Carlton Football Club: The Round Sixteen Review

Oh come on boys! Don't you honestly believe us blues fans have seen enough heartbreak now? In what was another ordinary game of state-league standard skills, Carlton resumed their sluggish first-quarter efforts, prolonged them and saved their best work till last. Pretty much the tale of the team under David Teague. Spirited battlers only ever making work harder for themselves. This was the perfect opportunity to record consecutive wins for the first time in two years while their opponents were at their lowest point. Even Melbourne's superstar ruckman Max Gawn being a late out had helped. But new coach or not, I suppose it was to be expected that Carlton could find some way to stuff it up. Execution had let the baggers down, and the run was left too late when hearts could not handle the heat. Now they two games clear from 16th and just percentage away from that dreaded last place they have long made their home.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-72 points : -5 points

Difference: + 67

It was another complete miss of a preseason prediction, but it was one formed with common opinion and no foresight whatsoever. Melbourne were flag fancies and Carlton were coming off their worst season in decades. Nobody would have expected a result like this one between these two teams walking into 2019, especially when the previous encounter saw the demons completely obliterate my mob by more than 100 points. But the game was indeed a strange showing in some ways. One moment it seemed my prediction was looking alright. The blues not long later then pull off their usual systematic craziness under Teague's control, dragging themselves back in he game to nearly snatch the four points. This ongoing pattern makes my biggest calls look next to improbable. But I will go on to defend myself a little and say that being a Carlton supporter of my age does come with some unpleasant thoughts. I've been opened to nothing but mediocrity, misery and embarrassment for almost eight years now. So when the blues look to be climbing out of such a hole, I'm always expecting them to fall back in it sooner than most others.

First Quarter

Having picked up on the discernible pattern under Teague, I knew not to expect much from the Carlton boys. Unsurprisingly, I was correct. In a term where both sides were sloppy with ball in hand, the blues were all about trying to outdo Melbourne in sloppiness. There were even patches when they just couldn't get their hands on the ball. Carlton through the likes of Nic Newman, Lachie Plowman and Dale Thomas were creating many defensive half turnovers for Melbourne to take advantage of. Along with that came a few free kicks, all of which were enough to help the demons take a two-goal lead into the first break. Levi Casboult proved he was so much different from the heavily-flawed player he was many years ago. Paddy Dow who would be the cause of the Demons opening the scoreboard with a scrubber of a kick inside 50, would too find reward in the form of a major from his much-improved set-shot style. Tom McDonald however, was causing headaches for Carlton at the other end with three goals next to his name.

Second Quarter
A relatively better showing of skills by the baggers, but they still granted Melbourne one too many chances at stretching their lead. Alex Neal-Bullen became the forward threat of the term with four shots at goal, but for only one success in return. McDonald and Christian Petracca also added similar results to their tallies. But Carlton were able to hang around and make good out of very little. Only three opportunities and each being a success. Casboult got his second and he never looked like missing. Matthew Kennedy was not long afterward denied an obvious free kick for front-on contact, but he immediately ensured it wasn't a problem with a quick recovery and the easiest of majors. Finally came one of the most beautiful highlights of the game where a composed Jack lowered the eyes, spotted Matthew Kreuzer and delivered the sublime banana which led to a smooth Zac Fisher goal. The blues defense still had trouble with transitioning the ball, which led to several chances and five consecutive behinds for the demons a few minutes before half time.

Third Quarter
It was goal for goal in a fairly accurate display from both sides. McDonald was looking to make things worse for Carlton, with the first six points inside the very first minute. The blues though kept hanging on by a finger, as Silvagni shifted forward and wasted no time with the first two majors for his team. Jayden Hunt and a few of his other teammates wouldn't allow for their lead to shrink in anyway, finding an answer every single time. They even delivered an extra goal or to to win the term by 11 points. Kennedy was starting to find his place in the Carlton forward line while mate Will Setterfield also had his share of chances in front of the sticks, nailing a set shot and missing two in play. Kreuzer falling to the ground awkwardly after a tackle from Jack Viney. As he sat on the bench towards the end of the quarter getting checked out, Casboult took on the usual responsibility of filling his shoes for the remaining minutes.

Fourth Quarter

After three quarters of ordinariness from the blues, the tale played out like it usually has. Another respected fight back from 30 points down, except there was no sweet ending this time around. Carlton had their noses in front and then faced an old friend in disappointment. It began with Jack kicking his third and having a day to remember. Lochie O'Brien was next, benefiting from a 50-metre penalty. Third came Michael Gibbons on the receiving end of a short kick from Dow and he delivered a perfect banana between the big sticks from a reasonably tight angle. Finally it was all Will Setterfield, with the last two goals to snatch the lead off Melbourne. It wouldn't last though. The high intensity of play became too much, eventually leaving the blues to break. Kade Simpson rushed the kick straight onto the chest of Clayton Oliver, who would then comfortably find the open space where Hunt was running to inside the demons attacking 50. Wiping the smiles off blues faces he did, overcoming the nerves to ensure his side were the victors. It's okay Carlton, I didn't need my heart anyway.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. Jack Silvagni. Enough said.
2. Both Matthew Kennedy and Will Setterfield rising to the occasion.
3. The near comeback. Always exciting to watch, regardless of the result.
4. Marc Murphy is finding some good form.
5. Sam Walsh is so damn consistent.

