Will Carlton be the 'bolter' in 2023?

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Does the 'bolter' have to leap from the blocks? Carlton are treading water and playing very poorly right now, but as others have mentioned a favourable draw and lots of good players still means there is a long way to go.

There is a recipe for it to happen that goes something like:

- Current = 4-1-3: mix of good wins against bad teams, and some bleak losses to top 4 (albeit not by THAT much on the scoreboard) raises a few questions...

- Next 4 weeks = Bulldogs, Collingwood, SYDNEY, Melbourne. Best case scenario is eke out a win vs Bulldogs, then a bad beat vs Collingwood or Sydney puts the blowtorch on. The team makes some adjustments, gets a few guys who are playing but just going through the motions back into a good headspace, improves in a bit of a baptism of fire... and probably still loses narrowly to Melbourne, but this is a 'better' loss with quite a few signs. 5-1-6 on the scoreboard, but suddenly playing better footy than 6 losses in 8 weeks might suggest, and having sharpened skills against the best

- This leads into a BIG win over Essendon and suddenly confidence is back, and wins against GC (in melb) and Hawthorn come easily. Then Freo in Perth (happy hunting ground for Curnow), and a win over Port in Melb (who fail to show up) and a home game vs the Eagles, and suddenly we are back... 11-1-6 with a bullet (or even 10-1-7 if you give us a loss vs Freo or Port).

- Suddenly, Carlton vs Collingwood rematch is the hottest ticket in town. Collingwood knocked us out of finals last year, embarrased us earlier this season, but they're also fading a bit as the year goes on and... as we did last year in round 22 we play well and open up a 4-ish goal lead at 3/4 time. Collingwood expect to storm home, but Cripps puts on a clinic in the first 5 minutes of the last quarter, Collingwood can't even get the ball, and suddenly it is 6 goals... then 7... then 8... and... on it goes

- Round out the year with St Kilda, Melbourne, GC (away) and GWS to finish up something like 15-1-7 and in 5th spot.

- First final vs Bulldogs at the MCG, then a third game vs Collingwood for a spot in the prelim, sets up what is the biggest match in probably two decades that isn't a prelim or GF...

I don't think anything there is wildly improbable... but so much depends on how the club and team react when the firing squad comes in the next month (and it's coming... the team is like the Titanic on course for the iceberg right now in the style and attitude it is showing). If we can ride the wave and use the heavy defeats we are facing to iron out the deficiencies and rise to the challenge then the opportunity to 'be the bolter' is still right there imo. But go into our shell or start feeling the pressure and suddenly it could fall apart fairly fast. Strangely, I don't really think there ris a middle ground - I really don't see a scenario where Carlton has a small rally and limps into 8th spot, for example.
 
Does the 'bolter' have to leap from the blocks? Carlton are treading water and playing very poorly right now, but as others have mentioned a favourable draw and lots of good players still means there is a long way to go.

There is a recipe for it to happen that goes something like:

- Current = 4-1-3: mix of good wins against bad teams, and some bleak losses to top 4 (albeit not by THAT much on the scoreboard) raises a few questions...

- Next 4 weeks = Bulldogs, Collingwood, SYDNEY, Melbourne. Best case scenario is eke out a win vs Bulldogs, then a bad beat vs Collingwood or Sydney puts the blowtorch on. The team makes some adjustments, gets a few guys who are playing but just going through the motions back into a good headspace, improves in a bit of a baptism of fire... and probably still loses narrowly to Melbourne, but this is a 'better' loss with quite a few signs. 5-1-6 on the scoreboard, but suddenly playing better footy than 6 losses in 8 weeks might suggest, and having sharpened skills against the best

- This leads into a BIG win over Essendon and suddenly confidence is back, and wins against GC (in melb) and Hawthorn come easily. Then Freo in Perth (happy hunting ground for Curnow), and a win over Port in Melb (who fail to show up) and a home game vs the Eagles, and suddenly we are back... 11-1-6 with a bullet (or even 10-1-7 if you give us a loss vs Freo or Port).

