No, he said they'd give the Doc 5 minutes. During the second quarter with the half time break approaching, why rush the decision? Especially with our KP stocks being down on the night.
A poor decision IMO.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

Good to see some leadership and responsibility in the last quarter with the boys lifting and claiming the 4 points despite some serious limitations.

If Watson was fit and had been training well I'm not sure why he was left out.

Well done to Curnow and Laidler. Jury's out on Duigan for me until he gets a few more games under the belt.

I'm really not a fan of Carrazzo's outside receiving tendencies. I'm a growing fan of Robbo's intensity and how that rubs off on his team mates.

Waite should get a holiday purely for being stupid with that horse kick. Unbelievable !

Loved Eddie running rings around Newman

Ratts left yaz their to learn to deal with a tagger. Malthouse did it for a season with shaw and at times with Obrien. It paid off.
Michael Jezz, if malthouse used Didak to tag Yaz i think most of us would be happy.

We dominated for 3 quarters. We must learn to do it for 4.

It was interesting listening to the coaches after the game talk about how the 3 interchange rule effected the defensive zone setups as the game went on. THis could change footy a bit if all teams are not fit enough to pull it off for four quarters with 3 interchange.

I enjoyed the game last night. Our press looked great in the first half and we gave them no space as they tried to get out of our 50. THis resulted in scoring chances (which we stuffed up). We were a bit of a worry the odd times they did get passed our press. Our backline was very shaky. Probably to be expected as its brand new and hadnt played together at all.

3rd quarter was a different game. WE were flat, didnt win the clearances, soft at tackling and slow to get our zones set up. The press was off the boil.

Cant wait til next week.

Can't TC be a bit more consistant? We have a "she'll be right, mate" attitude leading up to matches only to be all doom and gloom when we find out post match we may not be as right as we think we are, then the process starts all over again. How about a bit of balance?

I think we'll be 'right' when the day comes when the likes of Bower and Waite are consistently available and are named on a flank or a pocket.

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Just because I'm offended, doesn't mean I'm wrong.

"I'm more worried about how we were never positioned for the turnover, opened up over half the ground to Richmond to stream into for 1-on-1 contests and our inability to drive them wide with their f50 entries. They generally had a good angle/distance to convert, or no pressure to slot on the run."

Jimmae wrote the above. This with the fact that we kept continually bombing into the forward 50 in the third quarter instead of adjusting to no talls and Richmond blocking the forward line are slightly worrying signs. There seemed to be no thinking on the run, so to speak. The tiggers have good players like Cotchin and Riewoldt (becoming my most despised player since Wanganeen), and a passionate coach so they will come back or have patches, but it is how we deal with sides when they come at us. You can't just wait until 3/4 time to regroup (which we did well). You have to do it on the run, and that was lacking.

Our potential forward line of Hendo, Waite, resting ruckman / Kreuzer, Garlett, Betts and Walker / Collins is one that all opponents will struggle with. Last nights forward (and backline for that matter) was nothing like we will have over the coming weeks and months. Laidler will be very good working with / off Bower and Jamo. Yazz' first time tagged, he will be right.

We have depth, and we showed it last night.

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Yazz - The only way is up

I'm always a glass half full supporter - with 21 rounds to go I don't get upset with wins.

For all his faults Thorton was useful in the last quarter
White would have learned more in that game than in his other 6 combined
Carazzo whilst underdone will benefit from the run
The laws of time and space don't apply to Chris Judd
Gibbs and Murphy showed leadership
Robinson is getting better but his decision making needs work.
Warnock's ground work was inspiring
Curnow and Laidler belong at AFL level and Duigan looks every chance to become regular
Walker will take some time to get used to his new role but cannot fault his effort at all.
Kade Simpson & Heath Scotland always reliable
Waite still isn't as good as we think he his
Hammer can't mark and can't kick but athletically superb - when that turns around look out
Lucas - will be better for the run
Armfield - seems to have picked it up another notch and his pace in getting to a contest is invaluable
Betts - Made every opportunity count on a slow slippery track
Garlett - Was lively when the game was there to be won

There are plenty of players that will genuinely be pushing for senior selection over the next few weeks
Bower, Jamieson, Houlihan, Ellard, Henderson, McLean, Collins, Watson and O'hAilpin

We have another opportunity to fine tune our game next week against children and if we improve week on week we are every chance to be 4 and 1 after round 5. Gold Coast (Gabba), Collingwood (MCG), Essendon* (MCG), Adelaide (Etihad Stadium)

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Ecclesiastes 1:4, "One generation passes away, and another generation comes: but The Blues abide forever."

