AFL Rd 1 2023 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

[LoveNavy]

Agree, but the Curnow Snr selection is a little baffling. Owies would want to do a whole lot more than the PS games and the way he finished of his year in 2022

I wondered if it's about flexibility. Ed can cover a couple of roles. Especially if Martin or Bolton get off the chain. Many on here commented how coaches were too slow to respond in this area. Who knows?
Hope Ed has a strong game and causes some confusion amongst the oppo.

[Mav]

Interesting that Ty Young wasn’t picked as the 3rd tall defender despite playing in both of their preseason games. Instead the starters will be Grimes (194/92), Balta (194/105) and Broad (192/86). On the bench is some rando, Ben Miller (198/97).

That last guy is the closest in height to Harry. But if Harry’s on, it’s hard to see Miller stopping him. He was a late pick in the 2017 draft. He didn’t debut until the last game of the 2021 season. To his credit, he managed 11 last year, including the last 8, the last of which was the Elimination Final. It looks as though he was initially a key defender but then he became the 2nd ruck floating forward in the last 5 games after Soldo’s injury.

Will he play as the 2nd ruck, leaving Balta as a key defender, or will the reverse be true? If he does play on Harry, he should be well outmatched.

[ElwoodBlues1]

I wondered if it's about flexibility. Ed can cover a couple of roles. Especially if Martin or Bolton get off the chain. Many on here commented how coaches were too slow to respond in this area. Who knows?
Hope Ed has a strong game and causes some confusion amongst the oppo.

Was thinking same, Martin, Taranto and Hopper give them a different look on ball given Martin was unfit last season and non interested so Ed might be needed as a minder..

[Mav]

Hope Ed has a strong game and causes some confusion amongst the oppo.

Well, he’s already caused a lot of confusion amongst Blues fans, so he’s on a roll.

[LoveNavy]

Was thinking same, Martin, Taranto and Hopper give them a different look on ball given Martin was unfit last season and non interested so Ed might be needed as a minder..

To mind, pester, run around, block, apply hard hits, or distract one of their mids. All welcome!

[LoveNavy]

Well, he’s already caused a lot of confusion amongst Blues fans, so he’s on a roll.

? most of the game is above the ears... not a bad strategy

[Gointocarlton]

Was thinking same, Martin, Taranto and Hopper give them a different look on ball given Martin was unfit last season and non interested so Ed might be needed as a minder..

Dusty will play predominantly fwd I reckon, I dont think we have a march up for him there. Curnow can't handle him in there.

[kruddler]

Dusty will play predominantly fwd I reckon, I dont think we have a march up for him there. Curnow can't handle him in there.

Dimma said as much on 360.

With the mids they've recruited, Dusty (and cotchin) will play both, but a lot more forward than they have in the past.

I reckon Ed is our 7th defender. Reckon Plowman would be a good sub option to bring in should we struggle to hold them down.

[crashlander]

CARLTON

B: Le.Young 33 J.Weitering 23 A.Saad 42
HB: S.Docherty 15 M.McGovern 11 L.Cowan 26
C: B.Acres 13 P.Cripps - C 9 O.Hollands 14
HF: J.Martin 21 H.McKay 10 J.Silvagni 1
F: M.Owies 44 C.Curnow 30 Z.Fisher 25
Foll: T.De Koning 12 M.Kennedy 7 G.Hewett 29
I/C: N.Newman 24 A.Cerra 5 E.Curnow 35 J.Motlop 3   

Emerg: J.Honey 36 L.O'Brien 4 L.Plowman 20 M.Pittonet 27

I do look at our team with interest.
I would play McGovern on Martin if he goes forward: McGovern has him well beaten in the air and doesn't lack strength. He's also quick in a straight line (probably not otherwise).
I am worried about the ruck duels. I hope Pittonet is the injury player, as we could do with him, even if he isn't as fit as he could be yet.

[Gointocarlton]

CARLTON

B: Le.Young 33 J.Weitering 23 A.Saad 42
HB: S.Docherty 15 M.McGovern 11 L.Cowan 26
C: B.Acres 13 P.Cripps - C 9 O.Hollands 14
HF: J.Martin 21 H.McKay 10 J.Silvagni 1
F: M.Owies 44 C.Curnow 30 Z.Fisher 25
Foll: T.De Koning 12 M.Kennedy 7 G.Hewett 29
I/C: N.Newman 24 A.Cerra 5 E.Curnow 35 J.Motlop 3   

Emerg: J.Honey 36 L.O'Brien 4 L.Plowman 20 M.Pittonet 27

I do look at our team with interest.
I would play McGovern on Martin if he goes forward: McGovern has him well beaten in the air and doesn't lack strength. He's also quick in a straight line (probably not otherwise).
I am worried about the ruck duels. I hope Pittonet is the injury player, as we could do with him, even if he isn't as fit as he could be yet.

I thought the same re Gov/Dusty, but I think his extra hieght (although not huge) might be a disadvantage v Dusty. We'll see I guess. The game will be won and lost in the coaches box me thinks.