Macca

I'm no populist Smoke ... most here get it, all the same. Robust debate and leave nothing out I say. Once vital info is left out (or conveniently put aside) myths abound. I can see why the club sacked Norm ... but many believe we sacked Norm on a whim or through sheer incompetance. I do not believe it happened that way. I mean, it just doesn't make sense to sack a 6 time premiership coach who's record after 9 games of the '65 season was 8 & 1. There was more to it.

We shelved out decent coin for Diamond Jim & Big Carl but other clubs were bringing in a stack more dl. 2 big name recruits versus double figures from at least 5 clubs. e.g North Melbourne ... they just kept bringing in the talent in the 70's & 80's. Bankrolled by a few of course but we had no such luxury With these things there are normally logical explanations. We had rubbish zones and we didn't have money either. End result = Lose.

Zones '63 - '86 (roughly) How many top players in that 24 year period ... Flower, Alves, Biffen, Hardeman, Wells and maybe Parke & Dillon. Not much else in terms of top players. The strike rate was abysmal. It is any wonder we couldn't win games as the only other alternative was the interstate top talent where the 'money' clubs dominated. Or pay big money (which, again, we didn't have) for top talent from rival clubs. Smith knew all this too thus his frustration. The curse is a nonsense ... talent and good coaching wins. Lack of pure talent - you lose.

He called a certain umpire a cheat - publicly. Probably cheered on by the masses who see the umpires as the enemy (the brainwashed lot) Norm should have been above that sort of stuff ... great coach though but we've all got flaws. If you don't agree I couldn't care less.

Forget the success, slander is slander Imagine if Goodwin came out and labelled a certain umpire a cheat? Naming the said umpire. But you just keep on believing your myths swill ... see how far it gets you (nowhere) We became a basket case post that premiership era primarily because of our zones and also because we got left behind with our antiquated thinking. But the main reason was lack of talent - same as it nearly always is.

If you reckon I'm wrong, prove it But a word of warning swill, in your pursuit of the believed myth being correct, you're going to discover that I'm right So toddle off and do your research and stop wasting my time with your inane replies.

I am not sure that legally the club could stand by him ... if tbey did, they would be effectively slandering the umpire as well Just my take

My take on the sacking of Norm Smith ... spoils a good story but nevertheless ... Norm slandered an umpire publicly, was sued (settled out of court) and the club rightfully wouldn't stand by Norm and his slanderous comments ... in frustration he was sacked by the club and then later reinstated (a week later) His team had started to struggle (moving forward) and the writing was on the wall with regards to the less than average zones that we were allocated. Norm did the 'supporter' thing and started blaming the umpires. He brought about his own downfall in my opinion.

Over to you Wadda for the clincher!

Monday Special NBA Monday 5.30am Golden State lead at the end of every Quarter vs Houston $2.50

'Riddle me This' A Day at the Races style PD? Race 5?

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@Wadda We Sing @Dee Zephyr I'm happy to continue with the midweek multi whilst there's still some big time sport about being played midweek. NHL & NBA goes through to mid June whilst the European soccer often plays catch-up midweek (along with the Champions League) Midweek Special Thursday NBA 10.00am Houston lead at the end of every quarter vs Utah ($2.10)

Monday Special NBA Monday 5.30am $2.40 Golden State Warriors lead at the end of every quarter @ LA Clippers

We will win more games rjay but I'm thinking they will be the unlikely wins rather than 'We should be able to beat such and such etc' Oddly enough, coming to terms with how the season will probably end up is rather easy. Back to the default mode hey? None of us are going anywhere and we'll continue to be paid up members etc (why quit now?) but it does pay to have some other strong interests outside of footy. If it is just the Demons it will do your head in.

Back in medievil times you'd be a marked man rjay ... you got any good news? You can make it up if you like - tell us what we want to hear. Anything will do, we're not fussed.

In the light of the most recent event (another shocking loss) ...I might just stick around at ADATR for the winter! (or at least the MB thread) I mean, at least we've got a bit of control of the happenings at the races & multi's. As a mere onlooker with the footy, the sharp pain just continues to be quite prevalent. Pays to broaden your horizons as a demons fan ... I started doing so in the late 70's!

I've got about 8 really good prints but did have to send one back one time (quality average but got a full refund) ... and that was a ways back Wadda. The prices have come down a bit and getting a canvas print is a good option too. I believe there is now a 'super' giclee option available but it's great fun perusing ... I know a couple of people who frame paintings and prints so I have previously just ordered the giclee prints on their own. 'All posters' have got just about everything but there are probably a number of online print companies ... but if you do order anything giclee, start off inexpensive as a test case or 2. By the way, JJ has got me 3 winners today (so far) including Meli Melo in the 7th at Oakbank - got the exacta as well so a happy lad here mate!

What a small world we live in Wadda I've got a Giclée print of Rembrandts 'Night Watch' along with a number of other Giclee prints of various works of art ... I usually go to AllPosters who are quite reliable in terms of quality. In fact, the quality is often quite amazing with Giclee prints ... got a few Vermeer, Brueghel, Caravaggio, Van Gogh, Renoir et al. They are a tad less expensive than the real thing (ha ha) but with the right sort of lighting and framing, the prints often look like the real thing.

Best Bet Caulfield Race 8 No.2 Night's Watch $6.00

If I get a chance I'll throw in a best bet but might be lunchtime Saturday Wadda ... got a lot on right now OB should win ... looks a good thing and the extra 200m suits well.

Doesn't always happen with absolute standouts but this time it did and I reckon we got overs too Wadda Was going to throw Man City win & +2.5 goals as the 3rd banana but thought twice and was happy to take the 9-1 for the 2pick ... no regrets either mate. Monkey Business does it again ... nearly saluted last Sunday/Monday as well but Augsberg decided to put on a show to thwart our ongoing success!

Winner! The 2pick this time!

Midweek Best NBA Thursday 11.30am $2.55 Houston to lead at the end of every quarter vs Utah

@Dee Zephyr @Wadda We Sing @binman I'll post here occasionally during the off-season (May thru to September) but am going to be very busy at work for the next 2 or 3 months anyway ... may not do a best bet as I'm not sure I'll have the time to identify a standout. But all the best if you're having a dabble!