Carlton Football Club: The Round Eight Review

I try my best not to sound like a broken record. But it's hard to do so when my team is pretty much a broken record itself. I don't think anybody was expecting Carlton to beat Collingwood walking into the game. That changed however when the lead was there and the finish line was minutes away. So the disappointment makes sense. In a business judged on wins and losses, all the hard work led to no reward once again. Round eight was another opportunity to snag four points, only to end up being another opportunity that the blues would cough up. This all-too-familiar tale continues on, placing more and more weight on everyone involved at the club. The discussion of Carlton's woes remain on top of the media agenda and both the jokes and tough criticism keep coming in. And all blues supporters keep getting told is patience. It's been the same thing for six years. Just 27 wins in the last 140 matches and it doesn't look to stop anytime soon. A young supporter such as I is eventually going to crack. We should well and truly be at the stage where we are seeing a few good results rather than just having them promised to us.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-16 points : -19 points

Difference: - 3

A five point lead heading into the final term and also a ten point lead at one stage around the middle. But not once did my heart race. Why you ask? Well because I knew we were going to lose. It was pretty much scripted. You may not believe me, but the truth is that a young supporter such as myself has been programmed to accept these sort of results. They have become the norm. The blues don't know how to hold onto a lead. They don't know how to win and they don't know how to build a winning culture. Of course both Carlton and the supporters don't want for this to be the case. I know that I certainly don't wish for my team to remain this way, but it is what it is. Best we can do is hope that better days will come. It's just that this endless cycle of losing hurts now. These losses of all shapes and sizes are becoming too much to bear. And before one has a go at me for the negativity, just remember you are dealing with somebody who never has seen the glory days and who has not experienced proper success. One win is even becoming like a gold nugget to me.

First Quarter

Up against the kings of first quarters, Carlton didn't do so bad. Despite trailing by three on the scoreboard at the end of the term, they led scoring shots. Carlton tried making the most of their forward 50 entries, but couldn't register a major. Paddy Dow missed one of the simplest set shots of the game, hitting the woodwork. Jack Silvagni and Ed Curnow both tried finding between the big sticks under pressure, but to no avail. And Harry McKay missed a chance towards the end. It was tough, but the blues managed to find at least one answer through a tumbler by Charlie Curnow that came from a snatch. Charlie too tried his hardest to reignite his footy flame, moving everywhere around the ground and winning a couple of contests. Collingwood  however, didn't need to do much to take the lead. They doubled Carlton's goal tally with two of their own, thanks to Jaidyn Stephenson and Josh Thomas. Although a low scoring quarter, it was a solid display from both sides.

Second Quarter
It was a higher scoring term, but this time it was in Carlton's favour. Enough to leave the two teams level pegging whilst going into the major break. Brodie Grundy continued his dominance around the ground for Collingwood and was quick to get his first goal of the year within the first two minutes. The pies were then peppering away while the blues couldn't get a single score. That was until around the ten-minute mark when a heavily-manned Harry McKay quickly soccered one through in the goal square. Momentum swung Carlton's way, as they went on to kick the next three goals through Michael Gibbons, Jack Silvagni and Mitch McGovern. It was enough for the blues to pinch the lead. But the pies refused to trail, finding another two which included Grundy's second. Scoreboard was 36 apiece with both teams five goals six. The praise for Carlton's efforts came in, along with the question of how long they could keep it up. It was the second-placed premiership contenders they were facing after all.

Third Quarter
The blues piled on five goals to Collngwood's four to lead into the final change. Patrick Cripps shook off Rupert Wills to dominate the term, laying all 7 of his tackles in the game here while also collecting 9 touches and 6 clearances. With a little help from David Cuningham, the two help Carlton win both the contested possession count and clearance work. Cunners along with a couple of his fellow 2015 drafted teammates in Curnow and McKay, produced the excitement up forward to electrify the Carlton crowd. Each slotting a goal of their own. McGovern also continued his good work and former captain Marc Murphy got in on the action. The third quarter didn't come without Collingwood keeping in touch, with goals each to Brody Mihocek, Callum Brown, Jordan De Goey and Will Hoskin-Elliott. Nevertheless, it was a time for blues fans to relish. Another minor victory and another step closer to win number two of the season.

