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If Kouta's injured, Rest him!!
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Author:  bondiblue [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 4:01 pm ]
Post subject:  If Kouta's injured, Rest him!!
Kouta is no doubt a Carlton legend. We all have a soft spot for him, and probably have a shrine for him somewhere in our home, office, or at least in our heart. I have Kouta's 1999 preliminary final mark framed on the wall.

Leigh Matthews has it on record that he would like 22 Koutas in his team. Kouta has also been described as the modern footballer in size and athletism, and there's no doubt in my mind that he shaped the selections in many of the drafts, since 1995.

Who will ever forget his one handed pick ups in the centre square during the victorious 1995 Grand Final. That one handed pick up became his trade mark. Five years ago his peers voted him as the most valuable player in 2000....and the list of his achievements endless.

No doubt in recent times too he has been brilliant too. In 2005, just last year, chalking up the most clearences in the AFL as well as winning the Carlton FC B & F for a second time. But I am deeply concerned with Kouta at the moment.

I say proudly that I'm a Kouta fan, but I am very concerned for Kouta's welfare, reputation and how he will be remembered by this club. I'm hurting for him in his current predicament.

Numerous posters have called for the handover of the captaincy, his early retirement, his retirement at the end of the year, whilst others claim he is playing injured, and as a result he is half the contributor he once was. Pagan has hinted that he is carrying an injury, and has stated that nobody knows what he's going through.

I thought that his game against the Eagles was "serviceable", as have been many of his games this year, but not near the expectation I have of the great man. He seems to get to the right spots on the ground, but he's not the dominant force he has been, and his second and third efforts have disappeared from his game. Unbeknown to me why this is the case.

His handballs may reach his intended targets, but they are sloppy at times, certainly not hit hard and direct as you would expect from elite talent in the modern game. Hisis kick passing usually does not hit the target His shots for goal are not reliable as they once were. He is not winning the clearances as you would expect from someone with his upper body strength. He has not taken contested marks, and when he was in a position to exploit a mismatch against Collingwood, the players did not look for him. What's the story? Is he not using his voice, is he being ignored, or is it the players' faults?

More alarming is his style of capataincy. Today's post from The Prez highlighted footage of him from a camera in the dressing rooms (Fox Footy coverage) portraying a dismal image of him sitting on his own in the dressing rooms after the eagles game. The same happened after the Adelaide game. There was no sign of typical traits you relate to captaincy. No liaising with the team, no pats on the back for his young charges after a commendable effort, in fact, it has been quite extraordinary throughout this year to see Whitnall and to a lesser extent Stevens take on the leadership role of a captain addressing the troops during and after the game, as well as addressing the media post match and during the week. This sets off alarm bells for all of us.

Whilst we are all aware of the serious knee injuries he's endured representing the Navy Blue jumper in the past, but he has come back from those injuries and won the abovementioned awards, without his brilliant leap. Some posters have suggested that he hasn't got full use of his shoulder movement, making it impossible to win clearances, let alone mark overhead. Other posters have highlighted his inability to jog to the next contest, let alone commit to a second and third effort, looking very uninspiring in doing so. Frankly he is lacking something, and a lot, and it is having a detrimental effect on his leadership and reputation, and no doubt on the team.

If he is injured, he should not be playing. Why is Buckley, Hird and Voss protected and preserved and not expected to achieve the same feats as they once did when they were younger? Why isn't this the case with Kouta? Sure the game goes past them at some stage, as it does with all who play, but these guys have experience and an x factor, and it's only prudent to get the best out of them in the twight years, and not to grind them for their pound of flesh, with no positive outcome for the club.

To me he has earned the contract he is on, and if it's worth $1M in his final year, good luck to him; it's a contract, and we don't need to discuss that. This is the last year of the contract, and if his contract implies a weekly pay of $45,000 whether he plays or not, does this justify playing a bloke who is underdone, or playing injured? Surely not. Is it he who is making the decision to play, when he should be rested, to give something in return to the club for this huge sum of money? Who is running the team selections Kouta or the Coach? It should not be his choice, and if he is playing injured someone should do the right thing by him and the club, and rest him.

I don't care what he's being paid in the next 11 games, but I do care about his welfare, his persona, the legend and his reputation. I wouldn't expect him to retire early (now), as I wouldn't walk away from that sort of money, especially given it will be the last footy payments he receives. What I do want is answers. I don't want him played injured, as that is no good to him, the club, or a younger guy who could fill the position with better results (for the team and for their development).

