Macca

The fact that he hasn't said much is quite telling, don't you think ? Normally he's a bit of a head kicker (or he's been known for that 'On occasions')

"The bit from your post that I've highlighted is correct - but as well as that, it's not over - not by a longshot" Well, quite a few have ruled a line through us . Many have in the media and in fact, a certain percentage of people on this site have done the same . The term 'Ruling a line through us' is open to interpretation . I wasn't being personal . Edit : I've added a bit more to my post #1131 if you want to go back and peruse it.

What if Vlad had of been around ? He would taken the heat and knocked it on the head - just like he'd done a number of times before . Anderson got ahead of himself - and now he's gone . Where is he now ? Why would you give up a plush job at the biggest sporting organisation in the Country ? On good coin I might add . He was with the AFL for 9 years - why would they suddenly move him on unless they had a decent reason ? Here is an article from the 'ABC' upon his resignation . Could have posted the photo but it's in the article - he doesn't look very happy and he also said this ... The bit from your post that I've highlighted is correct - but as well as that, it's not over - not by a longshot

I'm not sure Vlad could have stopped it Wyl . It had gone too far and he was overseas . The investigation was completed about 10 days or so after AA 'departed' . Was the completion delayed so as not draw attention to the AA departure ? If Vlad had not gone on holidays this investigation wouldn't have happened . Vlad said time and time again that "There's no such thing as tanking" . He would have knocked it on the head - just like he'd done many times before .

You never want to let the opposition know about your tactics - until the very last moment . If it looks like we might incur some penalties from the 'Politburo' I'd like to see the 'Fink' march into Vlad's office and outline exactly what's in store for them if they punish us . Of course, this is probably not going to happen but the dramatic effect would be something to see You can use your imagination on what he'd probably say ...

The 'Net' is killing off newspapers . And the only way they can survive is by having a more 'Shock element' to their stories . A comparison of that could be the UK - but the 'Shock element' is more to do with competition from the many other publications . Publication decreases because of online reading - up goes the trashy stories ... Yep , see above

Well 'dl' . Since sleeping on my closing comment, I've had a slight change of heart .... I might think about viewing the media in a different light if (in the future) they can show some class and have a semblance of integrity Am I asking a bit too much ?

The power of the media shouldn't be underestimated or discounted here . Imagine if shortly after the investigation started, the Age or the H/S had launched a campaign to discredit the investigation . That Wilson didn't write her garbage pieces . That instead of the one-sided view, the media added balance to the whole argument . Probably in doing so highlighting the myriad of other 'Questionable' games dating back 15 years or so . We would have seen the investigation have to take all sorts of different paths . In effect , this would have strengthened our own case and probably turned the focus right back to the real guilty parties . Teams that won 'Premierships' from 'so called' tanking and another club that a certain journalist has ties to . Not forgetting the 'Biggie' - down Royal Parade way .

What could equally be argued that instead of falling into that 'Playing victim' syndrome some of us refuse to succumb to the bully . There's no paranoia involved either - the facts are right there in front of us . The media have been almost totally one-sided on this whole issue - pure and simple . The AFL didn't have to act on McLean's comments . They could have simply ignored them just like they have in the past . Daisycutter is probably right on the money here . AA was out to try and make a name for himself whilst Vlad was on holidays . AA is now gone . To suddenly say that we have a persecution complex is incorrect . These are very real events and there has not been a semblance of fairness involved . By the media and most probably the AFL .

Yep , you're right Wyl though we don't know that the investigation hasn't looked at the Kreuzer Cup (hopefully they have). In fact, we're mostly in the dark about what the investigation has looked at and how far and wide they've looked and investigated. As others have said in earlier posts, we're all speculating and obviously hoping for the best . What we do know is what the media has reported - and it's nearly all about us (and mostly damning in an unfair way) . It's been the most one-sided reporting that I can ever remember . Make no mistake, all the 'Journo's know all about the 'so called' tanking that's gone on for years . I say 'so called' tanking because there is no proper definition. They've just decided (virtually en masse) to conveniently put all other 'indiscretions' aside for now. (which has the effect of not strengthening our case in the AFL's eyes) I will never view the media in the same way again . Collectively they lack class and have virtually no integrity.

The Kreuzer cup game was close to the most 'fixed' game in the history of sport . We won the game by 31 points and kicked 21 goals so I'm not apportioning any blame our way . All gambling was suspended apparently (?) and being at the game was like being at social footy game - seriously . Best comparison is the NFL Pro-Bowl (especially for the lack of tackling involved) How, in 5 and a half months , this game hasn't been brought up again by the media is obscenely suspicious . Even just as a reference point ? No - nothing . The selectiveness employed by the media in this whole witch hunt is astonishing . It's what they haven't looked at (or conveniently ignored) is what stands out . Here are the game stats from that sorry day .

