The Tackle: Mark Robinson says Dale Thomas is coasting as Blues face on-field crisis
CARLTON can’t play or, for some reason, won’t play. And Dale Thomas’ lack of spark and leadership is part of the problem, writes Robbo.
Mark Robinson
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RICHMOND has forgotten how to play but Carlton is worse — the Blues can’t play, or for some reason, they won’t play.
The Blues have issues everywhere.
The players lack confidence in themselves and each other so there is little risk in their football. There is a disconnect between the coach and the players, in the sense that Mick Malthouse’s demands are not being met.
When that happens, it is a rabble all-round.
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They were insipid, the Blues, against a spirited Melbourne on Saturday, and while Malthouse is responsible for the overall team attitude, it’s the players who must take the ultimate responsibility.
It’s too easy to call for president Stephen Kernahan to step down, and the chief executive Greg Swann, for that allows the players to shift the blame. It wasn’t Kernahan and Swann who didn’t chase and didn’t tackle. They didn’t embarrass the club.
What they did was orchestrate to get Malthouse as coach, which not too long ago seemed like a pretty outstanding coaching coup.
No, the blowtorch is on all the players, none more so than Dale Thomas.
What has happened to this bloke?
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If you put your hand out for a contract worth about $700,000 a season for four years, it’s best that you earn that money.
With 700 large comes a certain responsibility, more responsibility than say, Dave Ellard on $250,000 tops.
Thomas came with premiership nous, an ability to break open games, and a want to play with a frenetic attitude which was contagious. In its totality, it’s called leadership.
He is coasting at the moment, a bit player.
Worse, the question is being asked: Is he there for the money or is there for the jumper?
Remember when he was at Collingwood, sweeping from back pocket to forward pocket, taking on the game and everyone about him?
He’s become a safe footballer, lacking dare and dash. On Saturday he had 14 kicks. Twelve of them were short. He goes short with the ball more than any other Carlton player this season. The Blues kick short 66 per cent of the time. Thomas goes at 82 per cent.
Many of them are just dinky, ploppy, waste-of-time possessions which, by the way, are driving old-time fans bonkers.
Some might argue he’s recovering from a bad ankle injury. Others, such as Ron Barassi, would say stop giving me excuses and give me leadership.
Thomas is just one player among many who this week need fierce self-assessment.
And so does the coach. Malthouse axed Jarrad Waite because he didn’t chase out of the forward line the week before. On Saturday, the Blues lacked a long target. Perhaps Malthouse cut off his nose to spite his face. In this case, sacrificing one perhaps sacrificed the team.
The Tigers will escape the heavy blowtorch.
They shouldn’t. They are listless. They used to play like Thomas, with dash and dare, which prompted several opposition coaches to argue the Tigers were quickest ball-moving team in the competition.
Like Thomas and Carlton, they seem to be stagnant, and when you’re not moving and everyone else is moving around you, you look slow and tentative.
They also have personnel issues. The faith in Tyrone Vickery is admirable, but he looks like he’s not enjoying his footy, which is not the first time that has been said.
Dustin Martin had it 29 times against Collingwood but he went at just 48 per cent efficiency. He’s too sloppy for a player with such a supposed beautiful right foot, and a game-high seven clangers is not acceptable.
The tagging tactics of Brent Macaffer on Trent Cotchin created headlines, but who stood up when Cotchin was subdued?
The questions are plentiful, at both Richmond and Carlton.
YOUNG ROO HAS EMERGED FROM THE MOB
BEN Cunnington deserves more than respect, he deserves recognition for being one of the in-form midfielders in the competition.
He hasn’t done it as long as others, such as Selwood, Pendlebury, Watson and co — and Gazza is in a league of his own — but we’re talking 2014.
North Melbourne’s reputation for being brittle, which was at its most earnest after Round 1 against Essendon, has been slowly eradicated in the past three weeks.
They’ve beaten the Western Bulldogs, Port Adelaide and Sydney, and have out-pressured all three.
Players have stood up in the absence of Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell and some players have announced themselves.
Cunnington is just 22 and has put up back-to-back 30-disposal games. Only once before had he had 30 disposals — it was Round 23 versus Greater Western Sydney.
Unquestionably, he has Joel Selwood-like instincts which is a hell of an accolade.
Simply, Cunnington is a footballer’s footballer, which Geelong coach Chris Scott believes is a player other players love playing with.
Cunnington has had 60 contested possessions for the season, which ranks him equal fourth in the competition.
He has had 32 clearances which ranks him equal second in the competition.
