Still two rucks and one key forward mean we do nothing. That's one of out big issues. If Bolton thinks the likes of Casboult, Jaksch, Jones, or whoever he might use, will hold up our forward line as a single, one out key forward, while playing 2 ruckmen who badly struggle when off the ball, then he'll give himself a very unnecessarily difficult time. All that happens is the people who knowing nothing about football (speaking generally, not you..lol) blame the poor key forward for not getting a kick while the ball comes in slowly then gets bombed on their head while covered by 3 defenders. And we expect them to succeed. We're not Hawthorn, who had Hale, a player who could play both ruck and key forward equally well, to help Roughhead, who was their only key forward in 2013/14. That together of course with a pile of other gun players.

While developing a side still you still have to play a side to their strengths. That's what a good coach does. One ruck, where goes from struggler to star, backed up by Casboult, who finds and extra leg when he can get a run on the ball. He was one of the few that had a good year last year, not surprisingly playing the 2nd ruck role all year. Then pick a 2nd key forward, which will split the defence, creates spaces, allows the runners to cleanly run through the 50, allows Everitt space to mark and score and hence gives us a chance. Simple changes in structure make such a difference.

This year, two key forwards we're 6 from 8. By contrast two rucks, one key forward, zero from 12 and an inability to score. Went even better when Phillips got injured. He came back and we went back to our crap selves from the first 4 matches. Our best footy this year was played with one ruck and two key forwards whether it's been Casboult and Jones, Rowe and Jones (against Port after Casboult hurt himself) and even Casboult and Gorringe, who plays both roles and had a big game against Geelong. When Phillips was out, Kreuzer starred, rose to hero status in a couple of games. Phillips comes back and he struggles.

I have faith in Bolton as he looks a coach but if he can't see that then it's a big black mark against him. Simple results will tell him that. We are Carlton, not Hawthorn so plays us to our strengths.

Buckley and Boekhorst will stay in.

I'd drop turnover king Kerridge before either of those - at least the B's have some pace which is about the only thing the Lions have going for them.

_________________
I'm shocked to be sitting here

Agree they'll stay in. The real problem is lack of anyone showing enough in the twos who can help with pace. Tutt is consistently busy in the 2s but doesn't hurt with his possessions - likewise Whiley who lacks Tutt's one asset namely pace. I like Sumner but he has been struggling a bit and didn't play last week - still maybe that has freshened him up. Cuningham got a bit of the ball in the 2s but didn't set the world on fire by any means. DVR even less. Lamb has a bit of toe but only 10 touches in the 2's doesn't suggest a recall.

Then we get to the forwards. Clearly we need to add at least one key forward perhaps 2 - but to do that we have to drop a ruckman. Perhaps it is time to rest Kreuzer and give Phillips a shot at the number 1 role with back-up from Casboult.

Fair dinkum if we ruled out everyone who has been suggested to be dropped/rested/not recalled we couldn't field a nine-a-side squad

our problems stem from our forward set up and collaboration

Will be in Brisbane for the game.

Have been to interstate games before, but can't remember: as an AFL member with Carlton Club Support, does my membership allow me access into the ground, or do I need to buy a general admission ticket?

Thanks.

_________________
Formerly Blues-Back2003.

Just called AFL membership about this. No. Apparently we have to buy a general admission ticket.

_________________
“Every single element of the Club has to be the best in the league, meticulously and methodically, and only by doing this will we be elite and challenge for number 17.”
Greg Lee

I don't think you will have to queue to get into the Gabba or have any trouble finding a seat

_________________
Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

I told them that. ...also that it may be a good idea to 'encourage ' people to go....I said I'm up for work and thinking of going so what's the deal....obviously there isn't one


Further, the guy said that I can get the tickets on Ticketek, so I told him that I wasnt sure why I would have to pay extra $$ to print my own tickets and get rubbish service ...

_________________
“Every single element of the Club has to be the best in the league, meticulously and methodically, and only by doing this will we be elite and challenge for number 17.”
Greg Lee

Last time I was in Brisbane for a game you had to have season tickets just to get in the gate!
How things have changed and how stupid is the AFL for not seeing it before they started the whole shambles.

_________________
Let slip the Blues of war (with apologies to William Shakespeare) (and Sir Francis Bacon, just in case)

This has got disaster written all over it

Both teams coming off confidence-killing shellackings.
I think Bolton can get the boys up for this though.

This match is the one I care least about tbf. We SHOULD win, but remember if you're in 1st-2nd gear for the majority of the match you're every chance of a loss. Take into consideration that players might be and I would expect to be rested for this one and it's no guarantee; not in this league. If we lose, that would ensure Essendank of the spoon, but that's not something to take into account for this game. I want a win, I expect our guys do too. Round 23 is so much more important though.

_________________
Essendon-Only team to have ever been found guilty of salary cap breaches in a premiership year!

I suggest bringing Gowers in. First to see if he can play AFL as he probably deserves a shot anyway. Second it releases Tuohy who is in career best form to move up into the mid field. Third Cripps could do with a bit of physical protection that Tuohy would provide.

_________________
"Get ready, Teddy - you're on": Ron Barassi half time 1970 Grand Final

I am a bit worried about this game ,Brisbane plays well against us in Brisbane ,wont be as easy as we think. It will be a warm day and this will be our 3rd interstate trip in 4 weeks .I hope the boys can do it .

We should be aiming for 8 wins this year. That is a good year, with a limited list, a large number of inexperienced players and no Murphy in the area we have the least depth.

Given the woefulness of Essendon* and Brisbane we'll have been gifted 4 of them.

_________________
"I had to eat"

what happens when we lose?

I think we might.

_________________
I hope Essendon* folds.

Sadly, I share that thought.

_________________
We are on our way back...

It would be time to get the red and black paint out early and paint the wooden spoon 2016 in red and black.

_________________
Essendon-Only team to have ever been found guilty of salary cap breaches in a premiership year!