Preview 2023 Elimination Final - Carlton vs Sydney Friday 8th Sept 7.50PM @ MCG

[Aphrodite]

Team is in …


IN: Patrick Cripps

9

Patrick Cripps

Age

29

Ht

195cm

Wt

93kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

25.9

5star

K

9.8

4star

HB

16.1

5star

M

3.4

3star

T

5.8

5star

CL

7.4

5star

D

21.0

5star

K

10.1

4star

HB

10.9

5star

M

2.5

3star

T

3.8

4star

CL

6.3

5star

D

12.6

4star

K

4.8

2star

HB

7.8

5star

M

2.0

3star

T

3.2

5star

CL

1.4

4star

, Sam Docherty

15

Sam Docherty

Age

31

Ht

187cm

Wt

87kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

22.3

5star

K

15.1

5star

HB

7.2

4star

M

6.6

5star

T

2.4

4star

CL

1.1

3star

D

22.6

5star

K

16.0

5star

HB

6.6

4star

M

7.0

5star

T

0.6

1star

CL

0.4

3star

D

11.2

3star

K

6.0

3star

HB

5.2

4star

M

2.4

3star

T

1.4

4star

CL

0.6

3star

, Marc Pittonet

27

Marc Pittonet

Age

28

Ht

202cm

Wt

107kg

Pos.

Ruck

Career

Season

Last 5

D

7.7

2star

K

2.9

1star

HB

4.8

3star

CL

3.1

5star

HO

22.3

5star

D

8.6

2star

K

4.6

2star

HB

4.0

3star

CL

3.7

5star

HO

25.9

5star

D

5.8

2star

K

1.2

1star

HB

4.6

4star

CL

2.4

5star

HO

16.6

5star

OUT: Paddy Dow

15

Paddy Dow

Age

25

Ht

184cm

Wt

83kg

Pos.

Mid

Career

Season

Last 5

D

14.1

4star

K

7.0

3star

HB

7.1

4star

M

2.1

2star

T

2.9

4star

CL

2.6

4star

D

7.0

1star

K

4.0

1star

HB

3.0

2star

M

3.0

3star

T

2.0

3star

CL

0.0

1star

D

12.4

4star

K

5.8

3star

HB

6.6

4star

M

1.6

2star

T

2.8

5star

CL

2.6

5star

, Corey Durdin, Zac Fisher

16

Zac Fisher

Age

26

Ht

175cm

Wt

76kg

Pos.

D/F

Career

Season

Last 5

D

16.2

4star

K

8.3

3star

HB

7.9

5star

M

1.8

2star

T

3.0

5star

MG

384.0

5star

D

17.0

4star

K

10.0

4star

HB

7.0

4star

M

3.0

3star

T

0.0

1star

MG

384.0

5star

D

12.2

3star

K

6.8

3star

HB

5.4

4star

M

1.2

2star

T

3.0

5star

, Ollie Hollands

After starting the last game as sub, Caleb Marchbank has been elevated into the starting 22.

AFL team news: Who's in for the elimination final?

Some big Blues are back for the clash with Sydney.

www.carltonfc.com.au

Backs:	Brodie Kemp	Jacob Weitering	Nic Newman
Half-backs:	Alex Cincotta	Mitch McGovern	Adam Saad
Centreline:	Blake Acres	Patrick Cripps	Sam Docherty
Half-forwards:	Jack Martin	Harry McKay	David Cuningham
Forwards:	Lachie Fogarty	Charlie Curnow	Matthew Owies
Followers:	Marc Pittonet	Adam Cerra	Sam Walsh
Interchange:	Matthew Cottrell	Tom De Koning	George Hewett
	Caleb Marchbank
Emergencies:	Paddy Dow	Zac Fisher	Ollie Hollands
	Jesse Motlop

 

[Arr0w]

Agree. Also usually works on the "last in, first out" basis for each area of the ground as well.

For me, that means Fisher out of the backline, Dow out of the middle and Durdin out of the forwards.

That results (IMO) in Doc back to replace Fisher, Cripps in for Dow and Pittonet in for Durdin with the structural change back to 2 rucks.

Who Motlop comes in for is more difficult, because there are a number of relatively even options. I see us keeping the run of Hollands. Yes, he is skinny etc. but so is McInerney for them, so a good match-up. So then it is either Cunners or Fog out. I don't see that playing all of Cunners, Fog, Owies and Motlop is balanced or necessary. Martin and Cotts are both capable pressure forwards and better kicks for goal as well.

Dow is the logical sub in this scenario. Done well previously in the role and capable of playing a full game if he is needed early.

I see this as the "common sense" changes, which Voss usually runs with. Won't definitely happen this way, but I would have it as the favoured version.

