Football fans, this is how I would like to see Carlton line up for their season 2017 opening match against Richmond.
I would love to see some more youth later in the season but for Carlton’s best shot at a win first up, we’re looking at a more experienced line-up.
It should be noted that I would have had all three of Sam Petrevski-Seton, Ciaran Byrne, and Andrew Phillips in the team if they were fully fit.
FB: Dylan Buckley, Caleb Marchbank, Lachie Plowman
CHB: Sam Docherty, Jacob Weitering, Kade Simpson
C: Dale Thomas, Marc Murphy, Ed Curnow
CHF: Rhys Palmer, Levi Casboult, Jack Silvagni
FF: Mathew Wright, Harry McKay, Dennis Armfield
F: Mathew Kruezer, Patrick Cripps, Bryce Gibbs
IC: Charlie Curnow, Sam Rowe, Sam Kerridge, Billie Smedts
Emg: David Cuningham, Jarrod Pickett, Zach Fisher, Ciaran Sheehan.
I would love to see plenty of games given to Cuningham and Fisher as well as Petrevski-Seton this year. The older blokes recruited as temporary senior players like Palmer and Wright as well as the likes of Thomas will hopefully make way for them as the season progresses.
Now some notes in the questionable selections
Rowe – Kreuzer is going to need back up in the ruck. At 199cm and with Phillips out with a stress injury Rowe needs to help out here. He is also an experienced head and gives 100 per cent. Once Philips goes comes back Rowe goes out of the team.
McKay – Obviously you never want to rush the big guys but I think he is ready for a debut. It’s a wait and see what happens in the JLT series, but if he makes a good contest and clunks a few in the lead up to Round 1 gets the nod for me.
Buckley – Showed some exciting signs towards the end of last year and has trained the house down all pre-season. He has a penetrating kick and will provide lots of pressure around the ball and rebound in defence. He can play anywhere which is a big upside especially as we may need to find another avenue to score at times. Kicking efficiency is the only query here.
Thomas – I think he is on his last legs (ankle) and is lucky to start Round 1. At his best he is a dangerous outside runner. Will start the season but I can see him making way for some youth later in the season.
A word on the emergencies:
Pickett – He is an unproven performer but has so much upside that I think he is a chance to play round 1. Pace and agility to burn and can kick a goal. Can be an Eddie/Cyril type player given time. Wasn’t pick 4 at that size for nothing. May benefit from a bit of form in the VFL as he couldn’t get on the park last year.
Cuningham – Carlton will be desperate to see what he has to offer at AFL level after an injury interrupted debut season featuring only a few games. May need to wait for an injury to get his chance but a huge chance for round 1.
Fisher – If he turns it on in the JLT they may reward him with a start.
Sheehan – I think he will be elevated to the senior list this season and play quite a few games especially if he can stay on the park and find some good form in the lower grade.
Considering this is aimed at winning Round 1 rather than the best across the entire season, let me know your thoughts.
Tyler Hamsandwich
Roar Rookie
Thanks Darren, it's nice of you to say so. I follow the Blues pretty closely. It's looking to me as though Cunningham will play and Sam PS is likely to play round 1. They will need to go OK in lead up matches or single VFL match in PS's case. Cuningham would be the only amendment I would make at this stage. PS was only not included due to injury anyway. Take your pick from some of the smaller guys who will come out. I'm certain Smedts will start round 1. We can have a little wager if you like ;) Gorringe a chance to play also as back up ruck. Will be between him and Rowe
Darren L
Roar Rookie
Just seen this Tyler. There has been a few goes at this on The Roar and this is clearly the best. Pending on fitness and form in pre-season I would just see Petrevski-Seton playing at the expense of Smedts.
Tyler Hamsandwich
Roar Rookie
Cheers Kenny
ken oath
Guest
Kenny likes this line up.
Macca
Guest
SOS - this year isn't about wins and losses but I agree with Tyler, it is a bit odd to be so negative when there are so many players with nothing but upside from last year, including Marc Murphy.
Justin Ahrns
Roar Guru
Fairly accurate, although if I had any say in it Dale Thomas would not be getting a game unless injuries torment the club. As for the Rowe selection, I think that it a smart move, otherwise Kreuzer could well burn out by mid season.
Tyler Hamsandwich
Roar Rookie
It's a better team than last season. For what it's worth I think we will win round 1. How can you have that attitude when we have so many exciting new draftees from the past 2 seasons that we haven't had a look at yet?
Tyler Hamsandwich
Roar Rookie
Thanks Brinnx, I agree that the competition for spots is tougher this year. For some positions in particular. I don't think guys like summer or lamb will get a look in. I think it's also possible that all our draftees will get a run in the 1st this season. I guess injuries may not allow for that but it's a real possibility and that's including rookie LeBois. I think that's what the position we are in allows us to do. Regarding Buckley's spot I think Ciaran Sheehan may take that spot. Simon white has continued to improve a bit each year so he could take it too. Buckley has been talked up as being ready to take the next step so I'd like to see him start round 1. Like you said if older players aren't performing the axe will swing swiftly this season.
SOS
Guest
Hard to see us being competitive with this side - it will be a long season!
Tyler Hamsandwich
Roar Rookie
Thanks Macca. I agonised over those two in particular. You might be right and to be perfectly honest I hope you are. As you can tell from my comments on each of them I think they are both ready to go. Despite being in the leadership group maybe Armfield makes way for Pickett. Thomas on 700K might have to come out for Cuningham. I'm just thinking that for round 1 in front of 70-80K people that it might be better to have the extra experience. The difference in total games played is significant. Let's wait and see what the Carlton selectors think. I can't wait
Brinnx
Guest
Leigh I think you have gone pretty close to the round one team here. I would start C Curnow instead of Palmer but that's just nit picking. Although I have always been a fan of Buckley's, that last back flanker position is really up for grabs and any one of the bench or emergencies could grab this last spot in the team, except for Rowe of course. What this has made apparent to me is the quality of our bottom six players each week should be much improved this year . No need to carry passengers this season, its perform or your out. We will get to see a more competitive team for much longer into the season this year. Can't wait.
Macca
Guest
Pretty good effort, I would think that two of Thomas, Armfield, Wright & Kerridge would make way for Pickett and Cuningham but other than that its about right.