P-man

Tough to replace but would hurt even more if it was the Hibbo of last season. His form hasn’t been amazing. One soldier out etc. There’s only two players whose injuries would mean season over. I won’t say their names because at this point I wouldn’t dare. T Mac has spending a little more time in defence of late. That might increase even further with this out.

The reason his TOG is so low is because he’s been building his fitness base back up throughout the year. He was averaging 65% the last three weeks, which while still low compared to Gawn and Grundy was approaching the 70%+ the Eagles would’ve been aiming for come September. Naitanui doesn’t spend as much time on the ground and frankly with his hitout win percentage he doesn’t need to. It’s no coincidence that the Eagles are flying this season with what was considered to be a weakened midfield compared to last season. A big reason is the dreadlocked bloke in the middle. Even putting aside his freakish ability in the ruck, there are certain players that make the team walk taller and he’s one of those That can’t be denied. The Eagles record with and without him playing speaks for itself. The view that NicNat is overrated is an extremely outdated one. He’s a star.

Right now he’d quite possibly be their third best mid if they played him there. Carlton’s situation gets more dire the more you look at it.

He’s sitting third in the Coleman. A shoe in for the squad. Whether he makes the 22 is a wait and see. Darling dropping out of the race hasn’t hurt his chances. Brown and Franklin are locks. Someone like Riewoldt may pip him at the post. Here’s hoping he can keep up this form for the remainder of the year to give himself the best chance.

People only remember the winner. And even then it’s not guaranteed. It’s a bit of a nonsense award. Rhys Palmer won it ffs. Over Cyril Rioli. In fairness, Taylor played a very good game. The stats don’t do him much justice.

Well that was a big load of nothing. No explanation as to why, other than Freo needing him. Stick to car raffles, Boomer.

He’s clearly not playing well by his standards atm. He was however at the start of the year. I’m willing to put it down to a bad latch of form for the time being. He has credits in the bank.

They provided a good hitout for a half. Pressure was very good. Witches hats in the second.

6. Gawn 5. Oliver 4. Brayshaw 3. Hogan 2. Melksham 1. Neal-Bullen

Oh many pardons. Am I belittling you? I‘m terribly sorry. Please return to your zealousness to sink the boot in. I’ll stop hurting your feelings.

Yeah. Stand by your thought that the leading tackler on the ground can’t lay a tackle. Good lad.

A lot of them look spent.

Take your time.

Oliver is ridiculously good.

ANB is having an excellent game. 100% efficiency.

To anyone reading this thread not watching the game, we’re actually 14 points up.

Good boy Nibbler

Conversely I think we have one of the best.

Why are players continually allowed to drop the ball? Does my head in.

Hogan not known for his contested marking? Ranked third in the league a few years back.

Well that’s rather [censored] news.

Their injury list is horrific to be fair. Although other than Docherty their outs would only have made a difference around the margins. They need to do an independent full club reiview. Football department, administration, recruting, fitness and medical staff... the whole kit and caboodle looks to be a shambles. What amazes me is some Carlton fans think that Tyson would be surplus to their needs. He’d be their second best inside mid by a mile. They don’t even know how to help themselves.

I’m at peace today. If we lose then we don’t actually deserve to be in the 8, simple as that. We should however win this one in a canter.

Gotta say King makes a pretty solid case. He’s always been shifted forward towards the end of the game or once the result has been determined. I could be mistaken but I can’t recall it happening when trying to build an early lead.. It would be a brave move on Goodwin’s part to play him forward in the percentages King is talking about. There are some nice lines in that article btw, including turning the goal square into “Red’s square”, but I think my favourite would have to be “..it’s just impossible to stop Clayton winning the football”.

His interview on the club podcast is a cracker. Terrific down to earth fella.