I was a huge rap for Sporn but he had no impact on the game at all. He seems to be a player that can be in the bests at reserve level every week ,but can't step his game up another level. Seems the 2000 draft may have been a total right off with only average players picked up.

Jacks Boy,

You may have not noticed him because he wasnt there on Saturday to win the ball. He was there as a defender playing on Caracella.

Ryan Houlihan made it clear in the interview on carltonfc.com.au that he has to perform as a defender before he can graduate as a midfielder under Pagan. He is learning this role now, and after a few years is solid if not very good. I get the impression that Pagan wants defensive midfielders in there, just like Port and Brissy have done so successfully over the past few years.

I think Sporn is in the same boat. His long striding and great disposal beg for a role on the wing, but he is thrown back as part of his learning.

Pagan is developing Sporn and Houlihan as well rounded midfielders for the future. Both are still very young and are exceptional kicks.

Playing defence is part of the learning process for Sporn, and he is doing well, no doubt about it. Caracella had a few kicks in teh last but who didn't, given the midfield stopped running.

In my mind, Sporn and Houla will be retained as they are playing team roles and developing for the future. There is no doubt to me that Pagan sees them as key players.

Is this flower for real or what,school holidays brings the kids out.

_________________
"Go blues"

Feel my love...............

Go the content, not the person RoK.

_________________
Click here to follow TalkingCarlton on twitter
TalkingCarlton Posting Rules

This is Sporn's fifth year and he still his hasn't dominated a game which he should be doing. Walker's probably As for the rest RoK what have Davies,Longmuir, Bryan and Clarke done to earn the respect of Blues fans. Davies has had ample opportunities and still hasn't grabbed a game by the scruff of the neck. That dropped mark when Camporeale delivered it perfectly is unforgiveable!

Jacksboy,

Sporn has only played around 35 games

He hasnt dominated games because he hasn't played many games as a pure ballwinner!

Can you not see the roles Pagan has been playing him in?

...I'll tell you at the end of the year.

But Justin wont be on our list next year, probably a trade

I'm not the only one who is hard on him and you have to be hard on the players with talent.

How many goals do you need to kick in a quarter to win a game before you're classed as grabbing a game by the scruff of the neck?

How many forward pockets regularly grab a game by the scruff of the neck? With the exception of Matera and maybe Farmer and Medhurst not sure there are many.

Wasn't aware that teams needed 22 match winners anyway.

_________________
"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

Eddie Betts may have gone on with if he wasn't injured and Phillip Matera has lead the Eagles goalkicking for the past couple of years. Brad Johnson is shorter than Davies yet plays as the dogs key forward whilst still being quick and stronger than his opponent.

Thats two players, and one of them I've mentioned. I offered more than that. Brad Johnson is an absolute champion, and I did overlook him as I don't see him as a forward pocket. These are players who play as the focal point in the forward line, Davies and Betts play as a crumber's...different role's.

_________________
"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

Justin Longmuir.

I perhaps shouldn't have used the term by the scruff of the neck, but Farmer,Ph.Matera,Power,McRae have regularly kicked bags of 2 or 3 in games. If Davies had have held that mark instead of falling over that goal may have been a nail in the coffin.

So its more that mark you're objecting too? I have to admit I don't remember it, but he does make some frustrating mistakes. I just think we're in a position where we need to persist with some of these guys like Davies, Sporn, Wiggins, Carrazzo, Prenda and Waite.

The improvement that comes in a lot of players after 40-60 games won't come unless they play 40-60 games. Doesn't mean it will come then, but its worth finding out in each case because they have the potential to add something.

_________________
"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

We need KP players badly, and if it means giving up a package of a senior player and youngsters we should go for it. As long as it's not Brad Ottens or another McKernan.

TBB, must admit, when Davies dropped the mark, it was a bit harder than made out here, I cringed and thought 'there goes the game'.

But in all seriousness, Its my fault. I had to take my carlton jumper off at half time, for it was too damn hot. Pre half time we were a different team. And then when i took it off, well, the boys were shambolic!

Play Simpson on the ball or on the wing or even half forward and dont drag him every 5 minutes leave him on for the whole bloody game give the kid a go

When did Sporn last play in the reserves?

I don't know when he was last in the twos, but I was referring to his first year when he one the reserves B and F. Looked like he would be a star with his skill and reading of the play. Has struggled with injuries but hasn't played to the same level at senior level as he did in the magoos.