Post Game Philosphical Discussion: AFL 2020 Rd 18: Carlton vs Brisbane

[laj]

We are, IMO, somewhere between 2/4 and 3/4 of the way to being a decent side. Whilst I accept the "quarters won" stat can give the impression of proximity, my concern is the optics and the reality of being "in games". There's many examples, but for the sake of brevity, look at last night's game. After 1/4 time, at what point did we look like winning it ? IMO, we never did. Getting close(ish) on the scoreboard is not quite the same thing as really being in the game. The difference might be subtle, but it's very real IMO.

Now, some random observations, opinions etc :
- Levi : after displaying some almost AA form earlier this season, he's gone backwards. Dropped marks he would clunk 9 times out of 10, gave up chases far too easily, and looked disinterested even after kicking his goal. Sad to see that great form slip away.
- Gibbons : is a real trier, form has been ok this year, had a slightly below average game last night.
- Ed Curnow : solid last night, one of his better season IMO.
- Newnes : ok
- Williamson : still coming to terms with AFL footy after a long lay off. Hopefully he can regain some of his pre injury form, because he looks far off that at the moment. Tries and showed some glimpses.
- Polson : last night wasn't the best night to try and save your career. Feel sorry for him to be honest.
- Cuningham : ok game
- Pittonet : good in the ruck and his work around the ground has improved over the season IMO. Good game, especially in those conditions.
- Weitering : solid and dependable - good season.
- Martin : a goer and a tough nut. Fought hard in the guts, and won his fair share of hard ball. Love him.
- Plowman : the good outweighs the bad, the problem is that his bad can be costly. i get the feeling he is the good boy scout of the team. I reckon he would be a favourite of the coach. Good game.
- Betts : after a fairytale start to the season, has gone off the boil big time. A mere shadow of his former self. Hopefully either regains form or spends most of next year off field.
- Walsh : good game and just a jet.
- Docherty and Jones : both ok.
- TDK : tough night for a young giant learning the caper.
- Mitch : I'll just leave him for now.
- McKay : his best is so so good. The gold standard for sticky hands IMO is Fevola, and McKay is very close. Good leading patterns, good hands, good shooting for goal. You can't ask for much more from a KPF. One of his top 3 games for the club.
- Cripps : injured and below his best.
- Kennedy : not a perfect game, but did enough good things to be a definite best 22 for mine.
- Simpson : nice to see him kick a goal. Shame we couldn't get a win for him, unlike his 250th (ahem  ;D ). It's good to go out on something of a high, unlike some players who outstay their welcome. The decision is absolutely the right one IMO. We need to cut the umbilical cord to the old blokes.
- Murphy and SPS : average, somewhat underwhelming games for both.

Good random thoughts.

We were in the game to an extent  but at the same time up against with that 2nd qtr. The number of qtrs won should've had us top 6 but it tells a huge story of where our issues are. Those bad qtrs/run ons/choking cost us a finals. Maybe it is telling us a story to that, while very competitive against anyone including the best, we weren't quite mentally ready to take the step there.