Carlton Football Club: The Round Six Review

It was the strangest of days. A sunny Launceston where Carlton showcased both their best footy and their worst, only to end up in an all too familiar situation. The old faces of bad luck, inconsistency and heartbreak came back knocking on the door after a weekend away. The match was a tale of two halves for the blues. The first half being one of genuine excitement and fighting spirit, while the second was lost magic and growing complacency. And like nearly every game that goes down to the wire, it is Carlton pulling out the shorter straw. This was a loss soured by damage and depletion, and one leading to the same divide between supporters about the club's future success. Not to mention, it was a loss against the weakest Hawthorn team seen in a long time. But despite this, nothing stopped these hawks from continuing to make the blues their ultimate bitch (having now won 16 of the last 17 matches). A story that has gone for far too long.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-21 points : -5 points

Difference: + 16

Well like almost all of the matches played so far, the team performed better than I expected them to. But I don't want to keep it at that all the time. It's obvious that I like most other passionate blues fans, want to see more wins on the board. The truth is Carlton gave themselves a significant advantage, having led by 37 points midway through the second quarter. From then onward, came the choke. The gradual capitulation well before the final siren. There were moments where it felt like two completely different Carlton teams made a showing in Tasmania, with the second certainly earning very little respect. The heart was lost and the boys were dazed. And when everything was left till the final minutes, the grit returned. But this time, it was anchored down by the classic series of sloppy skills and unforced errors. Believe it or not, I wasn't surprised. I wasn't even jumping about when half time arrived. For those who did, shame on you! You know better than to get ahead of yourselves. Hahaha!

First Quarter

It was the story we wish continued for much of the game. The boys were electric stepping into the first term. Carlton were comfortably winning the clearances and contests. They further took advantage of the inside 50 entries that came from them. Matthew Kreuzer led in many of the areas, while Harry McKay pushed forth and kicked the ball like he was in for another great day. When Ed Curnow couldn't deliver from the lead up, others came to the rescue. Late inclusion David Cuningham got involved with a goal of his own, threading the eye of the needle from a tight angle whilst on the run. Mitch McGovern two snagged a couple to help extend the lead. And there is no forgetting that incredible goal from the aforementioned ruckman. It was a dream start, but one that still saw me having to keep quiet. I knew Carlton too well to be persisting with any premature celebration. I still had my doubts and wasn't afraid to share them.

Second Quarter
A much quieter term, with only a total of 19 points kicked between the two sides. Carlton however, still took the win with two goals to one and an extra 7 points added onto the quarter-time margin. Jack Silvagni was first in kicking off the scoring chain, with a nice major off the ground to widen the gap. Whilst Jaeger O'Meara was racking up the touches for Hawthorn, his teammates couldn't get into the match to support him. Every hawks fifty entry saw no score registered bar one coming from an intercept. It was all thanks to Liam Jones, who was marking and spoiling nearly everything coming his way. But while the defense stayed solid, the rest of the team couldn't replicate the scoreboard damage. Hawthorn picked up on their tackling pressure to force some turnovers and stop the leakage. Levi Casboult though managed to get a goal of his own in the midst of the struggle to help ensure blues went into half time satisfied.

Third Quarter
We don't speak about this quarter. We mustn't! But just this once, I'll look at what went wrong. It all started with our favourite veteran Kade Simpson going out with hamstring tightness. Then came the sudden loss of spirit. The energy from the first half that saw the boys move around and push forward quickly, went missing. It was all Hawthorn this quarter, piling on five goals (and six behinds) to Carlton's one (which was kicked on the run by much maligned midfielder Paddy Dow). The hawks pushed the blues around in the centre of the ground and placed immense pressure on their depleted backline. They too dominated on the outside, finding space and hitting targets. On top of that, luck fell their way with favourable bounces and numerous free kicks to advantage. Nothing went right for Carlton this term. Absolutely nothing. Margin went from 31 at the major break to 5 in the final change. The pressure was well and truly on.

