As Carlton regroups ahead of its Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round clash with Geelong, assistant coach Shane Watson has praised the Club’s leaders for their effort, both on and off the field.
With the Blues sitting in 12th position on the ladder after nine rounds, with four wins and five losses, the forward line assistant coach reiterated what a “terrific job” the leadership group has done so far this year.
“Our leaders have done a terrific job,” Watson told Sportsday on Wednesday evening.
“Simpson, Docherty, Cripps, Murphy, Gibbs, they’ve all played arguably career-best form, or if not best form in the last few years.”
And it’s showing on the stats sheet.
Blues midfielder Bryce Gibbs is averaging over 26 disposals per game, giving him the No. 1 ranking at Carlton, while young defender Sam Docherty is averaging over 24 possessions and Marc Murphy over 22 touches.
Meanwhile Patrick Cripps is ranked No. 1 in the competition for clearances (8.62), ahead of Swan Josh Kennedy (7.5), and third in the AFL for contested possession (16.12).
But it’s not just their on-field performance that has impressed the coaches.
“They’re doing a really good job off-field bringing the young guys on in terms of their leadership as well, but performance I guess is what everyone sees and we’ve been reasonably happy with their output.”
Another player who has caught the coaches’ eye is Kristian Jaksch, who’s been performing well for the Northern Blues in the VFL.
Jaksch, who has been playing at both ends of the ground, played a pivotal role in Northern’s win over Coburg on the weekend – hitting the scoreboard on numerous occasions, pleasing the forwards coach.
“He’s basically played half the year as a defender and half the year as a forward, he’s having a bit of a look at both ends,” Watson said.
“He kicked four goals on the weekend, and three goals a few weeks before that, so in terms of his output we’ve been really please with it, and he’s one that will come into consideration in the next couple of weeks for sure.”
Carlton takes on Geelong this Sunday afternoon at Etihad Stadium, with the match kicking off at 1:10pm.
