Chris Judd of Carlton leaves the field after a loss in the AFL 2nd Elimination Final between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at the Gabba. Slattery Images
While there’s no doubt Carlton returned to pre-season training in January still nursing a significant Christmas hangover, the fallout and embarrassment from that now infamous booze cruise has been far worse than any headache for Chris Judd.
The Blues leadership group pledged a new years resolution, vowing to be better behaved and apologised for the events that took place on behalf of its players. But in accepting responsibility, Chris Judd has once again exposed his lack of leadership.
Guilt is in many ways only by association, but its not Judd’s behaviour that’s the issue, more his inability to take control of a situation. Which in turn begs the question; does his lack of influence indicate a lack of respect from his team mates?
Carlton’s young, impressionable and exciting playing list is on the way up, however they’re in danger of falling or even imploding if the right direction and guidance isn’t there.
On field Judd is held in the highest esteem, he’s courageous, has a strong work ethic and sublime skills, not forgetting he’s a premiership player and a Brownlow Medallist. But there in lies the problem; the respect he demands on the field from the playing group it seems is almost non-existent off it.
This is the fatal flaw ruining his ability to lead the Carlton Football Club.
If you look back at his captaincy at the West Coast Eagles, on one side of the white line he led the club to a premiership, on the other it was a different story.
The Eagles were a club riddled with social problems and bad behaviour during his tenure at the top. Now before you start jumping up and down, I understand Judd was initially filling the void left by the disgraced Ben Cousins, and I accept he can’t be held fully responsible for the events that took place.
However, I’m merely stating the point, they happened on his watch.
At Princes Park, he filled yet another leadership vacuum, arriving with a million dollar price tag, and once again inheriting a bad boy culture, this time alcohol was at the heart of the problem. Brendan Fevola’s list of off field indiscretions stretched as long as his right boot, and that drunken night at the Brownlow was only the tip of the iceberg, but once again Judd was there and failed to act.
The latest blight came just before Christmas at the now highly publicised player organised booze cruise. Three players were subsequently arrested and a young rookie felt so intimidated by his peers, he drank himself into unconsciousness. The controversy rocked the boat even further, landing Judd and his leadership group in hot water for again falling short of their responsibility.
On top of a hefty fine, Carlton banished bad boys Andrew Walker, Eddie Betts and Ryan Houlihan from the club for a month and have restricted them from playing in the NAB Cup. So don’t get me wrong, I know the players in question are fundamentally at fault for their actions, but surely the presence and consent of their skipper helps clear any conscience of wrongdoing?
Chris Judd still remains the great white hope at Carlton, but having pledged to lead his team in becoming better role models, perhaps its now time for Judd himself to look up to one.
When Tom Harley took over as captain at Geelong, it changed the entire football club. His authority and fortitude to suspend the wayward Steve Johnson for 6 weeks set a standard that hasn’t been broken since.
Three grand finals and two premierships later…. now that’s a sobering thought!
Jonathon Skite QC
Guest
There is no doubt Judd is a phenomenal footballer and to critise his captaincy and leadership is very narrow minded and tinged with jealousy. Karl is correct that he is not responsible for their conduct, they are adults, but..we only know what the media report, the players were on official leave from the club, yeh the got a bit carried away but really is it that bad...talk about mountain out of mole hill folks. Judd is a superstar player and a superstar leader Go Blues
THE COOP
Guest
i always believed mummys boy judd would return to the bleak city of melbourne with his freeloading floozy twiggers.he was not cut out to take west coast forward after the problem period.he showed just how much of a frontrunner he was when he took his ball home and left.i say good riddance to him and wish the blues all the luck with one of the most selfish footballers i have known.
Kick2Kick
Guest
I'm surprised it took this long for people to realise that he is not perfect....
