I agree that attacking Ratts achieves nothing...but criticizing his performance is important in us as supporters in understanding what the hell is going on out on the field. The club in the last decade has lost the trust of the majority of supporters. Appointing a club favourite is not going to automatically attain everyones faith again not me anyway. Ex Carlton great or not...if he doesnt perform he will be judged just as much as the next guy...maybe even moreso due to the way he was appointed (I know this was not his fault but it adds to the pressure on him to get results). Ratts is no kid, he knew what he was walking into.

Despite what people on here may believe I really would like to see him succeed and I would happily eat humble pie from the time Judd holds up No 17 until the cows come home...but till now the signs have not been good at all from a coaching perspective.

How was Ratten appointed?? I want to know each step. Just facts please. No guess work.

I agree that attacking Ratts achieves nothing...but criticizing his performance is important in us as supporters in understanding what the hell is going on out on the field.

The club in the last decade has lost the trust of the majority of supporters.

Appointing a club favourite is not going to automatically attain everyones faith again not me anyway. Ex Carlton great or not...if he doesnt perform he will be judged just as much as the next guy...maybe even moreso due to the way he was appointed (I know this was not his fault but it adds to the pressure on him to get results). Ratts is no kid, he knew what he was walking into.

Despite what people on here may believe I really would like to see him succeed and I would happily eat humble pie from the time Judd holds up No 17 until the cows come home...but till now the signs have not been good at all from a coaching perspective.

There is nothing wrong with criticism. Ratts has made mistakes, especially in the Crows game where he displayed a rigidity of thinking that didn't allow for gameday conditions, but you show me a senior coach, even the successful ones who hasn't stuffed up a number of times over the course of their careers. Which is why certain posters won't name who they think should replace Ratts.

If the criticism wasn't so unrealistic and confused (ironic) it would be better received. Melvey doesn't seem to understand the gameplans he admires, as well as having a fluid belief system that seems to change to suit whatever goes on his mind at the time. Synbad just doesn't seem to be able to enjoy football anymore, because he just sees negatives. Just because he got it wrong with Pagan doesn't mean he has to over correct now. He is not thinking logically, but emotively at times. His contradictory criticism of Ratts for his use of Army sums that up. His contempt for Sticks will always make Ratts the fruit of the poisoned tree to him.

Criticism is fine as long as it is based on some sort of knowledge base and that doesn't necessarily mean that you have to have played the game, although it certainly is a much better starting point. That is why the term constructive criticism is used. I will never seriously ask posters to shut up as football forums are for venting...sorry discussion, but why should I sit down and worship the opinions of posters who show a decided lack of knowledge of the game and of human nature. I think there are some very knowledgeable football posters on this forum and they have criticisms of Ratten as there should be, but they aren't leading the charge.

Just an indication, on how we are travelling on and off the field.

Anderson and Hartlett into the side, they understood their role and played accordingly.

Development and fitness team is working, Anderson has improved (and by all indication should continue) and Hartlett ran out the game very well, all indications (internally) are that he is enjoying playing consistant footy for the first time since being drafted.

Ratts and Co. are showing lots of faith in Hampson, mixed it around in the middle with Betts, and pushed Jamison forward. They are using games well under control, to test the waters. No problems from my point of view.

Made the point, times before, our game strategy is a lot more complex and requires players to be far more skillfull. It will take time to develop and execute consistantly. It is no coincidence that our percentage entering the mid way point was within the top 3. Defence is key!!!

Go Blues!!!

Melvey and Synbad the TC tag teamers. But who is who.

Regards Cazzesman

:clap:

Stop making up excuses.

I'm pretty sure i can see Melvs poking out from underneath the briefs

Essendon* are more defensively accountable?

That is so unbelievably incorrect.

Yes they are.

The ladder with the lot tells me that

Carlton has had 1413 against

Essendon* has had 1393 against

That ladder also has Points For.

Carlton 1537
Bombers 1446

So what does that tells us. Surely not that our game plan is better

What do these stats (compliments of footywire) tell us while we are at it. After 15 games.

Carlton ave on left - Essendon* ave on right

14.9 Goals 14.0
12.9 Behinds 12.4
27.8 Scoring Shots 26.4
63.3 Tackles 61.6
53.6% Conversion 53.0%
24.77 Disposals Per Goal 26.24
13.28 Disposals Per Scoring Shot 13.91

Ahead in every area there. What was it you said about scoring more goals and you win. The Blues must be on the right track I guess.

Regards Cazzesman

Melvey and Synbad the TC tag teamers. But who is who.

Regards Cazzesman

and what were finals scores against the Bombers in round 13 again?

After reading those stats i can still clearly say that they still are ahead of us.