1. Mitch McGovern. Enough said.
2. Allowing Tom McDonald approximately nine scoring opportunities and making him look like Buddy Franklin.
3. That moment Liam Jones ran off his man to not even spoil the contest. What was the result of that? An easy goal to Melbourne.
4. The slow start yet again.
5. Losing Jacob Weitering to a broken nose and potential concussion.
6. Losing Caleb Marchbank for the rest of the season.
7. Skills and defensive efforts in the first quarter, especially those from the experienced group.

SCORES

1 = ED CURNOW 15
1 = NIC NEWMAN 15

3. Jack Silvagni 9

4. Sam Walsh 8

5. Marc Murphy 7
6. Matthew Kreuzer 6

7 = Will Setterfield 4.5

7 = Dale Thomas 4.5

9. Lachie Plowman 3

10. Kade Simpson 2

11. Levi Casboult 1

12. Darcy Lang 0

13. Matthew Kennedy -1

14. Zac Fisher -2
15. Sam Petrevski-Seton -3
16. Michael Gibbons -4
17. Lochie O'Brien -5
18. Caleb Marchbank -6
19. Paddy Dow -7
20. Jacob Weitering -8
21. Mitch McGovern -9

22. Liam Jones -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 148.5
2. Sam Walsh 119
3. Nic Newman 99
4. Ed Curnow 87.5
5. Sam Petrevski-Seton 73
6. Marc Murphy 72
7. Dale Thomas 63.5
8. Matthew Kreuzer 52
9. Andrew Phillips 20.5
10. Charlie Curnow 20
11. Kade Simpson 15

12. David Cuningham 13.5
13. Zac Fisher 10
14. Will Setterfield 4.5
15. Matthew Lobbe -2
16. Darcy Lang -7
17. Levi Casboult -7.5
18. Jack Silvagni -8
19. Harry McKay -8.5
20. Harrison Macreadie -10
21. Tom Williamson -13.5
22. Jarrod Garlett -14
23. Matthew Kennedy -18.5
24. Lachie Plowman -21
25. Michael Gibbons -24
26. Alex Fasolo -25
27. Cameron Polson -26
28. Caleb Marchbank -28.5
29. Liam Stocker -30
30. Paddy Dow -38
31. Lochie O'Brien -40
32. Jacob Weitering -53

33. Liam Jones -57
34. Mitch McGovern -66.5

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Levi Casboult

Respect to Levi for his strong efforts so far. In what was likely to be his last year at Carlton before the season started, the fighter and proud family man has been doing enough to warrant another contract. For weeks, he had covered for his teammates in positions unfamiliar to him and performed valiantly. Now he returns to attack, presenting nicely and kicking goals old Levi would struggle with. As Charlie and Harry recover on the sidelines, Casboult is embracing the moment and making the ultimate statement that he is not finished yet. To only take four marks and use the ball eight times while still scoring three not-so-easy goals, showed me how incredibly valuable he was during the game. Also can't forget the important role he had filling in for Matthew Kreuzer whilst he got checked out in a significant break on the interchange bench. Levi is a passionate blues man and is always there to help regardless of his limitations. I was somewhat wrong in my thoughts. We all were.

Will Setterfield
Since the change of coach, I've notice this guy also beginning to find his feet a little. Although a performance far from fancy, Setterfield undoubtedly had his most influential game to date with a career-high three majors. He led up, took advantage of his free kicks and almost single-handedly got his team over the line within the final minutes. It was a game that made up for his common inability to dig in and apply the necessary pressure. I am one of many people to have been fairly lenient with Setters since he walked into the doors recovering from an ACL injury. I've been willing to wait on his best work as he receives the proper exposure and finds his strongest position on the field. His latest string of games have definitely been his best so far, and they are telling me the wait was worth it. He's not completely there yet given the slow progression as well as everything still being a work in progress, but things are definitely looking good from here.