Fourth Quarter

Another high-scoring term which sadly for Carlton, fell in the hawks favour. The blues however, didn't go down without a fight. It would be the loss of three players and an array of skill errors to let Carlton down though. David Cuningham suffered a monumental slip after hesitation to pass the ball running through the corridor. A couple of players including Marc Murphy had their kicks chopped off down back which opened many scoring opportunities for the hawks. And Hawthorn continued their centre-field dominance. Despite a 16 point lead around the 22-minute mark, the blues fought back to prove they were still a chance. It was Lochie O'Brien's quarter, with 2 of Carlton's four goals. Ed Curnow sprinted towards the sticks, getting one of his own to keep the team in it. And Petrevski-Seton delivered the final one around his body and out of the congestion to further back up his career-best game against the bulldogs. Zac Fisher hit the post to make a win possible. But it was too little too late after many blown chances, untimely backtracking, and a mark by Harry McKay well after the final siren. Nothing more to say. It was another heart-breaker for blues fans to endure.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. Another 27 disposals (at 70%) and 5 clearances from the team's baby. Don't tell me that Walsh is getting exhausted because I would not believe you in any way. What a machine!
2. That intercept and dash from Kreuzer was vintage display. And that thumping kick from the centre square to finish it off... stop it tractor. JUST STOP IT!!!
3. If any game is to truly shut the critics and trolls of Liam Jones up, it would most certainly be this one. The man was almost unbelievable today. Sure he made a significant mistake, but everything else he did made me forget all about it.
4. A little shaking off the first-quarter rust, then everything went great for Ed Curnow. Was nearly everywhere today, and even got to play an old role for a few minutes. Was arguably the best on ground for Carlton.

5. Sorry, I just can't get over how amazing that first quarter was. Best I've seen the blues play for a very long time. Shame it didn't lead to reward like it should've.

1. Pretty embarrassing for Carlton to allow a 53-point turnaround. To be 37 points up at one point, then trail by 16 towards the end. That entire third quarter was just horrible viewing.
2. Two or three men down on the bench. Lost the half back run of Kade Simpson and Nic Newman. Kreuzer as well was absent towards the end. I guess disappointment was always bound to happen. The kids were left tiring themselves out on the field.
3. Too many turnovers inside defensive 50. Kicks and passes were easily cut off. Got taught a lesson by a few including Luke Breust and Chad Wingard as a result of this.

SCORES

1 = ED CURNOW 15
1 = DALE THOMAS 15

3. Patrick Cripps 9

4. Sam Petrevski-Seton 8

5. Zac Fisher 7
6. Marc Murphy 6

7. Matthew Kreuzer 5

8. Jacob Weitering 4

9. Lachie Plowman 3

10. Liam Jones 2

11. Sam Walsh 1

12. Nic Newman 0

13 = David Cuningham -1.5

13 = Jack Silvagni -1.5
15. Harry McKay -3
16. Paddy Dow -4
17. Mitch McGovern -5
18. Michael Gibbons -6
19. Levi Casboult -7
20. Lochie O'Brien -8
21. Caleb Marchbank -9

22. Kade Simpson -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 83.5
2. Marc Murphy 47

3. Sam Walsh 42
4. Nic Newman 35

5 = Sam Petrevski-Seton 32
5 = Dale Thomas 32
7. Ed Curnow 27
8. Zac Fisher 23
9. Andrew Phillips 11.5
10. Harry McKay 11
11. Kade Simpson 9.5
12. Matthew Kreuzer 5
13. David Cuningham 1
14 = Lachie Plowman 0.5
14 = Jack Silvagni 0.5

