For the recent views regarding Bolton's sacking and where to from there, click the following:
Don't expect me to share much here, because I eventually tuned out and showed just as much interest in the game as the boys did. Much of my time during this lifeless and low-scoring scrap-fest on a cold and miserable Sunday, was spent chatting with a friend over the phone. As we enjoyed the discussion of many things bar footy, I caught glimpses of the typical, unimpressive display of what's fast becoming a navy blue carcass. A team with little skill and no clear direction, making lower leagues look glamorous by the week. We kept getting told to stick around and believe in the process, but many of us are confused as to what the process actually is. What is this club aiming for this year? What's their plan going into every match? What mistakes are they trying to fix and what are they learning from the losses if they're only ever continuing to mount? Getting schooled by team as depleted and underwhelming as Essendon on the back of multiple failures, does nothing but build frustration and raise doubts.
MARGIN
(Predicted : Real)
-14 points : -41 points
Difference: - 27
I'll keep saying it if I have to. I am a young supporter that wants to see my team at least compete and become one with the league. I want to see them enjoy some wins and rise from losses. I want to see them belong and show everybody that's the case. But I have to accept the truth and throw some tough love the club's way. All blues supporters should be doing so. Carlton is hapless, pathetic, putrid, spiritless, woeful, etc. Just about any negative word can be associated with this lot right now. They are also downright predictable at the moment, and everybody knows they've lost the game before they even begin. It sees them deservedly a world away from the competition, rock bottom at last place with two games clear from the next worst side. We all knew to expect some low points, but this isn't a low point. This is point zero! The blues currently have a record as bad as Fitzroy, and we all know what happened to that club after their misery. Teams like this get removed from leagues. They get relegated and some even disbanded. Of course it isn't the end of the world right now, but the terrible records are being written and fans are pulling themselves away. Things need to change as soon as possible.
First Quarter
The Carlton boys picked up where they left off last week, wasting entries inside attacking 50 and failing to connect with their forward line. The odd moment when they managed to, was followed by unsightly inaccuracy. The bombers on the other hand, were relatively superior in disposal efficiency and made use of fewer opportunities. Dyson Heppell left Nic Newman paying the price, intercepting his kick-in and getting the first goal out of it. Matthew Kreuzer answered pushing up the ground and doing what his forward teammates couldn't. The experience of Mark Baguley outsmarted Liam Stocker to give Essendon their second in karate fashion. The blues gave it their all to answer that goal as well, and did so within the final ten seconds of play thanks to Patrick Cripps and Michael Gibbons, who got it to Harry McKay for a goal on fifty after the siren. Despite poor skill level and losing the term by a single point, Carlton were admirable for keeping in touch.
Second Quarter
Down came the rain and washed the navies out. Scoring went quiet for most of the quarter, but the bombers dominated the clearance work and scrapped the ball forward with greater reward. The result ended up three goals to none, Essendon's way. On the other side, the blues became more frustrated by the minute. It was nothing but hack kicks and hasty decisions, followed with a lack of structure and pressure on the opposition's ball-carriers. Michael Gibbons had one of the only opportunities to keep Carlton in it, but like his teammates couldn't convert. Just two behinds for the term, with every bad move from the players only demanding more for some changes up the ranks. This was the time when my interest had died and my attention was distracted by a friend over the phone. So forgive me for my lack of detail. Then again, any summary of what took place would pretty much indicate to me that it was the same old thing from the deplorable blues. Especially after seeing the results.
Down came the rain and washed the navies out. Scoring went quiet for most of the quarter, but the bombers dominated the clearance work and scrapped the ball forward with greater reward. The result ended up three goals to none, Essendon's way. On the other side, the blues became more frustrated by the minute. It was nothing but hack kicks and hasty decisions, followed with a lack of structure and pressure on the opposition's ball-carriers. Michael Gibbons had one of the only opportunities to keep Carlton in it, but like his teammates couldn't convert. Just two behinds for the term, with every bad move from the players only demanding more for some changes up the ranks. This was the time when my interest had died and my attention was distracted by a friend over the phone. So forgive me for my lack of detail. Then again, any summary of what took place would pretty much indicate to me that it was the same old thing from the deplorable blues. Especially after seeing the results.
