AFL Rd 15 2022 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Fremantle

[DJC]

I wouldn't give up too soon, but this is a bit of a perfect storm.  Playing at the Dome means a dry deck, which means less ball coming to ground.  We were likely a better chance last week going smaller, and playing a more running game with the open spaces and greasy conditions at the MCG.  Never the less, its not over until the lady warms up her pipes.

IF I were the MC, I would plan to rove to a losing Ruckman as a start.  I think I would play Kemp back to supplement Young, ruck a combination of TDK with either Mirkov, or JSOS, and then look to employ the exact tactics that Hawthorn used against us which is load up the backline and get players on their bike running forward.  Shame we don't have Williams for this, but it will have to be Docherty, Saad and Newman doing this, with Plow, and Young doing the stay at home jobs, with JSOS or TDK dropping behind the ball to supplement.  Supplement Charlie and Harry forward with Cripps to try and make Freo cover our talls at that end and go with a bunch of runners outside of that.  If you can cover the ground well, you are a better chance to get in this week IMHO because when you dont have height, you need run.

A bit of luck, and we can jag a win this weekend.  Unfortunately for us, the home ground advantage is not so good, because Freo are coming off the bye, which could help or hurt us.  In this case, they might have a few cobwebs and play a looser game, so we might need to capitalise on this early.  If we look to run it this week, the lack of conditioning could hurt them.

When are you starting your role with the MC Thry?

You would think that the MC would follow a similar path.  However, the members of the MC are paid big bucks to come up with winning combinations and you never know what they’re thinking until the team’s announced or Vossy gives away one selection.

Kemp, in form, would provide run out of defence and his work last game could earn him selection in the firsts.  I’d like to see him named in the 22.

I’d also like to see Stocker in the 22 but none of our defenders from the Richmond game should be dropped.

Adding Mirkov to the 22 is an interesting question.  I think that his ruckwork has deteriorated as the season has progressed.  In the opening rounds he was leaping over his opponent and palming or punching the ball to advantage.  He now seems to want to initiate body contact, stop his opponent jumping, and use his reach to bring the ball down to his feet.  It’s not working and would give Darcy and Lobb field days.  Would that be better than Jack and Crippa in the ruck?

Mirkov only took one mark against Footscray and you’d want more than that from your beanpole.