FEARLESS 2021 – Round 2: Spud’s Game. It’s Time to Talk…a great idea. So let’s talk!

Hi all, I noticed during the Covid-impacted season of 2020 that the education wasn’t the biggest thing lacking. Internet speeds, zoom classes, technological capabilities of households etc…all big factors as our kids tried to navigate the educational requirements. However, the lack of sport and exercise was the biggest impact on the health of kids. Organised through sporting clubs or schools, sport had the potential to balance out the education and the physical components of their year. The collective wellbeing of kids took a massive hit, unless parents enforced or kids naturally participated. Phew!

 

How nice it is to attend a season launch in 2021 for the local kids footy club. A sense of optimism and purpose as well as shared common goals returns into the picture after a year off. To see kids running around kicking footies, chasing each other, jumping on jumping castles and then getting a BBQ sausage and a drink was just marvellous. To add that all into a warm and sunny day gave all adults in attendance that normality was returning and busy weekends. Hope, optimism, disappointment, expectations, lack of expectations, teamwork, individual brilliance, club spirit, friendship, volunteering and reward for effort…all that and more reemerges from the shadows of the pandemic.

 

For that we can be grateful.

 

cheers PT


The Déjà vu Again Cup took place on Thursday Night at the MCG when a heavily fancied Blues side took on their historical nemesis in Collingwood. In the words of Split Enz, History Never Repeats…it’s just a shame that it did. The Blues might have recruited well, but the Pies had their measure and were more polished, showing them the way to de Goey. Jordan de Goey 4. Blues 0-2 but early days and they’ll be ok.

 

Brisbane travelled to Geelong and can categorically question the outcome of a 1pt loss. When is incorrect disposal of the ball and a good tackle not rewarded with a free kick? Mark Blicavs can consider himself very lucky. The Cats had been in front for most of the game until a late game surge from the Lions. Neale and Rohan and Cats coach Scott exchanged banter. Isaac Smith’s winner endured him to his new fanbase.

 

It was all about Buddy. The return of Lance Franklin overshadowed the Sydney Swans game against Adelaide at the SCG on Saturday. When that massive left boot kicked a 50m goal to finally add to his career tally, the crowd roared. Not even the rejuvenated Tex Walker with 6 goals took limelight. Crows wayward kicking got 11.22…and not the result. Swans by 33pts. Buddy 3, Heeney 3 and the Swans go 2-0 in 2021.

 

Port Adelaide in the City of Churches is a tough road trip. Essendon found this out the hard way with 3 long term injuries and a solid 54pt loss. Port is shaping as a potential Grand Finalist in 2021, but the Bombers start killed off the contest, trailing by 27pts at qtr time. Ollie Wines led the stat count, whilst Dixon and Georgiades booted 4 each. Nik Cox showed the potential of a high draft pick for the Bombers.

 

Even the great Toy Lockett couldn’t inspire the Saints against Melbourne in Spuds Game in honour of Spud Frawley, the Saints great. Betcha Coach Ratten found time to say what he thought of the effort. Or is it that Melbourne are finely-tuned and building nicely? We’ll know soon enough. 31 scoring shots to 18 told of Melbourne’s dominance after half time. Gawn’s diving effort looked poor, a blight on the game. Dees 18pts.

 

The Social Distancing Cup was played on the Gold Coast before a sparse 6661 crowd. The Gold Coast faithful were witness to a lop-sided encounter with the Suns, especially Touk Miller and Noah Anderson showing the way. North fans hope that 2021 leads to greener pastures in 2022. But 28 scoring shots to 14, with Rankine and King 3 each. Roos Anderson and Aidan “Shin” Bonar tried hard. Buderick ACL ouch.

 

Not even the double tag on Dusty could help the Hawks get over the Tigers at the G on Sunday. The Tiger muscle mass is geared to winning and a 29pt win was case in point. Tiger forwards Riewoldt and Lynch set the tone. Kent Brockman and Breust 2 each for the Hawks with Tom Mitchell heading back to his ball magnet status with 37. Shaun Burgoyne ½ tagging Dusty a big ask on a veteran for no great impact.

 

An 8pt game and possible finals matchup was at Etihad on Sunday as the Dogs hosted the Eagles, forcing the umpires to wear pale blue – see it can be done. Multiple lead changes on a fast deck and a Bont masterclass and the sealer were the highlights, along with Flying Ryan efforts at hangtime. Two gun midfields and accomplished forwards, this game had everything. A 7pt Dogs win. Macrae got 41 stats.

 

The Ferrari motored west as GWS met Freo in the battle for the worst club songs. Freo rammed home a wayward 11.21 to 7.14 to post a solid 31pt win. Freo’s forward half far more productive through Schulz and Switkowski and the veteran Mundy showed he’s still got it with 35 stats. Sam Reid’s bump on Nat Fyfe was totally unnecessary as Fyfe was not even on the ball. Misplaced and stuttering, GWS have work to do.

 

Fremantle v GWS in the battle for the worst club song

 

 

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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