1 minute ago, The Cult of Disco Turner said:

The idea that Riv has been rested rather than dropped on form makes a lot of sense given there’s no Casey game this week.

Different story if he’s still out next week but it just seems unlikely they’d drop a player of his calibre on one poor week with no opportunity to earn his spot back or even just improve himself at Casey.

No it doesn’t because next to his name it says (Omitted) not (rested), pretty obvious

1 hour ago, Gator said:

Not as much as the term hate or haters.

Good God man, come up with something more original than that hackneyed expression. Or be you and follow the crowd.

Okay, talking about Laurie tho not the term hate and your thoughts about it

Personally, I don't think Rivers is a midfielder. And I like the change.

But the idea he is being dropped to send a message for skill errors - id suggest doesnt align with modern coaching techniques.

Id like to see Culley move to the midfield. A good size to take on Cripps.

I have been calling for Rivers to be pushed back. I don't think he's quick enough off the mark to be an A grade midfielder, but he is an A grade half back flanker and we are a team without many A graders. Pretty ordinary selection i reckon.

3 minutes ago, HarpenDee said:

Personally, I don't think Rivers is a midfielder. And I like the change.

Id like to see Culley move to the midfield. A good size to take on Cripps.

Not a bad shout. I had Langford in mind for that role. He could learn a lot off Cripps and thought he would also be a good match up.

I would also like to see Culley start to get some midfield time. With Rivers out someone else has to get some midfield minutes.

4 minutes ago, Flagdees said:

Okay, talking about Laurie tho not the term hate and your thoughts about it

As was I.

A short fumbler, who isn't quick, turns it over, doesn't star at the lower level, and doesn't have a single elite AFL level attribute.

1 hour ago, DeeMee said:

We live in interesting times.i find it hard to move on from the players who delivered that which I never thought I’d see in 21. I am going with the NQR knee theory for Riv and personally I would have had Lever more at risk.

Anyway good on the next Gen, there are some gems there - good on Kingy, he knows what we do not - good luck Paddy - congrats TMAX 500 and go Dees!

This is the nub of it I recon. I can count on three fingers premiership players who have improved since that game. Message is this:

• The premiership party is over boys.

• The protection racket is being dismantled.

• There's a new sheriff in town.

• The comp's improved 10 percent and we haven't.

• I love yous all, but if you fumble under a modicum of pressure, don't stick tackles, turn it over or don't run both ways, you're kicking off the dew in the 11:10am game.

14 minutes ago, Dee Viney Intervention said:

Not a bad shout. I had Langford in mind for that role. He could learn a lot off Cripps and thought he would also be a good match up.

I would also like to see Culley start to get some midfield time. With Rivers out someone else has to get some midfield minutes.

Out of interest, what could he learn of Cripps? IMHO, Cripps doesn't have 10 years experience, he's had one year 10 times.

2 minutes ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

This is the nub of it I recon. I can count on three fingers premiership players who have improved since that game. Message is this:

• The premiership party is over boys.

• The protection racket is being dismantled.

• There's a new sheriff in town.

• The comp's improved 10 percent and we haven't.

• I love yous all, but if you fumble under a modicum of pressure, don't stick tackles, turn it over or don't run both ways, you're kicking off the dew in the 11:10am game.

Agree!

59 minutes ago, The Cult of Disco Turner said:

The idea that Riv has been rested rather than dropped on form makes a lot of sense given there’s no Casey game this week.

Different story if he’s still out next week but it just seems unlikely they’d drop a player of his calibre on one poor week with no opportunity to earn his spot back or even just improve himself at Casey.

You don't rest 24yo players after 2 games.

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by Dr. Gonzo

I noticed Rivers' lack of impact in Round 1, but didn't think much of it (or that I wouldn't know 💩 from 🪏)... But absolutely noticed his ordinary game last week

Good call to set a standard, Rivers needs to be laying Bailey Smith numbers of tackles IMO

Surprised Xavier Lindsay didn't get a rest also, he's looked off the pace of senior footy last 2 weeks also

I'm going to run with the theory that King expects Rivers to present himself as a leader at the club and a key part of the new generation.

That would make dropping him about expectations for how you are going as a player and what you aim to be. Subtler than 'you were our worst on the day', but very interesting if it is an act demanding excellence from someone who has the attributes.

I mean, if you might be Shaun Burgoyne, don't settle for being James Aish.

Worth remembering that King was there for the 2006-07 hard conversations and subsequent choices to become great, which turned a bunch of talented players into a mind-meltingly dominant team.

