Jump to content

THE WILSON FILE - the arrogance at the heart of the innuendo


Whispering_Jack

Recommended Posts

Another sensational article by Wilson. Interestingly Gary Pert said on the Mike Sheehan interview last night that Collingwood supporters thought Wilson had a vendetta against them.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/essendon-continues-to-duck-for-cover-20140707-zsz9w.html

Flanagan writes fantastic feel good articles, Wilson is in a class of her own with this sort of stuff.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll bite.

The article she wrote expresses most of the sports world's feelings but there's nothing new or original in what she says in it and people like Michaelangelo Rucci and Patrick Smith (and numerous internet pundits) have beaten her to the punch. Her editor has finally been honest enough to succumb to the notion that wnen she writes opinion articles, it should correctly be labelled "comment".

I made the point in a post above that because she might happen to be right on this issue it doesn't validate the large body of critical assessment of her writing that is covered by this thread. Moreover, she attacks Essendon for doing what every organisation has a right to do (and in the case of Hird - every person) - to defend itself in a court of law if it feels aggrieved. I believe that Essendon has been advised it has a valid case which requires the support of properly presented evidence. I happen to disagree that the case has merit but Wilson doesn't address this at all.

I don't accept that her article is either sensational, original or in a class or her own in the context of "fantastic" articles because others beat her to the punch in writing probably the easiest story that can confront a journalist.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll bite.

The article she wrote expresses most of the sports world's feelings but there's nothing new or original in what she says in it and people like Michaelangelo Rucci and Patrick Smith (and numerous internet pundits) have beaten her to the punch. Her editor has finally been honest enough to succumb to the notion that wnen she writes opinion articles, it should correctly be labelled "comment".

I made the point in a post above that because she might happen to be right on this issue it doesn't validate the large body of critical assessment of her writing that is covered by this thread. Moreover, she attacks Essendon for doing what every organisation has a right to do (and in the case of Hird - every person) - to defend itself in a court of law if it feels aggrieved. I believe that Essendon has been advised it has a valid case which requires the support of properly presented evidence. I happen to disagree that the case has merit but Wilson doesn't address this at all.

I don't accept that her article is either sensational, original or in a class or her own in the context of "fantastic" articles because others beat her to the punch in writing probably the easiest story that can confront a journalist.

I was in the car yesterday and heard a bit of Patrick Smith - it amused me that he doesn't like Greg Denham any more than we do - he gave him a right decent serve.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey WJ

I take your point, but I still thought it was a very good piece. It's strength is in its timeliness. There's a risk that the various sideshows Little and his lawyers are stirring up will distract people from the main game. I reckon she's reduced that risk (still hate her when she's snapping at us, of course; she was bloody one-sided on the tanking thing - for me, that was like the Abbot budget - I could almost handle it if it was evenly distributed, but it wasnt - both budget and tanking debate further entrenched inequality)

I just can't help listening to her, even when she's on 3AW with a panel of morons.

Cheers

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I was in the car yesterday and heard a bit of Patrick Smith - it amused me that he doesn't like Greg Denham any more than we do - he gave him a right decent serve.

Not sure if you are being serious 'nut', but Patrick wasn't. It was a bit of a running joke to do with an article he wrote, goose of the week etc...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey WJ

I take your point, but I still thought it was a very good piece. It's strength is in its timeliness. There's a risk that the various sideshows Little and his lawyers are stirring up will distract people from the main game. I reckon she's reduced that risk (still hate her when she's snapping at us, of course; she was bloody one-sided on the tanking thing - for me, that was like the Abbot budget - I could almost handle it if it was evenly distributed, but it wasnt - both budget and tanking debate further entrenched inequality)

I just can't help listening to her, even when she's on 3AW with a panel of morons.

Cheers

I'm with you Jara. A good article. I like that she criticises both the AFL and Essendon as Rohan Connolly did a few days ago. It really is amazing how unbalanced the Hun articles are. It must frustrate Yobbo no end she knocks up getting awards and got a couple for her coverage of the essendon saga last year. One of her strengths on this issue is trying to keep the focus on the failure of duty of care and the health of the players.

I also enjoy her on 3aw.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Another sensational article by Wilson. Interestingly Gary Pert said on the Mike Sheehan interview last night that Collingwood supporters thought Wilson had a vendetta against them.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/essendon-continues-to-duck-for-cover-20140707-zsz9w.html

Flanagan writes fantastic feel good articles, Wilson is in a class of her own with this sort of stuff.

Wilson's populist attack isn't as classy as you think. Most of us are entitled to be critical of Essendon for its doping programme but she does tend to conflate governance issues which have already been dealt with by the AFL via the sanctions imposed in August with the issue of the alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. There's a real live issue of denial of player rights to confidentiality which Essendon and Hird maintain they are entitled to protect. We may disagree that there's an issue here but the Bombers are entitled to their day in court.

