AFL Rd 2 2022 Post Game Permutations Carlton vs Western Bulldogs

[Baggers]

A Win is a win is a win.
That is all.

Last week was a 4th quarter masterclass. This week was a 1st half masterclass. Both were against quality opposition proven to be well superior to us for many years.

We’re adjusting to an overhaul of every department from the clubhouse foundations to the senior coach. Evidently the team are aiming to master the fundamentals of a new game plan. Further layers of complexity will  be added as the season goes on.

We are impacted by health protocol losing the senior coach and 2 from 22.

For the first time in decades the majority of commentary is positive. Seasoned commentators are discussing their Cripps man crushes on national tv?

We’re 2-0 for the first time in years. Regardless of any period of play or performance of any player, I’ll take that every day. It doesn’t mean we’re there yet but there’s something very promising unfolding on and off the field at Carlton.

Go Blues.

Well said, LN.

I've watched the game again before commenting and your 'holistic' observations are spot on, IMHO.

This all just didn't suddenly happen (assuming we continue to improve so strongly), but it did take an objective, even ruthless, appraisal of our on field direction and while some things put in place over the years were very good (off field), other glaring errors were continuing.

It's a cumulative thing. MLG deserves acknowledgment for restoring financial responsibility and eventual stability, even strength. BB deserves acknowledgment for holding the place together during a period of dramatic and thorough rebuild which saw SOS and a new team of list managers, mostly, get it right. And let's not forget the important recruiting of The Terrier and psychologist, Tarah Kavanagh (and the resignation of certain tired Board Members and appointment of smart, experienced and relevant 'new blood').

The final pieces of the puzzle to give effective and strong guidance and direction to this list came from Sayers... then Cook and Vossy, then experienced assistants around Vossy.

Early days, and there will be problems, but at least we can be confident (though cautious confidence with the wounds of 2 decades of sub standard on field performance... bar the glimmer from Ratts) that we have the people who have the experience and skills to manage those problems, and the successes - which can be just as (if not more) requiring of robust competency.