Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | Paid | My Orble | Login

AFL Insider - May 2010

Folau joins the AFL

Sometime today news will break that Israel Folau has become the newest recruit at the prospective Greater Western Sydney Football Club.

Floating rumours of the twenty one year old Brisbane Bronco's plans to switch codes were confirmed, somewhat tentatively, on "Before the Bounce" on Monday night.

Reports have it that the contract offered to Folao is worth around $1 million a season, a figure that would see the gifted rugby league player amongst the highest paid earners in the AFL.




While a switch of codes is seldom attempted, let alone achieved, the news comes almost a year after Karmichael Hunt made the same move, for a similar price, to the Gold Coast.

A related revelation is that Gary Ablett, who has been offered a lucrative multi-million dollar deal from the Gold Coast, has opted to postpone negotiations between he and the Gold Coast and he and his current club, Geelong, until the end of the 2010 season.

When asked about the future of his star midfielder, Geelong coach, Mark Thompson, refused to pass further comment. After some months of media saturation, the premiership coach is determined to focus on his current circumstances.




While many critics are adamant that the attempts from both emerging clubs to secure high profiles is a blind and dangerous ploy to generate hype and membership numbers, the bold recruiting has real potential to boost the image and support foundation of the game. Only time will tell.

More to come...



Add CommentsAdd Comments
108
Vote
   


Monday Feature: Aker in a dark closet

Jason Akermanis is in serious risk of forced early retirement. After a slump in form and severe backlash from the media and Western Bulldog club officials after his outspoken comments on gay football players, Aker has fallen into a deep and sinking hole.



In his article to the Herald Sun on the 20th May, Akermanis spoke candidly on the issue of homosexuality in sport, namely AFL. In reference to the potential of a player “coming out” to his team mates and the football world, Akermanis said that “the world of AFL footy is not ready for it.

“To come out is unnecessary for a lot of reasons. Imagine the publicity associated with a current player admitting he's gay. It would be international news and could break the fabric of a club.

“Football clubs are very different environments. Locker room nudity is an everyday part of our lives and unlike any other work place. I believe it would cause discomfort in that environment should someone declare himself gay.”

The comments made headlines immediately, prompting quick responses from a number of AFL officials and coaches. The spot light then fell on Rodney Eade who assured the AFL that Akermanis would be reprimanded accordingly via a strict media ban and a hefty fine or suspension.

For Eade, whose team fell short to Essendon by nine points on the weekend, the issue is a matter of significant importance. While Eade made no suggestion that his team’s lack of form this weekend had any connection with the Akermanis saga, there is no denying that the Bulldogs’ veteran has brought unwanted attention to the club’s 2010 campaign.



However, it seems that negative publicity is the least of Aker’s worries, with the Brownlow Medallist experiencing a dangerous rut of bad form.

Eade made comment after the Bulldogs’ win over North Melbourne in round nine that Akermanis was struggling to develop consistency.

"Obviously Jason didn't play well on the weekend, but his previous two were OK, the Sydney game (the previous week) he was probably seven out of 10, so it was not too bad.”

So far in 2010, Akermanis has averaged 15.2 disposals, 4.7 contested possessions, and 10 uncontested possessions a game, and has kicked only two goals for the season.

"More to the point he's 33 now, he hasn't got the pace he had and there's not many players at 33 who have the pace they had.”

Perhaps it is time for Rodney Eade to heed his own justifications and recognize that Aker’s time is almost up. The Bulldogs’ current list is full of blaze and premiership potential and the next few years become vital to launching themselves into Grand Final History. However, football potential is a fizzling torch and Akermanis is a blowing wind.

Reconfigure, reconstruct, rebuild.
Add CommentsAdd Comments
135
Vote
   


Roos westward bound



Ordinarily, I would discount the Roos against Freo at Subiaco Oval. The Dockers have proven that in 2010 they are genuine premiership contenders. Under superstar captain Matthew Pavlich, their mix of young and old has proven to be an unpredictable and dangerous force.

However, round ten has revealed itself to be a week of upsets. The Bulldogs went down to Essendon at home; Port went down to Richmond at home; Collingwood fell to the Lions; and, Hawthorn was a narrow victor over the Swans.

By the book, I would give the nod to Fremantle…

By 27 points.


But in round ten, the underdogs are writing the book.
Add CommentsAdd Comments
109
Vote
   


Head to head: Judd v the Eagles



Throughout his career much has rested on their stern shoulders of Brownlow medallist Chris Judd. At West Coast, in his time as captain, he took the Eagles to two Grand Finals, claiming the flag in one. At Carlton, he remains the lifeblood of the team. As a captain he leads by example, with skill and courage. Today he takes on his old team in the Eagles. He has something to lose. He has something to gain. With talented youngsters by his side, he will be dangerous.

