Carlton Football Club: The Round Twenty Review

We'd be lying to ourselves if we thought this wasn't a disappointing result, but we all knew the chain of wins was going to break sooner or later. The in-form West Coast Eagles were always going to be a tough opponent, given their strong backline and electric youngsters. To come within four goals of the reigning champions and one of this season's greatest premiership threats with six or seven of Carlton's best 22 unavailable however, is nothing short of a fantastic effort. It was a match of two halves, with the first being one of this year's finest spectacles until the eagles flexed their muscles in the second to prove too good for the young and admirable blues outfit. It was also a match of rare happenings, where a threatening key forward is kept quiet and a defensive soldier kicks a bag. A second-year kid earnt the luckiest of chances to debut while a certain first-year teammate of his, continued overcoming outside scrutiny to arguably produce a new best game. Overall, this was a Sunday game worth the time.

MARGIN

(Predicted : Real)

-24 points : -24 points

Difference: 0

I believe this is a first for me this year. A preseason prediction made all the way back in January, with next to no clue about how the actual season would pan out. But what I most certainly knew was that both these teams were coming off the polar ends of the ladder. Premiership glory for the eagles and wooden spoon misery for the blues. So a win for Carlton was always going to be the unlikely story. However, I also glanced at the recent history between the two against each other and came to realise how respectable the results were. Even though West Coast have had the upper hand, the blues were not far behind in almost every encounter. I saw it being no different this for the next meeting, especially since Carlton were to respond strongly in 2019 after the excruciating pain of yesteryear. While I would've preferred the victory like every sane blues fan, my long-established tip being a bullseye left me with a little smile. As I've stated a few weeks ago, it's a win-win situation for me.

First Quarter

It was probably one of my favourite first quarter displays from the blues. They had some difficulty at times to get reward from their dominant clearance work, as West Coast feeded off a few of their forward entries. But they somehow took it up to the reigning premiers and came away with the minor win, kicking four goals to two. Nic Newman started things off with his favoured left foot from 48 metres out. The eagles created a scare through a couple of goals from dangerous small forwards Liam Ryan and Willie Rioli. But Carlton managed to find the answers. Zac Fisher and Marc Murphy would nearly re-enact a famous assist and crumbing goal from five weeks ago. Newman with number two, tried replicating his first. And Sam Walsh was doing Sam Walsh things, throwing himself into the game and trying to make a presence at almost every contest. He too would shake off the electric Jarrod Cameron and slot a goal from just inside the 50-metre line with absolute composure. 

Second Quarter
The eagles started hitting their straps, booting seven of the nine goals in the term to help ensure the margin was as much as 20 points going into half time. In spite of the damage inflicted on Carlton throughout the quarter, both sides kept the battle exciting. Jeremy McGovern resumed feasting on almost every dodgy attack from the blues. Jack Darling with relatively less ruck experience, easily accounted for Andrew Phillips in a forward 50 ruck contest with a little pace and luck. Nic Newman too depended on fortunes for his third, with a snap from a second attempt and a favourable bounce. The blues were left unsure how to overcome the onslaught, as West Coast continued kicking away. Michael Gibbons did what he could to get his team back in it, sneaking towards goal and earning himself an easy major from a Carlton stoppage. But an unfriendly bounce disallowed him a quick second, with Jackson Nelson trailing him very closely with immense pressure. Ryan provided the highlight of the match with one of the most courageous marks in today's game.

Third Quarter
West Coast came out of the break to resume their scoring rampage. Jake Waterman got the first of the term within a minute and Ryan followed sometime later with another couple to give the blues some headaches. Elliot Yeo had no issue in taking on Patrick Cripps, and even moved away to stifle other Carlton boys from any strong opportunities at offensive play. This included a fast closing down tackle on an unmindful first-gamer and late inclusion in Angus Schumacher. While the Carlton tall forwards couldn't make their single attempts truly count, it was up to Gibbons with his team's only two goals for the quarter from the square. The first of them showing his hunger and quick recovery while the second came from his knowing of where to run. The eagles made sure they had the last laugh however, blowing the margin out to 37 heading into the final change with help from Jack Petruccelle. The game looked to be beyond Carlton's reach from then onward.

