Rodney Eade Challenges Carlton’s Squad and Top-Four Aspirations Ahead of Showdown with Hawthorn

Former AFL coach Rodney Eade expressed his disbelief that Carlton was heavily favoured to secure a top-four finish this season, suggesting that the Blues lack a “great list”.

The Blues will be looking to recover from their unexpected loss to a revitalised Richmond when they take on premiership contenders Hawthorn at the MCG on Thursday night.

Coach Michael Voss has opted for just one change in his line-up following a disappointing 13-point defeat to the Tigers, with two-time Coleman Medallist Charlie Curnow making his return after recovering from an ankle injury.

Curnow joins a squad that already includes fellow All-Australians Patrick Cripps, Sam Walsh, and Jacob Weitering. However, Eade remains sceptical about the depth of the Blues’ playing roster.

“To be honest, I don’t believe Carlton possesses a great list,” the former Swans, Bulldogs, and Suns coach stated during an appearance on SEN radio.

“I was shocked to hear discussions about their potential to finish in the top four. This is quite a bold statement, but I reckon their bottom ten players are almost as poor as anyone else’s bottom ten.”

Despite his concerns, Eade supported Voss’s choice to maintain stability in the team following their loss to Richmond.

“At this juncture of the season, certainly, yes, [it’s right to give everyone another chance],” Eade remarked.

“I recall my first game as coach, where we were beaten by 80 points in Adelaide, and I told the players, ‘We’re not making any changes for next week – you were chosen based on your form, you’ve earned your spot, we need to have another go’.

“Michael has a better understanding of these players and has been with them longer, but he’s clearly allowing them a free pass for their second half [against Richmond] … and will hold them accountable, no doubt about it — this is a proud club.

“In that match, they simply choked; they crumpled under pressure.”

Former Essendon coach James Hird has urged Carlton to emulate the intense tackling pressure demonstrated by Collingwood during their victory over Port Adelaide last week.

Despite suffering a severe defeat to the Giants in their season opener, the Magpies bounced back with a commanding 91-point win against the Power.

They were down by 20 tackles against GWS but turned things around to out-tackle Port by 26.

“You notice the Collingwood players consistently outnumbering their opponents,” Hird said on Nine’s Footy Classified, as footage was shown.

“One, two, three players coming in for a tackle; relentless, repeat tackles. This is how you change momentum … They’ve seen the blueprint from Collingwood. This is how you apply pressure on the Hawks: eliminate their space and time.

“Hawthorn is currently the top team in the league when it comes to ball use; they are undoubtedly the form team and the premiership favourite. You must restrict their time and space, and then seize control of the contest.”

Matthew Lloyd, a revered former teammate of Hird at Essendon, has also voiced concerns regarding Carlton during an appearance on Nine’s Today.

“There’s immense pressure on Carlton right now. That loss was quite possibly one of the most devastating they could have experienced. They were facing a youthful Richmond team, and no one expected them to be competitive, but they secured the win. Carlton had a 41-point lead but somehow managed to lose,” Lloyd commented.

“Next up, they face Hawthorn, who could very well be the top side in the competition given their current form.

“While they are clearly in a challenging position, you’d hope they can respond in some capacity — whether they can achieve a win remains to be seen, particularly with the added pressure weighing down on them.”