Review Game days suck - Carlton prevail

[Lana]

Sounds like there's only two drafts between now and Tassie starting to draft though. That's what they said on gettable this week. Your draftees from this year wouldn't have played 50 games.

I think if you want to be playing well when Tassie hits you need to add 25 year olds now

There is a loose start year of 2028 (I think that is way too optimistic), so the compromised draft of 2027 gives us three early looks, We already have the 25 year olds on the list, its just that they're 22 right now, We just don't have the mass to compete now and also then

 

[Cat_Mancini]

Being there live it just stood out the gap in class and endeavor. We don’t compete hard enough around the contests. They continually walked out of tackles and were able to free themselves. When they forced us down the line we got out marked most of the time. Our defence has been given no time to set up because who ever we play atm gets in first chain the ball out and is able to separate our interceptors leaving lots of one on ones.

I guess pressure causes mistakes but our decision making when coming out of the backline was terrible as we consistently turned it over or kicked to an outnumber. We are not hard to play against and it has been a long time since that has been the case.

Very sad to see Hawk go off like that as he is a legend of our club and we have been so lucky to have him. Hopefully he gets back for a farewell but he was practically incapable of competing tonight.
Cripps torched us but he was afforded so much space and time. Hopefully the MC will see the need to change! Very hard right now to see the wheel turn but it will eventually!

 

[Footy Smarts]

Maybe I'm reading it wrong but I reckon there might be some hard conversations had with players this week going by Scott's press conference.

Not going to be wholesale changes but I'll be shocked if we don't see a few younger players and likely a debutant next week.

 

[numbwombat]

This year is a wash, the only team we've beaten in 2 months is on the bottom of the ladder. Half our 22 is washed or will be in the next year or so.

We should be aiming to start a rise up the ladder peak the year of the compromised draft of the new Tasmanian team.

Go young, build up a core together top up once we have a solid group. be thankful we're not starting from zero. Accept that there isn't any short cut available. Fighting against it is only going increase the pain.

Agree with much of this, but you say half the 22 and I only see from the 22 the 6 who are already a good chance to retire?? (Duncan, Danger, Tuohy, Rohan, Blitz, Hawk.)

Can’t push out Cameron & Stewart.
Could but I think shouldn’t delist any/many of Bowes, O’Connor, Atkins, Kolo, Close. Phase them out slowly, but you risk extending the rebuild by 5+ years if you go too young too fast. Others not getting a game will be delisted, 8-10 in total.

 

[nohairandfair]

I might have to go to specsavers.

I saw temerity, a lack of interest, and a bloke wide eyed by the bullying from his brother.

And language classes

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Comprehensive, thoughtful analysis but got to disagree with Clark. Definitely had a crack, but tackling was very weak, even allowing for his youth, and he was mistake ridden by foot. Needs to be much more prudent with his passing - his stabs are often to manned up player or misdirected.

He hasnt found the pace of afl yet (and partly that is lack of tank-decisions under fatigue). But he does 2 or 3 things every game-small things-that say this kid will be absolute A grade. His body just isnt ready and will need time.

 

[Footy Smarts]

Not sure how the ruck is a hole in our team when we've got 3 or 4 rucks listed to play in the VFL on Sunday and we have a KDP and utility playing that role in the seniors.

You seen the performances of Stanley and Conway against good rucks this year?

The crazy thing is TDK tonight wasn't even a stand out performance by a ruck against us so far this year. Grundy, Briggs, Gawn, Pittonet, etc have all done that.

 

[catters05]

stengles goal was class though, still hope he stays.

 

[ShaunWDT]

I can’t believe some posters are attacking Clark like he’s the main worry for the side

FMD he’s 19 seriously

Age doesnt mean hes exempt from critique, cost us easily 5 goals tonight.

At some point youve got to stop gifting games to guys that arent up to the level.

 

[Oisin_the_Goat]

Not much to say about that one. So next week is it Hardie, Lawson and the Cowboy in ?