Fourth Quarter

Unfortunately it wasn't to be. The blues were as far as eleven points in front with a sniff of the Richard Pratt cup, only to concede five consecutive goals to the pies in the last twelve minutes. Notwithstanding a few controversial umpiring decisions, the Carlton defenders couldn't handle Collingwood's forward pressure for most of the term. Zac Fisher was also battling sore as well as Charlie Curnow who was coming off a rolled ankle from the third quarter. McGovern too had some treatment. And unfortunately for Cripps who did his best to keep the spirit alive, the rest of his mates couldn't use the ball clean enough to get the team over the line. The pies put on a dominant display, kicking seven goals to Carlton's three to finish the game as 19-point winners. The blues yet again, failing to hold onto a fourth-quarter lead. Overall it was an admirable performance by the boys, but it was one followed by the same unpleasant result that would tie them to the bottom rung of the ladder.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. To keep one of the premiership contenders reasonably quiet in their favourite quarter and win the next two is nothing short of impressive.
2. Mitch McGovern is proving to be worth the money and effort in bringing him in. Does have his injury worries, but his best work is very advantageous to Carlton's chances of some success.
3. It was a good second game for Liam Stocker. He had an important role down back as the link to numerous switches during play. Succeeded more often then not. Made one or two mistakes but will likely learn from them. My only suggestion is to focus a little more on some gym sessions lifting weights and gaining size. He did get outmuscled on a few occasions.
4. 23 disposals, 4 marks, 3 clearances, 4 tackles, 3 goal assists and 2 goals of his own. I couldn't possibly love Cunners any more than I do right now. Back off people! I am David Cuningham's number one fan.

1. For F*** sake Paddy Dow. WORK ON YOUR KICKING!!!
2. Both teams played a similar game and with similar intensity. The difference however was obvious to see. The blues were sloppier with the ball and found themselves constantly fumbling, which allowed for the pies to close down the space and apply further pressure.
3. I see Charlie Curnow is still having trouble marking the ball. He took four today, which included one great pack mark in the first quarter. But there were other times he just couldn't stick the mitts on. I've noticed a habit with him springing the ball down towards ground level rather than getting his hands to wrap properly around it. That method won't see him taking many marks.

SCORES

1. PATRICK CRIPPS 20

2. Marc Murphy 10
3. Ed Curnow 9

4. Caleb Marchbank 8

5. David Cuningham 7
6. Sam Petrevski-Seton 6

7. Dale Thomas 5

8. Michael Gibbons 4

9. Matthew Kreuzer 3

10. Sam Walsh 2

11 = Paddy Dow 0.5

11 = Mitch McGovern 0.5

13 = Levi Casboult -1.5

13 = Charlie Curnow -1.5
15. Will Setterfield -3
16 = Lachie Plowman -4.5
16 = Tom Williamson -4.5
18. Jack Silvagni -6
19. Zac Fisher -7
20. Liam Stocker -8
21. Jacob Weitering -9

22. Harry McKay -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 123.5
2. Marc Murphy 55
3. Sam Walsh 51

4. Dale Thomas 47
5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 37
6. Nic Newman 35
7. Ed Curnow 30.5
8. Zac Fisher 24

9. Andrew Phillips 20.5
10. David Cuningham 14
11. Kade Simpson 9.5
12. Matthew Kreuzer 8
13. Jack Silvagni -1
14. Matthew Lobbe -2
15. Paddy Dow -6.5
16. Lachie Plowman -7
17 = Harry McKay -9
17 = Will Setterfield -9
19. Charlie Curnow -10
20. Caleb Marchbank -11.5
21. Tom Williamson -13.5

