‘The premiership quarter’ refers to the bizarre notion that, somehow, the third quarter of an AFL game is more important than any other quarter. I have no idea where it originated, but the sooner it goes back to where it came from, the better.
More AFL Finals
» Finals forecast: Adelaide vs GWS
» Expert tips and predictions
» Adelaide vs GWS preview
» Crystal Ball predictions from the team
Every weekend, without fail, you’ll hear some footy commentator who really should know better, blurt out “Well, this is the all-important premiership quarter!”
Really? So what about the first two quarters? What about the last quarter? Should we just forget about them?
Last time I checked, the game of Australian rules football is played over four quarters, where each point won and each point conceded is worth exactly the same. Each quarter runs for 20 minutes, plus ‘time on’, so what exactly are these commentators banging on about? It makes no sense.
Every second of a football game, every contest, every mark, every handball, every tackle, every ruck contest, every hardball get, every shepherd, every chase, every desperate spoil, every out-of-bounds, every penalty, every goal, every point… It all counts towards the end result.
The team that manages to do all of this most consistently over the course of the season makes it to the finals. Then, who plays well enough in the finals to actually win the grand final, guess what? They win the premiership.
[latest_videos_strip category=”afl” name=”AFL”]
Can you imagine any coach saying to his or her players before the game, “Don’t worry about the first two quarters, or the last. Do anything you like. It’s all about the third quarter, that’s the premiership quarter!”
Surely, there’s got to be something else commentators can talk about than to continue to bleat out nonsense every time the third quarter of a football game commences? It’s lazy and does nothing to further enhance our enjoyment or understanding of the game.
It reminds me of a crazy tennis theory that was all the rage about 25 years ago, when respected commentators like John Newcombe and Fred Stolle used to prattle on about the “all-important seventh game” of every set. Remember that utterly ridiculous idea?
The seventh game is no more or less important than any other game played, but Newcombe, Stolle and co. would carry on like pork chops every time the seventh game came around.
Thankfully, this ludicrous theory is pretty much dead and buried. My hope is that the so-called ‘premiership quarter’ goes the same way, and as quickly as possible.
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
Brian Taylor used the old 'sold him some candy' tonight in the Geelong v Richmond game. Nice one Brian.
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
Hmmm. That doesn't make much sense either Penster. By that logic, maybe it should be called the 'premiership half'. Personally, I'd just prefer the term was never used. Not a big fan of premiership window either.
I ate pies
Guest
Remember when it used to be called a baulk?
Penster
Guest
A blatant Americanism in an Australian game is lazy commentating.
Penster
Guest
I'll type slowly. It refers to the second half of the game. If your team's ballsed up the first half, they have a full half of footy to redeem themselves commencing Q3, because Q4 is probably too late unless you're the Swans. If your team's in the lead, they can ice the game in Q3. Agree with you on Sold him some some candy, I love Americanisms in America only.
Tommy
Guest
Roger....we always referred to them as backs or forwards....hence the name of positions on the field....Full back, half back flank etc and Full forward, forward pocket
I ate pies
Guest
In case you haven't noticed Lance, Cat likes to argue with everything, just for the sake of it. I presume he's retired and doesn't have anything else to do.
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
Candy is an American term Cat. That's why I don't like it. Pretty simple really.
Cat
Roar Guru
And that makes it bad how?
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
That one annoys me too. 'Sold him the candy' is so American. Brian Taylor is notorious for coming out with this one.
Roger
Guest
What did we used to refer to "defence" as before it crept in from NFL/NBA?
Tommy
Guest
I was referring to the "sold some candy" as the Americanism not the other terms. Same goes for "offence and defence" these are NFL/NBA terms that have crept into our game.
BigAl
Guest
Yes, I don't think I have ever heard an American use the word "premiership", especially in a sporting context.
Deir-ba-zor
Guest
Please enlighten me on how that is an Americanism.
Tommy
Guest
Lance....I agree that the term "premiership quarter" is no longer relevant to the vernacular of the modern game. It was most prevalent during the 1970s and early 1980s. Some broadcasters grew up on that vernacular and hence their use of it in calling matches. It's about as useful and current now as "he is in the van", "stacks on the mill" and the "big men fly". Having said that....and showing my age, I cannot stand commentators saying " he sold him some candy" Please this is an indigenous game so let's get rid of the Americanisms.
Roger
Guest
The "premiership quarter" is just a point of momentum. Resuming after half time, its when true changes can be made and a team can pull away or get back into a contest before the final 30 min of play. Of course every minute is of equal value, but in all sports momentum is plays a massive part. Scoring just before half time in soccer can dramatically change a game, a big run late in a quarter in basketball, a late break of serve in a set of tennis etc. All key points that can change the a match dynamic based on a momentum swing during a critical point. In AFL, the third quarter is often this point. Sometimes its other quarters sure, and the fourth quarter can obviously be the decider, but the match can be won and lost in the third quarter and is often a pivotal point in the match. I've never heard of someone getting upset over it.
Wayne
Roar Guru
More modern revival was Port Adelaide 2004. They werr known for going very hard/strong in 3rd quarter to finish games with a quarter to play.
BigAl
Guest
The most important quarter in ANY game of AFL football, premiership or otherwise is the FIRST quarter. How often do we a side come out and absolutely pummel the opposition in the first quarter, establishing a demoralising quarter time lead and then pretty much coasting for the rest of the game with the score differential barely changing for the rest of the game. Variations on this situation are: the opposition will launch "spirited" but short term comeback efforts but final analysis shows the game was over at quarter time; the opposition just "goes home" at quarter time and game turns into an embarressing and meaningless debacle ! Personally speaking as an objective AFL supporter I don't like any of the above scenarios ! . . . nothing worse than a game being over at quarter time...
I ate pies
Guest
The premiership quarter happens all of the time - the first half will be close and the third quarter is the one where the better team gets on top and kicks away. It happens every week in every competition.
Lance Skelton
Roar Pro
Really? Please share your stats with me.