What are your expectations for 2017?

[LP]

MIO, I'm surprised to hear you say that about Thomas. I'd be shocked if he found another home, irrespective of how much of his salary is subsidised.

I could see him in some type of coaching role.

Thomas would be quite valuable to some clubs. His presence on field surrounded by children is underestimated by many Carlton supporters. He knows where to be on the field and when, often gets there despite supporters claiming he's too slow to keep up, and also pretty much does a sole hand directing the beginners where to be and when.

[LP]

People post in these threads like the "improvement curve" is a never ending climb to higher and higher performance, it's just unrealistic.

The concept of being left behind is bullsh1t!

The only thing that stops any club climbing the ladder is the failure to develop the resources they have.

Recently we've manage to scupper our fortunes twice. The first time when we reacted prematurely to kibosh Ratten, then again when as his replacement we appointed a redundant geriatric who raped the club and it's culture.

[PaulP]

Thomas would be quite valuable to some clubs. His presence on field surrounded by children is underestimated by many Carlton supporters. He knows where to be on the field and when, often gets there despite supporters claiming he's too slow to keep up, and also pretty much does a sole hand directing the beginners where to be and when.

Well, we managed to stooge Brisbane with Fev, and they have a young list, sooooooo.................

[DJC]

People post in these threads like the "improvement curve" is a never ending climb to higher and higher performance, it's just unrealistic.

The concept of being left behind is bullsh1t!

The only thing that stops any club climbing the ladder is the failure to develop the resources they have.

Recently we've manage to scupper our fortunes twice. The first time when we reacted prematurely to kibosh Ratten, then again when as his replacement we appointed a redundant geriatric who raped the club and it's culture.

Oh no!  Another thread spiralling out of control

Improvement requires good list management, the ability to get the best out of the list in terms of development, pastoral care, fitness and conditioning, direction and leadership, and a brand of footy that is competitive and suits the attributes of the playing group.

I reckon we're on track.

[cookie2]

Oh no!  Another thread spiralling out of control

)

We are now re-entering the Twilight Zone!

[LoveNavy]

My expectations are:
- game plan/s that make blowouts less likely
- management of youngsters for the longer, not shorter term
- consistent reliable performance from older and stopgap players
- several players step up to give Cripps a hand
- brief but brilliant flashes from our star draftees (1-3yrs) + Byrne in 2nd half
- game time for youngsters, well supported by seniors
- development of "us" mindset across the squad
- consistent performance in NB with move up the ladder
- some consistent AFL standard performance from KJ
- back 6 become more cohesive, static or less points against
- Indigenous players feel valued and their culture respected (strong spirit = max development)
- more consistent effort for longer periods
- nobody getting gifted games
- club and supporters unite and stand behind our coaches/players

I've a few more, but that'll do for now

Go young Blues

[PaulP]

I like that list LN.

[DJC]

My expectations are:
- game plan/s that make blowouts less likely
- management of youngsters for the longer, not shorter term
- consistent reliable performance from older and stopgap players
- several players step up to give Cripps a hand
- brief but brilliant flashes from our star draftees (1-3yrs) + Byrne in 2nd half
- game time for youngsters, well supported by seniors
- development of "us" mindset across the squad
- consistent performance in NB with move up the ladder
- some consistent AFL standard performance from KJ
- back 6 become more cohesive, static or less points against
- Indigenous players feel valued and their culture respected (strong spirit = max development)
- more consistent effort for longer periods
- nobody getting gifted games
- club and supporters unite and stand behind our coaches/players

I've a few more, but that'll do for now

Go young Blues

I like your work LN 

[kruddler]

Thomas would be quite valuable to some clubs. His presence on field surrounded by children is underestimated by many Carlton supporters. He knows where to be on the field and when, often gets there despite supporters claiming he's too slow to keep up, and also pretty much does a sole hand directing the beginners where to be and when.

Exactly why i stand up for him.

His ability to individually impact games is not what it used to be, however from the very first game he played in a carlton jumper, his direction out on the field was better than any other bloke out there. For a 1st gamer in a new club, it really showed us how far behind we were as a playing list.

[DJC]

Exactly why i stand up for him.

His ability to individually impact games is not what it used to be, however from the very first game he played in a carlton jumper, his direction out on the field was better than any other bloke out there. For a 1st gamer in a new club, it really showed us how far behind we were as a playing list.

I saw Thomas pointing a few times, generally after mis-kicking, but no evidence that he was providing any direction whatsoever.  Self-preservation has been his primary motive, and that's understandable given expectations and his loss of pace and agility.

It's a nice try Kruddler, but more a product of a vivid imagination than anything approaching reality.