hemingway

Yep he is an exceptional human being.

Ben still needs to be congratulated for taking a stand on the issue. It’s pernicious and a corruptive influence on all professional sport. Just look at horse racing. However, your point about whether Ben and all AFL players would be prepared to accept lower salaries is valid. There is no easy answer to this question. However, it does require a total industry stance. An agreement initiated by the AFL supported by the clubs and the players. There needs to be a collective agreement that other forms of revenue need to be pursued to maintain revenue streams. Also an understanding that in the short term there will be less money from betting advertising. However, the stance taken by many clubs on eliminating pokies shows that positive action on gambling can take place. It may not be possible to achieve a solution but it is possible to reduce the reliance on gambling revenue. It is important for the long term health of the competition. Unless something is done, you can guarantee there will be future betting scandals that will engulf the sport and damage its image and credibility. In its way, the issue is a microcosm of society. The whole planet needs to do more with less. The planet cannot sustain a continuation of greed and avarice at all levels. And AFL footy will implode long term unless urgent action is taken to eliminate or at a minimum reduce its reliance on gambling revenue. Once fans start doubting the honesty and integrity of the competition, the sport is doomed.

Either way I would love to see some new blood in the team this year even at the expense of some of our tried and tested players.

Excuse my ageing brain and arthritic fingers. No holes barred is a Freudian slip.

Good memory. Mine also. Ron was constantly in motion on the field, jutting jaw, arms swinging and his loose leg stride. He effectively coached the side on the field with instructions and sometimes no holes barred abuse if he was unhappy with the efforts of others, including the ump.

Agreed but without the viciousness of Matthews.

Given the tripe TV viewers have to put up with each year from the guys, Daisy is a star. Like all footy callers she has a tendency to over talk (my main irritation) but compared to the boys talk, jokes, egotistical carry-on, self aggrandisement, ocker behaviour, dramatisation of every play, immaturity, and stupidity, give me 6 Daisy’s for every one of the blokes. She seeks to inform rather than engage in the show that the boys think is entertainment. When will footy stations and streaming services get it. There needs to be a total clean out of the boys locker room. For years, the boys club engage in group sensory gratification and insult the intelligence of the footy public.

For Christ sake, this is a young kid that needs support and assistance. Not punishment. So much hypocrisy. Half the world is addicted to alcohol and drugs. Professionals, executives, celebrities snorting coke. This kid does not need to be publicly shamed. The moralising by others makes me sick. Go out and experience the real world.

Nutrients? Performance enhancing? A new form of doping or masking agent.

It’s great the club is attracting sponsors but what does it really all mean ? I assume there is a contract that spells out both parties obligations. Theses announcements are made with great fanfare but there is little else that informs us of what the sponsorship is worth in dollar terms. What is the quid pro quo? Otherwise it’s all pretty meaningless.

Unmm paw prints you say.

Agree although I always feel that Steven is on the edge physically and mentally. Just a feeling without any strong reasons.

I’m sure Uncle will reach out to you and bring you a change of clothes. You will be safe with the rest of us.

Brian was a legend. A great coach and and a super nice guy. A friend has a gym that Brian attends and he speaks so highly of him. My kids loved Adonis Jordan, who sadly only played one or two seasons. The atmosphere at those games was Magic. Although an AFL fan I really thought that Basketball was the next big thing.

Private ownership and rebranding killed off thousands of fans. After the demise of The Magic, my family never went to another game. As would happen if the same thing happened in the AFL. Never treat fan loyalty in a cavalier way.

Thank goodness, a huge compliment to you. Marketing has become the scourge of the modern world.

Great info furious. Enjoyed your summary with its insights. The feedback I got from the folks in the area was overwhelmingly positive. The players and coaches were engaged with the kids and enjoying the moment. Not all Dees fans either. The goodwill created by the community engagement is enormous. You realise that we have a quality group of players. Talented and with great values. All leaders in their own way. Obviously Max, BBB, Vines, Mayzie and Trac standout but they all seem impressive in the way they present and the behaviours they exhibit. Hopefully we will win another flag in the next year or two but if not I will still get enormous satisfaction in supporting such a strong club that is doing everything right in its quest for success. We have great people on board. We have come a long way baby.

As you know Uncle, I’m not a well man.

Red would love Mary Poppins !

I suspect it was a gentle loving caress before planting a wet kiss (on Clarrys hand).

Thoughtful

Footy has become a meat market with clubs, players, agents and the media all participating in the frenzy. It’s unpleasant but that’s the way it is. It gets worse each year. I am increasingly detached about it all and try not to invest emotionally in who comes or goes. Contracts no longer provide security to the player or the club. And speculation will continue to haunt the industry as player agents and the media have a vested interest in ensuring that a story keeps bubbling away. There will always be a core group of elite players that will commit to long term contracts but the rest will be fodder for speculation. I would be surprised if Kozzy commits to a long term contract given the emotional tug of family. His value to the club will depend on whether his heart is at Melbourne or elsewhere.

When he does something he looks good. Polished. But for mine, he does not do enough. There is no further improvement likely. If Melky gets a regular game we have problems. Much rather see his spot go to a young player that can develop and have more years left in the system. However, I agree he is a handy depth player to cover injury. .

The story of Jake’s career.

Feel sorry for Adem if he misses out. Can’t help but think that he would be a better long term option than Scott. The young Bombers would do well with a guy like Ooze with his calm head and development skills. But early success is the key to keeping the knives at bay. That will be a problem at Bomber land. Any club with Sheedy seeking to influence decisions is not healthy.