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Agree with much of this, but you say half the 22 and I only see from the 22 the 6 who are already a good chance to retire?? (Duncan, Danger, Tuohy, Rohan, Blitz, Hawk.)

Can’t push out Cameron & Stewart.
Could but I think shouldn’t delist any/many of Bowes, O’Connor, Atkins, Kolo, Close. Phase them out slowly, but you risk extending the rebuild by 5+ years if you go too young too fast. Others not getting a game will be delisted, 8-10 in total.

Hawkins
Stanley (not b22 anyway)
Duncan
Tuohy
Rohan
Moc
Mullin

(Plus parf)

Could all easily go without losing much. Same with bowes and both henrys and sdk are down on form.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Maybe I'm reading it wrong but I reckon there might be some hard conversations had with players this week going by Scott's press conference.

Not going to be wholesale changes but I'll be shocked if we don't see a few younger players and likely a debutant next week.

Ill be shocked if we dont see mannagh next week after tonight. But yes humphries might play too.

 

[numbwombat]

Hawkins
Stanley (not b22 anyway)
Duncan
Tuohy
Rohan
Moc
Mullin

(Plus parf)

Could all easily go without losing much. Same with bowes and both henrys and sdk are down on form.

If you’re talking delistings/retirements, which I think Lana was, then Mullin, both Henrys, and SDK are realistically absolutely zero chance. I think Bowes is being played out of position and disappointing but also virtually no chance.

 

[#cats2021]

Don’t take this the wrong way - but that is horseshit

Is it though?

 

[Pure_Ownage]

If you’re talking delistings/retirements, which I think Lana was, then Mullin, both Henrys, and SDK are realistically absolutely zero chance. I think Bowes is being played out of position and disappointing but also virtually no chance.

I was referring to vfl time with the last few not retirements.

Although parf will get delisted/leave as FA.

 

[kickazz]

Time to drop some players. It wasn't all bad luck, there is a lack of intensity from some for several weeks now.

 

[Lana]

Hawkins
Stanley (not b22 anyway)
Duncan
Tuohy
Rohan
Moc
Mullin

(Plus parf)

Could all easily go without losing much. Same with bowes and both henrys and sdk are down on form.

If you’re talking delistings/retirements, which I think Lana was, then Mullin, both Henrys, and SDK are realistically absolutely zero chance. I think Bowes is being played out of position and disappointing but also virtually no chance.

I certainly didn't stare at the list when I wrote half the team

But pretty all of our OOC 31+ year old brigade should go. Plus Parfitt. Start banking the cap space.

Of our 31+ year olds, only
Stewart (2027)
Blicavs (2025)
Cameron (2025)
Are contracted

Our older role players are contracted for next year
Kolodjashnij (2027)
Atkins (2025)
O'Connor (2026)

Let the MC go into a pre-season with a clean sheet and build around what we have, rather than trying to hide what we can't do.

 

[moond0g]

I'm going to preface this by saying I totally get the uncertainty, frustration & maybe even annoyance with Bowes game tonight, BUT I think a good position of that has to be directed towards the coaching group

---

We need to work out what type of player we want Bowes to be

Against the Tigers, playing as a pure midfielder he had 29 disposals, 9 clearances, 11 inside 50s to go with 636 metres gained

Can't comment on the Swans match, but tonight he spent the first half playing from the forward line and after Mullin was subbed out he was shifted to defence

When starting forward, he was basically at the top of the arc at every centre bounce and working from there - it's the same spot we saw Dempsey playing from against the Tigers, when he put himself back in the frame for the Rising Star...I know who out of those I'd rather see playing that role

And much like when Stewart was subbed off against Brisbane, he's been shifted to defence to fill the hole

Not sure we know how to use him, but seriously, we've seen what he can offer as a full-time mid and he's in that right age group & size for what we're missing

I agree 100% with you that Bowes probably needs some role clarity to be able to flourish.