- Suddenly, Carlton vs Collingwood rematch is the hottest ticket in town. Collingwood knocked us out of finals last year, embarrased us earlier this season, but they're also fading a bit as the year goes on and... as we did last year in round 22 we play well and open up a 4-ish goal lead at 3/4 time. Collingwood expect to storm home, but Cripps puts on a clinic in the first 5 minutes of the last quarter, Collingwood can't even get the ball, and suddenly it is 6 goals... then 7... then 8... and... on it goes

- Round out the year with St Kilda, Melbourne, GC (away) and GWS to finish up something like 15-1-7 and in 5th spot.

- First final vs Bulldogs at the MCG, then a third game vs Collingwood for a spot in the prelim, sets up what is the biggest match in probably two decades that isn't a prelim or GF...

I don't think anything there is wildly improbable... but so much depends on how the club and team react when the firing squad comes in the next month (and it's coming... the team is like the Titanic on course for the iceberg right now in the style and attitude it is showing). If we can ride the wave and use the heavy defeats we are facing to iron out the deficiencies and rise to the challenge then the opportunity to 'be the bolter' is still right there imo. But go into our shell or start feeling the pressure and suddenly it could fall apart fairly fast. Strangely, I don't really think there ris a middle ground - I really don't see a scenario where Carlton has a small rally and limps into 8th spot, for example.
You're dreaming...
 
Does the 'bolter' have to leap from the blocks? Carlton are treading water and playing very poorly right now, but as others have mentioned a favourable draw and lots of good players still means there is a long way to go.

There is a recipe for it to happen that goes something like:

- Current = 4-1-3: mix of good wins against bad teams, and some bleak losses to top 4 (albeit not by THAT much on the scoreboard) raises a few questions...

- Next 4 weeks = Bulldogs, Collingwood, SYDNEY, Melbourne. Best case scenario is eke out a win vs Bulldogs, then a bad beat vs Collingwood or Sydney puts the blowtorch on. The team makes some adjustments, gets a few guys who are playing but just going through the motions back into a good headspace, improves in a bit of a baptism of fire... and probably still loses narrowly to Melbourne, but this is a 'better' loss with quite a few signs. 5-1-6 on the scoreboard, but suddenly playing better footy than 6 losses in 8 weeks might suggest, and having sharpened skills against the best

- This leads into a BIG win over Essendon and suddenly confidence is back, and wins against GC (in melb) and Hawthorn come easily. Then Freo in Perth (happy hunting ground for Curnow), and a win over Port in Melb (who fail to show up) and a home game vs the Eagles, and suddenly we are back... 11-1-6 with a bullet (or even 10-1-7 if you give us a loss vs Freo or Port).

- Suddenly, Carlton vs Collingwood rematch is the hottest ticket in town. Collingwood knocked us out of finals last year, embarrased us earlier this season, but they're also fading a bit as the year goes on and... as we did last year in round 22 we play well and open up a 4-ish goal lead at 3/4 time. Collingwood expect to storm home, but Cripps puts on a clinic in the first 5 minutes of the last quarter, Collingwood can't even get the ball, and suddenly it is 6 goals... then 7... then 8... and... on it goes

- Round out the year with St Kilda, Melbourne, GC (away) and GWS to finish up something like 15-1-7 and in 5th spot.

- First final vs Bulldogs at the MCG, then a third game vs Collingwood for a spot in the prelim, sets up what is the biggest match in probably two decades that isn't a prelim or GF...

I don't think anything there is wildly improbable... but so much depends on how the club and team react when the firing squad comes in the next month (and it's coming... the team is like the Titanic on course for the iceberg right now in the style and attitude it is showing). If we can ride the wave and use the heavy defeats we are facing to iron out the deficiencies and rise to the challenge then the opportunity to 'be the bolter' is still right there imo. But go into our shell or start feeling the pressure and suddenly it could fall apart fairly fast. Strangely, I don't really think there ris a middle ground - I really don't see a scenario where Carlton has a small rally and limps into 8th spot, for example.
I'll have what you're having
 

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I'll have what you're having

I dont think it is likely. We are Carlton after all, so a slide to 15th is also on the cards.

Just saying there is a path.

The flipside of a tough run of ganes when playing bad football is that it makes you rethink and adjust. We then have an easier run to turn things around, that's all.
 
Does the 'bolter' have to leap from the blocks? Carlton are treading water and playing very poorly right now, but as others have mentioned a favourable draw and lots of good players still means there is a long way to go.

