Hi Guys.

It's been a very long time since I've been on, the downfalls of running a small business (or should that be a small business running me). I suppose that I am fortunate to know a few players personally and sponsor one and hear their views and opinions. I am also blessed with the opportunity to know other people in the footy circles.

Now that I think that I have built up some credability (which I really haven't), I thought that I might share with you MY OWN theory of what is happening in the inner sanctum based on some of the whispers I've heard. I appologise if anything like this has been written up, or anyone else has come to a similar conclusion. I thought I might post it whilst I had a couple of seconds to breathe.

I BELIEVE that Collo and Pagan have struck an agreement to tank this season for draft picks. MY THEORY goes to the tune that Collo wanted DP to win the Wizzer cup for the money and tank the season for the picks. Though this years crop isn't as good as a lot of the past years (as been stated by a few senior people in the footy industry), a huge change in the playing personnel is required. Though every successful team has a good balance of senior, middle aged and young players, the belief is we have a small core of young experienced players in which we can build from and that we could obtain huge results within a couple of years. DP didn't want this as he was coming out of contract this year and that would effect his value in the market place. Hence the reason for DP's contract being extended. What you will probably find is that DP will finish up his coaching career with the Blues. There's a belief that DP has about another 5 years left in the coaching caper.

I BELIEVE that there's no grey area with DP, it is all black and white. Regardless of what he says in public or behind closed doors, what he says and what he thinks/does are two entirely seperate things. To use one of my favourite Paganisims, "He will piss down your back and tell you it's raining". Well not quite that cut and dry, , but more that he will only give you a portion of his assessment and the rea reasons and opinions he will keep close to his chest. I am also ment to believe that "The culling list" is well and truelly completed and trade negotiations have started. You will find that there are a lot of players at the moment that have not signed or offered contracts and do not know what lays ahead regarding their playing future. Most of these are the senior people whose head is not in the game and have a huge weight on their shoulders which inevitably shows on the playing field.

I believe that the combination of Collo and DP is a very lethal and cunning one. Not that I am entirely happy with what is currently happening (I want Clarkie to play a couple of complete senior games rather than those two games of bench warming he was forced to do). Sorry, I degress. I just had to put my two bob in.

These two old heads will bring the club on the right road again. Regardless of the cattle we have on the paddock and what our opinions of the players are, we are not the worst side in the competition, nor are we as bad as we think and other people percieve us to be. I may be having a case of verbal diahorrea, or as some people have commented, I am totally constructed of it, but I think I may be on the mark.

So let the crap begin ......

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Leaders do not care what other people say about them. When people start talking crap about you, thats when you know you've made it

A few people have discussed similar theories along these lines previously. Sadly, there probably is some merit to your thoughts.

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Your "theory" looks pretty sound AFAIC. I have full faith that DP and Collo have put together the necessary plans to take us forward.

The next few years will be pretty exciting watching the rebuilding of our club.

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When Dick became President, it was as if everyone at Carlton came out of the hailstorm and into the sunshine - Stephen Kernahan

YARRAN!!





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Ahhhh, so that's why Karl is playing Ants footy

Wish it were true but I just can't buy it

The early Pagan signing was the "only" sign of something weird as far as I'm concerned.

If you look back, Collo was saying that we aren't that good so I think they did sure up Pagan to avoid the outcry of expectation V reality as the season went on. That said, I don;'t think 2.5 wins was planned!....that just happened, but now Rd 17 there would be absolutely no incentive to change it....shit could you imagine winning 4 in a row....wouldn't know whether to shit or go blind?

It's been a shocking year, a win would be great....but we've suffered enough and now pick 1 (and asssociated bargaining power) becomes the only avaenue of excitement.

I have no doubt that a few have been left in the Bullants to experience a comradery and soem team play....thus the one game wonders of Setanta and Russell (which I must say I predicted at the start of the season...not trying to be a smart alec!)

The seniors has been a blend of
a)"There's a few things to learn"
(Walker, Waite, Fish, DeLuca, Bentick, Betts
b)"show us what you've got"
(Scotland, McGrath, Sporn, Davies, Morrell, Clarke, Wiggins, Livo, T-Lo, Bowyer)
and
c)"show others what you've got"
(Campo, Whitts, some of the above)

The only exceptions have been Carrots, Bryan and Simpson who did soooo well that they are being given some general experience time.

The trades/Delistings will come from group b and c.
The only one I can't figure out is Norman??? He should certainly fit into group c) if the Blues don't want him???? Is it possible he'll be given another chance or is his trade value already asessed as zero?? - that's the only two things I can think of.

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“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

Spot on with everything you said CC (except Clarke).
That's why it's been so frustrating because it's been manufactured.

I agree with it also, and totally support it

I think you are mostly correct CaptnCarlton except that I don't think we started off the year attempting to be spooners.

It was probably after the Richmond game that they were 100% sure we wouldn't make the finals and threw in the towell.

