Carlton coach Michael Voss under fire for putting Patrick Cripps in the ruck against Richmond
Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes has taken aim at Carlton for a “bizarre” tactic during last week’s shock loss to Richmond.
The Blues were widely expected to dominate the young Tigers and looked on track to do exactly that when they raced out to a 41-point lead midway through the second quarter.
But the Tigers flipped the script to fight back and seal a memorable 13-point victory.
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When the game was in the balance in the final quarter, Carlton captain and two-time Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps was thrown into the ruck.
Richmond skipper Toby Nankervis dominated Cripps in the ruck and was a big factor in his side winning the match.
Cornes couldn’t believe the move by coach Michael Voss that ended up with his best player being “absolutely cooked”.
“I’ll tell you what was their fault and that was putting their best player, their dual Brownlow medallist in the ruck for 17 per cent of the game time,” Cornes said on The Agenda Setters.
“Patrick Cripps turns 30 tomorrow (Tuesday) so happy birthday but he is not young anymore.
“You have all pre-season to come up with a plan and I’m telling you, look at the time on the clock (12 minutes remaining last quarter) and this guy is absolutely cooked.
“You don’t need him in the ruck doing that having no impact. You need around the footy exploding. Good luck wrestling the 105kg skipper Toby Nankervis and being on the ground when you are absolutely cooked.
“I couldn’t believe it, it is not the first time they have done it and I’ve been critical of it in the past, but that’s bizarre.
“I understand (Marc) Pittonet was injured, but put (Brodie) Kemp there, put (Jack) Silvagni there, put anybody there, but don’t put Patrick Cripps in the ruck.”
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt added: “You don’t put a Rolls Royce in a Dakar Rally
Cripps ended up taking the second-most ruck contests on the night with 14, behind starting big man Tom De Koning.
Harry McKay also chimed in for 11, while Jacob Weitering did one.
The Blues could be forced into a similar situation this Thursday night against Hawthorn with Marc Pittonet still battling injury.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
