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Joined August 2015
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To be fair to Geoff, he explained pretty clearly why he’s not a fan of the attention given to AFLW – namely that the hype around the league doesn’t match the skill levels of the players, at least in the inaugural season. I think that’s a fair criticism having watched a few of the matches–and accusations of misogyny shouldn’t be thrown around because of this unfortunate fact–but at the end of the day the AFL obviously wants to make a big splash in promoting the women’s competition and are prepared to devote a lot of resources to getting the public onside. The media attention is simply a response to this big push to create further interest in the game, especially from women.
If it does succeed, it’ll be similar to the A-League in that it gained a significant following despite the skill level being below a lot of comparative competitions elsewhere. If not, well, perhaps the AFL will just have to devote more effort into skilling up players in order to draw the crowds.
Don't like AFL Women's on the news? Change the channel
In answer to your question Nick, most likely not – there’s always going to be a sub-set of people who say offensive, racist things and smear the name of sporting events like the AFL. All that can be done is to have the AFL, players, teams and community call racism out when it happens and be steadfast in their rejection of unacceptable behaviour. It won’t magically stop racism, or even push racists to the margins, but it’s the only real response available.
Can racism be kicked out of sport?
Yeah I think it’s a stretch to see this remark as racist or culturally insensitive. There’s plenty of other stuff he’s said over the years if you want to rake him over the coals some more, but I’d be very surprised if anyone of African descent would be offended at Eddie’s comments about their athletic prowess
When will Eddie's gaffes subside?
You’re right in that AFL matches draw significantly higher crowds than the NRL, but despite that the locals seem to overwhelmingly prefer League to Aussie Rules. I figure it’s because the NRL is a sport unintentionally designed to be watched on TV, while the AFL really shines when you’re at the ground watching the teams play.
But perhaps it depends on where you live in Sydney. In the couple of years I’ve been here I’ve got the impression that up here AFL is considered a sport for toffs, with League being the ‘true’ working class sport. Which I find hilarious having grown up in Victoria, but hey, whatever gets people turning out to AFL matches!
The Sydney Swans are primed for the flag
>Year after year the Swans fly under the radar
Have the Swans really been ignored so much over the years? They’ve made four grand final appearances since 2005 and won two of them, so surely they’ve received their share of attention from the AFL media? As for attention from Sydneysiders, let’s be honest – they could have won the last 10 premierships in a row and the majority of the city would still be more interested in the League results.
The Sydney Swans are primed for the flag
As a couple of people have said already, an ongoing issue appears to be the Dogs’ forward line. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve almost thrown the remote at the TV after the Dogs successfully get the ball out of their back 50, race across the field nearly unopposed by the opposition, only to either kick it to an opposing defender or miss a set shot in front of goal. A few errors are part and parcel of the game, but the Dogs really have a hard time getting the ball to their forwards, and that will cost them dearly come the finals
The Contenders Part 2: The Western Bulldogs
If he’s playing dirty then booing would be alright, but if he’s not actually doing anything wrong then people could give a bit of respect and let him get on with the match.
Goodes' playing future remains unclear
I do hope Goodes comes back and plays out the season before considering retirement. And I’d hope the nastier elements of the crowd restrain themselves and kick up a fuss only when he’s actually doing something unsportsmanlike (rather than seemingly all the time for no immediate reason).
Goodes will be remembered as one of the all-time greats, and this incident will enter the AFL history books the same way as Nicky Winmar’s stand against racism is remembered as a turning point in our great game.
Goodes' playing future remains unclear
I think he was too busy lamenting the Pies loss to the Dees on Saturday afternoon!
Goodes' playing future remains unclear
Great article – keep up the conversation until Goodesy comes back!
As for those who continue to ignore the facts of this whole situation in order to justify their poor behaviour, there’s no hope for you. Enjoy living in the past and leave the rest of us to enjoy Australia’s greatest sport without resorting to bullying and childish behaviour.
Adam Goodes story comes back to one question: Why?
Agreed 100% – I’m all for adding a bit of music and MC banter to the game during downtime, but not to fill every.single.second.of.silence. It was getting ridiculous by the end of the match as the Kings started steamrolling the Tahs, with attempts at firing up the crowd right as morale was hitting an absolute low.
Waratahs explore the bottom of the barrel