Ta Donstuie. Well I echo the postive comments on him earlier. Would take what I saw of him today over Grigg all day long.

Thought we saw Davies playing for the Ants as we drove past filth paddock on the way to Visy

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Cheats never prosper (except in the AFL)

no touhy, ellard, davies

nice afternoon game

highlight was Watson spoiling, then crashing through Josh hunt and kicking the ball another 40-50meters

and Garlett ankle breaking baby-face Mackie twice lol

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Better to die standing than to live on your knees...
CAR17ON

Was at the game today also..

Thought there were plenty more positives than negatives. Thought we were a lot quicker (Garlett in particular pantsing Hunt on quite a few occasions today), and surprisingly, we broke a lot of their tackles with relative ease. I left at 3/4 time thinking Geelong over the past few weeks have looked as lacklustre and uninspired as I've seen a team for a long time. Ottens had a stinker and looked slow, Johnson didn't chase, Bartel played mostly up forward, etc. etc.

I reckon we outplayed them, having said that, our disposal out of defence and into our 50 was ordinary at best.

Really happy Yarran put two great games together. Garlett was on fire and should have kicked a bag. Hampson marked anything and everything that came his way. Thought Robbo had a good game, Jamo was good also.

At the risk of sounding negative however...

Don't think you can play Duigan in the same team as Jamo. Too defensive minded, not quick enough to play on the quick small forwards, and can get lost in traffic at times (happened a few times in the Pies game and then today in the opening quarter when he let Varcoe get goalside). Reckon he'll play first few weeks as per Rattens' penchant for giving the new guys every opportunity possible, but will get overtaken by players returning to injury sooner rather than later.

Reckon White is ahead of Watson for round 1. Watson's kicking is sublime, and positions well, but I don't think he's physically ready just yet. That goal that dribbled through from outside 50 late in the third quarter, which Watson didn't bother to chase (could have bounced anywhere)...was he dragged or just rotated? Should have been dragged for it. Still very excited for his eventual debut in the season regardless.

Not reading too much into today's game any more than the rest of the preseason. Think the 22 for Richmond selects itself though.

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BLUES 2010: PAV AND JUDD = FLAGS. DOING IT FOR THE LOVE OF DICK PRATT.

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR TALKINGCARLTON SUPERCOACH 2009 YET?

No Kerr either. So we played a man down, two if Joseph didn't feature. 4 man bench?

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29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

Some questions:

Anyone know the extent of White's injury? Will he be right for rd 1? If not, is Watson ready to go?

How was Gibbs?

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WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

joseph didn't play. obviously no murph, irish, houla, kreuz, mclean, 206 and thornton. no other names pop up that didnt play.

Watson could play against teams such as Richmond and Gold Coast. would be found out against better teams IMO.

Gibbs was disappointing again

I was there and I am not too concerned at all.

Carlton could and should have won the game by 6-7 goals but missed some sitter set-shots early in the final term when we were all over Geelong. We didn't take our chances and got punished. We'd have some cause for concern if we didn't create the opportunities at all - but we had plenty of chances and most times would have converted enough of them to win comfortably. Geelong got very lucky today but that's footy. I'm very positive about the season ahead.

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Formerly Blues-Back2003.

Josh Hunt's a pretty solid customer.
Good work by Watson.
Would much appreciate any reports on the Ants game at Gosh's Paddock. in advance !

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Bawditawaba

Before today I would have put White ahead of Watson for round 1 but White didn't help his chances today. He fumbled a lot and looked like he was panicking.

Watson looked pretty composed and managed to just get his body in the right spot to spoil the long ball coming in. There were a few times where it looked like his opponent was going to mark the footy but he somehow managed to break it up. I would like to see him on Vickery round 1. Big challenge for your first game as Vickery is looking good.

Duigen sometimes looks amazing and other times very clumsy. I am in two minds about him being in the team for round 1. Having said that I think the MC have already decided he is in. I was very impressed with his defensive efforts in the 3rd quarter particularly when he spoiled a bullet pass following his man on the lead.

