FEARLESS 2021 – Review Round 23: If the AFL wants to make a statement on racism…

Hi all, a bit slow off the mark with this but  I’d have said that if the AFL really wants to make a statement on racism, the two retirees need to be added to the AFL Commission. Two now ex-players who are universally liked and respected – Shaun Burgoyne and Eddie Betts. Add them to the AFL Commission and see how they go in relation to bringing home the message that racism isn’t acceptable throughout levels of football and in society. The societal issue will hopefully fall into line behind the footy where the two gentlemen could have the most impact.

 

The issue has wide and far-reaching ramifications. Into the evolving education of non-Aboriginal Australia, there is definitely a place for the message from within the sporting codes. Just look at the respect also that Patty Mills gets whenever he is in Australia.

 

Maybe that’s a positive step forward. We’ll see what happens I guess…

Cheers PT

 

2021 FEARLESS Round 23: An extraordinary Saturday in the last round of the season

 

The Dogs got off to a flyer at Marvel against Port on Friday Night. A late Rozee goal in the 1st reduced the Dogs lead to 16pts at qtr time. The game bottled up in the 2nd as neither side really got the kickstart required. Port had only kicked 1.8 so had to crack the game open which they did a bit in the 3rd but the Dogs still led. A Power surge saw Port get home by 2pts. Did Dogs blow a double chance?

 

Hawks looked like they were home, having led the listless Tigers for most of the day at the MCG. The Tigers were still gearing up for September holidays for the 1st time in a while, whilst the Hawks had planned to send club legends in Clarko and Shaun Burgoyne out in fine style. Tigers Astbury also, but he’s more low key. Enter Jack. A goal to Tom Lynch and then two to Jack…a win then…no, a draw.

 

Gold Coast must cause coach Dew some real headaches. Like on Saturday against the Sydney Swans who won by 87pts. A 6 goal lead at the 1st break not a good sign. It just grew bigger as the day went on. The Suns can play well at times, but the gap between their best and worst is way too big. Then, of course, the Swans will play finals and Buddy kicked 6. Excuses? Not enough. GC = Get Consistent!

 

Brisbane and West Coast played a live maths lesson at the Gabba on Saturday twilight. Most thought Lions would win. They did. By how much…as the double chance in the finals is worth grabbing if there. 32pts was the required margin when Lion McCarthy kicked a point with 52 seconds left to grab it. A Charlie Cameron goal on the siren sealed the Lions top 4 fate by 38pts. Eagles out of 2021 race.

 

GMHBA Saturday night and the Minor Premiership is at stake. Geelong v Melbourne. Two most consistent sides in 2021, and two best defences in the AFL. An even 1st qtr gave way to an 8 goal Cats 2nd qtr and the Dee stunned. A 39pt Cats lead at the half. Momentum is all encompassing…as the Demons started to get goals, the lead dwindled. A defensive error saw Max Gawn mark/goal and win it by 4pts…the Dees came home with a rush and a Grand Old Flag was planted at the AFL summit.

 

Carlton and GWS at Marvel on Saturday Night, and both teams did it for Eddie Betts. The GWS wore their indigenous jumper and Eddie managed a customary evasive goal, albeit in the last. The gap between the two teams apparent as the Giants won by 14pts. The Blues were better than their Port game the previous week. GWS wanted a finals spot that was within reach. So much for sentiment !!

 

St.Kilda hosted Freo in Hobart. Freo had never been to Hobart, both had played in Launceston. The Saints had ever won in Hobart. With a finals bert at stake, it’s fair to say that Freo blew it. The Saints were effectively playing for pride and won by 58pts. A good stepping stone for 2022. Young Jimmy Sharman booted 4, leading the multi-pronged Saints attack. Longmuir’s Freo not finals ready just yet!

 

Essendon finetuned its finals prep against Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday. A 38pt win for the Truck Dons. For the Pies, the year before Nick Daicos ended with a split board and an interim coach. Fix them and 2022 isn’t looking too bad. Waterman and Wrigt kicked 4 each, as did Jamie Elliott for the Pies. Adams 31. Bombers always looked in control with better ball use. Pies Don and dusted!

 

Adelaide returned a favour to North Melbourne to round off 2021 by ensuring safe passage of the wooden kitchen utensil for Arden St for the 1st time in 50 years. Crows managed to give good salute to outgoing veterans Lynch and Mackay, whilst ensuring the youngsters carried the club forward (Schoenberg, Murphy, McAdam 3), For North, the end couldn’t come more quickly. Crows 44pts.

 

 

The Tigers (Covid) Almanac 2020 will be published in the coming weeks. It will have all the usual features – a game by game account of the Tigers season – and will also include some of the best Almanac writing from the Covid winter.  Pre-order right now HERE

 

 

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