John Crow Batty

They don’t see consequences. Only dollars.

AFL logic. Keep TV viewers tuned in so that they can watch more adds hence make more money for AFL and media partners. Place more ads to replace talking heads hence make more money. Less taking heads that need to be paid hence saving more money. Less half time activities and entertainment hence saves more money. Ancillary staff work up to an hour less thus saving more money. Less resources used at stadiums like lighting, etc hence saving even more money. AFL and media bean counters must love it.

In rugby they play two 40 minute half’s. About a third of the game appears to be time wasting and dead play time. Like it takes about 5 minutes to set up for a place kick and the clock still runs.

There will also be the health and safety issue with tens of thousands fans all rushing in haste to get to the toilet, food kiosks and bars in a mad rush to avoid the queues. Order is bound break down and some of those steep stairs are dangerous. Also fans in their seats at start of quarters can expect at least 5 minutes of annoying interruptions by other fans rushing to get back to their seats.

Apparently the main reason for shortening quarters is because it will improve the television product. What a great idea. I imagine stakeholders like caterers, fans in attendance and players would be wowed by that.

Sharp objects are a no no. Manual extraction offers the speediest controlled relief. Ensure fingernails are well trimmed.

If it ain’t broke then don’t mess with it. I believe the players need a decent half time break. They are pushed too hard as it is with the modern game. Will lead to more injuries. As if there aren’t enough already.

Blame the boomers for creating the internet also. Life was so much more fun when we could only vent about the footy at the pub with a beer and a smoke.

Years ago driving up Little Lonsdale St I clipped a car that ran a red light at Swanson St and sent it skidding towards the kerb, it flipped over onto the footpath stopping on its back against the wall of the old Queen Vic hospital. It was a Friday night when there was late Friday night shopping and there were pedestrians everywhere and it was a miracle none got hit by the out of control car. Luckily the other driver was not seriously hurt.

An SUV with a high centre of gravity will roll even at low speed if control is lost and skids sideways, hits a kerb and flips over. BTW his car is a VW and not a BMW. He most likely clipped the parked car, lost control and swerved into the kerb. The lack of major damage to the car indicates he was likely going at the speed limit or under.

With some exceptions its only the thin skinned posters who put others on the ignore. Those who keep the ignored bucket full have the problem. They attack posters rather than arguments hoping to provoke so they can strike back. Makes them feel in control.

The changes over the off season look promising and I am pleased with the trades so far. Still this is Melbourne and a cynical outlook is kind of a default position for many after 55 years of mostly mediocrity and no success. We have all been here before many times and let down bad. On the other hand some here are like cult members who believe the world will end on a certain date soon and all the true believers will go to heaven as long as they maintain faith. When it doesn’t happen it’s because they believe too many had not enough faith and foiled salvation for the true believers.

A good forward who can kick a set shot from long distance. Rare as hens teeth these days. Will be a good back up player replacement for Weideman whilst we wait for him to break out of his inertia. If it ever happens.

I used to know a guy with only one thumb and 3 fingers for both hands and no toes. Wore tiny kid size boots. He was one of the best high school footballers I had seen and even Hawthorn recruiters admired him. Despite his disability he was also one of the hardest footballers I have seen.

Lockett, Dunstall and Co never left inside 50. The only time they moved out of the goal square was to lead. They were given a huge amount of space and never had to chase or give the ball to a team mate in a better position. Players like them big and powerful and excellent one on one contesters now have to contend with maximum pressure from multiple defenders. It was a different game then and some of those aces would struggle to kick more than 40 in the modern game.

Being a saint I reckon it’s missionary. If he goes to Carlton then it would be doggy.

I call this year zero for Omac. Still on the list but there is some good news. He can’t get any worse. Not one I would tip to decline next season. Still have some hope for him.

If he can improve his stamina and marking then he will make it.

Sums what he needs to do. But I get the feeling he is going to turn out like a Tom Boyd. Can get up for a really big important game but does little until we are actually there. Poor appetite for the long season grind.

It was annoying at times watching him work hard to make space and provide an option only to see some team mates ignoring him and just bombing away to no one in particular. Happened a lot.

Showed a few good things in last few games despite a truncated season due to injury. Worth another go around.

The crows are a shambles. Still they can’t do mediocrity like we do.

Garry Ablett in his first season averaged 8 disposals in 12 games and 10 goals. Spargo first season, 18 games, average of 12 disposals and 14 goals. Ablett did not have second year blues though and managed to improve in his second season. Played some great games but also a few poor ones. Spargo is worth persevering with. Not as talented but just as smart.

His game needs more refinement. The club has to find away to maximise his talents and ball sharing ability. He did a lot for little impact. Not so much his fault as poor midfield chemistry.

Had a good season after coming of age in 2018 though appeared at times to be furiously paddling against the tide with little success. Weighed down by the general ineptness of some of his midfield partners and poor co-ordination.