“THERE’S probably a few things to go over.”
In the aftermath of Carlton’s win over GWS, plenty of talk has centred around the performances of some individuals who stood up when the game was well and truly on the line.
It’s hard to ignore Patrick Cripps’ 39 disposals, or Sam Walsh’s 17 score involvements. But in reality, it was a true team effort which reversed fortunes and got the Blues over the line.
That particularly rings true when considering what the Blues were dealing with leading into the game. While the conversation was around who wouldn’t be out there for Carlton, Michael Voss was stoic pre-game in that the only thing the team needed to focus on was who would be representing the Navy Blue jumper.
For Jacob Weitering, the weekend’s win was indicative of the very message Voss has been reinforcing since day one.
“We’ve talked about squad mentality and getting the next bloke in,” Weitering told SEN’s Whateley.
“I was obviously out for the first two games and I thought the defence held up incredibly well as a team . . . as a defensive unit, we’re not too worried.
“Yes, we’re probably low on numbers at the moment, but I know the boys are doing their absolute best and most to get back as soon as possible.”
Weitering referenced two Blues - the two least-experienced players in Carlton’s back six - as just a representation of the reason why the Blues were able to get over the line.
Brought in for the first time this year, Lachie Cowan was playing just his eighth game of football, coming into a backline which lost key cogs Adam Saad and Mitch McGovern in previous weeks.
"There were a few nerves. But I feel like you just need one big hit, mark or tackle to get into it."
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) April 22, 2024
That's what we like to hear.
In just his second season and his eighth career game, Lachie Cowan well and truly held his own against high-quality opposition on Saturday 🐄
Then, with Zac Williams subbed out at half time, Jordan Boyd - arguably Carlton’s biggest improver in season 2024 - was given the task on Toby Greene in what was Boyd’s 22nd game of football.
“You’ve got to give a lot of credit to Lachie Cowan and Lewis Young in the way they came in. Lachie’s a young guy, and to come in and do what he did, I thought he was excellent.
“Another guy I want to celebrate as well is Jordan Boyd. Going over to Toby Greene, who’s an unbelievable player, and to nullify him, do his absolute best and get on the end of a few as well, was also good.
“To adjust on game day — I was labouring, Zac Williams gets subbed out and Matt Kennedy played a bit of time at half-back. I’ve spoken about it before, but it’s a bit of maturity, understanding your role and getting it done.”
