AFL Rd 13 2024 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Essendon

[PaulP]

Yes I agree DJC. I get the feeling it's a real issue for the club and one they wrestle with on a game-by-game basis.

[PaulP]

I should also add that, whilst we have the luxury of whiling away the hours making various arguments, the club IMO, does not. The ruck would be one of dozens of decisions they need to make, and any of those decisions could sway the game one way or the other. I'm quite certain we have both won and lost games where the number of rucks has had no bearing on the outcome.

[madbluboy]

Freo currently have the same problem, Melbourne had it last year.

[PaulP]

Freo currently have the same problem, Melbourne had it last year.

Yes, no doubt. What are your thoughts on the Cox/Cameron combo at Collingwood ?

[DJC]

Freo currently have the same problem, Melbourne had it last year.

It didn't worry Freo against Gawn last round and it hasn't been a problem for Essendon this season.

I think that it comes down in part to the opposition but mainly how the two rucks are utilised.  If we can get the best out of Pitto and Tom (as against Melbourne and GWS), play both of them.  If one or both aren't contributing (as against the Swans), play one.  But how do you predict that?

I've heard both Tom and Pitto talk about how well they work together and how whoever is playing better gets to do the lion's share, but I'm not entirely sure that works all the time.  If we're playing both, we need to have plans for several scenarios.

[Gointocarlton]

I remember.....I went into football shock after we lost.

I have it etched in my brain, I rarely care who is in or out for the opposite because of that one fateful day. Three flags in a row (93, 94, 95) went down the toilet in that period and it haunts me a little to this day.

[Gointocarlton]

I'd probably just play the one ruck and be backing Harry to break even with Wright.
If Draper was playing along with Goldstein. then I would have gone with Pittonet and TDK.
FWIW I'd be backing TDK to jump all over Goldstein in the middle and give us first use.

Goldy is a pretty crafty operator, his legs may fading but his ruck mind is sharp as a tack.

[Gointocarlton]

For me I cant wait to finally see the McKay twins go at it. Bragging rights at stake and I dare say some interesting tactics and antics might be dragged out of their kit bags.

[Lods]

That's the problem
It's not something that's measurable (one ruck, or two), because there are so many things that come into play.
You can look at win/losses, but that doesn't take into account the quaility of the opposition and a whole lot of other variables that occur during the length of a season, like venue, injury, form, fitness, training loads, roles, weather etc

Whichever way we go this weekend the result will determine the direction of the debate for the next week.
And one option or the other will get a boost :

[DJC]

For me I cant wait to finally see the McKay twins go at it. Bragging rights at stake and I dare say some interesting tactics and antics might be dragged out of their kit bags.

Did you see Harry and Ben on the club website?

Ben was quite serious when asked about match ups and explained that defenders don't stay on the one opponent but he would probably spend time on Charlie.

Harry's response; "He's too good for you.  He'll kick ten.  You'd better come to me!"

Cracked me up!  )