The Draw

[gbatman]

The Draw

Round 1
V Richmond, MCG

A good oppertunity to take on a weak team at the begining of it's rebuilding stage. Unfortunatly for nutural and Richmond fans this one threatens to be a blow out. For Carlton supporters this one could be a great oppertunity to get practice into our forwards. I'd expect we will get on top but the Tigers new coach will attempt to "stop the bleeding" which should be interesting to see how we go scoring against a defencive game plan. For Richmond supporters it will be interesting just to see a game plan.

Round 2
V Brisbane, Gabba

Appart from the finals loss to the Lions we have had it over them. They have gained a lot of players but are any of them, bar one, any good? This is the much anticipated game where Fevola will play against us and every one is waiting to see how Fevola and Brown go in the same forward line together. They key is for us to get on top of them in the midfield. Should be a good battle between Rich and Mclean. I hope we play Joseph on Black and exploit Black's lack of pace while squash him out of the game with Joseph's great defencive work. Stop Rich and Black getting the ball and you stop Brown and Fevola.

This one could go either way but we wil be tackling them with a far superior team than we did in the finals series so I am expecting we can beat them.

Round 3
Essendon, MCG

Essendon have had the wood over us. Why? It's hard to say. I think Essendon have had a lot of luck against us. Last year Fevola's bad kicking and our lack of midfield rotations lost us the first game. The second game Essendon caught us coming back off a bye. Teams coming off a bye are often flat for some reason, seems to happen at all levels of footy. Also that game we played a very defencive team and tryed a defencive game plan that blew up in our face.
To bet them should not be too hard, they have lost a few players that usually cut us up. Previous times we have failed to tag their ball winners like Watson, instead we tag the receivers heavily, probably not the way to go. To win we just need to play our natural attacking game and use plenty of rotations.

I would expect to win this one but on the other hand they seem to beat us so this could go either way.

Round 4

Adelaide, AAMI

Last year this was an embarrasment. We were made to look like a team of kids agains men and were litterally out muscled and monstered in the middle. Our biggest weakness stood out like a sore toe where a lack of ability to extract the ball from the center and a lack of physicality stood out. On a brighter note out defence did an admirable job of containing all the one way traffic and we broved that we have a good back line in the making. Later we met the crows at home and we did much better but could not play 4 quarters and they ran over us.

This year we are a little older, bigger, stronger and we have plenty of players back. We should be able to match it with the crows now but this will be one hell of a challenge. I don't expect we will win this one but we do have a chance as we have toughened things up in the middle significantly.

Round 5
Geelong, MCG

Lets hope the Adelaide game is not a tough slog as the cats will no doubt be good. Last year we gave Geelong a touch up by 30 odd points. They are a side I recon we can get the wood over. They are a side like the bulldogs that rely on dominating in the midfield to win games and we seem to beat those sides. Last year they were undermanned but so were we with just as many best 22 players, if not more out than them. This could be a fantastic game, could this be one of those significant games where the up and coming giant knocks off the current king ah la the Lions "if it bleeds it can be killed" game V Essendon in 2001?
Either way I think we match up on the cats really well. Chapman V Russell, Joseph V Ablett, Selwood V Mclean, Bartel V Gibbs, Judd V Ling, Murphy V Corey, Russell V Chapman, Johnson V Walker, Waite V Scarlett, Geelong's backline minus Harley...

Round 6
Collingwood, MCG

Last year they finally figured out how to beat us. They flooded Fevola. This year we have fixed that problem, now they need a new way of beating us? I expect mclean and our big rucks to give their new recruits Jolly and Ball a fair touch up. This should be a tough game though with very little in it. Appart from last game we had it over them so reverting back to that is possible. This game could go either way but I think we can win it as we have a heck of a lot more depth in the midfield now than they do.

Round 7
St. Kilda, Etihad
They have had it over us for years and they are going to be one of the top sides. Last season we got very close to beating them and they were at their peak. They are going to be very tough to beat but if we improve enough and play well it's possible.

Round 8
Port Adelaide, AAMI
We have had the wood over them for a while now and they are my tip to battle Richmond for the wooden spoon. I am expecting a good percentage boosting win here.

Round 9
Hawthorn, Etihad
They are a tough team to beat. We threw a game away last year by Fev's bad kicking and playing Thornton and not Jamison on Roughead. This year they are expected to be better but so are we. This should be a good contest that can go either way. Lucky Bower has a good record on Franklin, lets hope Jammo can hold Roughead.

