NAB Challenge: Carlton vs. Essendon Sunday 28th Feb

[kruddler]

You could almost argue that the reason we finished last was that we didn't have the majority of that group.... last year. ;D

Are you working with 'them'? That's a clear lob that is not going to clear the player at the net. Easy setup for a smash finish.

As above, as basd as they were, they were still the best we had.

[Lods]

They've already shown more spirit than 3/5ths of them

[kruddler]

They've already shown more spirit than 3/5ths of them

Agreed.

We showed spirit against the Hawks last week with our a-team in. Doesn't get you a win though.

[kruddler]

http://www.carltonfc.com.au/video/2016-0...-weitering

Future captain

[crazyjoedevolamk11]

Future captain

Of the Blues or the Hawks?

[Dominator_7]

I was pretty pissed off at stages during todays game, but then I realised this...
It was by far the most inexperienced team Carlton has ever fielded. We had 6 players who havent played a senior game yet (7 if you don't count Byrnes 1 qtr against the Scum last year), Prob add another 5-6 with no more than 10 games exp as well. Appart from a shocking 2nd qtr, we held up alright considering..
Add Gibbs, Kruezer, Kerridge Murphy, Cripps, Walker White Thomas Wright and it d be a totally different story.
But all you ll hear from the Scum loving media is good news stories about how great the Bombers were, barely mentioning we were fielding virtually a Nthrn Blues side against them.

[Lods]

Agreed.

We showed spirit against the Hawks last week with our a-team in. Doesn't get you a win though.

I don't think we played our A team last week...maybe the third game we'll see it.

[Gointocarlton]

Went along today, went to the Spirit of Carlton lunch. What a great day, I was in Blue heaven with many past players present. Eventually made it out to the Pratt stand and watched the first quarter. Ended up back  into the George Harris room and sunk beer with Geoff Southby, Jimmy Buckley, Alex Marcou, Terry Daniher etc etc. Couldnt tell you what happened on the field but had a magnificent none the less. My highlights and snippets from today are as follows:
1. We didn't get a cent from the gate today, the Prez was less than impressed. AFL apparently control the NAB games no matter where they are held.
2. Jimmy Buckley and Dominator got zero from the testimonials (lol).
3. Cripps is a monster, came in during lunch and did an interview with the MC Rob Gaylard. What a specimen.
4. Terry Daniher is a legend of a bloke. Gave a great interview also and got to have a beer with hem afterwards.
5. Spoke drank at length with Alex Marcou, I suggested the old blokes need to associate more with the new young players and explain to them what it meant to play for the Blues back in the day. He agreed and will discuss at the next meeting. Ripping fella is Alex.
6. Players came in after the game, we had heaps of senior players out so meh!
7. I wish we could play even 1 game a year at PP.
8. When we went back into the Harris Room at qtr time, they said we could get any beer and had to queue up outside. Before you knew it, Collo wielded his influence and the beer was flowing like there was no tomorrow.
9. The Carlton of old off field was back in town today, on field was not so good (apparently).

[crashlander]

As I have said many times, our primary problems are not the forwards, not the ruckmen, not the 200cm types, it has never been the 200cm types not when it was Hammer, SpecialK, Casboult, Rowe and others who were inside F50. Our main problem has been, and will continue to be, use of the ball which remains abhorrent compared to other ALF teams. Not just from a kicking accuracy perspective but from a decision making perspective as well.

We have been, we still appear to be, and are likely to remain in the near future, the worst users of the ball in the competition. Our very best stand out in our team, but our best are very average when compared to other clubs.

In many way that statement from LP is the crux of the matter. We turn the ball over. A lot! 9 Essendon goals were direct results of turnovers today. We lost by 10 goals with an U18 team on the field. We do not hit targets enough and we select poorly when it comes to targets.
If there is one region I would like to see us improve in this season more than any other it is this: our disposal. When we make turnovers and get 9 goals from them, we will beat a LOT OF SIDES that thin they are pretty good.

[PaulP]

Agreed.

We showed spirit against the Hawks last week with our a-team in. Doesn't get you a win though.

This we can all agree on - the young ones will be hot and cold, which is to be expected.