Fourth Quarter

Josh Kennedy did all he could to not see out the game goalless, finally getting his first on the fourth shot. The eagles from there, went a little quiet, as Carlton did enough to bring the margin down from 41 points to a respectable four goals. One of the umpires expressed their concern for Will Setterfield after he came off second best in a contest, calling for blues doctors to offer their assistance. Harry McKay danced around Will Schofield to get his only major and number nine for the blues. Darcy Lang who was quiet for most of the match, came around to register another late one. Newman pushed up forward and gave himself the job of finishing the game with a successful set shot after the final siren to give me the points on my preseason tip. It was a challenge that proved too difficult for the boys in navy blue, but many outside weren't quite convinced the undesirable result would see the Teague train derail off the tracks. If anything, the efforts saw support for the interim coach increase.

PLUSES / MINUSES

1. Harry McKay's work pushing up the ground to take some leading marks at most times went unnoticed by the commentary team. Certainly didn't go unnoticed by us proud blues fans.
2. Despite copping heavy attention from Elliot Yeo, the captain wasn't completely ineffective. To get 9 clearances and 14 contested possessions from 20 odd touches maybe a relatively quieter game, but it is far from a bad one.
3. Carlton brought their impressive forward pressure from the previous week. Just couldn't get the proper reward for it most of the time.
4. Jacob Weitering keeping Matthew Kennedy to just one goal, even though the former blue was given quite a few chances towards the start.

5. Sam Walsh is so damn consistent.

1. Jack Silvagni hurling abuse and giving away a 50-metre penalty. I understand the frustration, but Jack should well and truly know there is no contesting the decision. His anger needs to remain suppressed.
2. The kicking around the ground was very slow. It allowed the eagles to close in quicker and keep Carlton on short notice.
3. Most of the forward 50 entries were high and rushed. It seems as if the blues did not do their homework going into this match. Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass were always going to answer the way they did.
4. Angus Schumacher has got some work to do if he wants to break into the AFL. His awareness was fairly poor during the match.
5. The boys not making the most of the fewer opportunities they had in front of goal. The eagles on the other hand were deadly for periods of time around the halfway mark, rarely missing their shots.

SCORES

1. NIC NEWMAN 20

2. Marc Murphy 10
3. Sam Walsh 9

4. Kade Simpson 8

5. Harry McKay 7
6. Sam Petrevski-Seton 6

7. Ed Curnow 5

8. Jacob Weitering 4

9. Patrick Cripps 3

10 = Lochie O'Brien 1.5

10 = Jack Silvagni 1.5

12. Will Setterfield 0

13. Michael Gibbons -1

14. Andrew Phillips -2
15. Levi Casboult -3
16. Lachie Plowman -4
17. Angus Schumacher -5
18. Josh Deluca -6
19. Darcy Lang -7
20. Hugh Goddard -8
21. Zac Fisher -9

22. Matthew Kennedy -10

TOTAL

1. Patrick Cripps 158.5
2. Nic Newman 145.5
3. Sam Walsh 142
4. Ed Curnow 126.5
5. Marc Murphy 97
6. Sam Petrevski-Seton 85
7. Dale Thomas 65
8. Matthew Kreuzer 51
9. Kade Simpson 48
10. Charlie Curnow 20
11. Andrew Phillips 19.5

12. David Cuningham 13.5
13. Levi Casboult 12
14. Will Setterfield 5
15. Harry McKay 0.5
16. Zac Fisher 0
17. Matthew Lobbe -2
18. Jack Silvagni -3.5
19. Angus Schumacher -5
20. Harrison Macreadie -10
21. Tom Williamson -13.5
22. Jarrod Garlett -14
23. Hugh Goddard -18
24. Michael Gibbons -18.5
25. Josh Deluca -20
26. Alex Fasolo -25
27. Cameron Polson -26
28. Darcy Lang -28
29. Caleb Marchbank -28.5
30. Lachie Plowman -29
31. Liam Stocker -30
32. Matthew Kennedy -43
33. Jacob Weitering -45
34. Paddy Dow -55
35. Lochie O'Brien -57.5

