The Roar
The Roar

Michael Cowley

Expert

Joined April 2013

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Let’s agree to disagree, but to my recollection, apart from the Chinese drug dramas of the early 1990s, and the East Germans of two decades earlier, there really hasn’t been too many in swimming thesedays. Guess they must be using undetectable stuff?

Why did swimming fall in the public eye?

Drug addled? Not even drug riddled. Argue against the sport as much as you like, call it boring, call them self obsessed, but you can’t call it drug riddled.Not factually correct.

Why did swimming fall in the public eye?

Wow can tell you like swimming a lot. And tennis too apparently. And that’s your perogative. Not many of those ‘tools’ will be competing this week. Maybe you should have a look. Ps, I’d love to see the backwards running and hopping event.

Why did swimming fall in the public eye?

I did mention this: “some swimmers with attitude less than appealing to the general public, then the post-Olympics fallout over initiation games and pranks, and swimming was for the first time in my long memory, on the nose.” And this: “Magnussen was the one who turned plenty off before London with his brash approach.” Can’t say you see too many swimmers in the society pages though.

Why did swimming fall in the public eye?

It’s looking like Rohan might be making way for Goodes after this mornings training session.

Swans' ultimate team player Goodes to go

Thanks Nathan of Perth.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

-1

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Very well put Cameron, i too have nothing against Port nor Freo or any of the six clubs. Simply was stating my opinion on what I would like to see, and reiterating what i write back in July.
May I just add:
+1

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Just asking if it would be a great grand final. And it could very well be an exciting one.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

I don’t assume Victorian teams are the centre of the universe Pauly, I think Sydney is. But anyway, my argument isn’t based on ‘traditional rivalries’, but on what has happened since the 2008 grand final. It’s a recent rivalry which interests me and I would have loved to see another chapter written in the grand final. I was also a fan of the swans-eagles rivalry for 2005-2006. As a supporter of no club, I look for what will be of most interest to me.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

My point wasn’t about a half filled MCG or who would go, my point was that I would have liked Geelong v Hawthorn due to the rivalry and circumstances surrounding that rivalry. Plus, they had been the best two teams over 22 rounds.
A couple of points I think. Not quite pointless. I too hope the best team wins. Good luck to your Dockers though.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Would it be a ‘great’ grand final?

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Well you could still get a Port versus Carlton or Fremantle grand final Michelle. Good luck.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Because it is 11-0 and would it be 12-0 or the streak be broken. Plus those 11 wins haven’t been one sided, most have been enthralling contests. Add to that the history behind the streak and the Kennett Curse. That’s why I’d have been happy with Geelong-Hawthorn.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Well a Freo versus Port grand final would be totally unpredictable. Not sure how it would rate outside Perth and SA.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Totally Jack, but last week were my predictions – and woeful ones – whereas from a footy and theatre viewpoint, I’d have liked to see Hawthorn v Geelong in the grand final.

Dockers rob us of a Hawks v Cats grand final showdown

Thanks for the warning Gezza. I kind of thought many would disagree with me.

Swans to meet Cats in the Grand Final

Totally agree with you Tristan. We shouldn’t be shooting the message board so to speak. I like Twitter and the way it works, and it can be an excellent news and entertainment’ source, but like all things it can be used differently by different people, and some just want to use to abuse. As I wrote, everyone is entitled to their opinion, I just wonder if some would have the same public opinions if they had to put their real name to it.

Alicia's tears shows tall poppy syndrome alive and well

They are so far, and if it is less than 25%, I’m sure both clubs would be satisfied.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

The Suns crowds do look huge compared to the GWS crowds, but I guess Suns fans can go along with the knowledge their team is going to be competitive, and that’s all you ask. If wins come, great, as long as they give you a show for your money. With GWS, you don’t know if they will push a team all the way as they did with the Bulldogs recently and have done with some of the better teams, or get belted by 100 as the case was against the Swans.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

Andy I agree with what you have said about the Giants. While people do mention that the Gold Coast also battled the second season blues, they didn’t do it as tough as GWS are right now, and while the Giants probably have more kids with enormous potential, they don’t have the cattle to be competitive just yet. They will take a little longer to be successful. As for winning over Swans fans, I don’t know if that will ever happen.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

Very good point Andy. Chilly winter months in Melbourne and the opportunity to escape to the sun – albeit not scorching temperatures – on the Gold Coast becomes hard to refuse, especially if you can work a footy game into the getaway equation. Nice to hear your sentiments about the Gold Coast too.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

Everyone keeps talking about both clubs being superpowers in five or so years and it could happen, but the big thing will be, as you said, if they can retain all their young talent.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

I also remember that 1996 season. The preliminary finals had Sydney in one and Brisbane in the other and people were talking about the possibility of a non-Victorian grand final. They had moved to the Gabba by then as well. That was the last year of the Bears who became the Lions the following season, and as they say the rest is history. And very good point about Gazza and other clubs reacting to his signing.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

Thanks Franko. I think GWS looked at recruitment a whole lot differently to what Gold Coast did, going for potential in someone like Tom Scully instead of someone more experienced and older. I think if Ablett had been available to GWS, they too would have thrown cash at him, and who knows how they would be looking right now.

Finally, the Suns are beginning to rise

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