Wilson was also being premature in whacking Gillon McLachlan for being silent because McLachlan came out swinging today -AFL boss Gillon McLachlan backs top medico Peter Harcourt.

People might like to read her views but there's nothing new there, nothing all that clever and a few things that aren't particularly accurate.

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

A blistering and correct assessment :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wilson's populist attack isn't as classy as you think. Most of us are entitled to be critical of Essendon for its doping programme but she does tend to conflate governance issues which have already been dealt with by the AFL via the sanctions imposed in August with the issue of the alleged use of performance enhancing drugs. There's a real live issue of denial of player rights to confidentiality which Essendon and Hird maintain they are entitled to protect. We may disagree that there's an issue here but the Bombers are entitled to their day in court.

Wilson was also being premature in whacking Gillon McLachlan for being silent because McLachlan came out swinging today -AFL boss Gillon McLachlan backs top medico Peter Harcourt.

People might like to read her views but there's nothing new there, nothing all that clever and a few things that aren't particularly accurate.

not quite sure what you mean caro was premature about the afl not making comment. They were accurate when she made them and perhaps were a factor in gil making the comments in the article you posted a link to. By the by the quotes attributed to gil are slightly innacurate as he said caro about half a dozen times as he was in fact responding directly to her questions. Good journalism Edited by binman
Link to comment
Share on other sites

not quite sure what you mean caro was premature about the afl not making comment. They were accurate when she made them and perhaps were a factor in gil making the comments in the article you posted a link to. By the by the quotes attributed to gil are slightly innacurate as he said caro about half a dozen times as he was in fact responding directly to her questions. Good journalism

in all fairness Bin...it would have been good journalism to write this about a month ago

seems really shes just riding the coat tails of the bleeding obvious !!

But is better than some of the rubbish shes written for sure

Link to comment
Share on other sites

in all fairness Bin...it would have been good journalism to write this about a month ago

seems really shes just riding the coat tails of the bleeding obvious !!

But is better than some of the rubbish shes written for sure

there wasn't a story a month ago. She was wacking gil for not coming out and defending Harcourt not being silent on the ESS/asada court case. Bb where I do agree with you is that as you say she perhaps conflates the governance issue, which as you say they have been pinged for and the prohibited drugs charge. To be honest I find myself doing the same sometimes
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's an article that's on the money and makes sense.

It's also the same story for the 100th time.

Hird is arrogant. Essendon is delusional. The players' health is in danger. Thompson's a fool. The AFL's got itself to blame.

All she's doing is making good use of her thesaurus.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

there wasn't a story a month ago. She was wacking gil for not coming out and defending Harcourt not being silent on the ESS/asada court case. Bb where I do agree with you is that as you say she perhaps conflates the governance issue, which as you say they have been pinged for and the prohibited drugs charge. To be honest I find myself doing the same sometimes

Well there was a story....its been pretty much the same one all along. Take the Harcourt thing aside though that in itself has also been around for a while too, its just now resurfaced.

Caro gives Essendon a whack essentially for the gall displayed and contempt for their own. She cites their delusion and lack of remorse.

This story, or elements to such has been the constant through out and she now comes along all but Johnny come lately and serves it up. Wonderful in itself as many follow here words slavishly and they too might now adhere more to the side of decency as opposed the flawed rhetoric of those numnuts in Robbo Whately and Co

She could have easily written this much earlier but seems like shes waited for the tide to turn so she can surf it.

Thats not good journalism thats opportunism

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Not sure if you are being serious 'nut', but Patrick wasn't. It was a bit of a running joke to do with an article he wrote, goose of the week etc...

I was only half listening to be honest. It started off as a serve re Goose of the week but he launched into "Denham has nothing of note to say about anything at all".

If he wasn't serious he certainly delivered it dead pan.

I confess to not listening to KB's show because my ears vomit when I hear him - is this a running joke between Smith and Denham to slag off at each other ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wilson is no different to the majority of AFL media hacks who dish up opinion peices based on unsubstantiated information without either wanting or having the time to do the hard yards a professional journalist would do to seek the truth as they see it. There are a couple of exceptions (cap doffed to Emma Quyale) who I think stand out from the pack.

This effort from Wilson is just more of the same, and while I happen to agree with most of what she states and enjoy seeing Essendon get a flogging in the media it does not advance the story or provide any insights that us mere mortals havent already worked out on our own. While it does balance the opinion in the public media it really is no different from the tat published by the Essendon apparatchik's from Newscorp.

Journalists are a bit like intelligence analysts they are at there best when the can be predictive and not just parrot known information. Its about taking information, corroborating it where possible, rating it and drawing logical inferences that can explain the situation. .

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Wilson is no different to the majority of AFL media hacks who dish up opinion peices based on unsubstantiated information without either wanting or having the time to do the hard yards a professional journalist would do to seek the truth as they see it. There are a couple of exceptions (cap doffed to Emma Quyale) who I think stand out from the pack.

