AFL Round 12 – Review: Role models, Warner and Gallen

The actions of David Warner and the State of Origin puncher, Paul Gallen, bring to mind the whole responsibility of role models within sport. Do I, as a father of two boys, explain to them that it’s not right to hit someone in a bar or on the sporting field just because you can. David Warner’s alleged hit on an English batsman in a bar had u-g-l-y written all over it, especially given his twitter rant of a few weeks ago. Here’s a guy who has yet to confirm his status as a Test Cricketer, albeit one with leadership ambitions. The board of Cricket Australia has to keep him on a tight leash at present as we need all the talent available to beat England in the upcoming Ashes series. Yet Warner seems and acts like he is a law unto himself, especially under the influence of a few too many beers. If you can’t handle it, don’t drink it. You are in danger of becoming the court jester of Australian cricket…the joke that no one quite got…

As for State of Origin, a magnificent contest between two fierce rivals at the best of times. Hopefully those concerned for the punch-on regarded as a Great Origin Moment by NSW Coach Laurie Daley are told in no uncertain fashion that it’s not acceptable. Rough guess NSW skipper Paul Gallen would’ve got 12 weeks under the AFL judiciary. That’s not to compare judiciaries (Gallen got 1 game in NSW) but to highlight a broader societal problem that this type of conduct is actually acceptable. The peanut gallery in society see this and think therefore that it’s acceptable in the lower leagues’ playing fields and in the pubs and clubs after the games. Role Models? Unfortunately whether they like it or not they are. Behave like one at least. You wouldn’t see all ARL players acting like that. I wonder if game 2 will have similar incidents now that the sinbin has been reintroduced.

Get the violence out of society. There’s too much of it. Nobody deserves to be treated like that on or off the field. Some of these guys really have to pull their head in. It’s a privilege to be playing at that level. Act Like It.

Dimmer: Reinvigored is not a word 

Micky M teed off at the umpiring, but he got a measure of where Carlton was at in 2013. The Blues led for most but lost after the Hawk talls hit their straps after half time. Buddy, Roughy, Gunston and Hale became focal points, with only Roughy playing for 4 quarters. The Blues got less value up forward, losing by 15pts. Murphy’s ugly cheekbone injury didn’t help but contact sports are like that at times.

Tigers coach Damian Hardwick hit the dimmer switch with the above verbal gem. The Tigers came off the bye with credits in the bank due to the last win in Perth, but a win against the Crows rated equally as important to the Richmond faithful in terms of September dreaming. Dusty Neck Tatts kicked 4 and led the charge, as the Tigers led all day. Assisted by an unmanned Deledio, Ellis and Jumping Jack, Tigers by 38pts.

Simon Black led his beloved Lions onto Subi to play the Dockers in his record-breaking 319th game. Unfortunately the ageing warrior ended up with the red vest, subbed out as Fremantle’s ascendancy withstood an early Lions challenge. The Lions’ strangulated by the Purple haze as the Freo winds blew across the ground. The East Coast of Australia is on notice! Pav and big Azza returning soon, Dockers by 40pts.

Gold Coast came to the Etihad indoor gym to take on the Bombers. In what became a shootout between Goddard and Little Gazza in terms of racking up stats, young Daniher seemed to be pretty settled too, finishing with 3 goals as did Crameri. The Bombers looked in control for the most part, having wrestled the early lead off the Suns midway thru the first qtr. The Bombers head to the bye well placed for finals.

Port had started 2013 impressively with 5 wins. A trip to Skoda Stadium to tackle the Giants gave the Power a chance to get win number 6, after stalling. The Giants however were preparing for life PC (post Chad), with the senior Cornes reportedly set to hang up the boots and the mirror at seasons end. With the younger Cornes breaking the Club games record, Port bashed up the GWS by 75pts. Schulz, Boak, Monfries 3.

Collingwood hosted the Bulldogs at Etihad on Sunday twilight with the Dogs searching for their third win on the trot. Bucks’ had to reign in his “brat pack” so that the Magpies were focused in one direction. A 53pt lead to the Pies at the main break indicated that had been achieved, with Travis Cloke kicking 4 in the first half. The Dogs outscored the Pies in the 2nd half 48:29 but the Pies still got home by 34pts.

 

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