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

[ElwoodBlues1]

Since this topic is still going, I said it in my original post, and I will say it again.

Without any doubt, one of the more selfish acts perpetrated on the Carlton Football Club in recent history, is Mark Murphy not offering to hang up the boots, but accepting another years contract.

He knows, just like I , and those on this site  who don't wear blindfolds know, that he's gone.

He can't tackle. Not because he wouldn't do it under normal circumstances, but because his shoulders are stuffed and he risks a dislocation if he tackles. That's why you didn't see him actually tackle once this year. He either lunged at a player after the player was out of range, or came in as the second or third player to "tackle" the opposition player.

He won't go in and  put his head over the ball. Mind you, he's not alone. Jack martin did it against the Lions, resulting in a goal to them. But at least Murphy's excuse is that he had his jaw broken a while ago, and  he's afraid to get it broken again.

Frankly,I don't blame him for not wanting to tackle or put his body on the line by going in and under packs. In fact I empathise with him.

But this is a team sport, and if you can't do your job for the team, then do the decent thing and retire so that a player who doesn't have your issues can take your place.

All I can hope for, is that the club understand that he's not up to it any more, and that he is no longer an automatic selection.

There is the view on this site that highly skilled players who are more elite with their ball use dont have to bother with meat and potatoes acts like chasing, tackling or putting the body on the line. Thats for meatheads like Robbo who were/are seen as handicapped skill wise and only fit for sacrificing their body parts for the good of these elite ball users.
I dont subscribe to that theory and clubs like Richmond and Hawthorn havent over the years either and thats why they are successful.