Coming into this game, seeing second v 17th, there was an expectation of a blowout. How many goals could the Blues kick? Would Charlie hit double figures? Could Richmond mount any sort of resistance?
The ground was greasy, covered in the remnants of the NRL State of Origin, and two parochial sets of fans were in attendance. Could the Tigers continue this round’s trend of lower-ranked teams winning, or would the Blues bring themselves within two games of top spot? Here’s what transpired.
I’m the Prophet, and these are my Perceptions.
Own Worst Enemy
We know that the Tigers are rebuilding and have a plethora of kids in their side. However, they have shown a lot at various times. They don’t lack effort and endeavour, but can lack some polish and calmness at different times.
Today, they became their own worst enemy. During the Carlton blitz in the third quarter, the Tigers had a few opportunities to disrupt the Blues’ scoring frenzy. But, it was to no avail. Their defence was holding up – namely Miller and Blight, with assists from Vlaustin – yet, as a collective, they repeatedly turned it over on the exit of their defensive 50. So, instead of forcing a stoppage or maintaining possession, they were perpetually under siege. It wasn’t always the kids either.
And it wasn’t just in the final quarter.
- early errant kick in D50 results in Walsh’s opening goal.
- Tigers half-forwards playing behind their opponents. Quick kicks from stoppage dropped short and the Blues defenders were able to intercept.
- Tigers: Q3 defence doing well to repel the Blues coming forward, but then turning it over regularly on the exit.
I don’t want to smash Richmond, here. This is more a critical eye on how they went from in the game, to being blown apart. There’s a lot Yze can use in the game video and assess what they can work on. Inexperience plays a part; as does a lack of game awareness. These will come from continued exposure at this level. And they have some seriously talented kids. The danger that exists is the potential losses of Liam Baker and Dan Rioli in the off-season. Yes, this gives them an array of solid draft picks, but nothing in the short-term to help nurture the young blokes.
Yze seems up for the challenge and appears to communicate well with his players. I look forward to watching the likes of Sam Banks, Kane McAuliffe, Seth Campbell, and others run around for years to come. Tom Brown as well. They are all tough, and show moments of brilliance and composure. They will only get better over time.
Tactical Battle
The Tigers were man-on-man and holding space well defensively in the early part of the game. This forced Carlton to play a kick-mark game and gave the Tigers the ability to hurt on the counter-attack, and didn’t allow the Blues that option.
For most of the first half, this is how the game played out. Unfortunately, the Tigers weren’t able to maintain the manic pressure and some of the younger players were bullied at the source or outrun on the outside.
The Tigers showed the blueprint to disrupt the way that the Blues want to play. The issue you face is that the Blues can beat you on the inside and they can beat you on the outside. You can sometimes take away one of those, but seldom can a team take away both of those strengths from Carlton in one game.
Adem Yze shouldn’t be too disappointed. Yes, it’s a ten-goal loss, but for much of the game, the Tigers were in the contest and competing well. Ultimately, it was their execution at key moments that cost them.
Momentum
The Blues can bury you quickly when you give them a sniff. Early in the third term, the game was on a knife’s edge, a tight arm wrestle for much of the match and this term. Then, the floodgates opened. Like the river exploding through the newly opened gate and flooding Isengard, the navy blue wave engulfed the Tigers. Led by skipper, Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh getting to work, and their small forwards – particularly Lachie Fogarty – Carlton took their opportunities. Five goals, eight minutes, seven inside 50’s. It was a match-winning blitz and became a run of seven consecutive goals in the third. From it being a goal the difference, to 45 point lead at the final break.
We have seen on many occasions this year teams getting a run of goals in a short period, that sees them blow a team away. Carlton are one of the best teams at doing this. Today was no exception. They were brutal in that period. When Richmond faltered or turned the ball over, the Blues capitalised. They were efficient, and accurate, and made the most of having the game on their terms.
Richmond had no answer to this and were blown apart defensively. I write that, but kudos must go to Ben Millar for his job on Charlie Curnow, and mid-season draftee, debutant Jacob Blight for his job on Harry McKay. Carlton kicked 20 goals, but their two tall forwards only contributed the four. They weren’t given much space, and didn’t get the favourable assistance they have received for much of this year. The by-product of this though, is that Miller and Blight had help from their fellow defenders, which then meant the small forwards of Carlton had space when the ball hit the ground. And the Richmond midfielders didn’t defend well enough around the ground.
