Greetings All,
Round 20 1981, about 26 minutes into the final quarter and Princes Park was rocking as the Blues went out to a 26 point lead over the Bombers. The boys in the booth were so excited they accidentally set off “We are the Navy Blues”. Mike Fitzpatrick thought it must have been close to the end, so he took his time with the ball and was penalised by Ian Robinson. Without knowing exactly how long was left Neale Daniher took over and Essendon charged home to win by a point, the Red and Black hordes streaming back into the venue. As painful as it is to remember, is it possible to see again or does the coaching and clock control make it impossible? I would like to return to those days of yore where only the timekeepers knew how long remained in the game, but those days are gone.
It’s time for the countdown clock to be shown on the scoreboard so everyone knows what the players know. The only ones who don’t when the game will finish are fans in the stands. There are plenty of them that know too with media coverage easily available. So, let’s get rid of the pretence, get rid of the cards on the boundary and just put it on the scoreboard. There are teams that have plays and modes based on the time and situation, but defending a lead has become so much easier that the Leigh Matthews rule of a goal a minute very rarely applies.
Plenty of bleating about the length of games. Reducing actual playing time should be the last consideration there are plenty of other opportunities to reduce game time noting that most of the delays have been introduced through rule changes. Here a couple of suggestions
Score reviews – if the ARC can’t be conclusive in 15 seconds go with the umpire. While we’re at it get rid of the advertising and build up to the announcement.
Nominating rucks – just ball it up or throw it in, no need to wait, if a team has more than one contest the ruck they get penalised.
6-6-6 – stop waiting for players to get in place and then give a warning. Stuff the warning – as soon as they transgress pay a free.
Pay more frees! That will stop the congestion and move the play and when play moves the clock is ticking. We want to see the ball move not 5-6 ball ups in succession. If the umpires can’t find a free maybe we take something from basketball and the possession arrow. On the third ball up in succession possession goes to the team with the arrow.
Without doing something about it – game will only take longer in this environment when play is going to stopped more regularly for injuries.
Now it’s time to look at this week’s game.
Holding the Fort (99%) vs In Good Nic (1%)
Oscar finds himself emergency for the Lions as they host the Bombers at home. Darcy Fort was effective last week against the Hawks and should more than competitive up against Goldstein. Fagan playing the long game here and looking for a dividend later in the year. Essendon took the dream time with more than a little helped from Nic Martin, has been in great touch and supremely creative with the footy. This one is at the Gabba and while the Bombers won they suffered more injuries. Lions to win this.
In Better Nick (70%) vs Lionised (30%)
The Pies trump Nic Martin with Nick Daicos. They lose Maynard but should get a few back for the game against the Hawks. Hawthorn just not quite having their game in order at the moment, mind you their last two opponents sit 2nd and 3rd, doesn’t help playing 1st this week. Without Day and the drop off in Sicily’s kicking has hurt their ball movement, but reckon they have plenty to give. Just don’t think it will be this week.
Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner (84%) vs Pearce Off (16%)
The Suns rightly took umbrage with Lyon’s nepo baby comment. Lynch, Rankine, May, Prestia….the list goes on of players that departed. They need a way to keep players and if the academies are the way to develop home grown talent that will stay – it is growing the pool of players and good for the game. They host Fremantle who are relieved that their captain Alex Pearce escaped suspension. Freo did the job on the Giants away last time, can they repat it.. Will the Suns feel at home anyway? With the Darwin swing they have not played at the Mansion in over a month. I suspect they will enjoy the homecoming.
Plug the Leek (99%) vs The Faull Guy (1%)
Plenty of knocks on the Blues big forwards last week – a fair bit justified. They didn’t have it easy though up against Leek Aleer. Superfluous to the Giants needs most of the time with Buckley, Taylor and Idun he was superb in cutting off the Blues all day. Sure to be on the radar of the recruiters unless he starts getting more game time. He might even be an omission this week against the Tigers who will be hoping Tom Lynch and provide some relief to young Jonty Faull who has been admirable is his efforts so far – but like many of the cubs he will be feeling the pinch of the long season. Giants should prevail.
Winged Ducks (35%) vs Flying High (65%)
The Swans not only got clipped by the Dees but lost another player to suspension, with Mills to miss this one after a useful return last week. They host the Crows who have struggled at the SCG in recent years. It will be a contest of styles – the Swans love it tight and tough; the Crows just want to run free. They average 112 points in their wins (and that includes only 52 in one win), Sydney average 87.5 for a win. On form it hard to go against Adelaide, but Sydney have found a way to win games when they need to – they need to here as they did the last two home games. Reckon the Crows are better than those two opponents and can get the game played their way.
Petracca (76%) vs McCartin (24%)
While Lyon and Basset bemoan what the Saints haven’t got it’s worth looking at a couple of opportunities they missed. They face one of them against Melbourne in Alice Springs with Christian Petracca. Sometimes it’s just bad luck and probably the way in this case of Paddy McCartin. The other though is Jack Billings over Marcus Bontempelli. Even if Billings turns into a good player – the Bont always had the physique and athleticism to be the superstar he is now. What excuse will Lyon offer up to his players before the game this week that Melbourne will beat them in.
Snappy Tom (2%) vs It won’t be Close (98%)
The Cats have devoured West Coast in recent times, they will be served up on a plate again this time.
Cheers, Sal
Read more of Sal’s pieces HERE.
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