Pre-Game Passion: AFL 2019 Rd 3: Carlton vs Sydney

[crashlander]

Surely Ed Curnow gets a run with role on Josh Kennedy this week? Kennedy was outstanding against Adelaide and will punish us if left to run unchecked. Ed's finishing was never a strong point so not sure why they're trying to make him into a forward option at this stage of his career....the guy can run all day.

I know our coaching staff are not that fond of the 'run with player'. I things were otherwise, we would have more of them on our list. However, on thing we have been very poor with over the last few years is stopping the oppositions' best players. Granted we need first shot at the ball if we are really going to get somewhere with our midfield, but turning a champion into a spud can change the game.
Take last year's game against Hawthorn, for example. We allowed Hawthorn's to mid to run around on his own, without even a token attempt to control his output. He managed 40+ possessions. Granted that a half fit Cripps got well over 30, but that was a lethal mistake. Ruining Mitchell's game would have given us a huge boost, not just from the 30 less possessions he may have got.
We do NOT have to closely tag all of an oppositions' mids, but taking out a key player could be crucial.
I think it is a better use of Ed Curnow to squash a danger player, rather than expect him to kick numerous goals.

However, as I said, we do not appear to be fans of close tags these days.