Revisit the Fundamentals: Jimmy Bartel’s Guidance for Struggling Blues Coach Before Crucial Match

AFL icon Jimmy Bartel has voiced concerns that Carlton coach Michael Voss might be complicating his half-time communications as the Blues strive to address a troubling trend.

The team’s pattern of lapsing in performance after the break appears to be worsening this season.

Just last weekend, the Blues held a commanding 43-point lead over Melbourne, only to crumble in the second half and ultimately lose by 23 points.

This surprising defeat follows another disheartening match against the Swans, where Carlton once again led at halftime but was outplayed in the later stages, along with a narrow victory over Richmond, in which they managed only a solitary goal during the final hour.

Over the past two seasons, the Blues have averaged just 34.5 points in the second halves of matches, ranking as the third lowest in the league.

After the defeat to the Demons, former Carlton star Brendan Fevola warned that Voss could be on the chopping block if the Blues fall short against struggling North Melbourne this Good Friday.

Essendon legend James Hird believes there is a palpable doubt among players regarding their ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the match.

“For Michael Voss and the Carlton squad, the question in their minds is undoubtedly ‘can we sustain our performance for four quarters?'” Hird commented on Nine’s Footy Furnace.

“If I were in charge, I’d suggest we focus solely on the first quarter, rather than worrying about what comes next. We need to tackle it one quarter at a time.”

The Blues have faced intense criticism regarding their gameplay, particularly from former captain Sam Docherty following the round one loss to Sydney.

Bartel advocates for Voss to simplify his messages, honing in on one or two essential points that players can carry forward into the second half.

“As they head into the third quarter, a focused mindset is crucial,” Bartel stated, echoing Hird’s sentiment.

“I’ve observed that they tend to drift away. (Blues star) Sam Walsh mentioned this in a recent press conference; it’s a matter of concentration.”

“Instead of relaying ten different points at half-time, let’s narrow it down to three core focuses.”

“Their numbers are there around the contest, but from a technical perspective, I’d like to see them utilise handball far more. They manage to gather numbers at stoppages but often resort to kicking, which can lead to turnovers.”

“By employing forward handball and leveraging their numbers, they can dictate the game’s tempo.”

“This might sound simplistic, akin to under-16 tactics, but early communication and positioning at stoppages are essential.”

“It streamlines the game.”

Currently, the Blues are languishing in 16th place on the AFL ladder, with a record of one win from three matches.

They will take on the revitalised Kangaroos this Good Friday, followed by challenging fixtures against Adelaide and Collingwood in the upcoming weeks.