Fired-up AFL legend Leigh Matthews has taken aim at league bosses in an explosive spray, saying he feels sick about the treatment of Collingwood’s Jack Ginnivan.
A four-time AFL premiership coach who was also rated as the greatest player of the 20th century, Matthews claims the game’s reputation is being tarnished by regular rule changes.
The iconic Hawthorn player said he “couldn’t sleep” after Sunday’s game between the Magpies and Essendon because of the controversial umpiring call to not pay a free kick to Ginnivan in the first quarter.
Matthews had AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan and chairman Richard Goyder in his sights, not the umpires, during an impassioned segment on 3AW.
“I didn’t blame (umpire Matt) Stevic, I thought to myself, ‘what are they doing to our game’?,” Matthews told Sportsday on Tuesday night.
“And when I say ‘they’, I mean Richard Goyder and the (AFL) commission, who are the only body who can actually change rules and Gillon McLachlan and his cohort of advisers that are making the game easier for the tackler and harder for the bloke with the ball.
“That’s the fabric of our game.
“I was (everything) from disillusioned to disappointed to angry to shocked, it got my blood boiling and frankly two days later it still does.
“I swore when I stopped coaching (the Brisbane Lions) 14 years ago I’m not going to let footy get to me, don’t let the emotion get too much, but I love the game.”
After heated debated following the incident in Sunday’s thriller at the MCG, the AFL on Monday clarified Essendon’s Mason Redman should have been penalised for his tackle on Ginnivan.
The AFL said Stevic initially made the right call, but a free kick should have been paid against Redman after he continued to hold Ginnivan around the neck.
“Ginnivan is responsible for the initial high contact however Redman then continues with the tackle in an unreasonable manner, holding Ginnivan around the neck,” the AFL statement read.
Leigh Matthews. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
The controversy came just days after the AFL attempted to clear up its high contact rule, following fierce debate around whether Ginnivan was being umpired differently to other players.
Before round 19, the league said players would not be given free kicks when they ducked or shrugged in tackles to create high contact.
Ginnivan, who is in his second AFL season, has been an unwitting lightning rod this season for criticism of players who attempt to draw free kicks.
The 19-year-old has seen the funny side of the issue, changing his Instagram profile picture to a photo of Redman’s arm around his neck.
Jack Ginnivan. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
De Goey bolsters Pies
Jordan De Goey will return to add further firepower to high-flying Collingwood in their AFL clash with Port Adelaide as Craig McRae weighs up a role for Brodie Grundy.
Ruck star Grundy has recovered from a long-term knee injury and was cleared to play last week but was left out to give him more time to build his fitness base.
The Magpies are leaning towards easing Grundy back through their VFL team, which had a bye last week and take on Southport this weekend.
But ruck-forward Mason Cox missed training on Wednesday with “virus symptoms” and is no certainty to play against the Power at the MCG on Saturday, throwing a spanner in the works.
Grundy, who has not played since round six, may be required to come straight back in at the top level.
“We’re hoping (Grundy will play VFL),” Pies coach McRae said.
“He’s still got to train Friday and he got through again today (Wednesday).
“He’s better prepared now to play AFL footy, but whether that’s minutes in the VFL this week, time will tell.
“We’re pleased that he’s progressing.”
Tough defender Brayden Maynard faces a test on his injured shoulder after being substituted out of last week’s thrilling win over Essendon and was on light duties at training on Wednesday.
De Goey completed the full session in a positive sign after missing the last three games with a quadriceps injury.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The explosive 26-year-old has played just once since round 13 – having missed a game while on personal leave amid the fallout from his ill-fated mid-season break in Bali – but shapes as a potential X-factor in Collingwood’s premiership push.
“Jordy trained really well, so we’re really comfortable with where Jordy’s at,” McRae said.
“He was probably touch and go to play last week and he’s put some time in.
“He’s had a mini pre-season, if you like, in three weeks, which at this time of year can be a real benefit.
“Hopefully that translates into form for him.”
Collingwood have surged into the top four and flag contention and are aiming for a 10th consecutive victory when they take on Port Adelaide.
They took time this week to re-live the latest win over Essendon, which was sealed by Jamie Elliott’s ice-cool set shot after the siren – a highlight that will live long in the memory of Magpies fans.
“We watched the last couple of minutes as a group and reflected on it and celebrated it,” McRae said.
“We lived in the moment for what it was; it was a very special moment.”
Wines puts faith in Hinkley
Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines believes Ken Hinkley remains the right man to coach Port Adelaide, saying the player group have full faith in the veteran mentor.
Hinkley is contracted for next year, but some fans are calling for his dismissal following the club’s struggles this season.
11th-placed Port Adelaide (8-10) need to win their remaining four games plus rely on other results to fall their way in order to snare a finals berth.
