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Last time - Round 3, 2018

Carlton 11.10.76 def by Collingwood 16.4.100

We got the jump early and simply fell away, as the pies made the most of their scoring opportunities.

The pies weren’t in the same form as now, but in retrospect we can see that round 3 was the beginning of their 2018 improvement.

This week

What I’m excited about

We get to remove ourselves away from what was a horrific day against Freo.

The bye didn’t come at the opportune time for the pies, as they were in their best form for years.

We have responded in all three of our “horror” performances, showing the effort that we supporters simply ask for each week.

The inclusion of Kennedy to our midfield which desperately needs a stronger body. Is he ready to return? Big question. Had 27 touches and a goal today, but Bolts is known to force consistent form before making an inclusion

Another opportunity of exposure for our younger players in a matchup that means a lot to both clubs

What I’m concerned about

Collingwood have elite running ability across the ground, and when riding the momentum swings, are extremely dangerous

The simple weight of number of stars midfielders. We’re running with Cripps and Ed Curnow to an extent, as opposed to the likes of Pendlebury, Sidebottom, Treloar and perhaps De Goey. Our next layer of talent is then our youngsters, who are simply years behind the likes of Thomas, Hoskein-Elliot, Phillips and the like.

Our mindset - I don’t think our boys will run out there on Sunday with the genuine belief that they can win.

IN

- Harry McKay | Matthew Kennedy

OUT

- Patrick Kerr | Nick Graham

Harry needs to play in these games, and I don’t yet trust the ability for us to play both he and Kerr with Levi.

The Nick Graham experience is over for me. I would expect him to not be at the club beyond 2018.

SUMMARY

I can see an honourable loss, in the 22-32 point range, as we make the game a scrap until the class of Collingwood eventually shines through.

Stick together Carlton family - it’s easy to get caught up in the bold headlines.

I wish I was in Melbourne to be at the game this week - I miss the atmosphere immensely.