16. Matthew Lobbe -2
17. Paddy Dow -3

18. Will Setterfield -6
19. Jacob Weitering -8

20. Charlie Curnow -13

21. Jarrod Garlett -14

22. Alex Fasolo -15
23. Levi Casboult -15.5
24. Caleb Marchbank -20
25. Michael Gibbons -22.5
26. Lochie O'Brien -28

27. Cameron Polson -26
28. Mitch McGovern -33.5

29. Liam Jones -34

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Matthew Kreuzer

It was good while it lasted. Kreuzer only went on to remind us all that he was of great importance to the team's chances. Whenever he was around, the boys were fired up. The tap-downs and follow up work were reminiscent to the Kreuzer of old. And considering how long they've known each other for, the rotating with Casboult worked to a tee. Ben McEvoy just couldn't do anything. 30 hitouts, 11 contested possessions, 9 clearances, 3 tackles and one of the most memorable goals from way outside the 50-metre arc. Kreuzer was on fire for much of the first half. Unfortunately, he faded out of the game for much of the second-half and was nowhere to be seen in the last minutes. As soon as that happened, McEvoy kicked into gear and the rest of his team followed as the hawks put on a dominant display in the centre circle during the third term. It's incredible how much influence the tractor has. Now I know how GWS felt when they once dropped off after losing Shane Mumford.

Lochie O'Brien

He did finish off with similar numbers like his past three games, but this time around Lochie O'Brien mattered. He was there when the game was on the line, kicking two easy goals to keep the blues in it. Not only that, he was actually creating space and pushing forward of the ball. Other than copping the chase-down tackle from Paul Puopolo, O'Brien did what was expected of him for much of the game. We can't really ask for too much from him right now, given that he is still finding his feet at the level. And with the other kids progressing extremely well, others like Lochie are going to do so rather slowly. What they say is true, improvement is never linear. Unlike previous weeks where I've considered him at risk of being omitted, I can safely say that O'Brien will not get mentioned here after this performance (or at least he shouldn't be). There is still a lot of work to be done, but this was indeed a good start for the number four.

Dale Thomas

Daisy has had his ups and downs so far this season, but I share great admiration for his efforts. Especially towards the end when he lost a couple of his half-back running teammates. Thomas ended up with 25 disposals at 80% efficiency, took 8 marks and rebounded from defensive 50 7 times. He is a solid performer within Carlton's greatest strength and has come a long way from the overpaid and injury-prone whipping boy he once was five years ago. No more should he be copping flak. He threw out the inflated contract and has been lively ever since. Not to mention he shows great team spirit and brings the required energy. There is no knowing how much longer he will be hanging around for, but we should enjoy his work while he's there. It may not be the Daisy of Collingwood, but it is a Daisy who regularly meets his expectations. And he cares about this club moving forward to bigger and better times. What more could we want from him?

Honourable Mentions

Patrick Cripps, Ed Curnow, Zac Fisher, Liam Jones, Harry McKay, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Lachie Plowman, Sam Walsh

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Levi Casboult

It wasn't a horrible game for Casboult, considering he did contribute to the two-quarter purple patch with a goal and ruck rotations. But compared to the previous week, Levi was far from it. Despite the fact that his inconsistency is an all too familiar problem, there was no mistake in persisting with him as reward for effort. Even if it did mean we had four tall forwards in the line-up (wasn't the case though with Charlie Curnow being a late out). Casboult may not be a face of the future, but he is the ideal service. We know his best is up there. It's just that his presence can be fairly small on a frequent basis, which was the case in this match. I'll admit that I have been a bit harsh on the guy. I keep failing to understand his passion and hunger for wanting to do better every time. When I think he wouldn't see another AFL game with Carlton, he has. And he is fighting to survive with some great work and accurate kicking. I can see him being a possible omission this week for Charlie, but it's not out of spite.

Caleb Marchbank

Am I the only one here? Ever since Marchbank returned to the side, he has been rather ordinary. He hasn't shown much of his best yet. It leaves me questioning whether or not it was better off easing him back through the VFL. The man is a serious talent in defense, don't get me wrong. But unlike the other defenders who have all stuck out with some brilliant play, Marchbank has been looking like more of an extra number. He's there when they need him, but he is not doing much damage. Everybody is making Lachie Plowman the scapegoat for his relatively lower level of skills, but I believe this time around it's Caleb getting away with the questionable work rate. I don't think he'll be dropped or managed anytime soon. However, all of his games have been slightly below his usual standard. Don't consider me a critic, but instead someone wanting the guy to overcome his injury problems and really shine down back. I rate him very high, but nothing now he is showing supports this.

