|
Venue: Telstra Dome | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: Fri 15 June 2007, 7:40pm | Result: Loss by 100 points | ||||||||||||||||||
| Umpires: M Avon, S McBurney, K Nicholls | Crowd: 53,459 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: Fevola 3; Fisher 2; Koutoufides, Murphy, Simpson, Waite, Walker, Whitnall, Wiggins | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: Nil | Injuries: Ackland (broken nose); Walker (dislocated shoulder) | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Both teams were unchanged at team selection (although Hawk up & comer Franklin would miss on the night) and each set of fans were confident. Some expected yet another shootout, some expected Hawthorn to apply the brakes to our scoring with a new, young defensive unit who had impressed all year.
The opening quarter was an excitable affair, going goal for goal and all but one from a set shot, with a series of marks Inside 50 to both teams. Brendan Fevola would kick 2, Jarrad Waite 1 and Marc Murphy our fourth. But the Hawks would kick the last 2 to end the quarter up by 14 points. It was end-to-end stuff but the Hawks were already owning the corridor, and the Blues had a reputation for being good starters...
What followed was outright annihilation at the hands of the Hawks. A mass of marks Inside 50 (38 for the game) as the Hawks midfield and defence ran riot with great teamwork and exceptional ability to clear the ball from contests blew the Blues away. 7 goals in the second quarter before 2 Blue consolation goals, was followed by a 14 goal to 5 second half as the Hawks scored their highest score and greatest winning margin against Carlton.
A 100 point margin - ironically in Pagan's 100th game as Coach - was a true measure of difference between the Clubs. Carlton would enter the long break with some serious wounds to address.
Best for the Blues were Andrew Carrazzo with 30 possessions, again our top possession winner and Kade Simpson with 26 and a series of great efforts against the flow in the second half (demonstrating real leadership). Brad Fisher continued his happy knack of kicking 2 a game, whilst Fevola kicked 3 from limited opportunities. In the wash-up to the game, it was revealed that Andrew Walker had dislocated his shoulder not once but twice during the game, yet played on throughout in a fantastic display of courage.
Team
| B: | 9 Jason Saddington | 8 Lance Whitnall | 32 Bret Thornton |
| HB: | 33 Ryan Houlihan | 1 Andrew Walker | 4 Bryce Gibbs |
| C: | 29 Heath Scotland | 7 Adam Bentick | 6 Kade Simpson |
| HF: | 12 Matthew Lappin | 30 Jarrad Waite | 3 Marc Murphy |
| F: | 14 Brad Fisher | 25 Brendan Fevola | 34 Simon Wiggins |
| Ruck: | 11 Cain Ackland | 31 Jordon Bannister | 44 Andrew Carrazzo |
| Interchange: | 2 Jordan Russell | 13 Luke Blackwell | 17 Setanta Ó hAilpín |
| 43 Anthony Koutoufides | |||
| Coach: | Denis Pagan | ||
| Emg: | 18 Paul Bower | 41 Ross Young | 23 Adam Hartlett |
Milestones
100 Games as Coach (Carlton): Denis PaganInteresting fact: The crowd figure of 53,459 set a new AFL record for the Telstra Dome
AFL Life Membership: Anthony Koutoufides automatically qualified for Life Membership of the AFL in this game with his 300th League match, (made up of 273 Carlton games, 26 pre-seasons games and one State of Origin game.
Interesting fact: This was only one of two occasions in 2007 in which Carlton were the older team on average
Score Records: This is Hawthorn's highest ever score and greatest winning margin against the Blues
Score Records: This was the opening loss of a record-equalling 14-game losing streak
Brownlow Votes
3. Luke Hodge, Hawthorn2. Sam Mitchell, Hawthorn
1. Shane Crawford, Hawthorn
Best and Fairest Votes
Andrew Carrazzo 24, Kade Simpson 17, Brad Fisher 13, Bret Thornton 11, Bryce Gibbs 6, Jordan Russell 3, Andrew Walker 1Einstein on the Wing article
My great big existential lament about Pandora’s box
What is it, Digs and Bluebelles, which makes you think bad ideas are good ideas at the time that you think them? As your cerebral correspondent strode sprightly into Optus Dome on Friday night – you could tell the great man was heading for a fall.
