John Crow Batty

How penalties and justice is dispensed by the AFL is mostly media driven. If the media suddenly trotted out experts to highlight the very real dangers of lingering headlocks and made a strong case then the AFL would be compelled to take action.

OK, next time a player in a fight applies a headlock(strangle hold) to an opponent for about 5 seconds will we see a suspension? There are many players that almost lost consciousness in headlocks. The action can apply dangerous pressure to breathing and blood flow to the brain. Not even reportable or free kick worthy.

The media reporting and punditry of the incident ensured he would be suspended. Normally if a big name name player is reported, the facts are stated dryly, emotion is checked, seeds of doubt are planted and presumption of innocence are aired. In Viney’s case the immediate reporting was of outrage, high emotion, George Floyd comparisons and inference of unimpeachable guilt mostly because it looked bad even though nothing of consequence really happened. The AFL duly sensed the vibes and basically ensured the outcome would be a suspension never mind lack of convincing evidence and making a mockery of presumption of innocence. A classic Kangaroo Court and Viney never had much hope to make his case. In the end the AFL didn’t want to be the target of the following media wrath if they cleared him. The club were also ready to let the issue rest because they don’t the need a drawn out distraction at this stage of the season.

Yes they pumping themselves for a big show on Monday. But it’s going to be a windy and wet day which they don’t like. I predict a slog out.

Got email and my ticket today. Looks like it’s going to be another wet and wild windy game on Monday night in Perth. Good luck with getting out. Maybe you have to go via Queensland if situation improves. GF might even come to Perth. It’s day by day and anything can happen….anywhere.

Viney got suspended for the optics, not the outcome, nor the intent. That’s whats important for the AFL.

The top half of his right leg appears to be from a rhinoceros and the bottom half from a magpie.

Collins evidence will be crucial whether Viney gets the thumbs down or not. He didn’t look too affected by it. He bounced up quickly and ready to continue the fight. If he said he felt little pressure and not much else then maybe a fine. If he felt pain, struggled to breathe or faintness then a suspension for sure. The optics don’t look good but hard to tell if full force of Viney’s elbow was on the neck or lower jaw or a bit of both. Many are making comparisons with the George Floyd incident but that went on for about 8 minutes and not a few seconds. Pre Floyd days I doubt this incident would have received as much scrutiny though I agree the action is potentially dangerous but so are the numerous unpunished “make him pay” incidents that commentators love so much.

Travelling to Queensland has had a strange effect on our players. Last year after the disaster of Cairns we had an epiphany and started winning games consistently and after last weekends joy ride to Brisbane we start demolishing weaker sides. Something we could never do amongst regular victories over strong sides. Queensland appears a channel for taking out frustrations in a positive way.

We need ladder pressure to keep us sharp. If we are too comfortable we invariably muck up.

Hundreds of Hawks fans signing a petition to get rid of Jeff Kennett. Great to see them tearing themselves to pieces.

GC win/loss record at Docklands. 6 wins and 18 losses.

Typo.

They now can get a good nights sleep and a leg stretch and play them at a happy hunting ground for us.

I believe this is a blessing in disguise. Flying to GC and playing them at their home ground on the same day is the worst possible preparation for a game. They are in good form and no doubt would have exploited this. Looking forward to play them over here tomorrow or later on.

Sam Mitchell appears to have issues with established and high achieving incumbents that cramp his space. It was reported he was a major factor why Brownlow Medallist Matt Priddus retired prematurely at the end of 2017 after Mitchell’s arrival at WC. Could be a ruthless streak in his ambitions.

Sam Mitchell may have landed himself a poison chalice. He will be under so much scrutiny next season. Hawthorn and his coaching will picked over like carcasses by vultures of every species.

We haven’t seen Petty play up forward since 2019. What he showed then was pretty good. So far this year he’s played exclusively in defence. I’d like to see him play up forward for a game or two if Tmac and Brown continue to be ordinary.

The Age reckons it’s Nathan Buckley who’s triggered our current malaise. https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/buckley-has-temporarily-departed-the-afl-scene-but-for-demons-he-isn-t-forgotten-20210728-p58djd.html

And Libba blocking Oliver with his back to the ball.

That a ball up play. Looks like a blatant block on Gawn to keep him out of the contest with English. Gawn didn’t get the free I presume.

That’s what I said straight after the Bulldogs game. We got murdered in defensive 50 stoppages and above all other excuses that’s why we lost the game.

Bulldogs won all their free kick counts in 4 finals including against WC at Perth. 79 frees for to 48 against. In the prelim and GF it was a total of 43 to 21 in their favour.

It puzzled me as well that those dangerous players were not manned up as I would like.