Roar Rookie
Joined October 2015
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As the end of another summer of cricket nears, the narrative surrounding the state of the Test match format has never been more alarming.…
For Fremantle Dockers supporters, the weekend’s Round 1 display against an injury-hit St Kilda outfit was groundhog day. For so long, the Dockers forward-line…
Great win for Port which should see them through to a GF with all things being equal. I thought they just had a little bit too much bite and pace around the contest as the game wore on. Some of Zak Butters efforts were huge and SPP was at his bludgeoning best.
Power surge into prelims with win over Geelong
I agree that the results off-season, particularly with the Brown move, will almost be the defining point of the Shaw era. It would be hard to come back from a wooden spoon season next year when you have voluntarily traded your best forward if he goes to a top 8 club and kicks 50+.
I personally am struggling to see the rationale behind the decision, but as you said, Shaw obviously knows a lot more about coaching then you or I so hopefully it’s a move that can help rejuvenate the North list.
Trading Ben Brown could make or break Rhyce Shaw's coaching career
What a ridiculous decision by North. Brown has been an extremely consistent player over the past three years until one injury interrupted season and the Roos’ are prepared to throw him to the curb? Astounding.
If I were Brown, I would be feeling disenfranchised by the club and have no qualms in looking for greener pastures.
From North’s perspective, I’ve never really understood the notion thrown that rebuilding clubs should trade their better players for picks. Especially when one of those players (i.e, Brown) is a fan favourite and part of the fabric of the club. The chances are the player North draft with the pick for Brown will be an inferior player anyway.
Hopefully this works out for both parties but I think North could hold some regrets should Brown go to a good club and kick 50+.
Ben Brown told to find new AFL club
The selectors have seemed to have done a reasonable job here although I’d say Goldy’s exclusion is an oversight.
Good to see Matt Taberner rewarded with a spot in the 40. Don’t think he’ll make the 22 but great to his hard work and Freo’s faith in him get rewarded.
Port Adelaide and Geelong dominate All Australian squad of 40
Nice tribute for a terrific player. I reckon Kade Simpson is the sort of player you’d love as a teammate in being consistent, brave and loyal. All the best Simmo.
An ode to Kade Simpson
Massive challenge for the Eagles tonight with most of their first choice midfield on the pine but I have a sneaking suspicion Simmo might engineer a famous backs to the wall win.
Hopefully they unleash Duggan into the midfield; been in good form and feels to me like a man who can lift when the troops are down.
Nervous Eagles taking nothing for granted
Great scenes. Obviously the jury’s still out on his coaching credentials but Nicks strikes me as a really decent bloke who has carried himself well with the media. Good to see him get some reward.
Touching scenes as Crows douse Matty Nicks after first win as coach
Some good games this weekend. I almost feel as though Geelong’s win validated their premiership credentials more than there wins over St Kilda and Port in showing they can wrestle back momentum when things aren’t going there way, especially with there big guns all firing.
Having been at Freo v GWS, was super impressed with the slickness of the Giants. Whitfield had the ball on a string and would almost have a better kick on his non-preferred than some players in the league have on their preferred foot.
Good to see a note on David Mundy’s form. I’ve said it before but I feel his career is one of the most underrated of any current player going around (although he is rightfully getting some plaudits now) when it comes to consistency and durability. Has to get a contract next year on form.
Six talking points from AFL Round 14
Probably a little harsh on Fawad after copping a duck in his first game back on a seaming deck. In saying that, his wide stance filled me with no confidence he is going to be successful against bowlers of Anderson and Broad’s calibre. Hopefully he gets another chance and makes some runs because he is a good story of persistence.
Was Fawad Alam ready for Southampton?
Was at the Freo v Carlton game. Safe to say not many people in the crowd had a clue what was going on and to be honest, having had a look back, Carlton were extremely fortunate to have been awarded a chance to win the game. Freo fans rightly ropable.
In saying that, on the balance of play, I thought the Blues were good for the four points, albeit not in those circumstances.
