What did we learn? April 2024
Written by Josh Gulabovski
Cinema, pure cinema, the curtain has come down on what has been another enthralling month of football and following a record-breaking ANZAC Day Round, the footballing world is still no clearer as to who exactly leads this topsy-turvy premiership race. April was also nothing short of dramatic for our beloved Navy Blues who finished the month with a winning record of five wins from the first seven rounds of season 2024. However, despite suffering our first defeats of the season, the Blues have laid the foundations for a promising trajectory as our campaign continues to unfold. Amidst the Blues’ triumphs lie some valuable lessons learnt and challenges overcome, shaping the narrative of the Carlton Football Club in 2024.
April's Rollercoaster Ride
The Blue’s stormed into April exactly where they left off in the opening month of the season securing their first ever win at the Adelaide Oval against the Dockers during the annual Gather Round. Three goals from our spearhead Charlie Curnow and a handy two from rising cult hero Matthew Cottrell saw the blues move to 4-0 in dramatic fashion. However, the bitter taste of defeat shortly followed, as the Blues suffered a narrow 2-point defeat to the Crows under the roof at Marvel. The Blues would rebound from this overcoming a 20-point deficit to the undefeated Giants to storm home by 19 points. The month culminated in a blockbuster clash against Geelong at the MCG, a match brimming with intensity and anticipation, although ultimately ending in a 13-point defeat to the Cats. This clash served as a possible preview of what we may see come September.
Matthew Cottrell: The People’s Champion
In the ranks of the best Carlton team we have seen in decades, Matthew Cottrell has emerged as a stalwart presence, embodying the essence of dedication and passion for the navy-blue jumper. Over the past year, Cottrell has solidified his status as an indispensable member of the team, renowned for his unwavering effort and sheer brilliance on the field. April witnessed Cottrell's newfound consistency and ability to shine under pressure, highlighted by his match-winning goal against the Dockers during Gather Round. Most importantly, ‘Cotts’ has proven time and time again his adeptness in finding a goal at the most important times. The rise of Matty Cottrell in April has proven just how pivotal he is within the squad, elevating to him to a status of indispensable and a game changer for the Blues.
Depth: The Rise of Emerging Talents
The hallmark of a premiership-calibre team lies in its ability to weather storms and adapt to adversity. April presented Carlton with the challenge of navigating injuries to players such as Adam Cerra, Adam Saad, and Mitch McGovern. However, amidst these setbacks emerged a silver lining in the form of talent such as Lachie Cowan. In his quick re-introduction to the Carlton team, Cowan has wasted no time in seizing the opportunity to showcase his mettle, instilling a sense of belief in coach Michael Voss's squad and reaffirming the depth of talent within the Blues' ranks in 2024.
May: The Month to Make or Break
Looking ahead, May looms large as a pivotal juncture that could shape Carlton's pursuit of premiership glory. With blockbuster matchups against Collingwood, Melbourne, Sydney, Gold Coast, and Port Adelaide on the horizon, the month promises to be a litmus test for the Blues' aspirations. Winning at least three of these contests is imperative for the Blues to stake their claim as genuine contenders, yet the unpredictable nature of these games ensures that every matchup holds the potential for dramatic swings in fortune. By the month's end, the true character and capabilities of Michael Voss’s men will be laid bare for all to witness.
