Best team.....and next best

[DJC]

The caught in-between situation was caused by the lack of defensive run from our mids and forwards. Players like Cripps, Ed, SoJ and Kennedy can't keep up with opposition players who stream forward.

Some other Carlton players just refuse to chase with the same intensity that they show when they run forward.

That may have been a factor but it doesn’t excuse defenders being hopelessly out of position as an opposition player prepares to kick inside 50 from a free or mark.

Our defenders are often caught out position because they are indecisive and/or misjudge inside 50 kicks and their ability to get to contests.  Of course, they are not helped by the slingshot rebounds arising from poor disposal by defenders and players further up the ground.  Having a more capable forward line and saying goodbye to some of the worst turnover merchants should reduce pressure on our defenders.  However, improving defensive structures and addressing individual defender’s one on one and team defence is essential.