M1 Abrams Match Preview: The Clanger Players
Carlton are going to be without Lappin, who often kicks to the opposing team, but they will have a lot more players turning the ball over than Melbourne will. So that could have a big impact on the result.
Bower, Jamison and Austin are going to be under pressure in the back line. They will have their hands full with Robertson and Newton, and will also want to be aware of Pickett, so expect Carlton's young defenders to make a few mistakes. It could be Pickett’s last ever AFL game, so it might be a good idea if the Carlton players get rid of the ball as fast as they can if he is lining them up.
The middle for Carlton will also be occupied by many young players. If Carlton really want to lose then they will want the ball in Jordan Russell's hands, he really struggles to hit targets.
Houlihan could be used as a defensive player in Carlton's forward line, a job he has been effective at a few times this year. Houlihan has totalled up a large number of turnovers before, although that was often when he played in the back half. Hampson, in his second game, would also be expected to have a few problems.
Melbourne also have plenty of players who can be depended on to make a mistake. Although some fans won't be worried if they keep turning the ball over.
The Demons could have plenty of veterans in the back line. So the ball should be used well where it could hurt them the most. If some of their bigger players are forced to pinpoint their passes they could go astray.
Johnstone can always do something great, or terrible, especially if it is a close game. It probably won't be close. But still expect a play or two from him that will leave people wondering why he was drafted so high.
Bode, Buckley, the Johnsons, Newton and Garland could all see some minutes around the forward line. They are all very young and a few mistakes will always happen.
The team that wins will have people saying they lost, and the team that loses but is the big winner will be the one who makes the most mistakes. Carlton are putting a very inexperienced team on the field, that should equal a lot more mistakes and a win for the Demons, and a draft pick for the Blues.
Bower, Jamison and Austin are going to be under pressure in the back line. They will have their hands full with Robertson and Newton, and will also want to be aware of Pickett, so expect Carlton's young defenders to make a few mistakes. It could be Pickett’s last ever AFL game, so it might be a good idea if the Carlton players get rid of the ball as fast as they can if he is lining them up.
The middle for Carlton will also be occupied by many young players. If Carlton really want to lose then they will want the ball in Jordan Russell's hands, he really struggles to hit targets.
Houlihan could be used as a defensive player in Carlton's forward line, a job he has been effective at a few times this year. Houlihan has totalled up a large number of turnovers before, although that was often when he played in the back half. Hampson, in his second game, would also be expected to have a few problems.
Melbourne also have plenty of players who can be depended on to make a mistake. Although some fans won't be worried if they keep turning the ball over.
The Demons could have plenty of veterans in the back line. So the ball should be used well where it could hurt them the most. If some of their bigger players are forced to pinpoint their passes they could go astray.
Johnstone can always do something great, or terrible, especially if it is a close game. It probably won't be close. But still expect a play or two from him that will leave people wondering why he was drafted so high.
Bode, Buckley, the Johnsons, Newton and Garland could all see some minutes around the forward line. They are all very young and a few mistakes will always happen.
The team that wins will have people saying they lost, and the team that loses but is the big winner will be the one who makes the most mistakes. Carlton are putting a very inexperienced team on the field, that should equal a lot more mistakes and a win for the Demons, and a draft pick for the Blues.
