Rd 9: Post Game Pain: Carlton vs. North Melbourne

[LoveNavy]

Goldstein was BOG by a long way last night. It proves that ruckmen dont matter that much until a really good one comes along and then they matter a great deal.  With first use almost guaranteed, north's midfield cleared it out fast, making life easier for their forwards.

Our lack of height hurt us, with a tendency to keep handballing as we lacked a target to kick to. No great surprise, but it meant finding different paths to goal. At times we did OK, but with jones and everitt our two main forwards, kicking much of a score was remote. Wasn't a fan of cripps going third man up, as it means our best clearence player is easier to defend against. Given his movement he was playing injured; not ideal.

Things that were good were the continued good play by docherty, easily our best defender. Kerridge, despite the fumbles at times kept working hard, byrne played well, and Gorringe, despite being utterly smashed in the ruck, presented a bit around the ground and kicked a fun goal. The team kept at it overall, despite being totally outclassed.

Things not to like were the umpiring. Friday's match was a poor one from the umps and it continued. With four umpires running about on the field they are now trying to get involved and it results in greater inconsistency and more uncertainty. Rules are now being enforced selectively, depending on whether ther game is moving or not. How many conferences does it take to decide if the ball went out of bounds? Dilluted responsibility means more second guessing and confusion.

Most ridiculous is the shot clock. I don't care about it per se, but it is embarrassing and ridiculous when a player, as they did several times last night, exceeds the 30 seconds and the umpire does not blow play on. So now we can see clearly the rules not being enforced. Pull your heads out AFL and umpires.  It's a very poor spectacle.

And finally, in the theme of poor spectacles, the noise of the announcer and other garbage at north's games doesn't make up for their dismal lack of supporters and contined search for relevance. Most clubs produce pretty naff mascots and assorted silliness, but north are almost parody.

Great post. I'm in agreement.
We were unabashedly beaten by a more experienced, bigger, more talented, highly confident, big breasted team.
It was totally expected and I thought (most of ) our boys did their best under the circumstances.
I don't like to sook it and whine about umpires either, but it was a poor showing and on balance we were disadvantaged. I think Kerridge's goal towards the end kind of summed it up. We got a point for a goal :-\. We were outclassed but will take a great deal from it that will strengthen the journey we're on.