - Started the season really, really well. Also have to understand he is somebody to hasn't played consistent football. Showing good versatility being able to play tall and small. Needs to keep building the tank. Will get better as the midfield does.

THE CLUB
Bolton - Defence first gameplan. Keeping sides honest and getting the kids to turn up most weeks. Roos started Melbourne with the same system and they would be a serious side this year without the injuries. Love the way he speaks and the passion in the box.
Rising Stars - 3rd club ever to have 5 or more. Huge effort. Think the long season is starting to effect them, but seriously good signs for the future.
Giving players chances - I personally love how Bolton is giving some players the chance to play for their careers at AFL level. It would keep morale and the hunger up for the squad. Now to give KJ his shot
Destination club - Without the wins on the board, i think we are a seriously good option for players to look at. Cashed up, a chance to play for one of the biggest AFL clubs, talented young list, good culture, great coach. Kelly on the way

We are the second year into the rebuild. If we lose more games than last year that does not mean we have gone backwards at all. The signs are great. The younger players are starting to play more vital roles within the team, the average age of the team will drop again at the end of the year. Players like White, Rowe, Armfield, Korcheck, Sheehan, Casboult?, Palmer? could all be turned into younger players. We are on the right path!
Please add anything else that you're happy with

They handed the game to the WB on a platter...........piss poor effort !!!

 

[ferrisb]

Errrrr, maybe not the thread for that DJ Dubya...

 

[Press Box Wing]

Also ...

SPS - Has shown plenty and will become a damaging player for us.
SOJ - Becoming a consistent contributor and will keep getting better.
Levi - Has increased his value this year whether he stays or goes.

Plenty of positives.



.... but that was a pretty disappointing loss.

 

[Navara79]

Errrrr, maybe not the thread for that DJ Dubya...

Chicken little thread

 

[BluStreak]

The Club
List management has taken a leap forward in every aspect.
President is the only board member visible (other then CEO)
CEO sending out clear consistent messages.

 

[Jabba73]

We are not Collingwood, * or Richmond.

That should always be enough to be positive about.

 

[GapInIkonPark]

Well done Smalls on this thread.

I am very pleased that we have in our Best 22 the following first and second year and new players:
Weitering
Charlie
Cuningham
Jack
SPS
Fisher
Williamson
Marchbank

I think with another pre-season Harry, Polson and Pickett will be Best 22 players, Macreadie just out due to the depth of our backs, and Kerr will be tracking well too.

We have other young players playing well, Cripps and Docherty in particular.

Our leaders are leading well: Murphy, Gibbs, Simpson, Cripps, Docherty, Ed, Rowe and Thomas. Tough the last week or so without Cripps and Ed.

Our game plan is not to break the lines yet. Next year I can see SPS, Willa, Fisher, Lamb, Pickett, Polson and Charlie doing just that.

And Jones and ASOS have surprised and look like playing key roles for us over the next 2 years.

Before injuries hit our VFL team was doing well and we can look forward to more of that next year.

Replace Buckley, Gorringe, White, Armfield and Jaksch and we will have in my opinion a better list than this year.

SOS and Bolts doing a great job.

 

[TerryWallet]

Positivity & Perspective: The absolutely necessary groundwork of a proper rebuild is being laid. Everything is looking and sounding good at this stage.

Congrats to the Club for turning around an almost sunk ship.

Our youth, as a collective, couldn't have been more impressive.

 

[thylacine60]

Reading this board (& facebook) since the doggies loss ive seen a wave of negative comments directed at players & the gameplan. Thought it was the perfect time to break my "create thread" virginity and bring up what has gone right this year. I wasn't able to watch the game as i was working but reading this board after it seemed as if we lost by 80+ points and were never in it. Watching it later without expectation, i found myself alot less frustrated with the team. 2nd year of a rebuild and we lost to the reigning premiers without 2 important midfielders in Cripps & Curnow in an already weak midfield. Perspective pls
Positives:

