The Panglossian

I agree that I was drawing a bit of a long bow comparing it to the Schache incident, because you’re correct, O’Keefe came in at pace. I used that instance to emphasise the danger of umpires encouraging players to duck their heads at on-coming tacklers to seek a free kick.( and they DO encourage ducking if they reward it with frees) I’m amazed you think the umpire correctly adjudicated on this incident. As you say, the Crow player was stationery. What’s he supposed to do? Jump in the air so the ducker goes underneath? Jump sideways to let him through? Retreat to avoid contact? This was a horrendous decision ,showing a complete lack of understanding of the game.( and it’s not an isolated incident) I don’t think the AFL can avoid this dangerous situation by addressing the players, as you suggest. Players are always going to go in hard and fearlessly, and if they can avoid a tackle, or get a free, they’ll drop their head. Umpires with a poor understanding of the game should be better informed, or relegated from the AFL firsts until they are.

Surprising that ,at 187 cm, Hunt is taller than the great ruckman, John Nicholls. Probably fairly similar height to our premiership ruckman, Graeme Wise.

Summing up McGuane’s thesis today………….play better than the Dees, and you’ll beat ‘em!

And Olive Oyl’s son?

No there was no 50m. I thought he showed admirable restraint. ….. very much the way Gawn does when mysterious frees are paid. (Except for “ that’s ruck craft, big boy”)!

I’m surprised at the lack of interest in this by other Demonlanders. I think it’s a crucial point in the future of our game.

I have attempted to attach footage of what I consider to be a reprehensible umpiring error in the Bullgogs v Adelaide game. Dunkley clearly dives at the Adelaide player’s legs to milk a free. This type of behaviour should be vehemently discouraged…..not by awarding a free to, but by paying a free against , for a low tackle. It reminds me of the tragic Sachse/O’Keefe incident resulting in a broken neck. If umpires reward players for this type of play, another broken neck will surely occur eventually, with disastrous consequences, not just for the player, but for the game of Australian Football. 0324D99E-74A2-4E39-BFA0-56CEB46832A0.MOV

Really poor umpiring tonight.

I was there and didn't hear booing of Hoges, either. I think he got a dubious spoiling free, so perhaps some people booed for that. I hate the way some teams' supporters boo all the time( esp. WCE). I hope Demon fans don't stoop to that level. (Booing may be somewhat justified when there's a mysterious free or 50m penalty, but booing particular players throughout a match is distasteful.)

Are any other Demonlanders having trouble getting seats for MCC members at the GWS game? I can get them for Richmond and Hawthorn, but no luck for the GWS game. Am I at fault, or Ticketek?

If Kynan plays with the courage and skill of his dad he’ll be a great prospect.

I noticed the Bummers didn’t take Wright off after goals, and it paid dividends. 4 min into the game, and the Weed has 2 good contested marks. Off he goes to the bench. He couldn’t be tired after 4 min. If the ball came forward fast again, he was likely to mark again. He cooled down and lost his momentum temporarily. I think this is one tactic where we could gain an edge over most other sides…….NEVER take a player off when he gets a goal. Conventional wisdom amongst AFL sides is that you do replace players after a goal. The pert commentators on tv and radio all agree it’s a bad idea. They should know something. Most are past experienced players or coaches.

Someone told me Essendrug haven’t lost the first three games since 1967. Is this true?

I’ ve forgotten…. was it Rioli or L Jetta that mocked Gawn after Liam Ryan took that hanger in Perth?

I couldn't believe the dream run we got from the umps. Stark contrast to the Adelaide game where we couldn't buy a free, and they continually got soft ones. Jake Lever must be coaching Libby Birch!

Hi Super, There is no waiting list at Commonwealth at present, much to their chagrin. Expensive entry fee ( ? $10,000), but reduced annual fee till you’re 40. Big works about to start,to try to get back to the standard of RMGC, KHGC, Metro, and Vic. Commonwealth is a great “ members’ club”……….. people try to meet other members and enjoy playing with them. It’s not easy….. tricky greens, and as long as any other Sandbelt course.

I'm at Commonwealth, "Action Jackson". There are quite a few Dee supporters at my club. Dee scarves compulsory after a victory!

Good to see Gus Brayshaw won at Royal Melbourne yesterday with 40 points off a hcp. of 9! Not bad off the back tees! Is he our best golfer now that Omac is at Carlton? Are any other Dees RMGC members?

50 metre penalties are ridiculous in AFLW. 50m is the equivalent of two kicks. The penalty should be one kick, as in AFL for men.

Thanks,DS. How the hell did you know that? I wonder if Scott goes for the Dees. Does that make Glen an indigenous Demon?

I thought McNamara was worthy of being named in the best players.

Does anyone know if Scottie Boland is any relation to our Glen Boland( no. 45 in 1983/4)?

i reckon Paine's presence in the Test team would be an undesirable distraction. (not to mention his proven lack of ability)

What about those Hammers!!!!!

What a break!!! Paine gone from captaincy! Not up to it as a captain, keeper or batsman. Pick Pierson, Inglis, Wade or Carey as keeper/batsman..... all better at both the latter skills. I suppose Cummins as skipper( but i'd go back to Smith....controversial, I know). This is a lucky break for our Ashes chances. Drop Paine and forget him,