Macca

The outright claim of match-fixing or being 'on the take' is related to umpires being labelled cheats And there are numerous people here making that claim (that the umpires are cheats) Every game-day thread is full of the same accusations Cheat for no benefit? Sorry, that doesn't make any sense. As for the subconscious implications, I don't buy it As for the rest of your post, you are overthinking it all. My fix and view on it all is directly above your post. I'm into solutions, not complaining. You want things fixed, simplify the game

They (the AFL) need to fix up the rules and then the angst will die down But my fix starts off with a more open game with less players on the ground (15 or 16 a side) with drastically reduced rotations. Not to the point where we're watching AFLX but a game that is easier to watch with less congestion and therefore, easier to umpire And get rid of no prior ... grab the ball and dispose of the ball correctly or get pinged (as it was back in the day) If the ball dribbles from the players hands or is thrown (in any way) they should get pinged Do that and teams like the Bulldogs will have to find another way to exploit the rules. Do nothing and the problem remains The grounds are too small for 36 players in terms of the sport being able to be correctly umpired. And every year it gets harder for the umpires. Full time umps would help but that's not the main problem

I'd like to see some sort of proof then ... by the way, umpires being called cheats in a blatant manner has been going on forever So if they are on the take and the accusers are right, it's been going on for decades. But we've never seen any sort of proof to back those accusations up Here's how I've always seen it ... Terribly difficult game to umpire and players play for free kicks Numerous mistakes are made by the umpires because of the nature of the sport and the circumstances (and the flopping) Many spectators alike see those errors against their team (or for the team they dislike) and come to the conclusion that the umpires are 'deliberately cheating' Rinse & Repeat But if you don't buy into the cheating then logic and common sense rules. But logic and common sense is boring for most It's an emotional game and emotions rule

Your observation is correct with regards to the lop-sided free kick count in the Bulldogs favour. Everyone can see it So if we rule out the conspiracy theory that the games are 'fixed' (that involve the Doggies) what is the reason? And there has to be a reason, layzie It's not an accident because it's been going on for quite some time The umpires are cheats is (pardon the pun) lazy analysis. AFL directive to the umpires? Can't see it. Bookies involved? Doubt it Why would the umpires cheat without benefit? By the way, the overwhelming thinking on this thread is that the umpires are on the take

There are a few ways of looking at the lopsided free kick count that is in the Bulldogs favour That the umpires favour the Dogs deliberately with the AFL's approval but for what reason? Money? Are the games fixed? Does this hair-brained conspiracy theory go even higher? The Government? Dictator Dan? Slo-Mo? Or perhaps there is a more simple explanation other than the explanation which I've explained? Which is the more sensible option? Or is there another reason that doesn't involve grassy knolls, the CIA, the Mob and the 2nd shooter?

They do, and you've just said it yourself My argument stands up The Bulldogs will continue to be favoured in the free kick count because of the way they play the rules & the way they play the umpires

A good example of how the Bulldogs 'play the rules' is the relatively new ruling on incorrect disposal (or the throw) Players who win the ball now are often (but not always) given the benefit of the doubt if the ball spills free, is dislodged, or dribbles away Why not always? It's a grey area and in grey areas you won't get consistency An obvious AFL directive to 'keep the ball moving' so what do the Bulldogs do? They exploit the loophole. Fair play to them. Classic cause & effect Supporter Joe sees it all and comes to the conclusion that the Bulldogs are being favoured. That the umpires are cheats But all the Bulldogs are doing is exploiting the new ruling. In turn, they often don't get penalised which in turn, can contribute to the lopsided free kick count Other teams are often more clumsy about it in those scenarios and get pinged. And other players from other teams will give away free kicks in that type of scenario where the Bulldog player is in first (high tackle, in the back, holding the man, chopped arms etc etc) The Tigers are at the other end of the scale but they have an unsociable element to the way they go about it which has served them well (until this season when they ran out of gas) But at their best they would let the ball dribble free when tackled 2nd to the ball this season were the Tigers ... tired minds & tired bodies. 1 or 2 steps off. Result - free kicks given away Of course the Bulldogs play for the free kicks but that's the game. Through the decades numerous players have done that. What the Bulldogs are doing has been done before. Clarkson said it after a game against the Bulldogs during the 2016 finals and indicated that he might have to change the way he coaches because of what was happening

