Pre game postulations: AFL 2021 Rd 4: Carlton vs Gold Coast on the Gold Coast

[Lods]

After a game like that, the danger for us is thinking we've won already

If this season has shown us anything it's if you don't turn up ready to play you could find yourself staring down the barrel of a pretty big catch-up.
Now in the past teams have been able to fight their way back into the contest from big deficits.
The problem is, with the exhausting way the game is being played at the moment, big leads are probably going to be much harder to peg back for tiring teams.
It's a problem that is likely to get worse as the season progresses and I reckon there will be some big margins.

The message from all that is we have to repeat what we've just done.
Pressure and intensity from the start.
Last week still has a few folks a little cautious...we need another solid performance to reinforce that we're really progressing in that aspect.
I think we're really good if we hit hard from the start and establish a superiority in terms of intensity.
I'm still not sure how we go the other way when real intensity comes in our direction....Freo were really poor in that department.

[tonyo]

One big plus is we played a lot of games at Metricon last year so it is not unfamiliar territory.

With a game like this, the key is sold start.  If we go into holiday mode and get behind, it will be very difficult to get back.

Witts being out is a plus, but there is much speculation about the value of a winning ruckman (see B.Grundy last Thursday...), so it is useful without being game-defining.

[LP]

This season is cherry-ripe for a coach with a horses for courses approach, it's the only way to maintain the intensity, as long as you have the cattle to rotate.

[rocky]

We are a big chance. Witts being out is a major, major plus for us.
Can't see it happening but Levi out for either McGovern or McDonald.
Stick with Dow. Did a couple of nice things on Sunday including a massive hit on someone (think they got a free kick?) I feel his confidence is building.
In a perfect world I'd "manage" Murphy out for a Stocker or a Kennedy or even a Durdin?
Hate to see it, but they'll probably bring Setterfield straight back in for Cottrell, which is WRONG.

[Baggers]

After a game like that, the danger for us is thinking we've won already

Exactly. And we have a history of doing just that. 1% less focus and commitment, and we'll be chasing clacker. Our focus should be to be more ferocious and for longer.

We take GCS lightly at our peril. In fact, our coaching group should be impressing upon the playing group that we must improve more. Too often sides pick up from where they left off... and we dropped in critical areas in half the third qtr and too much of the final quarter against Freo.

[flyboy77]

Exactly. And we have a history of doing just that. 1% less focus and commitment, and we'll be chasing clacker. Our focus should be to be more ferocious and for longer.

We take GCS lightly at our peril. In fact, our coaching group should be impressing upon the playing group that we must improve more. Too often sides pick up from where they left off... and we dropped in critical areas in half the third qtr and too much of the final quarter against Freo.

It's all about maturity.

Are we mature enough to back up from the Freo game in terms of intensity and consistency of effort/output?

Let's hope so. We're not a young team any more and we're out of excuses.

It's a must win. Might get us into the 8?

Certainly think a guy like Williams (presuming fit to play) has much upside.

Ditto, the likes of young Parks and Cottrell (sp?). Even Paddy D....

Samo and Doc both had MUCH better games. The opposition seemed intent on stopping Saad, which freed up Doc.

The team looked far better balanced with a crop of hard at it guys - JSOS, Cottrell, Fogarty. And Crippa showing a bit of c%$# for the first time in a long time...

Even though JSOS missed a couple of sitters, his impact was noticeable. Looks to have gained  yard too?

Bett's experience up forward cannot be underestimated.

We have no one forward with the experience that Eddie has.....

Betts had few stats but was a constant gnat all game. Certainly did his job.

Blues by plenty.

[cookie2]

After a game like that, the danger for us is thinking we've won already

This game will be a big test for us. We must back up that good win and do it in style.

[capcom]

It is us who should intimidate them, not the other way 'round.  Do that, we win.

No room for failure.  Not worried either

[LP]

GC are not as bad as people make out, become too complacent and we will get burnt.

Especially when teams look very different due to injury, sheepish coaches do not know how to deal with them and often get caught off-guard.

They look a bit like us over the last couple of years, they are playing 85% good footy and having 5 or 10 minute lapses that cost them the game. They surrendered a 4 or 5 goal lead against the Crows just before 1/2-time, then regained the lead twice in the second half to lose by 2 goals.

[WASurfer]

Stocker in for Dow for me.

I hope we don't get tempted to bring McGovern straight in....done nothing for two years....one game in the VFL on managed minutes shouldn't be enough for him. Silvagni is offering plenty up forward at the moment with his marking and pressure....something McGovern does not much of.

If Casboult is to go out, I'd rather bring McDonald in...he's a better option as backup ruckman rather than risking McKay or Jones in there.