Third Quarter
As my friend and I continued our lengthy discussion about other interests over the phone, Essendon continued edging out the blues on the scoreboard. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti within the opening minute of play, registered his first major of the game. It all but confirmed a win for the bombers was a certainty given Walla's record so far this year. Carlton did manage to put up a fight, but were still wasting chances in front of the sticks with Darcy Lang missing twice and both Zac Fisher and Harry McKay with one behind each. Charlie Curnow however had finally clicked, kicking the only two goals for the blues and showing both heart and strength in an impressive display for the quarter. Even the wet weather didn't stop the bombers taking advantage of Carlton's young and depleted backline, taking a couple of nice marks inside their forward 50 to allow for more settled shots at goal. Jacob Weitering did what he could to stand out from the blues defenders, but the weight against him was too heavy.
As my friend and I continued our lengthy discussion about other interests over the phone, Essendon continued edging out the blues on the scoreboard. Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti within the opening minute of play, registered his first major of the game. It all but confirmed a win for the bombers was a certainty given Walla's record so far this year. Carlton did manage to put up a fight, but were still wasting chances in front of the sticks with Darcy Lang missing twice and both Zac Fisher and Harry McKay with one behind each. Charlie Curnow however had finally clicked, kicking the only two goals for the blues and showing both heart and strength in an impressive display for the quarter. Even the wet weather didn't stop the bombers taking advantage of Carlton's young and depleted backline, taking a couple of nice marks inside their forward 50 to allow for more settled shots at goal. Jacob Weitering did what he could to stand out from the blues defenders, but the weight against him was too heavy.
Fourth Quarter
I finished the conversation with my friend, only to tune into yet another of Carlton's ugliest quarters. Patrick Cripps still couldn't impact the game, getting destroyed by a 20-year-old Dylan Clarke in just his second AFL match. Most of the other midfielders for the blues were sloppy in their attempts to force a turnover and win the ball back from the opposition. Some were not even bothered, with their efforts to link up an create passages of play being as poor as I've ever seen. Paddy Dow was still playing with a wooden leg. Matthew Kennedy showing no grit and proper presence. Zac Fisher continuing to struggle with his form and Will Setterfield in one of his slightly better performances, still looking for cleanliness after only half of his disposals were effective. The bombers were simply hungrier, and it told the tale as they kicked three goals and three behinds to Carlton's solitary point. A 41-point loss after a soulless effort, ensured Bolton's time was officially up.
PLUSES / MINUSES
PLUSES / MINUSES
1. Kreuzer gets a tick. Charlie gets a tick. Samo gets a tick. Newman gets a half-tick. Cunners, Walsh and Weiters can pat themselves on the back.
2. Murphy, Simpson and Thomas missing allowed more exposure and responsibility for young players... I guess. It's just that I don't see what they're exactly getting exposed to.
2. Murphy, Simpson and Thomas missing allowed more exposure and responsibility for young players... I guess. It's just that I don't see what they're exactly getting exposed to.
1. Just four goals the entire match. FOUR GOALS! Raining or not, even women can do better than that and in shorter games.
2. Saw it in the first quarter myself. Carlton have enough tall players as options up forward, yet persist kicking to the relatively shorter teammates. What the f*** is with our structure and leading patterns? They're nothing but steaming turds. Who is taking ownership? Where's the forward coach? They should do everyone a favour and just quit already, because nothing has changed here.
3. The skill level was bad and there were repeat offenders. The same people as a matter of fact. Yes, both teams didn't do fantastic because of the rain. But Essendon still managed to widen the gap in this area.
4. The additions to the line-up did bugger all. Alex Fasolo and Darcy Lang combined for just 14 disposals, 4 tackles and 2 behinds. Only adds a greater target on Stephen Silvagni's back.
5. Losing by 41 points and it's Essendon of all teams. Absolutely hate those scumbags. Ugh!
6. Another weekend with no taste of victory for any blues side. The VFL and VFLW teams also failed. It's as if blues fans aren't allowed anything good right now.
SCORES
2. Saw it in the first quarter myself. Carlton have enough tall players as options up forward, yet persist kicking to the relatively shorter teammates. What the f*** is with our structure and leading patterns? They're nothing but steaming turds. Who is taking ownership? Where's the forward coach? They should do everyone a favour and just quit already, because nothing has changed here.
