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The year ahead: Blues and Roos |
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by Thomas Grant | behindthegame.com.au
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BehindTheGame previews Carlton and North Melbourne's season ahead. The Roos are looking to back up a great season 2007, and the Blues' star recruit and captain Chris Judd has fans in absolute excitement.
Note: For season previews of all other clubs, please see 'Columnists'.
CARLTON
Last year
Expected to finish bottom four, Carlton did exactly that, at times showing improvement but at others slumping into an uncompetitive groove.
Their year was of course surrounded with its usual controversy. Legendary coach Denis Pagan was sacked during the season and replaced with former Blues player Brett Ratten, who was originally appointed interim coach. Ratten lost all six of his matches but was given the job regardless, furthering suspicions of 'tanking' for draft concessions.
Not too many players could hold their hands up high for the Blues' season besides hard working midfielder Andrew Carrazzo, who won the clubs best and fairest. We also saw the emergence of Kade Simpson, who took a big step in 07.
Strength
- Engine room
With the inclusion of Chris Judd and the return of Nick Stevens from a serious neck injury, Carlton’s midfield is primed to win their fair share of footy and deliver with quality to Fevola and company. Talented youngsters Marc Murphy, Simpson and Bryce Gibbs, along with Carrazzo, will also play through the centre.
Weakness
- Back six
As was the case last year, the Carlton defence will be their weakest link. It currently contains little experience, as it gradually develops through the likes of Setanta o'hAilpin, Brett Thornton and ex-Swan Jason Saddington - whom, though experienced, is yet to find his feet at Princes Park.
Jarrad Waite is expected to be planted in defence and hold down the centre-half back position. Last season Waite was alternated from key forward to defence on almost a weekly basis.
Key Players
- Brenda Fevola
The Coleman medallist is without doubt Carlton’s most pivotal player. With decent service from the midfield, the dangerous full forward is capable of destroying any opposition.
- Chris Judd & Nick Stevens
Delivery to 'Fev' is sure to improve, with gun recruit Judd and a fully-fit Nick Stevens injected. The inclusion of the experienced pair will remove pressure on Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson, while Bryce Gibbs will be expected to spend more time in midfield.
Rookie to watch
The highly rated Bryce Gibbs played almost a full season last year, but much of it was spent in defence rather in the engine room. With a year in the AFL system, we could see an explosion onto the scene like none other in the past.
Number one draft pick Matthew Krezuer will also be one to keep an eye on. The young ruckman is an extremely talented footballer mixed with plenty of athleticism.
Verdict
There is something about Carlton that has them bubbling more than ever. Whether it is the new coach, the inclusion of Chris Judd, the return of Nick Stevens, or the anticipation of Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy and Matthew Krezuer, they are certainly a club on the improve. And with a clean bill of health, perhaps a combination of the aforementioned could see the Blues sneak into their first finals series since 2001.
NORTH MELBOURNE
Last year
A year of conspiracies, success, disappointment but most importantly spirit would be the best way to define North Melbourne's 2007 season. Against all odds the Roos managed to scrape into the competitions top four, win a semi-final and combat the AFL's multi million dollar proposal – changing the direction of the football club for years to come.
Despite bowing out dismally in September, it was a memorable and historically defining year for the club who said 'no' to the AFL's 70 million dollar relocation package, and appointed a new fruitful leader in James Brayshaw who has already started to turn the cash-strapped football club around.
Tipped by pundits to be the competition's wooden spooners, the Roos started slowly losing their first three furthering suggestions of a troubled year, however they would then go on to win 6 games on the trot before cementing a top four spot in the last round of the season.
The year was not all bliss for the Roos as the club suffered a major setback in pre-season training, with Nathan Thompson going down in a challenge match with a knee injury that would see him miss the entire season. Meanwhile, a troubling knee problem to Daniel Wells and a life-threatening head injury to Josh Gibson saw two more Roos spend unfortunate time on the sidelines.
Strength
- Effectiveness
Notably picking up in this area in 2007, the Roos' efficiency is now their strength as they look to move the ball quickly into the forward line at every opportunity. With the return of Nathan Thompson, the expected improvement in Aaron Edwards and another big year to come from difficult match-up Corey Jones; the Roos' front-half will be hard to shut down with swift ball movement.
Weaknesses
- Inexperience
Perhaps the Roos' biggest weakness is their youth and inexperience. Understandably, many of the side's younger stand-out players from the home & away season did not back up their great efforts in the finals. Questions once more will be asked.
- Polish
Despite possessing an abundance of hard-working midfielders, Dead Laidley's chargers could perhaps do with some more high-class users of the ball. Laidley will be looking to get the most out of exciting talent Daniel Wells whom is yet to reach his large potential, but brings so much to the table including that further polish the Roos are after.
Key Players
- Hamish Macintosh
Ruckman Macintosh will be pivotal to the team's success. After what was an awesome 2007, 'Mac' has already impressed in pre-season matches.
- Aaron Edwards
Athletic forward Edwards is also expected to continue his very promising last season. The former Eagle possesses a great pair of hands and is coming off the back of a super first-year in the big-time.
- Jesse Smith
Youngster Smith, who was best on ground in the teams triumph in the semi final, may also play a key part in the Roos in 2008. The classy half-back however may have to wait a while before he will make his impact, as he is still struggling with on-going ankle problems.
Rookie to watch
The penetrating kick of Gavin Urquart will be a sight to see in 2008, with the rookie expected to debut at some stage. Urquart, who was drafted in the super draft, played no part for the Roos last year and struggled in the VFL seconds. However the young Queenslander has been training hard and has impressed in most of his pre season matches, and could play a key role for the Roos off half back. Matty Campbell, Lindsay Thomas and the promising Lachlan Hansen will also be ones to watch out for.
Verdict
For once, the Roos will enter an AFL season with steady and exciting leadership off the field through the club heads James Brayshaw and Eugene Arocca. The much-needed sturdiness off the field will certainly help the playing group, who have been troubled by the off field talks in the past.
With a steady defence, hard working midfield and dangerous forward line, the Roos could once against surprise many and are definitely capable of finishing top 4. However, a top 8 finish is more likely. |
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