Robbo: Patrick Cripps must lead the charge in a change of Blues’ attitude
The Blues are under the pump, and face an almost do or die clash against the Bulldogs who possess the hottest player in the AFL. How do they stop him? It’s time for the Blues to make a change.
A change in attitude might fix Carlton’s horrible game style and that change has to be led by coach Michael Voss and captain Patrick Cripps.
The coach is under pressure to find solutions and the skipper, who is the reigning Brownlow medallist, should be under as much scrutiny as the coach.
In what is one of those season-defining games, Voss’s spluttering Blues need something to change, to trigger the performance of his players.
They look like they’re playing in gumboots in their offence, so why not don the army boots and play defence?
Make defence a weapon.
Why not tackle, harass and outnumber, and then tackle again, and get in their face, annoy them, push ‘em and pester? Basically play trench footy?
Look at St Kilda all season.
Look at Brisbane last week.
Look at Port Adelaide after quarter-time against the Bombers.
No one’s looking at the Blues and saying, gee, they’re hard to play against.
What is their game style?
To gather the troops, how ‘bout the Blues ambush the Bulldogs and not the other way round?
How bout sending Cripps to Marcus Bontempelli.
Cripps, the attacking beast, would become the defensive beast, and instead of being the hunted he would become the hunter.
It would be a change of mindset for Cripps. Instead of worrying about who’s shutting him down, similar to how the Lions did a number on him last week, he goes to Bontempelli, which would end the Cripps tag.
Twice in three recent losses Cripps was beaten by an opposition player. In round 5, it was Adelaide skipper Jordan Dawson who received nine votes from the coaches, and Dunkley 10 votes last week.
In round 6 against St Kilda, Jack Steele went to Cripps after halftime, and although Steele didn’t get votes, neither did Cripps. That’s another win.
Indeed, Cripps should march into Voss’ office today and say: “I’ll take Bont.’’
Why? Because someone has to and either way, if he’s carrying an injury or in a form slump, he’s the ideal opponent: Strong at stoppages, mentally combative, super proud.
It’s the kind of leadership which would set the tone for and probably inspire his teammates.
You know, if the captain’s ready to play a defensive role for the team, then why can’t every player?
It’s a game style which might not produce many goals, but it’s not the point right now.
Voss has to coach for the immediate. For this Saturday night. He needs to unearth a collective mentality and game plan in the hope it can deliver victory.
Their offensive game is not working, so the Dogs would be confident it can shut down their ball movement.
Why not flip it? It is said defence wins premierships. It’s also true that defence wins at round 9.
Clearly, if not desperately, it’s time for the Blues and Cripps to rewrite the script, which is if you stop Cripps you stop Carlton.
The plan this week is stop Bontempelli. Give him to the captain to make a statement.
God knows, Carlton needs one.
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