sue

I thought his complaint about the medical handling was that they prevented him from playing when he thought (or now thinks) he could have played. If so, he is not inconsistent (whatever else he is).

But since we don't have a clear view of the aquatic beast, nor hear clearly what it is saying, the chances are we have no real idea if it's a duck, a goose or a swan. Surely the FD should keep their options open as long as they can, and therefore issue the sort of statements which some seem to deplore. I think they are doing the right thing. It's too easy for people here to say 'retire immediately' based on little information.

At least the Guardian is more rational. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2016/nov/16/resigned-acceptance-over-brownlow-medal-masks-afls-policy-failings

rubbed out for 6 months according to abc http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-15/gws-lachie-whitfield-suspended-for-six-months-for-doping-breach/8027120

true, but perhaps not much different than the effect of the player having the most votes being suspended near the end of the year.

If that is what (and all) he said, then I withdraw my earlier remark - to some extent at least. Trouble is there is no contrition shown by the AFL, EFC or by many media hacks. They'd never get parole.

if you want a strong indication that Watson is in no way contrite, you just have to read that.

I'm surprised that several posters say this has let Gill off the hook. As usual we don't know the full story. It is possible Gil/AFL did make the decision that he couldn't keep it (albeit too late), told Jobe who then realised that he'd look a whole lot better if he appeared to take the initiative and hand it back. The whole thing was doubtless stage-managed one way or the other.

Perhaps if Jobe had a Russian or Chinese name the AFL may have done the right thing.

i just love posts which assume that the attitudes of supporters have any relevance to what is between the ears of the players.

Who will have your conditional "full support?" Richards or the FD? Would you withdraw your full support for the FD if in their wisdom they delisted Garland? And on the other hand, surely you would not withhold your support Richards if he became an MFC player just because the FD wisely or foolishly delisted Garland?

If the AFL decides to remove the medal, they will advise Jobe in advance, so he is very likely to then beat them to it and 'voluntarily' hand it back.

It would be useful if we could train or play at Etihad once or twice over the summer. Any chance of that? NAB match all we could hope for?

Can't win with some. He gets criticised for getting paid so much more than other players and then gets mocked over this.

It would be a lot easier for me to 'move on' if more of the AFL establishment and media acted like the club had indeed 'committed the crime'.

Sounds like MFC beating Hawthorn had some influence on him too.

Many posters have expressed scepticism about the reliability of information from 'trusted sources'. But usually in terms of 'is the source first/second-hand or an imaginary friend'. Anyone care to speculate on how often real sources are deliberately spreading falsehoods on forums like this for some tactical reason?

I reckon your case is comatose rather than resting

So at least some of the players were not imply 'naive' and 'too trusting'. good. As I understand it, they are asked to list any supplements they have taken, not just did you or didn't you. If you list some but omit others for which there is evidence, I think it is very reasonable to assume there is something fishy going on with the omitted ones - to say the least.

That's one thing we agree on at least. But let me push you a little. Do you not at least think that the older more experienced players ("leaders") are more at fault than the junior ones.

I agree 100% with all you said. Recall I did say 'the only favourable interpretation I could put on it' and even if that were true, the AFL is $%$%@

The only favourable interpretation that I can put on the AFL's delay in making a decision is that they want that time for people to work on Jobe to convince him to give back the medal voluntarily. That being a positive view of the AFL's position shows just how hopeless they are.

Has there been any reports on what physical shape he is in after all this time?

I'm not buying into the pros and cons of Vickery, but it is perfectly natural to want to persist with inconsistent players already at the club and not want to import more of the same (assuming there is a better alternative available to import).

He jut meant that prior to today when telling potential players who was on our list, he listed Hogan but had to indicate it was possible he wouldn't be, ie. the fine print