Donstuie wrote:
Murph and Duigan to captain against Swans/GiantsQuote:
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has revealed that Marc Murphy will captain the team taking on Greater Western Sydney while Nick Duigan will lead the team out against reigning premier Sydney, in the Blues’ NAB cup campaign opener at Blacktown on Sunday.
Malthouse confirmed that Murphy, the 142-game club best and fairest, would share duties with Duigan, who was only recently elevated to the leadership group, in a revealing interview for CFC TV.
“Our captain (against the Swans) will be Nick Duigan,” said Malthouse of the 38-game former Norwood player.
“Nick has earned that right by being on the leadership group. We’ve got great faith in him, he has the real hallmarks of being a terrific captain and I think that the playing group will really rally around him and give the respect he’s deserved because of his on and off field leadership,” Malthouse said.
“Marc Murphy will captain that side (against GWS) and we’re going out there to do whatever we possibly can to win it . . . ”
With Murphy and Duigan taking the captaincy roles this weekend, Kade Simpson and Andrew Carrazzo will be delegated captaincy duties in the subsequent NAB Cup matches with Fremantle and Adelaide.
I can't help but think that they're grooming Duigan to captain the NB, as I can't see him in our best 22 week after week.
On the flip side...maybe MM sees stuff that general observers aren't seeing.
I like Duigan's size and strength. Type of body I want playing in a GF and hurting the opposition.
In fact I liked Duigan from the first training session I saw him in..Jan 4 2011. Some haven't liked him since that day...go and check the training reports...and still didn't when he had a fantastic year in 2011.
He didn't have a preseason in 2012, like Hendo and Tex he had a disrupted start to 2012 and the season reflected that not just for those 3 but the rest of the injury hampered team.
I see Duigan as a borderline player at HB, but that's based on what he did in 2012 and knopwing there are a few newies earmarked to play a HB role, and they can't all play there so who does?
Does Duigan bring something different to that position? Something that makes him stand out against other contenders? I don't know. That's why I'm not writing him off at this stage.
If a settled defense is MM's mantra then I can't see midfield rotations coming from the backline. Players like Yarran, Garlett, Tuohy who have been mentioned for a HB role have also been mentioned as part of the midfield mix of which I believe the whole centreline (5 players, not includeing ruck), the HF's (2) and FP's (1) along with 3 interchange players will make up the midfield mix: a total of 12 players, and not one taken from a settled backline.
I'm not sold on Duigan improving in 2013 because he lost a bit in 2012, but it seems MM admires him.
Maybe he will lead the NB's, but I doubt he'll be captain, and I will put money on the fact that Duigan will play senior football in 2013. A fit list puts pressure on everyone vying for a spot in the first 22, so everyone is in the mix.