tiers

A good system relies on talented players who can exploit the system. As stated above, we have both. Plus we have no obvious gaps or weaknesses that can be exploited by the opposition. One week at a time.

10/10. That's all that matters.

Absolutely, if there is a spot available. No matter how perfect we believe our list to be, things can change quickly and, given our recent success at draft picks, we should top up with a tall, if available. Although having Daw, Tomlinson, Smith and Weideman in reserve would ordinarily be considered a luxury by most teams. Medium size players we have in abundance.

Those of us who concentrate with our tongue out always know when to retract to avoid a bite. An instinctive, intuitive and instant self preservation technique, not dissimilar to avoiding tackles.

A simple NO will do.

Could it be any more complicated and controversial? Time to try a different approach.

One week at a time.

So what? That there are grey areas and teams and coaches can try to game the rules to their advantage should not affect the principles embedded in these rules. For example, why should a minor insignificant jumper pull in a marking contest be penalised if the affected player is still able to make the contest? The umpires should be instructed to look for the affect on a fair contest and not the trivial, strict interpretation of obtuse rules. It's the contest that matters, not applying the rules. Another example. High contact (a dreadful expression) should be seen as a "coathanger" round the neck infringement, not a fairly applied tackle that slides up the shrugging arms of the tacklee. A fair tackle made into "high contact" by the actions of the tacklee does not deserve to be penalised. Similarly ramming one's head into the body of an opponent does not qualify for a free kick. There are many more examples but there is a rules committee who should and could fix these problems. Get rid of the overly legalistic language and the overly technical wording and footy could become fun again just like it was when we were at school in the good old days.

I have posted before that the rules we played with when we at school were the simplest and the best. The main criteria are 1. to protect the players 2. to ensure an even contest and 3. to make the game attractive. The rules under 1. should include: round the neck (high dangerous tackle and NOT gentle hand on shoulder); in the back (a shove NOT a touch); trip in any form; kicking in danger; sling or forceful tackle into the ground. The rules under 2. should include: throwing the ball; holding the ball when tackled or restrained (longer than needed to dispose of the ball ie prior opportunity); dropping the ball when fairly tackled or restrained (incorrect disposal); interference in a marking contest that severely disadvantages an opponent (NOT just pushing and shoving and jumper grabs); The rules under 3. should include: bounce every 15 m; interference in marking contests not allowed unless there is a genuine attempt or a mark taken; hip and shoulder bumps to the hip and shoulder. Eliminate all tiggy touch wood frees and overly technical garbage like stand, deliberate and 50m penalties when the kicker is not inconvenienced or affected. That's all for now. The classifications can be adjusted but the 3 guiding principles remain intact. Let's get on with our great game.

It has been said that teams do not win premierships in May, June.July or August. 10/10 with a high % means that there is time to improve and iron out all the kinks before September. Let's be patient. GO GOODY GO DEES

Of course it was a dangerous tackle. Ed was driven into the ground. If he had hit his head it would have been at least 2 weeks c/f Kade Chandler's penalty for much the same action but different outcome. Will the AFL ever realise that a dangerous tackle is always a dangerous tackle even when the head id not affected? I have serious doubts that they will.

And he is ours. We get to watch him every week. Happy happy joy joy.

Who is going to keep him out of the forward line? Will never happen. As for his kicking, it appears to be a function of the ball drop and the desire to kick the ball out of the ground. Tracca's great skill is to use his positioning and strength to get the ball, evade tackles and deliver the ball to advantage. In time, his fine touch ball handling will catch up and he will be a more complete player.

Remember it is one game at a time, one win at a time and one year at a time. 4 points is what I am after.

Not only did NM not pick him up but they gave us BBB. Is this worse than MFC's dark days?

Twice in the last quarter ANB addressed the players. It was telling how influential he was to the players around him. They stopped and listened. An on field leader of great value to our team.

Jack has stopped trying to be the hero and force his way through tackles. No wonder he is playing better. It might also help that his foot is no longer sore.

How else are you meant to tackle? The whole point of tackling is to restrain the player with the ball and prevent him from disposing of the ball in accordance with the rules. To me, pinning the arms is the perfect tackle. The player with the ball was neither slung nor pushed and fell forward from his own momentum, not from Kade's tackle. The rule and its interpretation are farcical. Sack the MRO and the rules committee. Replace them with real footy people who love and respect our great game.

Gross, grotesque and grievous error by MRO to give Chandler 2 weeks. Contrary to the spirit of our great game. His action is not remotely culpable when compared to Ryan's deliberate assault. How else was Chandler to tackle - under his armpits, tickle his tummy? It started as a perfect tackle and should have been rewarded. An appeal to the tribunal is a must.

Gil has been quoted as saying that the start time is up to the Commission even though a majority of fans want to stay at 2.30. It is our game, not the Commission's, and our wishes should be paramount. Who cares about fireworks and entertainment? It's footy we want.

I remember 2.20 pm. And yes, it was occasionally dark on a cloudy day.

We have the right mix of players than can play our game and not worry about the oppos' game. Let them worry, not us. We can get the job done.

So long as we win, anytime, day or night, will be fine. Otherwise it is a greedy AFL assault on supporters.

Not so sure. 57 years of suffering and ultimately negativity will take more than one flag and one year to dispel. But I will enjoy the dispelling..

A team with no weaknesses and no gaps. Each plays his role on any given day.