Round 18 – Fearless 2019: Congratulations to Mack Horton and the British bloke…

Hi all, I’ve just seen The Final Quarter and to answer the question…yes it was worth the look.

 

Everyone will have different points of view but it was fascinating for mine and definitely worth a look. Interestingly, the villain of the piece was the mainstream media. Adam Goodes, the person and the AFL legend, came out of it very well and maybe that’s not surprising for some. However the media hysteria was excessive to say the least. As a player in the current climate, Goodes was correct to call out the 13 year old girl who called him an ape, but quick to point out in subsequent interviews that the girl was not to blame.

 

The day that Nicky Winmar lifted his jumper and pointed to the colour of his skin at Victoria Park was a watershed moment in the history of the game and the participation by Aboriginal players.  Arguably, the treatment of Aboriginal players has improved since consciously (on the ground) with the assistance of AFL involvement. The Dreamtime Game at the G and the Sir Doug Nicholls Round complete with indigenous jumpers are indications as such. However it needs to be said also that it was coming from a long way back and also is still not currently perfect.

 

The crowds however have been slower to catch on. I sat at Waverley Park in 1990 watching Collingwood play West Coast in an Elimination Final. Someone near me yelled out “You’re a Petrol Sniffer Lewis” (referring to Eagle Chris Lewis)…29 years later that is still fresh in my mind as an example of the line that doesn’t need to be crossed, at any point in the midst of the game.

 

So from the documentary, what happens? There’s a saying that ignorance breeds ignorance. Education is a shining light and a chance for people to improve society from past errors. In this context, the documentary becomes important. Many will prefer not to watch it for whatever reason. However, I would say that I’ve watched much footy over the past 40+ years and I don’t think I’ve ever seen one person treated as such by crowds on such a repeated basis. I’m not surprised he walked away from the game.

 

Whilst I don’t think all the booing was racially motivated and don’t agree with the propaganda that says as such, I certainly think Adam Goodes deserved better. 2 Brownlows, 2 Premierships and 372 games. He retired an AFL champion with his dignity intact and the courage to call out people’s behaviour, whilst being careful not to assign blame, preferring to open conversations about Australia and some aspects of its challenging past.

 

Cheers PT

 

FEARLESS 2019 RD18: Congratulations to Mack Horton and the British bloke…

 

A classic 8 point game where the Crows were thought to be at an advantage at home. That counted for nought. The Bombers were too good when it mattered. A lack of physical intensity by the Crows highlighted as the Bombers continue their impressive surge towards the finals. Don Pyke’s men have to answer to themselves and their fans.

 

Port’s season is like a flickering light. The globe needs to be changed but who’s gonna do it? Richmond on the other hand had ridden out the injury storm and are beginning to charge towards the finals. The Tigers forward duo of Lynch and Jack seem to be working well. Port not quite in the Tigers league in 2019. Good to see Broadbent back.

 

Carlton went in as favourites against the Gold Coast at Marvel on Saturday. Interim Coach Teague had impressed. Fortunately for his opposing coach, the Suns put in a better effort after their horrific pair of 15 goal losses. Witts and Swallow keep setting a good standard. Ed Curnow, Fiorini 32 each, Blues by 24pts. Kennedy reborn, 4 goals.

 

Collingwood’s travelling form was an asset as the Magpies flew north to Giants Stadium to take on GWS. The Giants started like a house on fire, 8.2 to 1.1 at qtr time, defying the prophets of doom. Ex bad boy Toby Greene was skipper for the first time, a sign of maturity? Cameron 6, Hindenberg 4, Finlayson 3. Giants too much firepower.

 

The timing of a bad umpiring decision can be critical! In the last 70 seconds when the scores are level. However, factor in that the Roos were scoreless in the 3rdas the Lions kicked 3.5 to take the lead at the Gabba on Saturday night. Skill errors, 4 qtr effort belied the intensity shown by both teams.  Lions by 12pts, Roo Thompson nut job ouch!

 

52:51 at full time. Fremantle downed Sydney at Optus Stadium. Docker Rory Lobb kicked 3 in a dour, defensive and error-riddled game, as did Swan Reid. A 2pt qtr in the third switched momentum away from the visitors who led by 10pts at the half. Swan Hayden McLean came in for game 1 to tackle the Freo ruck trio. Freo just still alive…

 

The Hawks continued their late season surge, taking down arch rival Geelong at the MCG on Sunday. But for holding the early lead, the Hawks had control with the Jaegar Bomber and Shiels leading the way. Up forward number 23 led the charge…O’Brien maturing slowly with 3 as did Lewis. Ex-Cat legend Bartel says the Cats were too safe.

 

Picturesque Traegar Park in Alice Springs was the scene for Melbourne hosting West Coast. The Dees were trying to get sense into their annus horribilus. West Coast was slowly building towards finals. Dees were close enough in the 3rdto possibly upset the Eagles. Bailey Fritsch channelling the great 31s of Melbourne with 4. Eagles by 13pts.

 

The Dogs faced the new look Saints, under Interim Coach Brett Ratten. Déjà vu? The Saints had lost 4 on the trot and started with 6.5 to 1.0 at qtr time. Wow! Promising Saint Hunter Clark led the way along with Rowan Marshall. The 3rdqtr saw a turnaround in fortunes for the Dogs, but the Saints weren’t to be denied, home by 27pts.

 

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