The people I know who follow the sport all seem to have a dislike of the Giants , Patriots and the Cowboys (not in any particular order) However....I know someone who is a Pats fan and Brady is one of the all time best players . It's hard to dislike someone like Tom Coughlin and Eli is a bit unfairly maligned . So it's down to Dallas for me but it's not with any great intent . I can't hate Tony Romo no matter how many times he implodes ! Like you, nothing will ever come close to my strong dislike of a number of AFL clubs (headed by the Pies and Bombers) Maybe England in the cricket ? Reckon all my hate is taken up by footy - a man's only got so much hate ! (is that a line in a movie?)

Bookmarked ! Thanks ... sport and humour is always a good mix ... I think it was 5 - 17 years re the Rodgers 'rant' - either way it works ... How good would it be if we could get old dee over here as a Bears fan ? On a whole bunch of levels ! I'm working on getting a Detroit fan over here as well . Could we all remain civil to each other ?

Yeah, what is it ? 13 times World Champions (apparently the Yanks have their own version of the 'World') Nice to see you on the thread 'dc' . Are you gonna stick around ? You're not concerned about being labelled one of those 'Other thread' people ? Btw, my guess is there are a lot of 'landers that are NFL fans . Even old dee 'Came out' and admitted to being a Bears fan ... Maybe an NFL 'Poll' will bring more out ?

Stars and Renegades go at it tonight . Wonder if Warnie will somehow get a hit . Here is an interesting story from Fox Sports Could the following be construed as tanking? ...

Biggest worry is the 49ers team - their best is very very good . Home field and weather aren't big factors in this instance . Us Packer fans are allowed to call ourselves cheeseheads but it's viewed as an insult if opposition fans call Packer fans cheeseheads .

Lol ... they're quite happy on the Packers site as can be well imagined . Somebody started a thread there last week entitled "What if we lose?" . It's fair to say the OP will cop some stick later on. Anyway, probably have to go into work tomorrow (though option A is tempting) but will catch up with the early game at some stage . Reckon the Ravens and Redskins might get up but would like the Colts to win . The 49ers / Packers game next week will be a beauty . The 49ers crew on this thread may be out in force . I might need 'Bon Scott' and the 'life' member back here to help me out ! Monday, Jan. 7 (wild card round) both games on ESPN & OneHD 5:00am — Indianapolis at Baltimore 8:30am — Seattle at Washington

It often happens like that . You missed Ponder badly, the Packers defence stepped it up, Peterson was somewhat subdued by his standards (although 99 yards is still an excellent game) and Rodgers and the offence did their job . The Vikings have had a good year and I would have taken any sort of win today.

It's almost impossible to stop Rodgers when he's on song . Brady is virtually perfect but Aaron is right up there . Ponder has been missed - he's had some good games this year and last week he was terrific . The Vikes balance has been thrown out on offence . Minnesota started well but the Packers have brought their A game today

Dare I say it - you miss Ponder . Vikes obviously need some passing yards . Interesting how Green Bay's defence has played Peterson - forced him wide to the sidelines a lot .

Fair comment old dee . Don't be thinking we're necessarily wholly disagreeing with you - just trying to add some balance to the discussion . You'd have to agree that the singling out of our club is ridiculously unfair (regardless of the goings on in 2009) I know you've mentioned before that you know of and are friends with a number of Hawk fans . Well , that teams 'List management' in 2004 and 2005 has to come under question in all manner of fairness . 2 priority picks in a row was the Hawks reward (they got to keep their priority picks as well !) The picks they received from those years helped to win them a flag in 2008 (Buddy and Roughy were a couple of handy acquisitions) Tarnished flag ? That's what I say to people and they've never got any comeback .

It was up in the air for an eternity - think it was Matthews that looked at it as if stunned - just catch it Clay !

You can say that again ! It's a worry (already) 3 and out for the Pack ...

Houston are at a rested New England next week . You never know in this sport but on the surface of it, the Pats would have to be strong favourites . It's been known for the conditions to get quite awful at Gillette stadium (at this time of year) so that has to be factored in . Looks like quite clear conditions at Lambeau - albeit freezing ! Good luck 'cfh' and may the better team win ! (don't want any iffy decisions - either way)

Wow ! That is big news . Still nothing in this game at Houston . This drive will tell a story . If the Texans can get a score it will make it very hard for the Bengals . 9 minutes left .