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Venue: AAMI Stadium | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date: Sat 2 Aug 2008, 2:40pm | Result: Lost by 8 points | ||||||||||||||||||
| Umpires: S. Meredith, S. McInerney, H. Ryan | Crowd: 40,730 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Goalkickers: Fevola 5, Scotland, Fisher, Walker, Cloke, Wiggins, Stevens, Simpson | |||||||||||||||||||
| Reports: Nil | Injuries: Betts (hamstring) | ||||||||||||||||||
Game Review
Many of the Carlton themes for 2008 were viewed first hand in this game. A promising Carlton line-up in midfield, a wonderful match from Brendan Fevola, poor middle quarters and a barnstorming finish were all witnessed, but Carlton went down in the end by 8 points to perhaps permanently end their 2008 Finals Dream, although the season had already had a number of twists...Carlton begun well with Nick Stevens providing substantial run in defence. Although play was even, Adelaide's behinds came from Carlton defenders and when Carlton did put it together through the middle we looked fantasic. Two great goals from Fev, including one on the opposite boundary line to his remarkable goal in Carlton's last win over the Crows at this ground put us up at the break.
The Crows came to life in the second and third, finding ways to score despite the missing Brett Burton and the injured Jason Porplyzia, who had been seemingly knocked out accidentally by first year player Steven Browne. Unnervingly Brad Moran and Maric kicked 6 between them as Carlton couldn't stop their resting ruckman from scoring. Carlton were losing from midfield with Chris Judd well held again by Shirley but Fev and Andrew Walker kept the majors up for Carlton.
The rush in the end came, of course, with 3 goals in 3 minutes to bring the margin back to 10 points. In the end Adelaide held on despite a number of misses in the last by Heath Scotland (2) and Dennis Armfield that could have increased the pressure on the Crows. Matthew Kreuzer missed his first shot on goal and kicked his first behind so far in his 16 league games he has scored 10 goals and 1 behind.
Interestingly, Brendan Fevola, who had signed a new 3 year contract with the club during the week, played his 160th Carlton game, equalling Ryan Houlihan, who had not played since round 3, after undergoing hip surgery, for the most Carlton games by a current player.
Team
| B: | 21 Mark Austin | 40 Michael Jamison | 16 Shaun Grigg |
| HB: | 44 Andrew Carrazzo | 30 Jarrad Waite | 32 Bret Thornton |
| C: | 29 Heath Scotland | 4 Bryce Gibbs | 5 Chris Judd (c) |
| HF: | 34 Simon Wiggins | 1 Andrew Walker | 6 Kade Simpson |
| F: | 19 Eddie Betts | 25 Brendan Fevola | 2 Jordan Russell |
| Ruck: | 28 Cameron Cloke | 3 Marc Murphy | 24 Nick Stevens (vc) |
| Interchange: | 8 Matthew Kreuzer | 14 Brad Fisher | 15 Steven Browne |
| 27 Dennis Armfield | |||
| Coach: | Brett Ratten | ||
| Emg: | 9 Jason Saddington , 22 Shaun Hampson, 36 Darren Pfeiffer | ||
Milestones
Losing streaks: Adelaide extended their record winning streak over Carlton to 5 in this matchInteresting fact: Fevola moved into the Top 10 goalkicking performances by a Blue in a season with 5 in this game
Brownlow Votes
3. Nathan van Berlo, Adelaide2. Tyson Edwards, Adelaide
1. Nick Stevens, Carlton
Best and Fairest Votes
33 Andrew Carrazzo, 32 Shaun Grigg, 30 Nick Stevens, 26 Brendan Fevola, 20 Bryce Gibbs, 9 Andrew Walker, 4 Kade SimpsonMike and Dan
Andrew Walker Play of the Week
This week’s Play of the Week has a few little oddities; first, we plucked it from the third quarter when Carlton were getting killed, second, we had to cut short the interview when a baby in the background demanded the said player’s attention, and third…we never got to finish the chat because said baby cried all night (and in doing so seriously impacted on the health of the original said player!). But in the end, Mike & Dan Incorporated remained ecstatic in not only talking to one of our favourite sons in Andrew Walker but also in welcoming him back to the seniors with open arms…
Andrew, nice goal - right foot banana eh? Do you practice that sort of stuff? Your snap goals are generally very accurate. Do you have a preferred style / type of kick for nailing goals?
