Carlton Football Club: The Round Ten Review

Never mind Carlton, there is always next week. You're bound to do better. Perhaps even a twelve-point loss against the bombers isn't out of reach. Pretty much sums the club up right now don't you think? In all seriousness, I'm on the verge of just quitting this altogether. The blues have nearly destroyed my interest in footy as a whole. Thirteen points may not seem that all bad, but it's a different story when it involves Carlton. A team with only two wins last year, a 1-9 record this year and coming off a 93-point belting by the hands of Greater Western Sydney. This loss wasn't just a disappointment, but a package of disappointments. All of which told me the story of the blues today. We are talking about a club that would be ripped out of the competition in any other league. What is worse is that the people in charge fail to see the mess and choose to hold onto blind faith. I stand by my point of Brendan Bolton not being the right man for the job. He and the team just don't match and there is no structure whatsoever.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-52 points : -13 points

Difference: + 39

We are talking about a team stockpiled with so much talent. It includes one of the best inside midfielders in the game (Patrick Cripps). A couple of the most exciting forward prospects (Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay). A few spiritual leaders (Zac Fisher and Sam Walsh) and some other potential excitement machines (David Cuningham and Sam Petrevski-Seton). But as I mentioned not long ago, they are supplied the wrong tools to work with. These 'talented' players are endlessly turning the ball over by foot, failing to land a tackle and are giving away the silliest of free kicks when the game is on the line. Not to mention they refuse to communicate and direct the passage of play. It's all making Carlton the ultimate definition of humiliating footy. Members and supporters are left red-faced, promised action but never getting to see it. Instead, every game is like the Benny Hill show. And whenever the blues are in front, they will do everything they can to ensure they snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

First Quarter

Carlton walked into the match well and truly knowing they had to not only deliver, but get the four points. They started off well enough, though it wasn't all that fantastic to watch. Michael Gibbons opened up the scoring with the first of the game via a receive from David Cuningham out of congestion. Nic Newman also slotted one running into forward fifty as support for Patrick Cripps, who was getting involved in a lot of Carlton's attacking. The tall brigade couldn't take advantage of the momentum, with multiple misses shared between Charlie Curnow (later kicked a goal), Harry McKay, Matthew Kreuzer and Jack Silvagni. Meanwhile the saints made most of their fewer opportunities to keep in touch, with majors to both Ed Phillips and Jack Newnes. An ordinary quarter to say the least, but it would favour the blues in the end. As a matter of fact it was Carlton's best term, with the rest of the match only leaving a sour taste in the mouths of each and every blues fan.

Second Quarter
Despite only kicking one goal more, St. Kilda totally outran their opponents. They were quick and slick with ball in hand and managed to keep the footy from entering their defensive 50 for much of the term. Tim Membrey and Luke Dunstan helped get the saints off to a flyer, sharing two goals in the first five scores of the quarter (all of which were from St. Kilda). Carlton though did try hanging onto the lead with promising tall forward duo in C. Curnow and McKay kicking the teams only goals. But Josh Bruce would make sure that wasn't the case with a set shot after the siren, to give the saints a three-point lead going into half time. St. Kilda's dominance however couldn't take the spotlight off the staggering free kick differential, which saw the saints win 10+ to Carlton's 1 for the count to finish at 20-7 at the break. It was something fans everywhere could not ignore and some as expected were demanding for some answers.

Third Quarter
This quarter told every single viewer why Carlton deserved to lose the game. The blues couldn't blame anybody but themselves for what was displayed. It was a high energy term with a very lively crowd witnessing some of the worst skills so far his year. St. Kilda kicked away with the first three goals until Carlton started applying strong pressure to win the tackle count (18 to 8). They would also win the inside 50 count but were extremely wasteful in their opportunities, only managing 7 points from 11 entries within the later minutes of the term. Paddy Dow continued his shocking form in set shots front of the sticks and Sam Petrevski-Seton delivered one of the ugliest kicks towards the centre of the forward 50 arc to make work harder for his teammates. Only one major to Carlton through Gibbons from a free kick (and one of the nicest seen so far). But the third quarter as a whole was one that would only infuriate everybody, especially Carlton supporters.

Fourth Quarter

The blues were relatively cleaner with disposal in the final term and won on the scoreboard. But they still could not impact well enough through their inside 50's. Jack Silvagni remained the number one target up forward, yet couldn't seem to stick the mitts on and never managed to register a goal for the game. Cuningham was able to do so, with one goal from three opportunities. Kreuzer too added to the tally via a free kick from an illegal block by a third man in the ruck. But with a little help from Matthew Parker, St. Kilda in the end held on to win the game by 13 points which would break their four game drought and further prolong Carlton's woes. This match as a whole, told me of how many deficiencies the blues had and the fact at least one would always show each match to keep the team from winning. Whether it be the poor level of skill, the lack of effort, poor structure, unfavourable umpiring, etc. Carlton just doesn't know what's required for a win, which leaves me deflated and to some extent uninterested in the remaining games of the season.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. It was the first time I was somewhat impressed by Liam Stocker. Loved the way he ran into space to make himself an option in play. A sign that he too like Walsh, has a wise head on his shoulders.
2. Even if it was a set shot from a free kick, that second goal from Gibbons on the boundary line was something to enjoy.
3. At least it wasn't a blowout. Am I doing it right? Haha!

