I remember posting in the pre-match to round 3 last year that there were serious doubts we were a genuine top 4 side.

A year on, are those doubts still there? They are……..until we demonstrate that we can beat Coll/Hawks/Geel/WCE.

Friday is a huge game for us and our first real opportunity to prove to all and sundry that we are the real deal.

I’m a self confessed nervous nellie and I’m never overly confident going into any game. Unfortunately, this is just my nature (for better or for worse).

Certainly not underestimating the Pies at all however I must say I am very hopeful we can get over the line this week.

I was away for the weekend and only just watched the Bris game. It was hard not to be impressed, especially with the second half, however the opposition this week will be a whole lot better.

Take care of the following basics and we’ll give ourselves a great chance:

- Make the most of all scoring opportunities, especially set shots.
- Limit skill errors and turnovers as the Pies will smash us on the rebound.
- Midfield must continue to work hard both ways and don’t get caught out ‘offensively running’ too much.
- Defensive pressure all over the ground must go to another level again.

Go Blues!

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We are on our way back...

We know what to do.
Bring our best game and they won't be a match.

Carlton by 6 goals.

Spot on. If the game opens up late, we may win by more.

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when you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth

Feelgood Hit of the Winter - GHRP-2, GHRP-6, CJC-1295, AOD-9604, Humanofort and Hexarelin

I'm yet to see our best game. We scrap with the best of them, but we do not use the ball well when offered the freedom to do so. That's the key, and likely the difference.

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29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

Think you have hit it on the head.
Didn't beat a top 4 side last year so need to start beating top quality.
Midfield is the key. You watch games against Coll and Haw and Geel and WC last year and we lost the midfield battle.

Do the essentials well and winning normally takes care of itself. We haven't done that consistently for over 10 years.

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"our electorate seeks less to be informed and more to be validated." Sad times.

I agree, and I see our midfield in very good form atm. Robbo's tackling and hunting was back last week, carrots is in brilliant shutdown form, murph is murph, Simmo is Simmo, and Judd's returned as well. By contrast I didn't see collingwood's midfield with the same hunger and precision it had in 2010.

Carlton by 25pts, no more, because we are still learning to take all our opportunities.

I think it's just having the individual discipline and concentration in fulfilling the roles - that's how champion teams consistently win.

If we can open the game up like we're capable of it could be a runaway victory. Don't think it'll be that easy against Collingwood though.

I think we can win, but I'm tipping Collingwood by a few goals. I think we've been making quite a few unforced mistakes and turnovers early in games and with the way Collingwood pressures teams we will probably do it again this week. A good team like that could really make us pay for them.

Still, hope we smash them

The only concern I have against sides like Cwood, Geelong, Hawthorn is our body size. They are much bigger physically and that can wear us down.

If we are allowed space we will beat anyone as we have the speed and improving skill. If it gets down to finals type game thats where i think we are slightly vulnerable.

Be interesting as to how it will pan out but Im confident!

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

Isn't it funny that after our pre-season efforts and the universal call that we did not get our players planning right, that we're now favourites to beat Collingwood?

Given a fast track, we'll run Collingwood off thier feet. They'll want to control the tempo but may have a hard time doing so.
Other than Hampson and Lucas, I don't see anyone else in our side that won't throw their bodies on the line this Friday.

Of course anything can happen, but I'd be surprised if we don't give them several head-aches as the game wears on, and about time.

Just watch Synbad and the other half glass empties return if we get beaten.

Haven't seen them lately

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Go BLues

Few on this forum are getting rather cocky.... talk of running away with big wins.


Wont be easy win, lose or draw.

Waiting on that pie supporter Dave to post he prematch prediction
Usually good reading

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If you allow the Government to change the Laws in an emergency
They will create an Emergency to change the Laws

Such an opportunity on Friday night.....

I've had nervous tummy for a week now....I'll be there on the Wing with my best Footy mate who's a crazy Collingwood man and I'm pumped!

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The problem will be made. for the solution to be sold, to your face before your eyes, tolerance is now the new danger

Yep. Going by the measure that the strength of a team's bottom six players is a good indicator of overall quality, then we're in better shape than we've been since 1995.

Of what I consider our best 22, Zach Tuohy, Paul Bower, Bret Thornton, Shaun Hampson, Ed Curnow, Aaron Joseph, Dennis Armfield and David Ellard would be automatic selections for many teams. I rate eighteen players above them in our squad. Add to them players such as Matthew Watson, Levi Casboult etc, and we have depth beyond most clubs.

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"The old believe everything, the middle-aged suspect everything, and the young know everything." Oscar Wilde

You'd love that, wouldn't ya. What is the good of a half full glass, metaphorically speaking, in Carlton's situation?

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Just because I'm offended, doesn't mean I'm wrong.

Yep I always get a laugh from the glass half empty types

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Go BLues

Can't wait ... we will announce ourselves on Friday!

Very nervous. It is almost easier when you are rubbish and no-one expects anything. This time there is a chance!!!

Am I starting to sound like a Richmond supporter just before round 1?

(you can tell me...)