Slow down and stop putting words into my mouth. And take a few deep breaths and calm down. The sky isn't falling, Webber What I've said is that umpires will favour players who are first in for the ball and players who play in front. Always have So the Bulldogs exploit those rulings. They are also very adept at winning free kicks in those scenarios as well. Well coached in those areas (obviously) Looked at another way, it's very difficult to win a free kick playing from behind. Especially so playing against the Bulldogs Most free kicks (70% - 85%) will go to the ball player (in disputed situations) Watch any game of footy and that percentage will be borne out (on average) So there is nothing at all silly about what I'm saying. From a technical viewpoint, I'm correct You and others can disagree all you like but you're not looking past the numbers ... you are just looking at the numbers Your anger and frustration is misplaced, based on an assumption. There are systems in place that govern outcomes So taking a deeper dive into the 'highly transparent statistics' (as you put it) outcomes will emerge There are reasons why from a young age our coaches stress the need to be first in for the ball and to play in front. They don't say it all the time for fun. They mean it because there are clear advantages in playing that way. When I coached, I taught those basics as well As previously stated, play the rules, play the umpires and play how the umpires arrive at decisions Footy basics 101 But at the very least, what I've said will cause a number here to re-think how they view umpiring decisions So lose your anger & frustration and watch the game more closely

Sierra Sue dreadfully unlucky in the Feehan St. I didn't have it included in my multiples but I reckon if it gets through it goes close Superstorm wins and now gets a run in the Cox Plate but McAvaney reckons it's more suited to the mile Underwood Stakes (1800m) on GF day is next up for Superstorm according to the trainer. 'Elephant' ran well and looks a group horse of the future Up in Sydney 'Nature Strip' & Zaaki did as they pleased to both win impressively. The Everest & Cox Plate long term targets ... both installed as favourites

Winner - I thought the umpiring was good tonight, I didn't notice them Opposition supporter (Loser) - It's the umpires fault, they are cheats Winner - Yeah you're right, the umpiring was bad, for both sides (patronising, condescending)

They (Richmond) have been caught flat-footed all season, often caught out playing from behind and they are happy to play an aggressive style and give away professional free kicks. They tackle with such intent that often leads to transgressions. Unsociable footy from a team that had run out of steam So they are at the other end of the spectrum to the bulldogs. There is a lot more to it that the numbers. In fact, the numbers don't tell the true story. They are just numbers

Umpires will nearly always favour the player in front or players who are first in for the ball (as a general rule) ... so the Bulldogs are the best at playing in front, they are very often first in for the ball and they know how to play for free kicks (which is a skill in itself) They are just smarter than the other teams. A well coached and well drilled outfit. The way they play, they are nearly always likely to win the free kick count Play the rules and play to the umpires and the decisions that they are likely to make. Play smart. Beveridge exploits the rules to the max - as he should. See's the loopholes and seizes the opportunity And if supporters want the rules cleaned up, take it up with the AFL, not the umpires. The umpires are just the people in between They just make decisions in a sport with more grey areas than a bleak Melbourne day

Regular Season Tipping Competition Year Winner Silver Bronze 2020 titan_uranus Gorgoroth Go the Biff Clintosaurus --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2019 JV7 Go the Biff Gorgoroth Macca Dee Zephyr Clintosaurus --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 DeeSpencer Clintosaurus Gorgoroth Dappa Dan Dee Zephyr Macca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Clintosaurus Go the Biff Dappa Dan --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 Gorgoroth cowboy_from_hell Clintosaurus DeeSpencer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 Gorgoroth cowboy_from_hell Macca JV7 DeeSpencer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 Dappa Dan DeeSpencer Gorgoroth --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 cowboy_from_hell pantaloons Gorgoroth Strafford Macca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post Season Tipping Competition Year Winner Silver Bronze 2020 Go the Biff Dee Zephyr Macca -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2019 DemonDave Go the Biff Macca Dee Zephyr Gorgoroth JV7 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2018 Gorgoroth Go the Biff DeeSpencer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2017 Macca Clintosaurus Go the Biff JV7 Gorgoroth --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2016 Gorgoroth JV7 Clintosaurus Macca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2015 JV7 cowboy_from_hell Gorgoroth Macca DeeSpencer --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2014 JV7 pantaloons Gorgoroth Go the Biff Macca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2013 titan_uranus DemonDave cowboy_from_hell Macca --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Overall Medal Tally Gold Silver Bronze Gorgoroth 4 2 6 JV7 4 2 1 Macca 3 2 6 ---------------------------------------------------- Go the Biff 2 4 2 Clintosaurus 2 2 3 titan_uranus 2 0 0 cowboy_from_hell 1 3 1 DeeSpencer 1 2 3 Dee Zephyr 1 1 2  Dappa Dan 1 1 1 DemonDave 1 1 0 Strafford 1 0 0 pantaloons 0 2 0

@Gorgoroth @Dappa Dan @DeeSpencer @JV7 @Dee Zephyr @Go the Biff @titan_uranus @layzie @cowboy_from_hell @Clintosaurus @DemonDave @pantaloons @Strafford Tipping comp again? We get 5 or 6 starters it's a goer Reigning champions are Clintosaurus & titan_uranus whilst all previous winners include Clintosaurus (twice), Gorgoroth (twice), Dappa Dan, JV7, DeeSpencer, Cowboy_from_Hell, titan_uranus & Strafford. From 3 picks tip 3 road winners in any given week is the task at hand (for those new to this thread) Various points are on offer as we work our way through the season in order to find an overall winner. It's a breeze (apparently!) Weeks 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 & 14 are worth 1 point (for 3 correctly tipped road winners) and weeks 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 & 16 are worth 2 points (week 17 is worth 3 points) Click on this Link for the Free Magazine - Sports Illustrated 2021 Football Preview (Slow download is free - follow the links) Lines aren't in yet but here are the games for week 1

