1 week Ago By Jimmy Bartel
As the AFL embarks on its annual getaway to Adelaide, there is no club that will benefit more from the change of scenery than Carlton. The Blues’ first four games have been in Melbourne – three at the MCG and one at Marvel Stadium. They’ve played in front of big crowds and bigger TV audiences in the prime-time slots, starting their season with lofty expectations.
Sam Walsh gets a handball away. Credit: Getty Images Most footballers are creatures of habit and routine. They crave familiarity.
For the first month of the season, Carlton’s players have had the chance to develop consistent, reliable pre-game rituals. They’ve been able to sleep in their own bed, have their usual coffee and take the same drive to games. The problem is, their results have been just as predictable.
Lead at half-time, fade, lose. Rinse, repeat, for four games. So, they need to break their routine.
Mix things up. And that’s why this Gather Round road trip could not come at a better time for the Blues. It’s the perfect time for them to escape Melbourne’s football bubble and galvanise.
Sure, they’ll still be under pressure. After all, they are Carlton. They have an extremely passionate supporter base and a storied history of success, and we all know their past 30 years have been barren in terms of the ultimate glory.
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