Can't see Doc returning to the back 7, but possible, so Boyd or Marchbank could come in for Cincotta or Fisher

Think Mots comes in for Durdin, Cripps for Dow, Doc for Hollands

With Pitto coming in, that last out will be interesting, at this stage it could be Cuners

 

[Earls Smother]

JSOS has already been ruled out from my understanding, but surely is in the mix if (when) we progress.

Kennedy has no recent form, but if fit, must be genuinely in the mix. Hard to push out those with “form”, but would not shock. No reports from match sim other than a bit of argy bargy.

Marchbank has to remain in the mix. Form building over recent weeks. Horses for courses analysis suggests Swans play McDonald, McLean, Amartey and Hayward as marking options along with Heeney and even Papley in the forward line. Marchy can certainly find a role V Swans.

Hollands has been a lock on a wing all season when fit. His endurance and ability to read play have been under rated by many. He may lack a little strength yet, but consistently stops or at least delays opposition ball movement. The Swans movement is more from D50 and the wings than a turnover model. I actually see Dutchy as a fair option to quell the influence of Gulden.

Corey Durdin reportedly done a hammy, so out of discussions, if he was in them.

I have Fisher down on the list of priorities, but if they are expecting a Saad tag, he would have a use. Does not appear defensive minded enough for the cut and thrust of finals given other options

So many are leaving a 7th defender out, putting Doc in that “hole”. He has played precious little defence this season and I doubt he will be deployed there on Friday.

The Dow debate goes on (and on), so many pros and cons on that front. I like what Dow brings, but can’t rate it ahead of Hewett, Kennedy or Docherty relative to the mix. He does have high clearance statistics, but is not usurping Crippa any time soon. Heweyy and Cerra bring a defensive presence Paddy does not get close to. The sub vest looms as a real possibility.

We haven’t heard many reports on Acres. Undoubtedly a key “piece”, but surely if he is encumbered we must err on the side of caution. We have delayed returns for other stars to be certain of their readiness, I am not sure he plays if it is a 50:50 choice given so many are in line for selection.

Pitto is a fascinating one. Our preferred model is either tandem rucks or JSOS giving a chop out. TDK has improved in leaps and bounds in the back half of the year and is ready for 70-80% ruck time, but that other 20-30% is a quandary. Do we Rob Peter to pay Paul with Harry doing a bit. Crippa would contribute normally, but if his ribs are still an issue, we would be reluctant to do so. I like Pitto in, but it is a difficult argument for him to do 30-40% ruck time. Sure we could plan to sub him off, but that is reliant on no injuries.

Fogarty is a pressure king and an excellent reader of play. A good link man through the middle and handy at clearance. Falls down on the point of disposal, particularly penetration by foot. Not a real forward threat, struggling to kick 40 metres at times.

Cuningham has an element of x-factor, but has seemed a little tired of late. The week off probably refreshes him enough to stay in the mix. Has “saved” his career and will be a factor in 2024. A little unclear if he holds his spot at the pointy end of ‘23 with such competition for the ‘22.

Cincotta is almost a lock for me. Struggled to get up last week with soreness. The mere fact he was selected is a guide to his place in the pecking order. A week off, running on top of the ground, only misses if the MC opt for both Fisher and Marchbank ahead of him.

Boyd has been put up by a few, I don’t see it. Quality player with magnificent disposal. Played a blinder first game back in the twos, then invisible in the next. It is hard to see him pushing past Cinc, Marchy and Fish to reclaim a spot now.

Playing devil's advocate here, but since round 12 we have been missing at least 2 of our preferred mid/wing options every week.

Doc was simply the best option to plug holes, preferred to Dow initially. Did we want him playing there, or were we forced by circumstances? We also had good replacement options in Cincotta and Boyd, who we were happy to get games into.

Fisher only came in to the side in round 21, with Boyd and Gov out. I think he doesn't have enough defensive experience to risk in a final. That leaves the choice between an All Australian half back, or Boyd (which may happen). Marchy leaves us too top heavy. We shouldn't worry about their relatively weak talls - play to our strengths and believe we are the better side.

To me, playing Doc back enables us to pick the greater number of our best players in suitable positions.

 

[MrsEddieBetts]

can you take brollys into the G?

 

[Stamos]

can you take brollys into the G?

You can take them in, you can't put them up

 

[skadoosh]

can you take brollys into the G?

MCG conditions of entry

Conditions of entry at MCG events, including a list of prohibited items.

www.mcg.org.au

• Umbrellas cannot be raised in seating areas whilst activity is taking place on the arena. Patrons can purchase disposable plastic ponchos at most catering outlets.

You can bring them. But you can't use it while the game is on.