By the numbers, he is an early All Australian contender.
But Cunnington adds more than numbers. He adds character and drive and intent.
And that’s the Kangaroos in the past three weeks.
For the third week in a row North Melbourne has won the contested footy and out-pressured the opposition.
A stat yesterday which signals their desire was smothers. They won that stat 21-5 over Sydney. They beat the Swans in contested footy 172-163, they won tackles 87-77. In doing so, they won respect from the competition.
It’s a work in progress as they develop a better balance between defence and attack and it’s developing quite admirably.
Suddenly, the Kangaroos are in pretty good nick.
Defender Scott Thompson remains a key plank and yet again he had wow numbers — 24 touches, 22 of them effective and a game-high 11 times he won the ball off the opposition. And he played on Lance Franklin.
Sam Gibson is another who has taken on responsibility, Levi Greenwood another and Nick Dal Santo cannot be ignored.
But it’s funny that when Leigh Adams plays well, so does North.
The former Vic Metro under-18 captain had 29 touches and seven tackles and his work is contagious.
The blank look on Brad Scott’s face in the box and in the week after the Bombers loss is long gone. He is excited again. How much so will be decided over the next two weeks.
They play Collingwood (MCG) and Fremantle (Subiaco) and two wins would announce them as top-four contenders.
LIKES
1. Western Bulldogs
In the match of the weekend, they prevailed from four goals down. Matty Boyd was sensational, so too Jackson Macrae again, but it was the captain who left a mark. Crunched in the third quarter and forced off the ground, Ryan Griffin returned to kick a crucial goal in the final quarter. It was a character goal in a performance loaded with character. Bob Murphy, Liam Picken, Shaun Higgins and Liam Jones were outstanding, with Jones stamping himself on the game for the second consecutive week.
2. Luke McPharlin and Michael Johnson
Bamboozled Essendon in defence yesterday, so much so they finished as Fremantle’s highest-possessions winners — McPharlin with 31 and Johnson 27. They also took 22 marks and had eight rebound 50s. From the couch, they looked like they played without opponents. With Josh Gibson at Hawthorn, Thompson at North Melbourne and these two, we are looking at the best four key defenders in the country.
3. Book ends
Chris Dawes and James Frawley up one end and Tom McDonald up the other. Dawes was a focal point and pushed himself upfield to be the target, and his goal from 55m in the third quarter was a game breaker. Frawley was the fierce competitor and together with Dawes they supplied four goals, while Frawely took 14 marks. McDonald probably played his best game for the club. Can’t remember him being beaten in a one-on-one and his rebound was terrific. And I like his nickname: T-Mac.
4. Melbourne
As a whole. Watched from the bottom deck in the members and the joy on the faces of Melbourne fans in the final quarter was immense. There was so much to like. This wasn’t won in five minutes, it was won because Melbourne controlled the contest for the 60 minutes after half-time. It was sustained pressure and run which won them the game, something we haven’t seen at the Demons for some time. Have to confess that I haven’t rated Nathan Jones as high as others, believing he was largely an and in-and-under player. He’s more than that and I was wrong.
5. Johnson and Selwood
Apologies for harping on these two but it’s becoming a joke. Only Brent Macaffer has subdued Johnson this year, and no-one can put a hand on Selwood. These two might be fighting for the Brownlow Medal votes after four weeks. At a guess, they might be eight votes each. Johnson has had 31, 37, 20 (Macaffer) and 37. So, who gets him against the Hawks? Would throw Langford at Selwood and invite Liam Shiels back for a once-only cameo in a role he was pretty handy at.
6. Dane Swan
Welcome back champ and thank God, because we couldn’t stand another week of ‘What’s wrong with Swanny?’ Nathan Buckley said he was satisfied with Swan’s performance when he didn’t have the ball — all coaches love saying that — and he would be equally satisfied with Swan’s output when he got it. Twenty-seven and two goals is a fair night. Still, it can be better.
7. Reality
Leigh Matthews says Sandilands is overrated as a tap ruckman because the Dockers often get beaten in clearances. Shock. Horror. The football world questions Matthews. Yesterday, Ross Lyon agreed with Matthews and Mark Thompson went further, saying: “I’ve never placed a great emphasis on ruckmen either.” He added that if he had a choice between Sandilands and Matthew Pavlich, he would take Pavlich. So, Matthews 1. Critics 0.
