2018 Rd 23: Post Game Passion: Carlton vs Adelaide

[Barbs]

I can't speak for everyone, but i've got no problem with the coach implementing a zone style of play. As you say, its the norm.

However, when the team is so obviously bad, there needs to be a circuit breaker of sorts. Players need to be reminded that they can in fact play the game. The quickest and easiest way to do that mid-game is to switch to man on man. A large part of coaching is player management, both in terms of physically and mentally. The players look fed up and tired. Give them a break and let them just run around and play.

I have a problem with our brand of zone and its implementation.

Our players seem to have been drilled into thinking that guarding their patch is more important than stopping the opposition getting the ball. We are unbelievably slow to close the gaps in the zone as the ball moves or put pressure on an opposition player who strolls into those gaps that its beyond tragic.

I completely agree that some sort of team defence will have to be the future but you are 110% correct that for now we do need to play more man on man football to let our young players learn how to play contested footy. If nothing else, they will at least learn from the opposition's better players as they try to keep up with them.

I never had high hopes for 2018 and with or without Doc we were destined for a bottom 3 finish. I but wanted to at least see players developing, showing some Carlton spirit and going down fighting. Instead, we've been served up with deplorable, gutless capitulations.

I actually admire Brisbane for their rebuild because they're doing what I'm talking about - sure they're losing too and languishing at the bottom with us. But they've shown a willingness to fight and work. We haven't.