hemingway

I have only seen the collision once on TV news. My first reaction was that the bump was fair. That Mackay made a full on attack on the ball, and turned his shoulder into Clark at the last moment to protect himself at time of impact. My second thought was that it could be regarded as reckless and that MacKay could have avoided such a brutal collision. Of course this was with the benefit of hindsight knowing that Clark had his jaw broken and may be drinking from a straw. So I’m not sure. They are professional sportsmen and not playing in the amateurs or minor league. It is their job and they are well paid. There is risk but also reward. They also have physical strength, agility and know how. Again only having seen the footage on TV, I thought the attack on Oliver was worse with potential for serious injury. . There are always differing opinions about whether any incident is within the rules and spirit of the game. And there is also the broader question as to whether it is good for the game or not ? . Hard core footy fans love it and see it as part of the game. It is good for TV ratings and for media news. However, as times change, there will be increasing litigation over incidents and injuries on the footy field. And for all those footy fans who love the aggression and physical contact, there are many more who regard the game as brutal and who abhor it. More importantly, there are increasing number of parents who will not allow their kids to play footy. This impacts on participation rates and also continued interest and support for the game at all levels particularly school and junior levels and non professional senior levels.

Many years ago, I played school footy along with most kids. There were few other options other than hockey or cross country. Footy could be tough but generally fair. If kids transgressed with punches or other physical action off the ball, they were sent off the ground. When I left school I played with an old school side and university side. After 2 years, I realised that my idea of footy was not shared by others. Attacks on the player, resulted in broken jaws and other injuries that could be life changing. Like many others, after a few years, I stopped playing. I loved footy but was not prepared to take the risk. And my love for playing withered on the vine. Years later I was delighted when my boys took to footy. My pleasure in seeing them line up for their school was soon mitigated when I watched young kids being belted around by bigger aggressive kids who took on the behaviours of AFL players. Aggression towards their opponent, both physical and verbal. Their disrespect for the umpire was palpable. At some point, probably the day when I saw one of my boys pulverised by his opponent and then subsequently watched as his opponent attacked his injured shoulder, my attitude changed. My concern was shared by many others. As a result the school could not attract enough kids to play footy. However, the soccer teams were full. In fact they were oversubscribed. I like watching tough footy but I did not like watching my boys get smashed. So my disappointment in their decision not to play footy when they left school was matched by my relief that they would not risk further injury. So if footy is to survive and remain recognisable to all of us, the governing bodies need to have zero tolerance for attacks on the player on or off the ball. Otherwise, the number of kids playing the game will continue to decline.

Despite my disappointment with the Weeds game against the Woods, when I read some of the vitriolic comments on this thread I despair for mankind. No-one deserves the garbage some of you post. Would you say these things about your own son or grandson ? Be they footballers or just young adults trying to get on in this difficult crazy world. Not simply the best, simply disgraceful.

Daydream Believer was one of my favourite Monkees songs. In fact I’m humming the song as I write. And it was a nice bottle of red.

Very depressing for Saints supporters. That last quarter so poor on many levels. Ratten has his work cut out.

Sorry mate, did not see your comments but remarkable my comments mirror yours. Great minds think a like!

Gerry Humphries was lead singer of The Loved Ones. The author of Snow Complications was Barry Humphries. The Coodabeens usually play Humphries ode to the snow scene every QB weekend. With plenty of references to the Demon fans!

What we do know is that despite the tragedy, Neale is an inspiration to all. And as the end nears, his contribution to society transcends footy. He has turned his own personal tragedy into something of significance. His life and what he has done with it, has made a difference to the world we live in. And we love him for it.

Apologies. Perhaps should have read...Roger from Snow complications vis a vis Buller, Falls, Perisher and Thredbo. Not forgetting Simon, Drew, Chris and Blair. No trip to the snow this weekend but reckon a few tinnies and gluhwein in front of the fire will be in order, not forgetting some other home comforts. And no problemos with spreading the virus.

