Preview RND 1 - Carlton v Richmond - Thursday 21st March 7:20PM @ MCG - Team Post #1412

[Opine]

Fas or JSOS in for CamPol,

 

[Blue since 72]

Completely different player though

Is that an issue though given the current team make up?

Even if we see more upside with LOB, it's been evident management has seen more to like in their eyes for now with Garlett in that position. He played both JLTs, whereas LOB played none. So even if we don't agree with that choice, it seems to be that Garlett is pigeon-holed for round 1 playing HBF.

Yes, reality is Garlett seems to be a front runner for a round 1 spot over those who have yet to play senior footy.

 

[Soapy V]

Don’t get criticism of Garlett. Been as good as any of the young players and improving each week. People just seem to have targets

 

[Benaly28]

Jsos and Fas look the only possible ins.

Maybe LOB next in line.Hard to see who misses from today.

Polson was so so,Gov looks under done but needs to keep building in the 1sts,takes another tall.

Grimes/Astbury/Rance take the 3 talls.

Their forward crumbers are the worry.They look too fast.

 

[Stig O'Hara]

Don’t get criticism of Garlett. Been as good as any of the young players and improving each week. People just seem to have targets

He’s playing a lot deeper in the backline, which is a sharp learning curve.

Got his body right, granted there’s been some Emu moments, but there is a spot for him.

 

[james Dean]

They are my tip to win the flag this year. Looking forward to seeing how Walsh deals with the big stage, he has shown he has the talent over the past fortnight, the next step is to see how he handles big moments/occasions.

Tigers by 30 odd

 

[Red Bull]

Simpson Jones Silvagni
Newman Weitering Garlett
Walsh Cripps Murphy
Cuningham Curnow Fisher
McGovern McKay Fasolo

Phillips Setterfield SPS

Dow Curnow Thomas Polson

Silvagni for Plowman
Fasolo for Gibbons

 

[Arr0w]

Bring it on!

Think we will be extremely competitive in this game(year), anything can happen

 

[gardiner stand]

Round 1 not so much about individuals but about team set ups. Pressure pressure and more pressure all over the ground.
- Exiting D50 to set up attacks
-Defending opposition coming out of our F50
-Decision making going into F50 , knowing when to go long and when to hold onto the ball
Must clean up these issues they’re the same things that plagued us last year.

 

[xtront16]

Simpson Jones Silvagni
Newman Weitering Garlett
Walsh Cripps Murphy
Cuningham Curnow Fisher
McGovern McKay Fasolo

Phillips Setterfield SPS

Dow Curnow Thomas Polson

Silvagni for Plowman
Fasolo for Gibbons

I would have Thomas in the backpocket for JSoS - i want JSoS playing midfield

 

[thylacine60]

keep telling youse he's a backman........

 

[Robbo's my hero]

My initial thoughts are happy ones. I think the team will be competitive, increased pressure on the oppo player with the ball will see us force turnovers and the scoreboard will tick over as a result.

 

[Zlatan]

Bring it on!

Think we will be extremely competitive in this game(year), anything can happen

I’m not expecting a win, but going up against one of the favourites to take it all, it will be a good early season measurement.

We know they come with high pressure to force the turnover but I want to see us play our game and get the ball in as quickly as possible to the talls. Whoever is playing on Rance needs to get him as far away from the contest as possible.

If we can win the clearances, we’re in for a good contest but hard to see how we can beat a team that’s settled, experienced and has proper elite players.

 

[gardiner stand]

I’m looking fwd to seeing our run on the G with Walsh Gibbons and Cuningham added to the line up.

 

[Opine]

I dislike this opposition club more than any other; cannot stand them

 

[VeinGlorious]

Garlett gives us something we don’t have a lot of. Can make something happen from nothing, but given the way he plays some of it can be heart in mouth. He’s definitely in my round 1 team.

Trying to fit JSOS and Fas in somehow as well.

