I've been hearing Dale Thomas cop a bit of criticism on the radio today, in reference to smiling and/or laughing at times on the field last night against Collingwood.

I also recall Sylvia and other players often being on the end of criticism for the same thing in the past.

Besides it being a natural reaction for some people when challenged or embarrassed, I think it's also silly for supporters to presume to know what has been said, or that a player is smiling and laughing because they don't care about the result.

Anyway, in thinking about it, I decided to illustrate my point (literally) using my Leonardo Da Vinci-like drawing skills (I will field requests for portrait commissions via PM).

A: what supporters imagine is being said.

B: what is probably being said.

Yeah, I use to laugh a bit on the ground. Over years you play the same guys from under 10's up to u18's etc and you just take the [censored] out of each other, does not mean you done put in especially against mates.

The big jokes after a massive thrashing don't look great, but most during the game would be in regards to sledging.

I've been hearing Dale Thomas cop a bit of criticism on the radio today, in reference to smiling and/or laughing at times on the field last night against Collingwood.

I also recall Sylvia and other players often being on the end of criticism for the same thing in the past.

Besides it being a natural reaction for some people when challenged or embarrassed, I think it's also silly for supporters to presume to know what has been said, or that a player is smiling and laughing because they don't care about the result.

Anyway, in thinking about it, I decided to illustrate my point (literally) using my Leonardo Da Vinci-like drawing skills (I will field requests for portrait commissions via PM).

A: what supporters imagine is being said.

image.jpg

B: what is probably being said.

image.jpg

Yeah 'Machsy', I don't care what they do so long as they play good footy.

I've seen some guys after a game with head held low with forlorn expressions who didn't put in on the field, gave nothing when it mattered. It seemed to be all for show, I'll look like I care if I look like I'm hurting.

The actions are what matter; do they attack the contest, do they back up and support teammates, have they run as hard as they could all game. If the answers yes, then they can come off laughing as far as I'm concerned.

Thomas smiling last night was certainly because of banter, surely.

Not because of the result..

Smiling does not equate to happiness, that's what sheets me about the media

But aren't players supposed to be sterile robots void of any personality and sense of humour with absolutely no trace of inderviduality?

How dare they smile or look like they're having fun!

I thought it was a good reaction to his situation- played a stinker but didn't let it get to him. Wouldn't read it as a lack of caring

There isn't a law against smiling yet. I say 'yet'.. No doubt it is on the way.

Brereton said something on SEN in regards to it, that all the old blokes at Hawthorn used to smile at the bloke they were about to throw a swing at.

Journalism at it's worst when they start saying his smiling is equating to his bad footy etc etc.

So how conflicted will some people on here be if Jesse Hogan smiles on the field whilst we are losing?

Last night

Pie player to Daisy " looks like you joined the wrong mob!"

Reply "No (with big smile ) I am on 700 what's your pay again 250!"

Edited May 3, 201411 yr by old dee

Smiling on the field ! Outrageous! Before you know it we'll people daring to attempt humour on Demonland!

Smiling on the field ! Outrageous! Before you know it we'll people daring to attempt humour on Demonland!

will never happen bbo

will never happen bbo

I'll wait for a ruling from Autocol and Sambo

Last night

Pie player to Daisy " looks like you joined the wrong mob!"

Reply "No (with big smile ) I am on 700 what's your pay again 250!"

Pie player to Daisy "who gives a f*%k what my pay is. Look at the scoreboard, mate!"

Edited May 3, 201411 yr by Chook