My thoughts on Carlton's 2019 season? After all the pain and suffering of last year. After all the predictable results and humiliating losses. After all the new and embarrassing records set by a historically successful club. It's safe to say that this year was better! Much, much better! A small improvement equates to a small tick. That however, isn't to say I'm entirely satisfied. Especially given that half of the results were dependent on some bold yet awfully familiar decisions put forward mid-season. Decisions that probably tainted the overall picture a tiny bit. And I know for a fact I'm growing tired of these decisions, having seen them enough in the past. But I guess this time they had to be made for the good of the team. Because hadn't the board stepped in and made such moves, there would have been every chance Carlton left 2019 looking eerily similar to 2018. So I'll take what was given, but there is plenty of work still needing to be done both on and off the field.
Every premiership season is exactly that; a premiership season. There's only one of these each year. And we ourselves don't live for very long. As each year passes and Carlton perform the way they do, it feels like a precious chance has been wasted. Maybe I am being the slightest bit harsh on my blues. But I was born after the club's latest taste of glory. I completed a whole thirteen years of education, with Carlton only ever managing four short-lived finals series (one by default) within that time period. Never did they reach a preliminary and never did they make it any higher than 5th. Instead of chances at success, I see my club face the harsh penalties of cheating. I see my club endlessly making bad choices and finishing rock bottom. I see my club preaching the patience they themselves refuse to accept. And everywhere I look, it's negative criticism and constant mockery of Carlton's repeated mistakes. Someone at my age and experience can only take so much.
People will come around and tell me that Carlton is going places. That the next window of opportunity is just around the corner. When this happens, I will be ready to ask the big questions. How do they know that? What makes them so sure that ultimate success is a step or two away? While I agree that better times await us all given it's a natural situation, I can't say when they will arrive. They could be next year, or perhaps not until I'm 40, 50 or even 80. Believe me, I admire anybody with an optimistic view. I could even say I believe great things will happen very shortly. It's just that I just can't say I know so. I always tell myself to maintain a sense of reality. I have to remind myself that anything could happen. But I do consider those pleasant possibilities. New Carlton glory is still a dream that I hope comes true. All I'm currently asking for is to experience flag number seventeen in my lifetime. Nothing more and nothing less. Anyway, enough about me and on with the review.
Every premiership season is exactly that; a premiership season. There's only one of these each year. And we ourselves don't live for very long. As each year passes and Carlton perform the way they do, it feels like a precious chance has been wasted. Maybe I am being the slightest bit harsh on my blues. But I was born after the club's latest taste of glory. I completed a whole thirteen years of education, with Carlton only ever managing four short-lived finals series (one by default) within that time period. Never did they reach a preliminary and never did they make it any higher than 5th. Instead of chances at success, I see my club face the harsh penalties of cheating. I see my club endlessly making bad choices and finishing rock bottom. I see my club preaching the patience they themselves refuse to accept. And everywhere I look, it's negative criticism and constant mockery of Carlton's repeated mistakes. Someone at my age and experience can only take so much.
People will come around and tell me that Carlton is going places. That the next window of opportunity is just around the corner. When this happens, I will be ready to ask the big questions. How do they know that? What makes them so sure that ultimate success is a step or two away? While I agree that better times await us all given it's a natural situation, I can't say when they will arrive. They could be next year, or perhaps not until I'm 40, 50 or even 80. Believe me, I admire anybody with an optimistic view. I could even say I believe great things will happen very shortly. It's just that I just can't say I know so. I always tell myself to maintain a sense of reality. I have to remind myself that anything could happen. But I do consider those pleasant possibilities. New Carlton glory is still a dream that I hope comes true. All I'm currently asking for is to experience flag number seventeen in my lifetime. Nothing more and nothing less. Anyway, enough about me and on with the review.
Coming off the absolute disgrace that was the 2018 season, the club and everyone within it knew the pressure was well and truly on them for 2019. The members and supporters were left nothing short of disgruntled and the media had a wonderful time making news out of the then-rumoured frictions between club officials and other personnel. Not to mention the several bold moves that were made during the off-season by Carlton themselves, as their intense belief of immediately turning a corner made the rounds. The potential sacrifice of millions of dollars in revenue, as existing members were offered a free membership upgrade. The desperate play for Dylan Shiel involving corporate businessmen and an expensive flight to Noosa on a private jet plane The history-making live trade for Liam Stocker that looked nothing more than controversial at the time. Everything pointed to Carlton becoming a much bigger headline in 2019 for reasons somewhat discomforting. The blues simply had to deliver and show significant improvements.
Things weren't looking so great to begin with, as newly-appointed co-captain Sam Docherty once again ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament after a knock during a December training session. Some fans feared it was a sign of history repeating itself, while others fought through the frustration and held onto the faith that someone such as new recruit in Nic Newman or the much talked-about Tom Williamson would fill the gap well enough throughout the year. Thankfully nothing much else left people worried leading up to the new season, other than some weight placed on a few of the new guys as well as the under-performers. Come the first few rounds, Brendan Bolton proved a little too stubborn with his plan. He refused to apply any significant changes to better recent results. Because of this, the board lost patience and sacked him at the halfway mark after only one win from eleven games. Taking over was David Teague and suddenly things were looking different. The team was inspired and the results were more often than not, ending up in Carlton's favour. There isn't much else to summarise. One could say 2019 was merely a tale of two halves.