Round 10
WCE, Etihad
We gave them a good touch up last year and I expect the same again this year eventhough i expect WCE to improve. Waite V Glass should be a good battle. Joseph to take on a fit Kerr should be another good battle.

Round 11
Melbourne, MCG
Of all games this could be a danger game. We could quite easily underestimate them and they are a team that's "coming" even though they are a team we should belt.

Round 12
North Melbourne, MCG
They have been a hard team for us to beat for a while, even last year when we should have thumped them we but we struggled. They should be better this year than they were last year but so should we, this should be a game we win but is a danger game.

Round 13
Fremantle, Etihad
Fremantle at home should be a win. For some reason we struggled a bit against them although last time we played them we had a good win. They should be better this year but I can't see them going far or beating us at Etihad.

Round 14
Brisbane Lions, Etihad
This is one we should win. Especially at home. I think the lions are over rated. Like the first one, this is one we should win but could still be an interesting and close contest.

Round 15
Western Bulldogs, Etihad
This is one I expect to win even though they are a good team. We match up well on them and really have the wood over them.

Round 16
Sydney, Etihad
We had a good win over them last time but this time i think they will be an immproved side but not enough to beat us at etihad. This is one we should win.

Round 17
WCE, Subiaco
They wont be a strong side and we play well over there, This is one we should win.

Round 18
Collingwoood, MCG
This is going to be a good game to watch, I don't think we will make the same misteak twice against them and this is a winable game but it could go either way.

Round 19
Essendon, MCG
They have the wood over us but I expect that all will change this year. I can't see them having a great year, their depth and quality of youth will be severely tested. I have said we should beat them in the past and we haven't. We can beat them, we should beat them and I think their run is over in 2010.

round 20
Richmond, MCG
Need I say more, this is one we should cruse home in.

Round 21
Geelong, Etihad
They might be a really good team but they are on the slided and are a team we match up well on and can beat.

Round 22
Fremantle, Subiaco
We seem to play well there and they are not going to be a great side. One we should win.

Conclusions
We play Fremantle, Essendon, West Coast, Richmond and The Bulldogs twice. Teams we have the wood over and/or are going to be ordinary teams.
We play Essendon, Geelong and Collingwood twice, Could be good or bad.
We only play Port, Melbourne, WCE and Sydney only once which is not good.
We play St Kilda and Adelaide once and we don't have to play at the dreaded SCG.
We play at the MCG 8 times and Etihad 9 times so that's 17 games at home.

 

[BlueMania]

The Draw


Round 3
Essendon, MCG

Essendon have had the wood over us. Why? It's hard to say.

Mathew Loyd. Hates Carlton and steps up every time, the prick! Glad he's gone.

 

[thylacine60]

Mathew Loyd. Hates Carlton and steps up every time, the prick! Glad he's gone.

Andrew Lovett, same.

 

[Sin City]

Full credit to you Gbatman, really appreciate the effort you put into your threads

 

[Blue and Silver]

To drum it out quickly I'd hope for the following record:

Round 1, Richmond: Reasonable Margin Win (for explanations look at round 1 threads)

Round 2, Brisbane: Close Win (I want to knock over the Lions for the Prelim loss and get some moral surging) 50/50

Round 3, Essendon: Close Win (Should Win but they have a good record against us) 50/50

Round 4, Adelaide: Loss, (good side, they have an excellent defense and a potent forward line, our midfield would have to seriously out point theirs to have a hope)

Round 5, Geelong: Loss (reigning premiers and still an excellent side, last time they had casualties)

Round 6, Collingwood: Close Win (always intense match, never is predictable, usually doesn't matter how good either team is that year)50/50

Round 7, St Kilda: Loss (good midfield and flankers that play an extremely disciplined game, add to that Reidwoldt and we will struggle to do more than challenge)

Round 8, Port Adelaide: Reasonable Margin Win (redeveloping)

Round 9, Hawthorn: Close Loss (bounced back poorly from winning the 2008 Premiership, will definitely be a tough outfit to beat)50/50

Round 10, WCE: Win (their backline is young apart from glass and their midfield budding, should roll them due to supremacy out of the centre despite Cox)

Round 11, Melbourne: Win (their side will click eventually but I don't think it is this year)

Round 12, North Melbourne: Win (For me they are contenders for the eight, but our midfield will be the winning factor yet again)

Round 13, Fremantle: Win (Not convinced by the Dockers)

Round 14, Brisbane: Win (at home this time should be easier than round 2)

Round 15, Western Bulldogs: Loss (The Doggies look like premiership material to me, they'll be flying by now, we might make them earn it but I reckon they'll take the points)

Round 16, Sydney: Win (At home, should win)

Round 17, WCE: Close Win (playing at Subiaco makes this game closer than I'd like, should win)

Round 18, Collingwood: Close Win (see round 6 reasoning)

Round 19, Essendon: Close Win (would want to really silence the bombers as contenders)

Round 20, Richmond: WIN! (This late into the season they will be thinking of next year)

Round 21, Geelong: Loss (same reason as Round 4)

Round 22, Fremantle: Win (away at Subiaco but should finish strong)

Basically I think we should get approximatly between 12-16 wins and make the eight but i am not steadfastly locked on any predictions as sides change throughout the year.