He had a skin full of Dan Murphy’s finest under his belt, the Harry Lime theme on his lips and hubris about a hat trick of Dark Navy victories etched in his heart when the penny dropped that he was once again daring the fates to pries open Pandora’s wondrous box. Pretty soon, he figured, the big boxing glove would spring out and punch him on the nose. It would REALLY HURT in the cold night air and Carlton may get a Fathers Day of a hiding.
But, like Pandora he couldn’t resist opening the forbidden box containing all the delusions of mankind. “We had won two in a row, why not three?” he asked himself rhetorically?
But your first thought, is very rarely your best thought. In the 1950s, I thought Beatniks playing bongo drums were cool. In the 1960s I fell instantly in love with Postmodernist thought and the New Wave of French cinema. Then, I woke up and realised it was all crap. Like Pandora, I was releasing all the evils of mankind – greed, vanity, slander, envy, pining – leaving only hope inside once she had closed it again.
If the truth be known, it was my love for Carlton – and in particular the 1987 premiership team – that made me open the box and dream the impossible dream. Carlton is my mistress. She has long used her feminine wiles and come-hither sexuality to manipulate my actions and drive my life.
As Gloria Grahame said in the film noir classic In a Lonely Place: “I was born when you kissed me. I died when you left me. I lived a few weeks while you loved me.”
In Repetition, Kierkegaard's literary characterYoung Man laments: “How did I get into the world? Why was I not asked about it, why was I not informed of the rules and regulations but just thrust into the ranks as if I had been bought by a peddling shanghaier of human beings? How did I get involved in this big enterprise called actuality? Why should I be involved? Isn't it a matter of choice? And if I am compelled to be involved, where is the manager –I have something to say about this. Is there no manager? To whom shall I make my complaint?”
The gold yamulka goes to Keyser Soze and Carraz gets it for the previous week. I will rest now and dream of my love for Carlton and hope that she kisses me to life against Freo. My medication is the 1987 Premiership. I love you Carlton.
– Terry Maher
He had a skin full of Dan Murphy’s finest under his belt, the Harry Lime theme on his lips and hubris about a hat trick of Dark Navy victories etched in his heart when the penny dropped that he was once again daring the fates to pries open Pandora’s wondrous box. Pretty soon, he figured, the big boxing glove would spring out and punch him on the nose. It would REALLY HURT in the cold night air and Carlton may get a Fathers Day of a hiding.
But, like Pandora he couldn’t resist opening the forbidden box containing all the delusions of mankind. “We had won two in a row, why not three?” he asked himself rhetorically?
But your first thought, is very rarely your best thought. In the 1950s, I thought Beatniks playing bongo drums were cool. In the 1960s I fell instantly in love with Postmodernist thought and the New Wave of French cinema. Then, I woke up and realised it was all crap. Like Pandora, I was releasing all the evils of mankind – greed, vanity, slander, envy, pining – leaving only hope inside once she had closed it again.
If the truth be known, it was my love for Carlton – and in particular the 1987 premiership team – that made me open the box and dream the impossible dream. Carlton is my mistress. She has long used her feminine wiles and come-hither sexuality to manipulate my actions and drive my life.
As Gloria Grahame said in the film noir classic In a Lonely Place: “I was born when you kissed me. I died when you left me. I lived a few weeks while you loved me.”
In Repetition, Kierkegaard's literary characterYoung Man laments: “How did I get into the world? Why was I not asked about it, why was I not informed of the rules and regulations but just thrust into the ranks as if I had been bought by a peddling shanghaier of human beings? How did I get involved in this big enterprise called actuality? Why should I be involved? Isn't it a matter of choice? And if I am compelled to be involved, where is the manager –I have something to say about this. Is there no manager? To whom shall I make my complaint?”
The gold yamulka goes to Keyser Soze and Carraz gets it for the previous week. I will rest now and dream of my love for Carlton and hope that she kisses me to life against Freo. My medication is the 1987 Premiership. I love you Carlton.
– Terry Maher
Mike and Dan
12 Rounds - 12 Highlights
Mike and Dan are men of substance (Just what that substance is, no-one is sure, especially ADSA!). As regular readers of our column (the both of you) can attest, it has not always been the spectacular goal, scything run or towering mark that has caught our collective eye in Season 2007. For we appreciate a telling mark in the backline. We appreciate a solid bump. We appreciate the confidence to baulk around an opponent. So, with this in mind, we present to you our (in no way definitive, and in no particular order) list of 12 highlights from the opening 12 rounds of the Carlton Football Club's Season 2007.