There is a recipe for it to happen that goes something like:

- Current = 4-1-3: mix of good wins against bad teams, and some bleak losses to top 4 (albeit not by THAT much on the scoreboard) raises a few questions...

- Next 4 weeks = Bulldogs, Collingwood, SYDNEY, Melbourne. Best case scenario is eke out a win vs Bulldogs, then a bad beat vs Collingwood or Sydney puts the blowtorch on. The team makes some adjustments, gets a few guys who are playing but just going through the motions back into a good headspace, improves in a bit of a baptism of fire... and probably still loses narrowly to Melbourne, but this is a 'better' loss with quite a few signs. 5-1-6 on the scoreboard, but suddenly playing better footy than 6 losses in 8 weeks might suggest, and having sharpened skills against the best

- This leads into a BIG win over Essendon and suddenly confidence is back, and wins against GC (in melb) and Hawthorn come easily. Then Freo in Perth (happy hunting ground for Curnow), and a win over Port in Melb (who fail to show up) and a home game vs the Eagles, and suddenly we are back... 11-1-6 with a bullet (or even 10-1-7 if you give us a loss vs Freo or Port).

- Suddenly, Carlton vs Collingwood rematch is the hottest ticket in town. Collingwood knocked us out of finals last year, embarrased us earlier this season, but they're also fading a bit as the year goes on and... as we did last year in round 22 we play well and open up a 4-ish goal lead at 3/4 time. Collingwood expect to storm home, but Cripps puts on a clinic in the first 5 minutes of the last quarter, Collingwood can't even get the ball, and suddenly it is 6 goals... then 7... then 8... and... on it goes

- Round out the year with St Kilda, Melbourne, GC (away) and GWS to finish up something like 15-1-7 and in 5th spot.

- First final vs Bulldogs at the MCG, then a third game vs Collingwood for a spot in the prelim, sets up what is the biggest match in probably two decades that isn't a prelim or GF...

I don't think anything there is wildly improbable... but so much depends on how the club and team react when the firing squad comes in the next month (and it's coming... the team is like the Titanic on course for the iceberg right now in the style and attitude it is showing). If we can ride the wave and use the heavy defeats we are facing to iron out the deficiencies and rise to the challenge then the opportunity to 'be the bolter' is still right there imo. But go into our shell or start feeling the pressure and suddenly it could fall apart fairly fast. Strangely, I don't really think there ris a middle ground - I really don't see a scenario where Carlton has a small rally and limps into 8th spot, for example.
Brother I know the pain of supporting a pathetic football club that lets you down every single year, seemingly forever, but coming up with these absurd fantasies is not the answer.
 
Brother I know the pain of supporting a pathetic football club that lets you down every single year, seemingly forever, but coming up with these absurd fantasies is not the answer.

Its not an absurd fantasy, and im pretty realistic. I did directly compare the team to the titanic...

But again, it is round 8. Carlton are playing trash football (and i think most would agree ubderperforming) and are going to be somewhere in the 8-10 range post round.

Is it really that much of a fantasy to see a rally to finals?
 

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Does the 'bolter' have to leap from the blocks? Carlton are treading water and playing very poorly right now, but as others have mentioned a favourable draw and lots of good players still means there is a long way to go.

There is a recipe for it to happen that goes something like:

- Current = 4-1-3: mix of good wins against bad teams, and some bleak losses to top 4 (albeit not by THAT much on the scoreboard) raises a few questions...

- Next 4 weeks = Bulldogs, Collingwood, SYDNEY, Melbourne. Best case scenario is eke out a win vs Bulldogs, then a bad beat vs Collingwood or Sydney puts the blowtorch on. The team makes some adjustments, gets a few guys who are playing but just going through the motions back into a good headspace, improves in a bit of a baptism of fire... and probably still loses narrowly to Melbourne, but this is a 'better' loss with quite a few signs. 5-1-6 on the scoreboard, but suddenly playing better footy than 6 losses in 8 weeks might suggest, and having sharpened skills against the best

- This leads into a BIG win over Essendon and suddenly confidence is back, and wins against GC (in melb) and Hawthorn come easily. Then Freo in Perth (happy hunting ground for Curnow), and a win over Port in Melb (who fail to show up) and a home game vs the Eagles, and suddenly we are back... 11-1-6 with a bullet (or even 10-1-7 if you give us a loss vs Freo or Port).