8. David McKay
Where have you been, man? A career-high 29 touches and the dash of yesteryear underlined McKay’s performance yesterday. Brenton Sanderson asked for risky football and he got it from everyone. McKay, Brodie Smith, Matt Crouch, Scotty Thompson, Richie Douglas and Rory Sloane were all stars. And Josh Jenkins showed he might be the No.1 forward in Walker’s absence. Now, only to get Dangerfield firing again.
9. Brad Hill
Is there a most improved player award? Think not, and it would be Hill’s if there was. Has gone 26, 22, 30 and 23 touches in four games, and against the Suns he applied a career-high seven tackles. Blistering pace and much-improved tank has been noted by opposition players, and quite sure coach Alastair Clarkson will note the increased defensive side of his game. Just played his 33rd game as well.
10. Robbie Gray
The second season after a knee reconstruction is said to be the best evaluation of recovery, so in that regard, Gray is flying. Appears to have lost none of his skip and sidestep and his goal nous is sublime. Kicked 2.4 on Saturday, it could’ve been six or seven with luck. When asked at the start of the year how Port would improve Ken Hinkley said, among other things, Robbie Gray. Can’t disagree.
Honourable mentions: Rohan Bail’s 10 tackles, Sam Mitchell at his best, Sgt Schulz’s seven, Zac Clarke’s 11 marks, Josh Kennedy’s 23 contested possessions, Sam Kerridge on Joey Montagna, Nick Smith on Lindsay Thomas, big Sandi in the ruck and Beams and Pendlebury.
DISLIKES
1. Slack umpiring
They’ve gone too far in letting the game go in regards to tagging and manhandling. Damien Hardwick was right on Trent Cotchin. Nathan Buckley was right on Travis Cloke. The key players are not being protected enough by the umpires when opposition players wrap the arms. The most frustrating aspect is when players turn their back on the ball or play. Macaffer did it. Other taggers do it. Umpires coach Hayden Kennedy said he didn’t like what he saw on Friday night. Only Collingwood supporters would disagree.
2. You can’t be serious, Jack
Like Jack Riewoldt, but giving it to opposition players when you’re getting a spanking doesn’t win friends. Riewoldt gave it to Collingwood’s Alex Fasolo after Fasolo punched the ball out of bounds instead of marking it. It’s certainly not Richmond’s biggest issue, but it didn’t look good. It’s a strange mindset when the losers are taunting the winners.
3. The surface at Canberra
The ground on Saturday for the GWS-Bulldogs match was a debacle and no matter how much the AFL tries to defend it, it is inexcusable. Players fell over their feet grinding through the sand and the ball played as if it was flat at times. What annoys me is the AFL demands professionalism, is protective of its brand, wants to eradicate racism and homophobia, promote inclusion, but would be reluctant to say the ground was not up to standard. To get a public example go to @BobBoblarr1 on Twitter. He posted a photograph last night that you have to see.
4. Brisbane
Ravaged by injury and can’t kick goals equals a torturous season ahead. Fear for the Lions for they, more than any team, need success to draw a crowd, which means the code still faces an enormous task in a rugby league city. Sickly last week when Rich went down, and even worse when Leuenberger limped off in the first quarter. Scans today will determine if he has ripped an ACL. Fingers crossed.
5. The heat at Subi
It might be a case of suck it up, but reckon east coast sides have the right to complain to the AFL about playing early-season games in the west during the day. The Bulldogs were ravaged in Round 1 and the Bombers were stunned by the heat yesterday. It got to 33 degrees and Essendon coach Mark Thompson said it was a factor. Not an excuse, mind you, because the Dockers were devastating after half-time. Still, why not play at night until May arrives.
6. Mixed messages
Melbourne stalwart James Frawley said post-match he’s not asking for $800,000 on the free agency market. Clubs who have spoken to Frawley’s manager Alex McDonald say McDonald put $800,000 on the table. The story was revealed in the Herald Sun, and then supported by other media who reported a different financial figure — $850,000. Why would opposition clubs make it up? Maybe Frawley speaks to his manager to clear up this one.
7. Toumpas ahead of Wines
Paul Roos isn’t happy with unknown recruiters criticising the Demons for trading away pick No.2, but he should expect it won’t be the last time either, names or no names. The fact is comparisons will continue. Have well and truly seen enough to say Toumpas over Wines was a mistake also. In fact, Wines, taken at No.7, would be ahead of Whitfield (No.1), O’Rourke (2), Plowman (3), Toumpas (4), Stringer (5), with only Macrae (6) rivalling Wines in output.
