jim wrote:
5 years ago we were a basket case, a couple of months ago we were at least playing for top spot even if we did stuff it up. That's a bit more than barely don't you think. I think it's alot more. You know that, I know that. Anyone could see it's alot more. We won a final and lost 3 very narrowly interstate when we were big underdogs and finsihed below the side that beat us, last year 3 pts off a preliminary final with an injury hit side. Supporters though can spin anything to suit an argument though. Good thing I don't fall for crap.
Sides have good years and go past some then things change just as rapidly the next year. If you follow footy you'd know that happens. Basics are there and there's plenty to look forward to, but change is needed badly to bring out the next step. It's something we all agree on. Just a temporary blip. Just as long as we get the right changes to make sure it stays temporary.
rooboy wrote:
5 years taken us from the basket case, laughing stock of the competition, where we through every bit of credibility that we had as a club out the door. And he has taken us from there to making finals 3 yrs in a row - we probably will miss this yr (WHY) - Why the change? Because he can't coach??? Maybe?? Quite fickle because history suggests he can... players around him all seem to sign up...maybe the consistent injuries that have hit since the start of pre-season to even this very week - none i have ever seen before at any other club - has something to do with it? Sydney have one injury - we have what, 8 of our best players out and 1 suspended right now this week.... they have been fantastic. So have North... no injuries. Adelaide... none.... Essendon* have - not to the same extent but lets see if they can continue to play catchup, West Coast - injuries to one area... not there cornerstone of dangerous ruck, midfield and defence thats built there success...
Good to see that some people can still think things through clearly and with common sense.
From 2008-2011, Carlton improved every year under Brett Ratten's watch:
2008: 10 wins, 10th
2009: 13 wins, 7th (a nine win improvement inside two seasons)
2010: 11 wins, 8th (fewer wins and same stage exit BUT achieved finals in first year post-Fevola when most supporters and media doubted team's ability to adjust)
2011: 14 wins 1 draw, 5th
3-0 and premiership favourites after Round 3, 2012; 5-1 and playing for top spot in Round 7, 2012. Not bad for a side that was "barely better off than when Ratten took over in 2007."
Things have fallen apart since. Carlton now sits in 12th position, unlikely to play finals in 2012. This seems a bit odd, given that it contradicts the upwards-trending trajectory on which the team has found itself since 2008. Something has to account for such an abrupt, sharp decline - things don't just change so violently without good cause.
It could just be that Ratten can't coach - but history shows that the team has improved every year while he has been the coach and, in any event, this could hardly account for such a breakneck fall.
On the other hand, there is a more likely explanation: a crippling and constant run of injuries to key structural components (and, on top of this, many of those players' potential replacements), depriving the side not only of its best players but also of much needed continuity. Other than (very) bad luck with injuries, there is no reasonable basis upon which to claim that that Carlton was going to tumble down the ladder as it has. The only thing that could have precipitated such a sudden reversal of fortunes was what happened: injuries.