At the Trough Round 9

AFL – News, Reviews, Injuries and Tactics are all discussed “At the Trough” with Schitty.

We mourn the passing of a Legend:

On the 16^th May 2011 the Austrailan Rules community bid farewell to one of the games true gentlemen. Robert ‘Bobby’ Davis, the Geelong Flyer, finally gave in to his long battle with illness. We will mourn his passing but we will celebrate his life.

Bobby is a legend of the game. Noted for his extreme pace that made him a damaging half forward he attacked every game with voracity. Recruited from Golden Point in the Ballarat Football League, Bobby pulled on the Hoops 189 time between 1948 and 1958. He was an integral member of the Cats 1951-1952 premiership sides. He wore the “big V” 13 times during his playing career. He was club captain from 1955-1958, was appointed captain coach for the 1956 season and was crowned club champion in 1957. In his final season Davis was named All Australian captain, an honour he was always humbled by.

Davis took over as coach in 1960 and continued to hold the reigns until 1965, delivering a premiership in 1963 when they got over the Hawks.

Davis began a career in the media as a match day comments man. This paved the way for his introduction to various television roles and created one of the best partnerships in Australian broadcasting with Jack Dyer and Lou Richards. They appeared together on “League Teams” and “World of Sport” for a number of years and paved the way for modern day football shows.

Davis was universally respected, not only for his knowledge and insight into football but more for his genuine nature and gentlemanly comportment. His unique voice resonates with a generation of football fans as “fair dinkum unbelievable”.

Vale, Bobby Davis. 12 June 1928 – 16 May 2011

“How did he get rid of it?”

“How did he get rid of it?” is a cry that has echoed around the various colosseums for a generation. A cry of anguish that as often as not resulted in a free kick for incorrect disposal, or as it was, dropping the ball. I understand the rule change. I don’t agree with it, but I understand it. What I don’t understand is the interpretation currently being displayed by the umpires. On a dozen or more occasions in every match I’ve watched over the last three weeks, which is most of them, you see players wrapped up and dropping the ball. Worse than that we see throws, pops, shovels and scoops all going unrewarded. The AFL has made it abundantly clear that in their efforts to achieve “continuous play” they are happy to turn a blind eye to the incorrect disposal rule.  

It is blatant but no one seems to care. Take the Simon Black “disposal” against the Kangas on Saturday night. Sharelle McMahon would have been proud of a chest pass like that. The fact that it lead to a game defining goal is beside the point. At no stage of the game should that sort of thing get passed the umpires. Bear in mind that Blacky was owed one from the corresponding game last year. Dustin Martin in the final stages of Dreamtime at the G lost control of the ball, as it ballooned he swung his fist and knocked the ball to advantage. “Play on”. WTF. No wonder the fans are in perpetual disbelief.

We all want the game to be played at a frenetic pace as it heightens the spectacle but the AFL needs to intercede and sanity must prevail. The umpires must be instructed to crack down on incorrect disposal for the sake of the game. To allow the constant throwing and dropping of the ball that has been increasingly marring the contests is against the spirit of the game.

Right now you get the feeling that next time you scream “How did he get rid of it?” you’ll likely get the response. “Who cares?”

Bring back the Big V

Growing up in country NSW I followed Rugby League from a young age. Never is the sport more exciting and never is the apprehension higher than in the lead up to State of Origin. The Cane toads versus the Cockroaches. Who will prevail? It is the crème de la crème of the sport. The best of the best. It is an amazing spectacle.

As Origin 1 2011 draws near it got me to thinking…Why don’t they bring back Interstate matches in the AFL. I used to love watching the Big V take on the Croweaters or the Sandgropers. Seeing Ablett, Lockett and Dunstall (even though he is actually a Queenslander) in the same side was special moment in the history of the game. Pitting themselves against the sublime skill of the Jarmans, the run and tenacity of Bradley and Platten and the strength of Kernahan. It was a sight to behold.

It is noted that players from outside of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia don’t have the same affinity for interstate matches as they were always lumped together as the “Allies” but I struggle to imagine a human being with enough competitive drive to play sport at the highest level would not be champing at the bit to test his mettle against the best in the business.

Set the scene. It is the fourth quarter of the Interstate match between Western Australia and Victoria. The Big V hold a narrow lead thanks mainly to the tireless efforts of their midfield, Judd, Ablett, Selwood, Hodge, Watson, Pendlebury and Swan. Their job hasn’t been made easy with the WA ruck combination of Cox and Sandilands getting first hand on the ball and making life a bit easier for Kerr, Rich, Black and Corey. There is a minute to go. Victoria is in front by 5 points. A centre bounce. Cox gets first hand on the ball, sharked by Judd, hands over the top to Watson who swings it out wide the Pendlebury. Pendlebury tries to spot up Hodge. Intercepted by Corey, quick hands now to Bateman who uses Rich, long penetrating kick hits Franklin on a long lead. Franklin plays on, turns Jamieson inside out handballs over the top to Garlett. Garlett runs into an open goal and…We need it back. Come on Andrew. Sort it out.