22 = Levi Casboult -14
22 = Jarrod Garlett -14
24 = Alex Fasolo -15

24 = Liam Stocker -15

24 = Jacob Weitering -15

27. Michael Gibbons -18
28. Cameron Polson -26
29. Mitch McGovern -33
30. Lochie O'Brien -33.5

31. Liam Jones -42

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Patrick Cripps

I usually try to avoid talking about this guy here because... it's Patrick f***ing Cripps. His work rate nearly that of perfection. Even on his bad days, we see him lead with both hunger and strength. But today I just had to highlight his performance. Especially that of the third term. FAR OUT! Cripps walked into that quarter, having not laid a single tackle. Before you know it, he walks out of the term with 7 next to his name. This along with 6 clearances and a few touches and a scoring opportunity. Sure he wasn't super fantastic, but he was still his dominant self. I'd be awfully surprised if Patrick doesn't poll at least one Brownlow vote for this game. He almost wrote the narrative today on his own. The captaincy doesn't look to be weighing him down at all. If anything, it's made him tougher and more influential to the results. I'm so happy we have this young man on our side. I'm even more happier to hear him confirming his loyalty to the club. Hopefully the rewards come as soon as possible because Cripps most certainly deserves them.

Caleb Marchbank

Hands down, his best performance of the year so far. One could even argue it being his best game in the navy blue as of now. With the pressure already on the backline, Marchbank delivered more than enough in this game to throw out any doubt surrounding his confidence and fitness levels. He ended up with 23 disposals at 78%, 9 marks, 8 rebound 50's and 11 intercepts. But it was the moments in the game that earn my praise. He threw his body on the line and ran to contests with the intention of marking the ball (even his failed attempts receive my praise). One of my favourite moments in particular came in the third quarter when he ran back with the flight of the ball and spoiled what was likely to be a mark to Jordan De Goey, a contest which I initially thought he would have little to no chance in. Boy was I proven wrong. Caleb was simply divine to watch, as he looked to be the main man filling the shoes of the sorely missed Liam Jones. I'm very proud of him putting us questioners to bed.

Marc Murphy

Not his absolute best, but it was a day with moments reminiscent of his best. Finishing off with 16 kicks, 14 handballs, 7 marks, 4 tackles and a goal was Marc Murphy. The former skipper actually tried getting involved in this game. He was leading up and providing himself as the option throughout all four quarters. He tried both inspiring the team and setting the bar for them to reach. Even outplayed such names including Steel Sidebottom around the contest at times. I will admit to being a critic of this guy lately. Probably not as harsh as others have been on him (in particular those that have wanted him dropped), but I've now and then been let down. Murphy's low output and inability to hit targets was a significant problem over the past fortnight. Adding to this was his inability to direct teammates as well as fire them up (especially since he is one of the very few leaders and experienced heads of the team). This time however, I'm willing to give him the pass mark. A satisfying effort that none should disregard.

Honourable Mentions

David Cuningham, Ed Curnow, Michael Gibbons, Mitch McGovern, Liam Stocker, Dale Thomas, Sam Walsh

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Levi Casboult

It was incredibly hard finding who disappointed me this week, as everyone contributed with something of value to the team. So I thought I'd look at the potentially weak areas and certain players who I feel might need to up in some areas of their game. Levi Casboult would have to be one of them. Wasn't at all bad down in defence. He kept Ben Reid fairly quiet, while taking 7 marks and finishing off with the equal most one percenters of the game with 11 (alongside Jacob Weitering). For some reason though, I remain a little unsettled with this guy down back. Credit where credit is due, but I wouldn't say I'm sold on him as a defender after just one full game. Levi doesn't seem as agile (especially when compared to his fellow talls) and I'm just not sure his ground-level work is up to scratch. I'm happy to be proven wrong, but my view stands as it does. Plus if Jones is to return (arguably our best defender at the moment), who makes way? Couldn't say Plowman, as it would leave the team a little too tall.