The Power were rated a legitimate premiership threat heading into this season, but last year’s preliminary finalists blew their chance with a 0-5 start to the campaign.
Wines will notch his 200-game milestone in Saturday’s must-win clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
The 27-year-old has spent his entire AFL career under Hinkley, and he wants the 55-year-old to continue on.
“In terms of the playing group, we’ve got full faith in Ken, all the coaches and everyone at the club,” Wines told reporters on Tuesday.
(Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
“The belief in our group has never faltered throughout the year, despite when we were 0-5.
“At this stage it hasn’t panned out fully to what we expected but our belief in Ken and everyone at the footy club is still there.”
A large sheet with the words “Sack Hinkley” was plastered over the Power’s roadside sign on Port Road near Alberton on Monday.
Wines said he understood the emotion of supporters and their want to express their opinion.
Although Port’s flag hopes for this year appear shot, Wines is desperate to taste premiership success before his career finishes – but not for selfish reasons.
“It is for Robbie Gray, Tom Jonas, Travis Boak … the guys who have been at this club for so many years and have stuck by Port Adelaide and stuck true,” Wines told the Power website.
“I want to get one for them. I want to see those guys be able to stand up to receive a premiership medal.
“They have set the standard. They have got this club going in the right direction. That is what they deserve.”
Wines said he was proud to share his milestone day with Jonas, who will also notch game No.200.
The Power will be without Dan Houston (concussion) against the Magpies, but Lachie Jones is a chance to return from a hamstring injury.
Ruckman Scott Lycett remains sidelined with an infected shoulder.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Edwards joins Tigers’ 300 Club
Still humble after playing a key role in three AFL premierships, Shane Edwards admits joining Richmond royalty sits uncomfortably with him.
The versatile Edwards will become just the fifth player in the Tigers’ proud history to reach 300 VFL/AFL games.
The 33-year-old will sit alongside Kevin Bartlett (403), teammate Jack Riewoldt (321*), Jack Dyer (311) and Francis Bourke (300) when he runs out in Richmond’s crunch clash with the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
Edwards will also join fellow Indigenous greats Shaun Burgoyne, Adam Goodes, Andrew McLeod, Eddie Betts, Lance Franklin, Michael O’Loughlin and Gavin Wanganeen in the exclusive 300-club.
“It doesn’t sound right or sit well with me at the moment,” Edwards told reporters on Tuesday.
“They’re legends of the game and people I’ve looked up to for so long.”
Edwards is a lauded triple premiership star now, but he had to endure some difficult early years after arriving at Punt Rd from North Adelaide in the 2006 draft.
He didn’t play finals until his seventh season, then experienced three-straight heartbreaking losses in elimination finals.
“I always look back on the tough times to make me appreciate the last five years and how hard it is to get there,” Edwards said.
“It’s really been an incredible climb from where we came from when I got here.
“The club’s in a different position, everything looks different, it’s pretty mind-blowing how things can change over time.
“From some of those dark times, we got some of our best players like (Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin), so you can’t look back too badly on those times.”
Meanwhile, Richmond forward Matt Parker is leaving the Tigers to return to Western Australia, citing homesickness.
After being picked up in last year’s mid-season draft, Parker played 11 games with the Tigers in his second chance at AFL level.
The 26-year-old played 19 games for St Kilda, but was delisted at the end of 2020.
Parker returned to WA after his axing from the Saints and again caught the eye of AFL clubs with standout performances for South Fremantle.
“I have made some lifelong friends at Richmond and have made many great memories during my time in the yellow and black,” he said.
“Now is a time that I must put my family first and return home to Perth with my partner and three children.”
Parker’s announcement continues a big week for the Tigers after triple premiership hero Kane Lambert on Monday called time on his career due to a debilitating hip injury.
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Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Nearly is good....
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Thanks, my words are in my head but not my fingers It makes me :angry: at times for not checking the grammar and syntax. ------- True of the 1983 comp. The 80s were the heyday of SOO. And they also got the Motley Crew (Motley, Kernaghan and Bradley). -------- In the mid 80's, l can't remember the year but one year ⅓ of Collingwood's run-on-side were Norwood players.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
All good. Those three teams from the 1983 Championship provided some fantastic players to all parts of the Australian Rules game. I did notice that Carlton had quite a few WAFL players from that era...