 

[JoeyPBLUES]

I get that line of thinking from non-Carlton supporters, but what they're overlooking are 2 significant issues, Issue 1) Our clearance work is our strength and this is a final meaning we need our best centre square options this (Per Vossy) includes Pitt giving our mids first use in the centre GWS exposed us last week in the middle (albeit without Crippa) Issue 2) Forecast is wet/cold meaning the game may very well end up in a slog/contest to contest meaning more contests which suits us & Pitt

 

[4flagsin5yrs]

Wet weather footy lends itself to a more contested game which we are number 1 at.


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just as likely to be a dry game...

 

[JoeyPBLUES]

just as likely to be a dry game...

It'll still be dewy & slippery under foot I'd say, They're playing on it Thursday night plus there's showers listed Thursday & Friday.

 

[Sweet Seventeen]

Yeah I get that line of thinking from non-Carlton supporters, but what they're overlooking are 2 significant issues, Issue 1) Our clearance work is our strength and this is a final meaning we need our best centre square options this (Per Vossy) includes Pitt giving our mids first use in the centre GWS exposed us last week in the middle (albeit without Crippa) Issue 2) Forecast is wet/cold meaning the game may very well end up in a slog/contest to contest meaning more contests which suits us & Pitt

Pitt plays Friday night, absolute no-brainer. Should be moving much better now after a weeks break.

He is a very good tap ruckman and will give our mid's first use, more often than not. Wet conditions will make this game, more like a rugby scrum
with heaps of ball-ups. We should dominate the game with our powerful on-ball brigade getting first use.

If he struggles again, then sub him off for a smaller, mobile type in the third quarter. Risk with this is, other injuries are going to be a problem.

 

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Friday 8 September​

Summary Min 9Max 12Showers.Possible rainfall: 2 to 8 mmChance of any rain: 100%

Melbourne area​

Cloudy. Very high chance of showers with possible small hail, becoming less likely in the evening. Winds west to northwesterly 15 to 25 km/h turning southwesterly 25 to 35 km/h during the morning.

It will be cold no doubt, but drainage on the MCG is very good so the conditions will have minimal impact on the game and team selection.

 

[ItsAllAboutMe]

Pitt plays Friday night, absolute no-brainer. Should be moving much better now after a weeks break.

He is a very good tap ruckman and will give our mid's first use, more often than not. Wet conditions will make this game, more like a rugby scrum
with heaps of ball-ups. We should dominate the game with our powerful on-ball brigade getting first use.

If he struggles again, then sub him off for a smaller, mobile type in the third quarter. Risk with this is, other injuries are going to be a problem.

The issue with Pitt is not his tap work, it's what he does/doesn't do for the remaining 95% of the game, and if the perceived advantage he gives our mids justifies having a witches hat on the ground for the rest of the match. It's worth remembering that our form turned around and probably our best midfield performances occurred when we had JSOS and Lewis Young as our rucks.

The other issue is that TDK is not a forward, offers nothing and often gets in the way of Harry & Charlies leading patterns. Similar to the Brodie Grundy & Max Gawn thing, the Dees have realised it simply doesnt work. If we do go with Pittonet then they have to rotate off the bench and we effectively lose a rotation.

 

[JoeyPBLUES]

Pitt plays Friday night, absolute no-brainer. Should be moving much better now after a weeks break.

He is a very good tap ruckman and will give our mid's first use, more often than not. Wet conditions will make this game, more like a rugby scrum
with heaps of ball-ups. We should dominate the game with our powerful on-ball brigade getting first use.

If he struggles again, then sub him off for a smaller, mobile type in the third quarter. Risk with this is, other injuries are going to be a problem.

This is why Kennedy sub would be good

 

[bluesfever16]

Yeah I get that line of thinking from non-Carlton supporters, but what they're overlooking are 2 significant issues, Issue 1) Our clearance work is our strength and this is a final meaning we need our best centre square options this (Per Vossy) includes Pitt giving our mids first use in the centre GWS exposed us last week in the middle (albeit without Crippa) Issue 2) Forecast is wet/cold meaning the game may very well end up in a slog/contest to contest meaning more contests which suits us & Pitt

I understand both those points but if the weather is bad shouldn't that be less of a reason for us to go in too tall? The last time we played swans we went with 2 rucks and it was a disaster. Yes we were going horribly but so were the swans. Either way the point I was trying to make with that extract was not about pittonet. It was that TDK is a ruckman and not a fwd/ruck that some people wanna try and make him out to be. As well as the fact that many people completely overrate the role of the backup ruck. Gonna be an intriguing selection come Thursday.

