The Roar » Michael C

AFL tracking to a record home and away season

Michael C — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 15:29:44 +0000

The AFL in 2010 is a footy supporters nightmare, unless you support Collingwood that is. The Pies are on top, and worse than that for the rest of the competition, they appear to be the real deal with depth that surely cannot be sustainable in an environment of salary caps and two new clubs entering.

We’ll have to wait and see. One wonders where Josh Fraser will be next year…

The AFL has put forward some rule change suggestions for comment which has sparked the usual outrage of “leave the game alone.” Which is odd, as some have criticised changes that in part might be rolled back a tad via the interchange proposals. It seems “leave the game alone” is in itself a floating position.

This gets us to season 2010 attendances. Love it or hate (the game as played in 2010), the home and away attendances are at record pace, so far averaging 37,140 – the previous record is 36,996. With two rounds to go, the AFL needs to draw a tad under 569,000 patrons through the turnstiles to set a new record.

And so, despite North having six home games against interstate teams (box office poison), and Port having their worst season yet at the gate, the AFL is on record pace.

Collingwood no doubt has played a role, with a record home attendance average of over 65,000. Granted, Collingwood hosted this year’s Anzac Day clash, however, their previous best average was 59,213 back in 2008.

And so, the nightmare rolls on. Collingwood are shaping up for a fair dinkum tilt at September. Eddie McGuire is buoyant. And for the AFL, with new deals in place at the MCG, they’ve been doing record business with 53,772 (over 50,000 average for the first time) for the home and away season at the ‘G.

At Docklands, however, the average is down about 4,000. Perhaps just a few too many North Melbourne vs interstate sides have been scheduled!

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Article link: AFL tracking to a record home and away season. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

The Good and the Bad of the Magpie Army

Michael C — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 14:56:19 +0000

The AFL in 2010 is a footy fan’s nightmare. Unless you support Collingwood, that is. The Pies are on top, and worse than that, they appear to be the real deal, with depth that surely can not be sustainable in an environment of salary caps and two new clubs entering. We’ll have to wait and [...]

Article link: The Good and the Bad of the Magpie Army. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

The brilliant career of James Tomkins ends

Michael C — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 16:07:00 +0000

After 25 years, Australian Olympic legend, and all-round top bloke, James Tomkins, is packing away his oars. On the day of his 45th birthday, he thought it appropriate to make his announcement on Melbourne Radio SEN. After recent chats with Mick Malthouse (Collingwood coach) and former AFL coach David Parkin, Tomkins felt ready to call [...]

Article link: The brilliant career of James Tomkins ends. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

When Irish eyes smiled on Aussie Rules

Michael C — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 14:04:22 +0000

Jim Stynes of Melbourne spectates during the AFL Round 09 match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at TIO Stadium, Darwin.

It was back in about 1982 that Ron Barassi and Barry Richardson headed to Ireland for what became known as the ‘Irish experiment’. They were seeking tall players who might be able to ‘convert’ to Australian Football.

AFL’s under 16′s National Championship

Michael C — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:48:55 +0000

And so the games have been played and won, with Tasmania taking out Division 2. The South Pacific and World XVIII squads showed something, and they weren’t entirely humiliated. So what’s next then? The indications are that this is the first outing of sides that will be regular combatants in the tournament. The South Pacific [...]

Article link: AFL’s under 16′s National Championship. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Mediocrity in the battle for seventh and eighth

Michael C — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:27:21 +0000

With the last month of the home and away season upon us this week, the run home for the clubs in contention is all important. At the top of the table, Collingwood and Geelong look pretty safe to secure first and second and ensure Melbourne based ‘home’ finals in week one. Fremantle is the only [...]

Article link: Mediocrity in the battle for seventh and eighth. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Ballarat or Hobart for North Melbourne?

Michael C — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:19:27 +0000

Liam Anthony of North Melbourne is tackled by Andrew Embley of the Eagles during the AFL Round 03 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos v West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

North Melbourne once upon a time sold three games a year to Canberra, Sydney and then the Gold Coast. They have also had feeder team arrangements variously with Port Melbourne, Tassie and a stand alone Murray Kangaroos.

What do you call the new AFL rivalries?

Michael C — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 16:28:10 +0000

Last weekend, Port Adelaide pulled one out of the bag: a big win over a more fancied rival. And with their season almost spent, this win was akin to a finals victory. Why? It was Showdown XXIX. And Port had just knocked off cross town rival, the Adelaide Crows, and dented the Crows’ finals aspirations. [...]

