Carlton Football Club: The Round Three Review

I don't take anything back. This game was winnable and we had every opportunity to put ourselves on the board. But it turns out us blues supporters expected too much. From a personal view, this loss is one I see as rather deflating. If we can't get over the line against one of the weakest Sydney sides in recent years on our home ground, then where and when will our first win come? It's the same problems again and again. A regurgitation of half-efforts and inconsistencies. I can't blame any blues fan for feeling frustrated with the results because in a way I relate. Only 3 victories in the past 35 games is more than enough to get a coach sacked. And it turns out there are only many more to come. How much longer are we to put up with this? Or perhaps the bigger question is whether we know what a victory is. Does this team have what it takes to even win a game? History would say yes, but if this rebuild is to stay on track, there needs to be more than one win on the board. There needs to be signs of a winning culture.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

+23 points : -19 points

Difference: - 42

There is no sugar-coating it. I was let down. Many of us were let down. Tipsters thought we were in with a chance. The form of Sydney saw us in with a chance. But in the end, it was the classic patchy performance along with the newfound way to stuff up in set shot kicking. Only thing I walked in believing was that keeping Isaac Heeney quiet would see us through. However, the blues didn't think the same way. They didn't take him seriously enough. Heeney as a result, absolutely taught them a lesson with 26 touches, 8 marks, 4 clearances and 4 goals. It made me question why we don't completely run with the opposition's best. Why do we leave them running us ragged? It was the case with Trent Cotchin. Then with Tom Rockliff. And now it's Heeney. Don't the coaches know there are game-changers in every side? Don't they see the way others look at Patrick Cripps? I'm flying off topic a little here because the losses are just beginning to get tiresome. A win for Carlton is starting to become like division one in Tatts. Anyway, I move on.

First Quarter

Much like the previous performance against Port Adelaide, the boys came out with some of their best work on show. And much like the previous performance against Port Adelaide, that work wasn't going to last very long. Nevertheless, it was nice feeding off whatever breadcrumbs we could. Paddy Dow blew an easy opportunity, but helped with creating a little momentum. Harry McKay returned with the mitts, but just forgot the boots. We saw some vintage Murphy snap out of the congestion. Ed Curnow caught me by surprise with a couple of classy goals including what was arguably goal of the round. And shortly after followed the beautiful sight of Sam Walsh stretching forward to slot the first goal of his bright AFL career. A lot of players beginning really sloppy and some like Patrick Cripps and Liam Jones took a little while to kick into gear. There were also a few chances wasted to really create some damage. But still there were plenty of positives to begin with.

Second Quarter
Following the satisfying first term was the complete opposite. Carlton went with a predictable pattern of play that Sydney could easily answer for. The swans back six clicked and would gobble up anything coming their way. As the seconds ticked, it became harder and harder for the blue boys to even attack and reach the forward 50. Instead it was Sydney nearly making the most of every inside 50 of their own, even making the blues defenders look putrid on the odd occasion. For some time, the Carlton switch was off. That was until Mitch McGovern kicked an incredible goal over his head to keep the blues in touch. Overall, it was yet another one of the ordinary quarters. One that could almost have been goalless after a five were kicked in the first. This was the defining stuff that left fans feeling a tad uncomfortable. One of the few major bases for why wins are hard to come by for the boys of Princes Park. A little bit of rinse and repeat.

Third Quarter
Despite still losing the term by a single point, Carlton were much improved compared to coming into the big break. This time, it was just a case of being outclassed by Sydney's more experienced heads. While Liam Jones continued blocking off Lance Franklin as an option, the swans managed to work their way around him from time to time. They were every chance of putting Carlton away very early. But like the blues at the very beginning chances were blown, with all of Franklin, Nick Blakey, Zak Jones and Ben Ronke failing to meet between the two tall sticks. We were kept in it, and it only looked better when Walsh would help set up the first goal within the final minute of the quarter, with Ed Curnow taking advantage of the 50-metre penalty. Immediately following that was a Cripps free in the centre of the ground. With a little help from Marc Murphy, Harry McKay was found on the lead to draw the margin back to 19 going into three-quarter time. Two quick goals told us there was a ray of hope, a small one at least.

