09-23-2020, 08:26 AM
(09-23-2020, 05:09 AM)bignic link Wrote: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.
It's the wrong question (and answer).
Is Murphy likely to be in our best 22 - 25 players in 2021.
If the answer's yes, you keep him.....
And I consider the answer is yes (even if that is an indictment, to some degree, on a few of our emerging players).
Finals, then 4 in a row!