I agree, but not possible against faster teams.
We are just too slow, all except Lord.

Ollie was moved to stop Greene.
While Ollie has good run, he is slow and can't kick.
I was shocked to see him up there, if they were going to move the magnets then Saad would've been a good move at HF like suggested pre-game.
Either way, it shows we lack a bit up forward and using defenders will never give you the offensive setup required.
We are really missing E Hollands speed and smarts, Cottrell's speed and run and Fantasia's smarts also.
Like all season, our best is competitive but we are always suffering injuries to crucial players, we have no depth.
Add to that our smalls are not good enough and our mids are too slow and not dangerous forward of centre to take the pressure of the forward line.

Not sure what McLovin's tank is like but if JSOS is back and we keep HOF in the side then maybe we should try him on a wing.
He's quick, can mark the ball and can hit a target most of the time, more reliable than Acres by foot anyway.

McGovern’s ground ball game is piss poor at half back. Moving that to a wing would be catastrophic.

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"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" - Winston Churchill.

Green was pushing up to the midfield and he was running around and doing what he liked. What was Hewett doing? Any coach with some smarts would have put Hewett on Green and med him run with him. Not having JSoS, Boyd or Cowan hurt us but we were out-coached.

Saad isn’t a forward. McGovern needs to f@#$ off out of the team. I don’t understand the negativity towards Ollie and he shouldn’t have been moved. He was keeping us in the game with run, carry and delivery. Lord on a wing?
Acres half back?

Every Carlton player rated at the halfway mark of a disappointing 2025 season so far
Ed Bourke - HeraldSun 27/5/25