It seems as though one of Gibbons or CamPo will make way for Fas if the MC want him in. I know Gibbo kicked 3 in JLT1 but I think he is slightly edged out by CamPo for pressure.

Good problem to have blokes fighting out for spots.

Kennedy and LOB still a tad underdone/injured? Marchbank and Kreuzberg still to come back.

Kennedy is fighting against Setters and ED C for a spot when fit.

LOB is up against stiffer competition in Fisher, Murph and now Walsh on the wings.

JSOS is a true utility in the 1AW mould although not as quick, but is building nicely.

Great thing is we are starting to build some decent depth, not gap fillers like previous years.

Pretty pumped for the season to start, but am tempering my expectations as I know where we are at. We’ll push teams and may even snag a few wins that we may not expect to win but I think if we can win 6-8 games we will be doing well. Any more than that is a bonus and I will be stoked.

I look forward to sharing the ups and downs of the season with Ye Carlton faithful as my wife is sick to death of me throwing soft objects at the LCD and can’t support my Navy Blue addiction any longer

BRING ON 2019

 

[JustaBattler]

Fasolo and Kennedy have to play - Cuningham needs another classy player in forward line - cant do it all himself.

 

[Soapy V]

Fasolo and Kennedy have to play - Cuningham needs another classy player in forward line - cant do it all himself.

Love to see Kennedy in. He's a vital part of our side. Just don't know if he's ready

 

[JohnnyFontane90]

fasolo in for polson. Actually thought polson moved quite well today but his disposal is just too sloppy.

if kruezer is fit he should play but phillips is doing a good job so no need to rush him back prematurely.

keep cuningham in the the forward 50 as much as possible, he has the best goal sense of any player on the list.

i had LOB and Kennedy in my best 22 at start of the year but their absence in JLT can only be taken at face value that they're not up to it yet which is pretty disappointing (particularly for LOB as outside ball movement is a real weakness of our right now).

 

[La Dispute]

Think Plow needs to be put on notice, albeit he shouldn’t miss.

Was atrocious for much of the game, save a few good efforts towards the end of the last JLT game.

 

[TooBlue14]

Garlett gives us something we don’t have a lot of. Can make something happen from nothing, but given the way he plays some of it can be heart in mouth. He’s definitely in my round 1 team.

Trying to fit JSOS and Fas in somehow as well.

It seems as though one of Gibbons or CamPo will make way for Fas if the MC want him in. I know Gibbo kicked 3 in JLT1 but I think he is slightly edged out by CamPo for pressure.

Good problem to have blokes fighting out for spots.

Kennedy and LOB still a tad underdone/injured? Marchbank and Kreuzberg still to come back.

Kennedy is fighting against Setters and ED C for a spot when fit.

LOB is up against stiffer competition in Fisher, Murph and now Walsh on the wings.

JSOS is a true utility in the 1AW mould although not as quick, but is building nicely.

Great thing is we are starting to build some decent depth, not gap fillers like previous years.

Pretty pumped for the season to start, but am tempering my expectations as I know where we are at. We’ll push teams and may even snag a few wins that we may not expect to win but I think if we can win 6-8 games we will be doing well. Any more than that is a bonus and I will be stoked.

I look forward to sharing the ups and downs of the season with Ye Carlton faithful as my wife is sick to death of me throwing soft objects at the LCD and can’t support my Navy Blue addiction any longer

BRING ON 2019

Gibbons best on ground for pressure.

 

[ferrisb]

View attachment 633185

NOTE: Preview is still incomplete and information is subjected to change. Hopefully I'll complete it by tonight.

Ladies and gentlemen, the time is near. The 2019 season is just around the corner and the blue boys are desperate to etch their first loss. They are oh so hungry to show us fans the many more ways they can disappoint. They are wanting to quash our dreams of future glory, with another wasted year full of hospital patients and blindfolded performances. Carlton, a proud club where everything but footy comes first. Where history is all that's needed. Where coming success is as likely as me winning the Powerball jackpot. Isn't it great to be a 'Blue Bagger'? Of course, I am jesting. We all well and truly know Carlton have a greater weight placed on their back this year. They simply HAVE to do better. The members and supporters are pushing for it. The media is pushing for it. Heck, even the AFL themselves are pressuring the blues into showing some significant improvement. Any replicating of last year's efforts (or even doing worse) will undoubtedly see some heads roll.