Redb
Roar Guru
There is no doubt Chris Judd's leadership and reputation is being brought into question. Carlton was his fresh start and he almost could not have picked a worse Melbourne football club culture wise than Caaartlon (Elliott speak). If he had true leadership qualities, Judd would have taken the team and club in a new direction yet Carlton seem to have gone from bad to worse behaving like a 80's football club. As others have said a leader steps in, he didn't with Fevola or on the booze cruise and clearly stuck his head in the stand with the West Coke Eagles. Redb
Justin Rodski
Guest
Stevebb, Fevola didnt show any respect for his captain whatsoever..otherwise he wouldnt have behaved the way he did. This is my point, either Judd lacks the leadership needed to pull them into line or the players simply dont respect him enough to do the right thing. Kurt your right, these guys are grown men and are completely responisble for their own actions. BUT I'm not blaming Judd, I'm simply suggesting he has consistently been in situations where as captain he should have stepped in. By him consistently turning a blind eye, he has fallen short of his responsibility and in a competition thats so competitive, sometimes its these little things that can add up to make a big difference. Is Judd a natural born leader? Or is his ability as a player masking his flaws as a captain?
kevin
Guest
In the days before Chris Judd announced his decision on whether or not he would renew his Eagles contract I remember predicting that he would choose to stay (so much for my foresight). I reasoned that for him to go to another club he would want and expect to be made captain and wondered how this would go down with whichever playing group he went to. Would the current captain be forced to step down to make way for him? Would the players easily accept someone they didn't know as their leader? It says a lot about Judd, I think, that he took all the money, took the captaincy and walked out of a club of which he was leader. He let down a lot of people (not least the army of young kids who had been given Eagles jumpers with his name on the back for birthdays and Christmas). He once stated that he didn't wish to be a role model, but like it or not he was one. I think he still doesn't want to be responsible for anything except his position in the Carlton team. He is obviously uncomfortable dealing with difficult people like Fevola, like Cousins, like Chick? I would have thought a lot more of him if he had resigned as captain of Carlton after the boat cruise. It would have sent a statement to the whole club and no doubt elevated his status as a person. Nobody is perfect: he may be almost the perfect player, but is far from a satisfactory captain and here's the rub - who at Carlton is going to show the necessary leadership and tell him that?
gazz2
Guest
What ever happened to a captain rather than a 'leadership group' and also a team rather than a 'playing group'.
stevebb
Guest
This is a ridiculous article. (I'm not a Carlton supporter, nor a particular fan of Judd.) To suggest Judd is responsible for the private lives of his team mates -- even in a team situation -- is to suggest Judd is responsible for their recruitment, among other things. He's not. Where do you get this idea and why do you bang on about it? For starters ... respect. Was Fevola respectful of his skipper at the Brownlow -- the AFL's premier night? The beauty of the incident was it gave a clear insight into Judd's opinion of Fevola's intoxication and alcohol abuse in general. James Hird was of a similar mind, all but mirroring Judd's reaction (though Hird was not 'assaulted'). You may recall, if it's not too inconvenient, Judd was reportedly key to Fevola's departure. The bottom line: what about the coaches? Officially, there are 17 of them. Where's the leadership there?? Or the football department (11) whose duties include player development and welfare?? To blame Judd for an off-field, off-season Carlton piss-up is absurd. Perhaps you should hammer him for going to Carlton! And Hoy, you! Two words: James Hird.
Marshall
Guest
I think the Blues are in trouble this year. Just can't see them making the eight and with the draft concessions to West Sydney and GC, Carlton will have to trade to replace Fev and its ageing players in years to come
John
Guest
JUdd leading the Eagles to a flag? Um...i dont think so. Whilst Cousins stepped down as captain, onfield he was never anything BUT captain. So you can't have it both ways...if you believe JUDD lead the Eagles to a flag, then accept he has a fair share of responsibility in regards to the Eagles culture. He was in the leadership group for a long time. Having said all that. I agree totally with Kurt!