Marc Murphy

Sorry Murph! I really do hate having to put him in this category. But it just wasn't his day. 22 disposals with nearly half of them being ineffective. Didn't get into the contests and didn't create play from any half chances. Six clangers and only 3 tackles. Most of the time he was just the odd chain link in a passage of play. This is an experienced head, who we know can perform so much better. Of course he wasn't incredibly bad and he's certainly far from what many critics think of him. And he's a player you just never drop. But here, he had no impact. There was no kill factor in him. He was instead much of a passenger as the kids outperformed him. I mean it's good and all that the younger ones are taking over. It doesn't mean however, that Murphy can put his foot on the brake. I know he most likely saw the disappointment himself. And one thing we can be sure of is that he's always guaranteed to make up for his bad performances sooner or later.

Dishonourable mentions

Michael Gibbons, Kade Simpson

OTHER NOTES

- Does anybody noticed how much better Carlton perform when Kreuzer is running around on the ground? He's a great player and fantastic to watch when fit and firing, but I am starting to get a little concerned. He is injury prone and turning 30 in a couple of weeks. I really do think it's time the club starts looking for the next ruckman. Whether it be De Koning or somebody else taken during the off-season, doesn't matter. It's fast becoming a priority.
- If you ask me, I reckon Zac Fisher's shorts after the third quarter hold some value now. Hope he didn't chuck them out. Hahaha!
- There were quite a few umpiring blunders. The more questionable ones did go to Hawthorn's advantage and they did get goals out of them. However, I will not stop at that being the reason for the loss. Carlton had a good lead and they blew it. The boys only have themselves to blame.

NEXT WEEK

The first home game since round three and fourth consecutive Sunday afternoon match. This time it's against the troubled North Melbourne. The way I see it, this is just as much of a danger game for us as it is for them. Carlton are supposed to look in better shape, with stronger structures and more talent in hand. But with the same problems lingering around our club that prevent us from getting over the line, I'm not walking into next weekend with great confidence. All I can do is hope. That being said, I have still backed the blues to win by less than a kick. I believe that the young, speedy brigade of Petrevski-Seton, Fisher, Dow, Walsh and Cuningham will thrive in the open space and outrun the kangaroos. And I do trust the backline to take care of Ben Brown and Nick Larkey. But what will be interesting to see is the battle of the contested bulls in Patrick Cripps and Ben Cunnington. Who will come out on top here waits to be seen? Carlton to win and do it for the workhorse Ed Curnow, who plays his 150th game.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - Charlie Curnow, Will Setterfield, Tom Williamson
OUT - Levi Casboult (Omitted), Jack Silvagni (Omitted), Nic Newman / Kade Simpson (Injured)

FB - Dale Thomas - Liam Jones - Jacob Weitering
HB - Caleb Marchbank - Tom WIlliamson - Lachie Plowman
C - Sam Walsh - Patrick Cripps - Zac Fisher
HF - David Cuningham - Charlie Curnow - Ed Curnow
FF - Harry McKay - Mitch McGovern - Lochie O'Brien
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Will Setterfield
I - Paddy Dow - Michael Gibbons - Marc Murphy - Nic Newman / Kade Simpson

