One of the basics of the game is smothering the ball yet too many of our players shy away from it. As a perfect example, Geelong smothered an Ellard kick early in the first quarter and took it away for a goal.
Too often I watched our players turn their back and throw an arm in the air as a token effort.
Piss weak!

About halfway through the second quarter, Garlett had an opportunity to smother the oncoming opponent and jibbed it. Sorry, but until we have the intent and inclination to do those things, we wont be a premiership side.
As I said before, I'm happy with the effort and endeavour as an improvement but several of our players need to be sat down in front of their peers this week, shown the game edits and told the cold hard facts.

Yes we have injuries but that doesnt mean we should accept second class efforts while we're waiting for our injured players to return.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

Exactly VB
And if it isnt addressed mediocrity wins again

We smothered a fair few ourselves last nite.

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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.”

Would love to see what Curnow's tackle stats are playing in losing midfield...and what about everyone's love child Thornton. How many tackles does he lay in a forward line?

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--------------------------------------------------------"The only one that could ever love me..."

Scarlett absolutely murdered Hampson last night. Crucial match up we lost.
Ideally Hendo could've taken Scarlett, Hampson gets Taylor or Lonergan. Lachie'd struggle to beat Scarlett, but he'd certainly do more than Hammer in terms of limiting his influence on the contest.

Ratten asked about depth on 3AW and mentioning names like Simon White/Davies...White in particular who according to Ratten can play anywhere.

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"You are being watched. The government has a secret system. A machine that spies on you every hour of every day. I know because I built it." - Finch

I said this earlier in the year! I agree entirely! Another Carlton alternative, is going the bump which in most cases just knocks the ball carrier over after they've kicked it. They then stand over them for a few seconds like they're tough only to realise it's gone lace-out to a moving forward. It's disgraceful. If you're concerned about your fingers, make a fist. If you're concerned about your face, play another sport.

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--------------------------------------------------------"The only one that could ever love me..."

He'll probably be playing in WA next year.

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I hope Essendon* folds.

Neither of them are playing anywhere this year with their neverending injuries!

I actually rate white

Davies had capacity to improve this season too and develop more..10 week injury though...ouch.

He's been listed at 10 weeks all year!

anyway. I quite liked Duigan, Watson, Bootsma, McLean and Collins last night. Just shows that you need to stick with some blokes.

That's it - sack him!

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

Hi all; to paraphrase SEN, "long time, no post!" BV, outstanding post about the basics There was one tackle executed on a Geelong player (his pass went to Motlop in their F50) in the 2nd quarter; don't know who it was but he tackled from behind and his motion was forward which aided the player's pass. Why didn't the tackler, once he had his arms around him and he was defending his goals, turn the Geelong player around, rather than push him forward?!!!! Again BV and Keogh, it's the lack of attention to basics on a consistent basis that ultimately stifle our development as a team (yes, Synbad; and everything else!!!! )

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Be positive to all those @ TC- the wait is almost over!

That comment is weirdly like those heard recently on here....

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"Truth, for the tyrants, is the most terrible and cruel of all bindings; it is like an incandescent iron falling across their chests. And it is even more agonizing than hot iron, for that only burns the flesh, while truth burns its way into the soul"     — Lauro Aguirre

I just find it odd that when we're lacking midfield depth Ratten talks about Davies and White. The three rucks was mentioned and whether it was working...Ratten said it gives us an advantage in the air (which game was that in???).

White and Davies in particular aren't up to it anyway...Davies lack of pace, poor agility, poor disposal and poor decision making make him a liability like Joseph/Russell/Bower. Why would you mention these two???

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"You are being watched. The government has a secret system. A machine that spies on you every hour of every day. I know because I built it." - Finch

I suppose his hands are completely tied here.

He can't say we'll there's this rookie Dale! and another one called Bell! They play midfield. Most people outside Carlton haven't heard of them, and they can't get a game yet! But yeah there's some depth there.

He also can't say, look we've [REDACTED] up royally here and haven't drafted too many mids. The one we did in Lucas hasn't come on at all, so we're scrapping the bottom of the barrell here, hence why your AJ and Curnows are getting game despite being out of confidence.

Would love either answer though. Just to see the board melt down.

Nick Heyne too. He could be anything.

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"Truth, for the tyrants, is the most terrible and cruel of all bindings; it is like an incandescent iron falling across their chests. And it is even more agonizing than hot iron, for that only burns the flesh, while truth burns its way into the soul"     — Lauro Aguirre

1 down, 11 to go.