You think Essendon* will beat us!

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This type of slight is alien in the more cultured part of the world - Walsh. Its up there with mad dogs, Englishmen and the midday sun!

Sitting at the G last night, I had to remind myself that it is only round one and that it is much better to start the season weak and improve than the other way around - remember Geelong 20007?

I must however say that 2 things did worry me most: 1) the bad kicking / delivery - not just for goal and 2) the lack of "thought": E.g. why bomb the ball high and blind into the 50 where we were outmarked when the ball should be run in and delivered "low" to a leading small forward.

Well, looking forward to players coming back and team improving - better do it quick or the pies are going to rip us a new one.

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TC suffers from the social media illness - the death of respect and constructive discourse by keyboard.

This thread is unreal.

Ratten's four first choice KPPs are missing by half time and people are on here complaining he's got no 'structure'.

He also happens to be missing Kreuzer who could have plugged a hole.

Obviously Ratts also missed all the makeable shots at goal in the first half as well, which were the result of... what... exactly? Maybe his 'structure'? Nah....

I honestly can't believe some of the absolute rubbish being thrown around. You want Ratten sacked, I think everyone gets that. But at least try and come off as if you've watched the game.

All things considered it was a credible win given the list we had, and the way Richmond talked themselves down so convincingly.

We had several players plugged into holes they simply shouldn't be asked to fill. White and Thornton are not equipped to stop Riewoldt one on one. Walker isn't a KPF.

I was disappointed with Yaz but not concerned long term. He will watch the tape and have it drilled into to him that he's got work harder to break a tag.

Murph and Gibbs were terrific, Curnow turned in an absolute blinder and Duigan and Laidler showed exactly why they were brought in.

At ground level, you really appreciate the work Robbo puts in. Sneaky athletic as well.

Judd was Judd. Betts and Garlett were as dangerous as ever.

Warnock was dominant, and Hampson showed he's going to be a difficult matchup.

We've got 4-5 members of our best 22 to work into that team over the next 4-6 weeks.

Oh yeah and we also won.

Yes you should be furious. sakc ratten. rinse, lather, repeat.

I said a few times over the pre-season that I thought our disposal by foot, including goal kicking, was the thing that is most likely to hold us back from being top four. We had a mountain of inside 50s and didn't take full advantage. We almost paid for it, but our Skipper led us to victory in the last quarter against so-so opposition.

We'll take the 4 points, and a few other positives from the game, and move on.

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

I'm a huge Waite fan.
He's been my favourite since his first year.
I have always given him the benefit of the doubt.
At least one suspension last year was unwarranted.

Last nights kicking action didn't really connect to warrant suspension.
Biy @#$%&! him and his stupid little school boy crap.
If he wants to test the Review Committee then I hope he's reported and suspended for a week.
He has not learned a thing about his stupid moments of frustration.
he said in the preseason he will curtail those silly actions.
Obviously he has a screw loose. He's Fev like with his self control.
I now understand why so many supporters are frustrated with him.

FFS Waitey grow up because I still want to continue to admire you...as a player.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

Do the names Henderson, Bower, Jamison, Houlihan, Kreuzer and McLean mean anything to some people ? Add to that Waite who only played 1 quarter, and we had practically 1/3 of our best 22 out...
Yeah our defence struggled, but your forgetting that Laidler had only 2 games of AFL experience and White 6 games of experience prior to last night. Cant expect miracles from these guys.

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James Hird and Essendon* FC - #FOREVERDRUGCHEATS

co-sign BB.

Saw a heck of a lot of positives last night.

1. Dominated early then headed but still had the belief to win running away which is a good sign given it was only round one.

2. Ellard, Jamison, Bower, Houlihan, Kruezer, Watson, Henderson, Collins, Waite will all add to the side. I was actually against it but when Kruezer, Henderson, Walker, Collins all get into side at once I would prefer Waite at CHB. He would of been the best match up on Reiwoldt last night.

3. Duigan, Laidler, Curnow played well and will all get better. Carrots & Lucas needed the run.

4. Warnock and Hampson should good signs

5. Yarran will learn from last night and get better. Last night was new for him under pressure. Load up with him and one other such as Scotland, Houlihan, Gibbs, Touhy etc running from defence and they will create havoc. Glad Yarran was left there for much of the match even though struggling. In the bigger picture he needs to learn to work through it, moving him when struggling achieves nothing.