Says more about the standards required of TV footy and media commentators than anything else. Or is it niche marketing. They reckon that morons appeal to morons and as such Robbo is good for ratings. Whatever the case, he is appalling. The only positive thing to say is that it should be required viewing for non English speakers trying to learn the language.

Lyon up for grabs and Clarkson heading in the same direction with Jeff getting increasingly angry with the Hawks performances. Mitchell also ready for the big gig. Could see Clarko at Blues but not Pies. A new Coach would want stability at Board level. It’s great when these things are happening at other clubs and we have harmony and light with our coaching team.

Amazing how negative thoughts suddenly start emerging over Buckley’s resignation, something mooted for months. Neuroticism still runs deep in the veins of many Dees supporters. Losing Yze, losing on QB, etc etc. Even if we win the flag, folks will say that we will fall off the cliff in 2022. Or that winning brings defeat that much closer. Danny from Droop St morphs into Roger from Demonland.

Perhaps with the odd exception all our players have improved. That’s the difference over past years. However, TMac and ANB stand out because they have shown real character. The club put them up for sale, a very demeaning feeling for the boys. However, they ate humble pie and came back stronger and better than before. Remarkable determination and attitude. And great strength of character.

Who cares. Human nature that’s all. As in life, you avoid the whingers, naysayers and critics. Just enjoy the ride. We have waited a long time and if you can’t enjoy it now, you never will.

It’s remarkable how much improvement there is across the board on an individual and team level. We know about Oliver, Gawn, Petracca etc but I find the improvement of our kids the most exciting development. Not just for this season but our future. The kids have been sensational and have an enthusiasm and confidence that is boundless.

Totally agree Chook regarding Billy over Nibbler.

All the posters on this site are passionate about the club. And despite the stereotypes, Dees supporters are a passionate mob. Many of us are experiencing something new and different this season. Its a new found belief and confidence in the club and the players. You can see it with the players. There is a new found alchemy within the team. A realisation that we have a group of great players and some young kids who will be great. Something special is a foot. We will lose games and we may not take the ultimate prize this year. You need a lot of luck and at any time that luck can go missing. Injuries, form, suspension, umpires. Irrespective, we have a team worth watching. We want to go to the games, we want to watch the games on TV. Hey, do you believe this old team of ours is in control of the game. They may be well paid but they are playing for more than money. They want to experience success and feel proud of their team, and they want to give back to supporters. They really care. So soak it up and enjoy every minute. It will not last for ever so enjoy the present. And be generous in our praise. And let’s avoid harsh criticism and scapegoating individual players. These young men are under enormous pressure to perform. They cannot all be champions but you can tell that they are giving it their best shot. They are playing like Demons. However, the whole club needs a big pat on the back. We are starting to behave like a successful club on and off the field. Let’s all enjoy the ride wherever it takes us. We no longer have a winter of discontent ahead of us. We have rediscovered our love of winter and our great game. Most importantly, our love for our great club.

When you love something or somebody, it’s easy to be generous. And I love our club. Sam is a Demon with upside. At the moment we can afford to be generous.

An integral part of the team. Good in the air, clever and creative at ground level, and finds space. Provides balance, mobility and goal kicking ability.

Who ???????

Agreed. Rivers is something else. But also agree with your comments about the young brigade. For me this is just as thrilling as watching our stars. They have injected youth, energy, enthusiasm, tenacity and never give up spirit. They have a fresh approach untainted by the past. Add to Rivers, Jordon, Kozzi, Jackson, Spargo, Petty, Sparrow, and yes, even Weideman. The future with these kids looks bright.

Just look at the bloody ladder folks. Who would have thought, top of the ladder, 3 games clear of Cats et al, 4 games clear of Swans etc and 5 bloody games clear of Giants and Tigers!

The years of disappointment are disappearing for me OD. Its a great feeling. To have a team and club to be proud of. Wow!

No individual criticism from me, outstanding total team effort.

Spot on.