AFL Rd 18 2023 Pre Game Prognostications Carlton vs Port Adelaide

[DJC]

With respect, I don't think that is entirely accurate, K.

Only a very few called for a major cull/coach replacement. I think most of us realise that there will be a moderate cull, nothing major, at year's end. And the cull will only be those whose bodies just aren't up to it and those few who just aren't coming along after having been given plenty of opportunity. And I don't recall anyone on this forum calling for Vossy's sacking.

The biggest questions being asked, very reasonably, were around leadership and discipline.

Even the most one-eyed supporter would agree that a few of the players on the field during our slump aren’t yet truly competitive at AFL level.  Replacing them, or fast-tracking their development, is required to ensure finishing in the eight.

With the exception of our rucks, the combination we’re putting on the park now is stronger and better balanced than the team we went with in the first half of the season.  Kemp, Martin, Cuningham and Fogarty have added run, defensive pressure, better ball use, a deeper midfield and contributed to a more fluent forward line.

The makeshift ruck has also had a positive impact with the mids really stepping up.  Young becomes an extra defender when he’s not rucking and Silvagni is popping up all over the ground to good effect.  However, I don’t think that will be sustainable against the likes of Melbourne, Brisbane and Collingwood.  It should work against Port though.

Port’s winning streak has dispelled any thoughts that they’re flaky away from home but I think that we will benefit from home ground advantage.

Hinkley will be flat out trying to work out how to counter the “new” Carlton and I’m expecting a tougher contest.  Provided we bring the same energy and attack on the ball and opposition, we should make it four wins in a row.