SOS

[Blue For Life]

Finally the CFC is regaining the confidence of its members, supporters and the wider AFL community, which was lost over the past 2 decades and rightfully so.
Hiring Brendan Bolton as our coach has already paid off and that is evident in many regards. SOS as list manager has turned over the list significantly and has drafted and traded strategically, wisely and for the first time in years with purpose. Steven Trigg as CEO has been a breathe of fresh air and has turned our off field fortunes around significantly to date.
Back to the list rebuild, it has a Western Bulldogs feel about it. SOS has removed a lot of the deadwood and I mean this respectfully and injected youth with talent, traded in players in the right age group and topped it off with some experience.
The list which still needs one more major cull is starting to take shape.
We now have a strong defence, a midfield with more class and speed and the makings of a functioning forward line that can be dangerous across and attacking from every player in it.
It is still very early to make judgments but if last season and the last 2 draft/ trading periods are anything to go off, the CFC is looking very positive and credit must be given to all involved. GO BLUES AND BRING ON #17

 

[lily of laguna]

I also like the other side of managing the list SOS has done.

Lots of short contracts with existing players with payments in keeping with a bottom side.

 

[Jeremias]

I was skeptical when SOS first joined the club but to his credit he has not yet put a foot wrong in his time in charge.

Joined with a huge task ahead of him and he has shown himself to be both calculated and ruthless, which is exactly what was and is needed.

In almost two years at the club he has completely transformed the playing list and, whilst the job is far from done, we're clearly in a much better place now than before he came home.

Only time will tell whether we will achieve the ultimate success under his guidance, but it is both refreshing and comforting not just to be able to see a clear plan, but also to be in the hands of someone who is strong enough to stay the course.

 

[The_Wookie]

draft picks look good. trades look good. Judgement held until we actually achieve something with them.

 

[BlueTongue]

Since Hughes and Rogers have left we seem to have really dropped the ball on picking athletic flankers with little to no footballing talent.

Amen.

 

[SHOWEY]

As much as it seems like we have our shit together (finally) in terms of admin and recruiting, SOS success wont be measurable for another 3-5 years.
Weitering was the standout pick 1 last year, you couldn't bugger it up if you tried. I'm really excited by what I'm seeing but its long term success we are after and that cant be measured in the short term.
Heres hoping...

 

[SHOWEY]

As much as it seems like we have our shit together (finally) in terms of admin and recruiting, SOS success wont be measurable for another 3-5 years.
Weitering was the standout pick 1 last year, you couldn't bugger it up if you tried. I'm really excited by what I'm seeing but its long term success we are after and that cant be measured in the short term.
Heres hoping...

I'm also slightly concerned about taking half of GWS on. Time to move away from the feeder club, because there hasn't been too much success from there, unless we're talking about getting 1 of Patton, Coniglio, Shiel, (starting guns as opposed to fringe players)...

 

[[ToTTi]]

Most people don't realize behind his charm, laidback demeanor and movie star looks that he is a ruthless bastard. This is great for us. Makes me smile every day seeing him back at the CFC.

 

[Mr_Plow]

I'm also slightly concerned about taking half of GWS on. Time to move away from the feeder club, because there hasn't been too much success from there, unless we're talking about getting 1 of Patton, Coniglio, Shiel, (starting guns as opposed to fringe players)...

We acquired a best 22/10 year player in Plowman for pick 28 = success.

Anything else that comes from that trade in 2015, namely Phillips and Sumner, are merely bonuses.

That is how we accelerate a rebuild, in a good way too.

 

[I bleed Blue]

Something I feel we have not been good at is player development. Hopefully under Bolton and with more direction for the VFL side we can develop all these players SOS has brought in.

 

[ajb72]

Snapshot from the past....
Jo: Stephen, you realise our boys will likely be father/son picks at Carlton in a few years.....
Stephen: Yes, Jo.
Jo: How do you think Carlton are travelling and how will they be in a few years time?
Stephen: They are terrible. Their list is terrible and they are going to be terrible for years to come
Jo: Is that what you want for our boys?
Stephen: Okay Jo. Ill hand notice at GWS and give CFC a call......

 

[Jeremias]

I'm also slightly concerned about taking half of GWS on. Time to move away from the feeder club

Is their contribution to Carlton less important than the jumper they wore previously?

We have taken plenty from the Giants but they present a very unique opportunity and we are well placed to take advantage. Why shouldn't we continue to do so for as long as it is of benefit to us?

SOS has been in charge for 2 trade periods now and has completed trades with 7 different clubs over that time. To suggest he does not look past "the feeder club" is very clearly wrong.

How many clubs have traded with more over the same two year period?

 

[Cripps 'n' Blue Bloods]

Seems competent, keep!

 

[ShanDog]

draft picks look good. trades look good. Judgement held until we actually achieve something with them.

Step 1: Make smart picks - done. That's worthy of high praise given our history!

Those who are more reserved about how we've drafted and traded since SOS has come on board are correct to feel that way, but there is certainly something to be said about us having clear direction, leadership and improved execution of those aspects of our club. It will of course be a while until we find out just how well we went compare to others, but the fact we aren't scratching our heads and wondering WTF the idea was behind our decisions, or wondering why the hell we haven't realised we needed a rebuild is excellent.

For mine, it's not just SOS that deserves some kudos, but everyone from Trigg down. We hit rock bottom with some terrible club administration decisions, but since Trigg has come on board we have turned the ship around with clear direction towards where we want to go. It's exciting to see the club finally realistic in its assessment of where we are, planning for long term success and innovating. About damn time!