Fourth Quarter

Sydney quickly got one on the board through Isaac Heeney to make the challenge tougher. Carlton though didn't hold back. The small crumbing forwards of ours weren't doing any favours. But the blues were still managing to increase the heart rates of the swans by finding ways to lock the ball inside their attacking 50. The effort resulted in a fantastic goal from Zac Fisher out of the pack. Ed continued to keep the hope alive when he could, with a fourth goal approved by both the goal umpire and the review. But for the rest of the quarter, Carlton couldn't obtain the clean possession and find the open space for goal. Setterfield missed twice and Cripps and Fisher each missed once. Levi Casboult too failed to make a significant impact on the scoreboard, having hit the left post. Swans fought hard and got rewarded with a game-changing free kick to their best performer Heeney in the dying stages of the game. It well and truly put the blues away. The margin remained unchanged from three-quarter time (2 - 6 to three straight). It was a good fight, but the accumulating losses see frustration amongst the Carlton supporters grow.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. Another great start to the game, albeit a few opportunities wasted in front of the big sticks. Just the little things to clean up, and good things will come.
2. Words just can't describe my joy in watching Harry McKay play. Another few contested marks to help him make a little history. Most after round three (15) since Matthew Lloyd in 1999 (17). If he can fix up his kicking (which surprises me since he was kicking it well the past couple of years), he will be something really special.

3. I don't see what critics are seeing. Marc Murphy definitely had a much better performance today. Was all over the ground and more hitting targets. The responsibility of captain being lifted off him has done him some good.

4. Nic Newman won't ever be Sam Docherty. But he makes me forget we have Sam Docherty. The most ideal replacement down back. Is always there when needed. Wasn't an extraordinary game, but it was a solid one.

5. Jacob Weitering continued his good form. At the top of his game, and looks like he is really enjoying himself out there (despite the unfavourable results).

1. Yet another two/three-quarter performance. Suppose we should ask which quarters the blues will turn up in so that we can entertain ourselves during the ones they don't.
2. Carlton played Sydney back into form. It kind of makes us look like easy-beats again.

3. The boys not taking their chances in front of goal. While they weren't kicking the easy ones, the swans were nailing theirs from all angles.

4. Mitch McGovern going down had Carlton once again struggling to keep their structure pushing forward. Luck is just not going our way.

5. 5 goals at a quarter time. 5 goals for the rest of the match. I just cannot fathom this.

SCORES

1. PATRICK CRIPPS 20

2. Sam Walsh 10

3. Marc Murphy 9

4. Ed Curnow 8
5. Nic Newman 7

6. Sam Petrevski-Seton 6

7. Zac Fisher 5

8. Dale Thomas 4

9. Matthew Lobbe 3

10. Harry McKay 2

11. Levi Casboult 1

12. Lachie Plowman 0

13. Paddy Dow -1

14. Will Setterfield -2

15. Kade Simpson -3

16. Caleb Marchbank -4

17. Jacob Weitering -5

18. Lochie O'Brien -6

19. Liam Jones -7

20. Mitch McGovern -8

21. Michael Gibbons -9

22. Cameron Polson -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 49

2. Nic Newman 29

3. Marc Murphy 23
4. Sam Walsh 22
5 = Sam Petrevski-Seton 15
5 = Dale Thomas 15
7. Andrew Phillips 11.5
8. Ed Curnow 11
9 = Zac Fisher 8