P.S. this took a lot longer than I thought, credit goes to gbatman who did a longer better version

 

[Blue Ratts]

The Draw

Round 1
V Richmond, MCG

A good oppertunity to take on a weak team at the begining of it's rebuilding stage. Unfortunatly for nutural and Richmond fans this one threatens to be a blow out. For Carlton supporters this one could be a great oppertunity to get practice into our forwards. I'd expect we will get on top but the Tigers new coach will attempt to "stop the bleeding" which should be interesting to see how we go scoring against a defencive game plan. For Richmond supporters it will be interesting just to see a game plan.

Round 2
V Brisbane, Gabba

Appart from the finals loss to the Lions we have had it over them. They have gained a lot of players but are any of them, bar one, any good? This is the much anticipated game where Fevola will play against us and every one is waiting to see how Fevola and Brown go in the same forward line together. They key is for us to get on top of them in the midfield. Should be a good battle between Rich and Mclean. I hope we play Joseph on Black and exploit Black's lack of pace while squash him out of the game with Joseph's great defencive work. Stop Rich and Black getting the ball and you stop Brown and Fevola.

This one could go either way but we wil be tackling them with a far superior team than we did in the finals series so I am expecting we can beat them.

Round 3
Essendon, MCG

Essendon have had the wood over us. Why? It's hard to say. I think Essendon have had a lot of luck against us. Last year Fevola's bad kicking and our lack of midfield rotations lost us the first game. The second game Essendon caught us coming back off a bye. Teams coming off a bye are often flat for some reason, seems to happen at all levels of footy. Also that game we played a very defencive team and tryed a defencive game plan that blew up in our face.
To bet them should not be too hard, they have lost a few players that usually cut us up. Previous times we have failed to tag their ball winners like Watson, instead we tag the receivers heavily, probably not the way to go. To win we just need to play our natural attacking game and use plenty of rotations.

I would expect to win this one but on the other hand they seem to beat us so this could go either way.

Round 4

Adelaide, AAMI

Last year this was an embarrasment. We were made to look like a team of kids agains men and were litterally out muscled and monstered in the middle. Our biggest weakness stood out like a sore toe where a lack of ability to extract the ball from the center and a lack of physicality stood out. On a brighter note out defence did an admirable job of containing all the one way traffic and we broved that we have a good back line in the making. Later we met the crows at home and we did much better but could not play 4 quarters and they ran over us.

This year we are a little older, bigger, stronger and we have plenty of players back. We should be able to match it with the crows now but this will be one hell of a challenge. I don't expect we will win this one but we do have a chance as we have toughened things up in the middle significantly.

Round 5
Geelong, MCG

Lets hope the Adelaide game is not a tough slog as the cats will no doubt be good. Last year we gave Geelong a touch up by 30 odd points. They are a side I recon we can get the wood over. They are a side like the bulldogs that rely on dominating in the midfield to win games and we seem to beat those sides. Last year they were undermanned but so were we with just as many best 22 players, if not more out than them. This could be a fantastic game, could this be one of those significant games where the up and coming giant knocks off the current king ah la the Lions "if it bleeds it can be killed" game V Essendon in 2001?
Either way I think we match up on the cats really well. Chapman V Russell, Joseph V Ablett, Selwood V Mclean, Bartel V Gibbs, Judd V Ling, Murphy V Corey, Russell V Chapman, Johnson V Walker, Waite V Scarlett, Geelong's backline minus Harley...

Round 6
Collingwood, MCG

Last year they finally figured out how to beat us. They flooded Fevola. This year we have fixed that problem, now they need a new way of beating us? I expect mclean and our big rucks to give their new recruits Jolly and Ball a fair touch up. This should be a tough game though with very little in it. Appart from last game we had it over them so reverting back to that is possible. This game could go either way but I think we can win it as we have a heck of a lot more depth in the midfield now than they do.