Paddy Dow

I will keep saying it if I have to. Paddy Dow knows how to work his way through congestion. He has the ability to break packs and burst away with ball in hand. And I can't tell you how much I love his ability to evade tackles. But my issue is everybody else's. It's Paddy's as well and it's one that is still hanging around after all these weeks. Dow's disposal by foot is WAY below average. It's more than the simple rushed kick off the boot straight down the throat of an opponent. I'm speaking of course about the set shots in front of goal. How can a kid so talented, miss so many easy scoring opportunities. This is the third or fourth one so far this year. From around 25 metres out and on a slight angle, Dow still somehow misses the shot. This time smashing the ball into the left goalpost. One of the fundamental skills of the game and even without much pressure, he still can't deliver when it matters. I know it's only year two for him but this is really beginning to anger me.

Lachie Plowman

A second week in the disappointing category and for the same reasons (minus the laughing incident of course). Lachie Plowman has lately been having too much trouble as a one on one defender. He can't seem to handle the pressure well compared to his fellow mates down back. In this game, he had only 9 effective disposals from 15 which led to him finishing off with the worst D.E. percentage of the Carlton defence. Not to mention he made a couple of iffy decisions here and there. While I don't agree with Plowman becoming more and more of a scapegoat by the season, I can't say he hasn't set a foot wrong this year. It's taken a little longer for me to see his deficiencies, but I do see them. Then again, I don't think he is playing his best footy right now. I believe he can do much better and I hope he will because I like Plowman very much. I'm even hoping he is part of our next finals tilt. But if he continues to dish up these sort of average to below average performances, then he will likely make way for somebody that can do the job more efficiently. That's just the cold, hard truth.

Dishonourable mentions

Will Setterfield

OTHER NOTES

- Most of the stat differentials were fairly small between the two teams, so how on Earth did the free kick differential end up so big? 8 frees to 24 in Collingwood's favour.
- Not to mention a couple of terrible decisions by the umpires. One can make a decent argument for Jordan De Goey's block on Cripps in the second quarter.
- Of course we had Jamie Elliott dragging Plowman down at the top of the goal square whilst getting a finger on the ball. But rather than either one of those two moments getting called, the umpires decide to persist with it being a goal to Collingwood. Grrrr!
- Just a minute or so later, we had Plowman once again a victim of faulty umpiring, with his arms having been chopped. That too was ignored and another goal to Collingwood was paid. Absolutely frustrating!
- Charlie Curnow with the ankle shouldn't be much of a problem, but I am a little worried for Zac Fisher. Ironically for a small player, him missing any match would be a huge loss for the blues. His silkiness in congestion is mouth-watering.
- I wonder whether that invasive bird in the Collingwood coaches box was part of Brendan Bolton's plan. Perhaps he hired someone to release it there before the match. Don't believe it made much of a difference. Hahaha!

NEXT WEEK

A return to Sunday footy sees Carlton travelling up north to face the in-form GWS Giants for the final match of round nine. One could just about pencil this in as yet another loss. Whether it be close or complete humiliation wouldn't matter. The giants just look like a class above, especially being able to cover their losses with ease. Jeremy Cameron is at the peak of his game and will likely continue the brilliance against a depleted blues backline. In further bad news for Carlton, Lachie Whitfield could be a strong chance to return from a corked quad. Shane Mumford also a possibility, albeit a smaller one. History also stands against the blues when these two sides face each other. The Giants have won four of the last five matches by an average margin of 82 points (with the lowest winning margin still being more than 10 goals). Talk about hideous. There is no denying the blues having shown a bit more competitive spirit this year. But they are still going to have their work cut out for them. Winning is never impossible, but the odds should be extremely slim.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - Liam Jones
OUT - Levi Casboult (Omitted)

FB - Jacob Weitering - Liam Jones - Tom Williamson
HB - Liam Stocker - Caleb Marchbank - Dale Thomas
C - Will Setterfield - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Jack Silvagni
HF - Sam Walsh - Charlie Curnow - Ed Curnow
FF - Michael Gibbons - Harry McKay - Mitch McGovern
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Patrick Cripps - Zac Fisher
I - Paddy Dow - Marc Murphy - David Cuningham - Lachie Plowman

E - Lochie O'Brien - Levi Casboult - Andrew Phillips - Matthew Kennedy

Greater Western Sydney Giants by 36 points

Travis "TJ" James