I guess it is okay to celebrate the small achievements while we're here. The first of them being the reinvigorated women's team under new coach Daniel Harford. They may have had help from a dodgy conference system, but Carlton's ladies fought valiantly to nearly forge the unforgettable tale. Making it to the big dance a year after the depths they experienced is nothing short of impressive. The club as a whole once again broke the club membership record despite a little assistance from the free upgrade initiative, with 64,269 people signing up. A few respected stars reached AFL milestones including Marc Murphy (250 games), Ed Curnow (150 games) and Patrick Cripps (100 games). Both Madison Prespakis and Sam Walsh took out the rising star awards for their respective leagues and left thousands smiling from ear to ear. And there is no ignoring the regular wins at the back end of 2019 under David Teague. It seems I am happy about some things. Much so that I'm willing to dig deeper and review the season that was.
I guess it is okay to celebrate the small achievements while we're here. The first of them being the reinvigorated women's team under new coach Daniel Harford. They may have had help from a dodgy conference system, but Carlton's ladies fought valiantly to nearly forge the unforgettable tale. Making it to the big dance a year after the depths they experienced is nothing short of impressive. The club as a whole once again broke the club membership record despite a little assistance from the free upgrade initiative, with 64,269 people signing up. A few respected stars reached AFL milestones including Marc Murphy (250 games), Ed Curnow (150 games) and Patrick Cripps (100 games). Both Madison Prespakis and Sam Walsh took out the rising star awards for their respective leagues and left thousands smiling from ear to ear. And there is no ignoring the regular wins at the back end of 2019 under David Teague. It seems I am happy about some things. Much so that I'm willing to dig deeper and review the season that was.
THE RESULTS
ROUND 1 - CARLTON (9-10-64) def by RICHMOND (14-13-97) 33 Points
ROUND 2 - PORT ADELAIDE (13-10-88) def CARLTON (11-6-72) 16 Points
ROUND 3 - CARLTON (10-14-74) def by SYDNEY SWANS (14-9-93) 19 Points
ROUND 4 - GOLD COAST SUNS (8-11-59) def CARLTON (8-9-57) 2 Points
ROUND 5 - WESTERN BULLDOGS (7-15-57) def by CARLTON (15-11-101) 44 Points
ROUND 6 - HAWTHORN (13-15-93) def CARLTON (13-10-88) 5 Points
ROUND 7 - CARLTON (8-14-62) def by NORTH MELBOURNE (18-12-120) 58 Points
ROUND 8 - CARLTON (13-9-87) def by COLLINGWOOD (16-10-106) 19 Points
ROUND 9 - GWS GIANTS (20-18-138) def CARLTON (7-3-45) 93 Points
ROUND 10 - ST. KILDA (9-14-68) def CARLTON (8-7-55) 13 Points
ROUND 11 - ESSENDON (11-8-74) def CARLTON (4-9-33) 41 Points
ROUND 12 - CARLTON (11-12-78) def BRISBANE LIONS (9-9-63) 15 Points
ROUND 13 - CARLTON (15-10-100) def by WESTERN BULLDOGS (15-13-103) 3 Points
ROUND 14 - BYE
ROUND 15 - FREMANTLE (11-9-75) def by CARLTON (11-13-79) 4 Points
ROUND 16 - CARLTON (15-10-100) def by MELBOURNE (15-15-105) 5 Points
ROUND 17 - SYDNEY SWANS (8-14-62) def by CARLTON (9-15-69) 7 Points
ROUND 18 - CARLTON (15-9-99) def GOLD COAST SUNS (11-9-75) 24 Points
ROUND 19 - CARLTON (13-9-87) def ADELAIDE CROWS (9-6-60) 27 Points
ROUND 20 - CARLTON (11-9 -75) def by WEST COAST EAGLES (15-9-99) 24 Points
ROUND 21 - RICHMOND (11-7-73) def CARLTON (6-9-45) 28 Points
ROUND 22 - CARLTON (11-12-78) def ST. KILDA (11-8-74) 4 Points
ROUND 23 - GEELONG CATS (19-15-129) def CARLTON (8-13-61) 68 Points
ROUND 5 - WESTERN BULLDOGS (7-15-57) def by CARLTON (15-11-101) 44 Points
ROUND 6 - HAWTHORN (13-15-93) def CARLTON (13-10-88) 5 Points
ROUND 7 - CARLTON (8-14-62) def by NORTH MELBOURNE (18-12-120) 58 Points
ROUND 8 - CARLTON (13-9-87) def by COLLINGWOOD (16-10-106) 19 Points
ROUND 9 - GWS GIANTS (20-18-138) def CARLTON (7-3-45) 93 Points
ROUND 10 - ST. KILDA (9-14-68) def CARLTON (8-7-55) 13 Points
ROUND 11 - ESSENDON (11-8-74) def CARLTON (4-9-33) 41 Points
ROUND 12 - CARLTON (11-12-78) def BRISBANE LIONS (9-9-63) 15 Points
ROUND 13 - CARLTON (15-10-100) def by WESTERN BULLDOGS (15-13-103) 3 Points
ROUND 14 - BYE
ROUND 15 - FREMANTLE (11-9-75) def by CARLTON (11-13-79) 4 Points
ROUND 16 - CARLTON (15-10-100) def by MELBOURNE (15-15-105) 5 Points
ROUND 17 - SYDNEY SWANS (8-14-62) def by CARLTON (9-15-69) 7 Points
ROUND 18 - CARLTON (15-9-99) def GOLD COAST SUNS (11-9-75) 24 Points
ROUND 19 - CARLTON (13-9-87) def ADELAIDE CROWS (9-6-60) 27 Points
ROUND 20 - CARLTON (11-9 -75) def by WEST COAST EAGLES (15-9-99) 24 Points
ROUND 21 - RICHMOND (11-7-73) def CARLTON (6-9-45) 28 Points
ROUND 22 - CARLTON (11-12-78) def ST. KILDA (11-8-74) 4 Points
ROUND 23 - GEELONG CATS (19-15-129) def CARLTON (8-13-61) 68 Points
SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
