chookrat

I reckon if teams lose a line due to a positive test and they have 26 players available (22 + emergencies) they must play, as it; a) provides an incentive for players and clubs to follow protocol and be vigilant. b) keeps games going by maximising the chance of all teams playing 17 games each. If a team loses multiple lines but follow protocol then the game should be postponed to a later date however if they lose multiple lines as a result of the club not following protocol, e.g. not isolating a player who tests positive, then I reckon they should forfeit the points for the game(s) they cannot field a team. I think we need to accept that the competition will be somewhat compromised but if we are good enough we can win the premiership.

If I understand correctly, the reason why the AFL has such strict protocols and a rigorous testing regime is to firstly prevent players from contracting Covid-19, and where that fails to have a testing regime to prevent a cluster spreading within a club (or within the community), and where that fails to prevent spread across multiple clubs. Asa billion dollar industry that relies on 18 teams playing 17 games each + a finals campaign the protocols are there to prevent the above. If anything the AFL will be stricter re quarantine than what is required by health authorities which generally only require self isolation until test results are confirmed.

Of all teams you would think Essendon would have learnt the importance of protocol in such matters. Matty Lloyd is taking the line that the team is finally after a good start after what they went through in 2012 and now this and how it's not fair. "Club legend Matthew Lloyd is among those who believe it’s “unfair” if Essendonis forced to play without its entire first-choice defence — or a host of other stars. “They’d be massive underdogs,” Lloyd told Nine News. “They’ve made such a great start to the season and you just wonder if another season will be derailed for Essendon in 2020.”

Surely this is the perfect time to simply move back home to the MCG. We had a bit out on our ground today, the boys should simply rock up again tomorrow. Problem solved!

Good point Skuit. As frustrating as the match being postponed due to the EFC and McKenna's poor decision, it could have very easily been Kossi or Spargo contracting the Corona, noting our players likely don't live in the filthy western suburbs. If anything this is a good reminder to all of us to keep socially distancing and not take anything for granted.

Of all teams it had to be the Druggies.

Footy's Back!

To bring Lockhart in probably means Nev Jetta is out. I also don't see Hibberd in as Riviers has earned his place for a few rounds based on his debut last week and I think Smith needs some time to get into his groove. I'd like to see our current backline settled so that they can build cohesion. I'm guessing either ANB or Jackson will make way for Pickett and or one of Hannan or AVB.

West Coast have done pretty well with Hurn and McGovern as great intercept defenders along with Collingwood and Howe, not to mention Richmond with Rance and Grimes. The intercept defenders remains instrumental in the modern game, regardless of 6-6-6. Our problem has been a lack of cohesion due to injury and our defensive 6-7 not playing many games together.

I reckon he's gone a bit Donald Trump. He should start circulating rumours about the AFL deep state next and how he is draining the swamp.

Thanks Lucifer's Hero, brilliant read!

Yep agree re complacency, which is where a scare like we had v Carlton can be useful tool for getting us playing consistently for the rest of the season. Looking forward to seeing us play like we did in the first quarter for a full game v Druggies on Sunday.

Collingwood, Hawthorn and Eagles (all highly successful teams/clubs faded badly in the second half. I honestly think across the league it will take the first few rounds for teams to establish some consistency. A positive from our match is the first half provides a clear picture of the way we want to play, so the coaches can show players what our game style is meant to look like, and then use footage from the second half to compare what we did differently btw halves and the impact on how things unfold.

Now that was exciting ?

It's more like letting a current Oil and Gas exec loose with public policy.

I just read the last page and not one mention of the Prince, what's up with that?

Can a rugby player contract the virus by urinating in their own mouth?

Hopefully our round 1 loss is still raw to the players and they set the tone early. Nothing better then rolling up the next round to atone, rather than having to wait months like we had to after prelim final loss in 2018.

I reckon we stack our reserves with best 22 and focus on this match. Carlton will never see it coming.

I'd play Charlie Spargo in the ruck. He might go really well, why knows? Be bold we don't know unless we try it. He may do things that have never been done on the football field, beautiful.

Someone is obviously missing their footy. While Clarry probably should retain and kick a bit more it's easy to forget how good he is at clearing space with a handball.

I reckon Jolimont could still happen, just need to not be weak and dominate the pesky neighbourhood with teargas and riot shields. Remind the neighbourhood that it's tenants can relocate elsewhere if they want their dog to be able to take a [censored] in the park.

How come Carlton are part of the MCG bunch. Their home is Edihad.

Fully agree with this SWYL. I also think that the way the club is talking internally is that of a big club, but we need to back it up on the field this season, and each season thereafter.

The big clubs need to be careful that if they want to hold on to all of the revenue their club receive through their role in the AFL competition, the AFL may shift from its revenue maximising model where the bigger clubs receive more prime time games, and instead focus on all clubs receiving equal exposure. This way the smaller clubs would require less 'assistance'.