Carrot Top

But sadly the game isn't.

As long as it's not Lynch. He's had a bad enough week already.

*Drumroll*

Aha. He did. "Jones broke into the Demons senior side late in 2006 and maintained his spot right throughout the finals, earning a Rising Star nomination along the way. After the Demons were eliminated by Fremantle, Jones returned to Sandringham and played in their premiership side. Now a fully established member of the Demon midfield, Jones played 21 games in 2007, earning a second Rising Star nomination and averaging five tackles a game" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Jones_(Australian_rules_footballer)

Didn't Chunk get two in two years?

That's nearly as good as his AA year.

I'm with you in that I think it was nothing, but I'm still gunshy. When it comes to the MRP handing out illogical spankings we seem to end up with a red arse.

It's the minimum standard. There are certain things in football that are outside of your control, but effort and courage aren't on that list. I enjoyed today but he has to back it up. Not just next week, but all year. I don't care if he has a bad day when the ball doesn't fall his way - that was my football career in a nutshell btw - but even on those days you can tackle, chase and shepherd - which was why I kept getting picked even though I had limitations. Talent is easy. That will get you onto a list. It's the little things and hard work that keeps you there. I'm a harsh critic of his. Not because I think he's a bad pick, but because I think he's a great pick that doesn't care if he gets the best out of himself, and as much as he frustrates me I look forward to the day when we only talk about how good he is rather than seeing play a good game and crossing our fingers and hoping he can do it again. But, hey, In Roos We Trust.

Lynch should get twelve weeks for trying to steal Jack's ball.

Just change the 'new' to 'real'.

Maybe. I hope not, but then again it will be worth the weeks to make sure the message is sent out loud and clear: it's his ball so get between him and it at your own risk. Every other player on the team will walk taller and feel bulletproof when he is around.

Brick walls tremble when Viney is around.

Oh, I think we could go one better now.

Eh? Wait until he's playing well and with confidence and then drop him?

I'd be happy with another one high pick for two mid first round picks or pick / player trade if we could work one out.

I like the cut of his jib. How about Jimmy T? Working hard to get back to the top level? Understanding of what he needs to do?

Ratten got a lot out of our ordinary midfield and much more out of an ordinary Carlton. He is a much better coach than most give him credit for.

Nothing wrong with his agility. His speed is fine too. He lost points for hurrying his disposals, but got them back and then some for his G&D. He's a keeper.

Dunno about him becoming Jim. Strawbs maybe. Love his mongrel. Wish the skills were a bit better.

If his name was Joe Smith, and he had short back and sides the media would be wondering why he went so high. In his first year I wondered what the fuss was about. Sure he was a wonderful athlete but he didn't read the play. If you kicked it near him he'd do something nice, but mostly he ran around in no mans land waiting for the ball to find him. I watched him carefully last week (because lucky me had to work when we played WCE and this was the first I'd seen of him this season) and nothing had changed. He was always arriving at the contest after it was decided, and unless the ball landed within 10 feet of him he was a spectator. This isn't a one eyed Watts is better post: I'm still undecided on Watts, although I think he's getting better each game. This is more a 'why the hell do people think NicNat is anything but a highlight reel?' post. Next week: Why are Gibbs and Kruz not crucified by the media - they deserve it as much, if not more than Watts. Soft and ordinary, the both of them.

Yeah, nah. Winners are grinners, and losers can suck it up. Carlton. Hehehehehehe.

McAveney has this incredibly annoying habit of saying something like: "He picks it up and kicks it beautifully" Only to see the ball land right on the chest of an opponent. He does it several times a game.

One of the things that really mattered today was keeping the lead at half time. We looked a bit surprised that we were actually winning and started to go back into our shells just before the break, and it cost us a couple of goals, but we had a fair dinkum coach ready with a plan and some sensible words. There were no jitters after the break and we lifted a notch. Baby steps, but steady ones.

Aha! Today is starting to make sense...

They looked a bit lost at the beginning, but then they got a sniff and started to play with... what's that word?... oh yeah... heart. It wasn't pretty. It wasn't skilfull for the most part. But it was a group of footballers that played for each other and the coach. That forgives almost any negatives.