From that sort of spot I have got to try something! We practice it at training and there is a comp between the players. Eddie is one who obviously excels - he kicks about 9 out of 10
How did the boys feel after the game? It was a frustrating last quarter to watch; was it frustrating to play?
Yes because we had control of the game in the last quarter and it was disappointing to lose by about a goal. So yes it was disappointing.
We seem to have a new habit of having to let the opposition get ahead before we really charge. Do we just like a challenge?
Not really, just the team losing concentration during the game. Once we manage to string four quarters it will come together.
Chris Judd was 'On the Couch' a few weeks back said he tries not to read media discussions on himself if possible. When you came to Carlton the press were labelling you 'Kouta Mark II'. Do you read media articles on yourself, or do you try to avoid them?
Early days you are excited by the idea of playing AFL and tend to read media, but as you progress, you don’t take too much notice. You sort of learn there will be good or bad stuff so it’s your choice on reading it.
You've obviously had the shoulder injury this year. We've heard a lot about Justin Cordy this season. Can you tell us how he is different to work with compared to other health experts, and what sort of influence did he have in helping you prepare for your senior return?
His background in physio and nutrition and strength and conditioning means he’s done lot of things we haven’t been able to experience before in a fitness coach.
There was some media talk about you being disappointed about not getting back earlier - what was that all about?
No, that’s not the case… not at all. The plan was to get to a level of fitness and playing potential before I slotted back into the side. I knew that may take 3 or 4 or 5 weeks. The problem with a shoulder injury is that when you come back you tend to favour your good shoulder, and I didn’t want to do that.
You had nearly a season away from senior footy, out of anyone in the squad you would have had the biggest chance to notice the change from the 2007 team to the 2008 team. What is the biggest change in the team in your opinion?
We’re gelling together a lot better. The leadership group is leading the team with that – especially obviously having Juddy and with Murph also stepping up the way he has this year. Also, across the board there has been a massive improvement in the team. This is especially the case with health and fitness in which Justin Cordy has helped all of us.
Is there a game in your career that stands out as a favourite?
A couple of wins against Collingwood. Beating Collingwood is always a big one, but the big comeback against Essendon was a massive one a couple of years ago where we were down at half time.
And then….waaaa!!!! waaaaa!!!! And it wasn’t just the Crows fans bleating about Steven Browne getting off, the Foxtel commentators cheering for the opponent (as always) or us Carlton fans complaining about the Umpires! Unluckily for us Andrew had to leave us but we’ll be at him for a follow up chat as soon as adult life allows….
Andrew, nice goal - right foot banana eh? Do you practice that sort of stuff? Your snap goals are generally very accurate. Do you have a preferred style / type of kick for nailing goals?
From that sort of spot I have got to try something! We practice it at training and there is a comp between the players. Eddie is one who obviously excels - he kicks about 9 out of 10
How did the boys feel after the game? It was a frustrating last quarter to watch; was it frustrating to play?
Yes because we had control of the game in the last quarter and it was disappointing to lose by about a goal. So yes it was disappointing.
We seem to have a new habit of having to let the opposition get ahead before we really charge. Do we just like a challenge?
Not really, just the team losing concentration during the game. Once we manage to string four quarters it will come together.
Chris Judd was 'On the Couch' a few weeks back said he tries not to read media discussions on himself if possible. When you came to Carlton the press were labelling you 'Kouta Mark II'. Do you read media articles on yourself, or do you try to avoid them?
Early days you are excited by the idea of playing AFL and tend to read media, but as you progress, you don’t take too much notice. You sort of learn there will be good or bad stuff so it’s your choice on reading it.
You've obviously had the shoulder injury this year. We've heard a lot about Justin Cordy this season. Can you tell us how he is different to work with compared to other health experts, and what sort of influence did he have in helping you prepare for your senior return?
His background in physio and nutrition and strength and conditioning means he’s done lot of things we haven’t been able to experience before in a fitness coach.
There was some media talk about you being disappointed about not getting back earlier - what was that all about?
