The media certainly were trumpeting this as our ‘best chance’ of beating Carlton in years, likening Dimma to Tommy Hafey, and basically saying that this was it for the Tigers, a make or break moment. Just, no. While it was a great shot at beating Carlton when they had some key players out, it was not a make or break moment. Carlton came fifth last year and were only a few points away from making a prelim, whereas we came twelfth.
By going in thinking we were a sure thing, we were clearly forgetting this key point. Obviously, NAB cup performance doesn’t mean everything. Carlton looked determined and polished, and we looked sloppy, much sloppier than we had in the preseason matches.
Obviously, we need to work on our kicking out of the backline, and not panicking when we get under pressure. To our credit, we didn’t give up immediately like the Tigers of recent years, we fought back and we brought it back to a smaller margin, before they kicked away at the end. Cotchin and Martin showed real passion to lift the team at times during the game which was great to see, and although he had a bit of an off day, Jack still kicked four. In the third quarter when we kicked five goals in a row, we looked like we might be going to win, unlike in previous years when if we got behind by more then 30, then that was it, fight was gone from the boys.
Morris I think had a good game, putting his body on the line which is great to see. His willingness to go at the ball is an awesome attribute that I hope to see more of. Ellis was quiet but perhaps the step up from NAB to the actual season is bigger than people realize. I hope to see him improving more and more as the season progresses. Conca was the sub and after he came on seemed to get involved straight away, gathering many possessions.
Hopefully we’ll see him play a full game this week and he’ll be a real contributor. Ivan Maric worked hard, although outclassed by Kreuzer, one of the best ruckmen in the league. I would argue that he has improved our tap-outs, although I’m sure the relationship between ruckman and midfield takes time to strengthen and through time I’m sure it will develop better.
This week, we are back at the ‘G facing my other least favourite time, Collingwood. Let’s hope more players than last week have a good solid performance and that we remain competitive for the whole match.
I’ll see you all at the ‘G, go Tigers! Meg.
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