Fisher
There are some players, that for whatever reason, you just like. Fisher's always been one of those players for Mike and Dan, ever since we saw him kick 6 for the Bullants in his first year. And this year he's been doing just that - kicking goals. 21 goals from 10 matches so far, in a season that also includes a broken cheekbone inflicted by Brendan Fevola. But it's not just the stark statistical info that makes Fisher's season a highlight. It's the bravery he has displayed, the typically strong marks, the second efforts… Make no mistake, 2007 is Fisher's best season yet and a great omen for the future. Now all he has to do is avoid getting crunched by Fev…
Carrots
If you had asked Mike and Dan pre-season who our 2nd highest possession-winner would be after 12 rounds we would have said "We don't play these silly games, leave us to our beer" (we're grumpy when there's no footy on). But we doubt very much that anyone, maybe not even the man himself, would have said Andrew Carrazzo. But there he is - with 286 possessions, perhaps 150 of which he's racked up in the past 6 weeks. From a seemingly rather dour player who seemed most at home tagging or in the back-pocket, Carrazzo has suddenly blossomed into ball-magnet. And even his much-maligned kicking has improved, with a particularly sweetly stuck goal against Port living long in the Mike and Dan memory.
Walker's over-the-shoulder-snap
Andrew Walker's apprenticeship in the backline has resulted in the creation of a flexible, dangerous footballer. We all saw how good he can be when left to play his own game when he ripped West Coast apart on debut, but this year he's finally beginning to really worry the opposition. Playing as a defensive midfielder for much of the season, Walks is comfortable being dragged into the backline, happy to be a dangerous clearance player when in the centre, and with a suddenly deadly accurate boot, he's notched 8 goals when near the big sticks. But none of those goals were more spectacular than his over-the-shoulder snap against Port. It's not every day you see a goal snapped after a quick clearance and in a congested goal-square by a player running away from the goals and over his left shoulder. And there's a reason for that - it's bloody hard to do.
The Port Thumping
It was like the good old days. Back when Mike and Dan were younger men, we were privileged to witness the CFC in full flight on a regular basis. But it's been a long time between drinks, and when we went 10 goals up… we weren't sure quite what to do! But it was nice to see a young side that has been to hell and back enjoy their footy and put an opposition team to the sword. And what's more, we look forward to seeing it many times in the future…
The Essendon Comeback
Regardless of the state of the competition, the state of the respective teams, the state of the nation… Essendon v Carlton is guaranteed to be a cracker. And what a cracker it was in Round 3! A record comeback, with the Blues kicking 10.10 to the Dons 5.7 in the second-half to record a 3-point victory. This is the sort of game that makes the marketing nabobs at AFL house leap for joy, as it was the sort of game Rivalry Round is supposed to be all about. 2 traditional rivals, the biggest stage in footy, and a result in the balance until the closing moments. And of course, it didn't hurt that the Blues won in the end…
Gibbs
The AFL industry places too much pressure on young players. And even more on high draft-picks. There are many examples of players who couldn't handle the pressure, or, for whatever reason never fulfilled their potential. Something tells us Bryce Gibbs won't be one of them. He's been solid, rather than explosively spectacular. But there have been moments of magic. The goal with his first kick against the Tigers, followed up by the over-the-head handpass to Waite for a goal. The poise, the clean disposal, the competitive spirit… It's been a pleasure to watch the young man quietly work his way into AFL footy. And, whilst Ryan Houlihan sensibly denies it, the rumours are fierce - the Dalai Llama didn't just visit Princes Park for betterment of the people. He came to meet Bryce Gibbs.
Waite's game on Reiwoldt
Jarrad Waite can make the impossible seem simple, and the seemingly simple seem, frankly, impossible. He has a spark and a confidence that our team sometimes lacks. Now, yes, he's played some pretty special games up forward over the last month. But, being the men of substance (TM) that we are, it's the shut-down job he did on one of the games premier young forwards that stands out. Waite's ability to close, and time his spoils to perfection were outstanding that evening, as was his disinterest in letting Reiwoldt have any cheap possessions. Even when the Saints co-captain drifted up to the wings, Waite shadowed him. Not since Kouta's glory days have the Carlton faithful cried out for the ability to clone a player. It will be fascinating to see where he has the most impact in the second-half of 2007.