36. Mitch McGovern -66.5
37. Liam Jones -71

THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME

Michael Gibbons

The relationship between club and player is strong here. A feel-good story about someone who was starting to consider his AFL dream being nothing more than a fantasy. Then in came the mighty blues to throw him the lifeline he deserved. Now Michael Gibbons is repaying Carlton with some stunning footy on the field. I honestly couldn't be any happier for the young man getting to experience the ultimate stage after years of fighting for the opportunity. And to continue his brilliance in a position less familiar and much tougher is worthy of greater respect. Gibbons kicked three within the second half, using his hunger and desperation to get reward and keep Carlton's chances alive. He won the hard ball and made use of the very little time and space he had. It was the stuff great small forwards were known for. The blues know what they have to do now, as this bloke currently sits on a one-year contract. We are all awaiting his second signature and another two years in the navy blue.

Nic Newman
When it comes to recent recruits, this guy is up there with the best. Such a shame that his efforts go unnoticed by the media. Sure he isn't the greatest user of the ball, but what he lacks in polish he makes up for in grit and determination. Nic Newman was playing like the Zach Tuohy of old, pushing forward and nailing kicks from around the 50-metre arc. He finished off with 24 disposals, 11 marks, 6 rebound 50's and a career high 4 goals to walk off as Carlton's best on the ground. While there is still the issue of consistency surrounding him, Newman has now and then proven his greatest work is vital to a successful blues side. First looking like a substitute for the injured co-captain Sam Docherty, the guy has done enough to show us all that he is his own player and can help take the club forward in Nic Newman fashion. Notwithstanding his desire to come home, every strong game from him is one that makes his former side look sillier. The price for his services was that of a bargain.

Sam Walsh

To the Richmond fans, you can have your Sydney Stack. To those of Port Adelaide, enjoy Connor Rozee. And to the doggies faithful, be proud of Bailey Smith. They are all very exciting prospects with bright careers. But when discussing 2019, it is the year of the Walsh. If you ask me, I think this was Sammy's best game yet despite his defensive work being missing to some extent. During the first half, he was absolutely firing and never looked like missing a target. His possessions looked more impactful then ever before. And don't get me started on that enthralling piece of play from him that led to the 50-metre major. He most likely may not end up being the best of his draft class. But if you asked any Carlton soul, they wouldn't care because it will be his solid and consistent output that speaks volumes for his career. Also must remember that this is a first-year draftee we are talking about. Just wait until he gets another three preseasons and more AFL experience under his belt. Watch out!

Honourable Mentions

Ed Curnow, Harry McKay, Marc Murphy, Sam Petrevski-Seton, Kade Simpson, Jacob Weitering

THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME

Zac Fisher 

It's not just Paddy Dow having a hard time with a new role. His replacement in little Zac Fisher is struggling just as much. Despite the steady averages in tackles, clearances and contested work, some onlookers have been finding something off about the Fish. One could say it's him being forced out of the middle by the team's most experienced figures. Perhaps this is true, though Zac still occasionally makes appearances around the stoppages. Unlike 2018, when he was breaking the contest and slipping through the fingers of every opponent, Fisher since Teague's appointment hasn't shown much to prove he can sustain the quality game. I like to think he will overcome the form slump and rediscover his place within the side. But a game of 11 disposals, one clearance and no tackles will lead to a question or two. It's just not like Zac to have this sort of performance. We all know his best is what gets people through the turnstiles, excited about Carlton's future. The kid is a favourite amongst most fans and is a prominent face of the next generation of exciting talent in navy blue.

