11. Cain Ackland – 3.5

Was the obvious recruiting disappointment, as an undersize, mature-bodied ruckman. Played most games and I thought he was ok towards the end of the season, but does not look part of the long term future.

12. Matthew Lappin – 6

Showed glimpses at times and had a couple of days out in front of goals. Could have gone around again, but probably better for Carlton’s development that he didn’t. Excellent servant of the club and deserves to be remembered well.

13. Luke Blackwell – 3.5

Didn’t get enough opportunities under Pagan and didn’t develop as well as I’d like. Played some excellent footy in the magoos, but needs to develop a defensive side and work on pace. Disposal is not as bad as is often reported, but his kicking lacks penetration.

14. Brad Fisher – 7

Best season for Blues and probably the only other player that might have been in fanciful contention for All-Australian squad of 40. Kicking improved a lot and he stayed on the park as well. Another graduate of 2002 draft (Goddard/Wells), which was reasonably weak. If re-done now, Simpson and Fisher would probably both be Top 10-15.

15. David Teague – 0

Not played and let go. Given he played Round 22 last year, I wonder if the club asked him to retire then and he refused. Courageous player, but right decision not to play him once his future was decided.

16. Shaun Grigg – 2.5

Struggled earlier when promoted, but played one or two ok games late. Looks very tall for a potential midfield option and has a raking left foot kick. Hopefully he improves and plays regular senior footy next year.

17. Setanta O’hAilpin – 5.5

Hard to believe he’d only played 12 games prior to this year. Was an important season as he might have been gone if he didn’t step up. Showed amazing skills for a big man at times and his goals were a highlight. Will hopefully settle as a KP defender, who can pinch-hit elsewhere.

18. Paul Bower – 4

Looked out of his depth early in the year and too skinny. I thought he was excellent in the last few games, although he has a dodgy handball technique and an occasional “rabbit in the headlightsâ€

Good ratings. I would have given Ryan Jackson a 7 if based on the amount of ground time, his potential and what he did whilst on the ground.

He is a definite top 10 player for me next year. I think he will be a great player.

3.5 for Ackland? out of 10 ? or out of 100?

I think you are being generous either way. 3.5 indicates he was poor, but he was worse than that.

Stevo will be the difference next year! I hope he is named captain, whether or not Lance sticks around ...

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[Sam Jacobs] looks like a 7' Lance Whitnall, and [Mitch Robinson] looks like a 4' Lance Whitnall
(The SEN team during the Carlton v Cats 2009 pre-season match)

Great work.

The ratings seem very fair.

thought Betts was better than stated here. 6.5 for me. Has X factor and his move the middle at times was fantastic

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Succumb to your highest emotion!!!!

For what little knowledge I have of the game I agree with you on this
But overall the ratings looked about right to me

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How can I be blue when I support Carlton and The Fev?

I marked Betts as a 5 as I thought he was disappointing at times. Had some good games, but went through a terrible patch mid-season and it was long overdue when he was dropped.

The rating might have been harsh, but I see Eddie as having marked time a bit. He hasn't got a lot better since being at Carlton. He has value and is a great crumber, but he needs to improve further. To his credit, he showed a bit when used on the ball by Ratts and that might be the next phase of his evolution. Carlton definitely needs to increase its midfield rotation.

I reckon the really bad games were mainly due to the limited ways in which Pagan used him.





Deserves more just because of the way he stitched up Cornes on two occasions. Bonus points for environmental efforts against a first rate turd.

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Hey Rocky; there are too many rabbits ... in China.

Eddie is so valuable because of his forward chasing and harrassing. The pressure he puts on the opposition when they are trying to clear is as good as you'll and this is so important. I would have him in the team just for this even if he didn't kick a goal all year. It's contageous too other players see a near turnover and think wow we can get this then they chase

Jake ho3 wrote



You mean he plays a Robert Klomp role?

I know what you're saying Jake, and yes it's valuable what he does, but it's what he doesn't do that costs us.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue