Two weeks later and two victories; one against the Crows in Adelaide, where the previous victory was in 2004, and the second against the reigning premiers and this year flag favourite Geelong - A good return to form.
So where does the credit go?
The players receive their rightful accolades for performing in a manner, and to a standard, that we expect from a team that played finals in 2009 and expects to continue to improve in 2010. Particularly against Geelong at the MCG where a four-quarter effort of sustained pressure and discipline was too much for the opposition on the day that saw Carlton win every quarter.
However it is the lack of credit and respect given to the Brett Ratten and the coaching panel that is amazing, but hardly surprising. After all senior coaches are an easy target.
The victory was not the result of a gamble by the coaches. A gamble on team selection and the game plan, as some media outlets have reported.
These victories, in particular the big win over Geelong, was the result of a calculated coaching strategy that ensured Carlton played a style of game that not only used the strengths of the Blues but also diminished the strengths of Geelong’s style of play.
Brett Ratten and his coaching team did the planning and there can be no doubt their strategy was a winner. Of course it is one thing to have a plan and another to execute the plan. On Monday at the MCG the players executed the coaching strategy to a tee, playing one of the best four-quarter games by Carlton for a long time.
Well done Ratts and your coaching panel and well done to the team on a fantastic performance all round. We look forward to this week’s strategy and the execution by the players against the arch rivals who are obviously in top form.
Here’s to another winning formula and who knows, if Carlton succeeds, maybe our senior coach and his assistants will be given the credit they deserve.