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
But l can see where it l might've written it not as clearly as l could've. My brain is not working as well since l nearly died in January.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
You must of read my mind man, I was going to ask you about dunkley and what you thought of him as a player etc but got side tracked last night and didn't get on here. We defs need somebody like him thats for sure.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I didn’t say Michael went East. You’ll notice there is a full stop. The reference was about SA players not WA players. As well as WA players Michael, Cable, Walker, et al. None have had that said about them.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
For a start Michael never went East, Geelong were frontrunners but the weather didn't impress him. First indigenous captain of the All-Australian team and played seventeen State or State of Origin games. Tassie medallist in 1983. In the Australian Rules Championships that year Victoria lost both games, and had seven players in the AA team, WA won both and had six reps as did SA. There were some pretty decent players if you look at Wiki... When you have the AFL site saying "best ruckman never to play in the VFL", there's a bias there as big as Mick Nolan. Swan Districts had a ruckman, Ron Boucher, who I thought was excellent, very strong and was part of the WA side for 1983. Michael outjumped him at every bounce and outran the rovers to the next contest.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I see another nancyboy has added his weight to the argument and bravely ran away.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I thought of Stephen Michael. I would've nominated him before Walker. Still n all what Robran had done has never been equalled. It's no coincidence he was the first non-VFL player into the AFL HoF and the first non-VFL AFL Legend status. ----- His performance against Carlton, in the AFC Final, was etched into every Carlton player's psyche. And no other SA / WA / TAS player was offered what Robran was offered. It's daylight 2nd, 3rd & 4th. --------- Did Lethal and Quinlan or any other Victorians do to a SA or WA player what they did to him? No, is the emphatic answer such was his brilliance. -------- All SANFL followers that knew of Robran would all plump for him as being the best SA has produced. Even Port and Norwood fans would go for the North's champion. Yes despite there's Ebert, Aish, Davies, Bagshaw, Philips, McIntosh as well as all the players that went East including Platten, Taylor, Motley, Kernaghan, Bradley, Kelly and more modern players, etc. As well as WA players Michael, Cable, Walker, et al. None have had that said about them.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I was thinking about Hayden Bunton Jr when I thought of Walker's earliest Sandover. Now that is a successful fellow. Played for and coached more clubs than anyone. And in all this we haven't mentioned Stephen Michael....
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Adam if Port get Dunkley to port l won’t begrudge you. He would be a great fit plus dogs have salary cap issues. He’s a great bull & would be sorely missed but these things happen from time to time. :thumbup:
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
And yes he did win four, my point is that Robran, through an act of bastardry, never got the chance. ------ I also would've thought that 3 years between top gongs is not the longest.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I should’ve said combined and in that I’m not wrong. I’m well aware that East’s have the 2nd most flags; in between Port and Norwood. —– Walker got his in 65, 66, 67 & 70. I would’ve thought that there were longer gaps between gongs than 3 years. My real point was that Robran would’ve won 2 or 3 Brownlows had he gone over after 1973. ——- I had a comment disallowed because of ….. well, I dunno what.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Wrong, Rowdy. West Perth are a distant second to East Fremantle. Walker won his first three in the early sixties and his fourth in 1970, the longest gap between top gongs
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Because it never happened before Gil, did it?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I looked at Bill's record. A Kiwi by birth. But he played Schwarz und Weiss so that's a big discount on him. Red and Blue are the most successful colours re flag winners in the VFL/AFL, SANFL & WAFL. ----- Robran won his 3 Margarey's early aged 21, 23 & 26 (1968, 70 & 73). As l said he was cut down by a thug. After the knee injury he could not make his 'ghosty' runs anymore but was still a very handy player. He was a most sublime power. He still polled 3rd in 1974 despite the season being over for him after the assault.
Bretto
Roar Rookie
To be fair that was a measured and sensible response – well played. The AFL have an obvious conflict of interest supporting the umpires and the circus this whole situation has become. And I acknowledge we wouldn’t be even talking about this if players themselves didn’t play for frees. Would be nice if players played honestly and we could just get on with good football.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Yes Don, So true re Demetriou He often made my blood boil listening to his superior tone on everything AFL Gill Mac is certainly on a different level. He has more time for the people. Plus a sense of humour which was often an understated part of his interviews And it's har to argue the current state of the game.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I’ve put this up before but Robran’s story is something else. —- 1) he was offered $10k back in the late 60s to sign a “Form IV”. This was just an exclusive deal that if he went to the VFL he would have to play for Richmond only. It was enough to buy 6 HR Holdens. On the way the boss of Richmond was asked by his 2IC “what if he turns it down?” Bossman said we double it. And cars were a bigger cost back in the day as referenced to the average wage. Now l know all those type of comparisons are moot but, nonetheless, a touchstone. I would aver the double offer would be worth at least $500k in today’s money. —– 2) When Jezza was asked about Carlton loosing to the North Adelaide Rooster’s, in the 1972 AFC, he said, gist of, there were apparently 17 other red n whites out there. I didn’t see them. The inference was that Robran alone had cut Carlton up into shreds.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Like Jack Riewoldt?