The Shootout
21 goals to 19. End-to-end football all day. Another result sealed only in the fading light of a Saturday afternoon. One of the fastest, most skillful, most potent teams in the competition… And the Doggies weren't bad either. Special mention to Jordan Bannister, a footballer who has gone about it the hard way, who shut down Brad Johnson in the second-half and more than contributed to a narrow victory.
O'hAilpin's goal celebrations
We love the big Irishman. But no matter how much we love him, it is clearly outstripped by his love of a goal. In our interview with Jordan Bannister after the win against the Dogs, we asked him if the boys were concerned if Setanta may just explode one day celebrating a goal. We were pleased to hear that the rest of his teammates love his intensity and feed off it. Because Setanta doesn't just celebrate the goal for himself (like certain showboating opposition players…) but for the team as a whole.
The Richard Pratt Revolution
The last time one man had this effect on the Club was the day Anthony Koutoufides decided he'd quite like to play in the 1999 Grand Final. And whilst that was a Herculean on-field effort, the task Mr. Richard Pratt has taken on more than matches it off-field. And, to continue my Grecian metaphor, for a lesser man, the task may have proven Sisyphean. But not our Dick. Clad only in a natty blue leisure suit, Pratt has gone about resurrecting the club by giving it the one thing it had truly lost in 'the dark times' - its swagger. Whether it's propping up the football department with the spare change in his car, stealing Greg Swann right out from Eddie McGuire's nose, or luring Steven Icke from Fremantle, Pratt has done whatever he thinks was necessary. But he hasn't done anything revolutionary - he's just gone about getting the right people in the right positions and letting them go about their business. Oh, and flying players and staff across the country in his private jet. He's done that too…
The Pubs
As of this article, the first details of the Carlton Football Club's acquisition of a stake in 9 Melbourne Hotels have been released. Another part of Mr. Pratt's revolution, this particular piece of financial jiggery-pokery is a result of the hard-work and selflessness of a united Carlton board, and an excellent example of the sound management the club is under. With the future of the 10 Victorian clubs under constant threat, it's nice to know that the club won't just be around for premierships 17 and 18, but premierships 25 and 26 as well.
Record Membership
As of writing, 35,087 members have signed up for Season 2007, a new record. This is a massive, massive achievement for the club and its supporters. But what has prompted this result? The pre-season premiership? The Richard Pratt revolution? The kids like Murphy and Gibbs? The style of footy? Who knows…? But suddenly, on membership numbers alone, we're back playing with the big boys.
It's been 12 interesting rounds for the CFC. We've had highs, and we've had lows... But as this list demonstrates, times are looking up for the Old Dark Navy Blues. We look forward to next 10 rounds and the chance to add to the highlights list for season 2007.
Fisher
There are some players, that for whatever reason, you just like. Fisher's always been one of those players for Mike and Dan, ever since we saw him kick 6 for the Bullants in his first year. And this year he's been doing just that - kicking goals. 21 goals from 10 matches so far, in a season that also includes a broken cheekbone inflicted by Brendan Fevola. But it's not just the stark statistical info that makes Fisher's season a highlight. It's the bravery he has displayed, the typically strong marks, the second efforts… Make no mistake, 2007 is Fisher's best season yet and a great omen for the future. Now all he has to do is avoid getting crunched by Fev…
Carrots
If you had asked Mike and Dan pre-season who our 2nd highest possession-winner would be after 12 rounds we would have said "We don't play these silly games, leave us to our beer" (we're grumpy when there's no footy on). But we doubt very much that anyone, maybe not even the man himself, would have said Andrew Carrazzo. But there he is - with 286 possessions, perhaps 150 of which he's racked up in the past 6 weeks. From a seemingly rather dour player who seemed most at home tagging or in the back-pocket, Carrazzo has suddenly blossomed into ball-magnet. And even his much-maligned kicking has improved, with a particularly sweetly stuck goal against Port living long in the Mike and Dan memory.
Walker's over-the-shoulder-snap
Andrew Walker's apprenticeship in the backline has resulted in the creation of a flexible, dangerous footballer. We all saw how good he can be when left to play his own game when he ripped West Coast apart on debut, but this year he's finally beginning to really worry the opposition. Playing as a defensive midfielder for much of the season, Walks is comfortable being dragged into the backline, happy to be a dangerous clearance player when in the centre, and with a suddenly deadly accurate boot, he's notched 8 goals when near the big sticks. But none of those goals were more spectacular than his over-the-shoulder snap against Port. It's not every day you see a goal snapped after a quick clearance and in a congested goal-square by a player running away from the goals and over his left shoulder. And there's a reason for that - it's bloody hard to do.