Round 7
St. Kilda, Etihad
They have had it over us for years and they are going to be one of the top sides. Last season we got very close to beating them and they were at their peak. They are going to be very tough to beat but if we improve enough and play well it's possible.

Round 8
Port Adelaide, AAMI
We have had the wood over them for a while now and they are my tip to battle Richmond for the wooden spoon. I am expecting a good percentage boosting win here.

Round 9
Hawthorn, Etihad
They are a tough team to beat. We threw a game away last year by Fev's bad kicking and playing Thornton and not Jamison on Roughead. This year they are expected to be better but so are we. This should be a good contest that can go either way. Lucky Bower has a good record on Franklin, lets hope Jammo can hold Roughead.

Round 10
WCE, Etihad
We gave them a good touch up last year and I expect the same again this year eventhough i expect WCE to improve. Waite V Glass should be a good battle. Joseph to take on a fit Kerr should be another good battle.

Round 11
Melbourne, MCG
Of all games this could be a danger game. We could quite easily underestimate them and they are a team that's "coming" even though they are a team we should belt.

Round 12
North Melbourne, MCG
They have been a hard team for us to beat for a while, even last year when we should have thumped them we but we struggled. They should be better this year than they were last year but so should we, this should be a game we win but is a danger game.

Round 13
Fremantle, Etihad
Fremantle at home should be a win. For some reason we struggled a bit against them although last time we played them we had a good win. They should be better this year but I can't see them going far or beating us at Etihad.

Round 14
Brisbane Lions, Etihad
This is one we should win. Especially at home. I think the lions are over rated. Like the first one, this is one we should win but could still be an interesting and close contest.

Round 15
Western Bulldogs, Etihad
This is one I expect to win even though they are a good team. We match up well on them and really have the wood over them.

Round 16
Sydney, Etihad
We had a good win over them last time but this time i think they will be an immproved side but not enough to beat us at etihad. This is one we should win.

Round 17
WCE, Subiaco
They wont be a strong side and we play well over there, This is one we should win.

Round 18
Collingwoood, MCG
This is going to be a good game to watch, I don't think we will make the same misteak twice against them and this is a winable game but it could go either way.

Round 19
Essendon, MCG
They have the wood over us but I expect that all will change this year. I can't see them having a great year, their depth and quality of youth will be severely tested. I have said we should beat them in the past and we haven't. We can beat them, we should beat them and I think their run is over in 2010.

round 20
Richmond, MCG
Need I say more, this is one we should cruse home in.

Round 21
Geelong, Etihad
They might be a really good team but they are on the slided and are a team we match up well on and can beat.

Round 22
Fremantle, Subiaco
We seem to play well there and they are not going to be a great side. One we should win.

Conclusions
We play Fremantle, Essendon, West Coast, Richmond and The Bulldogs twice. Teams we have the wood over and/or are going to be ordinary teams.
We play Essendon, Geelong and Collingwood twice, Could be good or bad.
We only play Port, Melbourne, WCE and Sydney only once which is not good.
We play St Kilda and Adelaide once and we don't have to play at the dreaded SCG.
We play at the MCG 8 times and Etihad 9 times so that's 17 games at home.

Can you smell what the Blues are cooking ? Misteak ,short for misery steak.

 

[Blue Ratts]

May they eat humble pie

 

[gbatman]

mmmm steak, must have had food on the brain !

 

[Sin City]

Gee it would be nice to get over Adelaide after the way they dismantled us last year.

 

[ESKIE]

Nice work gbatman, I have to agree with most, we should win areoun 15 games, the media etc are grossly under rating us...fine I say..
Injuries etc play a part, but I'm excited .. Go Blues

 

[Dramoth]

Once again, I'm going to harp on the unpredictability of our forward line and the fact that this year our mids will be a lot more deliberate entering our forward line and will spot up a forward who is either 1 on 1 or completely in the clear.

I think that a lot of the other teams will struggle to match up with us and I think that this year, some of the better teams will also struggle.

 

[paulige]

Round 2
V Brisbane, Gabba

Appart from the finals loss to the Lions we have had it over them. They have gained a lot of players but are any of them, bar one, any good? This is the much anticipated game where Fevola will play against us and every one is waiting to see how Fevola and Brown go in the same forward line together. They key is for us to get on top of them in the midfield. Should be a good battle between Rich and Mclean. I hope we play Joseph on Black and exploit Black's lack of pace while squash him out of the game with Joseph's great defencive work. Stop Rich and Black getting the ball and you stop Brown and Fevola.

