AFL Rd 9 2023 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Western Bulldogs

[crashlander]

That Brownlow medallist is becoming a  massive problem.  His inability to defend is killing us.

I know I identified this post earlier, but there is more about Cripps that needs be said.
[1] His form is really down, and it isn't just because he gets scragged before he gets the ball (although that doesn't help). He tackles manly in the centre square, but he doesn't chase anyone down. I'd like to see a little more effort in that area, as teams realize they have him beaten for pace and steady. That doesn't help anyone.
[2] His disposal effectiveness is way down. He has kicked one goal this season. Mind you, he isn't alone there. Last year our mids would often spring up and score. This year, nada. But that big problem is that his efforts, no matter how herculean, are not being rewarded. I couldn't count the number of times he put his body on the line, for the possession to be affected by weight of numbers and for it to fall short of a team mate.
[3] He is not holding his marks. He is almost taking marks and not being rewarded by the Umpires, for guys hanging off him either. When he is at his best, he holds the marks and then makes something happen.