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The Collingwood debate continues

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley got close, but was unfortunate to never feature in a premiership winning side as a player. Can he do it as a coach? (Slattery Images)
Roar Guru
28th March, 2016
25

AFL 360 was interesting viewing on Monday night as Gerard Whatley and Mark Robinson were joined by Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Geelong coach Chris Scott.

The conversation quickly moved to the illicit drugs claims that broke over the weekend which were levelled at Collingwood. Mark Robinson, who broke the story, quickly became the source of anger from Nathan Buckley and while at first I was sceptical, I began to understand Buckley’s stance.

Robinson said he understood why Collingwood were upset these tests had been leaked and understood they felt, rightfully, aggrieved and betrayed given there is an agreement in place between the AFL and AFLPA regarding confidentiality over such matters.

Yet Robinson is part of the problem not the solution.

If you watched AFL 360, you would have seen Robinson asked to give an approximate number of players which had tested positive to illicit drugs his answers ranged from ‘up to 11′, to ‘ten’, to ‘eleven’.

I don’t know if it’s just me but to go from 10 to 11 to up to 11, gives the impression of uncertainty and given the claims which came as a result of this piece, I wonder whether Robinson and those at the Herald should have gone with the story given the possible ramifications.

I am not saying it’s the reason Collingwood was so helplessly annihilated over the Weekend at the hands of Sydney. However, I have seen the effects the recent Essendon Saga, which has left players seemingly broken, betrayed and angry.

I wonder whether the article which was unable to name the supposed other clubs therefore isolating the Collingwood Football Club in this plight, at least momentarily and unable to given an approximation of the players involved from any club – let alone the Magpies – is good journalism.

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I like Mark Robinson, I have respect for his opinions but I also understand that the media holds sway over public opinion and plays an important role in shaping the views of the public.

Can we therefore accept stories with uncertain facts? Should we be allowing the public to debate about the unconfirmed? Or should the story have been held off and allowed to have its facts checked and approximated?

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