There is certainly no doubt that Carlton will be pushing once again for premiership glory in season 2012. However, the question for Carlton supporters and AFL followers is this: What is going to be different in 2012 from the previous year’s campaign for the Blues?
The usual suspects of Judd, Murphy and Gibbs will be pivotal to Carlton’s success. Carlton’s ‘spine’ was hampered in 2011 with injuries to Jamison and Waite. These injuries proved costly heading into the finals and placed unnecessary pressure on their crumbing forwards Garlett and Betts.
There is certainly no doubt that a fit Jamison and Waite will boost Carlton’s weight drastically. But is it enough? They did prove throughout much of the season, particularly the last six rounds, that they could still win against relatively strong opposition.
Carlton however cannot rely on a fit Jamison for their backline and a firing Waite to run their forward structure. The key to their success is taking their individual talents and fusing them together to run a smooth and successful unit capable of counter attacking off half back and mixing it in the heat of battle with the big boys.
There is no doubt that collectively Carlton have a bag of talent, boasting the AFL’s best midfield line-up and some quality ball carriers. However, tying together this plethora of talent together by placing a consistent team on the paddock each week solely lies with Brett Ratten.
Having the likes of Carazzo, Robinson, Simpson, Yarran and Scotland in your team are the keys for Carlton. They need to step up each week and play consistent football, particularly in finals, to see Carlton taste the success it so desperately wants.
Too many times in 2011 did these players play great individual games but collectively lacked the firepower and dominance needed to win premierships. Looking at the recent premiership sides, you see collective pressure right across the ground. All 18 players must pose threats and create headaches for coaches.
The Hawthorn ’08 side is a perfect example. No big guns played the game of their life to snatch victory; rather, pressure was placed right across the ground and all players stepped up as one.
It is not going to be the likes of Judd, Gibbs and Murphy who win Carlton the flag, it will be the pressure from Carlton’s best 22 that will get them over the line.
brendan
Guest
Before we start talking Carlton up as a flag chance they have to show some form against the top sides in the finals.I know they hammerred the eigth place side last year , which imo is meaningless , but if you look at the last three premiership winners they all had beaten top sides in the finals in preceding years to the year they won the flag.Carlton may surprise and make the g/f or go all the way but there pattern of close losses to top teams is a worry.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
The economic impacts of a third AFL team in Perth would be ... interesting on the sporting scene as a whole. I'd imagine there's a good chance it would alleviate some of the membership problem but the specifics would all be very important in predicting what would result.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
...or a third team in Perth - or both.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Look on the bright side, he's not saying it on the Rugby League tab for a change? :D
NF
Guest
'Certainly make the membership figures of the NRL look pathetic lol.' Your point redb exactly? We get it redb AFL has better members, etc. same old song from you redb. change the tune.
Redb
Roar Guru
Certainly make the membership figures of the NRL look pathetic lol.
The Doss
Roar Pro
Bombers now over 40,000.
The Doss
Roar Pro
Certainly agree Johno. Think I was coming from the point of view of missing draft picks during the salary cap scandal and the financial hole they are digging themselves from and the good work the board have done. Bower was heavily relied upon a couple of seasons ago but I am finding Laidler has his measure. A fit Bower certainly boosts their backline options. I think what is funnier is how Thornton has rejuvinated his career up forward.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
"West Coast 50,000" <-- Sigh, that means at LEAST 10k In The Wings waiting list members, who can each be representing up to 2 adult, 2 children. Please O magic stadium faeries, we need that 70,000 seat stadium now.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
These are the AFL membership numbers as of last Thursday: Club Members Collingwood 53,000 West Coast 50,000 Hawthorn 48,558 Adelaide 41,637 Essendon 39,858 Richmond 35,743 Carlton 33,783 Geelong 30,891 Port Adelaide 27,242 St Kilda 25,724 Melbourne 24,874 North Melbourne 22,982 Western Bulldogs 21,664 Sydney 20,219 Brisbane 14,426 Gold Coast 9,554 GWS 5,521 Fremantle N/A I just heard on twitter that the Suns have gone past 10,000, and I had also heard that the giants are past 6,000.
Macca
Guest
Bower turns the ball over to much for me Johno - I like the rest of his game but far to often he has streamed out of the back half, turned it over and his man marks uncostested. With Laidler, Duigan, Henderson & Jamison down there I can't see where he fits.
Johno
Guest
I would like to see a fully fit Bower get back on the park for 2012. He adds some good run for a big bloke form the backline. Not sure about the "deserve to make a grand final" comment Doss. I would say there are a few other teams as deserving as the Blues (or more so) - seeing as the Blues have only put in 1 year of really good footy since 2001.
The Doss
Guest
Well said Macca. Kruezer is key to Carlton. They managed without him for a good part of last year but his ruckwork and agility makes him super dangerous. I said this all last year with Darren Jolly and Collingwood. Great having Swan and Pendels firing but Jolly set them up and posed a threat forward. He took a lot of pressure off Cloak in key stages of games. Kreuzer plays a similar role. I hope the likes of Duigan, Ellard and the other boys you mention go to the next level. Certainly deserve to make a Grand Final.
Macca
Guest
Some of the reasons for the blues taking the next step were on display in their losses on Sunday, Kreuzer, Hampson & Lucas. Throw in Robbie Warnock and the likes of Robinson, Ellard, Duigan, Laidler & Yarran improving and it is clear they will be better than 2011, injuries aside.