Beware the Blues

Carlton currently sits third on the ladder behind premiers Collingwood and the undefeated Geelong. Arguably the most improved team in the competition, Carlton have declared themselves a genuine premiership contender. In previous years Carlton merely made up the numbers in the finals, finishing seventh in 2009 and eighth in 2010. On both these occasions the Blues were eliminated immediately by the Lions and Swans. In the offseason earlier this year it was well documented that the Blues had to go deeper into September. It is win a final or bust for Blues’ coach Brett Ratten. Behind an improved work ethic, ferocious tackling and breakout years from the likes of Marc Murphy, Andrew Walker and Michael Jamison, the Blues look set to finally break their finals hoodoo.

For years the Blues have excited their fans with flair and potential, but failed to deliver when it mattered most. Carlton was recognised as an offensive orientated team, they had no problems penetrating the scoreboard. However they struggled at the defensive end of the field, this held them back from being a great team and a premiership contender. This season the Blues have amended the offensive tag they have been labelled. Defensively the Blues are among the best in the league, after eleven rounds they are currently ranked third for points against behind Collingwood and Geelong. The defensive improvement is clearly evident in comparison to last year, when they conceded 1983 points at an average of 90.14 per game, ranked ninth in the competition. This year the Blues are a much improved defensive unit, conceding a mere 808 points after eleven games at an average of 73.45 points per game. An improvement of three goals per match suggests the Blues have finally announced themselves as a premiership threat.

In certain circumstances statistics can be misleading, as British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli once said there are “lies, damn lies and statistics.” However the Blues’ opponents have been of the highest quality, including the top three offensive teams in the competition: Collingwood, Geelong and Essendon.

Carlton’s draw ensures they are quite certain to finish in the top four. The Blues only leave Victoria once over the remaining twelve rounds. A top four finish would guarantee the Blues a home final; win, lose or draw week one of the postseason, and thus give them an ideal opportunity to finally break their finals hoodoo.

The favourable draw, accompanied by their healthy list gives Carlton fans reason to be excited. The Blues have arrived in season 2011, and are certainly contenders in what is shaping up as a three horse race.