PLAYERS
Marchbank - Serious tick, looked great early on, thought he faded a little but showed hugely positive signed in his longest string of AFL games
Gibbs - Taken his game to another level, upped his value (if he leaves) and carried us through games
Kreuzer - Best ruck in the game at the moment. Second full year in a row doing him wonders and should be a lock for the AA
Pickett - Think we need to lower expectations so far for Pickett, this year was all about getting back playing footy consistently and has been fit all year. Another pre-season will help him significantly
Doc - Best half back in the game, but for me is showing that he may be too good to leave at half back. Could become a very valuable midfielder for us without having to recruit one
Williamson - Giant tick at pick 61. Could be the replacement for Simmo we need but also showing signs of being able to be used on a wing
Polson - Another big tick at 59. Don't think he played much (any?) football last year so to break into the side in his first year is a very good effort. Another player who will benefit of a pre season
Jones - Move over LeBron, we've got the new LBJ (Liam the beast Jones). Absolute gem and couldn't be happier for him. The path is there for any player who wants it enough
ASOS - Showed way more than i thought he would. Thought he was recruited to add experience to the NB side but showing serious signs at AFL level. Also took Buddy to town
C.Curnow - Could be anything. Delicious
Cuningham - Finally was showing signs he belongs at AFL level. He is too good for VFL, he just has to believe it. Can't wait to see him really start taking the game on.
Macreadie - Another first year player showing great signs at AFL and VFL level. Still got a very slim build which makes it tough as a defender, but has shown signs of being a solid AFL player and also seems a level above in the VFL
Plowman - Started the season really, really well. Also have to understand he is somebody to hasn't played consistent football. Showing good versatility being able to play tall and small. Needs to keep building the tank. Will get better as the midfield does.

THE CLUB
Bolton - Defence first gameplan. Keeping sides honest and getting the kids to turn up most weeks. Roos started Melbourne with the same system and they would be a serious side this year without the injuries. Love the way he speaks and the passion in the box.
Rising Stars - 3rd club ever to have 5 or more. Huge effort. Think the long season is starting to effect them, but seriously good signs for the future.
Giving players chances - I personally love how Bolton is giving some players the chance to play for their careers at AFL level. It would keep morale and the hunger up for the squad. Now to give KJ his shot
Destination club - Without the wins on the board, i think we are a seriously good option for players to look at. Cashed up, a chance to play for one of the biggest AFL clubs, talented young list, good culture, great coach. Kelly on the way

We are the second year into the rebuild. If we lose more games than last year that does not mean we have gone backwards at all. The signs are great. The younger players are starting to play more vital roles within the team, the average age of the team will drop again at the end of the year. Players like White, Rowe, Armfield, Korcheck, Sheehan, Casboult?, Palmer? could all be turned into younger players. We are on the right path!
Please add anything else that you're happy with

Now that's an OP

 

[BlueGum]

I remember a few years back, at a Carlton v Adelaide game at Docklands (we were getting a shellacking) standing up and applauding because someone (maybe Jamo) shepherded for a player as they were attempting to run out of the backline. They were as rare as hen's teeth.

Shepherds, reactions to rough play, hits or sledges, working collectively to defend, talking to each other about positioning, and the game plan, congratulating each other...

We might not always execute at the skill level we are aiming for, but we a definitely learning to play like a team. That's going to get better and better.

 

[TerryWallet]

I remember a few years back, at a Carlton v Adelaide game at Docklands (we were getting a shellacking) standing up and applauding because someone (maybe Jamo) shepherded for a player as they were attempting to run out of the backline. They were as rare as hen's teeth.

Shepherds, reactions to rough play, hits or sledges, working collectively to defend, talking to each other about positioning, and the game plan, congratulating each other...

We might not always execute at the skill level we are aiming for, but we a definitely learning to play like a team. That's going to get better and better.

Good get BlueGum.

These are some of the necessary groundwork that is being laid with the new players.

This future team will learn to be a TEAM.

 

[majesticseacapt]

Agree with everything you said, except Polson.

Im not sold on him yet.

I think as a whole, we've made significant progress and you can see the foundation being laid for sustained success.

 

[Soapy V]

There is so much to like about what is happening. It will just take time and there will be ups and downs along the way but I am confident we are on the right path for No.17

 

[Shazam82]

I can't remember who said it but they were talking about Nathan Buckly and a sign of a good coach is that they get the best out of players. If you use the same logic, not many (if any) players have actually gone backwards under Bolton. Weiters might be the exception but I'm confident he will be a star. Bolts is doing the best he can and inherited a mess. Sit back, relax and enjoy the re-build.

 

[thylacine60]

Agree with everything you said, except Polson.

Im not sold on him yet.

I think as a whole, we've made significant progress and you can see the foundation being laid for sustained success.

yep..........as in, nup.......

 

[majesticseacapt]

yep..........as in, nup.......

I'll give time, i just dont see why so many people rate him so highly other than he 'slid in the draft due to injuries'. Alot of people thought Clem Smith was a steal in the draft as well.

I hope he does produce the goods and becomes a good afl player

 

[thylacine60]

I thought he looked soft avoiding those full-body hits on the family couch draft night.........