1. The team structure was a shambles. Had Curnow, McGovern and McKay all up the ground yet they kept kicking towards J. Silvagni, hoping he had all the answers.
2. The skill level was atrocious. Some of Sam Petrevski-Seton's horrible kicks in the second half really stood out for me. Even our captain Cripps was making some unusual mistakes.
3. Those entries inside 50 were woeful. Reckon Auskick kids could do a better job there.
4. Some of the umpiring calls in the second quarter were a little irksome. Jack Silvagni apparently wasn't allowed to put his head down to get the ball.
5. Who could forget Liam Stocker forcing his opponent into an illegal disposal? The free kick wasn't paid. Why does it seem like Carlton can't win any of the 50/50 calls?
6. Mitch McGovern getting injured... AGAIN!
7. Not only did Carlton lose, but so did the VFL and VFLW teams. All three in one day. Not allowed one bit of happiness this Sunday.

SCORES

1. ED CURNOW 20

2. Sam Petrevski-Seton 10
3. Nic Newman 9

4. Patrick Cripps 8

5 = Charlie Curnow 6.5
5 = Kade Simpson 6.5

7. Sam Walsh 5

8. Lachie Plowman 4

9. Matthew Kreuzer 3

10. Levi Casboult 2

11 = Michael Gibbons 0.5

11 = Caleb Marchbank 0.5

13. Dale Thomas -1

14. Harry McKay -2
15. Paddy Dow -3
16 = David Cuningham -4.5
16 = Matthew Kennedy -4.5
18. Liam Stocker -6
19. Zac Fisher -7
20 = Jack Silvagni -8.5
20 = Jacob Weitering -8.5

22. Mitch McGovern -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 127.5
2. Sam Walsh 65
3. Nic Newman 64
4. Ed Curnow 58.5
5. Dale Thomas 49
6 = Marc Murphy 46
6 = Sam Petrevski-Seton 46

8. Zac Fisher 22

9. Andrew Phillips 20.5
10. Matthew Kreuzer 18
11. Kade Simpson 16
12. David Cuningham 9.5
13. Harry McKay -1
14. Charlie Curnow -1.5
15. Matthew Lobbe -2
16. Lachie Plowman -3
17. Matthew Kennedy -4.5
18. Jack Silvagni -5.5
19. Harrison Macreadie -10
20. Will Setterfield -11.5
21 = Caleb Marchbank -13.5
21 = Tom Williamson -13.5
23. Jarrod Garlett -14
24. Paddy Dow -14.5
25. Alex Fasolo -15
26. Levi Casboult -20
27. Liam Stocker -21

28. Michael Gibbons -23.5
29. Cameron Polson -26

30. Jacob Weitering -30.5

31. Lochie O'Brien -32.5
32. Mitch McGovern -37

33. Liam Jones -42

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Ed Curnow

The word from most is that this man should be likely out of the 22 by next year in favour of young blood. But truth be told I can't see it happening and I don't believe that it should, especially considering Carlton's severe lack of vocal leadership and sufficient game experience around the ground right now. Whether some of us like it or not, Ed Curnow is still a player we need on the field. Although not a man of finesse, Ed is the epitome of both work rate and perseverance. Even when the game is out of reach, he stills does everything he can to showcase his high levels of care and passion. It was no different here with Ed predominantly spending his time as an outside midfielder, moving everywhere on the ground and even stopping a couple of St. Kilda's chances for goal down back. Although he had a rather quiet fourth quarter. Ed finished off with 20 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 7 tackles, 4 clearances, 4 rebounds from defensive 50 and a nice contested grab on the half-back wing. A nice all-round performance for the much-respected wearer of the number 35.

Kade Simpson

I don't believe he made a massive difference, but it was great seeing Simmo back out there after missing the last three weeks with a hamstring. The old general down in defence did return with some hints of his best work, collecting 22 disposals, 6 marks, 3 tackles and 5 rebounds. And at the ripe age of 35, he was still one of our best runners, gaining 328 metres. I don't think we'll ever see Kade reach the peak of his game again, but he still manages to keep up and make himself influential on the odd occasion. I feel bad for Simpson having to cop this 200th loss of his (and the fact he is likely to see five wooden spoons along the most losses of any VFL/AFL player by the end of the year), but these records won't ever taint the champion he is in my eyes. Premierships are team things mostly built on fortunate happenings. Real stars of the game are those that persist through the darkness without quitting, ever so hopeful that they can still reach the light (even in their twilight years). Hats off to you Simmo!