The Port Thumping
It was like the good old days. Back when Mike and Dan were younger men, we were privileged to witness the CFC in full flight on a regular basis. But it's been a long time between drinks, and when we went 10 goals up… we weren't sure quite what to do! But it was nice to see a young side that has been to hell and back enjoy their footy and put an opposition team to the sword. And what's more, we look forward to seeing it many times in the future…
The Essendon Comeback
Regardless of the state of the competition, the state of the respective teams, the state of the nation… Essendon v Carlton is guaranteed to be a cracker. And what a cracker it was in Round 3! A record comeback, with the Blues kicking 10.10 to the Dons 5.7 in the second-half to record a 3-point victory. This is the sort of game that makes the marketing nabobs at AFL house leap for joy, as it was the sort of game Rivalry Round is supposed to be all about. 2 traditional rivals, the biggest stage in footy, and a result in the balance until the closing moments. And of course, it didn't hurt that the Blues won in the end…
Gibbs
The AFL industry places too much pressure on young players. And even more on high draft-picks. There are many examples of players who couldn't handle the pressure, or, for whatever reason never fulfilled their potential. Something tells us Bryce Gibbs won't be one of them. He's been solid, rather than explosively spectacular. But there have been moments of magic. The goal with his first kick against the Tigers, followed up by the over-the-head handpass to Waite for a goal. The poise, the clean disposal, the competitive spirit… It's been a pleasure to watch the young man quietly work his way into AFL footy. And, whilst Ryan Houlihan sensibly denies it, the rumours are fierce - the Dalai Llama didn't just visit Princes Park for betterment of the people. He came to meet Bryce Gibbs.
Waite's game on Reiwoldt
Jarrad Waite can make the impossible seem simple, and the seemingly simple seem, frankly, impossible. He has a spark and a confidence that our team sometimes lacks. Now, yes, he's played some pretty special games up forward over the last month. But, being the men of substance (TM) that we are, it's the shut-down job he did on one of the games premier young forwards that stands out. Waite's ability to close, and time his spoils to perfection were outstanding that evening, as was his disinterest in letting Reiwoldt have any cheap possessions. Even when the Saints co-captain drifted up to the wings, Waite shadowed him. Not since Kouta's glory days have the Carlton faithful cried out for the ability to clone a player. It will be fascinating to see where he has the most impact in the second-half of 2007.
The Shootout
21 goals to 19. End-to-end football all day. Another result sealed only in the fading light of a Saturday afternoon. One of the fastest, most skillful, most potent teams in the competition… And the Doggies weren't bad either. Special mention to Jordan Bannister, a footballer who has gone about it the hard way, who shut down Brad Johnson in the second-half and more than contributed to a narrow victory.
O'hAilpin's goal celebrations
We love the big Irishman. But no matter how much we love him, it is clearly outstripped by his love of a goal. In our interview with Jordan Bannister after the win against the Dogs, we asked him if the boys were concerned if Setanta may just explode one day celebrating a goal. We were pleased to hear that the rest of his teammates love his intensity and feed off it. Because Setanta doesn't just celebrate the goal for himself (like certain showboating opposition players…) but for the team as a whole.
The Richard Pratt Revolution
The last time one man had this effect on the Club was the day Anthony Koutoufides decided he'd quite like to play in the 1999 Grand Final. And whilst that was a Herculean on-field effort, the task Mr. Richard Pratt has taken on more than matches it off-field. And, to continue my Grecian metaphor, for a lesser man, the task may have proven Sisyphean. But not our Dick. Clad only in a natty blue leisure suit, Pratt has gone about resurrecting the club by giving it the one thing it had truly lost in 'the dark times' - its swagger. Whether it's propping up the football department with the spare change in his car, stealing Greg Swann right out from Eddie McGuire's nose, or luring Steven Icke from Fremantle, Pratt has done whatever he thinks was necessary. But he hasn't done anything revolutionary - he's just gone about getting the right people in the right positions and letting them go about their business. Oh, and flying players and staff across the country in his private jet. He's done that too…
The Pubs
As of this article, the first details of the Carlton Football Club's acquisition of a stake in 9 Melbourne Hotels have been released. Another part of Mr. Pratt's revolution, this particular piece of financial jiggery-pokery is a result of the hard-work and selflessness of a united Carlton board, and an excellent example of the sound management the club is under. With the future of the 10 Victorian clubs under constant threat, it's nice to know that the club won't just be around for premierships 17 and 18, but premierships 25 and 26 as well.
