tiers

I don't ascribe to anything other than a fair, independent and credible investigation. In the context of this issue, a clear, unbiased and open mind is to be welcomed. Those with perspective are therefore limited.

Judges don't have to understand perspective. Royal Commissioners don't have to have perspective. They are selected because of their particular skills to find justice and or solutions. That they could be ignorant of the issues does not mean that they would be ignorant of the correct, fair process of investigation and understanding. This panel is not, on the face, as serous or important but in the context of footy in the community they might be even more important. As I stated, those that have perspective should be available to provide their knowledge and understanding to the panel members who can then apply the correct weight to their opinions. My great fear is that a panel consisting of those who "have perspective" might not be able to reach an adverse report due to their perspective. That would not be fair to either the complainants (who might not accept the report) or to the coaches (who might not be able to rely on the report). A totally independent panel's report will carry much more weight and will more likely to be accepted in the community.

Not many. Although I expect that there would be any number of experienced senior people with a judicial, administrative or management background that are not connected to footy who would qualify. I don't believe that the AFL would be looking in this direction as they seem to be looking elsewhere. Pity.

For any panel to be both credible and independent it should eschew the appointment of any person who might be seen as having, to use the legal term, an "apprehension of bias" by the public and the football community. This principle would exclude any club officials, discrimination officers, aboriginal members and coaches representatives and also any attempt to introduce a gender balance. A truly independent and credible panel should be comprised of independent outsiders who have an open mind, no preconceived notions and the ability to frame their investigations and questions to all participants with a view to establishing the facts. Once the facts are established, all those who might otherwise have seemed worthy of a place on the panel, ie. those who might be seen as biased, should be available to provide background and interpretation for the benefit of the panel. If, as reported, the complainants no longer want to proceed with a further investigation, the investigation by the panel must still go ahead if only to protect the coaches' interests. Gil and the AFL board have to make it work.

Everyone needs a rest. It just depends on how it is managed. When White and Stynes played together White would start each quarter and play about two thirds and be relieved by Jimmy. Silly and rigid I know but it was Neale's plan (sadly it denied us the opportunity to play both on the ground at the same time to stretch opposition teams most evidently in the 1998 prelim final). But it gives us a guide to how to manage Max and Grundy. Maybe not as rigid but, to adopt the head ducker's model, start Max on the bench each quarter, rotate him around third to half way and rotate him off near the end of each quarter so as to add the break time to his rest times. Max should just ruck, not play forward where gets in the way and interferes with BBB, TMac and Fritta. Imagine a fresh, rested mobile ruck tag team combination for a whole game. Worth a try if Grundy arrives at the dees.

Natural justice or procedural fairness (interchangeable) requires that the accused be given an opportunity to know their accusers and to be able to adequately respond to the accusations. The dorks' report was not empowered to do this and, so far as I understand, has not been released or made public so that the risk of any action against the dorks, AFL or Egan, at this stage, would appear to be negligible. However, the abc and the journo, who appear not to have relied on the contents of the report but interviewed the accusers separately, might not escape being sued if the accusations are comprehensively or substantially refuted following further investigations and the evidence of the accused. It is a long process but, sadly, the three accused, if the accusations are not found to be credible, will never be able to clean the stain from their reputation. Even if these accusations are "in the public interest" it is in the public's interest for such accusations to be thoroughly investigated from all sides before being released to the public in order to maintain an fair society where people's reputations cannot be impugned by unproven or unproveable accusations. A difficult time ahead for our great game of footy.

Undisclosed injuries or incomplete recovery from injuries gels well with the reasons for the poor second half performances in the latter half of the year. For example, Maxie had what was considered to be a four week injury but resumed after two weeks. In hindsight, it didn't help much. No players were rested for "general soreness" and similar issues. Why not? BBB and Salem were struggling for long periods. Introducing VFL players in the finals would have been a recipe for more failure. From the outside looking in with fogged up glasses, there seems to have been a lack of foresight and too much reliance on "the system". That's why the coaches are paid the big bucks (and we get to call the shots in the ether).

I don't know if Clarko is innocent or not but. if the review commissioned by the dorks did not approach him with the allegations and include his response in the report. then the report writers were negligent and the report loses significant value and meaning. It's called natural justice and if it is good enough for a brownlow medallist then it should be good enough for a coach accused of racist behaviour. Clarko and Fagan standing down makes good sense.

Was it only aboriginal boys who suffered like this? Could it also have happened to non-aboriginal boys who had to break up relationships? And is it restricted to only one club? Still happening? Lots of questions that need answers. Soon.

Not so sure. Eddie left soon after so the media lost its real target. Here the he allegations are so much worse involving families and children and the two coaches can expect to be hounded non stop at every interview. If no, then its the media that should be sacked.

Roos and lions might be looking for new coaches soon. At the very least they will have to stand down until these allegations are followed up. However, reading the review suggests that these allegations might have been strongly substantiated or they would not have appeared in the review.

Given our recent record at the MCG, maybe more interstate games would benefit. Ignoring the above, I would prefer 11 home games at the MCG and to play the away games against every other tenant at the MCG. Don't know how many games at home it comes to but it would make my MCC membership more attractive.

Behind the goals watching Crompton's kick sail towards me. What a sight. GO DEES

Watched a bit of Casey. Granted the conditions were tough in the rain but Weid looked like the Weid we have come to know and love - attacks every contest but cannot impose himself at any contest. JVR had few touches but showed a footy brain when he had the ball. Not as big as I had imagined but with development could be good value.