Who will be the most obscure and under the radar Carlton player to kick a match winning 4 goals this week in the vein of Ashton Moir or Matt Owies, as per recent Carlton/Dees game?

I’ll go with Francis Evans on this occasion.

Riv got an extremely loy time in ground in Round 1 of 58%. Not sure why.

82% in round 2 with little impact. But most of the team had subdued impact.

He might be back next game?

6 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Who will be the most obscure and under the radar Carlton player to kick a match winning 4 goals this week in the vein of Ashton Moir or Matt Owies, as per recent Carlton/Dees game?

I’ll go with Francis Evans on this occasion.

Hudson O'keefe for me. Always nice when a player kicks more goals in a game against us than in their entire previous career. At 202cm, we might not have anyone for him.

How about we just accept the fact that Rivers was dropped purely because his form hasnt been at an acceptable level.

He's "omitted" enough said.

Conspiracy theories are wild.

1 hour ago, Redleg said:

We need mids and he picks Cross after an average game at Casey.

Looking like Bill is not in King’s plans.

Was only talking with his Aunt earlier today. I even said I hope he gets a block of games.

Now... 😒 hmmm

Kinda feel for the lad. He has improved. He's quite comfortable in the middle. He has footy nouse ,good disposal. I would have thought that might work in his favour under the new regime.

I'm obviously wrong

Edited 7 hours ago7 hr by beelzebub

1 hour ago, Gator said:

As was I.

A short fumbler, who isn't quick, turns it over, doesn't star at the lower level, and doesn't have a single elite AFL level attribute.

Dosent star at lower level?? Idk what Casey games you have been watching over the past 2 years

30 minutes ago, Bring-Back-Powell said:

Who will be the most obscure and under the radar Carlton player to kick a match winning 4 goals this week in the vein of Ashton Moir or Matt Owies, as per recent Carlton/Dees game?

I’ll go with Francis Evans on this occasion.

Frank the Tank is already developing a bit of a cult status at Parc des Princes, had an amazing finish to season 2025.

6 minutes ago, Flagdees said:

Dosent star at lower level?? Idk what Casey games you have been watching over the past 2 years

I know 'runner up' .. doesn't cut the mustard apparently 🙄

On 22/03/2026 at 13:11, Ugottobekidding said:

Don't think Pickett 2 is ready for seniors yet. Gotta surely play somebody else

who?

On 25/03/2026 at 16:57, Ghostwriter said:

So, two massive milestones on the one day. Shame it’s our away game

… away game at OUR ground 😡

4 hours ago, MrFreeze said:

This was Rivers year to step up big time into a high performing mid and hasn't really impressed.

Huge statement to drop him and I don't mind it.

Sadly the poor bugger won’t get a chance to show them they were wrong, because of course the shameful parody of a “development” or “support” competition, the VFL, gives us another bye so early in the season.

1 hour ago, Queanbeyan Demon said:

Out of interest, what could he learn of Cripps? IMHO, Cripps doesn't have 10 years experience, he's had one year 10 times.

He could learn how to get away with throwing the ball, or talking back to the umpires with not only impunity, but with Downlow votes.

31 minutes ago, beelzebub said:

Was only talking with his Aunt earlier today. I even said I hope he gets a block of games.

Now... 😒 hmmm

Kinda feel for the lad. He has improved. He's quite comfortable in the middle. He has footy nouse ,good disposal. I would have thought that might work in his favour under the new regime.

I'm obviously wrong

What he doesn't have, and nor does Rivers, is genuine leg speed.

Watching Cross up close last week, he's quick, and he's also an excellent runner and super fit

King's game plan is built on fitness and leg speed.

I suspect that King wanted to pick the fastest team he could this week to exploit Carlton's lack of leg speed and spread.

We will try, and I think succeed, to run them off their legs.

On 26/03/2026 at 19:12, Timothy Reddan-A'Blew said:

Listed on website as 'Debut game' (though no announcement vid (tomorrow?)) so an actual 'in'? For Trelly?

*Bump*

...though for Trenty, not Trelly.

3 hours ago, rpfc said:

I hope Culley gets the minutes in the middle vacated by Rivers.

I'd prefer Culley goes to the wing and Langford gets more time in the middle. Langford looks completely lost out on the wing.

5 hours ago, The Cult of Disco Turner said:

Uh…well…I was wrong. Apologies to you and good call.

You were more than wrong pal. Totally careless.

Less arrogance please