Consider the highlights as each win and how they came about. The first win for 2019 and the last under Brendan Bolton was a convincing one against a young Bulldogs outfit, which was made all the more memorable as Sam Walsh helped break a long 59-game drought of no triple figures with the last kick of the match. The second came straight after action was taken at the coaching front, when Carlton took on the exciting Brisbane Lions. A hard tag on Lachie Neale after half time allowed skipper Patrick Cripps to run rampant and deliver what was arguably the greatest individual performance of the year. After the bye came a trip to Western Australia to face Fremantle. A rough start, an intense finish and a desirable outcome for the blues thanks to the brilliant composure of veteran Marc Murphy. Another drought was broken, with the team recording three wins in a row for the first time since 2016 against Sydney, Gold Coast and Adelaide respectively. Carlton sneaked in one more victory against the saints in round 22 after the Teague Train officially took off .
SEASON LOWLIGHTS
Just about everything within the first half of the season that wasn't the Bulldogs match. Despite some respected showings in the first three rounds, the win tally remained at zero. And it stayed that way for at least another week, with the blues blowing an opportunity against Gold Coast as Jack Bowes snatched the victory for the suns within the last 30 seconds of the game. Another chance went away down at Launceston, as Hawthorn fought back with a ten-goal second half. Carlton went on to dish up another embarrassing performance against North Melbourne and copped an absolute hiding from GWS only a fortnight later. St. Kilda too benefited from the troubles taking place down at Ikon Park in the first encounter. But it was longtime rivals Essendon who would deliver the final straw. The club took action, telling Brendan Bolton to pack his bags and look for a role in footy elsewhere. From then onward, everything looked alright. That was until round 23 arrived (the bogey round for Carlton), with the cats this time enjoying the moment.
2019 SEASON TRACKER
2019 PLAYER RESULTS
This scoring system is heavily based on stats and influence around the field, so it may see some players such as Liam Jones look worse than normal. It is not a perfect system and it doesn't exactly reflect on who will poll well for the best and fairest either, since Michael Gibbons, Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni have more often than not met their expectations. However these results do tell me that Patrick Cripps is certainly the clear winner and that he, Ed Curnow and Nic Newman are likely to round up the top three. There are a few things I picked up from these results:
1. Despite earning more accolades and recognition this season, Patrick Cripps did take a small step backwards here. He achieved maximum points only 7 times unlike last year when he did so 10 times.
2. Every blue to play at AFL level in 2019 has had at least one point taken off them. Sam Walsh had the fewest points taken off with just the 1. Tells us how consistently good he was this year.
3. Longest streak of points gained was Sam Walsh (20 matches). Longest streak without any points gained was Zac Fisher (12 matches). Longest streak of points lost was Matthew Kennedy (9 matches).
4. Nine blues did not gain points for any match played (Alex Fasolo, Jarrod Garlett, Hugh Goddard, Darcy Lang, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Angus Schumacher, Liam Stocker and Tom Williamson). Only Lang and Stocker have managed to avoid losing points for a game, with each scoring 0 once.
5. Marc Murphy received the most tens (4 times), Ed Curnow received the most nines (4 times), Sam Walsh received the most eights (4 times), Levi Casboult received the most sevens and Sam Petrevski-Seton received the most sixes (4 times).
2019 SEASON TRACKER
2019 PLAYER RESULTS
This scoring system is heavily based on stats and influence around the field, so it may see some players such as Liam Jones look worse than normal. It is not a perfect system and it doesn't exactly reflect on who will poll well for the best and fairest either, since Michael Gibbons, Harry McKay and Jack Silvagni have more often than not met their expectations. However these results do tell me that Patrick Cripps is certainly the clear winner and that he, Ed Curnow and Nic Newman are likely to round up the top three. There are a few things I picked up from these results:
1. Despite earning more accolades and recognition this season, Patrick Cripps did take a small step backwards here. He achieved maximum points only 7 times unlike last year when he did so 10 times.
2. Every blue to play at AFL level in 2019 has had at least one point taken off them. Sam Walsh had the fewest points taken off with just the 1. Tells us how consistently good he was this year.
3. Longest streak of points gained was Sam Walsh (20 matches). Longest streak without any points gained was Zac Fisher (12 matches). Longest streak of points lost was Matthew Kennedy (9 matches).