6. Influence of Richardson and Brown was obvious and will only improve.

7. Thought Murphy and Gibbs stood up well. People critise Gibbs but he is simply a creative player and his workrate to get into space and create opportunities was awesome. Can't fault his ball use. Murphy looks good for the brownlow!

8. We have the best player in the comp and he is fit and healthy.

9. Betts did well and Garlett was quiet. Garlett needs to impose himself like he did in pre season when Betts was out. He will cut sides to pieces when he does.

10. 4 points in the bank and we will get a lot better. I am always happy when we win rd 1 as we should not be playing anywhere near our best YET!

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

Was sitting next to a drunk, feral tiger fan who when the chips were down just complained about everything and then turned into the biggest wanker when they hit the front.

So glad we managed to shut his trap again!

I can't believe some of the stuff I am reading.

We played like a top 6 team last night.

We had to face a lot of adversity. We came into the game with 3 of our spine missing and we missed opportunities in front of goal which sometimes can happen and does to every team in the comp. To add to that, Richmond could not miss. Then we had the Waite incident and lost a very important player. We completely lost our forward structure and Richmond were able to exploit that and create play from our forward line. At this stage we were getting sliced in our half. It wasn't our night. However, we didn't panic. The professionalism and team effort to fight our way back and win with no decent key backs and to reinvent our forward structure was what top 8 teams do! We found a way to win. I don't care who you play, upsets happen all the time in footy but we made sure it didn't happen to us.

What we do need to work on though are the simple things. As mentioned before a there were a few times where we had 3 guys competing in the air and no one at ground level. I am sure the coaches will drill this into the team for next week. Our goal kicking will improve naturally (we were the most accurate team last year) and we need to tackle with more conviction and less clumsiness.

We would have lost this game last year.

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Koperek.

Gee, sounds awfully like the Carlton guys who sat behind me last night....I must remember to take my radio next time.

firstly re: concussion rule - the doctors have been told by the AFL that there are to be no 'levels' of concussion. Once a player looks to be concussed or similar the docs must test the player, SCAT test etc. and if they conclude that the player has suffered a concussion, be it minor, major, then they must be subbed and not come back for the game! PERIOD.
My gripe with this however, is when a player gets concussed from an opponents illegal action such as a head high bump, elbow etc. If, for example Carlton had used their sub for an earlier injury already and an opposition player threw a punch and knocked out Judd, What happens there? We HAVE to go down a man for the game? Whilst the opposition have a man and rotation advantage?? not sure about that!

Want to also give a quick mention to Dennis Armfield and Heater Scotland!
Dennis is fast becoming a more consistent player and better user of the ball, played his part very well last night. Not bad for a bloke who grew up around rugby union! doesn't get enough credit

Scotto continues to be in our best 4-5 players, and gives 100% each week for this club! Deserves everything he gets this bloke. Try playing 150 odd games for a club through their darkest darkest years. congrats on 200 mate! Could think of nothing better than finishing your career with some well earned success

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i AM CARLTON

Just got off the plane and haven't read the thread.....

Had we kicked straight it would have been over by half time.
The backs were too small and inexperienced as a group but that will rectify itself to some degree with more games and the return of a couple.
It took a while for the small players to get space but in the end it happened and paid off.
Murphy played very well as did Gibbs.
Robbo had a blinder and if he can stay at that level for most of his games will be a bonus for us this year.
Hampson got to the fall of the footy a lot better than last year and his marking has improved a lot.
Yarran was quiet but when he did get it he looked pretty classy.
The three newbys all did OK, Curnow was quite good and Duigan showed us why he has the #34.
It showed good spirit to com eback after being headed. All around me were doom and gloom but I pointed out that all the goals had been scored at one end of the ground and that we would win if we kicked five or six.
Eddie should keep his feet on the ground and not try and fly for MOY.
I thought White did some good things. The kid can play footy but it was a big ask to play on Reiwoldt. He is more for your second or third tall.
Walker was just OK but did a few good things and that left footer was gem. We expect a lot from him and so he is harshly judged by many, including me.
More talking needed but it was week one after all.
We are atop the ladder again!

All in all a good trip across the ditch to watch the boys go around with a few mates and Mrs Sombrero, who loves Eddie!

Next week we will be better and maybe will have one or two more on the park, Bower for one...

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