Laidler on the other hand is an upgrade from Thornton. He goes about his business with no fuss and seems to always make the right choice but more importantly always looks confident in his decision.

I really enjoyed Garlett today, he is a seriously gifted player as is Yarran who polishes off plays when needed.

Curnow is someone who I think will be in the team round 1. He covers the ground really well and runs all day. He seems to play bigger than what he looks.

I have read from a few posters that Walker was ordinary but I disagree. He gets into good positions and adds a lot of grunt in the forward 50. He kicked 3 goals not because he was lucky but because he worked hard to be in the right place at the right time.

Collins = Houlihan #2. A lot tougher though.

Hampson looked great, I hope they throw him deep in the forward line one on one for parts of games.

Very happy with the way we played today. The last 15 minutes is nothing to worry about, the boys took their foot off.

Selwood could well be on his way to being in the top 5 players in the comp. He is something else.

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Koperek.

yep..it's all pretty much covered in the posts tat say chill out..it was hot..they took their feet off the gas..or their brains faded a bit..
there was a lot to love today. Some really entertaining and exciting plays.
For me..it was worth the trip to see Garlett and Yazz.
Also enjoyed seeing Collo and Watson do a bit.
Walks did a few good things as well as bad.
It was great seeing Lachie too.
Waite and Handsome took some wonderful marks.
As for the end...maybe you could see it like the 'Rumble in the Jungle'.
Carlton aka 'Foreman' carrying on a bit too much,expending energy, and then Kaaaaabooom!!!! 'Ali' aka Cats delivered the knockput punch.
A bit annoying..but I can not WAIT for round 1.I think we are gonna be fantastic.

_________________
That’s not a political statement — it’s a harsh reality, and we must act,” she said. “He is a clear and present danger to the things that keep us strong and free. I support impeachment.”

_________________
WADA medical director Dr Alan Vernec describes Essendon* FC drug case as biggest scandal in team sport the world of sport has seen. #WC2WB

#GUILTY

I was at the game and I left pretty satisfied. I would have preferred we won obviously but when the heat was on, we were well on top.
Geelong played to the siren. We didn't. Selwood and Stevie J got them over the line but we had well and truly taken the foot off the pedal.

Didn't Yarran look like silk. gartlett is premium.
Betts is definitely under the pump this year. We have options now.

It was a hard day to play footy. Geelong may be a bit fitter but you can't say they were better.

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T E A M

In what way?

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"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 were up there in the 2nd half Juzzy sitting a couple rows in front of Riewoldt, Martin and co. Jack must have backed Black Caviar as he was leaning over listening intently to our radio at the time.

Magnificent day at the old ground today with a healthy happy crowd. Sat in the Gardiner Stand for old times sake in the first half but the old wooden seats took their toll and we moved over to the Heroes at 1/2 time.

A slightly flat-footed start by the blues but we soon cranked up the work rate for the 2nd & 3rd qtrs before cramping and running out of puff in the last.

Walker - Worked pretty hard and provided a target. He needs to maintain an effective standard or he'll be overtaken.

JR - They call him rusty and I thought he was that today.

Gibbs - Really put in today with a great work ethic. Very encouraging.

Judd - Well, you know.

Simmo - I thought he got as far as 3rd gear. Good workout for him.

Lucas - Didn't have his best day today. Lost his feet and gave the ball up a few times. Still worked hard though but will feel competition for a R1 spot IMO.

Watson - A real footballer who's instincts are good. Should play seniors if his body allows.

Robbo - Typically hard at the contest.

Yarran - Simply outstanding. His natural instincts and skill are a pleasure to watch. He showed a growing presence and confidence. Super!

Laidler - Very impressive. Really effective and a beautiful kick. Great recruit.

Collins - Reminds me of Houlihan with his movement and skill. Huge upside.

Bower - Fairly solid today.

Hammer - has arrived ! 2nd and 3rd efforts a plenty and clunked some good marks as well. Great game today.