But I’m also a little concerned. His 2 good games in the midfield have been against north and Richmond, the two worst sides. Maybe he just isn’t quite good enough to play as a full time mid against the better quality teams? Aside from those games he’s looked more like a solid enough role player most of the time. Maybe that’s all he’ll be.

 

[cats_09]

I agree 100% with you that Bowes probably needs some role clarity to be able to flourish.

But I’m also a little concerned. His 2 good games in the midfield have been against north and Richmond, the two worst sides. Maybe he just isn’t quite good enough to play as a full time mid against the better quality teams? Aside from those games he’s looked more like a solid enough role player most of the time. Maybe that’s all he’ll be.

He went ok against the Bulldogs in the last round of last season

 

[Heckler]

Reality is sinking in : The cliff is here.
Been a while since Cats have lost consecutive games
Sure, there were aberrations like 2021 PF v Demons.
Tonight reminded me of the rebuilding years 2013-19
Teams mixed with aging stars and inexperienced kids.
Generational players retired but the decline was gradual.
Stars that lost desire and kids brushed aside with ease.
Attacking transition chains breaking down due to skills.
Forced to play slow defensive unattractive football.
An average at best list with a lack of genuine depth
Those were tough and frustrating years for Cat fans.
Good enough to make finals, but never a flag threat.
Eventually players improved and superstars arrived.
The team started playing champagne football again.
Understand, this regeneration cycle will repeat again.
Remember fondly our aging stars that brought us joy.
Allow our champions the grace to retire with dignity.
Grant the kids the time to mature and develop fully.
Initially there will be more bad times than good.
Don't dwell on the negatives. Cats future is positive.
New faces will be given a chance. Some are gems.
Keep expectations in perspective. All in good time.

Goodbye Tom Hawkins

26

Tom Hawkins

Age

36

Ht

197cm

Wt

105kg

Pos.

Fwd

Career

Season

Last 5

D

12.2

3star

K

7.9

3star

HB

4.4

3star

M

5.5

5star

T

1.9

4star

G

2.1

5star

D

12.7

3star

K

8.6

3star

HB

4.1

3star

M

5.1

5star

T

2.1

3star

G

1.6

5star

D

7.8

2star

K

5.6

3star

HB

2.2

2star

M

4.2

4star

T

1.0

3star

G

2.2

5star

, Cats longest serving player.
It's sad to see a Cat superstar succumb to injury.

 

[Strange Cat]

Age doesnt mean hes exempt from critique, cost us easily 5 goals tonight.

At some point youve got to stop gifting games to guys that arent up to the level.

It’s his first year playing , I don’t get the hard assessment considering that there is about 2000 other more concerning things from the list than the performance of a first year player.

 

[bruce lindner]

I'll always back in the GFC MC but would love to know why we repeatedly have Hardie and Humphries as emergencies - are players carrying injuries into games we don't know about?

 

[bruce lindner]

I agree 100% with you that Bowes probably needs some role clarity to be able to flourish.

But I’m also a little concerned. His 2 good games in the midfield have been against north and Richmond, the two worst sides. Maybe he just isn’t quite good enough to play as a full time mid against the better quality teams? Aside from those games he’s looked more like a solid enough role player most of the time. Maybe that’s all he’ll be.

Agree. I wonder if the GFC MC want him to be the midfielder he may not be ready to be (as we've seen against tougher opposition) but also has the versatility to play as rebounding defender/designated kicker (which may ultimately be his more suited position)

 

[cats_09]

I'll always back in the GFC MC but would love to know why we repeatedly have Hardie and Humphries as emergencies - are players carrying injuries into games we don't know about?

We haven't had Hardie & Humphries repeatedly named as emergencies - this week was Humphries first time in the 26 player squad, and the second time for Hardie after he was the carry over player against Sydney

We've generally rotated our emergencies, but tried to maintain a balance of a tall, a midfielder and role player

 

[rocker_oz33]

Pretty poor shown from cats fans tonight.
This is the earliest I'm got home from melbourne night games..
Train wasnt packed out .
Vline were good night..

SCG and MCG..
Both loses...
Suit up again next week.