Hi all, I pose the question: is the game played in slow-mo? No. Pure and simple. So why are incidents examined in slow-mo? MRO, umpiring decisions…you name it. If the AFL is serious in ironing out the confusion associated with Match Review Office rulings and in turn any confusion on umpiring decisions then lose the slow-mo footage…
What is apparent is that currently reportable incidents are happening in real time, as dictated by the state and pace of the game. And yet the Match Review Officer Michael Christian and the media insist on analysing action to the almost microscopic degree in slow-mo. Once there was a ban on footage until the incident was heard by the Tribunal. That’s a fair time ago! Now across the multitude of internet, social media and television networks, the footage gets replayed and replayed so often that everyone gets a clear picture of what has happened. That’s fine. However, when incidents are slowed down, the incidents become distorted in terms of how they get viewed, analysed and interpreted. Then this is multiplied by the amount of coverage that AFL action gets and you’ve got the perfect storm of confusion.
The umpiring decisions cop a similar treatment. Added to this confusion is a clear and utter need by the AFL to change and improve the game that is categorically unnecessary. People love the game and it doesn’t need to be changed. Yet the self-justification of those at AFLHQ and the truckload of ex-players in the media mean everyone is entitled and well-paid for their opinion. The slow-mo footage adds to the confusion as judgments are made on actions and rules based on slow-mo time, rather than real time. A better idea would be to stop the use of slow-mo and then hold a freeze on rule changes for the next couple of seasons…
…and then, and ONLY then, will everyone start to see some consistency across umpire’s decisions…and nearly everyone is pleased and the umpires get the respect that they deserve for being less inconsistent. The AFL then gets the desired product unadulterated and un-bastardised, which is currently of their own doing.
Is that a pipedream? Or a possible reality?
Round 8:
Freaky Friday 1, Port v Bulldogs: It’d be hard for Port to escape the reality of last year’s Prelim no show. The only way to atone is to go out and beat the perpetrators. A 17pt win for Port, a reminder that they are a good team and that time has moved on since that ugly night. Meanwhile the Dogs remind me of the Katy Perry song ‘Hot and Cold’ (aka Masterchef theme). Port kicking 0.6 in the last saved the Dogs some grief.
Freaky Friday 2, Freo v North: The AFL would’ve been far better off to show another game on Friday night rather than 3rd v 17th on 3rd’s own dungheap…not a great watch. Fremantle, even with 6 players out to Covid, did to North what was most expected. The Covid excuse probably save the Roos from a 100+ point flogging. Roo Coach Noble would do well to examine what Freo has done in the last 3 years. It’s working.
Dusty. End of story. Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday and the return of Dustin Martin became the story, mind you, not because he chose it. To deflect the limelight away, Tom Lynch kicked 6 and had 25 stats…hopefully again shutting up the critics. What was on display was a Tigers team that want to be finalists against a Pies team that are finding the reality of not being there quite yet. Tigers by 27pts.
A little intel goes a long way…Stewart Dew’s knowledge of the Swans and the SCG has given the Gold Coast Suns an advantage as they stunned the more highly-fancied Sydney up there. Having led nearly all day the Suns scored a much needed 24pt win. The co-captains Touk Miller and Jarrod Witts led the Suns charge, aided by the returning Rory Thompson who kept Buddy to 1. The Blue Suns jumper a winner too.
Geelong travelled to Manuka to play GWS and proceeded to give their hosts Larry Doodle! A 53pt win by the Cats an indication that Leon’s Ferrari might need a service. 2.9 after 1/4 time and the Giants were running at 35% inside forward 50 arc. Jeremy Cameron had a 5 goal field day against his old mob and Tyson Stengle 3, Mitch Duncan 33. The GWS fave Toby Greene returned with 2.2 on an average effort by GWS.
Having lost 5 players to afflictions of all types, the Bombers still beat the Hawks. Emphatic last quarter was just the tonic for the Bomber army…shades of the 1984 Grand Final. 8.2 to 1.2 and the Truck tooted the horn in triumph. ‘2m Peter’ starred with 6 and rookie Nic Martin continued his fine start, helping Parish and Merrett win plenty. Starting with 3.7, the Hawks proved bad kicking is bad footy. Gunston 2.4 wayward.
Dermie predicted that Charlie Cameron could kick 20 as Brisbane hosted West Coast at the Gabba…err, not quite! The Lions won by 75 over the hapless Eagles, but it was really only the last quarter that Brisbane put their foot on the throat. 7.2 to 1.4 emphatic, although few gave the Eagles much of a chance. Cameron 4, ‘Bags’ McLuggage 4 and ‘Flyin’ Ryan 3 for WCE. Hurn 27 set the example but Lions in a higher league.
Melbourne hosted St.Kilda at the MCG on Sunday and the Dees shot out of the blocks, aided by the Saints 0.5. A 35 point lead at the half and the game looked to be broken open. A 38 point win suggested the Saints found an extra gear in the 2nd half though. Running machine Ed Langdon picked up 39 touches matched nearly by Clarry and Trac. Jack Steele led the Saints charge, but wasn’t able to withstand the Demon onslaught solo.
It was a murder of Crows at Marvel on Sunday, perhaps a blue murder…what loomed as a danger game for Carlton became a timely reminder of where both clubs are at. Carlton has improved and this has been helped by getting Curnow and McKay up forward at the same time as well as more support for Cripps. Adelaide though is still developing, two steps forward, one step back. Curnow 6, McKay 3, Cripps 35 and 2 goals.
Cheers, PT
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