4. Nine blues did not gain points for any match played (Alex Fasolo, Jarrod Garlett, Hugh Goddard, Darcy Lang, Harrison Macreadie, Cameron Polson, Angus Schumacher, Liam Stocker and Tom Williamson). Only Lang and Stocker have managed to avoid losing points for a game, with each scoring 0 once.
5. Marc Murphy received the most tens (4 times), Ed Curnow received the most nines (4 times), Sam Walsh received the most eights (4 times), Levi Casboult received the most sevens and Sam Petrevski-Seton received the most sixes (4 times).
THOSE WHO IMPRESSED ME IN 2019
Levi Casboult
With Charlie Curnow, Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay being the faces of Carlton's exciting forward line of the future, the sun was looking to set on Levi Casboult's time at the blues. Nothing changed during the remaining weeks with Bolton. But once David Teague came around and the chances to prove himself increased, Levi took them all and earned a new wave of respect. Casboult played just about everywhere this year, which saw him as the most versatile performer of 2019. There was his usual duty in the ruck when Matthew Kreuzer was rested. His improved kicking saw many goals up forward. And when Liam Jones missed six matches with concussion symptoms, Levi covered for him down back. One would think he'd end up confused with all the roles and responsibilities, but he instead stepped up to the plate when he was needed and he reaped the benefits. If there's any time for us to take back the criticisms we shared about Casboult, it is now. He was superb this year.
Levi Casboult
With Charlie Curnow, Mitch McGovern and Harry McKay being the faces of Carlton's exciting forward line of the future, the sun was looking to set on Levi Casboult's time at the blues. Nothing changed during the remaining weeks with Bolton. But once David Teague came around and the chances to prove himself increased, Levi took them all and earned a new wave of respect. Casboult played just about everywhere this year, which saw him as the most versatile performer of 2019. There was his usual duty in the ruck when Matthew Kreuzer was rested. His improved kicking saw many goals up forward. And when Liam Jones missed six matches with concussion symptoms, Levi covered for him down back. One would think he'd end up confused with all the roles and responsibilities, but he instead stepped up to the plate when he was needed and he reaped the benefits. If there's any time for us to take back the criticisms we shared about Casboult, it is now. He was superb this year.
Patrick Cripps
What's there to be said that hasn't been said before about this guy? He's an absolute superstar who is already etching his name in history books at the ripe age of 24. The inspirational leader and face of Carlton's new plans for glory, was no different in 2019 compared to what we've seen of him in previous seasons. In spite of the one or two games this year when he proved to be human like the rest of us, Cripps most other times had shown everybody why he's rated so highly. His work in and around the middle of the ground never gets tiresome. His pressure on the opposition puts smiles on faces. The growing ability to push up the ground and impact the scoreboard more often leaves excitement levels hitting the roof. Everything about Patrick's footy right now is too good to resist. He has recently been awarded the Leigh Matthews Trophy, a second All-Australian selection and is expected to comfortably take home his third best and fairest award at the end of this week. Running out of words to describe him, so let's just leave it at that.
Harry McKay
Far from a perfect season, but it's one still deserving of praise. Harry McKay in ways showed why he was worth pick 10 all those years ago. Although not killing it on the scoreboard, he still managed to walk into 2019 with style. His phenomenal skill of contested marking became a talking point, as he lead the stat for much of the season's front end while also breaking a 21st century record after round three. This along with the unbelievable ability to sometimes play like a small crumbing forward at 204cm, saw McKay's value to the team skyrocket. As the year went on however, his form did drop off and such areas like his set-shot kicking did take a hit whilst he battled groin issues. Nevertheless, he hung around and continued to occasionally surprise fans like he did with that phenomenal match-sealing snap in round 22. A few fans and observers have gone far as to suggest McKay would be a greater threat than Charlie Curnow to opposing teams. Couldn't blame them for thinking that way, because we blues fans are just wild about Harry.
Nic Newman
Probably not THE recruit of the year, but most certainly one of them. And it only costed the blues a future fourth round pick. After a couple of failed attempts at filling the absence of Sam Docherty, Nic Newman turned out to be the most effective solution. He made a regular presence down back throughout the season, knowing where the ball would end up and rebounding with his quick pace. Every now and then, the ex-swan was also able to push up the ground and attack the goals with his dangerous left-foot kicking. This was made evident in the match against the then-reigning premiers West Coast, where he went on to record a career-high four goals (kicking two of them from just outside fifty). While composure with the ball isn't his forte, everything else Newman is capable of takes the weight off this. His contribution to the team is above average and he finds ways almost every time to create some damage. Winning his services was one of a few clever decisions from list manager Stephen Silvagni.
Sam Walsh
Nobody was surprised, nor should they have been. Judging from what was seen of him in the under 18's competition, Sam Walsh was almost certain to have an immediate impact at AFL level. The number one draft pick of 2018 stepped foot into the doors of the Carlton Football Club, oozing enough talent and leadership qualities to amaze everybody around him. Despite the scrutiny and unnecessary comparisons to other players of similar age during the season, the story took no wrong turns. Walsh played all 22 games for the blues and showcased an extraordinary level of consistency. It led to him snapping up awards and furthering his chances at becoming a future captain. The 2019 AFL Rising Star and AFLPA Best First Year even broke records including the most disposals in a debut season. To think many have tried talking him down, says a lot about his hard work and achievements so far. The kid is a marvel and has an incredibly bright career ahead of him.
THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME IN 2019
Charlie Curnow
Walking into the new AFL premiership season, much of the talk was about Charlie's improvement. It was how much excitement he would bring to both the game and fans. How many goals he was kicking. Where his best position will be. All the hype didn't take long to be extinguished, as C.Curnow kicked off his year in ordinary fashion and experienced a few knee troubles. Shortly afterward came some unpleasant talk about him, though the potential superstar forward proved he could quieten the critics with some blistering form. Fourteen goals within four games including a bag of seven in round 13 against the Western Bulldogs. Returning from the bye, the words again were about Charlie and what comes next for him. But perhaps any hype surrounding the man was just a curse of some sort, as it only took a minute or so for him to once again go down with a knee injury. This time it was goodbye to 2019. Overall another wasted season for Charlie Curnow, though it was for reasons out of his control.
Paddy Dow
It will continue to be said. The kid has exceptional skills and they have most certainly been shown now and again. The explosiveness along with the ability to slip through traffic with ball in hand are things that would just about excite every supporter out there. But if the second year blues are real, then Paddy Dow is living proof. In season number two, Dow was known for an ongoing problem that plenty of people happened to pick up on. His run and carry was overshadowed by troubles in controlling the ball. The efficiency by foot took a huge hit almost every single forward 50 entry he delivered. As weeks went by, fans found it harder leaping to Paddy's defence as Paddy himself continued his kicking woes without any solution in sight. It got to a point where Teague would send him to the VFL for a couple of weeks. Dow played a total of nineteen games in 2019 and arguably none of them saw him stick out. Not to mention a move away from the midfield after the bye had further hurt his impact in the team. His future at Carlton is far from bleak but there is plenty of work to be done on his game.
Nobody was surprised, nor should they have been. Judging from what was seen of him in the under 18's competition, Sam Walsh was almost certain to have an immediate impact at AFL level. The number one draft pick of 2018 stepped foot into the doors of the Carlton Football Club, oozing enough talent and leadership qualities to amaze everybody around him. Despite the scrutiny and unnecessary comparisons to other players of similar age during the season, the story took no wrong turns. Walsh played all 22 games for the blues and showcased an extraordinary level of consistency. It led to him snapping up awards and furthering his chances at becoming a future captain. The 2019 AFL Rising Star and AFLPA Best First Year even broke records including the most disposals in a debut season. To think many have tried talking him down, says a lot about his hard work and achievements so far. The kid is a marvel and has an incredibly bright career ahead of him.
THOSE WHO DISAPPOINTED ME IN 2019
Charlie Curnow
Walking into the new AFL premiership season, much of the talk was about Charlie's improvement. It was how much excitement he would bring to both the game and fans. How many goals he was kicking. Where his best position will be. All the hype didn't take long to be extinguished, as C.Curnow kicked off his year in ordinary fashion and experienced a few knee troubles. Shortly afterward came some unpleasant talk about him, though the potential superstar forward proved he could quieten the critics with some blistering form. Fourteen goals within four games including a bag of seven in round 13 against the Western Bulldogs. Returning from the bye, the words again were about Charlie and what comes next for him. But perhaps any hype surrounding the man was just a curse of some sort, as it only took a minute or so for him to once again go down with a knee injury. This time it was goodbye to 2019. Overall another wasted season for Charlie Curnow, though it was for reasons out of his control.
Paddy Dow
It will continue to be said. The kid has exceptional skills and they have most certainly been shown now and again. The explosiveness along with the ability to slip through traffic with ball in hand are things that would just about excite every supporter out there. But if the second year blues are real, then Paddy Dow is living proof. In season number two, Dow was known for an ongoing problem that plenty of people happened to pick up on. His run and carry was overshadowed by troubles in controlling the ball. The efficiency by foot took a huge hit almost every single forward 50 entry he delivered. As weeks went by, fans found it harder leaping to Paddy's defence as Paddy himself continued his kicking woes without any solution in sight. It got to a point where Teague would send him to the VFL for a couple of weeks. Dow played a total of nineteen games in 2019 and arguably none of them saw him stick out. Not to mention a move away from the midfield after the bye had further hurt his impact in the team. His future at Carlton is far from bleak but there is plenty of work to be done on his game.
Alex Fasolo
We most likely saw this coming. Prior to bringing him in, several blues fans asked why Alex Fasolo. Why were Carlton so interested in the the guy who was falling out of favour as the pies improved? Suppose it was the continuation of the blues trying to build a forward line. But at the time, no other club appeared to come knocking with interest. Perhaps Fasolo wasn't at all what the blues expected him to be. Collingwood supporters regularly poked their heads in and informed the arch-rivals about his lack of drive. They said he was an alright kick, but he wasn't applying enough forward pressure to show he was an alright kick. The Carlton faithful did not expect much from him heading into the new season, so it was no surprise to see Fasolo failing to keep his spot. Only three games for two goals and the majority of his year spent struggling in the seconds. If it was a fresh start he was after, it didn't work out. To save everyone including himself the trouble, he retired early from AFL footy to pursue other avenues. We wish him the very best for whatever he plans on doing next.