Terrific to see Sam Walsh continue his great form after being questioned earlier. And as for Newnes, fair play to him for being good enough to convert the opportunity. You’re not wrong about his career being defined by anonymity. He’s one of those blokes you’ve never heard of unless you’re a diehard fan, yet he’s chalked up 150+ games. Bit like Shaun Atley.
Six talking points from AFL Rounds 11-12
Unfortunately I agree that he’s going to fall just short. Would be a shame and I hope I’m wrong because he’s been a great the big Bud, and I can’t see any other players getting to the 1000 any time soon.
Will Buddy get to 1000 goals?
When I think of underrated players, I can’t go past David Mundy as one who’s career has been severely downplayed. He’s versatile, durable, tough and composed but has not often been talked about as one of the elite players. Even on the weekend, as a 35 year old, he plays full-time midfield and wins 10 clearances against a much vaunted Collingwood midfield. Gun.
Top five underrated players in the AFL right now
Congrats to Broad on the 500. Takes a helluva lot of skill and durability for a paceman to reach that landmark and it seems as though he has a few more left in the tank the way he’s bowling.
Stuart Broad makes history as England down Windies
As good a coach as Clarko has been, he has at times acted like a sore loser. Surely their bland style of play and ageing list is giving him bigger problems then whether Tom Papley milks free kicks.
Clarko takes massive swipe at Tom Papley in post-match presser... and Horse Longmire isn't happy
Great news and congratulations to everyone who got the bid over the line. Good to see there will be some games in Perth as well, especially after the Asian Cup in 2015 was exclusively an eastern seaboard hosted event.
Women's World Cup hosting win exactly what football in Australia needs
I think the Blues have shown enough this year to suggest there is genuine scope for improvement in the future. They just need to play the four quarters. In each of their games, it’s been one shocking quarter that’s costed them.
And for what its worth, Jack Martin is showing the form that saw him hyped up as a kid. He’s got serious class and poise on both feet and has really added to Carlton offensively.
Was Saturday night Carlton's 'SCG moment'?
Great news! Would love to see Harley back in full flight.
Bennell to make Demons debut on Saturday
Nice article – how about Travis Boak. Looked to be on the decline on a half forward flank before being reintroduced into the guts in 2019 and having a sensational season.
The AFL’s best position changes: Part 1
Adam Hunter in his prime would have handy player to coach – a genuine swingman between back and forward. Could just throw him where you needed him.
The forgotten Eagles from West Coast's 2006 triumph
Great article Peter! There’s just something special about test cricket that the other forms don’t have. I personally enjoy seeing a green deck when the ball is nipping around and it’s a real fight for the batsman to survive. An innings like Steve Smith’s 48no when the Aussies were rolled for 85 by South Africa in Hobart a couple of years ago are the innings under duress that I love to see.
The other reasons you love Test match cricket
Good read on a great player. I’ve got great respect for batsman who perhaps aren’t the most flamboyant or talented stroke makers, but put their head down and grind out tough runs for the team. Pujara does just that for the Indians.
Cheteshwar Pujara and the importance of intent
Couldn’t agree more. Whilst Blight’s suggestions are a good topic of conversation, given the new sets of rules that were just implemented last year, the last thing the coaches/players/fans need is more rules to adjust to. Let the game naturally evolve instead of trying to tweak it to become a more promotable or aesthetic product.
Stop messing with the rules
Some seriously good names in this team. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Babar knocking on the door of this side in 10 years or so – what a talent that man is.
My all-time Pakistan Test XI
Shai Hope’s twin tons at Headingly would have to be one of the better batting performances by an individual in the modern era. He’s such an aesthetically pleasing player to watch – really hope he can develop into an elite test batsman like he has done in ODI’s.
Top five Test knocks by West Indian batsmen
What a week of prelims we have. I’m not sure I can remember a set where the games have been so close.
I think Port can get it done and for some reason, I have a feeling Hawkins and Danger could will Geelong over the line against Brisbane, although I’d be not surprised at all if both those tips were wrong.
The Roar's AFL expert tips and predictions: Preliminary finals