Who will cut it? And who won't?

[Thrawn]

Which of our new recruits will blossom in our club? Stevens and Scotland are obvious choices... but is there any other who might perform beyond expectation? I think Morrell will provide us with great benefit, and will last long at our club. He's a big, stong marking forward who can kick goals and will be another target to help Whitnall and Fevola. And for god's sake, please don't play Whitnall at CHB! There's been great word on Bowyer. He's still young, and was very good before he broke his leg. I've heard Hawthon supporters say we did well to get him. Also heard that on Johnson too... and I'm willing to take their word on it!

I have doubts on Clarke, Bannister, Harford and to a lesser extent, Mott. Harford may be past his best, I just don't sense any improvement (hopefully I'm wrong), Mott although has the capacity to be good... mentally it could be another story (Pagan had turned Brendan around... why not for Mott? Hmmmm). As for Bannister... I haven't seen enough to rate him among the others. Clarke... well, all I can say is that I hope he can handball only whilst running with it.

 

[Captain Carlton]

Apart from Stevens and Scotland as you mentioned the rest could be a 50/50 chance. I must admit I am also excited about Digby, what a name. Our half forward line will look strong with 2 marking forwards in Digby and Lance. I think Mott will make it and with a big body will hopefully play a bash and crash role in the ruck like Porter. I don't know much about Kenna but with his size and pace would create a mismatch for any opposition. Johnson should make it along with Harford who still has something to offer.

I only have a doubt on one player Jordan Bannister. I don't know much about him or haven't seen him play a lot so hopefully he's better than i think. Clarke for me is probably line ball. If he can improve on his disposal he will cut it if not well.....

I'm sure pozzo will be happy.

 

[pozzo]

lol

yeh i personally dont think clarke will cut it. mcgrath is one i also think will be gone after a year. sad thing too considering the mcgraths all can star in 1 game then just fall off lists.

harford however is one i am quite positive about. i like daniel harford (his auskicking around on foxfooty was great ) and i think he will have a great season next year. morrell i think will hold up the chb position and be a solid performer on the oppositions top forwards, just by basically using his body and strength, until thornton, norman and hopefully livingston can step up. but once again as i have stated once before, i think livingston has unfortunately rolled onto the bad side of carlton supporters and he'll have knives at his throat watching his every move.

i have always liked nick stevens as a player and i think he will be a consistent performer. i've heard good things about scotland and johnson too which gets me even more excited.

and i am quite confident mott will at least be a better performer than BARNABY!

look, i dont care what opposition supporters say, i'm excited about next year and i cant wait seeing the headline on the back of the herald sun next year after carlton beat collingwood in round 7 reading THE BLUES ARE BACK!!!

 

[Blue Fury]

Pozzo,

Don't worry about the paper, it would be beautiful to see us slam 7-8 goals in a quarter in round one or two and put the fear in all the other Afl teams again, but that might be a while off.

Anyway we're getting canned big time and you only really get stuck into a club when you fear them. I don't see others supporters really getting stuck into the Doggies, the Cats or the Demons to the same extent as our Mighty Blues.

The Blues and the Tiger are copping it now because there is the grey unknown about them us in coming year and the Tigers not even they know what they can do. A better then good list but so many underachievers it’s not funny.

 

[Sezzac]

Thrawn,

I expecting Hartford to have a real impact. He had been struck by injuires over the past few seasons (Leg injuries) and is now apparently injury free. He is completing his first pre-season in 2 or 3 years and looks good on the park from my observations.

He turns 27 in March 2004 and with near on 150 (?) games to his credit he knows what's required. He has plenty of competition for a spot and knows this is his last chance. I doubt he wants to spend the next 2 years playing in the VFL.

Denis has got him along to add some leadership and he has been showing just that on the track.

2 years ago he was a smart, skilful and talented footballer. Players don't normally lose their footy talent unless A) they lose their desire to do the hard yards B) age catches up or C) injuries catch up.

I think Hartford has all A, B and C covered at this time so fingers crossed the talent remains.

 

[Bronx Bomber]

You never lose talent just confidence.

 

[Hawka Deano]

From a Hawthorn point of view:

Harford - No, a front runner and Carlton aren't in front much these days

Johnson - Hard to say, needs more game time to prove himself but Carlton should be able to give him that

Bowyer - If fit he will be very valuable for the Blues. Tough and hard at it, is exactly what Carlton need. Dissapointed to see him leave the Hawks.

 

[SurreyBlue]

Stevens, Scotland, Johnson, Bowyer, Mott, Clark, Teague and Morrell can all make it and should.

Harford, McGrath, DeLuca, Bannister, Kenna have work to do.

Walker & O aHailpin are still unknowns.