There are many on TC who have now written Carlton off for 2008, indeed, there were quite a few that did so before the season began - calling this year a 'development' year.

Anyone that knows me knows SparkyBlue (i love referring to myself in the third person) is the supreme optimist.

But even I know when hope has vanished (at least in terms of finals football).


This weeks Sydney match is the last roll of the dice.


Field the strongest team, giving the experience the nod over youth if needs be.

If he's ready, give Walker a game - his addition to the side could be pivotal.

Explain the importance of this week's match to the boys, emphasise 'win at all costs', like it's never been emphasised before!!

Bodies on the lines, potentially careers to play for in some cases. Don't let these hangers-on (and we all know who they are) play their guts out in the last 4 rounds when the season is dead and buried - do it now!


With Hall, Buchanan and some other guy (I think he's important ) out, and the Swans on a downer, there has never been a better chance to knock them off - and give the team a sniff.


A win against Essendon*, or St Kilda would have been one thing - and I probably wouldn't be writing this if they had gotten up - but a win over Sydney would instill a little bit more confidence, that we can match it against a decent finals contender.

From there it is all about hoping the momentum will begin, and anything could happen for the remaining games of the season...



If we lose. (we won't of course!)

I will, under duress, join those who have called 2008 a development year and would look to the positives of this year.

***The introduction of a much improved game plan.

***A few young kids really stepping up and claiming their spot in the side.

**The return of the winning mentality.

The realisation of the media world that we are no longer shit-kickers, but - in years to come - a force to be reckoned with.


Along with these positives I'd like to see the young kids rotated through the side, those players carrying niggling injuries to be rested, experimentation with tactics and playing people in different roles on the ground, and further strengthening the gameplan that Ratten is bringing to Carlton.

Then, no matter what - we can all sit back in the knowledge that we have already exceeded expectations... and the best is yet to come...

Tank!!!!

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Due to recent budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas, and oil....... the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. We apologize for the inconvenience.

I think DUC really appreciated reading that Sparky.

I know that she loves to you read your posts and will be yelling her lungs out on Sunday.

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“It is a state of mind, a system of belief, a way of seeing the world, a deep faith that, because you are Carlton, you belong to something great.” - Mike Fitzpatrick articulating what Out of the Blue means.

Yeah, we may as well to get good draft position given this is last year of the draft in its current format for a few years. I'd like pick 5 (finish 12th on 8 or 9 wins)

Still will be regarded as a good development year and we should get a really good young player.

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For some silly reason, you people want to assassinate him, and it's just rubbish. You people. All of you, ALL of you!

Where is BO these days?

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Chris Judd: 'I've since watched some Steven Seagal movies and realise pressure points are no laughing matter.'

It's open season on the 'tank'.....

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For some silly reason, you people want to assassinate him, and it's just rubbish. You people. All of you, ALL of you!

I SHALL NOT COUNT THIS SEASON AS LOST UNTIL WE ARE MATHEMATICALLY OUT OF IT.

I REFUSE TO BELIEVE WE ARE NO CHANCE FOR THE FINALS. WE HAVE TO DO IT. WE MUST DO IT. WE WILL DO IT.

I'm with you Sparky. C'mon Blues!!!

Fosdike and Nick Davis are both missing as well.
Not much "hurt factor" in the Sydney side these days....IF we match them at the stoppages then I like our chances.

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There is no footy god

:cathyfreeman:

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They'll flood to the beejeezuz, especially with their injuries. If you thought that Lyon's mob flooded on Friday night............you ain't seen nothin'.

Our record against the flooders isn't too flash. Plus, its at the dome, our fav venue !!

Trying to stay positive.............

It's just nice going to the footy hoping that your team wins.

WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
WE WILL SMASH THEM
GO BLUES
BM

It'll be a flood of biblical proportions.

who will be our noah?

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"You're not gonna believe this. The guy killed 16 czechoslovakians. He was an interior decorator."

"His house looked like shit!"

Very wise observation hustla.

I believe that CJ will be on the night.

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“It is a state of mind, a system of belief, a way of seeing the world, a deep faith that, because you are Carlton, you belong to something great.” - Mike Fitzpatrick articulating what Out of the Blue means.

The Duke thinks that we can win if;

*We play Hampson and Cloke in the ruck and Kreuz up forward for most of the game
*We Play Pfieffer
*We play Walker
*We start AB in the guts for the first part of every quarter
*We instruct our forwards to stay away from Fev and create their own space

Too much to ask?

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end of message

No need to tank....we'll end up 12th, which is about where we deserve to be this year. Just remember the fact that we had a reasonable draw up until now.

2009 =6th -9th
2010 = top 4
2011 = #17

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If I want your opinion, I'll give it to you!

Talking about tanking we don’t hear much in the media about teams tanking this year ala West Coast and Fremantle, but then I suppose we are not talking about Carlton are we.

After results so far in this round, today really is a MUST win.

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