Hmm, cold Sunday arvo at the 'G with a bit of rain and a loss.
We were outclassed. Not outclassed by a rising Carlton, they have risen, no longer in the past tense. Carlton should be worried about letting Richmond kick 10 goals though, better teams will be able to score a lot more.
What frustrates me at the moment is not the effort. I think a lot of people think players are just standing around when they are too far from the opposition player to make a difference, if you are watching on TV it flattens the perspective.
No, what frustrates me is the lack of movement and the lack of providing an outlet. Carlton, along with any good team, have movement and outlets. I saw a fair number of marks in their forward line which were undefendable, why? Because a tall forward had run towards the ball and jumped, defenders are screwed in that situation. But I recall a very typical situation in our forward line. Player had the ball in the pocket just over 50m out. Kicks to a pack near the behind post. The pack was massive as everyone knew that was where the ball was going. Where were the spare players maybe 35m out in space? Where was a forward leading? Nowhere to be seen. Even if the ball still gets kicked to the pack, the pack would be much smaller because you are separating the defenders. Kosi took a couple of good pack marks and good on him, but that is a low percentage play and not the best way to set up.
Carlton players were on the move when receiving, they were 20-30m off the contest providing an outlet. We don't do that and I can't work out why not.
I generally notice teams rather than players. But I noticed Blight. Big bloke with a big build. Was very red faced at times as the step up to AFL is a big step up. But he was very competitive in the air and would spoil or even mark the ball. Excellent debut, he should be a player we can rely on for years once he build a bit more of a tank. Seemed to find himself in the right places to impact the contest so must be reading the game well enough, that should improve with experience.
It is going to be a difficult few years as we hopefully get in some quality youth. Need players in the centre and some tall forwards. Although Kosi might be a chance if he can play like that more often.
A few players I do think need to go - Graham is not suited to the way the game is played at the moment. While I don't like the idea of letting Shai go he is one of those players who shines when those around him are taking up any slack, plus his set shot kicking is simply woeful. Baker I would like to keep but it really is up to him. Sonsie is a work in progress, but not progressing as much as he needs to, ball is in his court.
Some players need to stay - Miller is getting better, he is solid. Yes, needs a little more agro but has definitely stepped up. Ralphsmith gets involved, has a fair bit of room to improve, let's hope he can.
We are where we are. If we had won 1 flag it would be a bit of a waste to go so far down the ladder. We won 3 flags so it is predictable and the hard work towards the next period of contending has started, but so much to do.
DS
agree just like people blaming only Meehan look at the bigger picture Livingstone ,Blair and Gale running the footy department.
