Rd 15: Post Game Passion: Carlton vs Adelaide

[sydneybluesfan]

When you simply think about how long it takes to develop a consistent quality goal kicking forward ( say 3-4 years minimum) and how few quality forwards are traded (compared to mids and defenders), it makes obvious sense to have a major focus on offence first.

As part of this each year I would also advocate you should be adding 5/6 forwards to your list without fail, given the very poor conversion rate of recruits into A or even B graders. It's a numbers game when you think about it, and we are where we are because of a combination of our recruitment choices being very poor, and not drafting and trading enough goal kicking prospects.

[sydneybluesfan]

http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/08/13/def...mierships/

For anyone who's interested here's an interesting article on the subject from a couple of years ago.

[Tragic]

Attack is good and we all want to see more of it.  We must be able to defend though and learn how to slow a game down and regain momentum when required.  Our ball use is still not great, and if it can be improved with the development of more skilled players our attack will suddenly look a whole lot better.

There have been glimpses of how good our attack might be and sadly there have been times when it has been comical.  We do need a bit more class up fwd which we need to develop and import.  I can recall quite a few fast and attacking plays throughout the year that fell to pieces because of errors by our players.  They might have cost us a couple of close ones.  We need more class, more games into our good kids, and to gel and execute better.  Then i think our attack will increase naturally.  And if Harry turns out to be ok, and Charlie develops into what he looks like becoming then we might go alright up fwd.

I wonder if Bolts does have the magical switch to speed up the game plan?  As mentioned above we do need to be able to attack better.  It is a must.  We were labelled downhill skiers once, and that doesn't work either.  Just got to get the balance right.  Maybe Bolts is teaching defence first if it is easier.  Give them a foundation to build on?

[flyboy77]

When you simply think about how long it takes to develop a consistent quality goal kicking forward ( say 3-4 years minimum) and how few quality forwards are traded (compared to mids and defenders), it makes obvious sense to have a major focus on offence first.

As part of this each year I would also advocate you should be adding 5/6 forwards to your list without fail, given the very poor conversion rate of recruits into A or even B graders. It's a numbers game when you think about it, and we are where we are because of a combination of our recruitment choices being very poor, and not drafting and trading enough goal kicking prospects.

Absolute rubbish.

No good having gun forwards if you can't get the ball to them...

Gun midfields win flags as long as the bookends are ok. And it's beyond obvious to suggest that a team isn't going to get close to a  GF it it has too many spuds in its best 22.

When was the last time a key forward kicked  bag in a GF, or even a PF? Ablett snr back in '89 - and the Cats lost.

That article is naive in its analysis. Stats can be tweaked to say what anyone want them to say.

Footy is a simple game - work hard, win the ball, use it well (and ideally quickly) and you'll invariably win.....

We add Kelly and Hopper to our mid mix next year and our forwards will look as good as any in the comp.

[flyboy77]

I should add I think it's time for Harry Mc to be given an extended run in the 1s.....some blokes just produce when given the opportunity at the elite level.

And it takes a lot of the heat off Levi...

David Cuningham is one who seems to relish the big stage albeit he needs to find the pill more....

Zac Fisher is one who needs time back in the 2s.

[LP]

I should add I think it's time for Harry Mc to be given an extended run in the 1s.....some blokes just produce when given the opportunity at the elite level.

I think he's miles away.

Given his current form if he's subjected to AFL type media and fan scrutiny you could set his career back years if not end it! What's our rush?

Personally, if we had ACoS fit last weekend we probably win, that tells me there is little need for drastic actions.

The kid Mckay can get a sh1te load of football, but at the moment he makes Casboult look efficient! Anyone who has watched him live can confirm he can kick over a barn, he just can't hit it!

[DJC]

I think he's miles away.

Given his current form if he's subjected to AFL type media and fan scrutiny you could set his career back years if not end it! What's our rush?

Personally, if we had ACoS fit last weekend we probably win, that tells me there is little need for drastic actions.

The kid Mckay can get a sh1te load of football, but at the moment he makes Casboult look efficient! Anyone who has watched him live can confirm he can kick over a barn, he just can't hit it!

I think you're right LP.  I'd like to see Harry playing at AFL level ... when he's ready.  Sorting out his kicking for goal would be a good first step.

[DJC]

We all 'feel like' we are heading in the right direction, and in many areas we are. But the cold hard facts when you look at the numbers vs last year tell you something a little different -  we are in an almost identical position to where we were. And our ability to score has not improved at all over the last 70 odd games - so the idea that it will somehow improve markedly over the next 8 weeks is very optimistic.

Given that many pundits predicted that we'd go backwards this season, matching last season's performance isn't all that bad; particularly when you consider the inexperienced lineup we've used in most games.

[bigblue]

I should add I think it's time for Harry Mc to be given an extended run in the 1s.....some blokes just produce when given the opportunity at the elite level.

And it takes a lot of the heat off Levi...

David Cuningham is one who seems to relish the big stage albeit he needs to find the pill more....

Zac Fisher is one who needs time back in the 2s.

Disagree on Fisher. His pressure is outstanding. A couple of times he ran past Kreuz or Caz after they marked out on the wings but they ignored him and didnt dish off a handball. The kid has got "it" and doesnt look as tired as some other newbies imo.

[madbluboy]

Given that many pundits predicted that we'd go backwards this season, matching last season's performance isn't all that bad; particularly when you consider the inexperienced lineup we've used in most games.

Numbers don't always tell the story either.

Our backline is much more dynamic than it was a couple of years ago when Matthew Watson was lumbering around there.

Jones, A Silvagni, Marchbank and Plowman are offensive defenders who can all play on talls and smalls.

Rowe (if he gets back) is still handy on the gorillas and can play forward.

Weitering can play both ends.

Docherty is our best HBF since Andrew McKay.

Simpson still provides great run.