Harmonica performance steals the show
Carlton cult hero Matt Cottrell surprised commentators and his coach by pulling out a harmonica after the Blues' win over GWS on Saturday. The 24-year-old, who contributed two goals and 16 disposals, whipped out the instrument just before the team song, flawlessly playing the opening bars of Billy Joel's Piano Man before transitioning into the iconic 'Da Da Da Da Da' that prompted teammates to join in.
Fellow players seemed to be in on the surprise, but coach Josh Fraser was completely unaware. "I had no idea," Fraser told Fox Footy. "But that doesn't surprise me because 'Cotts' is a little bit different."
Kane Cornes hails it as best moment of the year
Speaking on Sunday Footy Feast, Channel 7 commentator Kane Cornes declared it the best thing he's seen all year. "This is the best thing I've seen this year," he said. "Because my grandpa, who lived to 103, played the harmonica and it was a childhood memory that I'll never forget. You don't see many harmonicas. It's not a cool instrument to play. So this was outstanding."
Cornes praised Cottrell's performance and speculated that other teams might follow suit. "And you watch other teams come and copy that now," he added. "Maybe some drums or something came out or someone will pull out the guitar, the piano, the keyboard. I don't know."
Carlton's season and future
The Blues are currently 12th on the ladder with six wins and eight losses, sitting outside the top 10 on percentage after losing eight of nine games under former coach Michael Voss. Fraser labelled Saturday's win over the Giants as the best he's seen the Blues play so far, but he isn't thinking about finals yet.
"We haven't openly spoken about that (finals)," Fraser said. "My experience suggests that once you start to lift your eyes too much, you can take your focus away from what's got you into a position where you have shown signs of improvement."
Fraser, who is "trying to have fun," remains adamant he hasn't entertained a long-term future as Carlton's coach. "Apart from answering the question, which I'm happy to continue to do, I haven't lifted my eyes at all," he said. "I'm trying to (have fun). It wasn't as fun at times tonight. You find joy in the wins, and for me, winning's the outcome, but you find joy when you reflect on the process to get that result."
