Blues v Saints - Let The Games Begin


Whitnall Good To Go?

By Shane Thiele
March 27 2002

This year we have decided to slightly change the format of our previews. Obviously neither of us are involved in the inner sanctum so we've got just as much idea as you have as to whether 'a' will play on 'b' or whether I'd like to see 'x' pick up 'y'.

This season we hope to provide you with a more statistical outlook on the game as well as a closer insight into the upcoming weeks opposition.
 
So for the next twenty-two weeks and fingers crossed - one or two more - please insert the following quotes into our weekly forecasts.
 
  • 'This is a must win game for the Blues'
  • 'We can't take them lightly as we know how dangerous they can be'
  • 'We badly need the four points'
  • 'Buckley/Voss/Lloyd/McLeod etc etc will be the key to the oppositions chances'
Obviously though being the first game makes it difficult to fill this page with meaningless statistics so amuse me whilst I attempt fate and try to make some sort of token prediction.
 
Ever since the draw was released last December, our focus has been solely fixed on March 30. Pre-season form is now irrelevant although I am quietly relieved that the Saints lead form has been as unflattering as ours. The fact that our first opponent is one of last years cellar dwellers will bring no joy to any Carlton fan. Our record last season was at times bewildering against the struggling clubs and the eternal optimism that all teams play with in Round 1 will no doubt cause headaches for Brittain's troops.
 
In both encounters last season the Blues took until half way through the last stanza to shake off the boys from Moorabbin. The final score lines failed to reflect the evenness of both battles and the Saints will sleep easier knowing that unlike last season, a certain sidelined Adonis will be unable to spoil their party.
 
On the positive side, missing from last year will be two players that caused trouble not only off the field for St Kilda but on the field for Carlton. Barry Hall and Peter Everitt are absent for differing reasons and despite their at times 'discipline problems', the Saints line-up looks all the more vulnerable without them. Matthew Capuano is also out, Kotzitchke & Loewe are doubtful and Fraser Gehrig also has a cloud over his fitness. From a selfish point of view, let's O.P doesn't play (Sorry!!)
 
For what it's worth expect Beaumont to match-up on Hamill, Franchina to get the job on Harvey and Navy Blue debutant David Gallagher will get the task of silencing dangerous Stephen Milne. Matthew Allan should have a field-day on whoever the Saints have left as a ruck option. The duties will most probably be handed to the inexperienced Trent Knobel. If you are ever going to repay the faith Matthew, Saturday will be a good place to start.
 
At the other end of the ground we'll find that Carlton is clearly not the worst off when it comes to height down back. The Saints 'Wakelinless' backline of 2001 copped some fearful hidings and finished the year statistically the worst defence in the AFL conceding an average of 120 points per game against them.
 
On paper the Blues forward line should have a field day but the pessimist in me worries about the lack of match-fitness of Hickmott, Merrington, Whitnall & McKernan, the unpredictability of Fevola & Houlihan and the effect the past fortnight has had on Lappin.
 
All fence-sitting and false respect aside, we should easily be able to overcome an undermanned cellar-dweller. Expect them to provide nuisance value for a while but there is still too much class in our line-up to let this one slide.
 
Considering the time of year, at 5.00pm Saturday if I'm found to be proved wrong.......I may just go looking for a crucifix and a large hill myself.....
 
Carlton's history against St Kilda
 
Played 193, Won 153, Lost 35, Drawn 2
 
Longest winning sequence - 15 wins (1929-1936)
 
Highest Score for - 24.26 - 170
 
Lowest Score against - 2.5 - 17
 
Greatest winning margin - 140 points, Greatest Losing margin - 56 points
 
Colonial Stadium record - (Carlton) Won 2, Lost 1, (St Kilda) Won 4, Lost 20, Drawn 1
 
Last time they met
 
Round 20 - Colonial Stadium - 2001 Attendence: 34,521
 
Carlton 22.16 - 148 d St Kilda 16.8 - 104
 
Key ball winners (All numbers possessions unless indicated)
 
Koutoufides - 34
Bradley - 28
Camporeale - 28
Fevola - 5 goals
 
Thompson - 32
Gehrig - 23
Hamill - 20
Everitt - 38 hitouts  

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