Article link: What do you call the new AFL rivalries?. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

AFL in the running on a global stage

Michael C — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 14:08:59 +0000

The AFL is representing Australia on a global stage. Whilst this may seem odd to some, it is a reality. The AFL is one of the final three shortlisted nominees in the “Sport Federation or Governing Body of the Year” category at the global Beyond Sport awards. The AFL ‘entered project’ is its multicultural program. [...]

Article link: AFL in the running on a global stage. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Under 16 AFL championships kick off

Michael C — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 14:13:31 +0000

As Deborah Conway once crooned, “It’s only the beginning.” Who knows how far this story will go by the time it’s complete. The 2010 AFL Under 16 national championships is underway, having fired up in Blacktown across the weekend. This year’s event is a bit different to the past. It’s got an unmistakable international flavour. [...]

Article link: Under 16 AFL championships kick off. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Is AFL to blame or gain if we host the Cup?

Michael C — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:34:47 +0000

A recent Fairfax article by Dan Silkstone clumsily raises the question of just what the AFL might be able to gain should Australia win the rights to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

AFL and cricket working well together

Michael C — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 20:28:35 +0000

Interesting to see that the North Melbourne Football Club has held “very preliminary” discussions with the AFL about playing home games in Hobart. It was also reported that Cricket Tasmania has also approached Melbourne FC about the prospect of playing games at Bellerive. This reminds us that for cricket in Australia, AFL has been, and [...]

Article link: AFL and cricket working well together. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

PNG players improving and heading to the AFL

Michael C — Thu, 27 May 2010 15:40:02 +0000

In 2008, Papua New Guinea finally got the monkey off the back. After finishing runners up in 2002 to Ireland, and again in 2005 to New Zealand, the PNG Mozzies completed a hard fought narrow win over the (then) NZ Falcons (now Hawks) at the MCG as a lead in to an AFL finals match [...]

Article link: PNG players improving and heading to the AFL. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Australia slides on World Cup bid ranking

Michael C — Thu, 27 May 2010 14:35:27 +0000

Australia's Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and FFA Chairman Frank Lowy center left, at Parliament House in Canberra. AP Photo/Rob Griffith

World Football Insider has released its updated 2018/2022 FIFA World Cup bid power index ratings. Australia is described as the biggest loser and has slid from 2nd in February to 7th now, five points behind Asian rival Qatar.

Danish goalkickers warming up for 2011

Michael C — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:52:26 +0000

Farum are sitting pretty, undefeated, atop the Danish Australian Football League ladder, four rounds in to the fourteen round Danish premier division season. With tidy wins over Copenhagen, North Copenhagen, a convincing win over Port Malmö and last weekend a solid win over Helsingborg – the lads from the Farum are building nicely. Leading the [...]

Article link: Danish goalkickers warming up for 2011. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

NSW/ACT under 18s off to flying start

Michael C — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:34:56 +0000

NSW/ACT under 18s kicked off their 2010 National Under 18s Div 2 tournament with a strong 41 point win over the Northern Territory. Starring for the NSW/ACT unit was the well rated Anthony Miles, with 43 possessions and 3 goals. He was supported by tall forward Josh Bruce kicked 5 goals. The NSW/ACT line up [...]

Article link: NSW/ACT under 18s off to flying start. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sudanese players ready to make the grade

Michael C — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:33:35 +0000

We’ve heard and seen much of North Melbourne and Majak Daw. Rookie listed by the Roos, Majak is continuing his footy apprenticeship with Werribee in the VFL. However, this week sees the AFL Under 18 National championships being held in Sydney at Blacktown Oval. And it’s Tasmania that has an interesting player in their squad: [...]

Article link: Sudanese players ready to make the grade. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Barry Hall getting off is bad for footy

Michael C — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:25:23 +0000

Western Bulldog's Barry Hall during the AFL NAB Cup Round 02 match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. Slattery Images

That Barry Hall has effectively escaped penalty is a ridiculous result at the match review panel. That Hall was provoked is undeniable.

International AFL finally goes more mainstream

Michael C — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:31:20 +0000

The AFL recently announced former AFL player, Tony Woods, as the AFL’s first international development manager. Perhaps now it is clear that ‘head office’ is taking this all seriously. In the light of the establishment of two International Australian Football sides to compete in this years National Under 16 carnival in Blacktown, the Fairfax media [...]

