AFL Rd 1 2024 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs Richmond

[crashlander]

100% honest, I was very worried going into this game.  Between the inevitable let-down after last week's big win and Doc's knee, combined with a Richmond outfit who were always going to be fired up, there was a real chance we would turn up half-baked and get rolled. 

I agree. Richard had 3 of their best back and close to their best combo on the field and they were motivated to react after last week's embarrassment. But we looked to be the better team for most of the game. But for our kicking, we would have won by 5 goals. We stuffed up so many times in the forward 50, and, what irritated me more, we didn't look for short options very often. Not enough leading.
Nankervis was a big 'in' for them, and he beat Tom early. I would have liked Pitto out there, as he has the body to handle Nankervis. But Pitto isn't fit yet and doesn't look like he is going to be for a few weeks yet.
I loved the way Tom smothered and chased and tackled in the centre square.

Fortunately, we were 3/4 baked and did enough to win.  Had two chances (start of the second and start of the last) where we could have put the game to bed - if we had established a 20+ lead at any stage, I think the Tiges would have faded - but we stuffed up enough to keep them interested.

The way we played in the middle part of the second quarter was magnificent in all but one way: our finishing in the forward 50. We will be better when a fit Jack martin and a fit Motlop are ready to go. Not sure when that is going to be, though. This was the 2nd's last practice match and we have a bye for VFL Rd 1! We really need our listed players to get more game time under their belts.

This is one of those 'ugly' wins that you need to have - still get the four points, but also (hopefully) learn several lessons.

I don't mind an 'ugly' win, as long as it is a win.

Kudos to our tackling, it has improved out of sight (although Lewis Y needs to do some significant remedial work).

Our tackling last night was magnificent. That and the smothers and the way we read the ball after those things happened. Mitch McGovern was really good at taking advantage of a tackle or smother. He had a very good game.

Best sight for the night - TDK has finally realised he can jump higher than the gorillas and is faster around the ground.  I think his season will only get better.  And Harry's 'ball on the ground, 10 steps, kick' routine is clearly a keeper.

had to agree. To see the way Tom finished off was what I wanted. He can do this, he just has to believe he can.
H also seems to have the belief at the moment. Charlie needs a dose of it; he should have had at least 5.
Fantasia needs some belief badly. He'll be back in the two's when Martin and/or Motlop are available until he believes he can kick goals again.
Mind you, the twos are not looking that great at the moment. Power is great at working with the kids and developing them, but he isn't a great coach. He needs to be doing more development while a good coach gets our players going.