picket fence

Care to name names? I cannot believe in this day and age of accurate knowledge on the effects of smoking on the body that professional footballers much less any sportsman would smoke. Putting on my old Phys Ed Teachers hat, Smoking is well-documented as a serious hazard to your health. It is also a serious hindrance to athletic performance, as it inhibits oxygen supply to your brain, heart and muscles. In addition, smoking decreases your body's capacity to heal, weakens your skeleton and raises your blood pressure. Athletes who smoke have less endurance, are weaker and suffer more injuries than their nonsmoking competitors. Pulmonary Effects Smoking has a pronounced effect on available oxygen in the body. The nicotine in cigarette smoke causes constriction of the bronchioles, which decreases the amount of oxygen that can enter the lungs. At the same time, nicotine constricts the blood vessels, decreasing the amount of blood flowing to the lungs. In addition, the smoke itself irritates the lungs, causing further bronchoconstriction. Carbon monoxide from smoke binds to hemoglobin, which would normally bind to oxygen, further decreasing the amount of oxygen the bloodstream. Cardiovascular Effects Smoking also limits cardiovascular performance. The heart depends on oxygen to function and, when oxygen levels are reduced, the heart is compromised. Nicotine's constriction of the blood vessels raises blood pressure and adds to the workload of the heart. Thus, athletes who smoke become fatigued faster than those who do not. Musculoskeletal Effects Smoking negatively affects the muscles and bones as well. During athletic activities, muscles need a constant supply of oxygen to perform. Smoking decreases the amount of blood flowing to the muscles. In addition, smoking lowers the amount of oxygen in the blood, further decreasing the muscles' ability to generate additional energy for movement. Smoking increases a person's risk for osteoporosis. This effect is amplified in female athletes who already have a predisposition for osteoporosis. As the skeleton becomes more fragile, athletic activities become more dangerous due to risk of bone fracture. Effects on Healing Smoking causes the release of enzymes that break down collagen, a protein in skin and connective tissue. In addition, smoking slows the synthesis of collagen, which is necessary for healing. When tendons, ligaments or bones are injured, collagen fibers are integral to the healing process. Athletes who smoke will heal more slowly than nonsmoking athletes. Long-term Effects Smoking has immediate effects on athletic performance, but there are also long-term effects. Smoking causes lung cancer, emphysema, chronic bronchitis and asthma. These severe respiratory conditions can permanently end your athletic activities. I would imagine the club would have explained these fact to players and given the professionalism expected If I were Goody I would not be at all impressed. But I have been known to be wrong!

I don't think The Dees will risk him again this year! Spencil and King to front up!

Yep and one other change Kennedy for Harmes, and possibly Bugg for ANB

Ill wager that Oscar gets outmanouvered by the same Butt and have you ever had a lace out pass from Tommy that hits you on the chest?

Ah yep!

It is not a good look on a number of levels 1 Smokes, how commited to his fitness is he? 2 Our sponsor Vic Health is sure to be unimpressed. 3 Sets poor example for Kid's But ok its a free world, he is dealing with issues, but also, he is an extremely highly paid professional sportsman! The optimum word here is is professional!

Agree wholeheartedly!

You are kidding me! Does a really stupid thing ( suspended) then goes out and wastes away at a festival having a smoke??? If I were Goodwin I would give him another week on top of his supension to really wake him up! His father is sick?? So waste away?? Christ ,My old man died in really tragic circumstances but I never whinged or made excuses, which comprimised myself, family or sporting teams at the time!! Looks and is very poor!

I reckon you wont see him again till 2018! Very Very tragic!

Hey Uncle Bitter, I reckon Romsey would be as cold as a mother in laws kiss today! I hope you have several tons of logs on the fire and enjoying your usual cut price quaffer!

Just posted ( on post match discussion thread) a rumour heard from a mate of mine and since confirmed on Melb Website that Max could be in serious trouble with the Hamstring! Tendon damage and surgery being explored ! Sheesh we cannot take a trick!

I am hearing very big whispers that Max Gawn's Hamstring is worse than first thought Sorry if anyone else has posted this previously. Got it from a mate who is not often wrong. I hope this time he is! I am hearing tendon is cactus and surgery option being considered. If so could be 8-12 weeks. Dont shoot the messenger

Yep and decisiveness is a key attribute which builds solid leadership! Take it or leave it!

Nup, not having it! We picked two before ready captains in Trengove and Grimes and look what happened!?

What I saw today was a great player effortlessly shrugging tackles and setting up play! I also saw Viney doing none of this. (IMV and what do I know) , If I were Goodwin I would be demanding that he takes 1st option next week !

And this is exactly what I have been saying for a while. He takes everyone on and agree headbuts tummies. Dare I say it.. a very limited player!

You are kidding me!?? Pressure acts?? The footballing equivalent to "Best Clubman" awards at the end of the year in under 12 footy! Dangerfield KILLED us today no more no less! 3 Goals, won hard ball, broke tackles, did it all, Pressure acts?? A panacea for finding a stat that amounts to nothing! Especially when you are Captain!

Gee another bloke Baggin Oscar!! Who would have thought that??

Yeah, me too Goffy, but limited Key technique over the years self taught one finger pick and poke plus laziness to correct! Well... it is what it is!

Rule 1 Why pick dual captains?? The premise and reasoning poor! Dual captains?? Different mindsets, different methods, diferent modes of communication. If you want dysfunctional leadership in workplaces , just go dual CEO or Co Managers, Or Co Principals or Co Captains! The theory is flawed! Jones, for a lot of reasons should have been sole Captain. Viney Not up to it at this stage! Didn't like the decision then, Like it less now! Goodwin's 1st Mistake!

He was totally inefective! Not a captain of the same class as Jones!

Nup 10 tackles means he is second to the ball Jordy mrk2 ! Not AFL Standard IMV! What impact did he have on the game ?? Gifting that goal was as bad as it gets!

Tony, take a word of advice from Dr. Fence...... 1 Have a Beverage or five 2 Snuggle up to the wife for a bit of .............. ah TLC 3 Grab any old dees VIDS which although aint premierships from better days still can calm the soul 4 wake up in the morning and thank your lucky stars! PF

Their suspensions certianly hurt us big time today!

Well I have to say it ..... Elephant 1 Viney has been very very average in the three games as captain and needs to lift! I wasn't that happy with his premature elevation to captaincy with Jones and I still haven't seen anything to make me change my mind that he is up to it! Tries to break tackles after tackles a la Dangerfield and Selwood , which , ah he is not! Elephant 2 Watts was simply Outstanding today, All the Watts knockers need to liberally eat that famous pie "Humble" His leadership, courage and skills shone out today in a role which he is not cut out for. Great game Jack and that goal , taking on opposition was "Priceless"