When the lawyers and the specialist medicos can determine the tribunal outcomes, we know that the system is flawed and in need of urgent repairs. Where is the procedural fairness and natural justice for the concussed victim who will miss at least one game? Where is the procedural fairness and natural justice for Neale? It's a farce.

Not quite correct. In 1965 we won the first eight (again many by small margins that tested our resolve) until we lost by 63 points to the sainters on Queen's Birthday under Norm Smith before he was sacked. Then the rot set in and we struggled for the nest 55.5 years. 2022 does not resemble this era at all. In 1965 we had a lot of older players who had tasted success for many years and were on the way out. In 2022 we have a lot of younger players on the cusp of prolonged success (we hope). Barassi left, some retired and our ace in the hole, Jim Cardwell, was past his prime in recruitment and then zoning killed us off. GO DEES

Loading and rest appear to be the mantra for the best outcomes. We will be better prepared for a normal season of injuries in 2023 unlike 2021 when we were more than lucky.

Jacko might have been nuts but he kicked 150 goals over two seasons and helped Gerard Healy kick many goals as well. For 75 goals a year I would happily take the next Jacko.

It was a good year but, to me, it was not the year we should have had nor is it an advance. Losing 8/14 for mostly the same reason is not the result we deserved. There seemed to be a distinct lack of urgency about our losses that did not translate into any remedial action, be it player rotation, in match changes, more considered selections and preparations for the future. But just like other teams before us, there is the hope of improvement and advancement next year. First there is time for rest and recuperation (players, coaches and supporters) and then a new look. I cannot wait.

Robbie kicked his last goals. What a day.

The simple answer to all the (deserved) criticisms of the AA selection process is to select two teams of 22 for a hypothetical clash between the two sides billed as the All Australian Dream Match. Will then have the room to select both teams in correct positions without having to squeeze in (or out) players. Better still, try to play a match as, say, the All Stars in US basketball where each player can exhibit their best skills and the result doesn't matter.

Last year we were the third quarter's top dogs and would run out games. This year we have led regularly and been run over after half time. This is our real worry. Losing from in front. Even lions won second half. I hope two weeks rest will refresh like the 2 x 2 weeks rest in the finals last year.

Why? Doesn't everyone want more footy?

This suggested fix was posted some years ago. Seems more relevant now. Works for 18 teams so cancel 19. AN ALTERNATIVE STRUCTURE FOR OUR FOOTY SEASON A more balanced draw for the home and away season To balance out the draw, the teams should play each other once over 17 rounds. Home and away advantage (ie interstate travel for Victorian clubs) can be rotated each year. At the end of the round 17, place the teams in three groups of 6 viz. 1,4,7,10,13,16 / 2,5,8,11,14,17 / 3,6,9,12,15,18 or other suitable combination but NOT 1,2,3,4,5,6 etc. The teams play an round robin series of 5 games within their respective groupings giving a total of 22 games for the H & A season. The draw for each group should be made by ballot so that the draw for each grouping will be unique to enhance the mystery. This approach smooths out each team’s chances as no team should play multiple games against top teams or lower teams. Theoretically, each team vying for finals should have an more even chance and there would be greater interest in each round. Introducing a finals season A week off after the H&A season gives the players a chance for a rest and refresh and offers the prospect of a finals season, distinct from the H & A season and different to the current finals series. Divide the eight clubs into 2 groups of four – 1,3,5,7 and 2,4,6,8 – to play a round robin series to determine the top team in each group based on wins and percentage. Every game will be important as percentage counts. And then, the two top teams play off in the grand final. All four matches in the third week should be played at the same time so that teams can't game the system. The broadcasters would have the challenge to cover all four matches simultaneously using "round the grounds" images and reports. What a dynamic and exciting day of footy. Cons Finishing 1 and 2 or top 4 might lose its appeal. The argument that the WB benefited from the bye is correct – but shouldn’t the best teams win, not the team with least injuries at the start of the finals. Injuries can occur in the finals that will test team lists but at least they could all start even. Short notice to make arrangements for the last 5 weeks of the season. So what, arrangements for the current finals series are made on short notice so just extend the time and complexity a bit. That’s why Gil is paid the big bucks. Pros Enhanced excitement and interest in rounds 18 – 22 and four matches a week for the first three weeks of the finals where just winning will not be enough. The margin of victory and its effect on percentage will count as well. Every score will have real meaning. The grand final would then be the ultimate match of the season with both teams having gone through an exhaustive process to prove their worth. Another weeks rest should be introduced to extend the promotion of the grand final and to ensure both teams are at their best. Delete the byes to fit it into the length of the current season or start the season earlier now that the ‘G is no longer required for cricket.. Footy Awards Week Brownlow, rising star, MVP, coaches and all other awards to be held in the week between the H&A season and the finals season to be known as "Footy Awards Week", an event in itself with daily functions with the Brownlow as the climax. What a celebration of footy. And then the final’s season of 13 matches without distractions. What joy. Summation What a dream – a much more exciting and interesting season in six phases – a pre season competition, the first 17 rounds, the final 5 rounds, Awards Week, three weeks of round robin preliminary finals (no semis, elimination or qualifying needed) and a MONSTER GRAND FINAL. That’s what footy is all about. Why not?

Dunn was the best one-on-one backman we had in those days but could not play zone defence or any other fancy model. He was badly treated but at least he managed a few more games at AFL level. Welcome back.