No, that’s not the case… not at all. The plan was to get to a level of fitness and playing potential before I slotted back into the side. I knew that may take 3 or 4 or 5 weeks. The problem with a shoulder injury is that when you come back you tend to favour your good shoulder, and I didn’t want to do that.
You had nearly a season away from senior footy, out of anyone in the squad you would have had the biggest chance to notice the change from the 2007 team to the 2008 team. What is the biggest change in the team in your opinion?
We’re gelling together a lot better. The leadership group is leading the team with that – especially obviously having Juddy and with Murph also stepping up the way he has this year. Also, across the board there has been a massive improvement in the team. This is especially the case with health and fitness in which Justin Cordy has helped all of us.
Is there a game in your career that stands out as a favourite?
A couple of wins against Collingwood. Beating Collingwood is always a big one, but the big comeback against Essendon was a massive one a couple of years ago where we were down at half time.
And then….waaaa!!!! waaaaa!!!! And it wasn’t just the Crows fans bleating about Steven Browne getting off, the Foxtel commentators cheering for the opponent (as always) or us Carlton fans complaining about the Umpires! Unluckily for us Andrew had to leave us but we’ll be at him for a follow up chat as soon as adult life allows….
The Ghost
It’s a long way to the top
Time was, not so long ago, we were the laughing stock. I am pleased to report that in football nothing is black and white (well except some clubs always get ahead of themselves and shoot – or drive across – themselves in the foot).
Time was, we fielded a side with more holes in it than a Hollywood remake. Time was, we were coached as if we were playing in the old millennium. Time was, I headed to a game hoping the lads would put up a brave showing, to not have a 100-point flogging, to at least get to half time with a mild enjoyment in the match.
This week I am gutted. We should have won that game! I expected us to win that game! Against the Crows, over there with them fighting for a place in the eight. I still expected to win.
And re-watching that game three times on that small canid network I have yet to change my mind – we should have won! The boys had them on toast, made the crows sitting ducks and couldn’t put them away. Inches from home, we crashed!
I am gutted and angry, its not like we’ve been lied to, its not like the club had fed us some cock and bull story about our greatness without having achieved anything, but I did expect the lads to win that game.
And this more than anything this year, highlights that we have turned the corner and are headed back home. Finally, I expect to win. Finally, a honourable loss is not good enough. We may be a long way back but we have started the climb, we have shifted out of park and into first gear, and so long as we keep our eyes firmly on the road and do not get ahead of ourselves, or get led astray by false lures along the way back home to September action, we will make the finals soon. To do it though, we must win; we must start putting wins together.
I was pleased with the efforts of some of the kids – particularly with some of the stars being held. I think Tex has made an excellent return given how much footy he has missed. Tex does not get beaten and brings intensity to the side. Has the heart of Phar Lap, does our Tex. Thought JR’s first quarter was excellent. Griggs was good too.
In the end, I think that our defence was just too inexperienced, and that’s the trouble with the road back to the top. You have to juggle the importance of games and the importance of development. Austin, Jammo, Armfield and Browne - we are getting important games into them and this will stand us in good stead next season. On the weekend though, I thought our defence was just a little bit too inexperienced.
Still I liked what I saw and still believe if we had kicked straight we would have won. Having said that, I hope the boys are not falling for the three-card trick of expecting a come from behind win every time they run out onto the ground. Again, it’s all about balance. Go too far one way and you trip over your own feet like a sad old drunk at the town hall dance.
No more sneaking home for a win, no more leaving it until the wee small hours of a Sunday arvo’ before deciding to play the game. No more passengers either, hidden players who do not stand up when the heat is on but lie low and wait for the star players to lift and drag them over the line. The side needs to put four quarters together, needs to set themselves for a long haul and play each quarter as if it is the last.
Which brings us to this week. Port gives us the chance to do this. Port is not a strong team, they are dangerous if we get ahead of ourselves but really it’s a game we should win, it’s a game where we should set out to win each quarter. It’s not about a grand standing final quarter come back, but a 4 quarter effort where everyone commits to each contest as if it were their last – after all who knows when you might be pulling on the Old Dark Navy for the last time.
