Roar Pro
Joined February 2013
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I'm a mad sports follower, particularly the Pies in the AFL. I love watching and analysing all top level sports.
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As the first of three bye rounds approaches, it is an appropriate time to begin the mid-season assessments of the teams scheduled for a…
Expectations are often proven to be false when predicting the outcome of football matches, and this has never been better illustrated than in Collingwood's…
The AFL match review panel's weighting of points system means intentional acts are not appropriately punished, while minor incidents receive sanctions disproportionate to the…
Round 7 in the AFL this year presents fans with a smorgasbord of intriguing clashes, and it is some of the lower profile games…
The clash of the last two undefeated teams is always a highlight, but the meeting between the Cats and Bombers this Friday seems to…
Channel Seven's coverage of AFL's Saturday night football has reached new lows this year, and those calling the game are the ones to blame.…
Friday night's clash between Collingwood and St. Kilda shapes as a very important game for the Pies as they look to restore their position…
When the goal umpire from Friday night's cliffhanger in Perth straddled the goal-line and interfered with the path of Matt White's shot at goal,…
Ashes squads in the past have often been labelled as the worst ever by the English press, but this year the selectors have gone…
Brendon Goddard's tears during his post-match interview have generated quite a negative reaction from Saints fans, but supporters may need to adjust their thinking…
Sydney versus Geelong clashes in the past decade have more often than not provided us with some classic contests, often only decided in the…
I am developing an uneasy feeling, one I've not experienced before, and its cause originates from Punt Road. Although I'm not yet totally convinced,…
Adam Scott's drought-breaking victory in the US Masters has triggered an outpouring of joy and relief among Australian golf fans, but it is also…
After all the insignificant, beat-up issues the AFL media has been peddling this year, it is great to see they have finally begun to…
Australian golf fans have been fascinated by the yearly tradition that is the US Masters, and for my generation, the man responsible for the…
Promoting your club is an important facet of the modern day coach's job description, but when your team is struggling, distractions need to be…
It's only Round 2, but we are already seeing that there is no substitute for experience and belief in a tight battle. This Sunday…
In most major sports around the world, the ability to win away from home generally goes a long way towards team success. Teams can…
Collingwood and Carlton will meet once again this week, continuing what I feel is still the greatest, most enduring rivalry in the AFL today.…
So what next for Hawthorn? Hypnotherapy? Psycho-analysis? Perhaps they should hold an exorcism to try and rid this team of the obvious demons that…
The fact that Didak has been missing is more to do with form, fitness and the ability to play his role in the team than any perceived discipline issue. Didak was injured in the pre-season, just like last year, and needed to get significant miles into his legs to prove his fitness was up to AFL level again. As a Pies fan, nothing would make me happier to see Didak back in the side at his best, but the reality is his body has let him down over the last few years, so if he needs more time in the VFL to prove he’s ready, then I’m all for it.
How will Buckley fare in the Pies' power struggle?
Hi Alfred,
I think his week is a pretty important one for the Eagles season. They haven’t been as strong at home this year, which has been the cornerstone of their successful seasons. If they struggle at home, they will be unlikely to challenge for the top 4, and hence the premiership. I agree that Selwood looks the next skipper, and I’d be surprised if Lecras went anywhere. Most players who are supported by their clubs through lengthy and repeated injury spells tend to stay to repay the faith shown in them.
Leadership changes pending in the West
Great article Callum! The groans for kicking backwards amuse me greatly!
My open-letter to AFL supporters
I feel that the MRP points system needs adjusting so that far more weight goes on to the intent of the action rather than the outcome. If 2 players throw haymakers and one breaks an opponents jaw but the other has glancing contact, the penalties will be vastly different. One player ends up better off due to dumb luck. I also think that it should be noted that Kelly only got 2 weeks due to his carry over points from last year. Without them, he would have received 1 week, a fair penalty under the current rules as he made contact with the head. The real discrepancy was in the Lindsay Thomas decision, which was a clear error given the obvious contact to Ben Reid’s head. By letting that one through, the MRP have further confused an issue that didn’t need to get any more confusing!
Is mourning the death of the bump overreacting?
Steve Johnson having a ball magnet night. Obviously playing a blinder, but would have far more impact if occasionally he took the first option instead of constantly trying the impossible or “clever” play. Commentators always talk about his brilliance and vision, but never mention the numerous times he turns it over trying to be too smart.
Geelong vs Essendon: AFL live scores, blog
I agree that the fast start does seem to be a Bomber trend, however, I do believe that they have a little more depth and substance to their list this year. As a Collingwood fan, I take no pleasure from saying that I think they are a vastly improved unit. And yes, I said substance, not substances!
Cats vs Bombers: a clash with a bit extra
Agree. The baiting is childish rubbish. I just don’t get why they think people are enjoying it.
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
Correct. Ligget, Tyler and most of the ABC guys have this novel idea of clearly describing the game rather than trying to dominate it.
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
Afraid I can’t agree with the Triple M call. I feel they are just as blokey as BT and Darcy, and constantly leave you wondering what the hell is going on in the game, which is not a good thing for radio commentary!
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
Based on feedback here, Julia Gillard would rate better than BT!
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
Disturbingly difficult to split this video from the real thing! This video is slightly more informative than BT was on Saturday night!
