Bower at his best has shown more than White - agreed. But they are different players, with Bower the more attacking flashy type, while White is very dependable. Actually like them both in the team, so good problem to have. Our much maligned backline is looking very good now, esp with Watson looking like being a gem

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/c ... 6041806665

The first line says it all - 'could', but will they? I think it would be a bit of a rush job if Setanta comes in, especially if he has only just played his first game with the Bullants.

Will know soon enough.

We certainly have options to add, it's just a matter of horses for courses and getting the best 22 out on the paddock.

1). Bower, Ellard, McLean, Lucas, Armfield & Watson hopefully on the next tier
2). Thornton, O'hAilpin, Joseph (+ Houlihan, post injury)
3). Tuohy, Kerr, Twomey, Davies (is he injured?)
**Kruezer when ready

Though the MC/Ratt's love the experience out there, I would like to see underperforming "regulars" under pressure i.e. Carrazzo, Betts, Walker (and Scotland, though not a usual fan, did a great job last week - usually think he's a butcher or up & under kick but not a concern on form so far this year) given a spell in the Bullants.
Would definitely prefer to see options 1 & 3 trialled this year over those in option# 2 to move forward.

Hats off to Duigan last week, and I like Laidler down back as well, though not flash gives a contest and a steady kick. The back 6 will be built soon & with games played together will prosper, whilst the midfield continues to mould (Curnow a great inclusion) and then swinging through to have the right rotations through the fwd50 (Simpson, Murphy, Gibbs & Judd can all can be quality resting goal kickers).
The fwd50 will follow into cohesion, hopefully with Hendo given ample time and the likely inclusion of Kruezer to assist Waite + Garlett. Hopefully Walker can reach his potential and Betts gets dropped, sparks up and becomes a livewire forward again that kick goals that a player like him should kick, and throughout the match when it counts.
Would love to see Yazz move up forward and continue with his new found confidence and further add to the forward mix come the latter part of the year with further depth that we have hopefully found down back.

TalkingPlayers has Bower out for 4-5 with an ankle. Any news on this? Certainly didn't happen in the Ants game from all reports.

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C'mon Blueboys!

Didn't happen.

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

I thought Carrazzo was insipid against the Pies, but he actually lifted against Essendon* and won't be dropped.

11 tackles (0 against Collingwood), didn't give away any free kicks and kicked a vital goal in the final stanza.
Watch the Kade Simpson four bounce goal. Carrazzo tells Kade to "Go Go Go", then proceeds to lay a fantastic shepherd on Jetta who would no doubt have caught him.

That's the stuff Carlton needs Carrazzo to do every week. He is an ordinary utility, but he can make up for his failures by doing what he did on the weekend.

That was a great shepherd; was good to see.

Think Walker is kind of wasted as a sub; blokes are still cramping and absolutely buggered by the end of the game. Tex has the biggest tank of the lot, should use that to our advantage.

The difference is Dean Cox and co actually had football potential, they just needed to fill there bodies out more. Hampson is virtually the opposite. He has a body most 23 year old ruckman would envy but he only has athletic potential - maybe high jump? He does not know how to play football. he is an OK ruckman but Warnock and Kreuze are well ahead. He is hopeless around teh ground, can;t mark, can't kick, doesn't find position, can't defend. Warnock and Kreuze are great at these things. I'd much prefer O'hailpin, Waite or Hendo pinch hitting in teh ruck and playing forward this year until Kreuze comes back rather than Spud Hampson...

I agree with the poster re: Courtney Johns at Essendon*. So much "potential" and he did nothing... Hampson is the same. Time to make way for a real footballer...

But I will congratulate Hampson on snaring Megan Gale. That is his highest quality possession...

Maybe give Rohan Kerr a go and drop Betts?
How's his form in the magoos? he looked alright in the NAB cup

Did you even watch the game?

Or do you only focus on the negatives like Russell before he stepped up?

I love that Hampson is seen as trade bait and a spud, yet the media and fans push Majak Daw up.

Hampson would take him apart.

And on this basis you want to replace him with O'Halpin?

Kerr is not ready yet and has been a bit quiet. I think if Betts goes out it'll be for another midfield option and we'll see more midfielders rotating through the forward line.

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl ... 6042236105

Looks like Betts is safe for another week. Must say I'm glad he is playing. As with any small forward, a turn-around in form might only be a spectacular goal away. A firing Betts is crucial to the forward pressure and goal scoring ability of our team.

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@cecil_anderson

After reading that article it once again shows me that Ratten doesn't have the balls for the hard decisions and is weak. Said last week Betts neded a big game to stay in the side, now what? FFS please pick players in form, not favorites. Serious questions need to be as Hampson, Betts, Collins & Carrazzo. Guys like Ellard, Lucas are better deserving of a spot.

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#NewBlues beginning 25th August 2015

I don't get it. Ratts says in his presser last week that Betts would need to improve if he was to stay in the team. He didn't improve.

Weird.

I reckon Betts will be the sub.

I reckon he will start the game and if he doesn't have a big impact he will subbed off.

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Koperek.

Just reading that, I've determined that Ratten has him on the chopping block, but understands the role Eddie plays in the team, and how little difference there can be from a bad game to a good game for a small forward. Then he goes on to say he wants to back his player.

That's a coach being a good coach. We all believe Eddie is out of form; we all believe he can do better. Assuming Eddie isn't thumbing his nose at the club, then that requires the coach to say he has faith in Eddie. Doesn't mean he will select him.

Failing my sensible theory, Ratten is not the only selector.

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

..Edwardo Betts is far too slick for vfl though.. ..i reckon he could rip it apart and still be off the boil afl wise..

_________________
..if you can't be good, be good at it..

Unless you play him at the stoppages and force him to up the ante.

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