2015 Rd2 Carlton vs West Coast Post Match Pain & Suffering

[Mantis]

It's not as if Hendo had done any better up forward.

The key problem is the midfield - it has gone AWOl big time - Murphy, gibbs, cARROTS, cURNOW giving zip.

You make a very strong and valid point. In both first quarters of our first 2 games, our mids were on top and getting the clearances. The forwards were able to lead because the defence couldn't run back and stack up. Leaving us to bomb the ball in in heavy congested contested marking. Our mids and ruck need to work harder and more clever. Once we move the ball quick from a clearance we catch the defenders off guard, and in plenty of one on one work against our forwards. Chasing players on a lead becomes far more difficult. As do intercepted marks and turnovers.

When we ever had our midfield and running players rule with quick clearances we have looked dangerous. Whether we had Fev, Waite, Betts or Henderson up forward. We sometimes need the forwards to move up to the 50m line to isolate Henderson types to work one on one more often. Hence set up a defencive line for the rebounding defenders to have to penetrate. Its something the coaches need to consider and teach. Its something the players need to learn and practice. However with lazy players in the middle of the ground, any game plan is just a hit and miss, with a poor conversion based on our talent with KPP's.

Go talk to Mick and make it happen mate. You might surprise yourself, and he may listen to you.