CK95 wrote:
Figer wrote:
Like most teams who win flags, u need real hurt games like last night, look at the cats in Sydney in 05 I think, Pies in 07 in the elimination against the cats...last night will hurt ALL Carlton people especially the players, that's what will motivate them next year!
I don't disagree, Figer. Trouble is we've had these games in the previous 2 years finals aswell.
I never bought into that goal of getting a home final & winning it. I've thought since the start of the season a prelim in 2011 should be the expectation. I don't think we would've been much of a show against the Cats next week to be honest, but our development took a big dent with that loss last night unfortunately.
How many of us would've thought when Judd crossed to the Blues that after 4 years we would've won one final?

(against a shit team)
We've just got to fast track things next year & force our way into a GF. Geelong had heartbreak in 05, missed the finals in 06 then won it in 07. The Hawks were shit in 06, won a final in 07 then won it in 08. It can be done, but it won't be easy.
Was thinking similar today. Whilst I'm proud, and obviously dont think this group has peaked, the realisation that all this hard work has only got us to a 'Fremantle 2010 level', still one step away from a 'Western Bulldogs' level, and another again to get to 'St Kilda' level really hit home about how much work is still left to be done.
Isn't it funny though how if Walker gets that free the whole 'vibe' and 'discussion' around this club would be on a completely more positive level in regards to each player, and the strength of the squad in general, yet in reality it wouldn't have made any difference into how good or bad we played regardless of the result.
There are times when you can under value close losses, and overrate close wins.