3. The skill level was bad and there were repeat offenders. The same people as a matter of fact. Yes, both teams didn't do fantastic because of the rain. But Essendon still managed to widen the gap in this area.
4. The additions to the line-up did bugger all. Alex Fasolo and Darcy Lang combined for just 14 disposals, 4 tackles and 2 behinds. Only adds a greater target on Stephen Silvagni's back.
5. Losing by 41 points and it's Essendon of all teams. Absolutely hate those scumbags. Ugh!
6. Another weekend with no taste of victory for any blues side. The VFL and VFLW teams also failed. It's as if blues fans aren't allowed anything good right now.
SCORES
1. MATTHEW KREUZER 20
2. Sam Petrevski-Seton 10
3. Nic Newman 9
2. Sam Petrevski-Seton 10
3. Nic Newman 9
4. Sam Walsh 8
5. David Cuningham 7
6. Charlie Curnow 6
6. Charlie Curnow 6
7. Ed Curnow 5
8 = Paddy Dow 3.5
8 = Harry McKay 3.5
10. Michael Gibbons 2
11. Patrick Cripps 1
12. Will Setterfield 0
13. Levi Casboult -1
14. Jacob Weitering -2
15. Jack Silvagni -3
16. Zac Fisher -4
17. Caleb Marchbank -5
18. Lachie Plowman -6
19. Darcy Lang -7
20. Matthew Kennedy -8
21. Liam Stocker -9
15. Jack Silvagni -3
16. Zac Fisher -4
17. Caleb Marchbank -5
18. Lachie Plowman -6
19. Darcy Lang -7
20. Matthew Kennedy -8
21. Liam Stocker -9
22. Alex Fasolo -10
TOTAL
1. Patrick Cripps 128.5
2 = Nic Newman 73
2 = Sam Walsh 73
4. Ed Curnow 63.5
5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 56
6. Dale Thomas 49
7. Marc Murphy 46
8. Matthew Kreuzer 38
9. Andrew Phillips 20.5
TOTAL
1. Patrick Cripps 128.5
2 = Nic Newman 73
2 = Sam Walsh 73
4. Ed Curnow 63.5
5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 56
6. Dale Thomas 49
7. Marc Murphy 46
8. Matthew Kreuzer 38
9. Andrew Phillips 20.5
10. Zac Fisher 18
11. David Cuningham 16.5
12. Kade Simpson 16
13. Charlie Curnow 4.5
14. Harry McKay 2.5
15. Matthew Lobbe -2
16. Darcy Lang -7
17. Jack Silvagni -8.5
18. Lachie Plowman -9
19. Harrison Macreadie -10
20. Paddy Dow -11
21. Will Setterfield -11.5
22. Matthew Kennedy -12.5
23. Tom Williamson -13.5
24. Jarrod Garlett -14
25. Caleb Marchbank -18.5
26. Levi Casboult -21
27. Michael Gibbons -21.5
28. Alex Fasolo -25
29. Cameron Polson -26
30. Liam Stocker -30
31 = Lochie O'Brien -32.5
31 = Jacob Weitering -32.5
12. Kade Simpson 16
13. Charlie Curnow 4.5
14. Harry McKay 2.5
15. Matthew Lobbe -2
16. Darcy Lang -7
17. Jack Silvagni -8.5
18. Lachie Plowman -9
19. Harrison Macreadie -10
20. Paddy Dow -11
21. Will Setterfield -11.5
22. Matthew Kennedy -12.5
23. Tom Williamson -13.5
24. Jarrod Garlett -14
25. Caleb Marchbank -18.5
26. Levi Casboult -21
27. Michael Gibbons -21.5
28. Alex Fasolo -25
29. Cameron Polson -26
30. Liam Stocker -30
31 = Lochie O'Brien -32.5
31 = Jacob Weitering -32.5
33. Mitch McGovern -37
34. Liam Jones -42
THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME
Charlie Curnow
Three contested marks and two of the four goals kicked. It's hard to see it in such a horrid game from the team as a whole, but one can say that the Charlie we know and love has returned. The young man has both struggled with minor injuries and taken quite a while to hit his straps in 2019. His potential and ability to impact a game though, never disappeared. There's no denying that C. Curnow like all the forwards, can and should perform one percent better right now (probably even more). But all are also being left to do more than what's expected of them as well. They face one major adversity, and that regards the delivery from the weak and troubled midfield. Charlie is one of many in a disorganised team, confused by the plan and not knowing where to run and where to lead. As a result, there is some inconsistency and it will likely remain for a little while longer. I can only go by what I see at the moment, and what I saw from the younger of the Curnow brothers is just enough for a tick of approval.
