AFL Football State of Origin - Part 1
I will start with a quote from football historian Mr John Devany and most of the AFL football public would agree and I certainly do.
“Some of the state of origin contests which took place during the 1980’s constituted arguably the finest expositions of the game ever seen”.
The AFL have decided that on May 10th 2008 they will celebrate 150 years of Australian Rules Football with a game between Victoria and “The All Stars” or “Dream Team“. The announcement of this game has brought with it some high profile abuse towards the AFL. Most notably Graham Cornes and West Australian Graham Moss.
For all you state of origin supporters out there you are going to enjoy these series of articles. At the end of this article you can revisit one of my most memorable state of origin days in a short video.
Let’s start with a bit of State of Origin history:
Ablett’s career in doubt
Well, is it happening to Geelong again. Another Ablett this time God’s son Nathan has walked out on Geelong asking the leadership group for exemption from pre season training because of “extra pressure”. Is this just a coincidence that it comes at the same time that his father Gary Snr’s new book and all his past issue’s come out again. I am sure the players and officials will do all they can to support him.
Nathan has always found it hard to come to terms with the fame and fortunes of an AFL star, it must be difficult when your father is God and your brother is already becoming a superstar if he isn’t already one. He was very reluctant to join the Cats in the first place and one wonders if he has every really enjoyed everything that comes with playing AFL Football. In an interview that he did with the Herald Sun’s Mike Sheahan in mid-march proves my point,
“I don’t want to put footy first in my life. There’s more important things,”
I just don’t think it will be beneficial for the Ablett or the club if they try to persuade him to come back. If he really doesn’t want to be there then it may be more detrimental to the club and to him.
Ablett debuted in 2005 and only played 11 games in 2 years until this year where he kicked 34 goals in 21 games ad was Geelong’s second highest goal scorer. It is a shame to see a player with this much talent in this position.
Should Neitz Captain Melbourne in 2008?
In my opinion No. New Demon coach Dean Bailey has expressed his intentions for David Neitz to stay on as captain of the Demons in 2008. He says Neitz will make the decision on whether he wants to remain captain or not. The demons are in a perfect position to groom a captain while Neitz is still playing at the club, a path that Essendon took when James Hird stepped aside while he was still playing. For one of the younger players to learn from such a respected player and person as David Neitz would be priceless, just as Matthew Lloyd and James Hird did.
And given the Demons are celebrating their 150th year next year as well, what a better way start the next phase of their history than to have a new captain. Neitz will no doubt put the clubs best interests as top priority and do what he thinks is best for the Melbourne Football Club.
Kangaroos 100-1 to stay in Melbourne
Shinboner of the Century, Glenn Archer has admitted that the Kangaroos are realistically looking at permanent relocation to the Gold Coast. Archer who is a key figure in the James Brayshaw’s led “Stay in Melbourne Group” is realistic but I hope they don’t give up their battle, it would be a great shame to see a club with 138 years of history in Melbourne gone.
The Roos met the AFL on October 31 and were given 30 days to decide whether the club wanted to be based in Southeast Queensland by 2010. Brayshaw, Archer and the rest of the Stay in Melbourne team will not leave any stone unturned in their battle to keep the club in Melbourne and rightly so.
Archer has said that he can understand the AFL’s position but he is not prepared to let his club’s history and tradition in Melbourne be surrendered. When Archer speaks people tend to listen. I love these two quotes from him
“I totally understand their position, but it’s North Melbourne and I would love to see it stay here.” and
“(The AFL) know what my feelings are”
It’s like him saying to the AFL, I understand where you are coming from but Stuff You this is my club and we are staying here!.
I just reckon the pull and profile that James Brayshaw no has in the media and business circles they might just survive which for all Kangaroo fans and football fans in general would be great to see.
AFL keen to restrict interchange rotations
Although the AFL decided against any rule changes for the 2008 season they are very keen to limit the number of interchange rotations. Throughout next season the AFL will be conducting detailed studies to determine whether there is a link between the increased speed of the game and fatigue and collision injuries. It is believed the Laws of the Game Committee is concerned about the number of interchange rotations, which has increased by a massive 241% since the 200 season. It is pleasing to see that the AFL will conduct some in depth testing into this situation and not just change this rule because the Laws of the Game Committee don’t like what is happening.
I am glad they have decided not to bring in a change in this rule for next season, I really don’t think that after the contraversial hands in the back rule they would want any more supporter abuse. Speaking of the hands in the back rule they also considered ammending the rule to allow incidental contact, which I reckon some umpires brought in by themselves last year anyway. This would make an even bigger grey area in the rule which is all we need. Keep it “Black and White” is all I can say.
The AFL will not trial the new interchange rule during the NAB cup but they are going to persist with the rushed behind, and calling play on from kicking backwards (which sould be brought in!).