I’ll Rant and Rave!

There have been a few things getting the best of me over the last week or so. I might as well start with the one that is easiest to fix. Chad Cornes has come out in the last week and made the statement that he will not retire. He’ll have to be pushed. This is typical of the self serving, “I’m bigger than the game” attitude displayed by Cornes throughout his career. It is also a telling insight into the how Port Adelaide has found themselves in the mire that currently consumes their club. Cornes has been a great footballer over the journey. He has been a club champion, an All Australian and a Premiership Player. A hero in his hometown of Adelaide. The Son of a Gun. He has been largely ineffectual for the better part of four years now and if I were Chadwick, I’d being announcing my retirement now, having a farewell match and sailing off into the sunset. Chad would rather than act like a spoilt child and hold his club, who have plenty of other issues, to ransom.

Speaking of attitudes in the city of Churches. How about Taylor Walker’s effort on the weekend? Played in the 2s on the Friday night and backed it up with a few froths at the game on Saturday. Aptly spotted by a Port Adelaide cameraman, Walker has raised the ire of many with his stupidity. It has been well documented that Walker has an ego. He plays the game well enough when in form. What I can’t fathom is complete lack of respect for his coach and his total ignorance of his responsibilities to his club. The lad is entitled to have a beer but seriously, at the footy with 30,000 other people around. Given the following – The side is struggling, the coach is under extreme pressure, he is in heinous form and playing reserves and he is supposed to be an adult human being – I’d have thought that Taylor might have had a bit more sense.

I seem to remember a time when tripping an opponent was an automatic two week ban. If the player was hurt that compounded the sentence. Over the last month there has been at least five instances where a player has thrown out his leg in an attempt to stop the run of an opponent. It hardly gets a mention now. I didn’t expect Adam Goodes to get rubbed out. He could kick an umpires head off and not get suspended. Redden tripped Ablett and copped a reprimand. Kyle Reimers nearly kicked Sam Butler into the third row and got off. Didak copped a kick in the knee from an errant leg against Geelong and had no impact for the rest of the match . It is bloody dangerous and can not be tolerated. We have enough serious injuries in the game from innocuous incidents without letting this rubbish into the game. Stamp it out.

In the Box.

Chris Scott: Sitting on top of the ladder undefeated after 9 rounds. Will not be keeping the grey hair at bay with continual tight results but must be absolutely wrapped with the output of his midfield. Has taken a different approach combating the press than Bomber did and it seems to be working.

Mick Malthouse:Had a loss to Geelong and looked on the ropes against Adelaide. Would be thrilled with the fight back and the domination of the last 15 minutes. Is obviously tinkering with his interchanges trying to find the best balance moving into the back half of the year.

Alistair Clarkson: Hawthorn are showing signs that they are now a genuine contender. They rallied when challenged by St Kilda and their second halves against both the Saints and the Swans have been dominant displays. With Gilham and Stratten out for the duration Clarko knows that it all rests on his midfield. If they can compete in the clearances than the forward line is potent enough to beat anyone. Roughead into the ruck was forced on him by the sub rule but has proven to be a match winner.

James Hird:Hirdy has a few injury concerns at the moment with Watson’s hamstring the most damaging. The loss to Richmond wont worry him too much as there is more upside to Essendon than the Tigers from that match. Bellchambers has been great but Ryder has struggled to inject himself and looks disinterested. Hird should swing Paddy to CHB for a few weeks. Give him a job and let the lad play.

Brett Ratten: Would be happy with the way they took the Cats to the wire. Disappointed about not coming away with the win but optimistic with the knowledge that they can compete with the big boys. Ratten needs to get more consistent output from his small forwards. He also has an ace up his sleeve with Matthew Kreuzer running around in the VFL. Things are looking good for Ratts.

John Worsfold: The biggest surprise of the year and it keeps getting better for the Eagles. Worsfold has built his list over a number of years and it is now paying dividends. He has his senior players up and about and everyone is working for the common good. Much like communism I imagine. Would have had to pinch himself after the slaughter of the Dogs on Sunday. The big test is this week and I think Woosha will have the boys ready.

Mark Harvey:Harvey can not take a trick. He has now lost Sandilands for at least a month and by all reports only has a squad of about 25 to pick from on a weekly basis. It is a shame considering all the good work they have done over the last year or so. Will need to beat St Kilda this week to secure their top eight spot and it will take some inventive thinking from Harvey considering his outs.

John Longmire: Had a big loss to the Hawks on the weekend and have cemented themselves as being the best of the rest. Had no answers for Franklin on the weekend but isn’t Robinson Crusoe on that front. A big test this week against the Kangas who generally play them well.

Damien Hardwick: Hardwick has proven to be a great get by the Tigers. His work with the fringe players and the ensuing increases in productivity are a big factor in their success so far. Jake “Push Up” King is a great example, was playing VFL reserves last year and has now re-signed for another two years on the back of a career best season. Martin, Cotchin and Reiwoldt help as well.