E - Levi Casboult - Cameron Polson - Jack Silvagni - Matthew Kennedy

Carlton Blues by 5 points

Travis "TJ" James

Carlton Football Club: The Round Five Review

No you are not seeing things, and neither am I. It turns out Carlton do know how to win and win comfortably. Easter Sunday of 2019 was a day to leave every blue-bagger smiling. To finally have some of the weight lifted off the backs of so many. A day that felt like the gods were for once on our side. The blues caught their Footscray opponents at a perfect time. Almost nothing was going right for the doggies. They couldn't dominate the contests, they couldn't connect with their teammates and they couldn't make the most of their scoring opportunities. Similar problems to what Carlton have been dealing with for the past month. This time it was the blues turn to inflict a little pain, and they did so without relying entirely on Mr. Reliable (the skipper Patrick Cripps) or his trusty sidekick, Sam Walsh. It was a chance for some different faces to shine and a chance for these faces to shut down the unnecessary scrutiny they copped in the days leading up to this game.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-42 points : +44 points

Difference: + 86

What the heck is with this club always disappointing me and proving me wrong? Not that I'm mad or anything because there is no reason to be. For me, it's forever a win-win situation. Just when I think the bulldogs would run us off our feet and stun us with their clean use of the footy, it would turn out to be the complete opposite. For the first time in a while our kids were super clean with ball in hand. 17 of the players used it at least 70% or greater. Goals were more common and many of the set-shots were sublime. It was nearly the perfect performance, especially for a team in Carlton's position. It was a win driven by pain, misery and a tough review of the game from the week before. You could see the fire in every single one of the players' eyes. They were desperate to get a W next to their name. In the end, they pulled it off in brilliant fashion. Arguably the biggest upset of the round, and one that gone on to shock almost everybody including me. Regardless, it's superb and us blues fans will happily take it for what it is!

First Quarter

Unfortunately I can't go into too much detail about this quarter because I may have slept into the early hours of the afternoon (I missed it all). Oops! But having both seen a few of the highlights and picked up a few key points, I can safely say that the blues performed very well. They did after all come out leaders at quarter-time. Harry McKay was clunking them and kicking goals from tight angles. Talk about immediately making up for the forgettable performance he had the previous week. Late inclusion Levi Casboult too got on the scoreboard with a thumping kick from just outside the 50-metre arc. Dow on the run and Murphy out of the congestion. This was like a completely different Carlton side on the field. Nothing like the one of recent years. And did my ears play tricks on me, or did I hear both Cripps and Petrevski-Seton were doing it all in the middle (both 13 disposals and around 3 clearances each). I mean I know to expect that from Cripps, but my goodness Samo. Talk about incredible!

Second Quarter
Missed the opening minute but rushed to my phone to stream the second term. I was surprised Carlton were in front, and even more surprised by the sustained effort. Cripps and Petrevski-Seton continued to own the half, winning the clearances all on their own. Harry McKay wasn't any different, with 3 contested marks and 3 goals before the major break. We also can't go without mentioning him shrugging off Easton Wood and sprinting from the wing to deep inside the 50 with four bounces. Of course he couldn't finish it off properly, but it was McKay showcasing his incredible agility. Must I remind you he is over 200 centimetres tall? The man was even spoiling the ball to his teammates' advantage, with Jack Silvagni dribbling a beauty. Let's not forget Gibbons kicking his first ever AFL goal in a game that made his story all the more sweet. It was another quarter we won, with the margin extended from 12 points to 19 points.

Third Quarter
Started off with a nice interception from little Zac Fisher, taking advantage of the slow ball across blues half-forward (kicked by Lachie Young). A pass to Mitch McGovern that saw him with his only goal, which was still enough for him to pull out the classic Dr. Evil celebration for the second week in a row. The third quarter was also home to one of the most beautiful pieces of play I have ever seen my team produce. A play where nearly every young player got involved. Dow, Petrevski-Seton, Walsh, Fisher, Gibbons, J.Silvagni, you name it. A series of clean electric hand passes and a couple of clean kicks, all leading to a mark in the goal square by none other than Levi Casboult. And yes, he did get the 6 points. After two goals in succession, there was a growing fear Bulldogs would bite back as the margin closed. But who better than Petrevski-Seton to continue his memorable day with his own intercepting mark and goal for reward. Another win, with the margin growing to exactly 4 goals.

