Thought this was pretty fair from SEN as we look to shape up against the cats.
In particular the forward half contributions (bottom 6 contributors)
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/20/ ... afl-teams/They Key Takeaway: They need more from their bottom six players
Carlton must get more out of their bottom six players, particularly forward of the ball. Zac Fisher and Jack Silvagni kicked their first two goals of the game, but were barely sighted after that.
Matt Owies and Jesse Motlop combined for four tackles, Jack Martin was barely sighted across the evening and Ed Curnow’s ball use was poor.
Draftees Ollie Hollands and Lachie Cowan were fine, but will need time to find their feet.
If Carlton wants to be taken as seriously as the top sides, they need far more output from their small and half forwards, and their bottom six players generally.
The Positive: Defensively sound
Richmond had full control of large patches of the game on Thursday night, but with the exception of a patch in the third quarter, Carlton’s backline held up and kept them out.
Jacob Weitering and Lewis Young were arguably Carlton’s two best players, while Mitch McGovern will be better for the game under his belt.
The Negative: End of game scenarios… again
Goes without saying really. Carlton had the ball in their hands with two minutes left and a lead and found a way to not-win. Again.
Mitch McGovern’s outlet kick from full back to Jesse Motlop was the right kick, but the panic and chaos movement from there surely has to be harshly critiqued internally.
If Motlop simply goes back, kicks short to Lochie O’Brien who does the same, with Harry McKay leading up the wing, could the Blues have put the game beyond reach? We’ll never know.
What they need to tweak: Ruck setup
Carlton went with just Tom De Koning on Thursday and it didn’t quite work. Toby Nankervis outplayed the young blue and Jack Silvagni gave away too many free kicks as the secondary ruck.
Marc Pittonet should come in, allow the Blues to stretch Geelong’s backline with the extra tall inside 50 – and then you can simply sub one of the rucks off at three quarter time and inject some run.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/20/ ... afl-teams/