In all seriousness, the first round is always the time a Carlton supporter is excited as they never know what to expect. What brings them forward is the hope that better things await, especially in the form of fresh, exciting faces to the team. From the ever-so reliable Patrick Cripps (who by the way, goes into this season with the new responsibility as club captain) to the mesmerising potential coming from the likes of Sam Walsh, Michael Gibbons and Will Setterfield. I won't lie that the season opener is my favourite time of the year. I walk into each football season, holding onto the belief that the new dawn is bound to arrive sooner or later. True I have been let down by my team now and then, but it's not only the good things that I believe come to an end at some point. For every football club in the league, there is a rise and fall. It just seems fair that the worst as passed for us blues fans with the nadir that was 2018. Only good things can follow, otherwise the Carlton Football Club might as well close its doors because there is no way that this sort of disaster can (and should) happen again.

The blues themselves are stepping into 2019 after listing themselves as one of the worst ever sides to set the field in AFL/VFL history last year. They've become the worst team of the modern era with the worst win-loss record, the most wooden spoons and some of the greatest losing margins seen in recent times. They're a club surrounded by endless mockery and complaining from the public. Whether it be the boring standard of football or the under 10's level of skill, being a Carlton supporter for some has in ways been a little humiliating. The news was at times hard to read and the derision from opposition supporters was gradually starting to become unbearable. The definition of the club was merely old habits, arrogance and false dawns. To this day, fans are still paying the price. Hopefully it won't be for much longer now it seems the attitude has changed over the past decade. The pieces are slowly coming together, and people are starting to catch glimpses of a footy team with the ability to push up the ranks over the next few years. The blues are well overdue for their next big break.

On the other side, we have the tigers. A team that were struggling to fight their way out of the dark for more than 30 years. That was until they resisted the temptation of starting fresh. It was the continued action of believing in the process under the eye of Damien Hardwick. Reward came not long afterward. Not only a flag, but a high amount of respect from everywhere in the footy world. The tigers faithful got to live the dream that many would hunger for. And it seems plenty more rewards are yet to come for them. Rewards that I'd kill for my own team to achieve. Richmond are simply a side of good health, and are currently the polar opposites to Carlton. They are what the league loves most. A team of impact and the right level of care. We can make fun of them as much as we please, but the truth is that they have been successful and the blues haven't. If we want this to change, then we sure as heck have to make sure the club is with us and thinking the exact same way.

If I were Carlton, I'd be wanting to go in all guns blazing in this first game. I'd be wanting to shock the nation and produce something that nobody could possibly predict beforehand. I'd be wanting to prove that anything is possible. What a better opportunity for this than against one of the more formidable opponents in recent years; the Richmond Tigers. The same team that won a flag in 2017 and is coming off a preliminary final. The same team with an incredibly active (and somewhat cocky) fanbase. It's the perfect time to leave some jaws to drop. Yes this is highly unlikely, but any noticeable attempt to deliver this surprise will be just as commendable. We want our side to be taken seriously. No longer do we want them to be the butt of all jokes. Come March 21, the blues are to immediately show signs of a brighter future. We've waited long enough, so whatever patience that's still within us will be all that is left. Come on Carlton, it is time for some proper action!