We most likely saw this coming. Prior to bringing him in, several blues fans asked why Alex Fasolo. Why were Carlton so interested in the the guy who was falling out of favour as the pies improved? Suppose it was the continuation of the blues trying to build a forward line. But at the time, no other club appeared to come knocking with interest. Perhaps Fasolo wasn't at all what the blues expected him to be. Collingwood supporters regularly poked their heads in and informed the arch-rivals about his lack of drive. They said he was an alright kick, but he wasn't applying enough forward pressure to show he was an alright kick. The Carlton faithful did not expect much from him heading into the new season, so it was no surprise to see Fasolo failing to keep his spot. Only three games for two goals and the majority of his year spent struggling in the seconds. If it was a fresh start he was after, it didn't work out. To save everyone including himself the trouble, he retired early from AFL footy to pursue other avenues. We wish him the very best for whatever he plans on doing next.
Zac Fisher
From the most improved Carlton player and one of the only positives in 2018 to arguably one of the most underwhelming performers the following year. Zac Fisher started the season strong under Bolton, embracing a midfield role and regular time around the ball. But it would all change sometime around the bye. Like Paddy Dow, Fisher was another victim of Carlton's mid-season alterations. He went from averaging 22 disposals and 3 tackles in his first 11 games to 15 disposals and 2 tackles in his last 10. Some started noticing Zac's lack of show around the ground as his numbers dropped. A few suspected it was a fitness issue related to him missing one game as a late out. But maybe it could have been him failing to take on a new role. The coaches might not have known where to place him. Whatever it was, the little Fish was not himself. Consider this just one of a few bumps in the road he will experience. No love for this guy is lost.
From the most improved Carlton player and one of the only positives in 2018 to arguably one of the most underwhelming performers the following year. Zac Fisher started the season strong under Bolton, embracing a midfield role and regular time around the ball. But it would all change sometime around the bye. Like Paddy Dow, Fisher was another victim of Carlton's mid-season alterations. He went from averaging 22 disposals and 3 tackles in his first 11 games to 15 disposals and 2 tackles in his last 10. Some started noticing Zac's lack of show around the ground as his numbers dropped. A few suspected it was a fitness issue related to him missing one game as a late out. But maybe it could have been him failing to take on a new role. The coaches might not have known where to place him. Whatever it was, the little Fish was not himself. Consider this just one of a few bumps in the road he will experience. No love for this guy is lost.
Matthew Kennedy
It ain't over till it's over. But when things lean towards failure, it still isn't good. Especially when it involves somebody the club have invested a fair bit of time and money into. Matthew Kennedy was Carlton's biggest recruit of the 2017 off-season. They went through the effort of trading him in, believing he would answer for the team's midfield deficiencies. They thought at the time he would be the ideal solution to take some of the weight off Cripps' shoulders at the centre of the ground. Two seasons into his navy blue career and suddenly people have doubts about him. Kennedy started week one of the season on the injury list before struggling to push into the line-up. After five weekends of being an emergency and three of them resulting in no footy at either level, he finally got his turn in rounds 10 and 11. Unfortunately his impact was minimal. Later in the season, Teague decided on a move up forward. Matt found a little more comfort there, having shined in a couple of games including a four-goal display against the suns. But his poor performances continued to outweigh his good ones. Both his consistency and willingness to attack remain a problem.
MY PREDICTION RESULTS
PREDICTED: 17th (5 wins and around 67%)
ACTUAL: 16th (7 wins and around 85%)
1. Carlton will score 100+ points only once this year. I have a feeling it will be against the round eighteen match against the Suns (102 - 67).
The blues had exceeded my expectations in this area. They cracked the ton three times, scoring 101 against the Western Bulldogs in and 100 twice (round 13 and round 16). No triple figure scores against the suns, though they almost did in the second encounter, having finished on 99.
2. Mitch McGovern, Nic Newman and Sam Walsh to be only Carlton debutants for season opener.
I considered Will Setterfield a 50/50 chance at the time, given the he was being conditioned after coming off an ACL injury. Didn't think Alex Fasolo had done enough to be named and I questioned the decision. Michael Gibbons came in after my prediction and surprised with some good preseason form. Got at least half of the prediction right. That's good enough for me.
3. I'm predicting two rising star nominations: Sam Walsh will be nominated within the first seven rounds and Will Setterfield much later in the season.
No surprises with Sam Walsh, rewarded with a nomination in the fourth round for his consistency. Even went on to win the award after being a clear favourite for most of the season. As for Setterfield, it wasn't to be. Had a couple of great games late in the year, but was pipped once or twice by other young guns with more damaging performances.
4. Charlie Curnow will once again kick our most goals and I believe he will reach just over 40.
As mentioned earlier, Charlie had a year to forget. Outside of a seven-goal show against the dogs, he struggled to impress. When the light was on him, a knee injury brought him down and kept him out for the rest of 2019.
5. Liam Stocker to debut round eight against Collingwood at the MCG.
Missed this one by a week. Liam Stocker faced North Melbourne for his AFL debut and played five consecutive games (including the Collingwood match) before succumbing to a lengthy injury. Despite recovering, he did not manage to find a way back into the Carlton line-up.