We must also speak to the Blues engine room. Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh continue to just look a class or two above everyone. They did so again today. When they decided to really switch on in the third term, they blew the game wide open. The pair of them put their side on their shoulders, hit the scoreboard, and were involved in everything good their side did. The issue is that they’ll both pinch votes from each other. They were assisted really well by the returning Adam Cerra, Matt Kennedy, Blake Acres, and had the luxury of George Hewett starting as the sub. They have some serious depth that will set them up well for the rest of the season.
Last Quarter Specialists
Carlton’s best term – 58 goals in last quarters coming into today.
For a while today, it looked like the Tigers might not leak too much, and respond to the Blues’ third-quarter onslaught. All of a sudden though, Carlton were able to kick multiple goals in quick succession, and continue their last quarter dominance.
This is a testament to the drive and the fitness of this side. They run hard, they play contested and fast-paced footy, yet they seem to take joy burying sides in the final term. With them and the Swans being the top two sides, and being second-half specialists, you need to either kick a massive score early, or find a way to go with them late if you’re going to beat them.
Pre-Game Arrogance
I know it said that Tom de Koning had soreness, but if this was a final, he’d have played. If it’s good enough for a final, it’s good enough during the season. When things were close at half-time, and Toby Nankervis was a solid contributor for the Tigers, this move had the potential to blow up spectacularly for the Blues. Sometimes, you can take teams too lightly and err into arrogance.
And during the game, this arrogance reared its head as well. Early in the third quarter, a chain of handballs became a chain of over-handballing – multiple one-metre ones, Cripps stat-padding, led to a turnover rather than sending it forward. This happened a few times when the Blues became too Cripps-conscious and he was calling for short handballs that were the wrong option. He’s a great player and was in the best handful of players on the ground, however, he needs to be encouraging his teammates to use better options, and not always ask for the footy.
Other Things
Quirky stat – Sam Walsh’s opener means he now has kicked a goal against every other team.
Kamdyn McIntosh had a disallowed goal on QT siren – should it have stood? On watching the replay, yes, the siren went before he kicked it, but the umpires whistle to call time-off and end the quarter was after the kick. Good thing the Blues won by more than a goal to avoid the controversy.
Seth Campbell makes good decision and shows a level of poise beyond his experience. On numerous occasions he attacked the contest at speed and where others were fumbling – including experienced teammates and opponents – he was super clean with the slippery ball. He is one to watch for the Tigers faithful.
Elijah Hollands – not as high-profile as other recruits, but has started life in the navy blue really well. He may not be acknowledged as the recruit of the year, but he has slotted seamlessly into this Carlton side. And not just as another body, but as someone who contributes, and hits the scoreboard.
Hats off to Jacob Blight – on debut, three or so weeks after being pulled from state-level football, playing on McKay. And, you probably, almost, have to give him the points in this contest. He didn’t look out of his depth.
What Did We Learn?
Tigers – that there is talent in the kids, but it’s going to take time for them to put it all together consistently week in, week out. And, at times, during games. We saw today it takes just 15 minutes for the upper echelon of sides to win a game. The Tigers will learn a lot from this. They weren’t significantly overpowered and were competitive. They had their share of the ball in the front half, but they lacked the polish of their opponents and, at times, the system to free up targets inside 50. Plenty to work on, and plenty to like.
Blues – they have more avenues to goal than just Harry and Charlie. The impact of their small forwards, and midfielders hitting the scoreboard, gives them different ways to hurt their opponents. One of their challenges will be what happens if a team matches or beats them around the ball. Can they continue to score quickly? Can they arrest and regain momentum? That’s the big watch for the Blues. Aside from that, as a neutral, boy are they fun to watch. Tough, uncompromising, efficient, and unafraid to really bury their opponent – lots of traits we all admired in coach Michael Voss as a player.
So, that’s a wrap from the MCG. Carlton secure the four points and draw within two wins of top spot. The Blues now look ahead to Saturday Night in Western Sydney as they face the spluttering Giants, while the Tigers face the long trek to Perth to face the Dockers at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
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