M&D are changing formats and logos in 2006 and this year we're doing a simple 10 question set-up with a player from each game. The concept is going to be interchangeable with the Buzz who will also get the chance to interview some players, administrators, Coaches, hookers etc.

First up is Dylan McLaren who will be on the site tomorrow (probably only for a few hours as the website is getting free sportal article after article after the win). Here's a tidbit from tomorrow's article:

1. How did you find your first game in Navy Blue?
It was fantastic to run out for such a prestigious Club. And to get out with a win, and a win against such a good team from last year, just capped it off.

2. What was your role, and how did you think you went?
My role was basically to provide support to French. To compete hard in the ruck when French isn’t there, and to get forward when I can. On Sunday I wasn’t on for as long as I expected as Barnaby was playing so well, so hopefully I’ll get more time out there next week.

3. When you rucked in the second quarter, Frenchy went forward rather than rest on the bench. Is this something we're likely to see more of?
I reckon it will happen a little bit, for sure. He created a few contests, and we kicked a few goals in that quarter because of it. For sure, French was useful up there.

6. The tactics and game plan on Sunday appeared different to Carlton 2005. Is the game plan a little different to what you expected coming over? If so, how?
Not really – before I came to Carlton I spent a lot of time with Denis and the other Coaches, where it was clear that there were going to be some changes to how Carlton was going to play. So I knew a lot of this in advance, and we worked on a lot of the moves over the pre-season.


----

Dylan is a very positive gent, who despite his height limitations, seems to have the reserve ruck in his keeping. How did people see his game from limited time?

I thought D-Mac did his job well. The fact he and French rested forward at times was a bonus for the team. Frenchy sure did bust a few pack open

I thought he was so so on Sunday night.

Badly timed his jump in the ruck and didn't get much of the ball.
Thought he could have been a bit more physical in his approach to the contest.
Guess his only highlight was kicking a goal.

_________________
Writer for SuperCoach Paige www.scpaige.com.au
Twitter - @johnfeeney24

As long as he provides support to french whilst his resting on the bench this year I'll be happy. We've really missed having 2 fit ruckman available week in/week out for a while.

He's gonna have his work cut out for him climbing up the human power-pole on Saturday night.

I like the fact that he's keen to drift up front and kick a goal. Barney is one o fthe most accurate set shots in our team - I wish he'd do the same.

Barney played 80 out of a possible 113 on the weekend.

Good start.

I'd like to see them both on the ground at times, gives us a few options. Barney was pushing forward and back Ponk, it was impressive, as were DMac's forrays to both ends. DMac needs to work on those hamstrings because he's quickish for his size but runs with this hilariously short stride. I don't think we will see DMac lining up in a duel with Sandilands, French for mine. Have them rest at the same time.

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

http://carltonfc.com.au/default.asp?pg= ... eid=255305

The guy answered 'fantastic' to every question!

McLaren said that he expects to play more time, but French was playing too well, so it limited his game time and thus stats. Think there were a few games last year where rotations in the ruck (for other CLubs) were done by the clock rather than by game tempo - good to see Carlton doing the latter.

Also a reminder of how well French played on Sunday night...in particualr against White who was therotically going to jump all over him

_________________
“Every single element of the Club has to be the best in the league, meticulously and methodically, and only by doing this will we be elite and challenge for number 17.”
Greg Lee