Fourth Quarter

Casboult continued surprising me, banging them from nearly all angles outside 50. McKay kicked a second one around his body and though Dwayne Russell isn't a favourite of mine in commentary, he was right about one thing. Everyone was wild about Harry! Fisher contributed with a major of his own towards the end, with just a goal away from breaking a 59-game drought. Personally, I was hoping that the blue boys would record triple figures just to shut the masses up. It was 4 minutes and 46 seconds of play where I just grew anxious with the numerous blown chances to crack the 100-point mark. With six seconds left and a throw-in to take three off the clock, I lost all hope of it happening. Then the miracle came in the form of you guessed it... Mr. Samuel Walsh. The gift that keeps on giving. Something so close to perfection right now. To think he would step into the club and break the hoodoo for us. Nobody would've saw this coming. Nobody! A four-quarter display and a final margin of 44. It was nothing but smiles and cheers all around!

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. Brendan Bolton might not care about it as much, but I see it as something to shut the media up for a little while. Carlton after 1051 days and 59 matches, had finally broken the hoodoo and recorded a triple-figure score (101) within the final six seconds of the game. It's all thanks to our youngest man on the field along with a little help from Dow and Kreuzer.
2. Speaking of the youngest man. He has gone on to make history of his own. The first player in AFL/VFL history to record 24+ disposals in each of his first five career games. If this continues, I honestly think it won't take long for superstar status. Sam Walsh is f***ing amazing! I loved him before his name was called on draft night and I love him even more now. Help me!
3. Forget Charlie Curnow for the moment (still an exciting young player though), it's all about Harry McKay. I knew there was something exciting about him. No joke, but this guy has the potential to be the best tall forward in the league. He is breaking records and doing things you wouldn't expect him doing.

4. All we asked from the blues is that they put in a four-quarter effort. We didn't mean that they had to win all four quarters. Far out! And to think Carlton would be one of the last teams anybody expected to pull this off.
5. It would be rude for me to ignore Samo's performance. But I'll be further discussing it down below. Here's just a little extra praise for the 'Halls Creek Cowboy'.

1. Yeah, I know I shouldn't really go deep into the negatives after a win like this. But despite the 44-point victory, it still wasn't exactly perfect. Around the middle of the match, I noticed a small disconnection between the backline and the midfield. For quite a few minutes, the blues defenders were struggling to get it out of the back 50, especially from the kick-ins. A little more practice in communication and creating space for viable options, then we'll be guaranteed many more convincing victories. Oh how exciting it will be when everything clicks and works effectively together.
2. A few of the players a still lacking some polish and others are failing to have an influence. I won't name names in this area of the piece because it is not much of a problem after a win.
3. Yes Harry! I do believe you should have nailed that goal on the run. But all is forgiven. There's just no getting mad at you mate.

SCORES

1. HARRY MCKAY 20

2. Sam Walsh 10

3. Sam Petrevski-Seton 9

4. Marc Murphy 8
5. Zac Fisher 7

6 = Patrick Cripps 5.5

6 = Michael Gibbons 5.5

8 = Nic Newman 3.5

8 = Kade Simpson 3.5

10. Jack Silvagni 2

11. Lachie Plowman 1

12. Matthew Kreuzer 0

13. Levi Casboult -1

14. Paddy Dow -2

15. Ed Curnow -3

16. Caleb Marchbank -4

17. Dale Thomas -5

18. Jacob Weitering -6

19. Mitch McGovern -7

20. Lochie O'Brien -8

21. Liam Jones -9

22. Cameron Polson -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 74.5
2 = Marc Murphy 41

2 = Sam Walsh 41
4. Nic Newman 35

5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 24
6. Kade Simpson 19.5
7. Dale Thomas 17
8. Zac Fisher 16
9. Harry McKay 14
10. Ed Curnow 12
11. Andrew Phillips 11.5
12. David Cuningham 2.5
13. Jack Silvagni 2