 

[TENACIOUS]

If the weather is still to be as bad as expected…

I could see us leaving Pittonet out for another mid or small forward…

 

[reubsblues]

Is it just me but dam Kennedy stands out in the videos of match sim if he wasn't coming off a lengthy injury he would 100% play
Id say he will be sub

 

[Benaly28]

Play Pitto as he bashes and crashes in the ruck then sub him later on for a runner.


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[Blue4Life]

Durdin - Motlop
Dow - Cripps
Hollands - Doc
Fisher - Boyd
Marchbank - Kennedy (Sub)

I reckon Harry will play the same role as last week

 

[BigFrizz36]

Playing devil's advocate here, but since round 12 we have been missing at least 2 of our preferred mid/wing options every week.

Doc was simply the best option to plug holes, preferred to Dow initially. Did we want him playing there, or were we forced by circumstances? We also had good replacement options in Cincotta and Boyd, who we were happy to get games into.

Fisher only came in to the side in round 21, with Boyd and Gov out. I think he doesn't have enough defensive experience to risk in a final. That leaves the choice between an All Australian half back, or Boyd (which may happen). Marchy leaves us too top heavy. We shouldn't worry about their relatively weak talls - play to our strengths and believe we are the better side.

To me, playing Doc back enables us to pick the greater number of our best players in suitable positions.

I'm with Arr0w here. Doc is of more value to us as a general mid/winger than as a defender.

By this I mean that we can get others to cover his role as a flanker (Cincotta, Boyd, Marchbank ) better than we can cover a mid role. He is usually a 30 touches mid who will do a bit on the wing, play defensive mid and even cover another teams mid that has been hurting us. There are plenty on here who (believe it or not) still underestimate what Doc does for us, who just look at stats or a missed kick here or there.

If Acres doesn't play then Doc definitely plays wing. If he does I suspect that he plays as a general (all encompassing) mid. I think that that is where Vossy has him in our best team.

 

[Benaly28]

The ins are:
Cripps/Doc/Motlop/Pitto

Kennedy only as sub you’d think if he’s selected.

Outs are harder.


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[BlueSuede]

Is it just me but dam Kennedy stands out in the videos of match sim if he wasn't coming off a lengthy injury he would 100% play
Id say he will be sub

I reckon this is very likely outcome. Wish we'd had a reserve game to play him in last weekend.

 

[Earls Smother]

I'm not a massive Daniel Hoyne fan but he chose to speak nothing but 100% facts here. An extract from SEN.

Carlton has a tough selection call to make in the ruck department. They omitted Marc Pittonet for their Round 24 clash with GWS, forcing Harry McKay into the backup ruck role.

Hoyne says the Blues should stick with that mix, saying Tom De Koning has had an excellent six weeks in the ruck.

“I just want to put this on the agenda for Carlton supporters as well,” he said.

“His best position, the last six weeks, he is clearly a ruckman. He is not a forward.




“I would not be playing Pittonet. I would be keeping this really simple. Let this guy go.

“As a ruckman over the last six weeks he’s been the eighth best ruckman in the competition. As a forward, sixth worst forward in the competition.

“Just put Harry McKay in the ruck for five minutes per quarter. The second ruck role, we talk about it a lot, it’s 20 minutes a game. Don’t lose sleep over it.”

He might speak 100% facts, but he omits 50% of other facts.

Pitto has only played 4 games in the last 6 weeks (since round 14 actually), all with a sore knee and whilst regaining fitness. The fact we play him with the sore knee says a bit IMO. We have won all those games, 3 of them against top 6 sides.

He has just had a 3 week break to assist with the knee.

Voss has fond memories of ruckmen wearing 27 who come in and influence big finals. He plays.

 

[Stamos]

Leaving Pitto out and rucking H would be a high-risk selection strategy.
You don't make high-risk selections for games that you should just be winning.

If you need to do something really special to get the win, then sure. But if we rock up and play our game we'll win.
Time to be conservative with selection.

 

[reubsblues]

I reckon this is very likely outcome. Wish we'd had a reserve game to play him in last weekend.

He is so good at reading the ruck contest and getting first hands on it

 

[BigFrizz36]

I'd like to display Champion Data the amount of respect that they deserve here (Switkowski should be in the AA team?) - None

Anyone who saw the giants game saw how badly the Harry in the ruck thing worked. It looked a quick way to turn him into a draft horse.

I think that clearances were about even but there's were decisive and ours were insipid.

The way that we beat the swans is to dominate them at clearance, over and over again. We are ranked the #1 team for scores from clearance they are ranked #16. Pitto bangs into them and TDK jumps over them. And we give our blokes first use of the ball.

And in a perfect world half way through the third when they are worn down we sub Pitto off and bring on a runner.

We've got a one wood that we are the best in the comp at using. Let's just take it out and use it on Friday night.

 

[thylacine60]

You can take them in, you can't put them up

this is fair dinkum, madness....