'Do something special': Blues hunt key win without star
Harry McKay's sore knee has dealt Carlton a significant blow on the eve of their must-win game against Essendon, forcing the club to make a fifth change.
McKay missed Thursday's main training session and the Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that he will sit out Sunday's MCG blockbuster against their arch-rivals.
Hudson O'Keeffe will make his AFL debut as McKay's replacement, while Michael Voss had already recalled Jack Silvagni, Zac Williams, Orazio Fantasia and Alex Cincotta for the critical clash.
The Blues are mired in a 4-7 record and a misfiring attack as they return from their bye. With McKay out, Charlie Curnow is now their main key forward.
Fellow forward Lachie Fogarty is acutely aware his optimism is an unpopular opinion, but he feels the Blues can do plenty in the second half of the season.
Carlton have been in most games this year and showcased what is possible with an excellent round-seven win over Geelong.
"I have a lot of belief that we can still do something special. A lot of people would find that hard to believe," Fogarty told AAP.
"We're doing a lot of things right in terms of defence and our contest work has been as good as ever.
"Again, it probably goes back to the scores per inside 50s - we rank 18th in the competition. It's something we've been getting after for a while.
"We're working on that connection between midfielders and forwards and making sure we're running the right patterns."
The Blues also know better than anyone that fortunes can turn quickly in such an even league, having gone on a roll at the end of 2023.
Likewise, Hawthorn stormed into last year's finals after a barren start and Melbourne are right back in the hunt this season.
"We definitely know it is possible ... it doesn't matter where it's at, you have to put up your best fight, no matter what. Anything is possible," Fogarty said.
The Blues forward returned from his hamstring injury and kicked two goals in their pre-bye loss to GWS.
He is in a good space, having enjoyed a strong pre-season.
"It's probably been a bit of a challenge, win-loss, but at the same time I'm a pretty positive person," he said.
Should the Blues fix their woes ahead of centre, Curnow will be licking his lips given the injured-riddled Bombers defence.
But Essendon were outstanding last week in a narrow away loss to Brisbane and will fancy their chances.
Other than the motivation of taking on one of their biggest rivals, Carlton will also honour club heritage by wearing the special-edition "Blueout" guernsey on Sunday night.
It changes the iconic club symbol from white to a shade of blue.
The first time they wore the Blueout jumper? Round three, 2017 - a win over Essendon.
Harry McKay's sore knee has dealt Carlton a significant blow on the eve of their must-win game against Essendon, forcing the club to make a fifth change.
McKay missed Thursday's main training session and the Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that he will sit out Sunday's MCG blockbuster against their arch-rivals.
Hudson O'Keeffe will make his AFL debut as McKay's replacement, while Michael Voss had already recalled Jack Silvagni, Zac Williams, Orazio Fantasia and Alex Cincotta for the critical clash.
The Blues are mired in a 4-7 record and a misfiring attack as they return from their bye. With McKay out, Charlie Curnow is now their main key forward.
Fellow forward Lachie Fogarty is acutely aware his optimism is an unpopular opinion, but he feels the Blues can do plenty in the second half of the season.
Carlton have been in most games this year and showcased what is possible with an excellent round-seven win over Geelong.
"I have a lot of belief that we can still do something special. A lot of people would find that hard to believe," Fogarty told AAP.
"We're doing a lot of things right in terms of defence and our contest work has been as good as ever.
"Again, it probably goes back to the scores per inside 50s - we rank 18th in the competition. It's something we've been getting after for a while.
"We're working on that connection between midfielders and forwards and making sure we're running the right patterns."
The Blues also know better than anyone that fortunes can turn quickly in such an even league, having gone on a roll at the end of 2023.
Likewise, Hawthorn stormed into last year's finals after a barren start and Melbourne are right back in the hunt this season.
"We definitely know it is possible ... it doesn't matter where it's at, you have to put up your best fight, no matter what. Anything is possible," Fogarty said.
The Blues forward returned from his hamstring injury and kicked two goals in their pre-bye loss to GWS.
He is in a good space, having enjoyed a strong pre-season.
"It's probably been a bit of a challenge, win-loss, but at the same time I'm a pretty positive person," he said.
Should the Blues fix their woes ahead of centre, Curnow will be licking his lips given the injured-riddled Bombers defence.
But Essendon were outstanding last week in a narrow away loss to Brisbane and will fancy their chances.
Other than the motivation of taking on one of their biggest rivals, Carlton will also honour club heritage by wearing the special-edition "Blueout" guernsey on Sunday night.
It changes the iconic club symbol from white to a shade of blue.
The first time they wore the Blueout jumper? Round three, 2017 - a win over Essendon.
Harry McKay's sore knee has dealt Carlton a significant blow on the eve of their must-win game against Essendon, forcing the club to make a fifth change.
McKay missed Thursday's main training session and the Blues confirmed on Saturday morning that he will sit out Sunday's MCG blockbuster against their arch-rivals.
Hudson O'Keeffe will make his AFL debut as McKay's replacement, while Michael Voss had already recalled Jack Silvagni, Zac Williams, Orazio Fantasia and Alex Cincotta for the critical clash.
The Blues are mired in a 4-7 record and a misfiring attack as they return from their bye. With McKay out, Charlie Curnow is now their main key forward.
Fellow forward Lachie Fogarty is acutely aware his optimism is an unpopular opinion, but he feels the Blues can do plenty in the second half of the season.
Carlton have been in most games this year and showcased what is possible with an excellent round-seven win over Geelong.
"I have a lot of belief that we can still do something special. A lot of people would find that hard to believe," Fogarty told AAP.
"We're doing a lot of things right in terms of defence and our contest work has been as good as ever.
"Again, it probably goes back to the scores per inside 50s - we rank 18th in the competition. It's something we've been getting after for a while.
"We're working on that connection between midfielders and forwards and making sure we're running the right patterns."
The Blues also know better than anyone that fortunes can turn quickly in such an even league, having gone on a roll at the end of 2023.
Likewise, Hawthorn stormed into last year's finals after a barren start and Melbourne are right back in the hunt this season.
"We definitely know it is possible ... it doesn't matter where it's at, you have to put up your best fight, no matter what. Anything is possible," Fogarty said.
The Blues forward returned from his hamstring injury and kicked two goals in their pre-bye loss to GWS.
He is in a good space, having enjoyed a strong pre-season.
"It's probably been a bit of a challenge, win-loss, but at the same time I'm a pretty positive person," he said.
Should the Blues fix their woes ahead of centre, Curnow will be licking his lips given the injured-riddled Bombers defence.
But Essendon were outstanding last week in a narrow away loss to Brisbane and will fancy their chances.
Other than the motivation of taking on one of their biggest rivals, Carlton will also honour club heritage by wearing the special-edition "Blueout" guernsey on Sunday night.
It changes the iconic club symbol from white to a shade of blue.
The first time they wore the Blueout jumper? Round three, 2017 - a win over Essendon.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
41 minutes ago
- News.com.au
‘Gross': AFL broadcaster under fire for showing young Carlton fan sobbing
The AFL world is divided after Fox Sports decided to showcase a distraught child during Carlton's embarrassing eleven-point defeat to North Melbourne on Saturday. The Kangaroos, one of the league's weakest teams, sprung a huge upset over the Blues on the weekend much to the anger of fans, with a chorus of boos sounding out around the MCG at several points in the match. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. There was no shortage of sad or dismayed Blues fans in the stands as their side was dominated for large parts of the game but many felt one move by the AFL broadcaster went too far. With Carlton down 84-45 in the final quarter, Fox Sports' decision to pan to a young distraught Blues fan drew the ire of many watching at home. 'That is a summation of what's happened for the Blues with that poor young fella. Mum and Dad have brought him to the footy today, full of hope,' commentator Mark Howard said. While Brisbane Lions great Jonathan Brown quipped: 'That's just bad parenting'. However, many footy fans didn't see the light side of it, slamming the broadcast giant on social media. 'Fox needs to stop zooming in on upset fans. It's not just uncomfortable, it's invasive and exploitative. You don't know why someone's crying. Maybe it's not even about the game. And filming crying kids for broadcast? That's not storytelling, it's just gross,' one angry viewer wrote on social media. 'They should be zooming in on fans but kids crying is not right,' another added. While a third said: 'That poor little fella who is a Carlton supporter & was crying is about to become a meme. He doesn't deserve that. His day is bad enough as it is!' But others didn't see the fuss. 'It's part of the entry policy you accept when buying a ticket. Unlucky, just bottle it up like the rest of us,' one fan wrote. Others commented 'Australia is the land of snowflakes, grow up' and 'They're at a live football match ffs in the public eye how can it be invasive if you don't want people to see your emotions then stay home lol'. After the loss, Carlton coach Michael Voss was equally dismayed, but his anger was shared between his team's performance and the fans' decision to boo. 'It's not time to isolate, it's time to come together,' Voss said in regard to the booing. 'We love coming to the ground and having the supporter base we have and the passion that our supporters have, but we share in their disappointment.' But fans were not done complaining, with 3AW in Melbourne bombarded by angry Blues fans after the game. Eddie called in and said: 'I'm 57 years old and I've been watching Carlton for many years and we still lack heart. 'I'm pleased for North Melbourne, but we were absolutely done in the third quarter. I'm calling it out Voss, sorry mate, you've got to go. It's time for a change.' While Adrian said: 'They show a bit of spine in the last quarter so they can get selected again and not get dropped. 'There's no heart and Michael Voss, you've got no idea what you're going to get from that coach. 'You've got to take most of the blame Michael and we want you out of the football club. Time is up.'