Carlton by 45 points

Add CommentsAdd Comments
107
Vote
   


Birds on a wire



Hawthorn and Sydney go head to head at the MCG this afternoon at 1:10. While Sydney had a good start to the season, they’ve suffered a recent bout of loss to drop them back to seventh place on the ladder. While Hawthorn had a bad start to the season, they’ve enjoyed mild success to keep them in thirteenth, and perhaps give them a glimmer of opportunity to strike the top eight barrier.

I hope and predict the game to go down to the wire. Both teams need a win. Both teams will play for the win.

Sydney will win by

7 points
Add CommentsAdd Comments
116
Vote
   


The Gabba Stunner!



The Brisbane Lions pushed, poked, and prodded their way through to a narrow victory over the Pies at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The weather was perfect for perfect footy. An unbiased spectator, I sat amongst the haze of black and white of the Collingwood Army. It was boisterous: every squandered kick, every near goal, every poor umpire call was lamented in tune. When goals were scored and decisions went in favour, the Army erupted.

By the final siren, there was silence. A voiceless array of black and white stripes.

The Lions were relentless. While they only enjoyed a short lead— albeit the one of sole importance—they stayed with fingers outstretched for the entire four quarters. When Didak dropped a sideways footy onto the boot and wobbled it through, Rich went and did the same. When Didak did it again… Rich did it again.

The young blood pulsed through Brisbane like it did in the 2001-2004 Golden Era. When the run came, it came quickly and on fresh toes. When the goals came, they dropped from experienced hands to trusted boots.

Fevola starred in the fourth quarter, with another freakish goal, this time over his shoulder. Brown quelled any doubt that he was recovering well from recent injuries to the lower abdomen. In my pre-match article I said that the big forward duo would have to kick eight between them to win the game. They did just that.

There may be some woe for Johnathon Brown, seemingly being reported for his scuffle with Harry O’Brien. It seems that hair pulling is a popular, but sure fire way, to get the nod to tribunal.

For Luke Power, who enjoyed the win on his 250th game, victory is sweet.

Add CommentsAdd Comments
109
Vote
   


Saints v Crows

St Kilda has fallen short of some of the expectations cast upon them at the start of the 2010 season. With the untimely injury of captain, Nick Riewoldt, the Saints have suffered an unnerving levelling of form. To be a genuine contender for this year’s premiership, they will need to prove their worth as a playing group, and not merely a team that relies solely on the strength and fitness of their star player.



Adelaide, has similarly fallen by the wayside in terms of season expectations. After an exceptional season in 2009, the Crows have only managed to notch two wins on the Bailey in 2010.

Both teams will need to control the game according to their own methods of play. Whichever group manages to do this and sustain it will take the four points.

With their recent experience and dominance, I’m tipping the Saints…

By 24 points.
Add CommentsAdd Comments
96
Vote
   


Traveller Pies fly to Brisbane


Collingwood and Brisbane have had an interesting decade. In 2002 and 2003 they met in the Grand Final—Brisbane taking the flag on both occasions. For Brisbane then, it was the era of the Fab Four—Akermanis, Black, Lappin, and Voss—regarded as the greatest midfield group of all time. Their forward line structure—Brown, Lynch, and Bradshaw—was an unstoppable wrecking force. They were young, they were talented, they were the bench mark.



In 2010, we’ve reached a new era. Geelong has become the new “Team of the Decade”, and Collingwood again are the near favourite underdogs. Many tout them as premiership favourites, or at least worthy contenders. They’re young, they’re talented, they seek to define a new benchmark.

Tonight, the Lions and the Pies come together again. Tonight, there is no Fab Four. Akermanis is at the Bulldogs, giving lectures on group bonding and shower etiquette; Lappin has found a comfortable coaching role at Geelong; Black and Power are fighting on, but their days are numbered. Tonight won’t be won on reputation.

For Brisbane to win they’ll need to hit hard. Collingwood’s list is far more impressive. Their running forwards are a dime a dozen and their defensive line is one of the strongest in the competition. They have pace and skill and an ability to control the ball with mechanical precision.

Brisbane is plagued with injury. Their backline is raw and open to weakness. Their forward line on paper is one of the best in the league, but with drops in form from Brown and Fevola, it’s becoming a wavering standard.



The comeback kings will need to do what they do best: defy the odds. Without at least eight goals from the Brown/Fevola duo, the game will be beyond reach. Collingwood will need to keep their heads level and their inside 50s count.