THE LAST FIVE ENCOUNTERS

Friday 10 July (7:25pm) 2015
Richmond Tigers (10 - 11 - 71) defeated Carlton Blues (5 - 11 - 41)
MCG (Crowd: 52,564)

Thursday 24 March (7:25pm) 2016 - SEASON OPENER
Richmond Tigers (14 - 8 - 92) defeated Carlton Blues (12 - 11 - 83)
MCG (Crowd: 75,706)

Thursday 23 March (7:20pm) 2017 - SEASON OPENER
Carlton Blues (14 - 5 - 89) defeated by Richmond Tigers (20 - 12 - 132)
MCG (Crowd: 73,137)

Sunday 25 June (3:20pm) 2017
Richmond Tigers (11 - 18 - 84) defeated Carlton Blues (8 - 10 - 58)
MCG (Crowd: 64,448)

Thursday 22 March (7:25pm) 2018 - SEASON OPENER
Richmond Tigers (17 - 19 - 121) defeated Carlton Blues (15 - 5 - 95)
MCG (Crowd: 90,151)

THE VERY LAST TIME THESE TWO TEAMS MET

Carlton went on to surprise the entire nation after booting the first five goals against the then reigning premiers. The blues were taking it up to the tigers and led for roughly three quarters of the match until Richmond kicked away in the final term. Charlie Curnow made a statement to the competition, with a career-high five goals next to his name. Meanwhile it was Patrick Cripps against Dustin Martin, a challenge to see which of the two would get their team over the line (in this case, it was Martin walking out with the smile). But one of the biggest issues to come out of the match was the rule regarding the 50m penalties from the 10m protected area. The rule was blasted for its lack of clarity and to some extent, it's unfairness (two of the 50m penalties favouring Carlton were seen as mistakes). Regardless, the blues were praised for their attacking flair, something that was pressured onto them. However, the performance against the tigers was one of the very few positives to come out of 2018, a season that saw the club reverting back to their old ways and breaking all the wrong records.

WHAT THE AFL EXPECTS THIS TIME

The AFL expect a similar spectacle to that of the 2018 season opener. They want to see a high-scoring game between two solid teams on the night. They want a large crowd to witness many bits of exciting play, and the score-differential to remain reasonable throughout the match. There is no doubt that Carlton were partly to blame for the rule changes after their life-draining strategies last year. The same strategies displeased not only the members and supporters of the club, but the entire competition. The blues were being associated with boring football, as they continued to get tortured in the most humiliating of ways. Now with the new rules, the AFL has given Carlton a kick up the bum, telling them to take the game on or risk losing the things they desire so much (this match being one of those things). The blues have to attack and they also have to try aiming for triple figure scores. I don't see how they can't, given the plethora of exciting talent. No more low-scoring, chip-kicking crap. Nobody wants their time and money wasted on watching this.

PREDICTED CARLTON LINE-UP

IN
David Cuningham, Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher, Jarrod Garlett, Michael Gibbons, Liam Jones, Matthew Kennedy, Mitch McGovern,
Nic Newman, Matthew Kreuzer/Andrew Phillips, Lachie Plowman, Will Setterfield, Sam Walsh
OUT
Ciaran Byrne (Retired), Tom De Koning (Omitted), Sam Kerridge (Delisted), Jed Lamb (Delisted), Darcy Lang (Injured), Matthew Lobbe (Omitted), Caleb Marchbank (Injured), Aaron Mullett (Delisted), Lochie O'Brien (Omitted), Cameron Polson (Omitted), Sam Rowe (Delisted), Jack Silvagni (Omitted), Matthew Wright (Retired)

FB - Lachie Plowman - Liam Jones - Nic Newman
HB - Dale Thomas - Jacob Weitering - Kade Simpson
C - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Sam Walsh - Zac Fisher
HF - Mitch McGovern - Charlie Curnow - David Cuningham
FF - Michael Gibbons - Harry McKay - Ed Curnow
R - Matthew Kreuzer/Andrew Phillips - Patrick Cripps - Marc Murphy
I - Matthew Kennedy - Paddy Dow - Will Setterfield - Jarrod Garlett

