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[sportzblog]

Understanding the road to glory!

As the footy world watched the 2024 Brownlow Medal count, most were bracing for the possibility of a tie between two outstanding players or the possibility of a dark horse that has been an incredible player surging ahead. The talk around the media world that it will likely end up either Nick Daico’s outright win or a draw with Patrick Cripps or even Marcus Bontempelli finally achieving a victory…

[sportzblog]

Consistency & Culture!

I made the trip to Brisbane to see Carlton last week. While it was not the outcome that we all had hoped for, to be honest, it was kind of expected. With each game, I always go with the mindset of a win, even if I know deep down that they will not. I waited for a week to go by just to see what transpired on social media and the media itself, where most of the narrative was predictable. Before I…

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Don't Underestimate Us!

When the week starts after the Bye for finals, that little bubble of excitement, knowing that your team is a part of the buildup – gets bigger and bigger with each passing day as you move closer to the game.  It makes no difference how you got there; the fact that your team is there is pure excitement. (It beats sitting back and watching other teams become a part of that race to the ultimate…

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3 Seasons into 1

I don’t know about everyone else, but I was and still am pretty emotional right now for all the good and rather frustrating reasons.  I know that there are voices around regarding how Carlton had the game in their hands and lost it in the last seconds. How it was a game; they should have won but didn’t. How for some, including Carlton supporters, that the match against Brisbane Lions will be a…

[sportzblog]

Determination! Leadership!

Before the match on Sunday, I waited nervously.  All I wanted to see from the match was that the team, whoever was playing, gave it their all, at every moment of the game. I wanted to see the young, inexperienced players that came in take on the game. To show that they have not only worked hard for their chance but why they were chosen in the first place. I wanted us to win, of course, but more…

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Stronger Together! Mean it!

As I packed my gym bag for my afternoon session after work, I thought about the T-shirt I took to wear and what the words on it stood for. I pondered its meaning and significance. It seems that the words on the front may mean something to me, but I’ve realised, to some, it is just lip service. I’m talking about the “Stronger Together” T-shirt, which has also been a phrase put on other…

[sportzblog]

Perspective & History!

Let me say a few things. Yes, I was guttered about the result on Sunday. But, and there is a but, I understand where the team is and where it is heading. Now, you may disagree, but that is fine. But if you do, don’t state that ‘I am delusional’ or ‘blind’ or ‘have no idea’ etc. etc. etc.  Using one word or a few words to state how you disagree proves nothing to me as it does not prove anything.…

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Momentum & Support!

After the game on the weekend, I took some time before I wrote something. I wanted to see what was being said, written about and discussed not only by commentators but also on social media.  There were some good points, bad points and some downright nonsensical, disruptive and very nasty comments made.  While these did not surprise me, they made me think that maybe I was seeing something…

[sportzblog]

Dear Supporters!

After the weekend, after looking at the match results and discussing this with friends, I firmly believe and stand by what I have always thought and written about. Carlton is not in the same position as it was three years, two years, or even one year ago; it is better. Many will not agree, so be it, but hear me out.Sydney has long been touted this season as the team to be in the Grand Final. As I…

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Disappointed? Yes! Giving Up? No!

Firstly, let me say I am disappointed and a tad upset. But I am not and never will disregard supporting the club as it makes strides in its bid to achieve the ultimate prize. After a match, I go on social media to see how others react, and it surprised me that for one Carlton group, the admins had to switch off comments due to the sheer nastiness and vitriol directed at players, coaches and the…

[sportzblog]

It Ain't Pretty...but hang in there!

After the game on Sunday, I had to take some time to think.  Not only about the game but what I could possibly say that could or would provide some context about the game and the eventual win.  I did not want to go down the same usual path that I had done in the past; I wanted a new perspective. The game was frustrating to watch, and even though we won, it was only a win due to the pressure in…

[sportzblog]

This Will Not Be Popular…but I don’t care!

I went out on Sunday, and a stranger who saw me wearing my Carlton scarf (proudly) yelled out, ‘That was embarrassing, wasn’t it?’ I smiled, said, disagreed, and yelled, ‘Go Blues!’ It was not that I was embarrassed. I was disappointed, sure, but not embarrassed. After the game, I looked at the comments made by ‘supporters.’ I put that word in parentheses because what was written shows me that…

[sportzblog]

A Lesson to be Learnt!

The loss against GWS was and is a great lesson to learn.  It is a game that will be viewed by the club in its entirety for all the good and the bad.  Yet for some, it seems that all is doom and gloom at the club just because a team got the better of us in a season where we have been a better team than we were last season and the season before. Heading into the pointy end of the season, rumours…

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Through The Mist...

An eerie mist hung over the ground. The surroundings were blanketed by a grey curtain tinged with the coolness of the air. The lights on, blaring onto the field. Onlookers scattered or put on weatherproof shields to protect themselves.  On the stark greenness of the ground, a battle was ensuing that some could see was the epitome of being one-sided. The mist grew darker and darker, but the battle…

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Determination. Unwavering. Connection!

After the game on Friday night, social media was ablaze on how some commentators labelled Patrick Dangerfield’s tackle on Sam Walsh as one that was a tackle, but where Walsh “milked” the head banging to the ground. My issue with that is that, pure and simple, both arms were pinged, and the player had no way to brace for the fall. Commentators say Dangerfield tried to mitigate any damage, but I…

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A Team Based Win!

I don’t usually write about specific players after a match. The reason is that there are enough voices in that arena, and there is no need for another one.  However, the game against Essendon on Sunday night was, for me, the only thing that I wanted to write about.  The reason is that it proves one thing: I think Carlton is this season (and I have stated before) – they are not the team they were…

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Determination = Success!

The true testament of an organisation’s success, including a sporting club, is not just the talent and abilities of those representing it, such as players, coaches and administrators; it is more than that. It is how the person at the helm of such a club, in this case, determines the environment in which those who represent it perform not only on the field but off it. It is the determination of…