Andrew
Guest
Good article. I too think that whilst Judd is probably the man to lead the younger players, it appears he has trouble controlling the old and bold. Could you imagine Jonathon Brown, Tom Harley or even (given their past problems) Darren Glass not stepping in to exert some control on the booze cruise? Great player but perhaps not a great leader. Was Fev the problem for Carlton or Carlton the problem for Fev?
gazz
Roar Pro
There could something there, but maybe its hard to judge from afar. Although watching the footage of TFS's GF Street Talk, you could sense Judd wasnt comfortable trying to control Fevola. Perhaps this kind of leadership is out of his league.
Anthony
Guest
It's hard to assert authority over your team mates when you were imported at such a high price!!
BigAl
Guest
Kurt . . . it is a reasonable arguement that Judd (as captain) should be part of a program to influence player behaviour ! Its's worked well for the Swans. Apart from being a brilliant on field player, having a very glamorous partner and appearing personally squeaky clean I have yet to hear of any great leadership qualities demonstrated by him. He provided some of the 'equipment' to Fevola personally that got poor old Fev. into strife (with the press) last year. Sure, it was a silly 'minor' event, but Judd should have seen the grief coming. Also, fronting up for the 'death bed visit' to Dick Pratt, a great Carlton ( and personal ) benefactor dressed like an LA homeboy was NOT a good look ! - it had shades of the NRL Bulldogs episode where they fronted for a police interview re. a rape issue dressed like they were just dropping in on the way to the beach.
bever fever
Guest
Judd played his best footy at the eagles as more of a outside midfielder, i dont watch Carlton much but did notice him playing more as a inside midfielder which IMO is not what he is for, he will get smashed and lose his biggest assett which is his breakaway pace.
Hoy
Roar Guru
I agree with Kurt to an extent, but then on the other hand, I recognise the article holds truth as well. Think about leaders like Voss (my all time favourite AFL player), Plugga, Browny etc. I am not just talking about captains, but leaders. You wouldn't step out of line for love or money. If they told me to jump, I would ask how high, on field or off. For you to excuse Judd because it was consenting adults making their own decisions is a light view of the problem. It was a team function, and Judd should recognise his importance in these issues as a leader. Again, I understand Kurt's view, but I also feel that these things possibly prevent Judd from being talked about as one of the all time greats. He is good, don't get me wrong, but his leadership only extends so far it seems. Perhaps it comes down to how evil Judd can be. Hear me out. Great leaders lead from the front in play, but also have a fair bit of fear factor about them. You are scared of them a little bit, even if you are on their team. Whether that fear is physical or the fear of letting them down it all keeps you on your toes. Now perhaps Judd is taking the Laze Fair attitude for leadership. I think maybe it is time he stepped in and started laying down the law. Just a thought.
scully
Guest
Kurt you hit the nail on the head! these guys are grown men there playing for one of the greatest clubs in Australia and they act that way, and btw im not a carlton fan!
Kurt
Guest
So let me get this right - he's a great leader on-field, demonstrates impeccable behaviour off field, is educated and articulated but is still a bad captain because he can't control a bunch of consenting adults who decide to go out and drink themselves stupid? And this sees a reasonable argument to people? THESE PEOPLE ARE ADULTS WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN CONDUCT!!!! If they stuff up it's on THEIR head, not Chris Judd's.
BigAl
Guest
Excellent article ! - I agree with everything, except you missed out on mentioning the eye gouging incident late last year against the Lions - hardly real leadership behaviour. And to this day ( & as I've mentioned on this forum before ) I am completely puzzled as to why no one has pursued him to get - at least his 'reading' of the Eagles implosion, which happened while he was the captain for heavens sake !. On top of all this there are other bizarre goings on at Carlton which won't help Judd's job - moves to invite Elliot back into the fold, and the fact that Kernahan is STILL president ????? I concur that the Blues immediate future is on a knife edge this season - they could well go on to become a serious finals contender or they could crash and burn and go back to where they were 5 years ago ! To me, at this stage they appear to be veering towards the latter.