E - Lochie O'Brien - Cameron Polson - Matthew Lobbe - Jack Silvagni

WHY ARE THEY IN?
- Based on the fitness level, strong training and above average pre-season performances, David Cuningham is an absolute MUST for round one. He has well and truly earnt a spot up forward. He has nearly even made it his own. I'm surprised with how quick I've been proven wrong, when I mentioned about his spot on the list being on the knife-edge last month.
- Paddy Dow returns after missing the last match of 2018. His evasiveness with ball in hand is undeniably mouth-watering. Probably the best in the Carlton side when it comes to this.
- One of the very few positives of last year in Zac Fisher is a certainty to face Richmond. He was sorely missed during the back end of 2018.
- Jarrod Garlett may not be the smartest decision maker. But it seems he has made somewhat of a statement to Bolton an the coaches in these two JLT hit-outs. His ability to find the ball and run off half back allows for some greater flexibility across the team.
- The pure desperation and class of Michael Gibbons sees him all the more deserving of a position as a small forward under the big lights.
- Although Matthew Kennedy didn't participate in the JLT series, it's his work at training that has received praise. All have been hearing some good things. Still see him as somewhat of a chance for the game.
- The late 2017 form of Liam Jones is something blues fans are still hanging around to see again. He'll be playing and also be given the chance to rediscover those amazing advantages.
- Mitch McGovern has that star factor about him. So long as the boys deliver to him well enough, then he is bound to impress more than disappoint. He is very versatile, has Casboult's marking ability and is a good set-shot for goal. Might not stand out all of the time and will have his quiet games. But I see him as a vital inclusion.
- I most certainly think the loss of Sam Docherty won't hurt us as much this year, especially now that we have Nic Newman on our side. This guy has good hands and always seems to know where the ball ends up. While his ability to attack and apply strong amounts of pressure is not what most expect, his pros outweigh cons when he is in our team.
- Assuming Matthew Kreuzer does not get up for the season opener, then it seems the next cab-off-the-rank for the ruck duties is Andrew Phillips. And rightly so, after what was seen from him during the preseason games. His contested work actually surprised me. I reckon he can step in. That's if of course, Kreuzer remains unavailable for selection.
- Plenty of love for Lachie Plowman here. I don't think anything has changed here. He is still in the best 22.
- This could be where the question mark comes in. Will Setterfield still seems a little raw and is still gaining strength after coming off a knee reconstruction. I initially did not have him named for round one. But after his contributions in the first JLT match against the bombers, it looks as if he has picked up the game pretty quickly. I believe he is worth the shot.
- Sam Walsh debuting is a no-brainer. This kid would just about be the most prepared number one draft pick for the game I have seen in my entire life. So smooth and well-spoken. Of course, we should leave him some room so that he can further prove to us he can shine. No need for any extra pressure. But my oh my, I have never been this excited to see a kid in action when it matters.

WHY ARE THEY OUT?
- Tom De Koning is still a little raw. However, I expect him to make big strides throughout the year. Would love to see him get a longer run in the main side later in the season.
- Matthew Lobbe will be a little stiff missing out here, especially considering how incredibly well he performed in the final matches of last season. But I guess he might have fell a little behind the others during preseason training. Either that, or the coaches are throwing their attention more towards a younger ruckman.
- At the moment, it seems that Lochie O'Brien isn't at the moment favoured. Perhaps it's fitness levels or a small area of his game that requires some working with. He'll likely miss out for this match, but I expect him back as soon as possible.
- It wouldn't surprise me if Brendan Bolton decides to persist with Cameron Polson given how much he apparently loves his efforts. However, more than half the side is ahead of him. Polson at the moment is a fairly one-dimensional player. Applies pressure, but lacks the poise. Most times he's seen with ball in hand, the play ends up failing. There is a lot he needs to improve on.
- Jack Silvagni still has a few deficiencies in his game that need addressing. I do wish to see him apply more pressure on his opponents and push to the drop zones rather than expect everything to fall in his lap.

PREDICTED RICHMOND LINE-UP

IN
Riley Collier-Dawkins, Noah Balta, Tom T. Lynch
OUT
Nathan Broad (Omitted), Reece Conca (Traded), Jayden Short (Omitted)

FB - Nick Vlastuin - Alex Rance - David Astbury
HB - Bachar Houli - Kamdyn McIntosh - Dylan Grimes
C - Kane Lambert - Dion Prestia - Jack Graham
HF - Dustin Martin - Jack Riewoldt - Daniel Rioli
FF - Josh Caddy - Tom T. Lynch - Shane Edwards
R - Toby Nankervis - Trent Cotchin - Shaun Grigg
I - Jason Castagna - Jack Higgins - Riley Collier-Dawkins - Noah Balta

E - Sydney Stack - Dan Butler - Nathan Broad - Brandon Ellis

This is roughly a guess at their line-up. While Josh Caddy and Jason Castagna are battling some injuries, I still hold the firm belief that they'd be fit for the game. Otherwise, I'd expect Nathan Broad and Dan Butler to step in for them.

MATCH-UPS

(TBA)

IF CARLTON WIN
Anything is possible on any given day (or night in this situation). A win would be a dream come true for blues members and supporters everywhere. A satisfying one that would end a long run of losses against the tigers since the 2013 elimination final. It would most certainly prove the boys are on the right path. But the most important thing to consider is how Carlton walk out from this IF it was to occur. This club isn't used to victories, especially against well-constructed finals contenders. Treating this any greater than necessary will likely notify all of the low bar that has been set. The best teams push and push. They look to the next opponents with complete seriousness. They detect deficiencies and do everything they can to address them in a proper manner. Carlton does not have this ability just yet. Of course, they still have to get to that bridge of winning before crossing it. But the Carlton I've long grown up with have known to over-celebrate the small things. The blues would want to win to help recreate that winning culture. And if they do, they have to treat it as the norm. Otherwise, they are only setting up for future disappointment.

IF CARLTON LOSE
This is to be the most likely scenario. However, it depends on how the team loses. A small honourable loss while not tolerated by the team itself, will be one highly admired by the public. It will guarantee that player development is on track and will show everybody that the young squad is beginning to understand the fast pace required for the game. Anything worse will as expected, continue to bring forth unpleasant ridicule. Pressure is on the blues anyway. The season opener will remain hanging by a thread if this team doesn't meet the standards suitable for prime time television. They have already lost the Friday night time slot, and can easily lose this marquee match going into 2020. The general public don't get as excited about this game nowadays, because recent encounters (bar last year's) between these two sides failed to live up to the hype. The results have ended up being pretty much close to predictable. Hopefully with some new exciting talent in Walsh, Gibbons, Newman, Setterfield and McGovern along with a nudge from the league to take the game on, Carlton will deliver some surprises. They kind of have to.

(More To Be Posted. Piece To Be Completed By Tonight)​

I'm relieved that you said the preview is still incomplete.

I was concerned it was too brief






Ps - amazing effort

 

[Soapy V]

Think Plow needs to put on notice, albeit he shouldn’t miss.

Was atrocious for much of the game, save a few good efforts towards the end of the last JLT game.

Bit left field but I'd consider putting Plowman on Martin. Follow him everywhere like Tuohy used to. Gets another mature body around the ball and will hopefully cut out their best player. Relieves him from defence. Every time I see Plowman further up the ground he looks better to me

 

[Metalcrusher]

FFS I think I'll take the bye now … show off

NavyBlueTJ35

 

[FitzroyBlueBagger]

The team is largely settled.

Simpson Jones Plowman
Newman Weitering Garlett

Phillips Cripps Dow
Walsh Setterfield Fisher

SPS CCurnow Murphy
Fasolo McKay McGovern

Cuningham ECurnow Thomas ...and....We'll likely use one of Gibbons or Polson, but I'd sooner O'Brien.

Kreuzer can't possibly come in.
Marchbank, Williamson, Lang, Docherty, Pickett & Macreadie missing for injury.

It's probably not so much about the personnel as it is about the attitude and it seems we're brining in a good one for this opening game.

This X2