8. Cotchin abuse
OK, the Tigers skipper said he thought some of Macaffer’s tactics were “illegal”, but I didn’t take it as whingeing as others did. Asked a question, he answered. More the point, and supported by teammate Brett Deledio, was Cotchin’s assertion that the onus was on himself to win the pill and on his teammates to help him. The fact is some of Macaffer’s tactics were illegal, hence the free kicks to Cotchin. Expect we’ll hear more about this issue this week.
9. West Coast
Seriously, four goals in the first quarter and just seven behinds in three quarters after that? The Cats are good, perhaps great, but that’s pathetic from a team who has shown so much this season. Injuries hurt them, but it’s the effort which hurt the most. Not a great day for their champ Dean Cox who broke the club games record. Geelong took 137 marks to West Coast’s 58. Inside 50s were 62 to 32. Pride was 80 per cent to 20 per cent.
10. Sydney
In the wet, at home, and dismantled by North Melbourne who were tougher in the conditions. People might say it’s un-Sydney like, but is it? That’s three wins from its past 11 games. It ain’t exactly top-four output. Hannebery was down again, O’Keefe’s career is at flashpoint, Jetta was quiet and Tom Mitchell has dropped off. Can’t win when four mids can’t find it.
BEST TWEETS
@Milsyg78: I think your going to get a few @CarltonFC fans with some dislikes #gameplan #coach #players maybe!!
@kerry_lambert: Hey @Robbo_heraldsun can I get in early with a ‘like’? Paul Roos not knowing the words to Its A Grand Old Flag! Better be a quick learner.
@The_IronSock: Dislike the shock horror over Macaffer, as though Crowley and Ling never existed.
@Tigerwhite1977: dislike Malthouse’s take on reality. Who is he kidding?
@ryant56: like: Nathan Jones and Frawley change of roles. Dislike: Brisbane, they stink.
@adrian_cassar: North winning away from Ethiad with Harvey being quiet, put Sydney to the sword in Q4.
@corza_89: like Ben Cunnington=Gun. Dislike: Manuka Turf, disgrace that afl games are allowed to be played on substandard grounds.
@bthomas_11: dislikes — the heavy blame on the coaches for heavy losses. Some onus needed from the players!
@the_pawnstar: liking Jack McRae from the dogs and like you said yesterday dogs gws hardness for the ball. Dogs forwards starting to gel
@Rommas86: dislike — West Coast throwing in the towel for this week, don’t kick a goal for three quarters...seriously?
@kavishadipi29: d-unaccountability of blues personnel. In denial of how poor their list is. Must clean out list and let Gibbs go
@nimma43: Like the unpredictability of the season. Just when you think you are able to write of a team. Bang proved wrong
@Camma22: Chip Frawley showing his commitment to the dees, who finally showed some spirit.
@RalphyLexie: like @NorthKangaroos winning on the road against quality team. Top teams win those games. Great, tough win in wet
@warriorboy67: like joel selwood’s form.Skipper setting the tone. Dislike: as a member trying to buy tix online currently
@serge_para: Like: Chris Dawes doing exactly what he needed to do. Dislike: Melb in white jumpers on the MCG
@EddieWhiteJr: like: elite run and legs of Brodie Smith & David McKay dislike: radio stations not playing post-game pressers
@DemP_9: Like: Demons believing in themselves. Finally. Dislikes: Too many falling victim to stagnant football. Caused blowouts.
@sdoc23: like Spencer and Warnock punching on. You don’t see enough of that these days. Dislike — injuries, mounting at most clubs
@PaulBlakeCW: can I put Adam Scott’s putter as a dislike. Like Nths team performance. Great today
@matoots57: Richmond complaining about the treatment of Cotchin, resulting in every club aware how to play Cotchin.
@au_glenn: L: Jack Steven — how we have missed the shimmy D: All round lack of responsibility to allow Crows to run riot
@darragreek01: Like — Pendlebury as Skipper. Dislike — Cotchin on media st claiming illegal tactics. #getakickchamp #cloke?
@paigecardona: like Macaffer doing a job on one of the comps best. Dislike one of the comps best being left to rot by his teammates.
@KatrisGooner: Dislike: Malthouse last week said the Bombers are a very good side,which they are,but really he’s made us a pathetic 1
@itsgailw: The way the Dees backed up there players,dislike they are getting no credit for playing well.
@Martin_Sanna: Likes: Jamie Elliott. Brent Macaffer. Carlton losing. :-) Dislikes: People complaining about Macaffer’s tagging.
@noodlesal: likes Brent macaffer’s shutdown on Cotchin then staying at tramp till shutdown.
@ClinicalspTrev: like everything about how Joel Selwood plays, dislike everything about how mccaffer plays
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