- Suddenly, Carlton vs Collingwood rematch is the hottest ticket in town. Collingwood knocked us out of finals last year, embarrased us earlier this season, but they're also fading a bit as the year goes on and... as we did last year in round 22 we play well and open up a 4-ish goal lead at 3/4 time. Collingwood expect to storm home, but Cripps puts on a clinic in the first 5 minutes of the last quarter, Collingwood can't even get the ball, and suddenly it is 6 goals... then 7... then 8... and... on it goes

- Round out the year with St Kilda, Melbourne, GC (away) and GWS to finish up something like 15-1-7 and in 5th spot.

- First final vs Bulldogs at the MCG, then a third game vs Collingwood for a spot in the prelim, sets up what is the biggest match in probably two decades that isn't a prelim or GF...

I don't think anything there is wildly improbable... but so much depends on how the club and team react when the firing squad comes in the next month (and it's coming... the team is like the Titanic on course for the iceberg right now in the style and attitude it is showing). If we can ride the wave and use the heavy defeats we are facing to iron out the deficiencies and rise to the challenge then the opportunity to 'be the bolter' is still right there imo. But go into our shell or start feeling the pressure and suddenly it could fall apart fairly fast. Strangely, I don't really think there ris a middle ground - I really don't see a scenario where Carlton has a small rally and limps into 8th spot, for example.
I see this as well mate. Just got a Japanese hand reading done here in the local markets. Told her about the loss last night, she reckons big things are on the horizon. The doubters will be out and vocal, but sit tight, we are coming.
 
I see this as well mate. Just got a Japanese hand reading done here in the local markets. Told her about the loss last night, she reckons big things are on the horizon. The doubters will be out and vocal, but sit tight, we are coming.
You had some hand work done and now you’re coming? Adds up
 
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I see this as well mate. Just got a Japanese hand reading done here in the local markets. Told her about the loss last night, she reckons big things are on the horizon. The doubters will be out and vocal, but sit tight, we are coming.
Japanese " hand reading" sounds a euphemism for ahem, something else
 
I struggle to understand how they are where they are and coping alot of negativity with their list.

Current Brownlow winner
The last two Coleman winners
A handy contested midfield who lack a lot of speed but have enough to win it comfortably inside.
They have probably a top 10 key back in defence.

What's the issue? There's probably 12-14 players who would walk into any side and instantly make them better.
 
I struggle to understand how they are where they are and coping alot of negativity with their list.

Current Brownlow winner
The last two Coleman winners
A handy contested midfield who lack a lot of speed but have enough to win it comfortably inside.
They have probably a top 10 key back in defence.

What's the issue? There's probably 12-14 players who would walk into any side and instantly make them better.

Kind of reminds me of GWS and GCS in their starting years. Had all the talent in the world yet couldn’t have any success.
 
I struggle to understand how they are where they are and coping alot of negativity with their list.

Current Brownlow winner
The last two Coleman winners
A handy contested midfield who lack a lot of speed but have enough to win it comfortably inside.
They have probably a top 10 key back in defence.

What's the issue? There's probably 12-14 players who would walk into any side and instantly make them better.
Game plan
 
I struggle to understand how they are where they are and coping alot of negativity with their list.

Current Brownlow winner
The last two Coleman winners
A handy contested midfield who lack a lot of speed but have enough to win it comfortably inside.
They have probably a top 10 key back in defence.

What's the issue? There's probably 12-14 players who would walk into any side and instantly make them better.
Give me the 10th to 14th best players on Carlton's list that would walk into the Collingwood, Melbourne or Brisbane sides and make them better?
 
Give me the 10th to 14th best players on Carlton's list that would walk into the Collingwood, Melbourne or Brisbane sides and make them better?
I think it's a bit of an over reaction for some sides in the 8.

Mckay, curnow, cripps, weitering and I'd say at a stretch Walsh with his running power would make Collingwood, Melbourne and Brisbane instantly better.
 

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Will Carlton be the 'bolter' in 2023?

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