AFL Rd 19 2024 Post Game Prognostications Carlton vs North Melbourne

[DJC]

The Kangabies are a much better side than many give them credit for. And we had to put our pressure rating through the roof (3rd qtr) to get over them and even then, they wouldn't go away. In the final qtr, to keep our lead was a bloody good effort considering the revolving door of injured blokes coming on and off the ground.

Failed experiments: Dropping Hewett : Cincotta on Zuhaar (why the fck would you sacrifice someone so quick over the grass to the last line of defence  :) ...and probably dropping Kemp.
Good to see: Cottrell regaining touch, Cerra finally stepping up later in the game, Motlop back, Charles kicking well for goal, H's ruck work and work up the ground.
Don't get: Weiters criticism, Tall Durds criticism.
Bottom line: There's a fleas chin (cleaned that up) between 2nd and 7th on the ladder. With the exception of the Weagles, any and every other side outside the 8 is capable of knocking off a top 8 side.
We are very much, still, a work in progress.
Expect: Pitto in this week, along with Kemp and perhaps Binns. Outs: Injured blokes.

North have been playing some pretty good footy and Wet Toast have wins over the Dockers and Dees.  Take any team lightly at your peril.

We had a cobbled together defence with Kemp, Boyd and Marchbank out and Durdin the only replacement.  That meant Cincotta going back to full time defender, Cerra and Kennedy playing in defence and 186cm Newman playing on 203cm Teakle. 

With the procession of our players heading to the rooms for running repairs, our defence was under significant pressure and I thought they held up very well … but I was relieved when Charlie made his appearance in the backline.  Weitering was a bulwark and tall Durdin was solid.

Owies should have cemented his place in the 22 and young Motlop has laid the foundations for his spot.  Small forwards have to make the most of limited opportunities and Motlop does that in spades. Small Durdin and Fantasia don’t at present.