Roar Rookie
Joined August 2015
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On weekdays, Xavier is a policy wonk for the public service. On weekends, he is a fanatical North Melbourne fan and terrible golfer. Views here are clearly his own, not his employer's.
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Aside from State of Origin football, Good Friday is one of the AFL’s great annual debates. According to media reports this week, the AFL…
Every winter, several weeknight games of football seem to involve sledging about cane toads and cockroaches, followed Victorians wanting their chance to stick it…
Every night would be a stretch, though I’ve always wondered whether a Thursday night to Monday night fixture would work.
Should the AFL consider a Big Bash League-style fixture?
I think this is a great idea if the logistics can be sorted, though will be a fair way off. Neither Singapore or Hong Kong will ever be able or support a Test side, and would be a great way to both grow the game and increase Australia’s international exposure. Sometimes Australians need to think a bit more globally – New Zealand doesn’t count.
Big Bash urged to move into Asia
Well said, 48 hours isn’t enough time to promote the event, and the rapid turnaround dilutes the sense of occassion and anticipation.
I could also see people (especially families) choosing not to attend if they had attended two nights previously.
BBL Weekly: The fairytale edition
I keep hearing rumours that CA are sick of Nine. Whilst the broadcast deal obviously pays the bills, it’s getting to a point their commentary is turning people off cricket.
BBL Weekly: The fairytale edition
Jax, Tanner was highly regarded on both sides of politics as a decent and highly competent individual. I think he’ll be a hell of a lot better than many of the hangers-on in the football industry.
Lindsay Tanner looms as Essendon's saviour
Even better, Ron Barassi to the Swans:
“Try not to get flogged.”
All is not lost: Essendon will be competitive
I have no doubt the Bombers will win a couple of games this year, though the reality is there will be more floggings than not, especially when injuries hit.
However, I do like the romance of the idea that they will recruit a motley crew of senior misfits that will take their second or third chance and play some good football.
All is not lost: Essendon will be competitive
And anything less was expected from a young team based on the Gold Coast?
All is not lost: Essendon will be competitive
Not a bad idea about the Shield, though finishing in December limits preparation for any Test tours from February.
Expanding the Big Bash League slowly
I’ll blame the lack of a refresh on my browser there Zero Gain; astounding nevertheless!
SPIRO: The case of the porn-watching reporter at the MCG
Why did it take so long for someone to pull this bloke up and tell him his behaviour is unacceptable? How did it last more than 5 minutes, let alone over a day?
SPIRO: The case of the porn-watching reporter at the MCG
Partly explains previous seasons, however this season both have been disappointing. The Stars definitely haven’t lived up to the rubbish published in today’s Herald Sun about being the biggest club. Success breeds success.
Have the Melbourne franchises been the biggest flops in the Big Bash League?
Great call, fairer and an extra game – can’t see any downsides.
Time to change the BBL finals
“Almost”, with one or two exceptions such as Christmas!
BBL Weekly: The champions return edition
I don’t understand the obsession with pushing for sporting events on Good Friday (AFL) and now Christmas (BBL). Surely there is nothing wrong with having a couple of event free days…
BBL Weekly: The champions return edition
Ryan, you’ve neglected to mention that since the Stars play at the MCG, they have the entire MCC membership available for support, majority of whom hate traveling to Docklands (or won’t, since they don’t receive free admission). I think that confirms your argument!
A handy guide to choosing your Big Bash League team
+1 Brian, you’re referring to the Page–McIntyre system (according to Wikipedia at least). Whilst part of the appeal of the BBL is any team can seemingly win any game, it almost reduces the finals to a coin toss. I’d rather see some advantage given to the top teams.
Ryan, I wouldn’t want to stretch the competition much before mid-December or after January. Interest in cricket is at it’s peak during that time, and the casual nature of the fan base probably wouldn’t go beyond that.
A handy guide to choosing your Big Bash League team
After the tragedy that struck the Crows this year, it was remarkable that they made the finals at all, let alone win one. They were mentally spent by the Hawthorn game, the loss was to be expected. The awful comments on here less so.
Hold those heads high, Adelaide Crows
Premierships are won at the MCG.
Blockbuster finals go west, while Dogs' Etihad home final rejected
“A global city like Sydney needs world-class sporting venues and this investment will ensure fans and sporting teams have the facilities they deserve,” Mr Baird said.
Sydney hosted the Olympics 15 years ago. Surely all that “investment” gave Sydney the stadiums its needs, barring some technological upgrades?
NSW Government to spend $1 billion on stadiums new and old
I’m much more worried about North tinkering with their form before the finals than “tanking”, though you could argue changes needed to be made after our dismal effort against the Bulldogs…
Travel and tanking trouble? Bring on the final-round derbies!
I’m uncomfortable with the rule in the Freo case given it will impact draft picks at the end of the year. The rule either applies or it doesn’t.
I’m a North fan, and could see some merit of resting Goldstein, Harvey et al, however I would rather find good form heading into the finals than worrying about possible fixtures.
Debate over Fremantle resting players is nonsense
This proves that Rupert has no hesitation to enforce an editorial policy according to his interests. That more worryingly should include national affairs. Regardless, I suspect this will die down when/if the NRL reaches a deal with Foxtel.
It wasn’t that long ago when the Tele reported on plans for a new rectangular stadium in Bankstown for the World Cup, and couldn’t hide it’s delight that “best of all, AFL won’t be interested because of the shape of the ground” (or something along those lines).
Murdoch Empire Strikes Back: The Tele's new love affair with AFL
Bang on, anything with big rewards has big risks. It’s a tough ask for an 18 year old.
The many dimensions of the McCarthy situation