1. Jack Silvagni
Has stepped into the important second key defender role with aplomb in his ACL comeback year. Was missed against GWS and needs to overcome a groin issue over the bye. Grade: A
2. Lachlan Cowan
Two significant hamstring injuries have not helped, but before those setbacks Cowan had been unable to take a step forward in a crucial role in Nic Newman’s absence. Grade: D
3. Jesse Motlop
Looked lively in the first few rounds without significant scoreboard impact, but his confidence appears to have waned since. The fourth-year forward is out of contract at the season’s end and the pressure is starting to rise. Grade: D
4. Ollie Hollands
Continues to cover more territory than any other Blue but his kicking, particularly inside 50, is still letting him down. Has worked hard on the defensive side of his game and is rated elite among defenders for tackles (3.6) this season. Grade: B
5. Adam Cerra
Playing 11 consecutive games is an impressive achievement after a torrid run of hamstring injuries. Has been the Blues’ best player over the last fortnight, but another who needs to develop a better connection with the forwards. Grade: B+
6. Zac Williams
Cashed in with four goals in the big win over North Melbourne, two weeks after he had showed a bit at halfback in the loss to Collingwood. Contracted for another year and must find continuity after his latest calf injury. Grade: D
7. Jagga Smith
It’s difficult to think of a player whose absence has been felt more keenly despite having never played a senior game. Smith could have been a crucial point of difference in the Blues’ midfield this season, and will hope for a Will Ashcroft-style recovery arc. Grade: N/A
8. Lachie Fogarty
Had a slow start to the season before suffering a hamstring injury just after he started to get going. Ranked 2nd in the AFL for tackles inside 50 and has four goals from his last three games – at 26, that’s the level of output he must sustain in this team. Grade: D+
9. Patrick Cripps
The dual Brownlow medallist’s contested possession and clearance numbers are strong, but he has to get near the level he reached last season to lead his team back up the ladder. Was outside the top 75 rated players in the competition leading into round 11. Grade: B
10. Harry McKay
McKay now has five consecutive games under his belt and must impact the scoreboard more consistently from here. The Blues need to be able to rely on him for multiple goals per game. Grade: C
11. Mitch McGovern
Has provided important rebound and cleaned up his disposal over the last month, but has been caught out defensively this season – he has lost six of the 10 contested defence one-on-ones he has been in. Grade: D
12. Tom De Koning
On the way to a career best season despite the pressure of weighing up a huge contract offer from St Kilda. Can he lift his scoreboard output? Grade: A
13. Blake Acres
Played arguably his three worst games as a Blue to begin the season before steadying the ship, but his injured shoulder continues to trouble him and kicking has been scratchy. Grade: D
14. Orazio Fantasia
The Blues had planned for the injury-prone speedster to play an important senior role this season, but a calf strain on the eve of the season dented those hopes. Fighting for his career in the second half of the year. Grade: N/A
15. Sam Docherty
Docherty fought hard on his return from a spell in the VFL against GWS, but would be disappointed by his year so far. The former co-captain was not clean enough with ball in hand in the Blues’ defeats early in the season. Grade: D
16. Ben Camporeale
The No. 43 father-son pick has done well to string together eight consecutive VFL games after pre-season ankle surgery. Had a breakout performance three weeks ago and will push for a senior debut later this year. Grade: B
17. Brodie Kemp
The ruptured achilles was a shattering blow, but when Kemp returns next season he will be locked in as the Blues’ third tall target up forward. Grade: B
18. Sam Walsh
Walsh has been one of the Blues’ biggest barometer players this season. Needs to exert greater influence when the chips are down, but playing every game so far is an important win for him and the Blues’ fitness staff. Grade: C
19. Corey Durdin
Equal with Cripps as the Blues’ second-highest goalkicker with 10 from seven games. Six of those came in the big wins over the Eagles and Roos, though. Grade: C
20. Elijah Hollands
Outstanding against Geelong in his second game back after a difficult pre-season. Has something to offer the Blues as a hard-running midfielder-forward when he is ready to return. Grade: C
21. Lucas Camporeale
Had a fantastic summer to break through for a round 1 senior debut and found plenty of the ball. Clearly needs to work on his foot skills though to be a reliable outside player. Grade: B+
22. Harry O’Farrell
Looks a good find at pick 40 in last year’s draft and held up fairly well on debut against the Giants – a tough assignment for any first-gamer, just ask Sandy Brock. Grade: B+
23. Jacob Weitering
Weitering had a rare off-day against the Giants but would be in calculations for a second consecutive All-Australian blazer. Big in every win and was a rock in defence over the tough first four defeats. Grade: B+
24. Nic Newman
Still working hard to return from a ruptured patella tendon before the end of the season, which is lifting spirits on the track. Grade: N/A
25. Jaxon Binns
Binns made a terrific return to senior football against St Kilda, but two weeks later found himself back in the sub role behind Docherty in the pecking order. Grade: C+
26. Nick Haynes
Looked all at sea in his first two games as a Blue but has put that in the rearview mirror with his next nine, vindicating the decision to take him from GWS. Grade: B
27. Marc Pittonet
Calf and finger injuries kept him from the senior selection frame before a difficult first game back against Brodie Grundy, who came out on top. Needs a run of VFL games under his belt to mount a fresh selection case. Grade: C
28. Harry Charleson
Rookie draft selection who has played consistently at VFL level over the last month and tries to use the ball by foot, which the Blues need. May soon win a debut. Grade: B
29. George Hewett
Hewett’s 12th season has been his best so far, reaching All-Australian form as the main beneficiary of the decision to trade Matt Kennedy. Grade: A
30. Charlie Curnow
Was rushed back into the side too early in the season, but now the dual Coleman medallist does not look far from his best. 18 goals in his last six games. Grade: B
31. Harry Lemmey
A seven-goal haul against Sydney’s VFL side turned heads, but is Lemmey any closer to a senior debut three years in? Running out of time to impress Carlton’s coaches as his contract expires at the season’s end. Grade: C
32. Matt Carroll
Fought hard to win back his spot on Carlton’s list and was then rewarded with three wins in his first three games, but hasn’t done quite enough to cement a spot in the back six. Grade: B+
33. Lewis Young
It’s a tough gig being thrown from end to end, and Young was also unlucky to be dropped for Harry McKay in round 7. His best footy this season has been as a forward and second ruck. Grade: C+
34. Rob Monahan
In only five of 25 VFL games has the 189cm Irishman reached double-digit disposals. Can the Blues find the right role for him to break through, or is his time running out? Grade: C
35. Billy Wilson
Would be on track to contend for Carlton’s VFL best and fairest with his performances across halfback. The speedy right-footer must be close to a senior debut. Grade: B+
36. Cooper Lord
The 2024 mid-season recruit has been excellent since he stood up with that late set shot goal against St Kilda. Had been sub in five of 10 appearances, but won’t find himself back in the vest any time soon. Grade: A
37. Jordan Boyd
Boyd has struggled to break through for senior games this season and was dealt a nasty concussion setback just as he won a place back against the Swans. The Blues badly need his kicking at halfback or on a wing. Grade: D
38. Will White
A classy 12-disposal, three-goal performance against North Melbourne showed the SSP recruit can belong at AFL level. Was busy against GWS after a quiet month. Grade: B+
39. Alex Cincotta
Two games into his return from hip surgery at VFL level, the 28-year-old needs a run of games to win a new contract, and should be considered soon given his leg speed. Grade: C
40. Hudson O’Keeffe
The ruckman is pushing closer to AFL-readiness and enjoyed some time up forward with Pittonet back in the VFL side last weekend, booting 3.1 against Williamstown. Grade: B+
41. Matt Duffy
Duffy has three consecutive VFL games under his belt after an ACL injury ruined his first year as a Blue. He’s already shown some promising signs at halfback. Grade: B
42. Adam Saad
Has played every game after injuries hampered him towards the back end of last season, but the Blues would love him to rediscover the offensive spark of his 2022-23 seasons. Saad has shown glimpses of that run and dash without being able to get off the chain. Grade: C
43. Ashton Moir
Moir would’ve hoped for more senior opportunities after his finish to last season, but he’s found it tough in a struggling VFL side and has only broken through for a substitute appearance in the loss to Collingwood. Has one more year on his current contract. Grade: C
44. Francis Evans
Got the nod as an SSP recruit ahead of White but has slipped behind him in the forward pecking order. Needs to grasp the next chance he gets. Grade: D
46. Matt Cottrell
The Blues would love him back from an ankle injury straight after the bye as he rediscovered his 2023 form on the wing. Cottrell has been one of their best kicks inside 50 this season. Grade: B

