AFL Rd 5 2022 Post Game Carlton vs Port Adelaide

[Baggers]

Four Points: Carlton’s ‘first-world problem’, The Age.

Good article. Stating the bloomin' obvious, but doing it well and with important balance.

Yes, there is still a bit of the 'same old, same old' about our 'fades.' But our good is much better than our good of many previous years... which makes the fades all the more galling. A glaring contrast.

However, we're 5 games into a 23 game season (and hopefully more). And although some may think that the instituted changes from last year are small, they aint. Our blokes are learning a few very important differences... and culture, to previous years. And these differences involve a far greater work ethic/intensity and focus - something we've not done for years. Plus learning how to create and maintain a whole of side connect - the very foundations of cohesion.

Yes, we squander big leads, but we don't give up and this not giving up is new. These blokes want to win.

Strong change takes time. Turning a very different game plan into habit, takes time.

With the evenness of the competition the expectation of turning a seven goal lead into a twelve goal win, at this stage of our development is probably unrealistic.

Learning to handle being the hunted is new for us and will take time to learn how to expect/absorb and counter.

And as I've mentioned previously, we have an entirely new coaching group and no matter how brilliant our pre season/preparation was (and it was obviously first rate), you do your most important and effective learning in the heat of battle, and that's when the new coaches learn the most about our list.

Fortunately, our weaknesses are on full display now. And it'll take time to deal with and remove them. But I have genuine confidence in our coaching and playing group to address this effectively. We know we have the players to succeed, now they have to get used to knowing this.

Rarely does any side get to field, on any given week, its best 23. And our injury list is longer than most.

As has been said, it's better to be learning with Ws than Ls. We have plenty of Ls within games but are coming away with a W.