6. Matthew Kennedy to kick the match winner against St. Kilda in round twenty-two.
While Kennedy did kick a major, it wasn't a match-winner. That instead fell into the hands of big Harry McKay with a miraculous curler from the 50-metre line to help seal the victory for the navy blues.
7. Lowest score kicked is 32 against Fremantle straight after the bye.
Lowest score was 33. Just missed out by one point. It was not the dockers match however. Miserable day at the MCG facing the unpredictable bombers. A 41-point defeat that pushed club officials to the edge. Bolton was out of there.
8. Patrick Cripps to poll three Brownlow votes in seven matches.
Only managed to do such a thing five times, with three of them in the first five rounds. Since then, he had his off games and missed chances after spending a couple of weeks on the sidelines.
9. Hugh Goddard to play a total of five matches for Carlton.
Just the two for Hugh. But it probably would have been more had he not cop rotten luck in his first opportunity with a fractured cheekbone.
10. This one is a bit of a stretch, but I reckon brothers Ben and Jack Silvagni will play in the same Carlton side at least once in the back end of the season.
A stretch it was indeed. Ben Silvagni did not get a call up to play his first game at any stage. Older brother Jack too struggled to force his way into the side in the early weeks.
WHAT MUST CARLTON DO TO IMPROVE?
Rotate Small Forward Stock
Chase for Tom Papley. Chase for Jack Martin. Chase for Dan Butler. Chase for Sam Gray. We all know they won't get all of them, but it is better not to be too picky and choosy. Carlton's current list of small forwards just isn't good enough. Either players don't naturally fill the position or they do but can't seem to keep on the park. Jarrod Pickett was luckless. Alex Fasolo and Jarrod Garlett both failed. Cameron Polson's work rate is below average. Michael Gibbons works best around the centre of the ground. Josh Deluca is merely a fill-in. The only player that has looked somewhat promising in attacking fifty now and then is David Cuningham, who is in fact another midfielder. He possesses a decent crumbing ability, but he is continuously getting hurt and can't get a good run at AFL footy. The blues need natural small forwards. They need ones willing to put their body on the line and attack the ball. Consider this priority number one during the trade period.
Find Another Star/Big-Bodied Midfielder
We admire Carlton's belief in such players as Will Setterfield and Liam Stocker. But the problem is they are still fairly raw and are another year or two away from potentially assisting Patrick Cripps in the engine room. Although the chase for Stephen Coniglio didn't work out, there are still strategies that can be used to attract another A-grade or B-grade midfielder to Ikon Park. Find these strategies and use them, because Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow are not going to be around forever. Matthew Kennedy so far hasn't been solving the problem the way we expected him to. And talks now are all about moving other players like Charlie Curnow from their best positions to take on other superstars in the centre circle. This only proves that midfield depth remains a serious issue at the blues. Plus, the few attempts at answering for this have not worked out. Better think of something quick Carlton because the last thing we need is Cripps down or Cripps out.
Find Another Young Ruckman
Matthew Kreuzer is a much-loved person involved with the footy club. But the truth his he is injury prone and now in his thirties. His regular ruck partner in Levi Casboult is also approaching 30 and his future at Carlton remains an unsettling mystery each year. Andrew Phillips can't seem to break in and take the reigns, which is now leaving him to consider other opportunities elsewhere as rumoured. And the recently delisted Matthew Lobbe was yet another back-up ruckman at 30 years of age. There's one player on the list looking to hang around for a while tapping the ball down, and that player is Tom De Koning. There is nobody of similar age to compete with him long term. There is nobody of similar age to support him long term. Carlton has another another job during the off-season and that is to find that competition and support. Look for someone at another club who isn't having any luck getting the call up. If not, search for any possible solutions during the draft. The current stock of ruckmen is unstable.
Play To Their Strengths
It's one thing to train versatility, but it is another thing to force or rush it upon certain players. One of the major problems with the blues this year was overexposure. Under Bolton, underdeveloped kids were getting thrown to the wolves and left to fight without much help. As that took place, experienced heads such as Ed Curnow and Marc Murphy were locked up forward with the key thrown away. As important as it is to ensure progress is made in the regeneration of the centre squad, proper handling of the task is too a serious matter. Having small guys take on big seasoned bodies in the midfield at every minute is likely to cause harm. Once Teague stepped in and fixed this issue, the results had almost made a complete 180. We started to realised how much Ed and Murph were sorely missed around the bounce. Sure they are veterans now with a few years left in them. But the transition to the younger guys will take a little more time. There's no need to push this too quickly. Keep players with their strengths and don't try teaching old dogs new tricks.
Take Very Good Care Of Sam Docherty
When it comes to football, two years is indeed a very long time. And in this case, we don't wish for it to be three. Especially since it is Sam Docherty we are talking about. Co-Captain, All-Australian and John Nicholls medalist. Carlton could really do with him back on the field running. So far they have approached this well by considering his mental health, keeping patient and avoiding the risks of a relapse. But they are also to consider other avenues. For instance, search for some professional doctors and trainers both here or overseas. Allow Doc to learn new information and adopt new strategies in the rehabilitation process. Make sure that the main aim is putting strength back in that troublesome knee. Get him to feel both confident in his body and eager to play footy again. He might not ever perform as well as he did prior to his two ACL ruptures, but that isn't to say he won't make the blues a better side. Why do we continue to believe in him and his role? It's because he is still an elite talent and an incredible leader with a heart that bleeds blue.
