Blues eye first win
AFL ROUND 8
CARLTON coach Brendon Bolton knows it. Carlton knows it. The whole AFL knows it. And so does Essendon.
That is, the Blues’ match with the Bombers at the MCG this afternoon has “winnable game” stamped all over it.
That wouldn’t normally be noteworthy, except for the fact Carlton has entered Round 8 without a win for the first time in the club’s 121-year history.
Carlton is at ground zero of a top-to-bottom rebuild, leading to a flat start to the season.
With 15th-placed Essendon — coming off a three-game losing streak — next in the crosshairs, it’s easy to understand the opportunity in front of Carlton.
“I can understand what the footy world says: ‘This is one you can win’,” Bolton said yesterday.
“But our mindset is we can go in and win games provided we can play some consistent football. Unfortunately, it’s been inconsistent.”
The Blues hope a number of factors will add up to a breakthrough four points.
Charlie Curnow’s return after a rolled ankle helps, even if skipper Marc Murphy is a week away from a return.
Curnow is one of three Blue inclusions, including ex-Gee- long forward Darcy Lang making his debut for the club.
Carlton defeated Essendon in Round 3 last season in similar conditions for its only win of the season’s opening month, but Bolton discounted that match as a factor today.
He believes the slippery deck expected after a big wet could fall in the Blues’ favour.
“We back ourselves in the wet. We think we play a strong method,” he said. “Teams that can adapt in the wet quickly usually get a result.”
And then there’s the inspiration from the club’s 1968 premiership reunion, to coincide with the occasion.
“Walls, Silvagni ... Nicholls. Some big names (will be there),” Bolton said.
“We’re really appreciative that they can come along and enjoy each other’s company but be there to support us as well.”
Essendon is without Joe Daniher, who begins a month out of the side with foot issues.
The under-fire Bombers will still start short favourites, but Bolton believes Round 8 could end the drought.
“Like us, there’s some inconsistencies there,” he said of Essendon. “We respect them. We understand this is going to be a real contest and one we’re really eager for.”