Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter provides ‘Roar Vision’ with a snapshot of the main strengths of Carlton’s game ahead of this Sunday’s big clash at the MCG.
Key match-up: Nankervis v Kreuzer
“He’s (Krezuer) been super-important for Carlton this year. Even in Round 1 when we played Carlton, this was a big match-up . . . Toby’s going to have his hands full. Both of them are quite athletic and they can run really well, which is one of their great strengths as players. So it’ll be a good contest.”
Be there this Sunday afternoon when we host the Blues at the MCG
Gibbs’ immense influence through the midfield
“Gibbs is in great form at the moment. He’s really adding that defensive element to his game, and we know that he’s a great player offensively. But to become a really solid defensive player, as well, is important to Carlton. He’s just a good player. He reads the play really well . . . He’s able to read cues of when to run forward and when to stay involved in the contest.”
Their overall depth of midfield talent
“We know they’ve got some class players through the midfield . . . Our boys in there are going to have a lot of work to do in trying to be able to stop these players.”
Simpson and Docherty’s run-and-carry out of defence
“They’re smart defenders. If you run into a poor spot, they’ll just get where the dangerous space is and be able to defend from there. It’s helping their (Carlton’s) defence a lot, but also offensively. As soon as you run to a poor spot, where you can’t get the ball, these guys will look to drop off and be able to defend some more dangerous space. I think it’s something we have to consider (manning up on at least one of them) because they’re so important to their team. I think the whole Carlton back six/back seven are really organised, so we’re just going to have a good challenge of making sure our guys are set up well for the day.”
Marchbank’s marking strength across the backline
“He marks the ball really well . . . One of his great strengths this year is that he’s been able to intercept-mark the ball, so we’ll have to be wary of that.”
Where the game will be won and lost
“Probably those match-ups . . . Toby (Nankervis) and Kreuzer will be really important. And then their class players are the ones we’re going to have to control . . . And it’s a midfield battle, like it is every week. That’ll be one of our biggest challenges.”
