Following last season’s insipid loss to the Western Bulldogs in a game which held everything for Carlton and nothing for their opponent, I declared that the Blues would be utterly undeserved should they somehow fall into the finals.
Of course, the side somehow managed to bluff their way into September courtesy of Essendon’s exclusion and a miraculous last quarter surge against the Power, another performance hitherto so inept as to resemble an amateur outfit.
That it took a 39-point deficit to rouse the team in a game which held no significance for Port was startling. In fact, in their last six games Carlton have gone behind by at least a five-goal margin at some stage of the match regardless of the eventual result.
Those are the statistics of a basket case.
Despite the good fortune of meeting a side which they had the wood over in the elimination final and the accompanying drama associated with it, more instructive was the dismal failure to remain competitive against a tired and wounded Sydney the following week.
That display encapsulated the Carlton of recent times; too easily satisfied and too easy to play against. Sadly for their supporters, the Blues are far too predictable to boot.
That last point seems lost on the hierarchy, with Mick Malthouse claiming to have not seen the Sunday night capitulation coming; that the team had shown some good signs in the preceding two matches.
They say an addict can never recover until they confess to having a problem. Carlton are the bloated archetype of a Hollywood star that checks out after three nights at Betty Ford, claiming to have seen the light. President, coach and captain have all delivered trite declarations following the latest episode, yet until the core issues are addressed the relapse is but a formality.
The core issues at this club are mountainous.
From the top, a swollen board bereft of innovation and hamstrung by the desires of billionaires with conflicting ideologies. A football department listless after eons of under-par recruiting, led by a coaching staff long of tooth and short of creativity. A team shaped by a culture of acceptance that holds no fear of repercussions for poor performance.
Finally, an ageing supporter base so lethargic from years of being fed gargantuan portions of lying, cheating and false dawns that apathy has replaced passion.
The club this season celebrates its 150th year, but it is a posthumous commemoration. The Carlton being feted on its memorial birthday died long ago, and its spirit barely lingers.
The powers that be see this week as an opportunity against the lamentable Melbourne team to make amends for past sins. Whether they make it over this hurdle is immaterial.
Just like the user en route to Betty Ford, everyone knows what the future holds but for the addict themselves until they admit their shortcomings.
Simoc
Guest
Well after today things can only get better. They are the laughing stock of the competition with no sign of things improving. I mean losing to Melbourne is scraping the bottom end of hopelessness. Lets hope they put up a fight in the Collingwood game.
40degreesSouth
Guest
+101 :D
Garrett Overend
Roar Rookie
Mick is the man if he's prepared to stay (and the club is prepared to have vision and patience) for another three years after this, so six in total. We need to build from the ground up and that won't be complete by the end of 2015. I didn't disagree with the Ratten sacking, but they need to show some common sense instead of pulling the trigger after one poor season from now on. It's a bit like 1991 when Parkin came back. If the club is honest with itself then we can start to make inroads (regardless of ladder position), until then we're treading water or going backwards.
Rossi
Guest
Garrett, I wish I could apologise & say all the best, however, my older brother is a Carlton supporter. I copped about 20 drunk text messages after my Pies lost to Freo. He went a little too hard, too early. Seemed very confident of the Blues' chances this year. Which seems to be typical of the Club. I remember when it was looking like the Blues weren't going to make finals the media were questioning the Malthouse appointment. Many fans were too. Then they had the Essendon anomaly, a lucky win against a port side who deliberately put the cue in the rack, & a lucky win against a Richmond outfit that choked on the big stage & everyone thought it was happy days again. Some rightly pointed out at the time that they would have been better finishing 9th, gaining higher picks & being more aware of the true state of their list. But no, to many Malthouse proved to be the saviour they were after. Nex minnut- 0-3. At least there is recognition that they are way behind where they thought they were. Although Malthouse said a few weeks ago that they were approaching 11(?) on their premiership clock. Something is amiss here. What are your thoughts on Mick's appointment? Is he the right man? If so, why?
The Camel
Guest
Nicely written article, although I never thought you'd fall into such despair over the Blues. (ps Go Bombers! ;)
Garrett Overend
Roar Rookie
Thanks for your comments, but unfortunately I'm a Carlton supporter so no enjoyment here.
Rossi
Guest
Great article. Love "Carlton are the bloated archetype of a Hollywood star that checks out after three nights at the Betty Ford clinic, claiming to have seen the light". I think that's the best summary of the club I have come across. They certainly did "bluff" their way into September last year and are much worse for it. Malthouse is a mistake. His motivations are spite & to take over the all-time coaching games record. Yet to Carlton, he was a quick-fix. Unfortunately, their problems run much deeper. The club's in a lot of trouble. But their "we're Carlton and..." attitude means that they thoroughly deserve it. So let's just enjoy it.
macca
Guest
"A team shaped by a culture of acceptance that holds no fear of repercussions for poor performance." That point is easily rectified if the coach wants - pick Cripps, Graham, Casboult and Temay this week and send the likes of Garlett, Robinson and even Walker back to the 2's for a week or 3 and the attitude will turn around pretty quick.