News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Goalkicking great Lance Franklin calls for urgent change at Carlton
AFL great Lance Franklin has urged Carlton to swing the axe on embattled coach Michael Voss 'ASAP'. The Blues went down to the Kangaroos by 11 points on Saturday afternoon – a stunning 93-point turnaround from their Good Friday win in the earlier fixture. The defeat has increased pressure on Voss, prompting captain Patrick Cripps to throw his support behind the Carlton coach on Monday morning. But Franklin sees the situation differently, saying the Blues aren't getting the best out of their list and need urgent change. 'I'm going to put this out there, I know this is a big call, I don't think he sees out the year,' Franklin told The Buddy & Shane Show. 'I think they've got a pretty good list, I do, I think the issue is the messaging is not getting through to the players. 'I think there needs to be change and we've said it before, we're all about the players and coaches, but I think this is a change that needs to happen and it needs to happen ASAP because the messaging is not getting through. 'All of the Carlton supporters would probably say the same. I'm probably speaking on behalf of them. I think there needs to be a change and it'll probably happen in the next few weeks is my tip. 'It's a big call, but that's what I think will happen.' Cripps defended Voss, saying there needed to be greater responsibility on the players. 'I couldn't speak highly enough of Vossy as a coach, also as a mentor and a friend,' Cripps said. 'He puts a lot of work into it along with the whole (coaching group) … that group's very aligned. 'We're in it together – we're not going to point blame at anyone else, we're going to take complete ownership, especially as players. '(Voss) has done a great job for us for a long time now, and I feel like as players, we need to aim up a bit more.' The Blues went into round 15 with a shot at moving closer the top eight but left the MCG to a chorus of boos from their own supporters. Cripps said Carlton was at its best when it was 'stronger together' and pleaded for the frustrated fans to 'buy in and get behind' the Blues. 'I don't want to divide us versus the fans – I feel like it's really important we stay together,' Cripps said. 'When times are tough, it's the most important time to stay together and stay united. 'For a lot of years now, we've had that 'stronger together' mindset, and it's easy to do that when we're winning … it's bloody hard to do that when you're having tough losses. 'We're sticking fat together … buy in and get behind us, we'll turn it around. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of effort, but we're going to stay united.' Carlton has a short turnaround between games with Port Adelaide on the road this Thursday night.
West Australian
2 hours ago
- West Australian
AFL 2025: Goalkicking great Lance Franklin calls for urgent change at Carlton
AFL great Lance Franklin has urged Carlton to swing the axe on embattled coach Michael Voss 'ASAP'. The Blues went down to the Kangaroos by 11 points on Saturday afternoon – a stunning 93-point turnaround from their Good Friday win in the earlier fixture. The defeat has increased pressure on Voss, prompting captain Patrick Cripps to throw his support behind the Carlton coach on Monday morning. But Franklin sees the situation differently, saying the Blues aren't getting the best out of their list and need urgent change. 'I'm going to put this out there, I know this is a big call, I don't think he sees out the year,' Franklin told The Buddy and Shane Show. 'I think they've got a pretty good list, I do, I think the issue is the messaging is not getting through to the players. 'I think there needs to be change and we've said it before, we're all about the players and coaches, but I think this is a change that needs to happen and it needs to happen ASAP because the messaging is not getting through. 'All of the Carlton supporters would probably say the same. I'm probably speaking on behalf of them. I think there needs to be a change and it'll probably happen in the next few weeks is my tip. 'It's a big call, but that's what I think will happen.' Cripps defended Voss, saying there needed to be greater responsibility on the players. 'I couldn't speak highly enough of Vossy as a coach, also as a mentor and a friend,' Cripps said. 'He puts a lot of work into it along with the whole (coaching group) … that group's very aligned. 'We're in it together – we're not going to point blame at anyone else, we're going to take complete ownership, especially as players. '(Voss) has done a great job for us for a long time now, and I feel like as players, we need to aim up a bit more.' The Blues went into round 15 with a shot at moving closer the top eight but left the MCG to a chorus of boos from their own supporters. Cripps said Carlton was at its best when it was 'stronger together' and pleaded for the frustrated fans to 'buy in and get behind' the Blues. 'I don't want to divide us versus the fans – I feel like it's really important we stay together,' Cripps said. 'When times are tough, it's the most important time to stay together and stay united. 'For a lot of years now, we've had that 'stronger together' mindset, and it's easy to do that when we're winning … it's bloody hard to do that when you're having tough losses. 'We're sticking fat together … buy in and get behind us, we'll turn it around. It's going to take a lot of work and a lot of effort, but we're going to stay united.' Carlton has a short turnaround between games with Port Adelaide on the road this Thursday night.