This one could go either way but we wil be tackling them with a far superior team than we did in the finals series so I am expecting we can beat them.

We won about ten in a row, then you won by 6, 19, and 6 points, then we won the last one. I'd hardly say you've 'had it over us'!

Also, I don't see how your team will be superior this time round... you've lost Fev and Judd, with Judd being the most damaging every time we meet. Throw in an under-done murphy and I think you've lost considerable talent since last time we played. Sure you'll add Jamison and Waite, but I don't think those two will nearly offset the losses,

Meanwhile, Brisbane have made their 'twin towers' even more threatening, and will hopefully have a fit squad to choose from. And thank christ almighty we won't have plodders such as Hooper, Roe and Harding out there! Also adding in Adcock and Drummond, I don't see how Carlton can even challenge this one. Expecting a comfortable win by Brisbane, but stranger things have definitely happened.

 

[Stormers]

We won about ten in a row, then you won by 6, 19, and 6 points, then we won the last one. I'd hardly say you've 'had it over us'!

Also, I don't see how your team will be superior this time round... you've lost Fev and Judd, with Judd being the most damaging every time we meet. Throw in an under-done murphy and I think you've lost considerable talent since last time we played. Sure you'll add Jamison and Waite, but I don't think those two will nearly offset the losses,

Meanwhile, Brisbane have made their 'twin towers' even more threatening, and will hopefully have a fit squad to choose from. And thank christ almighty we won't have plodders such as Hooper, Roe and Harding out there! Also adding in Adcock and Drummond, I don't see how Carlton can even challenge this one. Expecting a comfortable win by Brisbane, but stranger things have definitely happened.

I prob wouldn't go as far as saying we will win comfortably, whilst our forward line will most likely be too strong for their defence we have to win the ball in the midfield first, and even without Judd I still think their midfield prob just shades ours, but who knows, I'll be disappointed if we can't beat them without Judd and Fev now on our side

 

[Sin City]

And thank christ almighty we won't have plodders such as Hooper, Roe and Harding out there!

And instead you've added plodders such as Maguire, Clarke, Staker and Buchannon

I don't see how Carlton can even challenge this one.

Of course not, the clear aim at Carlton was for the list to not progress, develop or improve at all

**** wit

 

[gbatman]

The lions didnt not pick up the players that they needed, good half back flankers, a key defender or 2 and good onballers with pace and ability to carry the ball. They got Fev, replaced a like with a like. The lions are not going to improve much. Carlton on the other hand got what they needed, the return of it's tall defenders and waite and henderson in as well as inside ball winning on ballers. That accompanied to extra maturity, size and strength in nearly all of those players taking the field in 2010 should see a substantial improvement in the over all output of the team.

 

[paulige]

And instead you've added plodders such as Maguire, Clarke, Staker and Buchannon

Maguire is a good player. Just needs to overcome injuries.
Don't know enough about Clarke, word is he's not fantastic.
Same for Staker.
Buchannon is a premiership player. Not the best one, but he's not a plodder.
Or, in the very least... Goose, Staker, Clarke, Buchannon >>>>> Hooper, Harding, Roe

My reference to those 3, as you should've noticed, was in the sense of Squads from the Final Versus Squads in Round 2. Those 3 played shocking (as usual), and fortunately 2 of them will be replaced by the then injured Drummond and Adcock (both A graders).
Drummond in for Roe
Adcock in for Harding
Buchannon in for Hooper

...sort of. You get the point, anyway.

Of course not, the clear aim at Carlton was for the list to not progress, develop or improve at all

Not at any point did I suggest or even infer that your list hasn't improved or progressed, in fact, I think the opposite. Carlton have a large number of young players, many who are still in the process of developing into better players, and will contribute more this year than last (Yarran for example).

While I'm happy to acknowledge many of your players will have improved over the off-season, it's important you realise similar improvements have occured for Brisbane's younger players too.

My main reasons, which I clearly outlined, for thinking Carlton will not challenge Brisbane come round 2, where (in comparison to the final last year):
-No Fev for Carlton
-Fev for Brisbane
-Brisbane adding stars in Drummond and Adcock
-No Judd (With his pace and skill, is always the one player we can count on to give us headaches)
-Murphy won't be 100% fit (compounding the issue of Judd not playing)
-One I forgot to mention, Brisbane have welcomed back their big men and will have a dominant ruck department in 2 of Clark/Leuenberger/Charman
-I realise Waite and Jamison will probably play, though I don't think this will be a big enough factor compared to all of the above.