To be more precise…

Collingwood by 19.


Add CommentsAdd Comments
95
Vote
   


Bulldogs lose bark!

Essendon have quelled any sudden plans for the Western Bulldogs to break into the top four. By a nine point upset the Bombers crashed the party at Etihad Stadium, stringing together their third win on the run.

Final Score—

Essendon: 15.9.99
Bulldogs: 14.6.90

Next week the Bombers take on Sydney at the SCG and the Western Bulldogs meet Collingwood at Etihad Stadium. Preliminary tips: Sydney over the Dons by 10; Bulldogs over the Pies by 5.

Add CommentsAdd Comments
93
Vote
   


One Line Footy

Hi guys,

Check out the following site:

OneLineFooty

I've followed the site for months now and think it's great. I think they stopped running it for a while but it seems to be back on. Get involved-- some of the stuff is really funny and quite catchy.

I think the point of it is to just write one liners about the events of the week, but they do it really well. Have a look at some of the past comments. I hope they continue this now so I don't look the fool plugging it.

Cheers

Add CommentsAdd Comments
78
Vote
   


Who will win the Brownlow Medal in 2010?




The Brownlow Medal is widely considered the greatest individual accolade in AFL football. To win one puts you amongst the best in history. To win two puts you amongst the elite. To win three puts you amongst the untouchables. Two win four... is unheard of.

The honour, usually reserved for the classy and audacious midfielders, is awarded by the field umpires, who designate votes to the best players of each round. The votes are tallied and the winner is announced in the week leading up to the Grand Final.

Last year Gary Ablett, arguably the greatest footballer of his generation, finally accepted his medal for a stellar 2009 campaign.

I'm tipping Lenny Hayes for 2010. He's been in the system for over ten years (around the time Nathan Buckley won his) and has been touted for his consistency and hardness at the contest. This year especially, with the inaction of Nick Reiwoldt due to a serious hamstring injury, Hayes has stood up to St Kilda captaincy and has become an important lifeline, not only in the midfield but across the ground.

Please, cast your own opinion as to who it will be this year...



Add CommentsAdd Comments
96
Vote
   


Port Power v Richmond

I discounted Melbourne last week against the Power and they ended up winning by a point in a thriller in Darwin. Although it’s a bold move, with the chance of being embarrassed twice in two weeks, I’m going to do the same again. Richmond, although showing some strength in form and spirit in 2010, have so far failed to convert their opportunities. I doubt they can do just that this week against a good side in Port, especially at AAMI stadium.

Port by…

13 points.



Add CommentsAdd Comments
94
Vote
   


Cats v Demons

I'll give Melbourne the courtesy of a fighting chance. Having nothing to lose in sport, especially footy, is a powerful motivator. We've seen the theory twice in practice already this year with Carlton thrashing both the Cats and the Saints (last year's grand finalists).

However, the question is whether the Demons will have enough fight and class in them to support their motivated mindset. Although their list isn't as strong as the Blues', they've proven early on in 2010 that they're not just going to roll over and gather priority draft picks, like they've done in recent years.

Geelong will presumably see the meeting as a chance to add to their already impressive for/against percentage. Melbourne can take advantage of this false sense of security.



Their hopes will be bolstered by the news that key Geelong defender, Matthew Scarlett will miss the encounter with a month hindering hamstring strain. Scarlett, regarded by some as the greatest fullback in the history of the game, is an integral component of the Cats' backline powerhouse. Fortunately for Bomber Thompson (and somewhat unfortunately for Dean Bailey), the Geelong list is full of A-grade running backs to fill Scarlett's decorated boots.

Geelong will aim to take control of the game early, using the football on their often commanding terms. Melbourne, who fall short of the Cats' skill and flawless structure, will have to significantly outdo their opponent in effort, tackling pressure, and sheer luck in front of the sticks.

Melbourne getting the win over Geelong will not only stir the overall competition, but will further establish them as a near future finals contender.

However, as the bookies imply (Geelong at $1.04 to win!), the Cats will no doubt come clean with the points....

By....

74 points.

Add CommentsAdd Comments
87
Vote
   


Bulldogs v Bombers

I made the statement last week about the Western Bulldogs being a shoo-in against the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium. Although the prediction bore its own fruits after the Bullies downed the Roos in a controversial 70 point thumping, I won’t be so bold as to make it again this week as they take on Essendon at Etihad.

The Bombers, although clearly a lesser side, will have some grunt in them on Friday night after downing Richmond on the weekend by just under six goals. But will it be enough to take on a team that’s rounding the top four?



