Alex No Fancy-name

From the "if my Aunt had wheels she'd be a wagon" file - but just saw the pic of May in the sponsored players frame on this page - with him out there we win. We win a game against a side with everything to play for - we win a game that pundits and folk on this page had us losing by between 7 goals and 70 points. At the end of the day we get experience into some young players, a better look at the list, and something to avenge next time we play this lot (who know they just got over the line at the ground they need to own if they're going to do anything in September*). *they're not.

This week was the first time I was able to get to a game this year: living out of town and with family commitments - I actually did the sums and on Saturday traveled 750km to do children's sport and get to the game. It was Bl**dy cold - and only thanks to sprints at Flinders Street and then Southern Cross I got home at 12.30am rather than 2am. I felt those who were able to get there made a good noise - well done on the cheer squad (I was a couple of bays to the left). Why don't I attend more regularly? the AFL seems to tolerate really poor fan behavior - I can't see myself (and children) attending a game against a "big club" for some time. The AFL (this is a theme) are making a TV product*. The inconsistencies with the way the AFL enact the rules of the game* and the tribunal processes make it hard for a fan like me to get excited about something beyond the MFC. *one of my reasons for making the effort to attend was to get an understaing of what happens off the ball - Clayton being wrapped up and literally calling out to the umpire to pay attention was something the host broadcaster is happy to overlook. Also - it was so cold! I have some sympathy for fans who attended but wanted more to be there (for me - I don't like people, so loved having a few rows to myself) but footy pundits who are paid to attend are not good for the game.

(First time caller etc.) At the game (for the first time this year) I was really struck by the number of poor bounces at the centre square - I don't know if there are stats - but it felt like well over half the bounces were recalled. This seemed more the case in the final quarter. 1) it felt like Max expended a fair amount of energy chasing rucks that were re-called, and 2) the subsequent ball-ups/throws were pretty low and went straight to a ground ball. Both of these elements would (in my opinion) biase a team with a dominant ruck (especially with Clayton out on his feet - but anyone who bags his effort need to take AGHL) It's not a conspiracy theory - but I felt it really played against us on the night. thoughts...?