Glad to see McGovern back. He cannot defend, just uses his making skills to get involved. The same careful kicking strategy we used against Geelong should combat his strengths. Martin will need a game or two for some touch. 

4 changes = loss.

Jack Martin straight back in after 2 months out

Chances of him being subbed out with injury?
 

100%

45 minutes ago, DubDee said:

Jack Martin straight back in after 2 months out

Chances of him being subbed out with injury?
 

100%

He just finished a 5 week conditioning block. In the past he had repetitive calf problems but his last specialist appears to have fixed it, been 12 months now. Reckon he is ready to go otherwise they wouldn't risk it.

2 minutes ago, No. 31 said:

He just finished a 5 week conditioning block. In the past he had repetitive calf problems but his last specialist appears to have fixed it, been 12 months now. Reckon he is ready to go otherwise they wouldn't risk it.

I like it, our own Ikon Park correspondent.

“Over to you No. 31”

1 hour ago, Deelectable said:

4 changes = loss.

= fresh legs too.

Just now, Redleg said:

= fresh legs too.

Underdone legs not to mention team imbalance. 

5 minutes ago, Deelectable said:

Underdone legs not to mention team imbalance. 

New players in doesn’t mean underdone. You could say too many games played is overdone.

15 minutes ago, No. 31 said:

He just finished a 5 week conditioning block. In the past he had repetitive calf problems but his last specialist appears to have fixed it, been 12 months now. Reckon he is ready to go otherwise they wouldn't risk it.

the risk is always there with Martin

He has been injured off and on for 8 years

Crazy not to give him a half in the VFL

1 hour ago, SPC said:

Glad to see McGovern back. He cannot defend, just uses his making skills to get involved. The same careful kicking strategy we used against Geelong should combat his strengths. Martin will need a game or two for some touch. 

Don’t rate McGovern, Turner & Petty should be able to run off him pretty easily you’d think and as you say if we don’t kick him the ball he isn’t much use

1 hour ago, Deelectable said:

4 changes = loss.

Not necessarily. We made something like 5 changes from OR to round 1. 

McGovern and Martin are both handy ins, however, I reckon one of Carlton’s biggest oversight is persisting with Pittonet. Since bringing Pitto they’ve gone 1 and 3. They were 4-0 with TDK as sole ruck.

Blues supporters have been banging on about getting McGovern back to sure up their defence, but it’s clearly a system issue. Their defence is bottom 6.

 

 

 

 

23 minutes ago, At the break of Gawn said:

Not necessarily. We made something like 5 changes from OR to round 1. 

McGovern and Martin are both handy ins, however, I reckon one of Carlton’s biggest oversight is persisting with Pittonet. Since bringing Pitto they’ve gone 1 and 3. They were 4-0 with TDK as sole ruck.

Blues supporters have been banging on about getting McGovern back to sure up their defence, but it’s clearly a system issue. Their defence is bottom 6.

 

 

 

There are always isolated examples. I can guarantee that over a long period with teams that swing the changes more often than not lose. Also, making multiple changes early in the season is a different beast to mid season. All teams crave continuity. Having said all that who knows? Hoping for the best!

2 hours ago, SPC said:

Glad to see McGovern back. He cannot defend, just uses his making skills to get involved. The same careful kicking strategy we used against Geelong should combat his strengths. Martin will need a game or two for some touch. 

Correct re Martin… hasn’t played since September 2023… will be rusty 

Blues bring in 4 fresh players 

Dees in a 5 day turnaround 

Blues bolster defence and attack and run 

Blues are AFL darlings 

Blues desperately need to win 

Blues will have 60,000 screaming fanatics screaming for more favourable umpiring 

if 

the 

Dees

win 

its 

against 

the 

tide !!! 

Far too much downplaying Carlton's ins for my liking.

McGovern and Kemp in the backline is an upgrade on Young and Williams. Martin's an upgrade on Fantasia, even if he's underdone (Fantasia may as well have been unfit given how little impact he's been having). And Hollands is probably an upgrade on Cuningham.

They are IMO a very good side, a legitimate flag contender despite their recent form slump. They are more than capable of beating us if they bring what they're capable of in the middle, and particularly now that they're stronger behind the ball with McGovern and Kemp. 

7 hours ago, Red But Mostly Blue said:

A few mentions of us only having a 5-day break vs the Blues' 6-day break. 

Maybe, but this will be the 3rd game in 13 days for the Blues - kind of where we were at vs the Lions, although we had travel to take into account. While we came off a pretty gruelling game against the Cats, they are also coming off tough games against the Cats and the Pies.

With our recent byes, I think we have the edge, fitness-wise. 

If we can get Petty with another similar game (plus another goal?), better games from Trac and Viney (super important to match their midfield) - plus our usual backline fortress (+ Bowza, big in), high pressure and confidence from the Cats game, we should get the job done. We just need to be switched on all game, as McKay and Curnow can do a lot of damage in little time. And we definitely need to take our chances and kick straighter. 

It won't be an easy game. The Blues will be desperate as they have another tough game after this (Sydney over there) and will be looking to nab a win and stay in touch with the 8. 

I reckon we've got this, though.

Interesting to know. Will give us a clue as to whether we were genuinely cooked or just mentally off or just not good enough when we played the Lions.

Blues will throw the kitchen sink to avoid 0-3. I think some will start to lose belief given their first half performance last year. Funnily I’d be much more confident if they beat Collingwood last week. Right now it’s 50/50 for mine.