Chase for Tom Papley. Chase for Jack Martin. Chase for Dan Butler. Chase for Sam Gray. We all know they won't get all of them, but it is better not to be too picky and choosy. Carlton's current list of small forwards just isn't good enough. Either players don't naturally fill the position or they do but can't seem to keep on the park. Jarrod Pickett was luckless. Alex Fasolo and Jarrod Garlett both failed. Cameron Polson's work rate is below average. Michael Gibbons works best around the centre of the ground. Josh Deluca is merely a fill-in. The only player that has looked somewhat promising in attacking fifty now and then is David Cuningham, who is in fact another midfielder. He possesses a decent crumbing ability, but he is continuously getting hurt and can't get a good run at AFL footy. The blues need natural small forwards. They need ones willing to put their body on the line and attack the ball. Consider this priority number one during the trade period.
Find Another Star/Big-Bodied Midfielder
We admire Carlton's belief in such players as Will Setterfield and Liam Stocker. But the problem is they are still fairly raw and are another year or two away from potentially assisting Patrick Cripps in the engine room. Although the chase for Stephen Coniglio didn't work out, there are still strategies that can be used to attract another A-grade or B-grade midfielder to Ikon Park. Find these strategies and use them, because Marc Murphy and Ed Curnow are not going to be around forever. Matthew Kennedy so far hasn't been solving the problem the way we expected him to. And talks now are all about moving other players like Charlie Curnow from their best positions to take on other superstars in the centre circle. This only proves that midfield depth remains a serious issue at the blues. Plus, the few attempts at answering for this have not worked out. Better think of something quick Carlton because the last thing we need is Cripps down or Cripps out.
Find Another Young Ruckman
Matthew Kreuzer is a much-loved person involved with the footy club. But the truth his he is injury prone and now in his thirties. His regular ruck partner in Levi Casboult is also approaching 30 and his future at Carlton remains an unsettling mystery each year. Andrew Phillips can't seem to break in and take the reigns, which is now leaving him to consider other opportunities elsewhere as rumoured. And the recently delisted Matthew Lobbe was yet another back-up ruckman at 30 years of age. There's one player on the list looking to hang around for a while tapping the ball down, and that player is Tom De Koning. There is nobody of similar age to compete with him long term. There is nobody of similar age to support him long term. Carlton has another another job during the off-season and that is to find that competition and support. Look for someone at another club who isn't having any luck getting the call up. If not, search for any possible solutions during the draft. The current stock of ruckmen is unstable.
Play To Their Strengths
It's one thing to train versatility, but it is another thing to force or rush it upon certain players. One of the major problems with the blues this year was overexposure. Under Bolton, underdeveloped kids were getting thrown to the wolves and left to fight without much help. As that took place, experienced heads such as Ed Curnow and Marc Murphy were locked up forward with the key thrown away. As important as it is to ensure progress is made in the regeneration of the centre squad, proper handling of the task is too a serious matter. Having small guys take on big seasoned bodies in the midfield at every minute is likely to cause harm. Once Teague stepped in and fixed this issue, the results had almost made a complete 180. We started to realised how much Ed and Murph were sorely missed around the bounce. Sure they are veterans now with a few years left in them. But the transition to the younger guys will take a little more time. There's no need to push this too quickly. Keep players with their strengths and don't try teaching old dogs new tricks.
Take Very Good Care Of Sam Docherty
When it comes to football, two years is indeed a very long time. And in this case, we don't wish for it to be three. Especially since it is Sam Docherty we are talking about. Co-Captain, All-Australian and John Nicholls medalist. Carlton could really do with him back on the field running. So far they have approached this well by considering his mental health, keeping patient and avoiding the risks of a relapse. But they are also to consider other avenues. For instance, search for some professional doctors and trainers both here or overseas. Allow Doc to learn new information and adopt new strategies in the rehabilitation process. Make sure that the main aim is putting strength back in that troublesome knee. Get him to feel both confident in his body and eager to play footy again. He might not ever perform as well as he did prior to his two ACL ruptures, but that isn't to say he won't make the blues a better side. Why do we continue to believe in him and his role? It's because he is still an elite talent and an incredible leader with a heart that bleeds blue.
WHERE WILL CARLTON FINISH IN 2020?
There is no telling how the blues will fare in 2020 and beyond. But if we were discussing expectations, they are to certainly finish higher than 16th. All associated with the club, well and truly know Carlton are overdue to impress and push towards flag number seventeen. There are simply no excuses for a step backwards, especially now it has been made clear through the outstanding performances in the second half of this year. Carlton has both the energy and talent to compete and Teague appears to know his plans very well. Most of the list will return fit, fresh and ready for the preseason. Some of the younger crop will have matured a little. Sam Docherty is every chance to come back a play a significant role in the team's fortunes. And with list deficiencies hopefully answered for during the trade period of drafts, things surely have to improve from here. The blues faithful are not going to handle another disappointing season, since there has been enough of them already. It's time to do some proper damage.
ROUND REVIEW LINKS
Carlton Football Club: The Round One Review
Carlton Football Club: The Round Two Review
Carlton Football Club: The Round One Review
Carlton Football Club: The Round Two Review
Travis "TJ" James