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"IF YOU FAIL TO PREPARE, YOU'RE PREPARED TO FAIL" - Mark Spitz

ˆˆ moir should have an F

should we compile a list? see where we all are with our players?

something like untouchable; trade/ delist/ launch from a cannon and keep, unless a good deal is done, or they're at the end and no deal could be done.

for me, something like;

Untouchable

Charlie - he's class. he's getting the shit beaten out of him every weekend bcos our coaches and players are asshats.
The Good Lord - i really like this kid.
Ollie
Weiters - his low impact/ athleticism game, his love of being scammed. he'll play until he's 40.
Jsos - bleeds blue, should be captain.
Cerra - he's good, on a good deal.
George - our best mid
Saad - still fast
Carroll - newman's heir.


Most probably keep

Newman
Elijah
Cowan
Fog
Acres - i'd trade if we could get a 3rd rounder, but unlikely.
Fantasia - vet leadership
Haynes - same
Fog - until his deal expires, but don't renew
Williams - same
Boyd - same
Young - good utility depth, couldn't be expensive
Cincotta - good, cheap depth. good player as far as bottom 6 players go.
Cottrell - same


Trade or launch from a cannon into space

Motlop - too slow. it's his footspeed which kills him and any notion he'll develop into something good. clean hands, tho.
durdin - launch
Harry - trade; shoot for two firsts. next draft and a future 1st.
TDK - let him walk, free up cap and get some compo.
Cripps - maybe weagles or freo would want him for a 1st round pick?
mcgovern - launch
Evans - launch
White - launch
Moir - launch
Doc - i love you, but you're killing me. time to let go.


Special mention to Lord, jagga, campo boys, dean's boy, cody walker, hof, carroll and ollie who are our future, and maybe they're enough of a core that can do something this current mob couldn't. a GF

TDK is overrated as an A, would be B+ at most, but I am happy for him to be overrated if it gets us a better/extra pick when he goes. Moir should be D. Boyd is better than a D, Should be a C. Ratings are otherwise pretty spot on

Yes on the handful of occasions that Martin was fit and in form we looked a much better side.
Such a shame about his injuries (and inconsistency).

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There is no footy god

That reminded me, Martin is still an AFL Player. He is playing for Geelong but has not played a Single game yet. Wonder why?

Of course, its due to Injury


Glad we got rid of him!

Never met Ed Bourke, but it’s not hard to tell he’s a complete dill.

Ranked #2 in the competition for tackles inside 50. Averages a goal a game. Despite all the fuckery, every second possession puts a score on the board…… D+

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"The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter" - Winston Churchill.

Good List Analysis but in my opinion, we need to be more Aggresive and more Bold with these Soft Players....

E Hollands and Williams has to go... Especially Williams... Can't keep paying 700K to players who can't perfume due to injury and illness.

Young has to go. Cluless Forward and he is limited in his abilities.