14. Paddy Dow 1

15. Matthew Lobbe -2
16. Lachie Plowman -2.5

17. Will Setterfield -6
18. Levi Casboult -8.5
19. Caleb Marchbank -11

20. Jacob Weitering -12

21. Charlie Curnow -13

22. Jarrod Garlett -14

23. Alex Fasolo -15
24. Michael Gibbons -16.5
25. Lochie O'Brien -20

26. Cameron Polson -26
27. Mitch McGovern -28.5

28. Liam Jones -36

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Michael Gibbons

The coaches were finally wise enough to allow our smallest man play to his strengths. Gibbons benefited from the open space, pushing up the ground and recording his best numbers of his career so far. 21 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles, 43 pressure acts, 5 inside 50's, 10 score involvements and his first AFL goal. Not only was it a small taste of his best and the work that saw him rewarded in the first place. It was the performance that put many of us back in our seats after the harsh, inequitable criticism for his lack of impact. Gibbons has been one of the few unfairly labelled scapegoats, after failing to deliver in a position unfamiliar to him. The previous week saw him a victim of poor direction, taking on the unsuitable deep forward role when teammates wouldn't answer for it. While I will admit that I've called him out for his recent inability to influence games, I knew very well he was not where he was supposed to be. All that was needed was time and for coaches to right the wrongs. The result was pleasing. Not just for Micky, but for everyone.

Sam Petrevski-Seton

Last match for this young man was good, but this match was so much better. Miles better in fact. This game of Samo's nearly came out of nowhere. A freakish day for a potentially freakish player. He was on fire early and was nearly everywhere throughout the day, from intercepting up forward to defending down back. Petrevski-Seton ended up with 35 disposals at 89% efficiency, 7 marks, 7 clearances, 4 inside 50's and a goal to go with it all. It was career-best numbers on an unforgettable day for him. Not only that, but it was on the back of some harsh criticism from some media people including former editor of 'The Age', Caroline Wilson. Petrevski-Seton answered a lot of our questions here and even went on to prove me wrong. The youth is strong, the development is working and the depth is building. Could've just about been the best on ground, and is very likely to snatch the three Brownlow votes off our best chance at the medal in Cripps.

Jack Silvagni

The first of Stephen's boys has gone through some significant changes, and none involve his crew cut hairstyle. Coming off last season, I felt Jack wasn't really getting his hands dirty. He was very slow and hesitant with applying pressure. But my how things can quickly change. First you hear him gaining some midfield experience. Then you read about him laying 16 tackles in a VFL practice match. And then you learn of him coming into the squad after arguably a best-on-ground performance in the twos. The boy is growing up and doing everything he can to make a name for himself. J. Silvagni in this match did what was asked of him and did it well. 18 disposals at nearly 90% efficiency, 3 tackles and a dribbling goal during play. Sure his set-shot kicking is still a work-in-progress, but everything else about him seems different to before. It makes critics look stupid now. This 'getting a game because of his name' nonsense could very well lose its validity (not that it probably had any validity to begin with).

Honourable Mentions

Levi Casboult, Patrick Cripps, Zac Fisher, Harry McKay, Marc Murphy, Nic Newman, Sam Walsh

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Paddy Dow

There is no need to go too hard on the players this time given the result. But I'm sure a few of the players would not be entirely satisfied with what they conjured up. Dow being one of them. The burst and linking via hands was one of the more pleasant things I had seen from him on the day. Not forgetting he also kicked a nice goal from this work in the opening term. But once again and for the third consecutive week, his disposal by foot has occasionally let him down. It was most noticeable in the dying minutes of the game when Dow blew two opportunities for the team to crack the ton. The first being a set-shot from 20 to 30 metres out on a slight angle (this has been a bit of an ongoing problem for him). The second mistake being a delivery inside 50 which although looked to be to the blues advantage with a couple of teammates in front, failed to hit either chest and skimmed over the boundary line. Thankfully Dow made up for it with a nice goal assist in the very last play, handing it over for Walsh to finish the job. 