It depends on how much, if any, psychological weight the Barry Hall incident last week has fallen on the playing group as a whole. It could make them stronger; it could make them weaker…

It probably won’t affect them at all.

Bulldogs by, say…

36.


Add CommentsAdd Comments
80
Vote
   


Big Bad Bloody Barry

I think "Poking the bear" is the term coined for the Barry Hall incident.

It seems strange that Hall is still playing in the AFL. At a base entry, it wouldn't cost a humble travelling circus too much to snap up the angry ape. Reinforced steel would be a necessity, but the commission made from the display itself would be overwhelming. Scott Thompson could be put in a make-shift birdcage apparatus, which could swing above the bully Bullie.

Brad Scott spoke out and defended his players against Rodney Eade’s attack on their character and integrity as sportsmen. Scott, a former hard knock himself at the Brisbane Lions (with his bash brother, Chris Scott), denies any allegation that he set his players to the task of baiting Barry. But… c’mon. It’s how Scott played, can we just assumed it’s how he plans to coach?



Despite the fact that the incident took much of the attention from the actual play (a number of Kangaroos’ players inclusive), I think the scuffle was good for the game. Especially around this time of year when the NRL is basing its campaign on the State of Origin and the fight culture it promotes, a little biff in the AFL can’t hurt… much.

I say well done to North Melbourne for doing what no top eight team could afford to do, but secretly want to do.









Add CommentsAdd Comments
100
Vote
   


Melbourne v Port Adelaide

If there is another game on, I’m watching it.

I can’t imagine this contest being very contested. In Darwin, where does the advantage lie? Melbourne has somewhat reborn their existence in 2010, but I doubt it will be enough to take down the strength of the Port Adelaide line-up.

It would be good to see Melbourne get up... but

Port Adelaide by 28

Add CommentsAdd Comments
81
Vote
   


Tigers v Bombers

I’m picking this to be the scratch match of the round. There will be blood, there will be contention, there will be glory for the winner, there will be heartache for the loser. There will be footy!

For Richmond to win they’ll need to play like they did against Hawthorne last week: fast, free, and ferocious. I think the young Richmond side has a lot to offer, a lot of excitement. Jack Riewoldt is far more exhilarating to watch than his namesake cousin and, with the maturity and experience of the Ben Cousins inclusion, I’m at a loss as to why the Tigers have blown out to a four dollar upset.



The Bombers, who only have three games to their season, are an up-and-down side who have real potential to choke against a wooden spoon opponent. With their 2010 finals hopes on the line, they have a lot more to lose than the restless Tigers.

If Richmond plays to their strengths and keeps the ball flying quickly over the contest, they should sneak home with the points.

I’m tipping the Tigers to take down their first win of the season…

By ten points.
Add CommentsAdd Comments
65
Vote
   


Swans v Dockers

If Collingwood/Geelong is the blockbuster, Sydney/Fremantle has got to be the Oscar favourite.

I like both of these teams in 2010. Sydney is showing guts and glory in their last hurrah before Paul Roos leaves the coaches’ patch of grass and Brett Kirk hangs up the wobbly boots. Fremantle is proving their unbeatable strength and height… but let’s not focus only on Sandilands.

Both teams should be fresh after six and seven days off the park and both teams should have the hunger, the thirst, the drive, the thrive to put another four point on the Bailey. Both teams are weighted with X factor- the Hill, the Balentine, the Jetta, the Goodes- and the game will hopefully be mounted on excitement and skill, rather than attrition and conventional monotone. I want to see the Pav grab six, to keep him ahead of the Coleman, and Bradshaw (if he plays) get eight, to keep him in the race after that week or two off.



A win to Fremantle will keep them squarely in the top four; a win to Sydney will keep them firmly in the hunt. The general consensus is that Fremantle, like they’ve done in previous years, will burn off early in the season and burn out by the mid-season break. A win against Sydney will certainly confront the consensus. Sydney has nothing to prove—they’ve been a successful club for the past eight or nine years and have the maturity and experience to go all the way if luck falls at their feet in 2010. I think the home ground advantage, bolstered by the week’s announcement of Captain Kirk’s retirement, will give the Swans the slip of the slope.

Swannies by 13.

Add CommentsAdd Comments
68
Vote
   


Roos v Bullies

The Roos and the Dogs take to Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon….

‘Nough said…

Dogs by 60.

Add CommentsAdd Comments
65
Vote
   


Cats v Pies



They’re calling it the “Blockbuster”. It’s shaping up to be the game of the season to date. The Pies—the fresh, fast and fierce contenders—versus the Cats—the mature, mellow and masterful defenders.

Who will win?

