As the Blues prepare to face one of the most dominant teams of the modern era, Carlton coach John Barker says he wants his side to play a “modern brand of footy”.
Although Carlton will be throwing back to the ‘90s to celebrate the 1995 premiership victory, the style of football on display tonight will be much more contemporary.
Speaking to 3AW’s Sports Today in the lead up to the match against Hawthorn, Barker said there has been a real focus on ball use, as well as run and spread off half-back.
“Our ball use has changed markedly over the last six or seven weeks since I’ve taken over … we’re trying to make the most of our half-back which we feel is a strength of ours,” he said.
“We want to play a modern brand of footy and that means we need to spread the opposition over the full width of the deck and take the options that present when they do.”
“We’ve tried to move the ball quickly whenever we’ve been given space, but sometimes the opposition will get numbers back quickly and you have to be smart.”
The Hawks, who are known for their exceptional skill level, will “take any option that’s free”. Barker says a key to shutting them down is preventing the short pass, but that’s “easier said than done”.
“It’s easy to say that but then to go ahead and do that, especially given their skill level, is another story.
“There’s not too many holes you can pick in their armoury at the minute but we’ll be trying our best,” Barker said.
There’ll be a vast different in experience when the two teams line up tonight, but the coach says it will be a great learning experience for his young Blues, who are constantly encouraged to grow.
“As long as they roll the sleeves up, value what we value and know what we stand for, they’re going to keep getting game time – we need them to grow.
“There’s bits and pieces of our future being displayed each week but I think it’s healthy and it’s positive for our members to see.”
Carlton takes on Hawthorn tonight at 7.50pm AEST at Etihad Stadium. Visit www.ticketmaster.com.au for tickets.