9 = Kade Simpson 8

11. Paddy Dow 5

12. Harry McKay 4
13. Matthew Lobbe 3

14. David Cuningham 2.5
15. Levi Casboult 1

16. Caleb Marchbank -4
17. Will Setterfield -5

18 = Lochie O'Brien -6

18 = Lachie Plowman -6

20. Jacob Weitering -11
21. Mitch McGovern -13

22. Jarrod Garlett -14

23. Alex Fasolo -15
24 = Michael Gibbons -15
24 = Cameron Polson -16

26. Charlie Curnow -19
27. Liam Jones -23

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Ed Curnow

I'm sorry, what was I seeing everywhere? 'Ed Curnow should be dropped'. 'Ed is not a forward'. 'Ed is stinking it up'. To all those responsible, the man has fired back. Care to eat those words now? As a matter of fact, I don't see why they were ever brought up to begin with, considering that this warrior was still our best small/medium forward going into the Sydney game. What does he come out with? A career-high 4 goals within the 10 the club had kicked. Two of them being electric, including a potential 'goal of the year' contender. Suppose it was a little luck as the man himself suggested, but in the end he did what was asked of him. He took his opportunities, applied pressure and helped around the ground. Perhaps people should praise our elder Curnow for setting the right example, instead of jumping the gun and bringing up the idea of dropping the experienced leader from their teams. Can't even understand how one would've even come to the idea. It was never going to happen.

Liam Jones

Don't let the scores above fool you, as they don't often reward deep forwards and deep defenders. Liam Jones was nothing short of outstanding in his performance negating the ever so powerful figure in football that is Lance 'Buddy' Franklin. Jones started off a little slow and did get caught in some awkward positions, which led to Franklin getting a couple of early majors. But from then onward, we got a taste of the 2017 Liam. He in a way got under Franklin's skin with the one percenters and defensive spoils. He left the big superstar forward stranded on just two goals and demanding the umpires for more answers. Anybody that can keep a man like Buddy quiet deserves full respect. He most certainly made up for his forgettable performance from the previous week. I said give him the time to showcase his best, and he did. He was going to sooner or later. I am glad we are getting good out of him now. The jokes about him are no more.

Sam Walsh

Three games in and this guy already looks like he has played around 150. He presented himself everywhere and never dropped his head after a mistake. Equal leading possession-getter for us with around 28 (13 contested), second in clearances (behind Cripps) with 8, 3 tackles, 4 inside 50's and his first AFL goal to go with it. Sure his use of the ball wasn't entirely amazing, but since it is Carlton he is playing for he is going to make some errors. That, and there is still a bit of transitioning to the big game. But the consistency and form are there. This young man (younger than me, which I find hard to believe at times) is only going to get better from here. Won't get the nod for the rising star after Connor Rozee topped the chart for Port Adelaide with a bag of five, but Walsh will get his turn and is still every chance of taking the award home (despite my disinterest in it). But regardless of that, blues have another genuine superstar in their hands.

Honourable Mentions

Patrick Cripps, Harry McKay, Marc Murphy, Nic Newman, Jacob Weitering

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Levi Casboult

Levi wasn't anywhere near the worst player in navy blue. He was though brought in to cover for Charlie Curnow. To fill the void up forward and also prove he still provide value to the team. In this game, he made his way around the field. Problem for me, was that his ball-use had barely any influence. It felt like he wasn't there when we needed him most. Even saw him a couple of times down back and he just didn't have the defensive mind with him. This is basically one of the few reasons why Casboult has fallen out of favour. Did not kick a single goal and ended up hitting the woodwork with his only chance at the most crucial time. With Mitch having gone down with a cloud over his head for next week, Levi is likely to maintain his spot. In fact, I think he's likely to keep it regardless. That is of course, until Charlie returns. But there comes a time when really we shouldn't be depending on this guy to answer our problems (I'd have much rather persisted with someone like Patrick Kerr). The talent and work rate of the younger guys really brings out Casboult's deficiencies. Love the bloke and he has already given us seven years of good service, but to still have reliance on him is a tad perplexing.

Paddy Dow

This kid has his special attributes and they are some worth attending a game for. The sidestepping, the risk-taking, even simply presenting himself as an option in play deserves the admiration. There is no doubt the club will be investing hard into the development of this young bloke. He has the makings of a club great. Here however, just wasn't his day. Dow's poise and decision making were nowhere to be seen. It all started from missing one of the easiest opportunities running into 50 with little pressure. Ever since, it was as if the play had haunted him. Nothing but sloppy disposals and missed tackles. I'm not going to completely roast Dow's performance as he is only coming into his second year and has a very long road in front of him. But there are times when analysis and tough love are necessary. The truth is, Paddy was way off! Although his game wasn't one I'd consider a step towards omission, it was one that told me there is some serious work to be done. He has to make up for it next week.

