aboynamedsue wrote:
The exercise of putting our team on paper really highlights to me 1) how weak our KP stocks are; and 2) our lack of run.
We'll need an above average spell of good luck with injuries (not off to a great start in that regard) and in close games to make the finals. We'll also need at least a few of our lesser and/or younger names to have 'break out years'. Most importantly, we need ALL our players to embrace team pressure - every minute of every quarter.
Can anyone see all those things happening at Carlton in 2014?
I would love for a poster who is confident we'll make the 8 (and there are a number of you out there) to make a believer of me. I mean that sincerely. I WANT to believe it. Someone please convince me!!
Otherwise I think there's too many "ifs" and our list just doesn't look strong enough to me. I really hope I'm wrong, but I'm bracing myself for a fairly tough year...

Our side is full of mature men. An athlete is not endurance fit until they're 25 plus YO. We all agree the midfield will be the key again and our midfield is all in this range. Judd, Carrazzo, Murph, Army, Simmo, McLean, Thomas, Walker, Ellard, Gibbs, Warnock, Everitt, Kreuzer, Robbo, Garlett.
Those next in line as far as endurance are concerned are Yarran, Bell, Tuohy, Hendo and Menzel. There are not only strong bodies in that young group, but plenty of skill and speed as well.
Losing Betts will be the best thing that's happened to us. Gaining Thomas will be the 2nd best.