If you wish to discuss or challenge any of these points, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them, as that is what bigfooty is for, discussing football, right? Last I checked this wasn't Bay 13 where if you disagree with a post, you fling some sh** and sprinkle a few 's on your retorts.

This all said, when we meet in Melbourne later in the year, depending on how the teams are travelling, I'd probably have Carlton as favourites right now (Judd back, Murphy fit, possible discovery of a decent forward setup post-Fev, etc)

I didn't come on here to rubbish Carlton, I came here to give you as genuine a view from my side of the fence as I could. I apologise very sincerely if I have hurt your feelings or offended you in any way, and I really do hope we can still be buddies.

**** wit

Classy.

 

[Blue and Silver]

Maguire is a good player. Just needs to overcome injuries.
Don't know enough about Clarke, word is he's not fantastic.
Same for Staker.
Buchannon is a premiership player. Not the best one, but he's not a plodder.
Or, in the very least... Goose, Staker, Clarke, Buchannon >>>>> Hooper, Harding, Roe

My reference to those 3, as you should've noticed, was in the sense of Squads from the Final Versus Squads in Round 2. Those 3 played shocking (as usual), and fortunately 2 of them will be replaced by the then injured Drummond and Adcock (both A graders).
Drummond in for Roe
Adcock in for Harding
Buchannon in for Hooper

...sort of. You get the point, anyway.



Not at any point did I suggest or even infer that your list hasn't improved or progressed, in fact, I think the opposite. Carlton have a large number of young players, many who are still in the process of developing into better players, and will contribute more this year than last (Yarran for example).

While I'm happy to acknowledge many of your players will have improved over the off-season, it's important you realise similar improvements have occured for Brisbane's younger players too.

My main reasons, which I clearly outlined, for thinking Carlton will not challenge Brisbane come round 2, where (in comparison to the final last year):
-No Fev for Carlton
-Fev for Brisbane
-Brisbane adding stars in Drummond and Adcock
-No Judd (With his pace and skill, is always the one player we can count on to give us headaches)
-Murphy won't be 100% fit (compounding the issue of Judd not playing)
-One I forgot to mention, Brisbane have welcomed back their big men and will have a dominant ruck department in 2 of Clark/Leuenberger/Charman
-I realise Waite and Jamison will probably play, though I don't think this will be a big enough factor compared to all of the above.

If you wish to discuss or challenge any of these points, I'd love to hear your thoughts on them, as that is what bigfooty is for, discussing football, right? Last I checked this wasn't Bay 13 where if you disagree with a post, you fling some sh** and sprinkle a few 's on your retorts.

This all said, when we meet in Melbourne later in the year, depending on how the teams are travelling, I'd probably have Carlton as favourites right now (Judd back, Murphy fit, possible discovery of a decent forward setup post-Fev, etc)

I didn't come on here to rubbish Carlton, I came here to give you as genuine a view from my side of the fence as I could. I apologise very sincerely if I have hurt your feelings or offended you in any way, and I really do hope we can still be buddies.



Classy.

It'll be an interesting battle in the ruck if Warnock gets up. Kreuzer and Warnock vs Clark and Leunberger/Charman would be pivotal to the outcome.

 

[Sin City]

My main reasons, which I clearly outlined, for thinking Carlton will not challenge Brisbane come round 2, where (in comparison to the final last year):
-No Fev for Carlton

The ball will still be coming in thanks to the strong midfield, it'll also be less predictable.

-Fev for Brisbane

No Bradshaw, no real gain I don't think. Plus given that he's played with Carlton all his career the players and coaches know his weaknesses inside out.

-Brisbane adding stars in Drummond and Adcock

If they're stars then in that case Carlton will be adding McLean, Jamison, Waite, Robinson and Hadley. Plus a fully fit Walker. Hardly a win for you guys.

-No Judd (With his pace and skill, is always the one player we can count on to give us headaches)

True, but the addition of McLean and having Walker, Scotland, Hadley and Grigg all fit and in form means the midfield is more than covered.

-Murphy won't be 100% fit (compounding the issue of Judd not playing)

Who says? He had a 4 week lay off from the start of January, he has plenty of time and won't have lost much fitness from something minor like that anyway.

-One I forgot to mention, Brisbane have welcomed back their big men and will have a dominant ruck department in 2 of Clark/Leuenberger/Charman

Warnock, Kreuzer and Hampson. Don't see why you'd describe Brisbane's as dominant at all.

-I realise Waite and Jamison will probably play, though I don't think this will

Probably the two best KPP we have at the club but you think it won't have a big benefit to us, yet guys like Drummond and Adcock are A graders? Come back when you wanna talk some sense.