I'll think you will find that the club had higher expectations this year . Most of us thought we would be 5 and 2 after 7 rounds. Something happen behind closed doors before the Richmond game and since then they have not been the same. It is now obvious that some of the current playing group do not have the commitment to work with Pagan and his game plan and the same can be said of Pagan not wanting to put time and effort into them. So once again the two must part . Come season end the final Pagan purge will be complete and the buck will stop with him and the Match commitee. Supporters will demand improvement next year. Not necessary wins but they will want to see development and effort from the players.they will want to see tackling , smothers and chasing , they will want to see players playing for the jumper. If we dont see it , Serious questions will have to be asked not only of Pagan but his support people including Collins

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If you allow the Government to change the Laws in an emergency
They will create an Emergency to change the Laws

You'll find that the Pagan's contract was done at seasons start not a few weeks into the season. Pagan hasn't been critical of the players nor has he tried to punish them on the track (Which really should raise an eyebrow).

You'll find that the decision was made after the winning of the wizzer cup. If we didn't win the wizzer cup and sign the Dan Murphy sponsorship, things may have been different. I really like my theory !! Shite, it may even grow some credability

For those people who know Collo, the guy wouldn't go and extend Pagan's lucrative contract for another 3 years so early in the season unless there were a huge amount of benefit for the CFC. Last years performance was, I believe, an attempt to lure some sponsorship money to the club. This year was the start of the rebuilding of the team with a nucleus of good young kids from the draft.

I'm going to make a huge bold statement now by saying that I think the agenda is and we will finish 10th next year, in the 8 in 2007 and then in the top 4 in 2008 .

As for Clarkie, the majority of supporters criticise him, and I sort of understand where they come from years gone by. The reality of the situation is, that he just turned 25 this year, and his performances in the Ants have been more than enough to warrant him a proper go in the seniors. I do have a special interest in him as a sponsor, but if he was that bad and we are tanking the season, then put him in for good measure.... The issue is that DP has something against him that he is still to find out. The couple of times DP has spoken to the guy this year (and I mean that literally), he has commended the guy I for one, would like to see him given a good run in the seniors to get used to the pace again and at least try to prove something. He's done everything asked from him by BM. Just can't work it out !!!! I think I will need to work out another conspiracy theory.

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Leaders do not care what other people say about them. When people start talking crap about you, thats when you know you've made it

CaptnCarlton your spot on i could not agree more.

pfft

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Oompa loompa doompety dee
If you are wise you'll listen to me

Now seriously, nobody REALLY believes any of this do they?
You're taking the piss are'nt you Captn?

The club is nervous as hell about retaining sponsors.
We have numerous very short term deals and have lost 2 sponsors during the season already.

We have members attending our games and very few paying customers.
Each home game that happens costs the club a fortune.
Our resources are running at an absolute minimum thoughout the club.
We are in a desperate financial position!

You say Denis may want draft picks but Collo wants success and the club is desperate for it.
The players will tell you they despise losing.
Confidence and a winning culture should never be tampered with.
To suggest a decision was made at the start of the season is pissing down our backs and telling us its raining.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

Whether it was made at the start of the season or not (IMO it would've occured some time after The Farewell Game) I reckon the club would have made the tough call to tank. It's the sort of pragmatic approach I can see Collo making (remember his very public lament at our lack of talent... C-Z graders etc)

Once we get the injection of talent we need via the draft, rid the club of the deadwood, the club will start building the foundations for sustained period of improvement in the coming years... the paying customers and sponsors will jump on the bandwagon then.

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When Dick became President, it was as if everyone at Carlton came out of the hailstorm and into the sunshine - Stephen Kernahan

YARRAN!!





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BV,

I don't know who the short term sponsors are that you are refering to, but the likes of the laptop guys who sponsored us etc.. etc.. are supporters who have dipped in their pockets to assist the club. The bigger sponsors such as Optus, Subaru, K&S Freightors and Dan Murphy are the guys who tip in the real money. These people have longer term contracts in place and not short term. We will retain them at the end of next year and the year after.

Yes, we are in a precarious financial position, especially after the ATO ruling, but we are a lot better position than we were last year. I'm not sure if you are aware of the changes that Collo has stirred up in the administration, but I can tell you there has been a hell of a lot of changes. These will continue to occur in relation to the cost/benefit.

You may think that I'm taking the piss out of people you are wrong. I think this is exactly what's happening. Nobody believed Mel Gibson

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Leaders do not care what other people say about them. When people start talking crap about you, thats when you know you've made it

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Richard Pratt - A Carlton legend.

The corporate management team dont seem as convinced as you Captn.

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

That's a very interesting fact, about the lack of hard, punishing training sessions after a big defeat. They were a hallmark of DP in 04 and appear to have dissapeared from the 05 routine.

I'm not quite sure what it suggests - either Denis does not want to lose the players/destroy their fragile morale, he's mellowing or he just didn't think it worked last year.

I'm not really into Conspiracy Theories but this one has got me thinking......nah.....surely not.....but how come?....mmm beer.

CaptnCarlton wrote:

There may be some credence to your tanking theory, BUT, come on - Clarkey ??!! WTF You're taking the piss here right?

Ever thought that it might have something to do with him not being able to kick straight?

Yep i think this theory has been semi correct i wrote a similar theory a while back in Early June and seems to be similar to what we are reading now

http://www.talkingcarlton.com/phpBB2/vi ... highlight=