AFL Daily: Carlton's horror tackle stat, rolling footy news for Friday March 20, 2020
Former Gold Coast Sun Jack Martin was a big positive for Carlton in its season-opening loss to Richmond, but the Blues' four-goal hero says there is one area the club must improve.
Carlton forward Jack Martin believes a lack of physicality hurt his side as the Blues recorded a shockingly low tackle count against Richmond in Thursday night’s season-opener.
Carlton recorded just 23 tackles for the match to Richmond’s 52, with nine Blues players failing to record a single tackle.
While quarter lengths this season have been reduced by 20 per cent to 16 minutes plus time-on, the Blues had ranked ninth for tackles last season, averaging 62.8 a game
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The AFL average for tackles last season was 62.5 per team, per game.
“They were harder than us but we were really happy with the response after quarter-time,” Martin said of the 24-point defeat.
“Guys came out and had a crack and we were thereabouts. But the game was over at quarter-time.
“To give them a six-goal head start in the first quarter, you’re just chasing all night.”
Martin joined the Blues over summer after six seasons with Gold Coast Suns and booted four goals from 17 disposals in an impressive debut in navy blue.
But the atmosphere at the MCG on Thursday night was not what he had been expecting when he put pen to paper with a big Melbourne club.
“Round 1 running out for Carlton you are expecting 90,000 and you get about 100 people watching,” Martin said.
“To be honest, it was weird. You could hear the guys up the other end. I’ve never played in anything like that. But you just try and get on with the job and play footy.
“I’ve loved my time since I’ve walked through the door (at Carlton). I’m excited about what’s ahead.”
Originally published as AFL Daily: Carlton's horror tackle stat, rolling footy news for Friday March 20, 2020