Tell us what the problem is. If injured then rest him. We need answers and a decision that he will or will not play on after this year. I would rather know that he will not go on (and the signs are blatantly there for all to see and comment), and announce that he will not play on next year, rather than having to hear all this conjecture and criticism of the great man.

With an announcement of his retirement, we will all know that this will be the last opportunity we see of him and we will cherish the games he plays. The team will draw inspiration from his retirement, especially the kids, moreso than what they are getting from him right now. By saving him to play when he is fit, the likelihood of having a positive impact for the team, is far greater than what I'm seeing at the moment. Then finally in round 22, we can all farewell him, as he deserves, and he can retire with honour and his head held up as a legend of the Navy Blue jumper. It will be closure on a positive note, for himself, the club and his supporters throughout the football community.

Don't bag him. Seek to understand as to what is really going on with Kouta. We all know something isn't right atm.

You're a legend Kouta.
Author:  Tractor Boy [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 4:11 pm ]
Post subject: 
Now please write something up for Lappin also.... 8)

Good post and good read anyway. :-D
Author:  TruBlueBrad [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 4:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
This season wont change the memories I have of Kouta. It won't deminish his reputation in my eyes. I accepted a long time ago that the player of 2000 was replaced by a different player, a player who was still effective only in a different way.

I see a guy who probably realises it's past him, realises that his body is no longer up to the demands of AFL footy - he's probably hurting pretty badly before during and after games.

I think he's doing it out of a sense of duty to the club he loves. I hope common sense prevails at the end of this season and for the best of both parties Kouta retires as a Carlton great.
Author:  DownUnderChick [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 4:39 pm ]
Post subject: 
TruBlueBrad That was eloquently said. You did the club and Kouta proud.

I too, would like to know what ails him as the footage I saw after the game in the rooms, showed a leader who was utterly dejected and seemed to have wrist complaint as well as other injuries - he looked pained to me and not because of the loss.

He is carrying some sort of injury but for the club not to come out and state the fact that the captain is playing hurt is ludicrous.

He deserves better and so do we the supporters. We should not compelled to bag him when he puts no effort into the contest and this is happening more and more.

Kouta of 2005 would have been the difference in that last quarter to inspire the players to keep fighting and that was not the case on Sunday.

We need to know why Kouta is playing when there is obviously something not right.
Author:  buzzaaaah [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 5:15 pm ]
Post subject: 
Kouta is along with SOS my favourite Carlton player ever. The ease with which he played the game at timeswsa riducoulous.
His play in 2000 was the best i have seen in AFL ever.
His performances during 2002-5 showed his love for the club at its lowest ebb.

All that said, I want him to retire now.
Author:  TheGame [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:08 pm ]
Post subject: 
Shouldn't play any injured player who can't even compete. No one wins in this situation, not the player or the team.
Author:  BlueWorld [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:21 pm ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Then finally in round 22, we can all farewell him, as he deserves, and he can retire with honour and his head held up as a legend of the Navy Blue jumper. It will be closure on a positive note, for himself, the club and his supporters throughout the football community.


That game's in Sydney. Hopefully we'll be able to send him off in round 21 against Colligwood at the G and he'll announce something by then.
Author:  bondiblue [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:13 pm ]
Post subject: 
Ditto DownUnderChick re: TreueBlueBrad. Well put and that's something nobody can take away from you, regardless of what they say or post.

TBB wrote

Quote:
I see a guy who probably realises it's past him, realises that his body is no longer up to the demands of AFL footy - he's probably hurting pretty badly before during and after games.

I think he's doing it out of a sense of duty to the club he loves.


Quote:
He is carrying some sort of injury but for the club not to come out and state the fact that the captain is playing hurt is ludicrous.


This point you make is exactly what I want clarified, to at least get the knockers off his back.

What DUC says is what I want to put to rest, because if that's the case, then we are neither grateful as Carlton supporters of his efforts let alone human with our lack of empathy.

DUC says

Quote:
He deserves better and so do we the supporters. We should not compelled to bag him when he puts no effort into the contest and this is happening more and more.


We need to do the right thing by all concerned, and if he's injured and playing, I want him to know that he doesn't have to do this week in week out for the remainder 11 weeks for me and many others.
Author:  london blue [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:28 pm ]
Post subject: 
well done Bondi B...post of the week!!!!

lets get the Kouta thing into perspective once and for all :idea:
Author:  ryan2000 [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: If Kouta's injured, Rest him!!
Thanks for that post Bondi.........................

