The Roar
The Roar

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Records or no records, Malthouse shouldn't survive another week

Expert
17th May, 2015
109
2387 Reads

If I could borrow a line from one of the original reality TV shows to hit our screens, one which has lasted the test of time, I will…

I am of course referring to Survivor.

And, it’s time to go (cue dramatic music): Michael Malthouse.

I mentioned he was under pressure heading into Round 1, a suggestion which was met with disdain by some readers, one suggesting football journalists weren’t happy “until they bring someone down.”

I brought it up again after Carlton lost their first two matches. Again, some similar responses from readers: “Some people are pretty quick to make a call, but I think Malthouse deserves a bit better than this.”

Two weeks later they won a game – against St Kilda – but then three weeks of utter embarrassment followed.

A flogging against his former club Collingwood in a game celebrating Mick breaking the all-time coaching record, a loss to the previously seemingly inept Brisbane, then a record-breaking 78-point thrashing on Saturday at the hands of GWS.

I know they are down on players, I know they are struggling with confidence, I know that GWS are full of talented youngsters who have more talent than their Carlton opponents, but what the Blues are dishing up now seemingly week in and week out is rubbish.

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If I was a Carlton fan I would have been booing too on Saturday, and I’d want something to be done.

The Blues’ president Mark LoGiudice has gone on record as saying that they will be sticking with Mick and that he will be in charge for the rest of the season.

That’s going to be a hell of a long season then for those who prefer Blue as their main colour of choice at the footy.

They truly are showing nothing right now, and something has to change.

Is there anyone out there who believes that after this year, and with his contract coming to an end, that Mick will be back at Carlton in 2016?

If the answer is no, or even probably not, then why not make the move now and get a coach in for the rest of the season to start working with the team and working out who will and won’t stay.

I know the coach is always the scapegoat in these situations, but that’s the way it is. You can’t get them going, you have to get going.

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But, we’ll see what pans out.

Geelong, Sydney, Adelaide and Port are the Blues’ next four matches. I wonder if Mick will still be coaching if they’re 1-10?

On other matters, actually game-related matters, I turn to the grand final re-match next Saturday night.

I’m sure he didn’t, and my friend Mr. Google couldn’t find a mention anywhere, but I am starting to wonder whether then Swans chairman Richard Colless perhaps said something about Hawthorn’s psychological drive after their 2012 upset grand final win.

Former Hawks supremo Jeff Kennett famously said after the 2008 grand final when Hawthorn upset Geelong, that the Cats didn’t have “the psychological drive” of his Hawks.

It’s history now that the ‘Kennett Curse’ would see Geelong beat Hawthorn on each of the next 11 occasions they would meet.

Well, it’s not entirely the same, but since that loss in the 2012 decider, the Hawks have virtually owned the Swans.

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They met three times in 2013, Hawthorn winning all of the games, including a thumping qualifying final win.

Then last season, the Swans kicked six goals in the last term to come from behind to beat the Hawks in Sydney in Round 8. They then lost a tight one in Round 18, before being totally humiliated as short-priced favourites in the grand final.

So here we are again, in Round 8 again. A year ago the Hawks were flying with six wins and a loss. The Swans were just in the eight with a 4-3 record, yet they got the job done

Twelve months on and Sydney are looking good, five wins and a pair of losses, one in Perth to Fremantle, the other a shock loss to the Bulldogs at home.

The Hawks are 4-3 this time, with losses to Essendon by two, Port by eight and the vastly improved GWS by 10.

The Hawks will again be missing Luke Hodge, but will be delighted to see Jordan Lewis back from suspension for the clash.

The Swans, after grinding for three quarters against a tenacious Geelong, put the foot to the floor in the fourth and blew the Cats away. Their young midfield again showed their true worth, Luke Parker kicking goals and Tom Mitchell showing he’s not just about racking up numbers of possessions.

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It should be an early season classic and while I’m not surprised the Hawks are favourites, I would happily take the juicy odds about the Swans in what I see as a bit of coin toss right now.

Either way, it should be worth spending this Saturday night on the couch.

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