Hendo - Worked to contests and provided opportunity to our crumbers. Blew out some cobwebs.

Army - Worked hard in the first part of the game, didn't see him much after that, he may've gone off.

Scotto - Typical Scotto, racked up possies and used his experience.

Waitey - Flew for a lot of speccies and provided contests.

Duigan - A solid game and provides a strong mature body and great work ethic with a lot of voice. Good finishing most of the time.

Curnow - Provided a contest in the clinches and worked hard when not in possession. Will provide good competition for a senior berth.

Garlett - Seriously outstanding. His timing off the packs is sublime. Sensational to watch.

Twomey - A couple of little cameo's that showed his talent. Keep handy.

Jamo - The old Jamo today. Didn't hold back on his spoils and provided a surety down back. Will be missed in R1 & 2.

Levi - Worked hard as a 2nd ruck.

White - Battled hard today and will be better for the run. Competing with Watson for a spot I feel.


The cream really stood out today with Garlett Yarran Gibbs our best with a very encouraging performance from Hammer and Laidler.
Now bring on the tiges !

The good far outweighed the bad today. I was quietly (and, at times, loudly) pleased with much of what I saw for the first 3 quarters.

PROS –
• Yarran. Made a couple of mistakes, but….Wow. Looks a different player at HB. The test will come when the opposition start putting hard tags on him. And he will get goals kicked on him going the other way because of the way he plays, so he (and his teammates) need to be mindful of that. But he’s travelling very nicely indeed at the moment…
• Hammer. Another player who looks much improved. Is now taking contested marks around the ground. His ruck work is better and competes well at ground level. Excellent effort today from the big fella I thought.
• Duigan. Has really impressed me in the last 2 weeks. Will be in our starting 18 on March 24th.
• Garlett. Close to BOG. Quickly turning into one of my favourites…
• Juddy & Gibbsy showed signs that they are running into a bit of form at the right time.
• Laidler was OK, but what I found interesting about his game was that he was able to go on-on-one with Ottens in their forward 50 a few times. He might have an unexpected string to his bow in that he can play on bigger opponents when required (not his ‘bread-and-butter’, but it’s nice to know he looks like he can at least compete in that situation).
• Watson is a work in progress, but he did enough to show that he could contribute if he’s needed in Round 1 (which he might be, unfortunately).
• Hendo worked himself into the game. Will probably need one more hit-out with the Bullants next week, but he looks on track for Round 1 to me.
• We broke the ‘poor start’ pattern that appeared in all the other pre-season games so far this year.

CONS –
• The last quarter. There’s plenty of reasons for what happened, and it’s tempting to say “it’s only a practice match…we put the cue in the rack at ¾ time….who cares?” etc, but (like some other posters) I am disappointed, and mildly concerned, by the manner of the loss. We had the opportunity to be ruthless today. It was the last full dress rehearsal before Round 1, and we had the chance early in the last quarter to put the sword to a potential top 4 competitor and set the tone for the season ahead. If Simmo, Waite, Walker, Carrots all nail goals, it’s game over and we put all our good players in cotton wool at the 10 minute mark. Instead, sloppy forward play meant we let the Cats back in, the game was back on and we had to either fight it out (which we were either unwilling or unable to do at the end of a hot day) or lose. We lose, and the questions about our mental steel are asked again.
• I remain concerned that our overall skill level is not at the standard required to win premierships. I’ve made this observation fairly consistently over the pre-season, so it’s not based purely on today’s performance. We are improving, but we are still inconsistent with our disposal, especially by foot. And turnovers are what will cost us games this year.
• Bower and White appeared to have suffered injuries. I don’t think either is serious (both might be corkies?), but we didn’t need that with Jamo already out. Bower went off about half way through the 2nd term and didn’t return. I didn’t see what happened to him, but I saw him walking across the ground at half time and he didn’t look too distressed. White copped a knock in a marking contest near the wing in the 3rd and went straight off. He tried to run the boundary a few times but at ¾ time was told to hit the showers. By the way, Jamo played well but it was an interesting decision to play Jamo when the MC knew he wouldn’t be playing the first 2 games…. I think there’s a valid argument that the MC should have taken the opportunity to have another look at Austin today.