Wilson has been different, in her unsubstantiated information has been leaked to her directly by the AFL and inparticualr Adrian Anderson.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recon she has a heap of sources but that dosn't alter the fact that her parroting her sources is the same as Robinson parroting his. Only the source of the info is different.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I recon she has a heap of sources but that dosn't alter the fact that her parroting her sources is the same as Robinson parroting his. Only the source of the info is different.

that's what journos do..rely on sources.

Wilson annd Smith are getting the best info. Robinson is hoping. He aint a journos bootlace.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I admit that while I despise how she treated us I get a fair amount of schadenfreude from her attacks on Essendon.

However that doesn't stop me thinking of her as a vicious gossip columnist, with no real insight on how the game is played, and solely reliant on other viscous and self serving people to feed her information.

And in case anyone missed it: vicious. A pit bull with lipstick.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

that's what journos do..rely on sources.

Wilson annd Smith are getting the best info. Robinson is hoping. He aint a journos bootlace.

sources ? What has she recycled that really wasnt in the public domain anyway, well, for anyone with an ounce of investigative fervour that is.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

sources ? What has she recycled that really wasnt in the public domain anyway, well, for anyone with an ounce of investigative fervour that is.

Smith is leaps and bounds ahead of the rest. But Wilson is still so far ahead of the Sun's Chief Football Writer.
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Demonland Forums  

  • Match Previews, Reports & Articles  

    DELUGE by KC from Casey

    The Casey Demons overcame their inaccuracy and the wet inhospitable conditions to overrun the lowly Northern Bullants at Genis Steel Oval in Cramer Street, Preston on Saturday. It was an eerie feeling entering the ground that in the past hosted many VFA/VFL greats of the past including the legendary Roy Cazaly. The cold and drizzly rain and the sparse crowd were enough to make one want to escape to the nearby Preston Market and hang out there for the afternoon. In the event, the fans

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles

    INSANITY by Whispering Jack

    Somehow, the Melbourne Football Club managed it twice in the course of a week. Coach Simon Goodwin admitted it in his press conference after the loss against the Brisbane Lions in a game where his team held a four goal lead in the third term:   "In reality we went a bit safe. Big occasion, a lot of young players playing. We probably just went into our shell a bit. "There's a bit to unpack in that last quarter … whether we go into our shells a bit late in the game."   Well

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 12

    PREGAME: Rd 17 vs West Coast

    The Demons return to Melbourne in Round 17 to take on the Eagles on Sunday as they look to bounce back from a devastating and heartbreaking last minute loss to the Lions at the Gabba. Who comes in and who goes out?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 84

    PODCAST: Rd 16 vs Brisbane

    The Demonland Podcast will air LIVE on Monday, 1st July @ 8:30pm. Join George, Binman & I as we analyse the Demons loss at the Gabba against the Lions in the Round 16. You questions and comments are a huge part of our podcast so please post anything you want to ask or say below and we'll give you a shout out on the show. If you would like to leave us a voicemail please call 03 9016 3666 and don't worry no body answers so you don't have to talk to a human. Listen & Chat LIV

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 24

    VOTES: Rd 16 vs Brisbane

    Captain Max Gawn has a considerable lead over the injured reigning champion Christian Petracca in the Demonland Player of the Year Award. Steven May, Alex Neal-Bullen & Jack Viney make up the Top 5. Your votes for the loss against the Lions. 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 30

    POSTGAME: Rd 16 vs Brisbane

    The Demons once again went goalless in the last quarter and were run down by the Lions at the Gabba in the final minutes of the match ultimately losing the game by 5 points as their percentage dips below 100 for the first time since 2020. 

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 439

    GAMEDAY: Rd 16 vs Brisbane

    It's Game Day and the Dees are deep in the heart of enemy territory as they take on the Lions in Brisbane under the Friday Night Lights at the Gabba. Will the Demon finally be awakened and the season get back on track or will they meekly be sacrificed like lambs to the slaughter?

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Melbourne Demons 920

    UNBACKABLE by The Oracle

    They’re billing the Brisbane Lions as a sleeping giant — the best team outside the top eight —and based on their form this month they’re a definite contender for September AFL action. Which is not exactly the best of news if you happen to be Melbourne, the visiting team this week up at the Gabba.  Even though they are placed ahead of their opponent on the AFL table, and they managed to stave off defeat in their last round victory over North Melbourne, this week’s visitors to the Sunshi

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Match Previews

    WILDCARDS by KC from Casey

    Casey’s season continued to drift into helplessness on Sunday when they lost another home game by a narrow margin, this time six points, in their Round 13 clash with North Melbourne’s VFL combination. The game was in stunning contrast to their last meeting at the same venue when Casey won the VFL Wildcard Match by 101 points. Back then, their standout players were Brodie Grundy and James Jordon who are starring in the AFL with ladder leaders, the Sydney Swans (it turned out to be their last

    Demonland
    Demonland |
    Casey Articles
  • Tell a friend

    Love Demonland? Tell a friend!

×
×
  • Create New...