Michael Gibbons

I really look forward to seeing the best of Gibbons in the future, but I know it won't be now given Carlton's style of play. The blues bring a game that doesn't create space. It's a game that asks a lot from these sort of players. Small forwards to always be picking up at their feet, weaving through packs and crumbing goals around their bodies. It's too much to too little. Then again, that's not to say one doesn't at least deliver half of the work that's required from them. There was barely any pressure coming from Gibbons, and at times it felt as if he wasn't even playing in the match. Almost every time he got close to the pill, it was nothing but fumbling and pointless passes. Just the four touches. He wasn't the only one though. I already mentioned about Polson last week and his somewhat uninspiring work on the field. He too finished with 4 touches. Both nearly non-existent, with just one tackle each. These sort of performances are one of the many reasons why people mock Carlton. Gibbons needs to do better than this.

Dishonourable mentions

Caleb Marchbank, Lochie O'Brien, Lachie Plowman, Cameron Polson, Will Setterfield, Kade Simpson

OTHER NOTES

- Andrew Phillips a late out with a corked quad. Not ever getting a good run without injury is he?
- Much like most of the games so far, it just seems like umpires are having far too much influence and are even killing the momentum of the teams. Something needs to be done here, though I doubt it will happen anytime soon.
- Mitch McGovern was taken off and sat out for the rest of the game as a precaution due to hamstring tightness. It doesn't seem like much, but the Gov doesn't have a great history with hamstrings. So I'm not going to act like everything is fine until he proves fit and the doctors give the all-clear.
- I do believe we should have persisted with Matthew Kennedy for this game. To not even be considered for an emergency is perplexing, especially after his best-on-ground performance in the Northern Blues practice match last week.
- There is just no nullifying Patrick Cripps. He is an absolute beast and he pretty much carries the team in a way like he did with Tom Papley in the final minutes of the game.
- Marchbank didn't have the best of days. Was he really ready for this match? Did the blues rush him in too soon, especially after little to no match stimulation?
- 58 games since triple figures.

NEXT WEEK

It's the first trip outside Victoria to the Gold Coast. The first encounter with the Suns, a team which can be argued look much better compared to us. Two wins under their belt over Fremantle and Western Bulldogs, and only one loss by a solitary point against St. Kilda. This team has the agility to best ours, so there is no point in trying to match it. However, I do see an advantage in our contested work and hopefully through this we can spread out and deliver a strong outside marking game. They will have a little trouble with taking on our much-loved co-captain. I do believe our forward mixture can account for their somewhat inexperienced defence. There is a strong chance we can collect our first W but it isn't a guarantee, especially with it being at Metricon Stadium. So I won't be walking into this game like I did with the Sydney one because I should be used to Carlton letting me down more often than not. I'll still however, tip the blues based on the hunger and drive to really take the pressure off themselves and get the win they so desperately require. My fingers are crossed.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - David Cuningham, Matthew Kennedy, Patrick Kerr, Jack Silvagni
OUT - Mitch McGovern (Injured), Michael Gibbons (Omitted), Lochie O'Brien (Omitted), Cameron Polson (Omitted)

FB - Dale Thomas - Liam Jones - Caleb Marchbank
HB - Kade Simpson - Jacob Weitering - Nic Newman
C - Zac Fisher - Marc Murphy - Paddy Dow
HF - Sam Walsh - Harry McKay - Ed Curnow
FF - Jack Silvagni - Levi Casboult - David Cuningham
R - Matthew Lobbe - Patrick Cripps - Matthew Kennedy
I - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Lachie Plowman - Patrick Kerr - Will Setterfield

E - Andrew Phillips/Hugh Goddard - Alex Fasolo - Lochie O'Brien - Angus Schumacher

MILESTONE
Matthew Lobbe (100 AFL Games)

Carlton Blues by 11 points

Travis "TJ" James