Dean Bailey:Still struggling for consistency. Has coped well with the loss of Jamar. His confidence in Stefan Martin is being rewarded but would be spewing that he has to give “Juice” Newton a run. Has big problems down back and is not getting the output he needs from Davey. Will have to make some tough decisions to focus the playing group and dropping Davey would be a good start.

Rodney Eade: Would be searching the classifieds for a new gig after last week. I can’t remember the Dogs getting a more humiliating flogging during Eade’s tenure. Is not getting any response from his senior players and it almost looks as if they have given up on this year and are waiting for 2012 and a fresh start. If so they are in for some heartache starting this week when they take on the red hot Hawks.

Neil Craig: I’m not to sure what is happening with the Crows. Craig must have been happy with the effort against the Magpies until the 10 minute mark of the last term. In fact he must have been so happy with them that he called them all back into the sheds with 15 to go. Craig desperately wants the club to be successful but he is not getting the right response from the playing group and I can’t see the relationship lasting.

Ross Lyon: Had a solid win against the Dees but the St Kilda of old would have punished Melbourne on the weekend. Must now be resigned to the fact their season is over and will need to concentrate their efforts on finding the hunger that kept them at the top for the last 4 years.

Brad Scott: Is working hard with a list that is struggling to find consistency. Missing key elements and their engine room seems to lack the fitness to run out games. Has mentioned that they miss the run of Greenwood and Bastinac in the midfield and I’m sure they do but you can’t hang a 2-6 record on the unavailability of 2 second year players.

Guy McKenna: Spent last week relaxing on the beach thinking about how good his team will be in three years time. Has exceeded expectations so far with two wins and has unearthed some exciting talent. If he can keep getting a win every month it will go a long way to keeping the moral up.

Michael Voss: First win for the year at the weekend and must be thanking his lucky stars that Jonathon Brown is a Lion. The return of the skipper has given his young side a target and a leader but Browny can’t do it all himself. I don’t expect a late run to the finals but they will hopefully be consistently more competitive.

Matthew Primus: Could do worse than doing a runner mid season. I’m sure he is as baffled as the rest of us as to why his team has lost their Mojo but unfortunately for him he has to fix it. If he picks Chad Cornes again this year then he is not serious about the clubs current circumstances.

The Drum…

Aaron Davey has saved himself the shame of being dropped by succumbing to a knee injury and will miss at least two. I’m positive that if his form was good the knee would be also.

Ryan Bastinac is likely to make his VFL comeback this weekend which should make Brad Scott happy. The hard running midfielder has missed the start of the season with a knee injury.

Geelongcould rest as many as five senior players for the trip to the Gold Coast this weekend. Ottens is a certainty to miss and Joel Corey, Travis Varcoe and Corey Enright are also doubtful.

Collingwood fullback Nathan Brown has hinted he could make a remarkable comeback from preseason ACL surgery and be ready for the finals. It is doubtful that Malthouse would play him though considering his lack of match fitness.

Who are we in the Red, White and Blue…

Many moons ago I used to occasionally don the boots for the Girral West Wyalong Bulldogs. Because I am allowed to do whatever I want I’ve decided that we’ll follow their season as they battle for the Northern Riverina League Premiership…

In the wake of their first win for the season the Dogs made the 350km trek to Hillston who have proven hard to beat at home. Hillston came out strong and led at quarter time by a point but from there the Dogs clicked and were never headed. Inaccuracy cost them a big percentage boost as they ran out 15-27-117 winners to 6-14-50.

Brendan Kirkup and Norm Walker were amoung the goals and Carl Zacher took home the mug.

The boys are back!

Hi – Five:

5: Trent Cotchin again. Reveled in the absence of Watson and Hocking and had 9 clearances in the first half. Ended up with 30 touches and was a deserving winner of the Yiooken Award for best on ground in Dreamtime at the G.

4: Collingwood’s last 15 minutes. Well held for most of the game. 20 points down with 20 to go. The guy who had $1 Million on them at $1.06 would have been shitting bricks. Then boom. 11 goals in 15 minutes just showed what they are capable off. I think they’d be pretty happy with Krakouer too.

3: Jonathon Brown. Not his best game statistically but the great man, in his return from horrific injuries, put his body on the line as only he can. In slippery conditions he threw himself into every contest with abandon and finished with 11 marks and 4 goals to get the Lions their first win for the year.

2: Lance Franklin. I’m not sure how much ground he covered but it must have been a heap. Not usually suited to the smaller SCG, Buddy had 28 touches and 9 marks. What was most damaging was his 19 score involvement including 6 goals 6 himself. I’m glad he’s a Hawk.

1: The West Coast Eagles. Kennedy’s 10. Shuey all around. Cox, Kerr. Too many stars to individualize but the end result was a bloody good football team kicking hell out of a team everyone thought would be a contender. What a win.

Thanks to Mark Nolan/Getty Images AsiaPac for use of the photo