Sam Walsh

After a couple of not-so-great performances, Sam Walsh showed all that he doesn't tire out. He was our equal-leading ball-user (alongside Patrick Cripps) with 28 at 79% efficiency as well as 5 marks and 5 clearances. His running ability and presence around the ground is nothing short of incredible. He may not be entirely damaging right now, but that part of his game will surely become more prominent when the team as a whole improves with a solid game plan. Regardless, I simply love watching this kid deliver on a weekly basis. His level of consistency is strong and not once has he looked to go missing. It has only been 10 games, but Walsh looks like he's been playing for 10 years. It leads to the argument of whether the kids needs to be rested. I understand the importance of managing players, but if they don't look tired, sore or spent then I don't see the point. Besides, the bye is approaching in a few weeks and one could argue that the blues would be tanking if they dropped a player performing as well as Walsh has.

Honourable Mentions

Levi Casboult, Patrick Cripps, Michael Gibbons, Nic Newman, Liam Stocker

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Paddy Dow

I've given this kid that many chances to prove himself by foot, but he has only ever shown how horrendous he is. I just can't anymore. It was a set shot, approximately 35 metres out and on a slight angle. I knew well enough he was going to miss it from the moment he took that mark inside 50, and how right I was. But not only did Dow miss, he missed everything. Out on the full and on the back of three goals seven (with only one I think being a set shot). And I thought Casboult was bad. I don't understand why people keep defending it. We keep complaining about not hitting targets or kicking accurately for goal, yet excuse this kid for his obvious foot deficiency. Face it, PADDY DOW CAN'T KICK! He can show all the evasiveness and explosiveness he likes, but what's the point if he can't deliver the defining facet of the game? Young or not, other kids in the team can do it. I'm fed up with his constant inability to do the necessary damage when he makes himself responsible. Best thing for him is to not be the option inside 50. Either that or pass the ball. Because if one ever asks Dow to kick for their life, they are basically wishing for death.

Zac Fisher

Compared to most games from Zac Fisher, this one can be classified as one of the more forgettable. Just the 12 disposals to go with one clearance and one contested possession. He did lay five tackles, though that might be more of an indication of him being was second to the ball for much of the day. Not like the Fish to be as ineffective as he was against St. Kilda. He was quiet for much of the first half and never could seem to break away with the ball. An unlikely situation saw him pinned for holding the ball. He even panicked a few times, later caught for an illegal disposal. The pressure this guy usually brings with him was regularly used against him most of the time, and he couldn't overcome the obstacle. One thing is for certain though, is that a player of Zac's kind is bound to make up for the worst. Blues fans including myself, all know what Fisher can bring to the table. I'm sure he'd agree it wasn't a great day for him, but very little harm has been done to his value.

Jacob Weitering

Weitering has had a brilliant start to the season. Recent weeks however, have seen him drop off a little. Perhaps it's him missing his partner in crime Liam Jones, who is still battling small symptoms from a heavy head knock. It could be the defence as a whole taking a hit with injuries. Or maybe it's just the general pressure against the backline brought forward by a struggling, undersized midfield. Whatever it is, Jacob hasn't been able to reach his best because of it. Against his St. Kilda opponents, Weitering throughout the day found himself both outmuscled and in the wrong positions. His attempts to spoil weren't great and he did panic a couple of times. I won't go as far as saying what Cameron Ling apparently said (according to 3AW via a deleted tweet), but I will admit that performance of Jacob's wasn't anywhere close to his good work. Not by any means the biggest problem for Carlton right now as he does need the proper support, but he will rightly cop some flak when appropriate.

Dishonourable mentions

Matthew Kennedy, Mitch McGovern, Lachie Plowman, Jack Silvagni, Dale Thomas

OTHER NOTES

- First game of 2019 without Ed Curnow getting a score on the board.
- 600 games between Serge, SOS and Jack for the famous Silvagni family.
- Matthew Kreuzer seems to have lost a little of his spark at the moment. Whether or not he can retain it, I still see the need to find our next long term ruckman. Shame Tom De Koning got injured, because I would have loved to see him get a little more experience. The sooner we can develop him, the better it will be for us.
- That indigenous guernsey was so eye-catching. All the shades of blue worked well and made for a pretty sight. And the story behind it was nice as well. Props to Shelley Ware for the work behind this.

NEXT WEEK

Out next loss will come against old rivals in Essendon, the only team in the competition Carlton has had an advantage over the past three years (having won three of the last four matches). I say loss, because it will be yet another loss. I wish to think otherwise, especially given that it is Essendon we are talking about (I despise them as much as most other blues fans). But what many say about Carlton not knowing how to win is true. The art of losing has been programmed into them. It will either be a smashing, or another 'brave' and 'honourable' defeat. The bombers are likely to take advantage of Carlton's poor forward 50 entries and through play instigated by speedsters Connor McKenna and Adam Saad, will run them off their feet. The more experienced midfield are likely to overpower the young kids, and they'll also continue to find answers up forward without Joe Daniher and Orazio Fantasia around. Let's just say as soon as Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti kicks one or two goals, then we'll know the game is well and truly over (considering he mainly hits the scoreboard in Essendon's victories).

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - Patrick Kerr, Will Setterfield
OUT - Mitch McGovern (Injured), Paddy Dow (Omitted)

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

E - Lochie O'Brien - Andrew Phillips - Darcy Lang - Paddy Dow

Essendon Bombers by 14 points

Travis "TJ" James