Record Membership
As of writing, 35,087 members have signed up for Season 2007, a new record. This is a massive, massive achievement for the club and its supporters. But what has prompted this result? The pre-season premiership? The Richard Pratt revolution? The kids like Murphy and Gibbs? The style of footy? Who knows…? But suddenly, on membership numbers alone, we're back playing with the big boys.
It's been 12 interesting rounds for the CFC. We've had highs, and we've had lows... But as this list demonstrates, times are looking up for the Old Dark Navy Blues. We look forward to next 10 rounds and the chance to add to the highlights list for season 2007.
Mike and Dan again
Round 12 Play of the Week: The Blue Wiggler
Well, my hopes were dashed – how about yours? Round 12 was indeed a long time ago, and our attention should be turned to beating that Purple-Stuck-In-the-Media team out west, but we had to complete a Play of the Week write-up for the Hawthorn game. And when it came to that cold, foggy night from the other week, Mike & Dan turned to our only Tasmanian who did a few nice things in those oh-so-Tasmanian conditions…
Simon, you win this week’s Play of the Week, but as that was over a week ago, can you actually remember much of the game?
Well, we’ve pretty much tried to forget it really. Sure we did our review straight after, but we’ve tried to move on as a team.
You've been nominated for Play of the Week because of a few things; a big mark on the wing, some nice touches, getting 3 shots on goal which is unusual for you, but since the game we've been trying to erase the game from our memories – can you remember those bits of the game?
I remember a couple of those things, but really, the game seemed to be over very quickly – they thrashed us. I also remember being a little quieter in the second half.
You play up forward but you aren’t a goalkicker – in fact, you kicked your first goal for the year against the Hawks – how does that work?
Well, I try to lead-up the ground as much as I can, and generally play in a wing / half forward position. If we move it in quick enough it can be hard to get back to a goal scoring position in time. But really, we’ve got blokes like Fev, who consistently scores and leads out as an option, Fisher with his 2 to 3 goals a game, and Waitey – and really – they’re much better options than me down there.
Your first stint this year seemed a little underwhelming, then you had the hamstring tightness – but since then you’ve been in pretty good form. What’s the go?
I came into the team too early this year. I had a limited pre-season but put my hand up for Round 1 – but I wasn’t ready. Things happened for me against Geelong, where I got a bit of the ball, but I had no strength down low. In my month off I’ve done a lot of work on the legs to get my pace and reach down at my feet back.
10 marks and 23 possessions against Port almost won the Play of the Week that week, but in a tight decision it went to Houlihan for 3 goals from yourself and Waite. That was a pretty good game to watch – how did you feel out there?
I think we got a little too excited out there – but it was great to be a part of it. In my time at the Club there really hasn’t been a game like it, that we were so far up that the game was ours, and it was exciting to know that the game was ours.
What does it mean when Pagan says ‘We may have got ahead of ourselves?’ Surely the players knew we were still in the Bottom 8 and playing a top team?
Yes, we did, but I think it means we stopped thinking about the basic parts of football and started getting too advanced. We were thinking about the shots on goal from 50 metres out, and the fancy stuff, but not doing the blue collar things that the fans and press probably don’t pick up on so much, but we should know we have to do.
We've noticed your contested marking a lot more in the last couple of years - is this something you were strong at as a junior or have you been working with coaching staff at the club to develop it?
I was a pretty handy mark as a junior actually, but I don’t think I ever really had the confidence with my hands early on. It’s a big jump up from junior footy. These days I’m continually out there to attack the ball.
2006 was a breakthrough year for you – you actually doubled your possession count on the year before. Was it the game plan, playing forward, maturity or what?
Actually I think it was in 2005 that the change happened – I played about 6 or 7 games for the Bullants at Centre Half Forward. I got a lot of confidence in learning where to run, where to get the ball, by continually running around and seeking the ball.
