What have we learnt from AFL this week?
April 28th 2008 14:06
Lesson: The AFL is astoundingly reactionary
Teachers: Ray Chamberlain, Damien Sully, drawn games and Barry Hall
It appears that the AFL no longer looks for problems in the game. Rather, it waits for controversy, decides that that must be the problem, and sets about fixing it.
Who would consider rethinking the time-wasting rule before 'Razor' Ray Chamberlain pinned Jarrad Waite on Saturday?
Who talked about losing the centre bounce before the Kangas sealed a game from a poor one?
Who would ever, EVER dream of mentioning extra time in the home and away season? But after two tense draws, it's been whispered.
Who would have dreamed of a sendoff rule before Barry Hall "Tysoned" Brent Staker?
No, none of those changes are important. The AFL must be careful to avoid band-aid fleeting issues and be proactive in its approach to rule changes and implementations.
Lesson: Tempo football DOES NOT WORK
Teacher: Fremantle
Many of us may have already known this. Freo drove it so hard down our throats this week that I am still on the Strepsils. The Dockers were 38 - count them - points up against the all-conquering Cats, when Geelong attacked once. Freo got the ball back and panicked, slowing the game down and relying on their short game skills to get things back on track. The problem is, they got their lead by playing quick, running football, not slow, stop-start stuff. Subsequently, the Cats stole the ball and proceeded to kick six goals in eight minutes.
Repeat process in second half.
Lesson: You truly can't write the Power off
Teacher: Port Adelaide
With their premiership window arguably closed, and a 0-4 start, you wouldn't have been thought crazy to think the Power were headed for some top draft picks. But Choco appears to have done it again, and Port are a force again. Maybe not a force, but definitely no pushovers, and forcing tipsters around Australia to think twice before each Power game.
Lesson: Lance Franklin can be defeated
Teacher: Lance Franklin
Like any great Shakespearean hero, Franklin has proved to be a powerful, yet flawed character. There may not be a defender who is both strong enough to match him one out and quick enough to foil his leads, but that really doesn't matter. It turns out that Buddy himself decides if he destroys you or toys with you. You might as well let him run free - whether he'll register 7.1 or 1.7 is not up to a defender to decide.
Lesson: Brian Lake was faking it
Teacher: Brian Lake
Brian Lake played for the Bulldogs this week.
Teachers: Ray Chamberlain, Damien Sully, drawn games and Barry Hall
It appears that the AFL no longer looks for problems in the game. Rather, it waits for controversy, decides that that must be the problem, and sets about fixing it.
Who would consider rethinking the time-wasting rule before 'Razor' Ray Chamberlain pinned Jarrad Waite on Saturday?
Who talked about losing the centre bounce before the Kangas sealed a game from a poor one?
Who would ever, EVER dream of mentioning extra time in the home and away season? But after two tense draws, it's been whispered.
No, none of those changes are important. The AFL must be careful to avoid band-aid fleeting issues and be proactive in its approach to rule changes and implementations.
Lesson: Tempo football DOES NOT WORK
Teacher: Fremantle
Many of us may have already known this. Freo drove it so hard down our throats this week that I am still on the Strepsils. The Dockers were 38 - count them - points up against the all-conquering Cats, when Geelong attacked once. Freo got the ball back and panicked, slowing the game down and relying on their short game skills to get things back on track. The problem is, they got their lead by playing quick, running football, not slow, stop-start stuff. Subsequently, the Cats stole the ball and proceeded to kick six goals in eight minutes.
Repeat process in second half.
Lesson: You truly can't write the Power off
Teacher: Port Adelaide
With their premiership window arguably closed, and a 0-4 start, you wouldn't have been thought crazy to think the Power were headed for some top draft picks. But Choco appears to have done it again, and Port are a force again. Maybe not a force, but definitely no pushovers, and forcing tipsters around Australia to think twice before each Power game.
Lesson: Lance Franklin can be defeated
Teacher: Lance Franklin
Like any great Shakespearean hero, Franklin has proved to be a powerful, yet flawed character. There may not be a defender who is both strong enough to match him one out and quick enough to foil his leads, but that really doesn't matter. It turns out that Buddy himself decides if he destroys you or toys with you. You might as well let him run free - whether he'll register 7.1 or 1.7 is not up to a defender to decide.
Lesson: Brian Lake was faking it
Teacher: Brian Lake
Brian Lake played for the Bulldogs this week.
| 79 |
| Vote |
subscribe to this blog