 

[paulige]

THANKYOU! This is exactly how I would like you to respond. Let the discussion (arguing) being!

The ball will still be coming in thanks to the strong midfield, it'll also be less predictable.

What part of no Judd and an underdone Murphy don't you understand?
While at full strength, Carlton top 4 or 5 midfielders would rank as one of the best 'top 4 of 5' out of most teams. When you remove #1 and limit #2 however, it deals a heavy blow to your chances in the middle.

No Bradshaw, no real gain I don't think. Plus given that he's played with Carlton all his career the players and coaches know his weaknesses inside out.

Fev is a much better player than Bradshaw at this point in time. Don't get me wrong Braddles is a great player and clubman, Fevola is significantly more talented. You could also argue he knows Bower/Jamison/Waite's (whoever plays on him) weaknesses, too.

If they're stars then in that case Carlton will be adding McLean, Jamison, Waite, Robinson and Hadley. Plus a fully fit Walker. Hardly a win for you guys.

I might've been a little over the top on Adcock (he's no doubt a great player and leader, but probably close to a bottom of the range A-grader)

But Drummond. Come on. Don't do this. Drummond is one of (IMO the) best rebounding defenders in the AFL. Before he copped his injury playing you blokes in round...14?, last year, almost everyone had him pencilled in for their AA sides. I still think he should've been there in the end (how they had Maxwell in instead infuriates me...). He's without a doubt in the mind of anyone who's seen him play, one of the very best defenders in the game (and has a very, very lethal left boot.)

True, but the addition of McLean and having Walker, Scotland, Hadley and Grigg all fit and in form means the midfield is more than covered.

None of those guys are fit to shine Judd's boots (though when fit, I know Hadley is a pretty good player- certainly not a Judd type, though.)

Who says? He had a 4 week lay off from the start of January, he has plenty of time and won't have lost much fitness from something minor like that anyway.

He says.

"At the start of the season, at least, I think I'll be used in more short, sharp bursts and once my fitness is back around the mark I'm sure it will be back to normal," Murphy told afl.com.au.
"I'll be managed a little bit more at the start of the season than I have been in the past. I'll probably get rotated a bit more than I usually would to keep me a bit fresher rather than staying out on the ground for extended periods.
"I probably won't be as fit as I was at the start of last season, but I'm sure I'll get it back a few games in."

Warnock, Kreuzer and Hampson. Don't see why you'd describe Brisbane's as dominant at all.

Clark was rated by many as one of the top 3 rucks in the game, last year. He finally put a whole season together, and as a young guy with a full preseason behind him, can only improve. Leuenberger has got a lot of improvement to do (often injured like Clark), but should start to take off this year (I think he's around the 21 mark). Will be a decent ruck man at worst.
And Charman is a premiership ruckman, who has also struggled with injury in the last couple of years.
But all three are currently fit and firing, so I think it's fair to say we have a pretty dominant ruck division (though atm, Cox and Nats is better.)

While I rate Kreuzer very highly, I'd put the pecking order as:
Clark > Kreuzer > Charman > Berger > Warnock > Hampson

That may very well change though when we get to see more of the last three, this year.

Probably the two best KPP we have at the club but you think it won't have a big benefit to us, yet guys like Drummond and Adcock are A graders? Come back when you wanna talk some sense.

Refer to comments on Drummond and Adcock above. And again, if you really don't consider Drummond an A-grader, I don't think I'll be able to take you seriously anymore.

You know your KPP's better than me, though I do recall Brown giving Waite the pantsing of his life a couple years back. I know Carlton fans are pretty fond of Jamison, but I got the feeling lately they're more excited by Hendo/Irish.

 

[BlueBelle]

Our first 9 weeks will be tough....

 

[Dramoth]

THANKYOU! This is exactly how I would like you to respond. Let the discussion (arguing) being!



What part of no Judd and an underdone Murphy don't you understand?
While at full strength, Carlton top 4 or 5 midfielders would rank as one of the best 'top 4 of 5' out of most teams. When you remove #1 and limit #2 however, it deals a heavy blow to your chances in the middle.


Fev is a much better player than Bradshaw at this point in time. Don't get me wrong Braddles is a great player and clubman, Fevola is significantly more talented. You could also argue he knows Bower/Jamison/Waite's (whoever plays on him) weaknesses, too.



