Grr-owl

Many years ago, in another life, I delivered a package to the AFL Umpires Association. I had my dog with me that day. The big fella would get a little frustrated from time to time, and was often obliged on busy days to hang on longer than was healthy for him. But he was a good boy and never soiled the van. Not once. As you can imagine, though, when the opportunity presented itself, he'd race to the nearest grassy (knoll) area and relieve himself. Well, the house I delivered that package to had a luscious expanse of lawn out front, beautifully mown, though not in a criss-cross pattern I might note. As I handed the package to the very trim and upright bloke in white athletic gear and wire-rimmed glasses who answered the door, I noticed him glance over my shoulder. His demeanor turned frowny. Very frowny indeed. I wheeled on my heels and there was Jack the Belgian Shepherd laying possibly the world's largest ever bow-wow baloney right in the center of the square. Can't remember whether I cleaned it up or not on my way out....

Demonland does pretty well, I reckon. I watched for a few months before joining and posting. Spent that time identifying obvious trolls and other posters to avoid. I recommend everyone follow a similar strategy wherever you go on the net. It's the nature of the beast that all 'conversations' end in disputes unless individuals take steps to restrain themselves... or that's been my experience since learning to email belatedly way way back in 2002....

This. And just having the name Brown in that list adds a sense of focus we haven't had since Hogan left. Then add in May, Lever Tomlinson and it appears we have a spine, and one with flexibility and power, and upside.

The proove is in the pudding.

Been out of form since the crucifixion.

Can Geelong fit any more talent into that team? Wow...

Melksham is not getting any younger. Hannan wants out. AVB's foot is never going to let him reach his potential. Jones has ordered a zimmer frame (well deserved). Harmes is a HF who can lay a tackle and kick a goal. Sorted.

Does this mean Smith is out too?

Slimming, though. I have a theory that it explains the 'soft' tag....

A lot of migrants from footy states, plus the inherent physicality of league, plus the exaggerated masculinity of the league 'mentality,' mean there's a lot of parents who don't want their kids playing rugby. J Brown can sometimes be heard to comment that 'they think we're soft.' Well, we are, up to a point, and that's a good thing. There's an obvious gap there between rugby and soccer that footy fits nicely... Just a little anecdote... Kids can get injured playing footy, for sure, but a bloke I know played union for Wales had broken his arm 14 times - was bent like the proverbial sunshine fruit - and his back 3 times. He chucked it in after the 3rd... Tough, yes, and that was union, the softer rugby, where apparently they can't tackle....

?‍♂️Oh, God. Not subtle at all to a Scot. I thank you for your delicacy in the matter. It's the ultimate faux-pas....

For those on tight budgets, a VPN will let you 'locate' your device outside Australia, and the MFC has a membership which includes subscription for the WatchAFL app. Not sure on the legal aspect... I'll have to delve into that and get back to you... oh..... sometime next year.... Kills two birds....

But they would anyway. Fed with whiskey, or so I have read....

Was up by Parliament House one afternoon, and happened to see Jeff giving a press conference. Back in the 90's sometime. He does resemble an animal, but not a vulture ... a much more lizard-like creature. Anyone remember V?

According to my cousin, an awful lot of kids playing footy in SW QLD, including the son of a league legend....

Freudian slip...?

I am kinda hoping he is. If Goody approaches his own shortcomings as Hinkley and Hardwick have, we’re onto something, right?

I think they are perhaps a little too aware that there is a gladiatorial aspect to the man-on-man nature of AFL that makes for a spectacle.....

It's the truth, PF. Watch him pointing and explaining and moving things about. Goes on every game, from start to finish. In any case, he's not that bad, being a lovely kick that nearly always hits the target. Would like to see a stat on that actually before committing to it.... ?

Also derided, generally.

I don't agree at all. If Goodwin didn't go to Hunt and tell him that is exactly the reason why he doesn't play regularly I would be surprised. The time for playing feelies is in the dressing room after a big win against brutal opposition. They can get a room together after that for all I care. In fact, I'll pay....

As I understand it, Melksham is an excellent on-field organizer. His role is to organize the forwards, so when he is out of the team, there is nobody to fill that aspect of the role. I think that is why he doesn't get dropped... for better or worse.

No. Good question, though. But no because Hunt initiated it. If I had a preference for Trac's response, rather than tolerate it, it would be to have seen him turn on Hunt and tell him to f*!# o@# and get his head together. But maybe Trac is too nice. Or perhaps has another forward step to take in that regard. In any case, Trac has credit in the bank for being generally awesome with obvious and scary-good upside potential, whereas if Hunt has an account, it's one of those State Bank ones we had a primary school... By the way, 40-odd years later, what with the miracle of compound interest working in my favor, my ten cents must be worth a pile... but where is it?

Well, I wouldn't begrudge Nev an opportunity. If he feels he needs it, he has my blessing. What I want, though, is the bloke to stick around and be a clubman and teach the youngsters how to behave.

What is the point of contracting players long term to a club they don't want to be at? Recipe for disaster, I'd reckon.