Matthew Kreuzer
When it came to the work around the ground, Matthew Kreuzer took his ruck opponent in Tom Bellchambers to the cleaners. He tried setting the standards for his teammates, dominating in the contested possessions and stoppages. Without any doubt, he was both Carlton's best performer and hardest worker on the weekend. However, this heavy reliance on him is somewhat of a concern. I'm not saying he isn't allowed to impress on the field, but for his work to still significantly dictate Carlton's chances of success indicates how fragile this side is. Kreuzer is a injury-prone ruckman at the age of 30, approaching ever so close to the end of his footy career. And the next in line haven't been able to replicate his body of work to a satisfactory degree. It's harsh of me to use this section to share my concerns and frustrations, but it's impossible not to given the current state of the team. I take nothing away from the Kreuzer. He is forever a much-loved figure and can hold his head up high. Carlton though really need to focus on finding and developing the next ruckman as soon as they can, whether it's Tom De Koning or somebody else.
Nic Newman
I'm well aware of the numerous mistakes this guy made during the match. He finished up with a game high 10 clangers and a hideous 52% disposal efficiency. Certainly nothing to smile about, but he wasn't the only offender when it came to ball use on a wet day. What impressed me about Newman, was his ability to not drop his head and go missing after his mistakes. He just continued to fight throughout the day. It's why he led the disposal count for the blues. And the fact he had to become the general down back without the assistance from any of Sam Docherty, Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas. This is a guy that's only played 40 games. I honestly feel for him as I do with most of the defenders this year. They're carrying a greater weight on their shoulders, having to clean up the midfield's mess while also covering for each other's absence. So I can't entirely blame him for the team's troubles. Newman remains a valuable asset to the team and one I'm forever proud the club threw their attention towards him.
Honourable Mentions
David Cuningham, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Sam Walsh, Jacob Weitering
THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME
Alex Fasolo
I still remain unsure about Carlton acquiring this guy's signature. I don't have anything against him as a person, even coming from Collingwood and all. I also understand the club's desire in chasing for those middle-aged players to fill that hole in the 24 to 28 bracket. But all knew prior to the signing, that Fasolo's ability to apply forward pressure was below par. Even not having to give anything up for him, his value to the side doesn't show very well. It was his third game for the year and first since round two. He finished the game as arguably the worst on ground with nothing more than 6 disposals at 50 percent as well as 2 tackles. No goals and no behinds next to his name, even after the great reliance on him in the first quarter. Wish I could look at it any other way, but right now it appears as he is just another disastrous addition to the list. One that sees more scrutiny heaped onto the list manager and favourite son of the footy club, Stephen Silvagni.
Matthew Kennedy
The club has invested a fair bit of time and money into ensuring this young man developed well enough to assist his captain in the middle. However, it's looking likely that Matthew Kennedy becomes yet another failed recruit from the GWS Giants. Perhaps it's still too early for me to judge and jump to conclusions. But based on what I've seen so far, I haven't been at all impressed. I do recall seeing Kennedy in the middle quite a few times. It's all added up to just 8 disposals, 3 clearances and 2 tackles. Most detect him being slow on the field, but I also think it could either be him not wanting to dig in or just a lack of strength. How can a supposed tough inside midfielder finish with such low numbers? Whatever the problems are, they need to be fixed immediately because people are really beginning to question his value to the team. Probably too late to retain his spot anyway, with a number of experienced heads looking to return for the next game.