Lochie O'Brien

O'Brien was one of only two blues (alongside Liam Jones) to use the ball at 100% and he was the only player not to register a single clanger. Absolutely clean and too provided himself as an option in open space on multiple occasions. The one issue however, is the same one that has been sticking around for a while. That being his work rate. The stats are very low and the metres gained aren't as great compared to many of his teammates. Sometimes he really doesn't look to push himself towards the play. Don't know whether it's a lack of confidence, soreness or just confusion surrounding his position on the field. I'm even questioning what his role is. For a midfielder/half-back flanker, he doesn't end up seeing much of the ball. Sure he is only in year two and has yet to add many more strings to his bow, but most of O'Brien's averages based on his first three games have been down compared to last year (except his tackling). I have faith that the kid can deliver, but so far it is a step towards the second-year blues.

Cameron Polson

There is no taking away the one or two nice bits of play Polson was involved in. Like that tackle on first-gamer Will Hayes from behind, fantastic! But I say once more, this young man just doesn't seem to excite me like the other kids. He lacks the presence and his numbers are small. He's somebody meant to deliver the pressure, yet he only lays two tackles. This adds to his 4 disposals, with three of them being deemed effective. So far, Polson has shown nothing to convince me he could be involved in a potential premiership-winning team. I don't hate the guy at all. In fact, I praise him for his heart and perseverance. But I honestly cannot see how one can defend him and believe he has a spot cemented in the side moving ahead. For all the running, his work rate doesn't add up. There is every chance of an unchanged line-up for next week. But if anyone were to make way, Polson is head and shoulders in front of the rest in this category. He simply needs to contribute more.

Dishonourable mentions

Ed Curnow, Dale Thomas

OTHER NOTES

- With Levi Casboult having put on a solid display. I don't see any reason for dropping him now. Charlie Curnow hasn't given much this year anyway. I wouldn't be in any hurry to bring him back in. Perhaps take further caution in his knee. Or if he is fit, persist him in the VFL for a week or two.
- Both Bolton and Cripps didn't care about cracking the ton so much. They implied the importance of being defensive. Now while I'm all for not conceding too many points, I'd love for one of the most potentially exciting forward lines for years to come kicking some big scores. That and the fact people will shut up about the blues being unable to score.
- No, I didn't say Bolton wouldn't take us forward. I said there was a possibility. Maybe Bolts is the man. Maybe he isn't. I wasn't convinced for quite a while, but all it takes is for one game to change almost everything. This performance did just that. Hopefully it is that start of many great things to come.

NEXT WEEK

It's a trip to Tasmania for Carlton's third consecutive away game. Last time it was North Melbourne. This time it's the 21st century powerhouse in Hawthorn. The hawks are not in fantastic shape at the moment and have lost their past two matches, albeit by some relatively stronger teams in St. Kilda and Geelong. But I still see them with more advantages over us, and they certainly won't have a similar off day like the bulldogs. I have a feeling the victory over the dogs will get to the boys' heads a little, especially given they have not had many wins in the past couple of years. A premonition of inappropriate satisfaction. The blues won't enter this game, showing the same drive and level of determination. Regardless of how deflating they are, losses have at most times guaranteed the boys to push harder. Since they are now coming off a win, I'm am left a little uncertain. And considering it's on unfamiliar territory, I hold even more doubt. It won't be a blowout however. More-so a respectable margin around the 20's.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - David Cuningham
OUT - Cameron Polson (Omitted)

FB - Liam Jones - Lachie Plowman - Kade Simpson
HB - Caleb Marchbank - Nic Newman - Jacob Weitering
C - Jack Silvagni - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Paddy Dow
HF - Sam Walsh - Harry McKay - Marc Murphy
FF - Levi Casboult - Mitch McGovern - Michael Gibbons
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Patrick Cripps - Zac Fisher
I - Dale Thomas - Lochie O'Brien - Ed Curnow - David Cuningham

E - Andrew Phillips - Matthew Kennedy - Cameron Polson - Patrick Kerr / Charlie Curnow

Hawthorn Hawks by 21 points

Travis "TJ" James