You were studying Education at Melbourne Uni a couple of years ago - still going with the course or have you completed it? What level of education are you looking at pursuing?
Yes, still studying part time. It’s an undergrad course and it should take me a few more years yet. I’d like to do it a lot quicker but all the lectures are at the same time as our training, and my Uni takes attendance, so it’s hard to fit in.
Are your fingers still stinging from the Riccardi kick in 2002?
(Laughs) Well, that was a while ago so no – but I touched it.
I’m Tasmanian, coming from George Town up North. Do you ever get sick of Tassie gags?
Ahh, that’s where Brad Green is from. Actually, of these Tassie gags, I’ve heard them all, there is nothing new in any of them. If someone came up with a new Tassie joke I’d probably laugh along with it…
Good answer – I agree. We must be related…
I’m sure we are…
The writers at ‘Mike & Dan’ wish it to be known that only ‘Mike’ is Tasmanian and we can confirm that ‘Dan’ is not Mike’s second head.
As a Tassie boy, would you want a team from the Apple Isle represented in State of Origin? And would you put your hand up to play?
All the recent talk seems to have left Tasmania off the map on this – it seems to be about Victoria / WA / SA. The Allies concept could work, but it’s probably not the same. What was great to see was a Tasmania v Victoria ‘B’ like all those years ago – it was great to beat the Big V.
Probably a game like that would stir up all the old ‘Should it be at Bellerive or York Park’ issues – us Tasmanians have a North v South thing that never seems to end.
Like Cascade v Boags eh?
Exactly.
Your wife, Loudy Tourky, will hopefully be diving in the Beijing Olympics in August 2008, which is the business end of the footy season. How do you feel about having to watch her on TV only?
Yes, the Olympics will be on so I’ll have to get used to seeing her on TV.
Our forwards are still behind teams like Essendon in knowing how to dive for free kicks. Can Loudy help?
(Laughs) Not just yet – Diving is a little more complicated than what some of the other teams get up to. But if you see me do an Inward 3 ½ after a push in the back, you’ll know where it comes from!
What's Patrick up to now? Is he still playing?
He tried in the SANFL, but he’s a Policeman now and the SANFL competition is very professional these days – you’d need to be down at the club every day. He’s gone up country instead, playing for Border Districts.
In closing, we like to ask our Carlton players some history questions - can you name all 3 player’s names from your locker?
Yes, I. Robertson, A. Marcou and R. De Iulio.
Very impressive, for bonus points can you name the No. 34’s to play in a Premiership for Carlton?
That’s a good one – Robertson definitely played in 2 or 3, and I’m sure Marcou did too.
Outstanding knowledge there – for the full history of the jumper click here.
Many of the other Carlton players that Mike & Dan get to talk to raise the Blue Wiggle as a funny guy. But as the serious journalists we are, we found him to be a serious student of the game and the history of our Football Club, whilst on the side displaying a full catalogue of all Tassie gags to befall any of us who make it to the Mainland.
Simon, you win this week’s Play of the Week, but as that was over a week ago, can you actually remember much of the game?
Well, we’ve pretty much tried to forget it really. Sure we did our review straight after, but we’ve tried to move on as a team.
You've been nominated for Play of the Week because of a few things; a big mark on the wing, some nice touches, getting 3 shots on goal which is unusual for you, but since the game we've been trying to erase the game from our memories – can you remember those bits of the game?
I remember a couple of those things, but really, the game seemed to be over very quickly – they thrashed us. I also remember being a little quieter in the second half.
You play up forward but you aren’t a goalkicker – in fact, you kicked your first goal for the year against the Hawks – how does that work?
Well, I try to lead-up the ground as much as I can, and generally play in a wing / half forward position. If we move it in quick enough it can be hard to get back to a goal scoring position in time. But really, we’ve got blokes like Fev, who consistently scores and leads out as an option, Fisher with his 2 to 3 goals a game, and Waitey – and really – they’re much better options than me down there.
Your first stint this year seemed a little underwhelming, then you had the hamstring tightness – but since then you’ve been in pretty good form. What’s the go?
I came into the team too early this year. I had a limited pre-season but put my hand up for Round 1 – but I wasn’t ready. Things happened for me against Geelong, where I got a bit of the ball, but I had no strength down low. In my month off I’ve done a lot of work on the legs to get my pace and reach down at my feet back.
