Media Watch
Carlton thrilled with Petrevski-Seton’s work ethic amid Rising Star nod
The West Australian, Shayne Hope
May 10
There are far more sides to Sam Petrevski-Seton than first meet the eye.
He’s cheeky yet respectful, raw but willing to learn, and a young man who Carlton insiders say communicates his thoughts and ideas well despite only learning English out of necessity when he moved from tiny Halls Creek to Perth as a teenager.
But one trait has particularly impressed the Claremont product’s new coaches and teammates at Ikon Park: his insatiable appetite for hard work.
“Samo’s tackle pressure and work rate around the contest give him really good opportunities to stay involved in the game,” Blues midfield coach Tim Clarke said.
Dale Thomas could stay at Carlton next year with Blues likely to undergo another list overhaul
Herald Sun, Jon Ralph
May 10
Dale Thomas’ hopes of playing on next year have been boosted by the prospect of another list turnover as Carlton closes in on a pair of exciting contract extensions.
The Blues have earmarked Sam Petrevski-Seton and Charlie Curnow as priority signings and are making strong progress on securing the emerging stars.
Petrevski-Seton’s manager Jason Dover will meet Carlton list manager Steve Silvagni next week.
The brilliant first-year midfielder, awarded the Rising Star nomination this week, is open to a medium to long-term extension just seven games into his career.
‘Selfless’ Dale Thomas gives Carlton recruiting options
The Age, Caroline Wilson
May 10
Dale Thomas' decision to relinquish the chance to earn more than $750,000 next season was formalised on Monday but was first formed eight weeks ago as he faced the prospect of a 2017 season on the brink.
Not only was Thomas acutely aware of the potential speculation that would accompany his selection — or omission — from the team but he was keen to continue to enjoy his relationship with coach Brendon Bolton unfettered by the so-called "elephant in the room".
Also stacked against the 29-year-old was the Blues' stated youth policy. The club had every reason to demote him to the VFL. Thomas discussed as much with his manager and next-door neighbour Paul Connors back in March and Connors first put the proposal to the club as a suggestion before the Carlton-Richmond season-opener.
Medical Report
Ciaran Byrne (ACL) Indefinite
Kym Lebois (quad) Test
Zac Fisher (hamstring) Test
Jack Silvagni (shoulder Test
Fresh Faces
Two of Carlton’s freshest faces are the two most recent Rising Star nominees: Caleb Marchbank (Round 6 v Sydney) and Sam Petrevski-Seton (Round 7 v Collingwood). Since crossing from GWS, former pick No. 6 Marchbank has quickly found a home in a defensive key post, averaging 7.0 intercept possessions per game (No. 2 at Carlton). After not playing any pre-season games, Petrevski-Seton has played every game so far this season and quickly found his feet at AFL level. He earned nine AFLCA votes for his performance against Collingwood last Saturday after using the ball with precision in difficult conditions in the wet. Former Docker Alex Silvagni has also come into Brendon Bolton’s side in the last fortnight and added experience. He accounted for Sydney superstar Lance Franklin two weeks ago and was impressive against the Pies. Tom Williamson is another teenager who has featured early in the Blues’ plans this year, playing five of the first seven games.
Star
Reigning John Nicholls medallist Sam Docherty has picked up where he left off last season, continuing to be one of the best half-backs in the competition. The 23-year-old is averaging 27.0 possessions, 9.4 marks (No. 2 in the AFL), 5.9 rebound 50s (No. 6) and 494.8 metres gained (No. 13). Of the 12 players who accumulate more mileage than the former Lion, only Giants defender Heath Shaw retains the ball more than Docherty’s 72.4 per cent. A week after holding Joel Selwood to his lowest possession haul since 2014, Collingwood tagger Levi Greenwood sat on Docherty in a sign of the rebounding defender's influence.
Stats that matter
Carlton kick the ball more than any other team in the competition. After seven games, Bolton’s side averages 228.1 kicks per game and are also ranked No. 1 for kick to handball ratio (1.79). The Blues’ ball movement out of their defensive 50 comes around the boundary 53.5 per cent of the time (No. 2 in the AFL). Carlton is yet to kick 100-points this year and are ranked last for points for (73.6). Levi Casboult (13.4) and Matthew Wright (12.3) are the only two players to have kicked more than six goals this season.
Team
B: L. Plowman, S. Rowe, A. Silvagni
HB: K. Simpson, C. Marchbank, T. Williamson
C: S. Docherty, P. Cripps, M. Wright
HF: S. Petrevski-Seton, L. Casboult, C. Curnow
F: E. Curnow, J. Weitering, D. Thomas
R: M. Kreuzer, B. Gibbs, M. Murphy
Interchange: N. Graham, S. White, Z. Fisher, J. Silvagni
Emergencies: H. Macreadie, D. Cunningham, B. Boekhorst
IN: Z. Fisher, J. Silvagni
OUT: B. Smedts (omitted), S. Kerridge (omitted)
