Was Campo really playing as an extra man in the midfield, or was he just playing loose?
If it was the latter, then that was part of the ill-disciplne which has screwed our game this year.

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

Just kicking the ball long would not help Carlton at the moment. Apart from Fev and Waite (who is too inconsistent) I don't trust anyone else to win a 1 on 1 contest.

The handpass out isn't working simply because we are not willing (or able) to protect the ball-carrier. Whenever the ball fell free in the backline, even if we were lucky enough to be first there, no support mean't that we had to shovel the ball or worse cough it up. Melbourne on the other hand had someone protecting the ball carrier who would dispose of the ball (set play) to a zone, usually the back pocket only 10-10 metres away. As our midfield aren't accountable for their opponents, the next disposal by hand or foot releases the midfield who then have choice to the forward line.

Carlton would be much better served if the people in the last line of defence could rely on some protection, if they could dipose of the ball to a known series of zones (set plays) and our midfield are ready to run hard to release the ball. Obviously this relies on discipline, trust and good hand and foot skills which we are sadly lacking.

I think we would be much better suited to play Lappin back in defence, Houlihan on the HFF (where he can look for goals rather than his opponent) and play Walker and Waite on the wings. Play Kouta in the middle to gewt thew pill and Stevens as a receiver. Doesn't solve all our problems, but makes the best from the skills that we do have in the side. Kouta proved that you can win in the middle, just didn't have anyone to take it further.

My 2c.
DH

_________________
From little things big things grow....

The amount of times we had NOBODY at the fall of the ball against Melbourne was nothing short of embarassing.

Making it pretty bloody tough for ourselves if we just allow our opponents to run away with the crumbed ball uncontested every time there's a foiled marking contest.

_________________
Click here to follow TalkingCarlton on twitter
TalkingCarlton Posting Rules

because our forward line is full of slow lumbering types that all stand in Fevola's way and jump for the same ball.

dumbest.forwardline.ever

I'll be glad when Fisher's back and Morrell and DeLuca are not in there... at least he can lead up the ground and get out of Fev's way.

In all seriousness, Fevola is one of the few "footballers" we have. He can win games off his own boot, he's superathletic, a tremendous kick, good hands... really an all-round players. All he lacks is a bit of height and spring in his heels.... but you wouldn't say Mark Williams had either, and he'll win the Coleman medal.... because every other hawthorn forward leads their man out of his way and he leads straight.

You wouldn't trade Fev in a million years because you could only hope your pick 1 or 2 develops into a forward as good as Fevola.

Fevola's performances this year are down because the supply is woeful and 3 100kg guys in Navy Blue are always in his way.

I hope Whitnall never shows his face in the forward line again. His contract is an aberration and not a reason to cut Fevola's lunch. Whitnall needs to start playing loose around the midfield, or lead high up the field and act as a link man from Waite-and-then-Fevola....

_________________
Love Cricket? Love me

Yep, it is called dumb footy and our handballs are what I call 'vomit' handballs. ie you just cough it up and the ball lands at your feet.

The out the back handball is an effective offensive tool. Richmond are doing it a treat at the moment. We are not.

Agree with the comments that were are rushing things, the younger players should back themselves more ie by taking a little more time with disposals and the whole team should be more proactive when they do not have the ball, either moving to position when we have it or more maniing up when we do not. A player who is not moving when the ball is within 60 metres is out of the game period and will get caught flat footed by a more proactive oppoent everytime.

_________________
A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty" -Winston Churchill

L.M 35-06

Looking at the way Melbourne is smashing the Tigers tonight the defeat last Saturday might be put into some perspective?

We're about a 40 point better side than the tigers!

I saw it differently Dr Fegg.
I believe Campo was picked up by Nathan Brown.
He just looked loose because Campo refused to man up when Melbourne had the ball.

Barnaby dropped into our forwardline after contesting the centre bounces to counter the spare man.
Kouta then ran with Jeff White which proved effective last time we played Melbourne.

Unfortunately we werent winning the ball so the plan was changed.
Our forwardline needs to learn to adapt.
All teams have had spare men placed in their way.
They adapt, switch opponents and drag running players back to the square.
Unless Whits actually hits some form, we are one dimensional and easily countered.
We need our forwards to work harder and work for each other.
AFL footballers should handle these situations themselves.
Directives shouldnt be required from the coaches box.

_________________
Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.