AFL Rd 18 2022 Post Game Postulations Carlton vs Geelong

[crashlander]

Another night game, another night I won't get to sleep until 0400 in the cold, dark morning. I never seem to be able to get to sleep after night games.

[kruddler]

One thing that has been glossed over.

Cats had a 9-day break.
We had a 6-day break.....and had to come back from Perth.

Given the 5 goal margin...thats about right up against the team that has won 8 in a row and sit atop the ladder.

[northernblue]

How good are Geelong at getting a handball out of a tackle ?

[Mantis]

One thing that has been glossed over.

Cats had a 9-day break.
We had a 6-day break.....and had to come back from Perth.

Given the 5 goal margin...thats about right up against the team that has won 8 in a row and sit atop the ladder.

It was boys vs men. Stronger bodies and more football experience including finals. They hit us hard and knew what to do to intimidate smaller younger guys. Something we will only develop over time. I am glad we lost because in all honesty you learn more from mistakes than from wins. If we finish to play finals will be the big learning experience.

[IvanAwfulbigone]

How good are Geelong at getting a handball out of a tackle ?

Yep. They have some strong boys who have mastered the art of standing in the tackle and keeping one or both hands free.

Wallabies lost as well. So depressing.

[Gointocarlton]

Many lessons learnt I'm sure, they are the benchmark and are a very experienced and well coached unit.

[pinot]

They are in top form if the grand final is played next week they would win it.

We are not too far away imo... all the 50/50 went their way even the bounce - way it goes sometimes.

[madbluboy]

McKay was exhausted after getting his other team over the line this afternoon.

[shawny]

One thing that has been glossed over.

Cats had a 9-day break.
We had a 6-day break.....and had to come back from Perth.

Given the 5 goal margin...thats about right up against the team that has won 8 in a row and sit atop the ladder.

I wish I believed the 6 day break was the reason but reality was we looked below their level from the very start.

They are tough uncompromising do the basics right all the time and are well coached. They may be old but tonight proved there is still a decent gap between us and the very top teams. 

This game was really built up and had a finals like atmosphere and was a great chance to show what we could do come finals and sadly we were found wanting.

Reckon we could go either way after tonight. Lose our confidence and go backwards and even fail to make the 8 or use tonight as a learning curve come finals (which hopefully we make).

Time Will tell.

[Lods]

Geelong are a good side... but they've peaked early

Seriously though, I'd like another crack at them with a few more players back, equal breaks (as Kruddler mentioned), and perhaps more settled weather  conditions.
Harry had a night to forget...dropping marks, but also some of the kicks to him were way off due to the breeze.
Weitering probably needs a couple more games to get back to his pre-injury form

I don't think we really dropped our bundle, we kept fighting to the end, they were just a better side on the night.