Finally - a real Carlton supporter!
Author:  barass [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 8:37 pm ]
Post subject: 
Maybe this is the scenario being played out:

The club can't decide who will be capt next year, and are auditioning Lance and Stevo for the role (i.e they play like 'real' captains) under our current captain Kouta. If not for this scenario Kouta may have announced his retirement as his body cannot take the rigours of AFL. However, he is prepared to sacrifice for the team by fulfilling this role. All players have been made aware of this and Kouta takes a back seat so as to not interfere with Lance and Stevo's auditions.
Author:  markj [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 9:18 pm ]
Post subject: 
great post, my sentiments as well ..

my guess is he's getting lots of injections, and will still be getting lots of injections long after he stops playing .. and we've all moved onto bagging the next legend of the club who's watching the game go past him :(

he was never going to be an "in your face" captain, and probly wished it could of gone to someone else .. but he did it and you cant say he hasnt lead the club with pride and dignity

if and when he announces he will call it quits will be a sad day .. but a chance for all of us to stop questioning and cheer his every possession .. remembering the day he had 7 marks 7 kicks 7 handballls and kicked 2 goals in one quarter of football

good on ya kouta .. :)

.. go blues ..
Author:  malbi [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:14 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great post bondiblue, I agree with every word that you say, although I probably would have said it in less words. ;)
Author:  bluegirldanielle [ Tue Jun 13, 2006 11:20 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great posts everyone. It sure is a sad time for Kouta & us supporters. I have been critical of him this year for the reasons everyone has listed but more so because, like others, I don't him to be remembered like this. He is also one of my favourite ever players & it will be very sad the day that we don't see the huge 43 run out :cry:

But having said that, I believe that if he is going to retire, he doesn't drag it out & just does it. Let someone else take on the responsibility to see who wants to be captain. The only reason why Kouta got the captaincy IMO is because there wasn't anyone else to take it. Now let's see who wants it.
Author:  BlueWorld [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:44 am ]
Post subject: 
If the Pies can rest Buckley why can't we do the same with kouta?
Author:  bondiblue [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:42 am ]
Post subject: 
It's called rehabilitation.

The games he's played where he was ordinary did not make a difference to the result of the game. If the MC are playing him to give us an opportunity to win, then they have got it all wrong; same goes for the decision to play him injured. They've got that wrong too.

A two week break now in the midseason couldn't come earlier for him. The break will enable him to recharge the batteries, and I reckon give him another week on top of that; against the Kangas. There's a capable young kid whose in form (after a 51 possession game in the VFL) called Carazzo waiting on the sidelines to replace him; it's not that there is no alternative. Following the Kangas game there's still another 10 rounds of the home and away season.

It's a long season for an ageing body, and it shouldn't be the fixture that gives him a rest that his body needs, it should be the MC giving him the break.

Very interesting post from barass regarding Lance and Stevo auditioning for the captaincy. That certainly has merit. I didn't think of it that way, ie that it is planned. If so good idea, but that doesn't excuse the grinding his body is taking at the hands of the MC. Anyway, how are we supposed to know what's going on, when we are receiving no information from the club regarding this strategy/plan. We are always left to question if a plan actually exists.

Injections, injections, injections....I think they gave him the wrong stuff.
Author:  TruBlueBrad [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 8:49 am ]
Post subject: 
I think Collingwood rest Buckley to keep him fresh and ready for the finals.

Its a different situation to what we're in.

It's ironic that travelling to play West Coast, resting their captain may have cost them the game...playing our captain may have cost us the game.
Author:  DownUnderChick [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 10:59 am ]
Post subject: 
Your right BondiBlue, we need to give him the 2 weeks off at least because he is obviously carrying injury.

Rest his weary body because at the end of the day his quality of life post life is a hell of lot more important than playing him hurt in a season where Finals footy is not a reality.

If you are looking to get information [I believe transparency is the word used during the Carlton One ticket] from the club on what the hell is going on, dream on.

Whilst I understand that strategy and not letting the left hand know what the right hand is doing blah, blah, you would be kidding yourself if you didn't think that Worsfold and Co knew the state that Kouta was in pre-match.
Author:  SurreyBlue [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 12:33 pm ]
Post subject: 
You guys just made me cry. The best ever in my eyes.
Great post people are truer champ of the club you won't find.
Seriously loves the club.
Author:  Elwood Blues1 [ Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:43 pm ]
Post subject: 
Great player and no doubt does love the club but he is finished and should retire gracefully like Leppitch has done and hand over the baton to younger players who can continue the fight....he knows his time is up and rather than see him just linger on he would be better remembered if he gave it away and let the likes of Flint, Smith, Jackson, Batson take his spot on the list and perhaps he could contribute to the club in other ways.....
My viewpoint is the same with Rob Harvey, Hird etc......same story as Kouta.....
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