MATTHEW RICHARDSON: Carlton Blues’ issue is not fitness it’s the ability to finish games as they face Pies

1. Carlton has appeared to run out of steam late in all three of their losses this season.

The question then gets asked, are they fit enough? This to me is always a ridiculous question. There would be very little difference in the fitness of teams. Carlton lacks the belief and trust in their game plan when challenged. They appear to second guess themselves. Once this happens it’s very hard to win games. Their issues are more mental than physical.

The Blues face an epic Thursday night encounter with Collingwood at the MCG. They will need to overcome their issue of failing to hold strong mentally late in games and a six-day break. Collingwood are coming off a bye and always finish games strongly under Craig McRae, who boasts a 20-4 record in games decided by less than six points.

They believe in themselves in the nail-biting finishes, the Blues don’t. Harry McKay being out for another week with personal issues means it will be a huge win for the Blues if they can pull it off. It could turn their season around.

2. Players out of contract always talk to other clubs, I have no problem with that.

But I like most others feel that the optics of Oscar Allen talking to Sam Mitchell while Eagles captain will make it a little bit awkward for a few weeks but the team will find a way to move on. Allen will remain as co-captain and apologised today to his teammates and fans, but it was the last thing the struggling club needed as they continue their rebuild under a new coach.

3. I said last week Sam Darcy would be footy’s first $2 million a year player.

That hasn’t changed but Tom De Koning is putting his hand up to join him. A unique ruck talent that can do it in the air and on the ground.

4. Richmond were right to challenge the Rhyan Mansell suspension on precedent but everyone knew it was doomed to fail.

Once the AFL “issues a memo” you know what’s going to happen. It must be the only sporting body in the world that changes significant rulings/interpretations seemingly from week to week.

This has to end. Rules have to be in place from start to finish of a season. Unfortunately, Mansell has now been the test case for two rule interpretation changes. We don’t want to see players concussed but did he really mean to push Liam O’Connell into oncoming traffic? I doubt it.

This type of incident may have been avoided if the AFL had acted on several very similar episodes in the preseason. One such incident resulted in Mansell’s teammate Sam Lalor having his jaw broken. These incidents were highlighted on all the footy shows, and none received suspensions.

The email the AFL sent to clubs on March 10 saying that there would be a crackdown on these types of pushes into oncoming players or packs was not made public enough to ensure everyone from players to journalists and fans all saw it. Hence the confusion from a lot in the footy world when Mansell copped three games. Time for the AFL to get more transparent. This stuff happens way too often.

5. Really tough week with my former Tigers teammate Andrew Krakouer passing away.

He was the sort of human that after chatting with him you walked away happy and smiling. Hard to believe he is gone at 42. As a footballer he was sublime at what he did. Beautiful hands, it was like the ball had a handle on it when he gathered it off the ground. Great goal sense and perfect anticipation and timing as a forward line crumber. His teammates loved him. He will be missed. Love to his partner and daughters and all his family.

6. It’s an interesting time at Melbourne.

Heading to Geelong on Friday night 0-3 with the Cats having lost their last two games. Some would say it’s mission impossible. The Dees are rejuvenating so they need their stars at their best in these challenging times. So far Max Gawn, Christian Petracca, Jack Viney, Oliver Clayton and Steven May have been unable to re-find the magic that made them the 2021 premiers. Having been to the top can they get themselves up again and get the Demons’ season going? This game could be the turning point.

7. Gritty arm wrestle of a win over Port last Thursday night for the Bombers.

Will keep the wolves from the door for a few weeks. Essendon were once again led by superstar Zac Merrett. The five-time club best and fairest could not have started the year any better. Unfortunately, over a long period he hasn’t had enough help. He got it on Thursday with a solid performance from the Bombers’ midfield. Good to see Dylan Shiel back in the midfield. He looked a bit lost at half back in the first few weeks, so I think he needs to stay there now.

8. The Ben Hobbs staging fine.

The match review officer really plucked one from nowhere with that one. Haven’t seen one called for ages and probably won’t again for a while. Hard to fathom.

9. A very mature win from the Suns last Saturday against the Dees at the G.

The Suns are 2-0 and face a real test hosting the Crows on Saturday. The thing I like about the Suns is that they are starting to look like a Damien Hardwick-coached side. Plenty of forward handball chains running at the opposition defence. Key recruits Dan Rioli and John Noble have been the key to this.

10. Veteran footy administrator Geoff Walsh was appointed today to assist Laura Kane in the footy operations department.

I think this is a good move to help Kane while she gains more experience. Walshy has been around and seen it all in footy. Nick Carah has been appointed as General Manager Football Operations.