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
I have always liked Bruce, although he has started to follow the apparent trend of trying to generate false excitement at inappropriate times. He’s one of the most knowledgable sports commentators going around, and he should continue to focus on this skill rather than histrionics.
Self-indulgent commentary ruining AFL's Saturday night footy
I still think that we should give away the technology and have 2 goal umpires at each end. Then, even more controversially, direct the umpires to concentrate on watching the ball instead of worrying about running around getting into the supposedly perfect positions. If the focus is purely on watching the ball and they don’t have to cover as much ground due to the additional umpire, they should get most calls right.
AFL must look to cricket for goal line technology
I agree that the cupboard is certainly pretty bare! Not trying to totally blame the selectors, but the selection policy over the last year could not have been more inconsistent, and this has led us to the unbalanced squad announced this week.
Ashes squad: it's not pretty!
Bertie, sorry if it wasn’t clear, but I was most definitely trying to be sarcastic! Point being that he can’t help himself slashing outside off stump without any footwork or handle spin bowling at all. I would definitely be surprised if he were to dominate!
Ashes squad: it's not pretty!
Good article Ronan, this is always a good discussion point. Alan Toovey fits the bill perfectly : un-noticed by opposition fans but loved by his teammates, coaches and supporters. His value to the Pies will now be highlighted due to his season ending knee injury.
AFL's most underrated players
Sorry if it wasn’t clear to anyone, but at no stage did the writer take K. Bartlett’s ramblings as anything other than pot stirring! I believe that it is premature to predict the Tigers have arrived, but with a win or 2 over the next few weeks they will have taken a big step forward.
Emergence of the Tigers a worry for the rest of us
I agree with you Macca, I noticed that as well. I don’t like the fact rules are changed under the pretence of protecting against injuries, when it is clearly there to change the game style. Fans might not always like changes, but they should be given honest explanations of why these rules are implemented. Don’t forget that initially the idea to restrict the rotations was justified by the idea of reducing injuries. Unfortunately, the teams with the most rotations at the time also had the least injuries! Since then they have talked about this reduction as a means to manage the style of game, and have had far more success in selling the idea.
Brendan Goddard claims players don’t understand the sliding rule
Although the rule has been promoted by the AFL as a response to the apparent massive increase in broken legs, this is only half the story. The rule change also conveniently assists the league in reducing the “rolling maul” type scenario and encourages continuous play. This has been evidenced over the past few weeks by more players keeping their feet rather than diving for the ball. However, in the wet weather we saw at the MCG yesterday, players found themselves reverting to diving in again, as Hodge did. O’Brien did exactly what the AFL wanted him to do in this situation, and for his trouble was penalised and reported. Thankfully, the report was thrown out. I think most people would be happy for Hodge to receive a free for that as it encourages the player going for the ball, but as the rule stands, it should have been a free kick to Harry. This is not the only example of the new rule being misinterpreted by the umpires, and this needs to be tidied up ASAP.
Brendan Goddard claims players don’t understand the sliding rule
I agree that this issue is obviously news, however the most recent offerings from The Age seem to be driven by impatience, in that this story has been going for so long without any real, concrete developments.They seem to have decided that that it needed something to kick it along again. I find it quite ridiculous that Caroline Wilson initially claimed that Hird/Robson etc should be sacked because they didn’t do their due diligence when hiring someone as tarnished as Stephen Dank, which I think is a legitimate point. However, they are now using the word of this same tarnished individual to implicate Hird in a more significant way. Not sure how you can justify that.
AFL reporters must be stopped
Just watching the first round here and the young fella has done pretty well so far, being +2 after 16 holes. The key for this kid will be for those around him to handle his progression appropriately. Qualifying for the Masters was probably the furthest thing from his mind during the qualifying tournament. Once it happened, what a great experience for him. There’s probably less pressure on him as a 14 year old as opposed to a 18 or 19 year old amateur who has a bit more exposed form.
Augusta welcomes its youngest to the first tee
Those stats on top 10 finishes highlight just how often Norman put himself in contention in the big tournaments, Everyone remembers the 2nd places, but he was thereabouts more often than most of his contemporaries. The stats also show that since Greg, the Australian performances have been significantly poorer, with only Scott and Day’s performance a couple of years ago providing any real joy.
Don't talk about it Adam Scott - just do it
I agree on Swan, who after a quiet first half really worked hard in the second, and kicked a very important last quarter goal. He may be an enigma off the field, but you know what you’ll get when he runs out for the Pies.
Heavyweights show they can win against odds
Totally agree with looking to the VFL/SANFL etc for some mature age recruits. There is talent there, and in particular, you will also find players who can lead by example. They also desperately need to improve their ability to develop their young players. When Jack Watts was drafted, the vast majority of clubs would have picked him at No. 1, the same with Scully and Trengove. Their use of their high draft picks hasn’t been that bad, its more that they haven’t been able to develop this talent. This has to improve for them to go anywhwere, but this will not happen overnight.
Melbourne: addressing the lack of experience and desire
I’m not convinced either way on Mark Neeld’s coaching ability. Has there ever been a coach who’s had to deal with more controversy and distraction in his first 18 months than Neeld? The passing of the President, the ridiculously long running tanking saga, the clear dissension within the club management and board have, along with a poor recruiting and development program, made his job almost impossible.
Five men that can save the Melbourne Football Club