Clintosaurus

I'm not saying the outcome of games directly, but certainly moments within. The 'rule of the week' impacts some teams more than others and has to have an impact on results. Team X might win by 8 points instead of 38. The even-upping of free kick counts late in games is another. I am pretty sure I have said about the manipulation after we have won, although I would not say we get the help a team like the Bulldogs gets, or the Eagles playing at home. 2016 Grand Final certainly had a smell about it. Umps refused to pay Sydney even obvious frees.

Not saying rigged, but in all elite level sports there is at least an element of manipulation by officials, NBA referees betting on the points spread and using free throws to achieve it being a prime example. For years I have said the NRL decides the top 8 before the season and uses the refs to make sure of it, and the AFL in my view is heading down that path. Like it or not, it is sports entertainment these days and having top 2/4/8 up for grabs until Round 23 is good for ratings.

I'm hoping for a 1.45 Saturday v GC. Will be there providing the Tasmanian Government removes all travel restrictions for Queensland before then.

We did win in Canberra in Round 3. I think that counts.

3 goal win coming up. Nothing to fear.

Would be taking 26 to an interstate game for sure, just in case of any last minute mishaps. One for each part of the ground.

Surely we have to leave two forwards inside 50 when the ball is between the arcs, or the front edge of the centre square when in our D50?

2016 to 2019 Ben Brown's contested mark totals were 49, 43, 36, 35, which were ranked 5th, 7th, 12th, 15th in the league. Not sure he is not renowned for it based on that. Would also argue North's decline are reflected in the slight drop off in numbers.

Yeah around the 50. Hard to tell watching on TV.

Question for those at the game - did any of our forwards hold position? Or were they all up the ground most of the time?

The discussion about the protected area 50s not being paid - of course the umpires pets the Bulldogs got at least one paid on Sunday.

That sounds like the peak MFCSS scenario.

Clarko more likely.

Tarrant took a better mark on QB that year.

Umps like Margetts seem to me to be following instructions, presumably from the umpires coach, but in reality from AFL HQ.

On one of the podcasts it was mentioned it can take up to 20-30 minutes to get a change to take effect. With this one the commentators noticed it - surely the players could see it and bring another forward up to the stoppage, if we want to maintain having the extra back?.

We are 3 games clear of 6th. 5th is the worst possible scenario for a few weeks, and dropping further would require Sydney to beat the Bulldogs this week.

We'll beat Port, and all the crybabies on here will be up and about again.

I think there should be no new threads within 24 hours of a loss other than created by @Demonland

He would not want to use it as an excuse though.

Have we been in heavy training mode the last few weeks? If so, tapering down must be about to happen.

HQ are manipulating the ladder. One of Brisbane or Port will make top 2, as 2 Qualifying Finals and presumably 2 Prelims at the G does not optimise TV viewers in a national competition.

HQ be very happy. #freekickbulldogs be on top tomorrow night and spots 7/8 both up for grabs. Margetts can go get [censored].

It's there to be won.

Not when HQ is manipulating the ladder.