Rd 21: Post Game Passion: Carlton vs Brisbane

[DJC]

Funny how in in the second half SOJ, SOS jnr, BB, Cunners start getting involved and we look so much better. 

This game really underlined for me that aside from massive holes in the list at either end our midfield group is in drastic need of work.  We are slow, don't run both ways,  lack polish, lack body size in the middle of the ground and make terrible decisions with ball in hand.  The midfield group really needs refurbishment and drastic improvement could happen really rapidly IMO with effort in this area.

Side has missed Byrne, Murph and Charlie C badly as they use the ball better, and are quicker than so many others.

A player that epitomises this group is Kerridge... love his application and size but he ain't quick and he is terrible with the ball in hand.  How do you teach blokes decision making under pressure?

It really was a game of two halves.  I noted that Boekhorst (1 disposal), Plowman (2), Phillips (2), Cuningham (3), Silvagni (4) and Wright (4) had minimal impact in the first half but, with the exception of Phillips, all stepped up in the second.  Having half the side not contributing puts far too much pressure on our better players.

If there's a positive from the game it is that we didn't fold when we were seven goals down but increased our effort and almost got the win.  That doesn't make the loss anywhere near acceptable but, as Bolton would say, the green shoots are there.

The result should put paid to any thoughts of a priority pick for Brisbane.  They have plenty of talent on their list for a competent coach to work with.