The Preview | Carlton v West Coast | AFL Round 7, 2023
Written by Luke Cornell
There’s always next week.
The Blues head to Optus Stadium this week in what fans are hoping is a true display of a sustainable team system against the Eagles.
Let’s hope for a breakthrough, here’s the round 7 preview.
Here “to show us why”
The West Coast Football club feel as though they’ve drawn the short straw early for the past 4 seasons alone.
On the cusp of fielding anything close to their 2018-2019 lineup, the pillars fell through stars in Nic Naitanui, Elliott Yeo, Luke Shuey, and Mitch McGovern’s brother in a matter of days; with most being sidelined for up to 5-6 weeks alone. Those names however don’t even account for a quarter of their losses, seeing fellow big birds Liam Ryan and Jamie Cripps due to miss significant time as well.
One would say the Eagles have set their sights on November in some respects, but their past few games suggest otherwise.
West Coast feel as though they refuse to take a beating in some respects, ranking 2nd in tackles per game and 5th in pressure acts, showing a willingness from the young crop being fielded to win the ball even when the chips are down.
Young stars in Reuben Gibney and Oscar Allen have taken the reigns this season; with the former supplying a contested fury both offensively and defensively through the middle, while the latter continues to develop into a more than worthwhile Josh Kennedy replacement round after round.
It’s also worth noting midfielder Tim Kelly seems to have found his groove, with his season flying under the radar probably his best since his 2019 campaign at the Cats, ranking elite in disposals, handballs alone whilst having career best averages in tackles and contested possessions.
For keen eyes, it’s worth noticing West Coast’s style of play, utilising a similar handball system, with striking similarities to Voss’ 2022 system that fans have pleaded return to the field in 2023. It will be very interesting to see how the “composed” kick-mark Carlton squad competes and controls the game come Saturday.
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes
There’s not a lot fans can expect when they lack transparency within the four walls of their football club, but what has proven to be a given after depleting and frustrating losses is some necessary changes from both a squad and coaching plan perspective.
Thursday night’s shock inclusion of Sam Docherty, along with Adam Saad, is riddled with caution having both been brought back in ahead of their predicted schedule. Nevertheless, it sure does bolster the mood of the fan base hoping to see a near-complete 2023 best 23 field the ground on Saturday.
Brodie Kemp’s is a welcome inclusion following some much desired form in the back half playing in the reserves, while also hinting at more ruck minutes for fellow defender Lewis Young in light of Tom DeKoning’s continued “management” from the 23.
The changes in Carlton’s approach to the game this week are yet to be seen, with fans still cringing from the lack of professionalism and control of the ball in what can rightfully be assumed as a focus point of a gruelling pre-season.
Communication around stoppages and restarts will be put to the test with the inclusion of some of our leaders, while questions surrounding the group’s attempts the control the ball effectively, remain.
What’s the point of domination in patches of the game and through the field if it isn’t sustainable? While all our questions surrounding this system of play won’t be answered for another few weeks, Saturday will give some answers, good or bad.
Predictions
With team selection and decision making on field under scrutiny, Saturday’s game is sure to be looked on with extreme pessimism against a depleted Eagles side.
It feels as though both teams can go back and forth and be superior in patches, with both effort and style not being a stain on both of these teams.
While the focus may drift to next week sooner rather than later…expect this to be a dose of something fizzy.
