Other clubs already reviewed are: Western Bulldogs, Richmond Tigers, Geelong Cats, Fremantle Dockers & Melbourne Demons.
Judd half fit last year shined & helped the Blues improve out of sight financially and on the field.
After Kick2Kick reviews each club, the writers will give their full season 2009 predictions. If you would like to review a team, please contact us.
What Happened Last Year
Judd was a huge boost, they looked a 6 goal better side with him playing almost fit. Kreuzer, Hampson and Cloke added a bit to their ruck which gave their midfielders first use which gives any midfield an added bonus. Fev benefited having Judd and the other improving midfielders by helping himself to 99 goals a year.
Financially the club also rose to their former greatness with massive handouts by business man Pratt, they rewarded him with the ground being named after his company.
The New Season
Was last season a preview of what is to come? If so, Fev will kick 80+, Betts, Simpson, Yarren and Cloke will kick 100 between and Wait and Thorton will become a steady stingy back line. Not impossible as they can make the top four but things will need to fall their way.
In the NAB cup Stevens played back which adds a lot to their run and skill level as clubs look to use the Hawks zone. It also frees up a position in the midfield hopefully someone quick as besides Judd, the midfielders can be all one paced.
Likely Finish: 5th to 7th
Players to Watch
Chris Judd - If you look at the history of Judd’s injury it takes a few years to get back to your best (just ask Luke Ball) yet Judd won the B&F, top 5 in Brownlow and single handedly won games for Carlton. Imagine what he can do fully fit?
Mathew Kreuzer - While Mathew was pushed around by the bigger ruckman last year, he showed plenty around the ground and occasionally up forward. With more muscle and experience expect him to step up even more.
Andrew Walker - Is a number one pick and due to injuries and team form he has under performed so far. 2009 could be the break out season.
Need to Improve
Carlton have showed courage, the ability to win in 2008 & now they are thinking of finals.
Kade Simpson - Good hands and a nous for kicking goals, needs to kick more to help Fevola and Carlton to be a more even side.
Eddie Betts - Has no more excuses with Yarren and other players helping him down forward. Should be kicking 30+ goals a season.
Jarrad Waite – A high pick in the super 2009 draft and while highly talented always seems to get the easy opposition player. Needs to play key defender and take the best forward and shine for Carlton to make the finals.
List Cloggers
Simon Wiggins - Been on the list for a few years now and always struggled to get a regular game, while popular among team mates, needs to improve as coaches don’t care about popularity.
Ryan Houlihan - If Ryan does not shape up, this will be his last year. Super skills with Fev rating him the best to lead for but his work rate is lazy, even lazier than Fevs..
Your Views
What do you think of the Blues in season 2009? Can they successfully make the finals this year? Will they push for top four? Will their forward line function better with the recruitment of Yarren and Robinson?
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March 13th, 2009 at 10:42 am
if Betts, cloke, yarran and simpson kick 100 goals between them i’ll buy a carlton membership nexy year… not gonna happen
March 13th, 2009 at 10:56 am
It seems a daunting task but if you divide 100 goals between these four players who all have the talent imo to do so, its only 25 goals a season which is just over one goal a game.
btw lets hope they do kick a 100 between them, just so you have to buy a Blues membership
March 13th, 2009 at 11:38 am
Pretty good analysis there mate. You’ve even been more generous in your prediction than I was (I’ve picked them to finish 8th).
100 goals between Betts, Bloke, Yarran and Simpson? That would be great from a Carlton perspective – and it’s not impossible at all. As you said in your review, the pieces have to fall into place for the Blues to fire in 2009 – and that includes no injuries or suspensions to Judd, Fev, Waite, Murphy, Gibbs, Walker etc.
Nicely done!
Lukes last blog post..Carlton’s first choice starting 22
March 13th, 2009 at 12:42 pm
Yes for them to finish top 6 they need a lot to go right but I think they do not have any excuse why they cannot especially if they have a good year in injuries and suspensions…
Thanks for your comment Luke.
March 13th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
am i the only one who thinks expectations on Yarran are a bit too high? it must be remembered that he has not played a game of senior AFL football yet. it is a big big step up from the WAFL. Cloke is a waste of space and i really doubt Simpson can kick 25 goals from the midfield. only the very elite midfielders can do that…
March 15th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Cloke may be a Magpie reject but if he can be the 2nd or 3rd tall, I can see him kicking ~20 goals a season if he puts his mind to it.
In regards to Yarren, he has the skills but like discussed before, his attitude tends to left to be desired. He is a forward who can easily kick 30-35 goals a season.
So 30 goals from Yarren, Cloke 20 goals, Simpson 15 goals and Betts 25-30 goals = 100 goals. A lot of “IFS” and “MAYBES” but the way they’ve talked themselves up, they have no excuses.
April 17th, 2009 at 10:36 am
GO CARLTON!
2009 PREMIERS!
or at least in the top 8