By my reckoning Lance has kicked 123 goals in 88 games to Hamill's return of 122 goals in 89 games.

I'm not a Whitnall apologist and even though Hamill has been a leader for the Aints, he hasn't kicked 42 goals in a season without Lance beside him.

Kicking goals wins you matches.
In my opinion the way i see the future team is

Backs ......... ..Edwards Thornton
Half Backs........CHB Bower.......

HFS...... Fisher CHF Kennedy
FF.................Hartlett


Thats how id be projecting our spine in 5 years.

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Hamill isnt in that forward line for his goalkicking they already have Milne G Train and Revolting as well as Kosi for that...

He is in that forward line for opening up spaces for the others.. with his physicality.

He does actually offer a forward line more dimmension than Lance can.

He is a semi cripple tho and due to the way he played the game will not make it to 30 as an AFL footballer. IMO

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Whitnall averaged 2/3rds of a goal more per game in the years Hamill was at the Club.

That's only 4 points per game.

Just like Lance?

It's a cop out to say he hasn't kicked 42 goals again because Milne, Gehrig, etc. are there!

How many goals did Dunstall kick? 1254.

Yet Dunstall has arguably put more pressure on defenders than any forward in the history of the game.

Hamill probably benefits as much from Lance or Riewoldt taking the best or second best defenders, as they do from Scumill creating opportunities with his second efforts and hardness.

Maybe try Hartlett or say Kennedy to share some of the work load and back crunching thumps , special attention that Lance gets every time he is on the grass and then tell ask how good is Lance Whitnall.

Has had his down time certainly, but the guy is a magnificent footballer and in full flight and can win a game off his own boot.

No dispute.
Ciao

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Go Blue Boys

Go Lance!

Lance has ability. We all know that. He also has loads of football smarts. We all know that. It could be argued that he does care. Cast your mind back to late this season in a game at the MCG or Telstra (can't quite recall who the opposition were) when Lance went to town on Houlihan for pulling out of a contest at CHB.

What let's Lance down is his time away from the club. He obviously is not as disciplined as others when preparing himself. I saw him at a local Tavern in early October. About 4 weeks after the season ended. His gut was already protruding underneath a tight t-shirt. I commented to a mate it's difficult to comprehend how an elite sportsman can stack it on so quick. Then again, after 9 seasons at senior level, I reckon my mother has more definition in her arms than Lance - and she suffers from osteoporosis. It's obvious that away from the actual game, Lance does little to improve himself. He's the perfect 1970's footballer. He would have been an absolute star back then.

But hey, that's Lance. For all the negatives, he is still in our top 3 and as Synbad alluded to, that's why we are where we are. This will be his last contract. 3 years will take him to 29/30. Can't see him playing beyond that simply because he doesn't give himself the best preparation.

That should put him in the top 5, right? Plus over 200 senior games. Sensational effort!

I would trade PJ's left testicle to be a 200 game, all time top 10 goal scorer for Carlton. 'Tis what I dreamed of as a kid...but failed to fulfill as an adult.

Its ok verbs... you might still succeed in something.

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But Hamill isnt there as a forward he is there to bullock and bust things open for others.
You wouldnt bring Hamill into your side to kick goals.. youd bring him in to make things easier for those that do kick the goals.

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Just as I was beginning to suspect - there is something sexual underlying Synbad's obsession with Lance-a-Lot.

Time to put this sweaty arse behind you Synners and cease the constant barrage of shit we've had to endure over the last few years.

Please....

Some people are scared of the facts. Lance and Fevola are going to win us games next year because they are proven goal kickers.

Great to have faith in the kids but they are not going to win us games

All in the rear view mirror.
As Wayne Carey said "Lance needs to get his body right to be able to get to more contests".
as the past two years of let's trade him have shown, it won't happen and he should have been traded to Melbourne, shame the Dogs thought they had Darcy or things might have been even hotter in trades.
That said can't dispute his genuine footballer smarts and goals kicked.
He has been massively overpaid and underperformed since his "worker ant" Hamill left. Anyone who disagrees with that is a deluded fan and could not find one non-Carlton person to support you.
For those who think '06 is his year or Fev's or Livo's or Wiggo or Prenders year, we should open a fantasy posting forum: "Talking I won't face 5 years of reality".

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Green Shooter

I suppose that's the problem verbs. You'd give your left nut to play 200 games of football with Carlton, but Lance couldn't even be arsed giving up the parma's.

I suppose he'd suggest that he doesn't need to, and unfortunately he's right. Every year he's going to put himself behind the 8ball over summer, and every year he's going to go into the season-proper not in peak condition, and every year he's going to get away with it.

So he'll rack up the stats because although he's lazy (for a professional athlete), he's naturally gifted and so we keep giving him games. But it doesn't mean I'd speak his name in the same breath as Big Nick's though...

Priceless

It's true, we should support our players no matter what, but still be of the realisation of where they are at. It's great that he is up there in that list.

Congratulations Lance Whitnall.

Lance,

Just please understand that some love you, some don't like you, and some are like me that will support you but feel let down by your preparation. In your earlier years you got away with it more, there was a team that dominated more, gave you more and better supply and being younger you had the ability (using your mature body) too get around and mark and kick more.

As the years have progressed a number of things have happened:

- you have sustained injury
- your preparation is seen too be ordinary
- the team has deteriorated

If the club wasn't stumped with the prospect of losing Campo, Lappin and yourself for next too nothing, they may have still traded you, not signed you for nearly $400,000 per year.

As a member:

I expect:

- your preparation too be impeccable, if your body type is not beneficial too you slacking off a bit over the break, DONT. Crawford doesn't, Harvey doesn't, Woewodin didn't.

- Even though you have earned top B&F positions over recent years, how would that stack up at other clubs, it wouldn't.

- That you stay back and work twice as hard. I find it difficult too believe that you have little definition in your arms ( ditto - Nick Stevens).

It's fantastic that you can read the play well, but that means little if you aint got the ball much.

I will support you in the navy blue, but still have expectations.

Regards

Barnesy

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Supporting the Blues No Matter What

Beautiful post, Barnesy.

Agree 100%.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

I think with your Livos , your Wiggos and Sporns/ Davies etc.. were not looking at them being stars.. were looking/ hoping that they can do a job.

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Great post Barnesy

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There's so much I could say...

I would be happy with Livo to just become solid, nothing spectacular.

Davies I reckon could be a star but thats entirely up to him. He does seem to have an excitement factor at times.

Wiggo's my favourite player. If everyone gave it the effort that he does we would be where we are now. People should also remember he came to us as a forward type from memory not a backman as he is often played.

Whilst at times I disagree with you thoughts your right these kids need support and direction, not the blame.