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juddsentant517's Preview ........
Carlton Blues
vs North Melbourne
Carlton Blues
vs North Melbourne
Form:
Carlton LWLLW
North Melbourne - WLLWW
There is a similar feeling to the last time these teams met. From memory, we were coming off a win and in a good position. North Melbourne were somewhat struggling, and North Melbourne prevailed in a Lindsay Thomas 7 goal inspired 'shinboner' like performance on the eve of a historic date (someone please enlighten me on what it was so i can edit this post) 97 to 68.
However, some things have changed. The confident Lindsay Thomas is a shell of his former self, and is currently out of the side. Despite this, North Melbourne are playing an exciting brand of football, with a dynamic midfield including the likes of Andrew Swallow, Danie Well, Jack Ziebell, Ryan Bastinac and the ever reliable Brent Harvey. These exciting midfielders are complemented by the outstanding young ruckman Todd Goldstein.
However, Carlton are on the back of an exciting 74 point shellacking over arch rivals Essendon, withthe likes of Eddie Betts kicking 8 goals, superstars such as Chris Judd and Marc Murphy running rampant, whilst the ever reliable Heath Scotland and Kade Simpson are at their consistent best.
Key Match Ups
Robert Warnock vs. Todd Goldstein
The last few weeks, Robert Warnock has been outstanding in the ruck, giving Carlton a clear advantage with first hand out of the middle, against smaller ruckman in Hille and Jolly. However, Todd Goldstein is primed to be one of the premier rucks in the competition, and I fear that Carlton's midfield will have to work harder to get the ball out of the middle. Robbie (and Kreuzer) must quell Goldstein's influence.
Levi Greenwood vs Chris Judd
If my memory serves correct, Levi did a fantastic job on Juddy last time round. And with the birth of baby juddy on the way, it would only be human for Juddy's mind to wander somewhat. However, Chris must focus or he will be targeted. Additionally, the rest of our midfield must do what they have done all season, and constantly block so Chris can be at his explosive best
Marc Murphy vs Andrew Swallow
You beauty! What a match up this is destined to be. Two similar players in stellar form, hopefully going head to head. The winner of this could determine the rest of the game. Am backing Murphy to slightly win this.
Andrew Carrazzo/David Ellard vs. Brent Harvey
Andy would be primed to go to the ever reliable Brent Harvey. However, if still injured, Ellard might be 2nd best bet. IMO, the best way to hurt Harvey is (whilst still being accountable) kick goals on the rebound. Both Ellard and Carrazzo love kicking a goal, but they must be weary because Harvey is the heart and soul of that club. He fires and so do they.
Armfield vs Wells
Armfield was fantastic on saturday. His explosive pace complemented his hard work in the middle. However, to go to Wells, i'd expect a more defensive game. He is probably best suited, however might be overwhelmed by the class and newly discovered hard running of Wells. Must stay accountable.
Eddie Betts vs Brady Rawlings
MCG eddie betts is different to Etihad Eddie Betts. And no disrespect to Henry Slattery, but Brady Rawlings is streets ahead as a defender. Hopefully Eddie can capture his form from last week, however I won't be surprised if he is quiet.
Robbie Tarrant vs Matty Kreuzer
should be an exciting duel this week ). Hopefully Matty can utilize his size to be a handful. Must not get under the ball! Tarrant is an exciting talent as a FB. Should be an interesting dual, and Kreuzer is usually the more inexperienced in head to head match ups. Some of the contests on Saturday night that Kreuzer was involved in really inspired confidence. Hopefully John Barker is having a major influence in his positioning.
Nick Duigan vs. Cameron Pederson
We have recently been severely undermanned in defence. However Duigan has been borderline heroic in playing on taller defenders, and prevented numerous goals by disciplined spoiling and a ferocious attack on the ball. However, will have his hands full on the Talented Pederson. Who (with Edwards) plays an admirable job as a forward decoy, and must not be underestimated in packs. From what I have seen, loves a pack mark
Ryan Bastinac vs Mitch Robinson
This too should be a beauty. Whilst Robinson may have that harder edge (and is our 'heart and soul - meat and potatoes) player, Bastinac is a beautifully skilled handballer (in case you don't believe me http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPWz72--wV8) and is very influential in the middle.
Chris Yarran vs. Matty Campbell (?)
Should be an exciting dual. I'd imagine Campbell will play a defensive role. Don't know much about him as a small forward, however i can't really think of anyone else who will play that role for NM
Michael Firrito vs Andrew Walker
Big match up!. Walker has been outstanding this weekend, and makes the most of his opportunity. However, the biggest test for him is to overcome the spotlight of 'that mark'. I'd imagine he is too professional to succumb to media pressure. Well I hope so anyways. Firrito is a very solid defender, and this should be a good contest. Walker is always good for 2/3 of goal each game though. Probably not a likely type to tear a game apart (ala Eddie Betts), more so a consistent performer
Scott McMahon vs. Jeffrey Garlett
Jeffrey has had the yips the last few weeks, and each week we say he is due. He has by no means been ordinary. In fact (big call), i'd rate him the most consistent performer of small forwards in the AFL. However, he is the most likely to damage opposition on the scoreboard. Haven't really taken notice of McMahon, so can't really talk about his defensive attributes. However, hopefully Garlett can utilize whatever space he is given, and hit the scoreboard hard!
Jeremy Laidler vs. Aaron Edwards
From what i have seen, Edwards seems to be somewhat hit and miss. Either plays really well, or doesn't hit the scoreboard. Whilst Edwards has Laidler in the air, and possibly on the lead. Laidler (as usual) will be instructed to run/zone off him at every opportunity. However, like pederson, Edwards should not be underestimated. Seems to be a very good kick, and can be damaging. Would feel more comfortable with Jamison vs. Petrie, White vs. Pederson and Duigan vs Edwards, but Carlton have to make the best of their situation. And Laidler is more than capable of playing good, accountable footy.
And Most importantly!
Lachie Henderson vs. Drew Petrie - Will determine the game. Petrie is in super, super form. Henderson must suppress Petrie's influence or else this match might get away from us. Henderson must stay strong in packs, and must be agile on a lead. Because Petrie will exploit his rawness in defence in those two aspects
Changes
In: Setanta O'Hailpin (Whilst our forwardline worked really well on Saturday, Eddie Betts won't kick 8 every week.Still need a tall forward) Andrew Carrazzo (best 22) Jordan Russell (best 22)
Out: Marcus Davies (Not best 22, should make way) Wayde Twomey (should make way as not best 22) Bret Thornton (With Russell and O'hailpin's possible return. His role might be replaced. Unlucky)
Result
Danger game! This match and next weeks match are absolutely must wins to entrench a spot in the 4 (especially with St Kilda bye Hawthorn to come). Hopefully the 'Etihad factor' or the "Media focus resulting in inflated ego' doesn't influence Carlton's performance. In reality,it depends on which Carlton turns up. However, Carlton will hopefully be too strong in the middle.
Carlton by 20