When I first saw the AFL pop up about a forwards ACL, I thought it may have been a tall knowing our luck.
Bad luck for Motts though, I was hoping to see what he could do for us this year.
On the positive side, we have enough depth in his position to cover him.
I hope he recovers well and is back up and firing at the end of the season ready for 2027.

Was really enjoying my ski holiday in Europe.
Funny never a day not Talking Carlton with my nearly 18yo son, whilst on lifts, during down time…

In Austria during spare time we were looking at our Under 25 team, and picking our expected break outs…..the impact Jagga Newman and Kemp will have…

In Dolomites now and main theme discussed was our expected improved fitness with former Swan, who we have met, McInnes, in his 2nd year, and his regimes’ support from Hayward and Florent, and their positive impact on the team.

Yesterday we were discussing our experiences how one bad egg in a team can have a such huge negative impact, and we concluded we are really glad the Charlie influence is gone….and the 3 first round picks/ addition of Walker was a great plus too. p

We were Believing our bad luck with injury is behind us and our strengths will shine this year with a super fit team.

Then the news when we woke up this morning, Blue forward has done an ACL. phaaaaaaarqe…not a tall…not Harry, Kemp or OKeefe….or Reidy….my son was teasing me, not telling me the name. I thought the worst.

Relief it was a small, but we actually felt 20yo Motlop had 2 years to mature and add another layer to his game before his next contract. Any injury is bad news for development, for depth, for pressure on spots, and team momentum.

I guess now Ollie Hollands secures a spot. Bonus, and with 2 LTI’s now, we can really balance up our 2026 list and give the comp a shake.

Also have a feeling Taylor Byrne who has a bit of a Cody feel about his game, may be given a chance earlier than expected now that Motlop is out, and a hoping a tall may well be considered along with White if he’s still a possibility. Not that I’m desperate for White to be on our 2026 list….but a KP tall seems a real chance.

Maybe Motlops injury has a Silver lining instead of reflecting the poison chalice we have come use to.

Happy New Year TCers. I’m expecting one. I’ll be back for the Geelong praccy game. Can’t wait.

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Everyone looks good in Navy Blue