Jack Silvagni

This was Jack's 'coming of age' game. Against the demons, he was a bit of everything and he showed a bit of everything. From the strength and ferocity in congestion to the cleverness and composure under pressure, Silvagni pretty much had the answers ever single time. He started well, keeping up with Clayton Oliver in the midfield and winning much of the ball himself. Before you know it, he was winning the contests up forward, getting out the back and running into the open goal. In a superb display, Jack walked off with 18 disposals, 10 marks, 3 tackles and 3 goals next to his name. Not to mention that unforgettable low checkside pass to Kreuzer which allowed for the Fisher goal late in the second quarter. Silvagni was nearly responsible for keeping Carlton in the match on his own. Although without the win, the young man can walk off with a smile after all that he did. That one was for all the brainless critics around the country!

Honourable Mentions

Ed Curnow, Matthew Kennedy, Marc Murphy, Nic Newman, Sam Walsh

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Darcy Lang

The guy may have once been a blessing for cats fans in a preliminary final and he may occasionally deliver the goods at VFL level now. But once he is in that famous Carlton jumper, he just cannot seem to meet the expectations. Darcy Lang was rarely sighted, only popping up some time towards the second quarter and finishing with 10 disposals and two tackles. Despite assisting in two goals, he himself had no penetration. His decisions only ended up putting his teammates under pressure and not often did he show the hunger to win the ball for himself. It wasn't an absolutely bad performance, but it was indeed a 'nothing' one. It was a game that anybody could have had. It's sort of why Lang can't break into the line-up. There seems to be no distinct influence he has on the results. There isn't any signature approach in his game. Unlike such players as Dow, J.Silvagni and Cuningham who each have noticeable qualities, Lang currently has none. Expect him to easily make way for some returning faces for the match against the swans.

Mitch McGovern

Didn't think it would come to this, but this bloke needs to look long and hard at himself. It was another golden opportunity to prove he had what it took to help propel Carlton forward and he once again blew it. He poses no threat to his opponents and there are no second efforts from him. He doesn't create play. He is dropping easy marks. He is missing simple set shots. A measly 2 shots for goal from 5 kicks for just 2 points in return. Comfortably would make him the worst player on the ground for the day. The form he is in is making him look like a comedy act. I don't wish for this to be the case, but the eyes aren't deceiving me. And to think there is a man by the name of Patrick Kerr who is performing relatively better and still can't break into the AFL side. I think most know who they'd prefer at the moment. I seriously think it's time Gov has a spell in the seconds to fix his game because right now, him in is as if the blues are playing one man short. Given the closeness with Teague though, there's probably very little chance of this happening.

Kade Simpson

Am I the only one noticing it? Simmo has lost touch and doesn't look to be impacting games like he used to. Whether it's a good thing or a bad thing is a different story up for discussion. But based off what I've seen, the club's most senior current server doesn't have the presence of old. He is registering some of the lowest numbers and averages since 2005. In his latest four matches, he has finished with 16, 22, 15 and 15 disposals in that order. Could this be a sign that the time is nigh? Is Simpson just about on his last legs? I hope for everybody's sake he isn't, but his recent outings haven't exactly done any favours. Not to forget, he was responsible for the turnover that led to the Jayden Hunt goal within the final two minutes. A goal which lost Carlton the game. I'll forever love the number six for his utmost loyalty, passion, leadership and ongoing belief that success is still within reach for him. But maybe it's time to put the realist hat on and consider where he fits in the picture from this point onward.

Dishonourable mentions

Paddy Dow, Liam Jones, Lochie O'Brien, Lachie Plowman

OTHER NOTES

- I heard the words from the interim coach regarding the first-quarter fails and I can honestly say that I'm not impressed. This is serious and has to be fixed. While I admire the perseverance from the team to get themselves back in the game, they shouldn't have to be doing this. Carlton are looking for wins aren't they? Well chances of winning will surely increase if the first quarters improve.
- A goal review from a field umpire's 'touched' call? I've officially seen it all now.

NEXT WEEK

Carlton travel up north to face Sydney. It will be the second encounter this year, albeit a much tougher one given it's away for the blues. However, the team hopes to be bolstered by the return of captain Patrick Cripps as well as the young and exciting players in Harry McKay and David Cuningham. Whether it makes a difference remains to be seen. But if this structure of performance continues where Carlton leave their run till late, then I'm not to expect any surprises. The swans should likely get the better of the blues. The margin though most likely won't be as big as what I predicted before the start of the season. I can see Sam Reid performing as well as he did against the pies earlier this year, especially since it's Carlton who had a hard time dealing with an average Tom McDonald. Sydney should have the midfield class. The balance of the speed and composure falls more into their favour and it will very much be the key factor in their win.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - Patrick Cripps, David Cuningham, Harry McKay, Angus Schumacher
OUT - Jacob Weitering (Injured), Caleb Marchbank (Injured), Mitch McGovern (Omitted), Darcy Lang (Omitted)

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

E - Andrew Phillips - Patrick Kerr - Hugh Goddard - Josh Deluca

Sydney Swans by 55 points

Travis "TJ" James