Darcy Lang
Another recruit heavily sought by Silvagni and the assistants who has only battled injuries and looked ordinary. Lang unlike Fasolo, provided a little more support throughout the game. But similar to Fasolo, his level of forward pressure was very unsatisfying. This adds to his poor conversion rate in front of goal, which was zero from two or three chances. I won't go too hard on Darcy, considering it's his first game back and it being a cold and wet day. But if he were to receive another chance against Brisbane, he most certainly has to do better. It's likely that his spot in the side will be taken though with Liam Jones, Mitch McGovern, Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson and Dale Thomas all chances in returning. The slow and potentially stagnant progress of Lang, has seen me question his worth to Carlton as well. The drafting has looked nice, but I like nearly everybody am beginning to see the recruiting strategy as a downright mess.
Dishonourable mentions
Patrick Cripps, Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher
OTHER NOTES
- Please Carlton! Do whatever it takes to drag in an experienced senior midfielder over the next off-season. Preferably one who can also help strengthen the leadership. Give an arm or a leg if you can. Also chuck Ed Curnow back in there for the moment. Patrick Cripps is getting beaten up in the middle and the support there is too raw and undersized to fix it.
- You can really tell how much Sam Docherty means to this team. Wise and very vocal too. Directs traffic and orchestrates attack. If only lightning didn't strike him at all. Shame it had too not once, but twice.
OTHER NOTES
- Please Carlton! Do whatever it takes to drag in an experienced senior midfielder over the next off-season. Preferably one who can also help strengthen the leadership. Give an arm or a leg if you can. Also chuck Ed Curnow back in there for the moment. Patrick Cripps is getting beaten up in the middle and the support there is too raw and undersized to fix it.
- You can really tell how much Sam Docherty means to this team. Wise and very vocal too. Directs traffic and orchestrates attack. If only lightning didn't strike him at all. Shame it had too not once, but twice.
NEXT WEEK
It's just a step closer towards Brendan Bolton's exit, as Carlton hang around Melbourne for a home game against the much-improved Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on a Saturday afternoon. Pencil it in as another certain loss, even with the likely return of a few key personnel. The lions with a clear game plan and an incredible hunger to attack the game should easily outsmart the dazed blues. Brisbane under Chris Fagan have a fit and well-balanced group of players who know what they're aiming for. The leaders are strong and the younger collective with granted time and space are advancing their games nicely. It may be true that the lions started their rebuild a tad earlier, but they've managed to look better in their poorest years while continuing to make Carlton their absolute bitch. It's kind of embarrassing if you ask me how they've overcome tougher obstacles to make a fresh start look easy. Brisbane now show promise and guarantee better days. Something I can't necessarily say for the people down at Ikon Park.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
IN - Marc Murphy, Liam Jones, Dale Thomas, Kade Simpson
OUT - Liam Stocker (Managed), Alex Fasolo (Omitted), Matthew Kennedy (Omitted), Darcy Lang (Omitted)
FB - Jacob Weitering - Liam Jones - Dale Thomas
HB - Kade Simpson - Nic Newman - Caleb Marchbank
C - Sam Walsh - Paddy Dow - Marc Murphy
HF - Ed Curnow - Harry McKay - Jack Silvagni
FF - David Cuningham - Charlie Curnow - Zac Fisher
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Patrick Cripps - Sam Petrevski-Seton
I - Will Setterfield - Levi Casboult - Michael Gibbons - Lachie Plowman
E - Lochie O'Brien - Patrick Kerr - Mitch McGovern - Darcy Lang
PREDICTED LINE-UP
IN - Marc Murphy, Liam Jones, Dale Thomas, Kade Simpson
OUT - Liam Stocker (Managed), Alex Fasolo (Omitted), Matthew Kennedy (Omitted), Darcy Lang (Omitted)
FB - Jacob Weitering - Liam Jones - Dale Thomas
HB - Kade Simpson - Nic Newman - Caleb Marchbank
C - Sam Walsh - Paddy Dow - Marc Murphy
HF - Ed Curnow - Harry McKay - Jack Silvagni
FF - David Cuningham - Charlie Curnow - Zac Fisher
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Patrick Cripps - Sam Petrevski-Seton
I - Will Setterfield - Levi Casboult - Michael Gibbons - Lachie Plowman
E - Lochie O'Brien - Patrick Kerr - Mitch McGovern - Darcy Lang
Brisbane Lions by 28 points
Travis "TJ" James
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