Hugh Goddard

After watching this game, one can really tell the difference. Liam Jones was a huge loss for the side (for reasons completely understandable). His closing speed and ability to crash packs would have made for a greater chance in notching win number seven. Unfortunately it wasn't to be. It did allow for Hugh Goddard though to get a proper go at the high level after the horrid luck he had against Sydney. The months of pushing for selection and finally getting reward, only to come off injured within the first or second quarter. This was a second opportunity he deserved, but did he make good out of it? Probably not. Goddard looked somewhat ineffective. Not only did he not possess similar attributes to Jonesy, but he was kicking like Dale Thomas when he first stepped through the doors of Ikon Park (the ball barely touching his toes). Was the helmet on a little too tight here? Jokes! In all seriousness, I was a little concerned with his game. I don't wish for him to end up as that Nick Graham type who flourishes in the VFL without being able to take the next step.

Matthew Kennedy

Given the way things are going right now with this one, I think it's probably best to rest the nickname 'Bam Bam' and instead go with 'Yo-Yo'. Matthew Kennedy is just so inconsistent at the moment. Possibly the most inconsistent of the playing group. One week he kicks a bag and another week has him quiet to the point where anyone would think he is trying to perform a disappearing act. Perhaps on the weekend this was partly due to the terrible forward 50 entries. But that didn't stop many of his teammates from somehow making their presence felt. Kennedy registered around seven touches along with just one tackle, one mark and one behind on the scoreboard. For the majority of the match, he was nowhere to be seen. Much of his potential has already been shown over recent weeks. Now it is a case of trying to display that potential on a more frequent basis. If or when that happens, we will all be well and truly content. Until then, the pressure is on Matt to deliver.

Dishonourable mentions
Josh Deluca, Darcy Lang, Angus Schumacher 

OTHER NOTES

- Was devastating to hear the news regarding the passing of Jonesy's mother. My thoughts are with Liam in this difficult time. Wouldn't be at all mad if he misses the rest of the season and comes back with a fresh mind in the preseason.
- Loved how triggered the Collingwood fan base was on social media after learning of Carlton's banner. One thing that is as good as a Carlton win is a Collingwood loss, especially when it comes in a grand final.
- As much as it hurts me since it was against my team, I cannot deny it. That Liam Ryan mark late in the second quarter was impressive.

NEXT WEEK

From one hard assignment to another. Carlton get a second chance against the roaring tigers at the very heart of Aussie Rules football. People will be eager to see how the blues respond after their worst performance to date under David Teague. Richmond on the other hand, are enjoying their late run to September whilst premiership favourites. Their players are gradually returning from stints on the sidelines as the club is supported with seven straight weekends of no travel. My prediction sees a win for the tigers, but they're unlikely to be as threatening as the eagles were. The weather forecast predicts a wet day for both sides, meaning it will likely lean towards the work of the small brigades. Richmond look to have the upper hand here with agility and cleanliness. I'm left thinking their defensive pressure will also have the blue boys panicking with ball in hand a little. And knowing Tom Lynch who just loves playing against Carlton, he is every chance of overcoming such unfriendly conditions to continue his impressive form in attack.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

IN - Matthew Kreuzer, Dale Thomas, David Cuningham
OUT - Angus Schumacher (Omitted), Darcy Lang (Omitted), Andrew Phillips (Omitted)

FB - Nic Newman - Hugh Goddard - Lachie Plowman
HB - Sam Petrevski-Seton - Jacob Weitering - Kade Simpson
C - David Cuningham - Marc Murphy - Lochie O'Brien
HF - Michael Gibbons - Levi Casboult - Jack Silvagni
FF - Josh Deluca - Harry McKay - Zac Fisher
R - Matthew Kreuzer - Patrick Cripps - Sam Walsh
I - Will Setterfield - Ed Curnow - Dale Thomas - Matthew Kennedy

E - Liam Stocker - Angus Schumacher - Andrew Phillips - Darcy Lang

Richmond Tigers by 13 points

Travis "TJ" James