Sportsday Sportsday with Gerard Healy, Sam Edmund & Ken Hinkley - Monday Full Show (23.02.26)
Feb 23, 2026
Chris Davies, Carlton's GM of Football who recently stepped into the role, talks list changes, preseason impressions and club strategy. He reflects on Carlton’s forward unpredictability and integration of new recruits. He discusses Michael Voss’s commitment, injury updates, concussion oversight and trade/draft planning. The conversation also covers scheduling fairness and comparisons with other clubs.
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Transcript
Episode notes
Bounce Ban Supercharges Centre Clearances
- Greg Swan's decision to ban the bounce has immediately sped up centre clearance play and reduced secondary stoppages.
- Gerard Healy observed quicker ball movement, more open forward entry and ruck leapers returning like Luke Jackson benefitting from the change.
Ruck Role Rebalanced Toward Leapers
- The bounce removal elevates leapers and creative clearance tactics while penalising wrestle-style ruck play.
- Gerard predicted ruckers like TDK and Luke Jackson will flourish, while others who rely on wrestling will struggle.
Treat Practice Games As Energy Builders
- Trial games are limited value unless clubs use them to build hope or protect momentum; coaches must manage effort and expectations.
- Ken Hinkley warned poor effort in practice matches can create real heat for struggling clubs like North Melbourne.