Before the match on Sunday, I waited nervously.  All I wanted to see from the match was that the team, whoever was playing, gave it their all, at every moment of the game. I wanted to see the young, inexperienced players that came in take on the game. To show that they have not only worked hard for their chance but why they were chosen in the first place. I wanted us to win, of course, but more than that, I wanted to see the heart back into the team. Not only did this happen, but so much more.

Before I continue, after the match, I read with laughter some of the comments posted on social media, some from non-supporters, but those that gave me a real laugh were from some who are supposedly Carlton supporters. These comments ranged from “we should not be celebrating a mediocre performance.” That “Voss cannot coach and needs to go ASAP!” That certain players who are just beginning their careers need to be “traded at the end of the season and are useless.” It seems that for some if we lose, it proves their point of how weak we are and how pathetic the coaches are. And if we win, well we are still weak and pathetic.  It seems that these so-called “supporters” are not real supporters, or they are either trolls from other clubs or just cannot see what others can.  It seems that no matter what the outcome, we are a useless club.  To those, I say, “Jog on, mate!”

The team on Sunday consisted of two debutants, as well as players who had played a few games and were brought in to fill in the gaps of our injured star players.   The average age of the team was 24.5 years old. Of that, eleven players are under the age of 25.  Thirteen players have played less than 50 games. This means that if they had played all games, they have only played for two seasons or less. Nine players have come from other clubs. While they have been in the system, their time at their previous clubs did not meet the expectations that these clubs perceived these players were capable of. But at Carlton, they are showing what they are capable of.

In this team, nine players have played over one hundred games, with only one player over two hundred – Patrick Cripps. Of those who have played over one hundred, six have come from other clubs.  Only three players have played more than 100 games, including Crippa, Weiters and Walshy, who have been at the club since they were drafted. There is a point to all of this.

In 2022, Geelong’s winning Premiership side, out of 46 players, eighteen had played over 100 games, most above 200.  Six had played between 50 and 99. Seven players had played 50 or less.   The ones who had played the most games, were prolific in garnishing the club a Premiership. Geelong is still one of the oldest playing groups and have more AFL game experience.

Collingwood’s 2023 win saw thirteen players who had played over 100 games, with four over 200.  Seven players had played between 50 and 100 games, with fifteen playing less than 50.  Five of that squad played in the Grand Final and had played less than 50 games. Those who played 100 games are either in their late twenties or early thirties.

Why is this important? If we look at the team that played on Sunday, most of our playing group has played less than 50 games at the AFL level. The average age is below 25.   This is a vital factor in why the game on Sunday was magnificent, and showing a level of positivism in the club and the team itself that anything can and is achieved with a steadfast determination and self-belief.  Sure, it was against a bottom side, but it was a side that had come off from a two-game winning streak, and we were not only playing at their home ground, but we had dropped out of the eight. Our morale was low; theirs was not. Our team was decimated by injuries, with substantial missing players. Theirs was not.  

But what was so significant in this game was the constant pressure, no matter where the ball was. What was so significant was that the game was Carlton’s to shape and mould, and the team had more to gain and, at the same time, more to lose. The team showed what it means to be a team. It showed that together with a leadership group that surpassed all expectations can and does inspire. From soccer-like goals to unexpected defenders suddenly kicking multiple goals. To players who had been faltering, suddenly showing what they are capable of and why the club believed in them in the first place. But it showed so much more. It showed that a passionate determination to push yourself and play in a way that can only lead to success is one that should never be underestimated. Yes, it was against a bottom team. Yes, the last game of the season will be very important. But this game, this win is a catalyst moment for the club: that if there is a belief and a will to do all that you can to become a winning side, no matter who is there, the result will be just that – a win. 

It allowed less experienced players to develop and grow to become better players. It allowed new players to experience the intensity level that an AFL game provides. But more than that, it gave the club a chance to show that no matter who is in the side, the game is on our terms and that a win is something that we can control. 

#GOBLUES!

All photos courtesy of the AFL