Article link: International AFL finally goes more mainstream. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

AFL illicit drugs test results are in for 2009

Michael C — Fri, 14 May 2010 00:51:56 +0000

The AFL’s illicit drugs testing results have been published for the year 2009. And, again, the debate rages. There are those who advocate zero tolerance, there are those who advocate two strikes, and there are those who advocate naming and shaming. Dealing only with the facts, the AFL testing for 2009 conducted 348 extra drug [...]

Article link: AFL illicit drugs test results are in for 2009. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Codes battle it out for the G spot: MCG, that is

Michael C — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:29:47 +0000

Dustin Martin of Richmond looks to clear the ball during the AFL Round 01 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Carlton Blues at the MCG, Melbourne. Slattery Images

Paranoia? Or position vindicated? In late 2009, the whole issue of Australia’s Football World Cup bid hit the headlines, like it hadn’t before.

International AFL takes another step forward

Michael C — Thu, 06 May 2010 15:42:21 +0000

Australian Football has suffered in the eyes of some from being just that – Australian. Too Australian, in fact. For many years, the notion of ‘International’ competition was limited to hybrid rules matches against the GAA of Ireland. Kinda nice , but the best thing coming out of it was the design of the Australian [...]

Article link: International AFL takes another step forward. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Which AFL coaches are on borrowed time?

Michael C — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:54:28 +0000

Freo's Anthony Morabito is congratulated by team-mate Hayden Ballantyne after scoring a goal during the AFL Round 03 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Geelong Cats at Subiaco Oval, Perth. Slattery Images

At the start of the season, it was pretty easy to suggest that a couple of coaches in particular were skating on thin ice. Probably the most vulnerable was Mark Harvey at Fremantle.

Think AFL is predictable? Look at the weekend’s results

Michael C — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:19:20 +0000

On Friday morning’s radio SEN morning show, hosts Timmy Watson, Anthony Hudson and Dermott Brereton previewed the weekend’s round of matches. Feeling a bunch of one-sided predictable games was on offer, they tried to identify the most likely upset – if any. Rattling through the games, Watson in particular responded: “No”, “No”, “No”. Come North [...]

Article link: Think AFL is predictable? Look at the weekend’s results. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Anzac Day clashes respect fallen heroes

Michael C — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:22:26 +0000

With the Anzac Day long weekend approaching, and whatever arguments might be conducted over the worthiness of having a public holiday on the Monday when the 25th falls on a Sunday, let us not forget those whom we are meant to NOT forget. More than ever, sports is a part of the day. And more [...]

Article link: Anzac Day clashes respect fallen heroes. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

AFL crowds up, but for how long?

Michael C — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:54:18 +0000

For the crowd watchers amongst us, and there are many, the AFL is of particular interest attendance-wise. Four weeks into the 2010 season and crowds are up, to end of Round Four, about 1.3% on 2009, down 4.18% on 2008, and up 0.73% on 2007. Given the best ever Home and Away seasons are 2008 [...]

Article link: AFL crowds up, but for how long?. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Sour grapes in this bottle of Muscat?

Michael C — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:09:34 +0000

Not widely reported after Melbourne Victory’s loss to Beijing Guoan on Wednesday night were the comments from Kevin Muscat. After the severely undermanned Victory managed just one goal (a Muscat penalty) in the five matches thus far, and had just struggled to a nil-all draw before less than 7,000 fans, Muscat was quizzed about his [...]

Article link: Sour grapes in this bottle of Muscat?. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

2011 a bumper year for AFL International Cup

Michael C — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:12:21 +0000

World Footy News has reported that more than 20 nations have so far indicated an intention to compete in next year’s fourth International Cup. The list includes the following nations who have attended previously: All - PNG, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Canada, USA, Japan, Great Britain and Samoa. Twice - Nauru (2002, 2008) and [...]

Article link: 2011 a bumper year for AFL International Cup. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

Recycled players and rookies starring in 2010

Michael C — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 15:48:09 +0000

There’s been enough talk of the two new clubs in the AFL spreading talent too thinly. Also, there’s been foretelling of draft doomsday with compromised drafts and shallower pools of talent available to the existing clubs. On the first three rounds of this season, I’ve seen evidence to suggest that there’s alternatives that have been [...]

Article link: Recycled players and rookies starring in 2010. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion

The truth behind the World Cup and AFL

Michael C — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 15:19:58 +0000

There’s been a lot written and said, again and again, on this topic. And there are a couple of points that appear lost in all the confusion. A. The AFL never claimed that losing the MCG for eight weeks would ruin it’s season. In fact, the AFL clearly stated having offered it for up to [...]

Article link: The truth behind the World Cup and AFL. Written by Michael C, on The Roar - Your Sports Opinion