Post Game Analysis: AFL 2021 Rd 12: Carlton vs West Coast

[kruddler]

I tend not to post for a few days after a loss when my emotions are on a more even keel.  However, by that time, most of what I want to say has been addressed.

One thing I do want to mention is Nic Newman's attempted mark and frightening impact with the SCG turf.  There's no doubt that it was a courageous effort but is that what we want from our medium defenders?

Weitering had good position on Darling, until Newman took him out, and would have spoiled or marked.  We were effectively two men out of the contest and West Coast crumbed and kicked to the square, eventually resulting in Jones missing an easy set shot.  I know it's an instinctive thing for players to attempt to mark with the flight of the ball (although I think Newman was attempting to spoil) but hard-nosed defenders curb their instincts and do the team thing.  Newman should have been focused on getting the loose ball, stopping West Coast crumbers from getting it, or tackling before they could get a disposal away.  As it turned out West Coast had more players at the fall of the ball and two of ours were out of the contest with Darling gaining possession while Weitering was distracted.

It's only one incident but it's typical of the poor decision-making, poor positioning and lack of discipline that causes us to miss out on scoring opportunities at one end and give up goals at the other.

Damned if you do, damned if your don't.

If he decided to stop running back with the flight and tried to get front and square for the crumbs, people would've complained he pussy'd out.

He'll learn from it, and Teague will prep him for the next time.

It was a freak collision, that probably won't happen again this year. However, i'd rather our players be too brave, than not brave enough.

Remember Walshs mark going back with the flight......that could've ended the same way. Luck of the draw.