10 marks and 23 possessions against Port almost won the Play of the Week that week, but in a tight decision it went to Houlihan for 3 goals from yourself and Waite. That was a pretty good game to watch – how did you feel out there?
I think we got a little too excited out there – but it was great to be a part of it. In my time at the Club there really hasn’t been a game like it, that we were so far up that the game was ours, and it was exciting to know that the game was ours.
What does it mean when Pagan says ‘We may have got ahead of ourselves?’ Surely the players knew we were still in the Bottom 8 and playing a top team?
Yes, we did, but I think it means we stopped thinking about the basic parts of football and started getting too advanced. We were thinking about the shots on goal from 50 metres out, and the fancy stuff, but not doing the blue collar things that the fans and press probably don’t pick up on so much, but we should know we have to do.
We've noticed your contested marking a lot more in the last couple of years - is this something you were strong at as a junior or have you been working with coaching staff at the club to develop it?
I was a pretty handy mark as a junior actually, but I don’t think I ever really had the confidence with my hands early on. It’s a big jump up from junior footy. These days I’m continually out there to attack the ball.
2006 was a breakthrough year for you – you actually doubled your possession count on the year before. Was it the game plan, playing forward, maturity or what?
Actually I think it was in 2005 that the change happened – I played about 6 or 7 games for the Bullants at Centre Half Forward. I got a lot of confidence in learning where to run, where to get the ball, by continually running around and seeking the ball.
You were studying Education at Melbourne Uni a couple of years ago - still going with the course or have you completed it? What level of education are you looking at pursuing?
Yes, still studying part time. It’s an undergrad course and it should take me a few more years yet. I’d like to do it a lot quicker but all the lectures are at the same time as our training, and my Uni takes attendance, so it’s hard to fit in.
Are your fingers still stinging from the Riccardi kick in 2002?
(Laughs) Well, that was a while ago so no – but I touched it.
I’m Tasmanian, coming from George Town up North. Do you ever get sick of Tassie gags?
Ahh, that’s where Brad Green is from. Actually, of these Tassie gags, I’ve heard them all, there is nothing new in any of them. If someone came up with a new Tassie joke I’d probably laugh along with it…
Good answer – I agree. We must be related…
I’m sure we are…
The writers at ‘Mike & Dan’ wish it to be known that only ‘Mike’ is Tasmanian and we can confirm that ‘Dan’ is not Mike’s second head.
As a Tassie boy, would you want a team from the Apple Isle represented in State of Origin? And would you put your hand up to play?
All the recent talk seems to have left Tasmania off the map on this – it seems to be about Victoria / WA / SA. The Allies concept could work, but it’s probably not the same. What was great to see was a Tasmania v Victoria ‘B’ like all those years ago – it was great to beat the Big V.
Probably a game like that would stir up all the old ‘Should it be at Bellerive or York Park’ issues – us Tasmanians have a North v South thing that never seems to end.
Like Cascade v Boags eh?
Exactly.
Your wife, Loudy Tourky, will hopefully be diving in the Beijing Olympics in August 2008, which is the business end of the footy season. How do you feel about having to watch her on TV only?
Yes, the Olympics will be on so I’ll have to get used to seeing her on TV.
Our forwards are still behind teams like Essendon in knowing how to dive for free kicks. Can Loudy help?
(Laughs) Not just yet – Diving is a little more complicated than what some of the other teams get up to. But if you see me do an Inward 3 ½ after a push in the back, you’ll know where it comes from!
What's Patrick up to now? Is he still playing?
He tried in the SANFL, but he’s a Policeman now and the SANFL competition is very professional these days – you’d need to be down at the club every day. He’s gone up country instead, playing for Border Districts.
In closing, we like to ask our Carlton players some history questions - can you name all 3 player’s names from your locker?
Yes, I. Robertson, A. Marcou and R. De Iulio.
Very impressive, for bonus points can you name the No. 34’s to play in a Premiership for Carlton?
That’s a good one – Robertson definitely played in 2 or 3, and I’m sure Marcou did too.
Outstanding knowledge there – for the full history of the jumper click here.
Many of the other Carlton players that Mike & Dan get to talk to raise the Blue Wiggle as a funny guy. But as the serious journalists we are, we found him to be a serious student of the game and the history of our Football Club, whilst on the side displaying a full catalogue of all Tassie gags to befall any of us who make it to the Mainland.
Round 11 | Round 13