Well Troops,

After imposing a media blackout yesterday (Fox Footy replay up here at 8.30pm) and then enduring that second half debacle, I made a stiff drink and stomped off to my office to read the Carlton Forums. What did I expect to see? Did I think that I would read any positives? Did I think that I would be comforted by like minded posters who would preach patience? Did I think that I would find support for Denis Pagan? Did I think that I would find anything, that’s right, anything that offers a real solution to the current dilemma? I have read as many threads in their entirety as possible and have now come to the conclusion that to solve a problem, especially one of this magnitude we must firstly know exactly what is the real problem!

It is easy to issue Blame Certificates.

It is easy to blame the former administration, particularly John Elliott for everything that keeps going wrong.
It is easy to blame the AFL, particularly the CEO, President and the Commission for Black Friday and beyond.
It is easy to blame the Board for our financial position. It is easy to say that they are not promoting the club well.
It is easy to label Pago Pago as a hack, to say he has an outdated game plan and reacts too slowly to change.
It is easy to blame the Assistants for our match-ups and set-ups suggesting they are tired recycled has-beens.
It is easy to blame the experienced Leaders by saying they aren’t setting the example by showing the kids the way.
It is easy to blame the players and say that our skills are poor, with spilled marks and fumbling which causing turnovers.
And last but not least with the above certificates already issued, It is being said that Pago Pago has completely lost the players.

Because of Black Friday and beyond, we have certainly suffered as a result of not having low draft picks and having to grab what ever retreads we could to stay reasonably competitive. We have been back in the draft long enough to see the advantages of getting the best young talent at Princes Park. We just simply don’t have enough of them and it seems like Peter and the Dyke.

I have a theory that whilst all of the above may be contributing factors and some of you will think I’m mad, that it is more to do with team roles. I think this is really our major problem and has been overlooked and if it was addressed could be solved fairly quickly. What am I rabbiting on about you may well ask?

In a nutshell, I believe our main problem is the Match Committee and the selection process. Why are players constantly being asked to fill roles that are beyond them? Even if we do get belted week after week, wouldn’t it make sense to position the boys where they can show their talents? The time for the experiments is over surely. I feel the winds of change down Royal Parade and I’m 1800 klms away! The axe must fall on the pretenders. It is time, to use a well worn phrase, to be decisive and make the hard decisions.

The first thing that needs addressing is on-field leadership. Quite simply the cupboard is bare. Kouta-Lappo-Stevo-Whittas. We have to acknowledge that Kouta has been a great player for the Navy Blue, but time has caught up with our number 43. Whilst Skinny has been playing under an injury cloud, he has clearly lost his passion too and should join Kouta in retirement at seasons end if not before. Stevens may also be playing with a groin, but will always be a receiver/flanker at best. Lance fills a hole and he’s been the surprise packet this season so far, but as a long term leader, we need a game-breaking inspirational “watch meâ€

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2002:> "In their Masters Chambers
They Gathered for their Feast
They Stabbed us with their Steely Knives
But They Just Can't Kill The Beast!" <2016

THE BLUEBAGGER BEAST IS BAACKK!!

not a bad team, i must admit. i did one in the rnd 7 gameplay thread, ur one is probably better, but bower is, imo, not ready just yet, he will be soon enough tho.

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"In fairness it did seem in the early days of the draft teams would just pick a name totally at random out of a hat. I'm pretty sure we picked James Cook at #2 one year. The mediocre forward, not the explorer" - Me, 12/9/2011

Carlton 2012: Lets remind them why they once feared the Dark.

...you left out tackling




Just kidding brizzy. I always enjoy your posts & this is no exception.

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#DonTheStash

I think you put it in a nutshell pretty well, Brizzy.

Well done.

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

I agree, we must play to our strengths. What's Wiggo doing in the middle, what's Simpson doing in the backline, what's French doing with his marking around the ground? Positioning and playing to our stregths is a must against Essenbum this week.

Prenders has been in the best over the last 3 weeks with the Ants, and in particular the last 2 weeks he has kicked 1.5 (windy day) and 7.3 and taken over 20 marks. Surely they are signs of a guy enjoying his footy and desperate to get back into consideration, let alone in form. I'd put Prenders in before Bryan, and I like Bryan and still believe he offers more than McLaren in terms of kicking and marking.

Kouta was not as bad as people say. he was not what we expect, and he's not our future, but I would play him if we are to beat Essenbum.

Saddington was the bloke I have been backing all year, but he let me down on Saturday; badly (I'm disappointed to say the least)

Wiggo did OK, but is a fringe player like Bannister.

Blackwell has done all the right things in the Ants to suggest he worth a punt. I can't say the same for Bower. Haven't seen him, but from all accounts he is too loose.

If Lappin is carrying an injury he should be rested, but he seemed OK on Sat. Need him in the team against Ess.

IN: Prenders, Blackwell, Russell
OUT: Saddington, Bentick, Bannister

Other considerations:

McGrath and Bannister both ex Bombers. May have a say in this game. If McGrath is to come in I would have to say sorry to Wiggo, and for Bannister to stay I'd say sorry to....Russell this week....as Betts may be too important in this game.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue

the problem is......... we dont have the cattle

I don't know which poster said it, but it needs repeating:

"Enough of the wavy wavy arms stuff"

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2002:> "In their Masters Chambers
They Gathered for their Feast
They Stabbed us with their Steely Knives
But They Just Can't Kill The Beast!" <2016

THE BLUEBAGGER BEAST IS BAACKK!!

Let me get this right.

We had a player who had first hand on the ball at stoppages 10 times. Double any other player on the ground.
He also had 9 clearances including 4 centre square clearances.
Nearly double any other player.
Of our inside 50s, he contributed about 20% of them.

And you're saying he's a flanker at best?

And you're lecturing us on "the real problem"?

Mate, I fear the "winds of change" you're feeling is last nights curry.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

How come we disagree then?