AFL Rd 3 2024 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs North Melbourne

[crashlander]

It was good to see Fantasia get involved when he was subbed on.  His ball use was good and he was very quick to choose the right option.

He gave away a goal with a poor pass, but he did get involved. He seems to lost a year or two since his 'heyday'. To be honest, I'm glad he kicked his 1st goal for us. It was the sort of shot he used to make. But I think he's bound for the VFL when Motlop is back and firing. I was expecting Motlop to play, to be honest. Martin also has Fantasia well covered.

Durdin didn't have much impact when he came on last week but I think it would be good to alternate him and Fantasia as the sub for the next couple of games.  They both have the ability to make the most from limited opportunities.

Corey's 2 goals were nice, but he really didn't have a lot of influence. 4 possessions in 3 quarters isn't a huge reward.
Fantasia had 7 possessions in the last quarter.

Twenty-one goals from eleven individual goal kickers is a nice spread; nine from key forwards, six from small forwards, and six from midfielders.  We just needed De Koning and a defender or two to score and it would have been perfect.  Yes, we were only playing North but I think they'll upset a few teams before the season is done.

North have talent. The AFL saw to that. Their midfield is going to be good in the next few years. Xerri is a decent ruckman and their game style is dangerous. Still, I'm glad we beat them so thoroughly. It was our largest score against North since 1988!

How good is it to have Weiters back?  He was a bit rusty to start with but our defence is way more solid with Weiters leading the way ... and flying the flag with a bit of menace; Larkey may be a bit more circumspect when we meet them again.

Jacob is the keystone to our defence. Looking at the 2's, both Young and Kemp were OK, but both made some shocking errors (Kemp mostly by foot) and their 15 m passing game just doesn't do it for me. However, at least one of them will come in next week.

Marchy was very shaky early one but he settled down and was playing quite well when Boyd landed on his head.  A bit of a loose cannon is Boydy and he needs to learn to just take out opposition players  :

Marchbank was very lucky to have played, to be honest. This was his first serious hitout for the year and it showed. However, he was pretty unlucky to be concussed. Shows just how injury prone he is, alas.
As for Boyd, he made some shocking errors, but he did a couple of 2nd efforts that were stunningly good. His kicking, when on, was great (but it wasn't always on). Still, if he takes out a few opposition players, instead of ours, he'll keep his spot.
Cincotta showed another side to his game in the VFL: he played as a mid and did a good job. So Boyd has to keep playing well.
Billy Wilson could eventually replace Boyd, as he has real run and dash. But he isn't great in the air (or wasn't yesterday).

Vossy was excellent with young Ollie in the post match presser.  He really is a natural communicator and doesn't try too hard.

I didn't see it.

A good win but none of the teams we've beaten have won a game yet.  Next week will be more of a challenge.

We have yet to win on the Adelaide Oval.