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The Blues need to learn from the Cats and the Hawks

14th April, 2014
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Expert
14th April, 2014
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After another poor display against Melbourne on the weekend, Carlton is under the spotlight from the ravenous media that cover the AFL. It’s been their worst start in 25 seasons.

The Blues continue to talk up their list but, as mentioned in this column last week, it’s not good enough to put them in premiership contention anytime soon.

They are the quick-fix merchants, still believing they will have the sustained success of the 1970s, ’80s and early ’90s. They refuse to believe that times have changed.

They need to learn from the recruiting methods of Geelong and Hawthorn, the only undefeated sides remaining in the competition after four rounds. They will be the protagonists of a traditional Easter Monday clash next week. Usually a blockbuster, it now has triple-blockbuster status, if there is such an expression.

The Blues, as they do, tried to snare the league’s best recruiter, Stephen Wells, from the Cats but were unsuccessful. He has remained loyal to the Cats’ cause and they continue to look after him. And so they should, he has a recruiting success rate second to none.

Geelong also has an outstanding development program, which is part of the package when young players are involved.

Youngsters can be stars at junior level and the recruiters will identify that, but the coaches and the development teams at football clubs have to fine tune them into what they want and make sure they adhere to the structures and rules of their team.

The Cats are experts at that as well. They have had their own VFL side longer than any other AFL club and many of the others are now following suit. But Geelong has stolen a march and pick their young players knowing they can make a contribution straightaway.

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They recognised that when drafting immediate replacements for the ageing stars that were part of their golden era over the past decade. George Horlin-Smith has come in to replace Joel Corey, George Burbury for Paul Chapman and Cameron Guthrie as a small defender instead of Josh Hunt.

They obviously would still love to have the great Gary Ablett, but they haven’t fallen apart without him, with Allen Christensen and Mitch Duncan making their mark.

Jackson Thurlow could become a running back in the mould of Corey Enright and Andrew Mackie, while Lincoln McCarthy and the injury-prone Josh Cowan have also had a taste at senior level and are waiting in the wings.

Hawthorn has been similarly adept is on track to win back-to-back flags for just the second time.

They make subtle changes to their list seamlessly, without going for the quick fix. They have an outstanding relationship with their VFL affiliate, Box Hill, and their young players are ready to step up to the AFL.

Incredibly, they look a better team without Lance Franklin. Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust and David Hale have taken up more responsibility, while Taylor Duryea, Angus Litherland, Will Langford and Kyle Cheney all come in to contribute.

Mitch Halihan, who tied for the Liston medal in the VFL last year for Box Hill, is a ready-made inside midfielder. He is yet to play for Hawthorn but should be a suitable replacement for Brad Sewell.

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These perennially successful sides have been methodical and have planned thoroughly to ensure that even though they will lose great players they don’t have to completely rebuild. They can remain in finals and even premiership calculations.

The Blues can look on with envy, but they can also do something about it. Now is as good a time as any to start.

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