Fantasia way past it. Too old. We need to free up Space for the kids


As for removing Harry, well I would keep him ahead of Charlie. Harry has won us Games from his own efforts, Charlie does it once every 2 years.

Moir has an X Factor about him. He needed to be given some Games and not be left in the VFL to find form. He won't find it, he is too moody.

there's a bunch that need to go. but the reality is, no other club would want them, it would cost us too much off the cap to outright delist. if i could grab a red pen and draw a line thru them with no consequence there's about 12 that i would keep in all grades, and ditch, swap, trade the rest.

no way harry stays. plays 1 good game a month and is soft and invisible the rest. moir played 1 game against the pies and his afl form carried right over to the point where i'd be surprised if he ever plays another afl game again.

If Cripps was to leave I’d want him to go to a genuine contender. I’d love to see him win a flag, even if it’s not with us.

What do we do for a ruck?

Sidey, I agree with just about everything you post with the exception of a couple instances.

1. You said I was stupid or lacking something upstairs midyear 2023 to suggest LOB would be let go at the end of the year despite having another year to run, and it happened.

2. Ollie Hollands you don't think he's AFL standard and I think at 20yo he shows more than most previous AA wingmen at the same age. I rate him. Plenty of upside.

So Elijah is faster than Ollie in a sprint? Ollie beats him in short and long distances. I've seen it.

I posted a question to you after the GWS game about your thoughts on Ollie Hollands game. I thought you may have been surprised with his output. You know, Credit where credit is due.

This is the first response I've read referring to ollie. Not flattering at all. Did he really look slow against the GWS? Yes he missed the set shot at goal, and he may not be the best kick in the team, but he has other attributes, and his kicking isn't shocking. I'd say he's a measured kick. He was fantastic against Sydney at HB and fantastic at HF vs GWS. He didn't look slow at all, in fact he's one of the rare players who gave and gives us run. I've concluded you've got in in for him, and have nothing positive to say about Ollie. He's not the one who makes us slow. Far from it.

After half time, Ollie had a couple of different roles and not exclusively moved to the backline to sit on Greene in the 2nd half as you allude to. Come on mate, be fair.

So, you say he's no good as a wingman, because he's not fast enough or tall enough, too slow as a HF, and he was the defender who was sent forward to give us the offensive forward set up, which never works ? Is he a good defender? Previously you posted he was too skinny to play back. So you want him out of the best 23, or blaming him for our current situation?

We need a few Ollies in this team. The kid has a heart like Pharlaps. Fearless. Stamina. Yes he's skinny, but he's only 20yo, and can hold his head up high playing against men 5-10 years older. No doubt a Best 23 player for Carlton circa 2025 for mine.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

Agree with you Dodo except Moir is like Charlie. Couldn't be bothered competing, and in the game he polayed this year, he was just ball watching. It was embarrassing to watch. Let him earn it, or get rid of him too.

Charlie's first effort let alone non exoistent 2nd effort is exactly what I don't want the rest of the team think is acceptable.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

If they decide to move the goal posts, I would look at sending TDK wherever, taking the respite in salary cap and pocketing the draft pick bonus.

Get in Reilly O'Brien's ear and get him on baord. He's only 29, so has 3 years in him I suspect. In career best form.

Off-load a few more and throw some money at Butters. Slim chance, but in it to win it. Kane Farrell has a lethal left boot and only 26. I could see him on a wing. Free Agent.

Gov, Mots, Doc, Moir, Acres, Pitto are talking alot of money. Those 6 are all coverable. Maybe Williams and Fantasia go due to injuries. They both have the kills but not the durability required.

Harry, Walshy and Charlie stay. If TDK goes, I don't think there is a need to offload the real talent.

Regards Cazzesman

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Ricky Gervais - “Everyone has the right to hold whatever beliefs they want. And everyone else has the right to find those beliefs f***ing ridiculous.”

If Cripps was to leave I’d want him to go to a genuine contender. I’d love to see him win a flag, even if it’s not with us.

What do we do for a ruck?

ollie will be a beauty. bit more strength, bit more polish. all the things you only get from playing. in 4-5 years he'll be the best wing in the comp.

Didn't Obrien already play for Carlton years a go and was let go to Adelaide because he was just a Tap ruckman that did nothing else?

That was possibly Sam Jacobs.

ROB was drafted by Adelaide in the rookie draft 2014

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I'm shocked to be sitting here