I don't remembver Houilhan being dropped too often. He has benefitted from being in a weak period of the club but conversely he has suffered from it too. He as a skilful player has copped the brunt of criticism when the team has gone badly and had to jobs that he shouldnt have to. I dont love him but I reckon he's OK. As Dr Sherrin says, most weeks he does whats expected. What he hasnt done is dominate agame.

The fact that Eddie was rushed back shows you what the MC thinks of him. He has an urgency and abilty to read the packs that is missing at the Blues. He play many more, how many depends on how much he improves

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T E A M

good luck to the boys

just a note another favorite of the people gets to play his 250th this weekend along side his new team mate James Hird who also plays his 250th

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If you allow the Government to change the Laws in an emergency
They will create an Emergency to change the Laws

I've always been a Houla fan...yep, right from his first outing he showed something special.

Soft? No, I wouldn't say that. Small running player, skinny frame with good skills on both sides of the body. Built up his body with muscle in the 2005-6 preseason for midfield role on the advice of his coach; pity he's been needed in the backline, because it's in the forward half where he does the most 'obvious' damage.

He gets hammered by some posters because he's too soft. I think he gives the impression that he's going half pace or half hearted, but I think that's a reflection of how balanced he and just makes it look that way. He seems to cover ground pretty well whenever I'm watching from close range (on the fence).

Yeah, he's had some bad games, everyone does, but Houla has brought me much joy over the 149 games he's played.

Congratulations on the milestone Houla, and just go out there and do what your coaches and team expect of you, even if it isn't what your other 10,000 coaches in the stands expect you to do.

Thanks for choosing to stay at Carlton when you had offers to play elsewhere.

You're a true Blue, you have your name etched on a locker in the inner sanctum; that takes some doing.

Good Luck, and I hope your loyalty brings you a flag for the Blues.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

he is no exception

hopefully said player can take something from the cheers Jim Hird will get, because no one will be celebrating him.


On a brighter note, a great effort by Hoops, we'll all see his worth when we get a few more hard nuts around him.

Along with Simon Beaumont and Anthony Franchina the most average player to play over 100 games for Carlton.

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James Hird and Essendon* FC - #FOREVERDRUGCHEATS

I dont rate Betts. Houlihan is OK...sigh....well done...sort of...

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They coud'nt.....could they?

Nicely put Elwood.

Houlihan may have his flaws but there is no doubt he is the favourite whipping boy for some Carlton supporters. When he plays well he is given no credit and if he has a bad game he is the first excuse used as to why the team lost. Lets for once show a bit of unity and congratulate the guy for this milestone.

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." - Gene Hill

Another country heard from.........

I've been trying to work this out... is Houlihan the now the third youngest to play 150 behind Walls and Whitnall? One for the trivia buffs...

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/a ... tml?page=2

He was the third youngest to hit 100, and the only games he has missed since then are a few at the end of 2005 when I think he was dropped to the Bullants, but he'd have to be close.

I'll check with the Guru and we'll see what we can come up. Do you need this today? Guessing so?

Yeah, I kind of need it today. From the Blueseum (where all good researchers go for their info) I know that Lance was younger when he played 150, I just couldn't quite work out exactly when Walls played his 150th.

If anyone knows that would be grand!

http://www.blueseum.org/cfc/tiki-index. ... +Milestone

Walls was the youngest at 23 years and 350 days. Not sure who comes next.

Ok so Walls is definitely the youngest. Whitnall played his 150th in round 11 2004 which was in June, so he would have been about 24 and 10 months. According to the review of that game it says that Whitnall was the second youngest.

I can't really think of any other players who might come close... I think I'll go with Hoops as third. Thanks for the help!

Yes, confirmed by Guru (WillowBlue) that Houlihan will be the third youngest.

1. Walls - 23 yrs 350 days
2. Whitnall - 24 / 293
3. Houla - 25 / 167
4. Maclure - 25 / 341
5. Gallagher - 26 / 8
6. Camporeale - 26/35
7. Jim Clark - 26 / 69
8. Phil Pinnell - 26 / 155
9. David McKay 26 / 156
10. Wayne Harmes 26/161


slo_mo I have a full spreadsheet on this, if you would like it please PM me.

http://www.blueseum.org/cfc/tiki-index. ... +150+Games

http://carltonfc.com.au/Season2007/News ... wsId=46644

Nice article Alison.

Thanks also for the link to that excellent profile in the Blueseum.

Actually no as he's been dropped on the eve of his 250th. Wouldn't have happened if he'd stayed at Carlton.

IS there one for young 100 and 200 gamers?

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[Sam Jacobs] looks like a 7' Lance Whitnall, and [Mitch Robinson] looks like a 4' Lance Whitnall
(The SEN team during the Carlton v Cats 2009 pre-season match)

Nice touch. Obviously a Richmond supporter.

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Let slip the Blues of war (with apologies to William Shakespeare) (and Sir Francis Bacon, just in case)