Elusive Tunbridge

Akum, you're essentially right. I think Viney's only hope is that the AFL recognise the PR black eye this decision has been and correct it. The overall message to teams and coaches will remain the same.

Well, of course I have to reply to this, Bobby, and indeed it was the memory of one of those high, looping kicks to goal that inspired my choice of nom-de-plume. Thank you.

It was always a political decision, and now the AFL know it went down very badly with the public and past and present players. Will they persist in order to save face, or reverse a poor and very unpopular decision? I reckon they'll persist, because that's the way they roll. Hope I'm wrong.

I don't think the penalty can be increased if the appeal fails - they either overturn the original decision, or uphold it. Two weeks and no carryover points - nicely graded to seem reasonable, minimise the outcry. They hope.

Really not sure where your head is at, jumbo. So you're probably safe.

Purely political decision. Predictable.

We get to present a defence before a verdict is given. If the MRP had ruled against him, we'd be appealing and risking a higher penalty. All good so far. The umpires passed it - are they witnesses? - and I'm starting to feel optimistic. I think he'll get the benefit of the "doubt".

All the indicators of public opinion, including a Hun poll, show that the public get the difference between bad behaviour and bad luck. Not sure about the tribunal, though.

Gee, I thought it only came from downtown.

Forget what's said here, it's mostly pretty predictable. I haven't come across any media commentator who thinks Viney should go* - even the Crows fan forum is divided. The MRP have passed it to the tribunal because they are afraid to make a decision, IMO, which allows us to make an argument that there is no case to answer rather than appealing against an MRP decision. Despite the head-high contact and the broken jaw, I think the tribunal may just make the correct decision. They may recognise that a suspension is a bad signal to players and bad PR to boot. Right decision made accidentally for the usual reasons. *I'm told Wilson does, but I can't find it.

People are very impressed with Salem's skills, attitude and judgement, as they should be - but significant illness last year affected his pre-season and he doesn't have the endurance for a full AFL game as yet. He'll be sub or at Casey until fitness staff give the all clear. We'll just have to wait, I hope not for long.

Grapeviney, you're right - not many home games remaining translates to fewer sign-ups, despite the improved outlook. I believe the club has anticipated this and is offering an extra inducement to renewing members. Saty would have the details. And of course, three-game memberships are readily available.

Wasn't having a go at your defence of Pedersen, because I agree. It's the self-justification/self-congratulation I was commenting on. I'll jog on now.

Congratulations.

With Pedo, Pigdog, Grimy, Chunky and The Russian on the field, we're starting to sound a bit sinister.

Hi, Graeme. Unavoidable, he was after the ball. Contact was definitely high, contributed to the injury - MRP don't like that, even though it was apparently unintentional. He could make a good case at the tribunal, but it he's offered 3 reduced to 2 with an early plea, I'm betting he'll take it.

I doubt we'll see Georgiou next week, given the concussion and Roos' post-match comment that he needs a rest.

If you want a reserves coach, you have to have a reserves team. But Welsh may be bringing this on.

Click on your own name in the headline. The drop down menu will be self-explanatory.

Is that what you'd do, in his position?

You're perfectly free to offer any opinion that's not critical of Paul Roos. In whom we trust.

Verbal report of a single incident at training, seen from the other side of the fence. Of course he has to hang - he might not give us another opportunity for a while.

Georgiou replaced Pig Dog, Jetta replaced Mitch. With Pig Dog playing, Georgiou becomes Hogan's replacement.

Maybe his build when we picked him up was a function of his thyroid problem. Illness fixed, the muscle piled on.

Not entirely alone.