However you look at it, the Blues were pathetic

Absolutely disgusted. That's the only way I can describe how I felt after watching Carlton's dismal effort in the second half of last nights game against Essendon. We lost and lost disgracefully. Carlton I believe, put too much pressure on themselves focusing on getting revenge on the Bombers from the loss back in round three by a few points. Too much focus on getting that top four spot back. While every team plays with the goal to reach the top 8 and being in the finals in September, Carlton need to just go out with one thing in mind. To play football. No stress worrying about things you can't control. You can't control the way the opposition plays, you can't control how slow or fast they can run. Concentrate on controlling our game play, our possessions with the ball, control our speed, our goals. Once you control our game and our team, you can control the scoreboard. That's it, just the basics.
I love my team dearly and would never turn my back on them. No matter the result of any game, or at the end of the season. They are my boys, my club, my passion. Lets just forget this week and prove we aren't just coming, but that we are here next week.
We boast one of the best lists of players in the AFL, but last night our players didn't band together. Sure there were moments of brilliance, but too few of them. With the players we have, Fevolva, Gibbs, Murphy, Carrazzo, Judd, Hampson to name just a few. We should have played a much, much better game than that. Our first half was great, we were even in front. The second half, left a lot to be desired. Something snapped, the plot was lost and it seemed they had forgotten what they were there for. Come on boys, I know you can bounce back next week and dominate the way you are capable of doing. Personally, I don't like the break in the middle of the season. The week off isn't necessary. While its nice to be able to take stock of the first half of the season, and get rid of those niggling aches and pains during that week off. Too many teams suffer from what I call, "Mid-season Syndrome". Basically, too often I see teams have the week off and come back and get thrashed. Teams that before the break we performing great and then lose momentum by having that week off. Its a critical stage of the season now, teams can't afford to lose, they can't afford to have a week of relaxation and then attempt to switch on again and expect to win while parts of their mind and body might be in cruise mode. Scrap the week off or if its insisted to keep it, scrap the split round and have one week where all teams have the same week off.
Now its time to even forget we had a game last night and concentrate on re-grouping, getting back to basics and come out next week to play Fremantle with one thing in mind. Playing football, playing to win.

Ben Cousins

Some might call it obsession, I call it bensessed. I love the great one, he's an awesome talent. Seeing that Carlton have the week off, I decided to write about one of my favourite players. While he has been through alot, and yes most of it was self inflicted. No one can deny the legend that he is. Yes I look at him and think what a hottie, but he's more than that, much much more.

I would never condone what he did in the past, but its time to move on. He has done his time and paid the price for it. Now its time to watch in awe the amazement that is Ben Cousins. Even though he is playing for Richmond Tigers, everyone loves a champion no matter what team they play for.

One day, I will see him play live. That could only make life better really. Seeing some one as hot and as talented as that in person. RAWWRRR! His good looks aside, I have a lot of respect for Ben Cousins. Yes his downfall was all of his own doing, but to see him come back and do it in the public eye is a hard thing to do. Yet week in week out, he is on the field playing in great form, doing all he needs to do to say positive. To stay on the straight and narrow. Ben Cousins is a great footballer, he is a great person. I for one, am glad he has returned.

On to some sadder news, I read today that Micheal O'Loughlin is retiring from football at the end of the season. Mickey O has been a great asset to the Sydney Swans for the last 15 years. He's played a pivotal role both on and off the field. It has been an absolute pleasure to watch him over the years. I will surely miss Mickey O. I truly wanted to cry when I read he would be retiring. He's a legend of our game. I had already planned on going to Sydney in round 22, now it will be even more special. Thanks for the memories Mickey O, looking forward to seeing you join the 300 club.

Carlton Blues v St Kilda Saints (12.06.09)