Kangaroo draftee Levi Greenwood the new Glenn Archer ?
With pick number 32 in this years AFL National Draft, the Kangaroos secured a Port Adelaide young gun Levi Greenwood. Yesterday this young man recieved an accolade that most in AFL player circles would crave. He has been likened to Glenn Archer “Shinboner of the Century”, this is big wrap on a first year draftee. Going on his size and shape, weighing in at 93kg and standing 181cm tall, few could argue. But it will be the on field actions that will determine whether he is capable of filling the shoes of the retired Kangaroos hardman. If he can even get close to Archer’s hardness and be as intimidating then it will will be great to watch.
Coach Dean Laidley is quietly confident that all his draftees in Greenwood, Blake Grima, Robbie Tarrant, Scott Thompson and Josh Smith can have an impact in 2008. He is probably in a better position with his draftees than other clubs because they have picked up guys that have big bodies that will be able to withstand the contest of senior AFL Football.
Thompson and Greenwood look like they may get their career started down back, which will give a bit of much needed run. While Tarrant and Smith are more than likely to see themselves up forward, something that the Kangas definitely need.
Having made it to a Preliminary Final in 2007 and adding the new faces and also re drafting Blake Grima expect the Kangaroos to have their eyes fixed on the top 4 again in 2008.
AFL set to suspend it’s stars
The AFL have said they are going to ban players from playing the following week after the Victoria vs Dream Team game if they are selected and refuse to play in the game.
The game is to be the showcase of the AFL’s 150 years of Australian Rules Football celebrations and reiterates the fact that the AFL want, and need this to be a success or else they leave themselves open to never ending critisism. The understanding is that if a player is selected and then becomes ineligible he will not be able to play for his club the next week. There has to be some sort of middle ground for the situation where a player has a legitimate injury.
Considering the backbone of the side will be made up from the All-Australian team of 2007, Geelong is set to have about 7-8 players from their side playing in the game, look out if a couple of them go down with an injury and can’t play Richmond the following week. But with Mark Thompson as coach it will be interesting to see how he handles his Geelong players during the game.
Is this it now for Ben Cousins?
Anyone that saw A Current Affair last night, would have choked on their dinner in disbelief! How can A Current Affair put a story like this on air? This must be the worst piece of journalism a have seen in a long time! The footage showed him in a Gold Coast hotel room partying with his mates. Cousins was sitting at the table with his mates, gets up walks in between his mates and bends down over the table, the reporter says he was holding his nostril. This reporter had been camped out in a hotel room opposite Cousins spying on him!
He is now just a private person and a member of the general public, how can he be expected to get on with his life with programs like A Currrent Affair reporting on this rubbish!!!!
Cornes labels “All Star” game an absolute disgrace
Prominent South Australian football identity Graham Cornes is “molten with rage” after the AFL’s decision to hold a Victorian vs The Rest game as par of the 150 year birthday celebrations. Comments like this would only come from a perocial South Australian wouldn’t they?
I was listening to an interview he did and he came out with comments like “players would be embarrased with the jumper which would look like a lollipop netball guernsey.”
The best one though was “They are supposed to pull it on with pride. I wouldn’t spit on it,” he said.
He cannot honestly believe that if the AFL get 80,000 people to the MCG on May 10, which they will do easily provided the players and clubs are supportive of the game which from all reports they are, that they will only be there to watch the players wearing the “Big V”.
I for one will be eagerly awaiting how the “All Stars” Team shapes up, there is nothing surer than them wanting to SMASH the Vics ! which will be definatley reinforced by coach Mark Williams. On the flip side the Vic’s wanting to prove that we are the best footballing state in Australia, and with Kevin Sheedy part of the coaching team, there will be some old school state vs state talk thats for sure.
The AFL announches Victoria versus All-Stars game
Is this the rebirth of state of origin football? Well I hope so, there was nothing better than watching the old Victoria vs South Australia or Victoria vs Western Australia clashes. This will be a much anticipated match from all AFL fans. It’s a great decision from the AFL and I hope that all the players and their clubs are supportive of the game. There is nothing better than seeing the best of the best showcase their talents and maybe even a it the old fashioned biffo that we used to see.
The game will take place during the first mid season break on May 10th under light at the MCG. Mark Thompson has been named coach of Victoria and Kevin Sheedy will make a comeback to the coaching arena as his assistant. On the other side will sit Mark Williams, with Neil Daniher as his assistant.
Big man Jonathan Brown has been already named captain of Victoria while Andrew Mcleod has been name caption of the “Dream Team”.
The squads should be announced by Round 3 or 4. As Victorian Coach Mark Thompson said the game is in Round 7 so the players are not really ready for a break anyway so they should be all made available, and from what the AFL have said they have has a great response from the players, coaches and clubs.
Lets hope this type of game becomes a permanent fixture.
Go the Vics.