Well, the answer is in the animals themselves. For the Maggies to win, they’ll need to fly—swoop on opportunity and attack in the face of intrusion. For the Cats to win, they’ll need to scratch, pounce, and land on their feet.

On paper, the Geelong midfield is simply classier, more efficient, and better experienced. Collingwood’s run will need to come from defence—big Heritier and Heath Shaw have the leg speed and the prowess to keep the ball flowing back into their forward congestion. In the midfield, Dane Swan will need to stack up another big possession game, while Scott Pendlebury, the X factor, will need to wave his wand. The small forward line is Collingwood’s biggest asset. The Medhursts, Didaks, Davises and Thomases need to keep sharp and circle the fly of big Cloke. Although Cloke can’t keep goals—actually, I’ll admit, he is improving— a handy point in the dieing minutes may just be that… handy.



Geelong will have to do one thing and one thing only—play to their reputation. Their list of stars alone— Ablett; Selwood; Bartel; Scarlett; Johnson; Chapman; Ling; Podsiadly— has almost enough depth and spread to take on full squads of twenty two. Fortunately, it’s a list backed by the support of quality secondary players—Mooney, Mackie, Taylor, Byrnes, Stokes, Enright, Milburn, Ottens, Varcoe. If each, or even most, of these luminaries plays to their name on Friday night, they will be all but unstoppable.



Bear in mind when these two teams clashed in 2007 (the year Geelong claimed the flag) and Collingwood dismantled the Cats, running off with an 86 point final advantage.

I think, or at least hope, that both of these inform sides will rise to the occasion. However, I think Geelong—a team that has the capacity to rise, and then rise again— will claim victory of the round nine “Blockbuster”…

… by 25 points.
Add CommentsAdd Comments
96
Vote
   


Judd v Ablett

Gary Ablett Jnr…

Widely regarded as the greatest player of his generation, perhaps in the game’s history.

He’s won MVP awards, premierships, All Australian Selections, Club Champion Awards, and a Brownlow Medal. On the field he dominates possession, slides through tackles, engineers power plays, plots goals from the impossible, and defies the bounds of human limitation.

He’s recently been offered a deal from the prospective Gold Coast team, purportedly worth nearly $2 million a year for five years. It’s more than a lucrative offer, it’s a groundbreaking and incomprehensible indicator of how valuable—almost unattainable—he really is. Through voluntary salary cuts and a thirst for premiership glory, Geelong has been able to maintain its hefty list of stars. Seemingly, the club hasn’t had to dangle too much in front of their players to convince them to stay…

… Until now.



Chris Judd…

Touted for his skill, his strength, his ingenuity, his leadership, his utter dominance in the game.

With a trophy cabinet straining under the weight of countless individual awards and a premiership, he also boasts notches for captaincy at his former West Coast Club and current Carlton Football Club. Those who disregard Ablett as the game’s greatest invariably give the nod instead to Judd.

When Judd’s decision to change football homes was announced in 2007, clubs formed a long line to offer him their golden slipper. With a young and talented list, Carlton enlisted him as their captain at the start of the 2008 season. He is currently the highest paid player in the AFL.




Judd and Ablett are the two greatest players of the modern era. With a year dividing them, their similarities are extensive. Their core strength through their hips and thighs makes it virtually impossible for tacklers to bring them down. Their football minds allow them to generate play, not just accommodate it. Their skill and ingenuity demand much from themselves and little from their team mates. Combined, they would be unstoppable.

And... they’re both bald...

Their differences are also profound. While Judd tends to go after the ball with his body— crashing into congestion and freeing himself with the Sherrin—Ablett often opts to float outside the squabble—circling the pack and pouncing when the ball frees itself. While both men are team players at heart, Judd is a born leader and a commander of his troops. He guides by example and his presence amongst his team-mates is immeasurable. Ablett is larger than the game. For most, skills like his are unattainable; to lead by example would be fruitless, near impossible. Instead, he bolsters confidence in those around him: a safety net when the chips are down and the spark is dimming.



My questions are…

Who is the better player?

Who would you prefer to have in a young team, an inexperienced and fresh canvas?

Who would you prefer to have in an established and successful club—the Collingwoods, the St Kildas, etc?

Is the deal from the Gold Coast enough to stray Ablett’s loyalty to the Cats… and should it be?

At the end of their careers, who will be regarded as the better player?



Add CommentsAdd Comments
51
Vote
   


More Posts
1 Posts
2 Posts
23 Posts
2162 Posts dating from January 2006
Email Subscription
Receive e-mail notifications of new posts on this blog:

Tom Slack 2's Blogs

I have no other blogs :(
Moderated by Tom Slack 2
Copyright © 2012 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]