04-14-2023, 08:35 AM
(04-14-2023, 07:24 AM)Blue Moon link Wrote:That was as appalling an effort I have watched for a long time. I haven't watched Voss' press conference but I understand he made some comment about not turning up to play. I have argued a long time that Carlton's lack of success has not been about the quality of the players, coaches, football department, the CEO, administration or even the Board, though it would be good if they wood just get out of the way sometimes, I believe that the problem at Carlton is all about the Club Culture. Elliot and his cronies absolutely destroyed our winning culture and the Club has been unable to re-find it. Winners win because they win, losers lose because they lose. The Club is the most comfortable and rewarding environment for any player to achieve mediocracy. We sack coaches, change administrations and seek success from outsiders while taking no responsibility and showing no leadership from within. I think the Club was pretty comfortable finishing ninth last season. We had all summer to dwell on how unlucky we were and how we were ready to take the next step. As I have said, I don't think we missed out on the top eight last season, I think we missed out on the top four.
Last night the team lacked pace, lacked skills, lacked endeavor, lacked leadership, lacked fitness, didn't play as a team, didn't run out the quarters and didn't turn up. Picking and choosing when they are going to play and have a go has been a problem at the Club since the late nineties. This is what I am referring to when I say the problem is culture. The players and coaches keep saying what an honour it is to play in front of the large and passionate Carlton member and supporter base but they regularly treat us with disrespect and contempt by simply not being bothered or prepared to have a go.
When was the last time a Carlton team went on a run and won a large number of games in a row and set the competition alight. How often do we paly exhilarating games of football. Setanta and his little helpers, Geelong in 2011, the second half against Brisbane when Teague took over, the comeback against the Bulldogs, the win against the Dockers when Murphy kicked the winning goal. That is five games in fifteen years. And it is not about winning. We lost that game against the Bulldogs but the crowd was roaring. So here we are again, another season and the same old rubbish. We have the players, we have the coaches, we have the administration but it is still the same old Carlton. Time to sack the Coach and change the Board. That always works.
One thing we do need is more pace in the mid-field. The only two players we have who fit this criteria are Dow and Fisher. It is interesting that the only time this season our mid-field has been effective was when Fisher was up their.
That's a thoughtful post, Blue Moon. I saw my first Carlton game 78 years ago, so I am well acquainted with mediocrity. If I remember correctly it was about 1965/66 that club culture finally developed and lasted until it was destroyed by Elliot.
Since then bitter experience has shown that regularly changing coaches and expecting a different result doesn't work. We certainly haven't done ourselves any favours with so many dreadful draft selections made this century.
I think club culture develops naturally when a club starts to win games consistently, especially after a long period in the wilderness. I don't see this list having the ability to make that happen.