Players getting into scraps and having fights on the field has always been a part of the game.
So why is it only now that I’m beginning to notice it more? As I get older and more mature I start to watch and appreciate the game in a purely enjoyable way for the entertainment it is.
I have grown out of yelling “come on, bash him!” at the TV – and so have many other people – because we learn that although this contributes to the emotional side of a game, it’s irresponsible.
What I’m learning now is that from where I watch at home or in the stands I don’t believe that this behaviour is acceptable.
Never should a young child be encouraging violence, whether it’s happening in professional sport or not.
I am not surprised that there are kids out there who like to see a bit of a scuffle.
I understand how in the heat of the moment emotions begin to flare up. But I don’t think players hitting each other week in and week out is a very good image for the AFL.
There’s always heat on the match review panel, but each week they must make a judgement on more and more players.
Last year, Brian Lake pinned Drew Petrie on the ground and subsequently ‘choked’ him. This action is absolutely disgraceful and could have seriously injured Petrie, with doctors fearing he could have been asphyxiated.
There was undoubtedly children in the crowd and watching from home and I would hate for them to be seeing this behaviour and thinking it’s OK.
These kids watch their idols cause physical pain and injuries to the opposition. Do you ever wonder that they might start to think that this is an OK thing to do?
We can’t stop the players getting caught up in the moment but we can better educate the children around us that this isn’t sportsmanlike behaviour.
We must show them that it is never the right thing to do.
Taylor Adams and his pesky knee to Justin Westhoff’s face is another prime example of taking it too far in the game. Being frustrated in a game is perfectly fine, it’s normal. However, when your frustration causes someone else physical pain or injury, that’s when it becomes dangerous and irresponsible.
Do you want your children to be looking up to someone that gets violent on the field regardless of how good a player they are?
Fabes
Guest
Just an absolutely ridiculous article. Doesn't matter what Gender you are. If you don't like it then don't watch it. Your argument regarding Mitchell is a joke. If I wanted to watch a sport with zero violence (accidental or otherwise) I would watch swimming ...hopefully no one drowns otherwise I might read about other from you.
Tricky
Guest
So Josephine, you're convinced that Sam Mitchell's knees are purely intentional and not to protect himself? In your view does this constitute punching as you put it in your article? You see these "minor" incidents as punching each other week in week out as you state in your article? If yes then as I have previously stated that this game is not for you and you are mistaking "minor" and incidental contact as deliberate punching which is not true, may I suggest something like soccer or basketball - oh and please all other writers don't tell her what "boxing" or "martial arts" means.
Tricky
Guest
Then maybe you should not follow this game, it is a contact sport with incidental contact but I do not accept your view that the game is full of thugs. I would appreciate if you would stop in your attempt to bring this game into disrepute. It is clear that this game is not for you and clearly you mistake non intentional contact as "thuggery". May I suggest basketball - your opinion is not good for this game!
Josephine
Roar Pro
If the MRP nit-picked through every little thing that happens off the ball we would be taking up a lot of time! So I. Not having you on, no :)
Josephine
Roar Pro
Im not saying big issues are occurring weekly, but certainly little things are. Sam Mitchell and his pesky knees for example have been at it for a fair while and has barely been punished.
Josephine
Roar Pro
Never said shield I know kids will see this stuff. The things that happen outside of the AFL are harder to control because they involve a larger amount if people or a more specific amount of people. I believe it definently has a "thug" element" always has probably always will. So 'please' understand I'm entitled to my opinion as are you allowed to have yours.
Tricky
Guest
Josephine - maybe stop children watching the news as well? Or perhaps shielding them from the unfortunate but real situations that human beings dish up? How far do you want to go? I would much appreciate if you would not state that Australian Rules has an out of control thug element - this is not true. Yes there are exceptions to the rule but generally players do not go about looking for a blue as you are suggesting. Please.
Tricky
Guest
That is true part time! But our disillusioned friend Josephine is suggesting that players - the bulk of them - week in week out are punching each other out. This just simply is not happening with the frequency she is suggesting!
Tricky
Guest
Really? You seriously believe that players week in week out are throwing punches at each other and the MRP is not noticing? I have to ask are you having me on?
Josephine
Roar Pro
I'm not going to re write this article because I stand by what I have written. It happens in most games off the ball and point blank it's unecassary. If you can't see the danger and how bad it looks no matter how big or small the issue then that's a problem.
Tricky
Guest
Josephine, You need to re write this article, as you say players are hitting each other week in week out - if this were true then every player would be banned and no one would be playing. Any player in the last 30 years who has intentionally punched or attempted to punch someone to deliberately cause harm has been disciplined in some way usually suspension. To believe that players are doing this weekly is farcical Players who are hit or bumped and harmed through incident and not intent realize this is the risk you take playing this game. Any player who has been disciplined because of and accidental incident should not have been so - example being concussed in tackles where you arms are pinned should not result in discipline on the tackler because the intent is not to concuss him. Also the MRP certainly needs consistency on this and not rule on result but rather intent.
conchie
Roar Rookie
FWIU a national womens league will be come to fruition in the next couple of years, maybe something like a 8 team league playing a shorter season may be the start.
Me Too
Guest
not you Josephine - the infamous mr 'fussball'.
PartTimeZombie
Guest
Chris Yarran got three weeks for punching Paul Chapman (at least I think it was Paul Chapman) recently.
WhereIsGene
Guest
"Oh no won't someone think of the children!?!" -article summary
conchie
Roar Rookie
I am agreeing with you Josephine, but i make a clear distinction between playing AFL football and Australian football ( aussie rules) i played Aussie Rules for many years but i have never played AFL football. Old fashioned and pedantic i know, but i don't like the branding of the game AFL. The AFL is just but one league that plays Australian football.
Josephine
Roar Pro
I'm sorry I wasn't aware you were responding to someone else haha! If kids are getting excited about it I'm thinking it's a little bit wrong? But it's good that he's staying out of it especially in rugby.
Josephine
Roar Pro
Of course! I chose to target AFL because that is what I write about, but sadly I am all too aware of the other violence surrounding kids these days and all we can do is let kids know it's not on and schools these days are doing a great job briefing the children and helping them. Of course I will keep writing I don't want to be the sort of writer everyone agrees with- I think a bit of controversy is good and it means you have done a good job in terms of journalism haha! As long as there is a balance of people who agree and constructively disagree I'm happy.
Josephine
Roar Pro
You are 100% correct! Women are becoming so much more involved in the game and it's evolving fairly quickly in accommodating women's games as well. But all you have to do is look at grassroots level and think to yourself, without the women who would mainly cut the oranges? A vital part of our game and they don't get enough credit. On a more elite level they are seen more commonly as trainers and physios now everytime you watch a game. Long story short, women are having a bigger influence on the game now more than ever and it's great.
Josephine
Roar Pro
I have played in a high pressure game. My grand final last year after being undefeated the whole season went down to the wire. The heat of the moment in incredibly stressful but we refrain from getting into physical rifts because we know the consequences- plenty of people I know would happily smack someone out. The point is, enough damage can be done in a tackle you never know what's could happen so why do they need to do the extra?