Good start to the day ... 'Forgot You' flies home to win. Soft7 at the Valley but strong headwind in the straight

With a boost about 30-1 can be had for the double I like 'Elephant' in the Feehan St but it's a wide open race. Streets can get into the finish as it is drawn the inside and likes to lead. 25-1? And at the Valley that can be a really advantage. 'Elephant' has drawn a great gate (1) as it too likes to lead My value runner is Sovereign Award at 25-1 as well Exotics could pay very well

Best Bet Saturday (Moonee Valley) R4 No.9 Degraves 4.60/1.75

Because they play in front and are very good at playing for free kicks (as we should be) And the AFL allows players to play for free kicks ... Spargo does it. Not an umpiring issue ... cause & effect Most free kicks (when the ball is in dispute) will go to the player in front ... just think about how hard it is to win a free kick playing from behind By contrast, Richmond play on the edge, are very aggressive at the player with the ball and are happy to give away professional free kicks. Result: Free kick differential the other way to the Bulldogs Besides all that, there are 1000's of footy acts that influence games which includes poor decision making, clangers & turnovers as well as all the rest of it

The real issue is that most won't realise that the sport is impossible to umpire properly ... and it's even more difficult these days with all the congestion and with so many players on the ball So using that as a starting point the end point by the tin-foil hat brigade and the crazed conspiracy theorists is that the umpires hate us and are cheats A gigantic shark is leaped and otherwise intelligent people end up joining in as the confirmation bias is enormous. It all starts at a young age and stays with us for our entire lives Unless you make a change So take 10 steps back, change your thinking and show respect. Don't be a bad loser and stop blaming umpires

Been reported that umpire Stevic left a message (with the relevant people) soon after the game that the contact was only light The defence will be jumping all over that you'd imagine. Not that it should matter as the act itself (and the intent) should be regarded as the most important aspect

An argument can definitely be made for Hunt but who goes out might depend on which team we're playing Can't see us going back to Hibberd and Bowie stays for mine. So Smith out for Hunt the only change Either that or no change and we stay tall down back But we need a bit of dash out of the backline ... Hunt had worked well with Langdon before being injured Bowie to work with Rivers & Brayshaw gives us some dash on both sides of the ground Salem often as the distributor to either half-back/Wing I'm more looking at how we want to play our style rather than being overly concerned with the opposition forward line (we've got May, Lever & Petty to mind the stay-at-home tall forwards) To be honest, the other teams need to be concerned about our collective backline. When we're all synced up, it's hard to find avenues through our backline (average score against - 65 points)

There's a lot more to it DN but we're winning out in one of the fundamentals of footy Our zoning, positioning, 2-way running, formations, pressure acts, 1%ers, tackling and all sorts of other aspects are very good as well And we consistently kick the footy to the right spots to give ourselves greater opportunities. And we're highly disciplined. There's a lot to like to a point where if we bring that type of total football, it's then up to the opposition to stifle us So I'm not concerned about other teams per se, more so wanting our team to bring our best

The biggest standout feature of our rise is how so many of our players now play in front of their opponents. And how we fight for the front position All over the ground but especially our forwards We're giving ourselves so many more opportunities to win the ball. Ball falls short we're in front and a large majority of frees are paid to the player playing the ball (think about how hard it is to win a free kick playing from behind) But free kicks are only a small part of the sport when factoring in the 1000's of football acts in any game of footy. Where we are winning out is when the ball is in dispute, we are playing in front. It is a huge advantage and can't be downplayed And our backman read the play so well that they are often playing in front by default So do all that and then break even or win the clearances and you're half way home By contrast, the Lions were caught out playing from behind too much so they paid the penalty As complicated as the game can be these days it's also a simple game as well

Mark Zahra out for the Spring as well now as he attended the same get-together (it's been discovered) Latest story is that all 5 jockeys might get an extra month for not being honest about it all. The Stewards have a history of being heavy handed for these types of things so why would anyone take them on? Strange goings-on

At local & country level that sort of behavior is not tolerated. Players get sent off for umpire abuse and then have to front a tribunal later on John Bourke got 10 years for pushing & tripping an umpire in a reserves game at VFL level Deisel Williams got 9 weeks for a slight shove Make no mistake, if they can prove intent in a deliberate way, he'll cop a lengthy sentence It's related to the 10 week ban for the Collingwood player for having a $10 bet. Zero tolerance for good reasoning