Other observations-
- I’m confident that Lucas will be a good player for us, but I can’t believe some people think he’s already a better player than Scotland or Houlihan. I don’t think he is. Not yet anyway. He may well get there by the end of the year, but I personally don’t think he’s in our best 22 at the moment. He missed a lot of footy last year, so I don’t have a problem with him starting the year in the VFL.
- I love the way Robbo throws himself in. However, I doubt his capacity to maintain the required intensity for the entire season. The problem is that when the intensity drops off, he’s a liability because he’s not the quickest, smartest or most skilful player going around. I’ll say this for him though – he’s not wasting anywhere near as much energy now as he was 18 months ago. Looks to be directing his aggression and endeavour in the right ways now.
- Carrots looked rusty and will be better for the run. Personally, I would need him to have a good game for the Bullants next week before selecting him for Round 1. Although his prospects improve if Murph doesn’t come up…
- Curnow and Twomey will add to our overall midfield depth in 2011. In fact, with Ellard out, I think Curnow will probably play in Round 1. By the way, Twomey played the first half of the VFL game this morning and then played the second half of the AFL game. I saw the first half of the VFL game and will post something in the Bullants thread later…

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It's never as good as it looks and it's never as bad as it seems.

Team lined up on the ground like this... with Jamison captaining the game due to Judd starting on the bench im guessing.

Jordan Russell Michael Jamison Nick Duigan
Chris Yarran Paul Bower Simon White
Kane Lucas Kade Simpson Heath Scotland
Andrew Collins Jarrad Waite Dennis Armfield
Andrew Walker Lachie Henderson Jeff Garlett
Shaun Hampson Bryce Gibbs Mitch Robinson

Chris Judd
Matthew Watson
Jeremy Laidler
Edward Curnow
Wayde Twomey
Levi Casboult
Andrew Carrazzo

Kerr, Tuoy, Davies and Joseph did not play at all.


Some really great things out of today...

Our tackling was ferocious and we stuck a lot of good tackles
Our intensity was up consistently throughout the game
Almost everyone contributed
Jeffy and Yaz were electric
Defense held out the cats almost the entire game (except last 10mins)
Controlled most of the match
For most of the game the cats had their best in the back 6 and we were still kicking goals (except scarlett who came on late in the game)
Cats only had 5 of their best 22 missing compared to probably 7/8 for us. They were missing Chapman, Ling, Byrnes, Wojcinski and Podsiadly.

Some things that were dissapointing...

Gibbs wasn't finding a lot of the ball
Goal Kicking
Conceded maybe 4 goals where Geelong took it from our forward line/goals and moved the ball through the corridor almost unnoposed to score a goal within the space of 20 secs - coast to coast
Our forward entry for the first 2.5 quarters was horrific. long bombs every single time.

The last 2 were the most concerning for me however overall we played a pretty great game of football and look good for the season ahead!

People running a hot bath and sharpening the razorblades need to realise a few things:

1) Conditions were trying: hot day, the sun had plenty of bite and it was very swirly at times.

2) Its March 12

3) We were easily the better side for 80% of the match. EASILY. Each team had 8 scoring shots at goal in the last quarter, we kicked 1.7 (and an OOF, too), they kicked 6.2. This win will paper over plenty of cracks for the Cats, make no mistake they got out of jail because of a molotov cocktail of good fortune, our bad kicking for goal and general fatigue.

Yarran, Hampson and Garlett were all superb. With contributions coming from Jamison (very solid on Ottens/Mooney et al), Robinson (exceptionally hard at the ball) and others.

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"In fairness it did seem in the early days of the draft teams would just pick a name totally at random out of a hat. I'm pretty sure we picked James Cook at #2 one year. The mediocre forward, not the explorer" - Me, 12/9/2011

Carlton 2012: Lets remind them why they once feared the Dark.