I might've been a little over the top on Adcock (he's no doubt a great player and leader, but probably close to a bottom of the range A-grader)

But Drummond. Come on. Don't do this. Drummond is one of (IMO the) best rebounding defenders in the AFL. Before he copped his injury playing you blokes in round...14?, last year, almost everyone had him pencilled in for their AA sides. I still think he should've been there in the end (how they had Maxwell in instead infuriates me...). He's without a doubt in the mind of anyone who's seen him play, one of the very best defenders in the game (and has a very, very lethal left boot.)



None of those guys are fit to shine Judd's boots (though when fit, I know Hadley is a pretty good player- certainly not a Judd type, though.)



He says.





Clark was rated by many as one of the top 3 rucks in the game, last year. He finally put a whole season together, and as a young guy with a full preseason behind him, can only improve. Leuenberger has got a lot of improvement to do (often injured like Clark), but should start to take off this year (I think he's around the 21 mark). Will be a decent ruck man at worst.
And Charman is a premiership ruckman, who has also struggled with injury in the last couple of years.
But all three are currently fit and firing, so I think it's fair to say we have a pretty dominant ruck division (though atm, Cox and Nats is better.)

While I rate Kreuzer very highly, I'd put the pecking order as:
Clark > Kreuzer > Charman > Berger > Warnock > Hampson

That may very well change though when we get to see more of the last three, this year.



Refer to comments on Drummond and Adcock above. And again, if you really don't consider Drummond an A-grader, I don't think I'll be able to take you seriously anymore.

You know your KPP's better than me, though I do recall Brown giving Waite the pantsing of his life a couple years back. I know Carlton fans are pretty fond of Jamison, but I got the feeling lately they're more excited by Hendo/Irish.

Look... I know that you are trying to big up your side, but honestly... Kreuzer will rip Clark into tiny pieces and piss all over them. If Warnock is playing as the #1 ruck for the blues then you might have a chance in the ruck duals but against the Kreuze missile then you have no chance.

So Judd is out and Smurph is going to be a little underdone and considering that you have completely ignored Gibbs in the midfield equation I think that with the guys that Sin mentioned, you will be struggling to match up on your best day.

Our forward line is going to be more dynamic with the loss of Fev and I think that your defence might look a little shaky with the delivery coming in to the forwards.

Last year in the finals, we were missing our 2 best defenders and our third best was on 1 leg and you managed to run over us in the end. Lets see how you go with us having a full strength defence playing.

Now... as for Fev... I just hope that one of your forwards doesnt get into Fev's space in front of the ball... because he will need a good doctor afterwards because Fev hates people in the space he is leading into and will go in with his knees. Just ask irish what it's like.

 

[paulige]

Look... I know that you are trying to big up your side, but honestly... Kreuzer will rip Clark into tiny pieces and piss all over them. If Warnock is playing as the #1 ruck for the blues then you might have a chance in the ruck duals but against the Kreuze missile then you have no chance.

So Judd is out and Smurph is going to be a little underdone and considering that you have completely ignored Gibbs in the midfield equation I think that with the guys that Sin mentioned, you will be struggling to match up on your best day.

Our forward line is going to be more dynamic with the loss of Fev and I think that your defence might look a little shaky with the delivery coming in to the forwards.

Last year in the finals, we were missing our 2 best defenders and our third best was on 1 leg and you managed to run over us in the end. Lets see how you go with us having a full strength defence playing.

Now... as for Fev... I just hope that one of your forwards doesnt get into Fev's space in front of the ball... because he will need a good doctor afterwards because Fev hates people in the space he is leading into and will go in with his knees. Just ask irish what it's like.

While it's plausible that Kreuzer may overtake Clark eventually... Clark is currently better, and like Kreuzer, has plenty of improvement left in him. Both will develop into even bigger guns than they are now (but Clarky will of course, always be better)

I haven't ignored Gibbs, I realise he's still there. But without your biggest gun in Judd, and Murphy not 100%, I think you'll have more trouble than you think against Black, Power, Rich, Sherman, Brennan, etc.

Possible, but without Fev there to wear the best defender, all of your forward will be copping a harder defender. Even if the new set up does work out, it's fair to say there might still be a few kinks come round 2.

On the defenders you were missing, neither are capable of containing Browny, so it'll be interesting to see if they can have an impact on Fev. Just a reminder we were also missing a couple of defenders (not KPD's though), and has a few guys running around 'on one leg'.

I'm sure Fev was just testing Irish's durability. Fev's a good bloke like that.


In the end there's no way to settle any of this until round 2 and beyond. I personally think we'll notch up a comfortable win at home. Though I thought the same the last 3 times we played at the Gabba. We'll just have to wait and see.