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If Carlton's marketing campaign has not quite wrapped up, they should consider a term most fans have been dying to here: We're Back!
Some supporters may feel this is too optimistic... 2004 was a year where fortune allowed Carlton to finish 10th, but too many shelackings stopped any real resurgence. It was largely an experimental year; out with the dead wood, in with so many new recruits you'd think the AFL had signed up a new franchise.
In 2005, it is the opinion of Sensationalist News that Carlton should not only be lucky to do better than 2004, but should down right expect to exceed on that result. That's right, we're talking finals. The first finals campaign since... well... the bygone era. Since the time "Woof" could still be heard on the park, when you didn't care who the opposition full forward was because Son of Serge would towel him up, and if we were short up forward, that same Son would go up there and kick a few. The time before Kouta was more than an adonis with a crook knee - he was Hercules.
So where does one begin to give reasons why a finals berth should be within Carlton's grasp this year? Is it the same optimism all teams who have struggled in recent times feel, or is there a method to the madness?
Carlton's lineup is deceiving to the opposition. Many Carlton haters look at the sheet of paper, think Whitnall still has weight problems, Fevola is a crackpot and the backline is so brittle a little league side could kick a winning margin.
That was largely true in 2004, but in 2005, let's examine the differences:
Backline:
Livingstone looks ready to try and make Full Back his own, and this allows the ever impressive Thornton (who looks likely to be a future leader) to push out to a more comfortbale Center Half Back. He does look more at home there, and works wonders turning opposition attacks into opposition scurrying back to stop his counter attack.
This also allows flankers in Houlihan and Lappin to create up the field leads on the counter attack rather than floating across the defensive 50. This also doesn't add in the Nicholls Medal winner of 04, David Teague, who has reinvented himself into a reliable defender willing to put himself on the line for his team mates. This is gutsy stuff, and whilst not the most potent backline in the league, one which should not be underestimated. I see much fewer, if any, 80+ point drubbings.
The questions are around whether Carrazzo can become a solid player in the back pocket,. And let's not forget one Karl Norman, who's skill is not questioned, but needs to apply himself. If he does, this is one Carlton defence you couldn't have dreamed of in 2002. The best part is they are mostly still young.
Centreline and Ruck:
A much improved area IF it works together. One which could and should cause concerns for the opposition coaches as they now have to prioritise their taggers.
Do you take Nick Stevens who looks set to knock off first year jitters? But what about Camporeale who thrives when he isn't being tagged? And you'd best not forget about Heath Scotland who can be just as potent as the first two.
Callum Chambers, according to his Wizard Cup form, has a point to prove to West Coast who were unable to give him a go due to two reasonably well known names as Judd and Cousins... and Kerr... and Morrison... But he looks like he a greyhound wanting to maul that rabbit. That rabbit happens to be 15 other AFL teams.
Then of course there's the younger brigade. Can Brett Johnson improve on a better 2004? Don't forget Andrew Walker. Jordan Bannister should be able to continue his negating tactics - his height is deceptive to opposition numbers, and he has the ability to rebound. Cory McGrath knows how to find the pill... There's also potentially good backup in Trent Sporn who looks ready to put an injury plagued 2004 behind him and prove himself all over again.
Now who have we forgotten?
Oops, one captain in Anthony Koutoufides. He has shown that even on one leg he can command stoppages which his clearance ability. The only question is in the ruck, but French seems determined. With no backup option, he may get tired and therefore the midfield will need to work overtime.
Yes, this is one Carlton midfield that looks fit enough to replace the one in the 90's.
Forward:
This is one area sure to create headaches for oppisition numbers. A two pronged attack beginning with Fevola who looks and acts as if he wants to play as a team.
Lance has shed enough pounds to replace Jerry from the Subway commercials and has gained so much fitness that we have already witnessed him take two bounces down the wing.
There is a Mr. Longmuir waiting in the wings to get his third opportunity to crack the big time. He has the skill, but does he have the consistency? What about when the ball hits the deck?
This looks better with Davies and a young machine in Eddie Betts ready to swoop. Jarrad Waite presents along the flanks nicely and provides great link up. He shows passion for the jumper.
Now all of this works well if the team works together. But what makes a team work hard together? Sensationlist News believes pressure to retain your spot in the side is the key reason for people to try their damndest to cement their place for next week, and will be absolute key to Carlton having a successful 2005 by recent standards.
No more are people guaranteed a spot in the side. No more is there an easy pay cheque waiting for you whilst your opposition number boots goal number 4... from the backline.
Denis Pagan is the master chief of the Carlton universe. He knows the game, he knows his opposition, he knows how to get his troops working for him. Most of all, he's not an idiot like some other coaches. He plays straight ball and takes the game for what it is.
This in itself is another major reason why Carlton in 2005 is a Carlton team which should take its chances and play once again in the finals.
From there, it is totally up to Carlton.
Sensationalist News predicts: 6th.
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