 

[bleednavyblue]

A total overhaul and new ideas and direction were long overdue.......

i fully believe Brendan Bolton and his staff are headed in the right direction. The club was in desperate need over a overhaul or a re-set as Bolton says. For far too long the club threw money at problems by going to buy players and buy coaches rather than invest in youth and grow for sustainability. it was the Carlton mentality for a long time to get established players who were merely chasing a big pay day rather than trying to build something.

I am glad that they have realised that money doesnt fix everything and just cause a player/coach is available doesnt mean its a good idea to recruit/employ them. for the current placement of this great club we are on the right track, its sometime painful to watch, sometimes its pleasure but as a supporter and member i am excited for the future and seeing players like Cripps, SOSOS, C Curnow, SPS, Macreadie, Cunningham, McKay etc, develop into not just stars but also team players united on all fronts.

Stephen Silvagni has so far done an amazing job transforming our list. His recruitment and eye for talent is something that you cant easily replace. Im glad he came back to fix the mess that others before him had created, obviously this process is going to take a while but SOS will fix it.

All i can say to the Carlton faithful is to endure, we ride the ups and downs, we get angry and frustrated, but something we can never be denied is our passion for the navy blue. Im sure every single one of you want the glory days back and i do to, lets hope its not to far away.

 

[djw1952]

Errrrr, maybe not the thread for that DJ Dubya...

I guess just like George Dubya I should not have invaded this territory.........in doing so I take full responsibility for F***in up!!! (Cheeney made me do it.......... I swear it on my riflemens` association bible) I have just had a gutful of Carlton having noble losses lately.........

 

[Blueballs38]

All every single blueblagger has to remember is the last few games of MM, the recruiting FOR him and before him *%+#* Rogers want to kill his pea brain talent finding methods .... I mean seriously a chimp with some darts would have done way better, our past administrations and their stupid, ill timed marketing lines .... can u smell what we are cooking? Does a shite sandwhich actually comply as there is no cooking?
All the infighting from board members, fans being left in the dark and marginalised etc etc etc etc etc etc etc

Fast forward 2 years and BOOM

Great recruiting, excellent development, all bluebaggers part of "the Journey", slick marketing, tough, disciplined coaching staff led by a man who is driven in bringing #17 to this club

And the there is SOS

Ostracised from the club for years while we went to shit .... u want to talk messiah ..... look no further.

I know where I prefer to be.

I love Sticks but am so glad that the we are CFC f.... the rest is not part of our ethos anymore.

Get it done first, win a couple of flags and then open ur mouth, if ever.

None of this means #17 is secure but wowee better to be building towards it with weapons that if they all align give us a good chance than the pie in the sky crap we ultimately dished out and became.

Geez I wish we recruited Judd now, gave up Fevola, kept Kennedy with all these young kids and experienced hands we have now.

We would be up to 20 cups by now!

Shocking to watch this club go from the mighty blues, to the salary cap cheating blues, to crucified bottom of the ladder blues, to tanking blues, to screw up our recruiting forever and give us so many false dawn blues.

Just glad that that's all over and for the first time in a long long time ... I know we are coming (2-3 years).

I can wait but no more shite!

Don't mind losing, hate hate not seeing pride in the jumper.


Thank GOD we have that now!

 

[thylacine60]

Geez I wish we recruited Judd now, gave up Fevola, kept Kennedy with all these young kids and experienced hands we have now.

We would be up to 20 cups by now!

All up a fabulous post, B38! The piece above I can't agree with however. We would have developed JK into a sludge VFL player in 2 seasons and he'd be gone back west regardless.

 

[Blueballs38]

All up a fabulous post, B38! The piece above I can't agree with however. We would have developed JK into a sludge VFL player in 2 seasons and he'd be gone back west regardless.

I was saying now under the current regime .... a judd (Kelly) and a Kennedy (Lynch) would be perfect for our rebuild

 

[Tushay]

They handed the game to the WB on a platter...........piss poor effort !!!

No. The suggestion that the effort was lacking is wrong, and anyone who watched the game closely will understand that.

We've now got a length injury list, and for a rebuilding club that makes things very difficult. Guys getting games who aren't up to it and young guys getting played through the midfield to cover absences who are not fully physically developed (and can't for example, stick every tackle).

The suggestion that we were not showing effort is a long way off the mark.

 

[Gingerbread man]

No. The suggestion that the effort was lacking is wrong, and anyone who watched the game closely will understand that.

We've now got a length injury list, and for a rebuilding club that makes things very difficult. Guys getting games who aren't up to it and young guys getting played through the midfield to cover absences who are not fully physically developed (and can't for example, stick every tackle).

The suggestion that we were not showing effort is a long way off the mark.

At least with the long injury list it gives Bolton the chance to test out the players playing for a contract next year without questions being raised about tanking