Unfortunately its one or two proponents of the ugly parent/family member syndrome that wrecks it for everyone else.

Its a function of some of the problems within our society. I feel for suburban football leagues who are doing so much particularly at junior level to make the experience a safe, rewarding, character building arrangement for all members of the family. But it takes 1 or 2 goons.........

Nice.

G. Lyon. My Hero growing up. Made me so proud seeing speak like that. I'm very passionate about a few things in life.. mfc, music and in particular stopping child and animal abuse.

In my perfect utopia, where im god and control everything -that fool would already be in his grave. Resources and space are too precious in this day and age to accomodate pigs like that.

Gotta feel for 'the idiots' kid as well (the offenders kid) - cause he'd be copping left, right and centre at school etc.. and right at this minute is probably trying to distance himself from his father. Sad.

This isn't about HT's sig, but a comment in general -

I think it's ridiculous when the signatures are taking up more room than the posts.

We're getting a little off-topic, but hey - that's what happens.

Recently I was chatting to a guy who by guesstimate would be ~50 years old. He was talking about 'the good old days' of footy, when he regularly attended games which in the era of suburban grounds like Victoria Park. I'd been to a game at the 'G earlier in the day and asked him why he hadn't been to the footy in years.

He complained to me about the sanitised culture of football watching these days, and gave me an anecdote about how he and a mate would have to run from Vic Park after a game because a pack of Collingwood supporters wanted to physically assault them (although he probably used the words 'have a bit of a biff' or something like that ). He also talked to me about parking your car near the ground if it had a Melbourne sticker on it. Apparently these were both positive aspects of 'old school' footy - who knew?

To be honest, right now I can't really recall any violent altercation I've seen at the footy in the last decade. Sure, it happens (Nathan Jones' dad is one I'm sure most of us have heard about) and it's not unusual to see someone - generally drunk - who seems open to getting into some kind of incident if given the chance. However, I would say that the 'culture' around AFL matches has changed and there's in fact been a decrease in violence.

My point? It's easy to talk about an increase in violence and nostalgically look back at the good old days, but is that accurate? Did bashings after footy games in say the 80's get headline news? Putting aside the talk of footy, the only time anyone in my family has been assaulted happened at a metro train station over 10 years ago.

I may well be wrong here but I'd say "a bit of bifF" in the old days was exactly that. A few choice words, a couple of punches thrown and that's it. The problem now is that it ends up with one guy on the ground and several kicking and punching until said person is bloodied and broken, occasionally permanently damaged or dead. It just seems that "a bit of biff" is far more violent these days,

What Robbo needs to understand is that the supporters wish there players all the success possible. Every fan here would love to see each player on our side turn into a Judd or Ablett etc. But when disappointment sets in, so does the need to lash out.

Imagine Juice reading these forums.

I know, I feel bloody sorry for him, some of the stuff that gets thrown towards him.

oh please spare me..fs these are professionals ...arent they..they dothis for a living ...dont they..they are very hansomely remumerated and perks. Outright character assasination isnt warranted , fair enough, and thats prohibited here. But these blokes need to understand that they choose to do it.. and when they step across that white line there dedication and performaces are on display and disection. If they stuff up.we'll notice it..and comment upon it. If they perform well well applaud it.

Dont want criticisms... dont give cause.. not hard is it ?

Basically, what gives us the right to criticise ANYONE who has much HIGHER levels of skill than us. We MIGHT be able to criticise an under 14 kid PROVIDED we could do better. I agree all the way with Robbo. People who rubbish our players are not only DISLOYAL but are just 'blowing their own trumpets' to gain notoriety. ( No, not just YM. He has sadly, a few mates.)

Most people I know who are subjected to criticism, either ignore it, try to improve themselves or choose another career.

Footballers aren't new to it once they reach the AFL. They've been playing footy all their (short) lives.

I support this club emotionally and financially. I don't run the club, play for the club nor make any decisions relating to its future. Its managed by others but I am emotionally invested in its success and the crap we've put up with is deplorable. I reserve the right to an opinion even if it is wrong.

If I don't rate a player then I'll think what I think and if it comes out here or anywhere else then so be it. Its not personal - I was crap also - I can deal with it.

If I meet a player in public (the last one was Steven Newport at Inflation in 1986) I'll say all the best and would. never tell him what I thought of his ability. I don't see any issue with this. Its not gutless, its discretion.

Robbo might actually have a point but its no concern of mine. If a player was personally affected as a result. of negative comment then its safe to say there are more critical issues going on and they should seek help.

Is he really suggesting we say nothing at all?

Since they introduced the two-can limit, we've continually been told how to behave at the footy.

Maybe the players should perform better on the field also.

Its a cruel, hard world.

Toughen the F*#@ up.

Well said "the Fork" One of the more crictical regular posters is a fellow called Joeboy. I'd curb his words tomorrow if I could. There are others too. Constructive help fine, but some have such a critical spirit I feel they can't possibly be genuine fans of the club.

It is so easy to hide behind a user name, to deride someone else without having ever achieved anything on a footy field.

That post referred to Agent Orange and his/her views.

Basically, what gives us the right to criticise ANYONE who has much HIGHER levels of skill than us. We MIGHT be able to criticise an under 14 kid PROVIDED we could do better. I agree all the way with Robbo. People who rubbish our players are not only DISLOYAL but are just 'blowing their own trumpets' to gain notoriety. ( No, not just YM. He has sadly, a few mates.)

You dont need to be able to play at the highest level in order to understand it. Never confuse the two. One is not dependent upon the other.

Many a good coach never achieved the highest accolades but they are able to see the flaws in others. Not for a moment necessarily placing myself or any others here in that particular regard but just because you cant draw a perfect circle freehand doesnt mean you dont recognise one when you see it or appreciate the drawer when they do

You make good points... But I think you'll find Robbo's comments were aimed at a very small percentage of net posters. I think if he was given a chance to comment again, he'd admit that forums are a very important way for supporters to get involved in the club, and that their reputations are ruined by a small percentage of contributors. As you say, much like at a real live game.