Will have to forego the zone defence we attempted last week because we got absolutely shat on due to our application of it. Decision making is a huge issue through our midfield and sadly I think it stems from our game plan.

Sit back, draw them from our forward line with a sparse set of numbers closing down, then jack up that chasing intensity through the middle with a goal to force a turnover that can quickly push off from HB. Modern football; a hybrid of zone and man coverage.

If I were Ratts, aside from screaming myself into a mild stroke, I would preach to the boys about fear and adversity, and how the two are intertwined as far as we are concerned. Time to face that fear and make it our opponents by scaring the bejesus out of them with our physicality.

_________________
29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

I don't think we have the capacity (or inclination) to do that based on what has been shown last year and this year.

_________________
"our electorate seeks less to be informed and more to be validated." Sad times.

Im jumping straight on the Dockers... top value at home $2.35

_________________
Matty Kruzer you star!

Good move mate. What are they paying for over 39pts.?

Essendon* were paying nearly $7 last week for over 39...

How can we start favourites in this game? Based on what? All I can think of is there are some die hards out there thinking that surely we've gotta bounce back this week....who don't mind losing their hard earned....

_________________
"Truth, for the tyrants, is the most terrible and cruel of all bindings; it is like an incandescent iron falling across their chests. And it is even more agonizing than hot iron, for that only burns the flesh, while truth burns its way into the soul"     — Lauro Aguirre

This is a difficult week for choosing a squad. One one hand we want changes to satisfy our need for heads to roll, but not all that many put their hand up in the twos (from what I read).

In: Ellard - has deserved a call-up with some consistently good performances.
In: Thornton - A shoe in surely.
In: Ando ?? - could give him another taste of the big league..

Out: Bower (inj).
Out: Fev (inj?)
Out: I'm not sure how deep or far to go... Whilst part of me wants to see a raft of names up here, I know that's probably not the best way to go about it. Stevens would have to be going close.

Don't want to see Army dropped. That would be very rough, and just tell him that next time don't take the game on, take the softer, safer option and you'll keep getting a game.

Browne also should get another go depsite a sub-par performance. There were a lot that were down, and he deserves a run at AFL level so Carlton can see if he has what it takes. I think (and hope) he does.

As for Banno, it depends on whether the club thinks he has a future playing AFL or not. If they drop him, it is a good chance that it's over for him. He was very handy last year before he got injured, and it depends if they think he will be again. Of course, another game like last week, and it will be pretty definite that it is all over.

From the Bullant reports, Yarran doesn't sound ready yet and Gartlett needs some more time developing. He will be great though. Can't wait to see him next year. Disappointingly it sounds like Hadley isn't lighting the place up at the moment. I really wanted to see him in and under around the packs this year and adding a bit of physicality to our young side. Hopefully it is just a poor preseason and he's on the improve.

I just hope we can get up. Cannot lose to the Shockers twice in a year.

_________________
I would like to thank Collingwood for helping me keep faith in my old man. He always told me that 'People are thick'.

If Fev is out, what are the odds Cloke is picked ahead of Hartlett? IMO a wasted opportunity if this happened.

Surely Anderson should be given a call-up this week, has been lighting it up in the Ants and IMO would display a MUCH better effort than that of what Nick Stevens would display. If Ando does get another taste of the big time hope he takes it with both hands and makes the most of it, plenty of talent in that kid, just needs an opportunity.

OUT
Bower, Fevola, Stevens, Houlihan,Bannister
IN
Anderson, Thornton, Ellard, Hartlett,Gartlett

Anderson deseves to replace Banno because of consistent peformances in the twos
Ellard Dont know if he can be elevated but would love to see him in based on his peformances lately
Gartlett We look better when this guy plays
Hartlett Someone to replace Fev. Not Cloke he has had enough chances. I dont rate hartlett but Ratten must give a couple of weeks before they probably delist him
Thornton for Bower

Scotland has had an interupted year but I reckon he deserves another chance.
More likely to put his body on the line than the two princesses

You cant disagree with too much here.
Harts needs a go for 3 - 4 weeks to see if he can make an impression......
Pity it'll be the same 3 -4 weeks that determines whether we make the finals or not.

_________________
Stay tuned We're in for a BUMPY ride

Not sure why the blowtorch has been on Scotto as a possible out for this week.

I thought he tried and put more effort than Stevo and Houla. They should go first before Scotto does.

_________________
“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.

Big Chopportunity for Ratten:

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/ ... 42,00.html

_________________
There is no footy god

_________________
There's so much I could say...

_________________
There's so much I could say...

The way I'm seeing it at the moment:

In - Garlett, Johnson, Thornton
Out - Houlihan, Bannister, Bower (inj)

Johnson to play on the wing/HF. If we feel Yarran can play a supporting role in midfield, then he takes Johnson's spot.

Really slim pickings at the moment.

_________________
29 different attributes,
And only 7 that you like;
20 ways to see the world,
Or 20 ways to start a fight.

No way will Ratten drop Fev for a game that may decide our finals fate.

_________________
"I had to eat"

"He added there was a need to strike a careful balance between ripping into the players and maintaining their confidence ahead of the crucial game against the Dockers."

Care bears all around for the boys.

Bahh! ..the club needs a bit of shock and awe!

_________________
There's so much I could say...

If it does i've lost all hope for this club going forward

Yeah this is what I expect to happen.
I wish Yarran was playing well for the Bullants and was worthy of a senior spot....
It really is slim pickings at the moment.

_________________
There is no footy god

I honestly hope Armfield isn't dropped.

I'd like to see Fev miss with injnury and Harttlet given a chance to kick a few goals.