Well the big test came. Time to take on the undefeated Saints. I don't hate the Saints, they are a good team. For the last few years they've had a team that could've taken them through to the finals and possibly even make the grand final. Somehow they would lose their way and not make it. This year, they seem like the real deal. Week in, week out they have chewed up every opposition and spat them out. Now it was our turn. I believed my blue boys weren't without a chance to beat them, but it was going to be hard, very hard.
So off we went and set about our ways. By the end of the first quarter we were some 30 points down, I was ready to cop a shalacking. But alas, my boys dug deep and come half time we were only 4 points down. Then we start the third quarter, 4 quick goals to St Kilda and again things were looking dismal. Carlton however had other plans. They again regrouped and kept on coming at the Saints. There was no way Carlton were going to let St Kilda get away so easily as other clubs seemed to have done. Minutes to go into the fourth and 4 points down, things looked promising to be the first team to beat them. Ryan Houlihan, I give my hat off to him for trying to kick an unbelievable goal. Time comes for ball to meet the boot, in the air it soars and while my heart had stopped I couldn't stop panting, I wanted that goal so much I could almost taste it. The six points from that would've put us two points in front with one minute to go. The football gods above had other plans. So off it sails to the left, giving us a behind. Just one point. Margin cut down to three. I think I threw nearly everything that was within my reach. Yes there were others available to kick to, yes there were others who could've made the goal. But such is life and you take what you get. St Kilda had possession of the ball, they get it quickly up to their end of the field and kick a goal. Oh the sheer heartbreak of it all. My heart totally shattered by the thoughts of what if, how could it, why didn't we, where did that come from, how did that play go wrong? All the questions you ask when you want victory so badly that nothing else feels how it should be.
It was a great measuring stick for the Blues, to test how far they had come in a season. I have no doubt in my mind that they will be able to match it with the remaining teams in the eight come September. Especially the three above us, namely St Kilda and Geelong. Geelong also currently undefeated. We will meet Geelong in round 19, just 7 rounds away. The guys, regardless of the loss, played an exceptional game. To come so close just showed how great they played. No other team has come so close to beating St Kilda this year, truly a great effort.
Unfortunately, we were missing Juddy at times of the game due to a broken nose during friendly fire from a team mate while both players were going to the ball at the same time. This is a part of football, it happens to the best of them. Its such a cruel game at times, it leaves your mouth watering for more. Especially when that win you wanted so bad goes astray. Now this round is a split round, so my boys won't play next week. They will have a much needed week off and it comes at a great time for that nose of Juddy's to heal. Our next game will be against Essendon. One of our biggest rivals. And rivalry couldn't be much bigger in my family between these two teams. One of my brothers and his girlfriend both follow Essendon. Truly a fun time had by all when we watch this game together.
Me at my brothers neck, my brother readily taking aim at me. For every goal, behind, free kick anything that happens against our particular team and its on like donkey kong. At the end of the game is the mandatory run down between us. While one is gloating inside, the other internally swearing we will beat you next time. It really is a great time, while it may not sound like it. We do it for the love of our game, the love of our teams. AFL is not just a game, its a passion. Its a way of life. Its getting dragged out of bed as a tot to go to each and every game your brothers play in during juniors. Only to love it so much that when you're older you give up movies, drinking whatever it is with your friends to wrap the scarf around your neck, throw on you thickest jacket just to watch your brothers run around a field for 2 hours while sitting on the sidelines to cheer so hard you lose your voice. Only to sit down with the team at the end of the night and share a few beers and plenty of laughs. Its having your tickets booked a month before your team arrives in your home state (Carlton is a Victorian team and I live in Queensland), having all your gear ready hours before the game, again grabbing the scarf, your team jersey, and a jacket to sit in open air of the Gabba hoping for 3 hours that your team will win because if they don't it, leaves a bitter taste in your mouth until the play in Brisbane again. Thankfully, the week before when Carlton were up in Brisbane they beat the Lions.
Its not just about winning the game, its about all the ooh's and ahh's in between.

Carlton Blues v Brisbane Lions (06.06.09)

Another great win over the lackies that are the Brisbane Lions. I know I am Queensland born and bred but I've follow Carlton for more than half my life. I would NEVER go for the Lions. And I don't care. While we lost our 31 point lead, a win is a win, even if it was only by 7 points. That now puts us fourth on the ladder and September action is lurking on the horizon. Another great game by captain Chris Judd, you my friend are a bloody legend. I can't wait for my son to meet you, he totally idolises the Juddernaut. Every player on ground is called Juddy to him, except Fevs. Which he has taken to calling GOD. :)
Welcome back to Andrew Carrazzo, nice game for the first of the season. Hopefully the injury is behind you and all is well for full steam ahead. Eddie Betts, little pocket rocket, always loving the Eddie Action. Great perfomances by all in general. Each player played their roles and played them damn well. Nice to see Setanta O'Hailpin who reached 50 AFL level games. Third Irishman to do so in our great game. Big congratulations to Setanta. My personal favourite, Brendan Fevola. Great game again tonight, loved the goals you racked up. Looking forward to next weeks goal tally. All in all a great game tonight. My friend Aimee, loved it totally. She's converted to being a Blues girl too just quietly. Love ya Aimstar! Thanks for coming tonight, can't wait to take you to the MCG to see them play at home in Melbourne.

Old Dark Navy Blues

I've followed Carlton for more than half my life. Even though season '09 is half way through. I decided I would create a blog for all my things blue and anything else AFL related. I have written a few posts in another blog that I will include in this post, I wanted to keep the two seperate. Carlton are a great club. We've had some bloody legends in the past, and will have many more in the future.

Since 1864 we havce won 16 premierships, had 4 Brownlow Medalists, 4 Norm Smith Medalists, 2 Coleman Medalists. I could list everything about the club right here. I would advise checking out www.carltonfc.com.au or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carlton_Football_Club

Well instead of sitting here and telling you all the ins and outs of a dogs hind leg, I will begin writting away. I hope you all enjoy and if there is anything you would like to see me blog about regarding anything AFL or Carlton Blues just leave a comment after any blog I write.

Now kick back, grab a beer or whateva and enjoy!

We are the Navy Blues
We are the old dark navy Blues
We're the team that never lets you down
We're the only team old Carlton knows
With all the champions
They like to send us
We'll keep our end up
And they will know that they've been playing
Against the famous old dark Blues!