'I'd like to see that!' - Round 7, 2011 Wrap

When I first heard news that Melbourne's Jack Trengove had been cited and suspended for 3 matches, I thought he must've whacked someone behind play or something of that nature, but having watched the Melbourne vs Adelaide match in its entirety I didn't recall him being involved in any malicious acts, nor did I remember him being reported or hear any of the commentators mentioning any particular incident during the game. What could he have done I thought?

Well, when I saw a replay of the incident in question I had no words... at first. I was too shocked to see what he had been reported for, and more specifically in utter disbelief at what our game, the game I follow almost religiously, the game I know and love dearly, had decended to. The profanity laden reponse that followed was a combination of frustration, anger, and disbelief. A small part of my passion for the game had wilted at that very moment.

Here we have a second year rookie; with no tribunal history; not renowned for being violent or malicious on the field; who was not reported during play; had laid a hard, fair tackle in play; didn't catch Dangerfield high; didn't irresponsibly sling him, or let him fall to the ground after the tackle; didn't intend on hurting him; and was even defended by Adelaide themselves who gave evidence to support his case. Heck, even Dangerfield was fit enough to play in Round 8! And yet, the end result is he gets 3 weeks.

To put this in greater perspective as to how ridiculous this is, compare this to the Campbell Brown case who deliberately elbowed Callan Ward IN THE FACE. His actions were high; it was behind play; had the deliberate intent of hurting his opponent; and biggest of all - has a long history of malicious reports. But somehow for this incident alone (he was also reported for another incident), he recieved 2 weeks. How I hear you ask, well the all conquering MRP ruled that the contact he made was reckless (not intentional), and medium impact (not high). WTF?!

Errr... care to elaborate here AFL? I would seriously love to hear justifications behind both rulings.

Let me end my rant by giving you a look at an old AFL advertisement that ran during the 90s, promoting our wonderful game for what it was - hard, tough, passionate, skillfull, entertaining, among other things. Does anyone else find it rather ironic that a large majority of the particular aspects of the game which feature in the video, are now either absent from the game or being fazed out thanks largely to the rules committee and the tribunal.

"Rules? What rules?" Dean Richards asks - Haha, well good sir that'd be the very thing that is slowly ruining the game, and what has made it almost a different sport entirely compared to that put on display in that advertisement. In essence its stolen away the games indentity.

It's the very reason that passionate supporters like myself could very well lose interest over time and be turned away. Because if the AFL don't overall their MRP process, ruling system, interpretations and the like, i'm sad to say this is a very real realization. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that.

"I'd like to see that" I hear them say. In response I say so would I...

So would I...



Port Adelaide vs Hawthorn

Possible Votes: Sewell, Mitchell, Chaplin, Pearce

Sewell was the hardest working midfielder, and his in and under work is sublime. Mitchell had a TON of the ball, but was scrappy at times. Chaplin was a rock in defence, and Pearce solid.

Western Bulldogs vs Sydney

Possible Votes: Goodes, Boyd, O'Keefe, Griffen

Goodesy played a very solid game, and Boyd likewise. O'Keefe was a standout and was a linkman across the ground, whilst Griffen's clean disposal stood out like a beacon.

Geelong vs North Melbourne

Possible Votes: Podsiadly, Kelly, Selwood, Corey

Pods was marking all and sundry, and kicking goals to boot (ha!). Kelly was seemingly everywhere, and was great in tight as usual, whilst Selwood also excelled in the middle. Corey also stood out and had a very workmanlike game.

Richmond vs Fremantle

Possible Votes: Nahas, Cotchin, Sandilands

Nahas has been in ripping form over the past few weeks, and backed it up with another great game. Cotchin broke lines, and kicked goals in an impressive overall game, and Sandilands dominated in the ruck as per usual.

Gold Coast vs Brisbane
Possible Votes: Brennan, Rischitelli, Krakouer, McGrath, Black, Rich

Brennan was clear BOG and recieved the match day medal. Rischitelli played a great game, and Krakouer helped lock in the win for the Suns with 5 goals. McGrath went one better, kicking 6 goals in a dominant display. Black was consistent, and Rich's raking kick was a feature.

Essendon vs West Coast

Possible Votes: Kerr, Watson, Hocking, Jetta

Kerr was simply awesome in the first half, but faded. Watson contributed well with 2 goals, and had a stack of possessions. Hocking was solid throughout, and Jetta was damaging with his run through the middle late in the game.

Melbourne vs Adelaide

Possible Votes: Sylvia, Moloney, Trengove, Davey

Sylvia stood out with his 4 goals, and Moloney was a beast at the stoppages as he has been in recent weeks. Trengove was silky smooth as usual, and Davey's evasiveness and run and carry was impeccable on the day.

St Kilda vs Carlton

Possible Votes: Gibbs, Fisher, Nick Dal Santo, Yarran, Judd

Was the hardest game of the week to try and narrow down votes. Gibbs nullified Goddard for the entire match, and kicked a couple of very classy goals. Fisher was the rock for St. Kilda and ensured St Kilda had a steady ship. Dal Santo was quiet early, but worked into it, especially in the last Q. Yarran was a wizard down back, sweeping the ball up and disposing of the ball with both feet, with his usual charm. Judd was held quite well by Gilbert, but came into his own in the last 2 Q's to help secure a win for his side.


*DISCLAIMER: The deliberate random order of the players above is not indicative of the order I think they will poll in, and should be treated/used only as a guide.*