So I expect Fev to come out revved up this week and creating havoc with the Port defence, smashing into their defenders like so many parked cars. I think our midfield will run riot and party like it’s 1999! I also think our defence can hold their forwards to a losing score. We must concentrate for the entire game or we will wreck the slim chances of making the eight that still remain. No more looking in the rear view mirrors at what has happened but heads down, bums up, and win this game.
This game should be a sure thing so long as we keep it nice and simple. Lose and we may as well play in the heath for the remainder of the season, we’ll have ruined this chance by not taking stock of where we are at and come out all guns blazing. This is it, this is our waterloo – after this there are no more chances, just the rest of the season to play out.
Tex to play a blinder.
Fev for 8
Murph BOG.
Go Blues!
Time was, we fielded a side with more holes in it than a Hollywood remake. Time was, we were coached as if we were playing in the old millennium. Time was, I headed to a game hoping the lads would put up a brave showing, to not have a 100-point flogging, to at least get to half time with a mild enjoyment in the match.
This week I am gutted. We should have won that game! I expected us to win that game! Against the Crows, over there with them fighting for a place in the eight. I still expected to win.
And re-watching that game three times on that small canid network I have yet to change my mind – we should have won! The boys had them on toast, made the crows sitting ducks and couldn’t put them away. Inches from home, we crashed!
I am gutted and angry, its not like we’ve been lied to, its not like the club had fed us some cock and bull story about our greatness without having achieved anything, but I did expect the lads to win that game.
And this more than anything this year, highlights that we have turned the corner and are headed back home. Finally, I expect to win. Finally, a honourable loss is not good enough. We may be a long way back but we have started the climb, we have shifted out of park and into first gear, and so long as we keep our eyes firmly on the road and do not get ahead of ourselves, or get led astray by false lures along the way back home to September action, we will make the finals soon. To do it though, we must win; we must start putting wins together.
I was pleased with the efforts of some of the kids – particularly with some of the stars being held. I think Tex has made an excellent return given how much footy he has missed. Tex does not get beaten and brings intensity to the side. Has the heart of Phar Lap, does our Tex. Thought JR’s first quarter was excellent. Griggs was good too.
In the end, I think that our defence was just too inexperienced, and that’s the trouble with the road back to the top. You have to juggle the importance of games and the importance of development. Austin, Jammo, Armfield and Browne - we are getting important games into them and this will stand us in good stead next season. On the weekend though, I thought our defence was just a little bit too inexperienced.
Still I liked what I saw and still believe if we had kicked straight we would have won. Having said that, I hope the boys are not falling for the three-card trick of expecting a come from behind win every time they run out onto the ground. Again, it’s all about balance. Go too far one way and you trip over your own feet like a sad old drunk at the town hall dance.
No more sneaking home for a win, no more leaving it until the wee small hours of a Sunday arvo’ before deciding to play the game. No more passengers either, hidden players who do not stand up when the heat is on but lie low and wait for the star players to lift and drag them over the line. The side needs to put four quarters together, needs to set themselves for a long haul and play each quarter as if it is the last.
Which brings us to this week. Port gives us the chance to do this. Port is not a strong team, they are dangerous if we get ahead of ourselves but really it’s a game we should win, it’s a game where we should set out to win each quarter. It’s not about a grand standing final quarter come back, but a 4 quarter effort where everyone commits to each contest as if it were their last – after all who knows when you might be pulling on the Old Dark Navy for the last time.
So I expect Fev to come out revved up this week and creating havoc with the Port defence, smashing into their defenders like so many parked cars. I think our midfield will run riot and party like it’s 1999! I also think our defence can hold their forwards to a losing score. We must concentrate for the entire game or we will wreck the slim chances of making the eight that still remain. No more looking in the rear view mirrors at what has happened but heads down, bums up, and win this game.
This game should be a sure thing so long as we keep it nice and simple. Lose and we may as well play in the heath for the remainder of the season, we’ll have ruined this chance by not taking stock of where we are at and come out all guns blazing. This is it, this is our waterloo – after this there are no more chances, just the rest of the season to play out.
Tex to play a blinder.
Fev for 8
Murph BOG.
Go Blues!
Round 17 | Round 19