Can the Cats win the Flag?

[mexican]

Well, the only thing stopping me from supporting Geelong is the fact they are a Victorian team. If you people from Victoria could maybe take a step back and see how the commentators and other media think about the AFL, you would really understand how non Victorian teams feel about it.

AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRKKKKKKK
AAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKK
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRKKKKKKKKKKKK
Bloody crows!

 

[Duckman#72]

Some quick research shows that the first football playing club in Victoria was formed in 1858, being Melbourne. Port Adelaide was formed in 1870, before St Kilda (1873), Essendon (1873), South Melbourne (1874) and Fitzroy (1883). Collingwood was a very late comer, being found in 1892! Norwood and Sturt, some might say being precursors to the Crows, were formed in and 1878 and 1891 respectively. West Torrens loosely formed in the 1870's. We have the history. So I will argue that one!

Wow Prospector!! You certainly love your team!!

I guess I should clarify a point....I have teams that I can't stand as well....see Brisbane/Collingwood/Carlton...but I just don't base it on State lines. I think every State's supporters are arrogant and up themselves to a certain degree. I just fail to see what is driving the hatred towards Victorian teams.

Your argument supporting Port Adelaide is a perfect example. I never said SA didn't have any football history. You certainly do - but as far as VFL/AFL history for interstate teams it is 20-25 years.

I know all about Ports history. It is wonderful for them that they started playing in the SAFL in 1870 - a rich and very successful history - but the SAFL wasn't the premier Aussie Rules competition in Australia then and it isn't now.

Hi Rafa - don't you like the idea of the interstate teams subsidising the weaker ones?? I thought a Labor comrade such as yourself would like the commo aspect of that. All for one and one for all. Think of the competition as........ a Union.

As long as the AFL is working with each club to gain financial independence - some handholding is OK with me. At least its not like the NRL where every club needs handouts to survive. I also agree that further dilution of Melbourne clubs is needed. BUT I think it should be done through relocation - as per Fitzroy and Swans.

I will be barracking for Geelong this weekend - partly because they haven't won a flag since 1963 and secondly because I can't stand Port. (Not because of State lines!!)

Duckman

 

[Prospector]

So you think I barrack for Port do you! Nope, I am a Crows supporter club member. My hubby worked with the Crows for several years!

You see, my point (and RAFA's too, obviously) is that none of the Victorian teams had any AFL History UNTIL the Interstate teams joined to form the AFL. If SANFL history can be deleted, doesn't count or whatever, then ditto to the VFL history. The Vics try to have it both ways - they ignore the WAFL, SANFL and TFL prior to the creation of the AFL, but refuse to even entertain that their history too, should be likewise deleted; or, all included (a more preferable option). I dont hate the Victorian teams because they are Victorian, but if I do dislike a team it is because of what that team represents to me. Its just that, well actually, Geelong is really the only Victorian team that actually appeals to me. But what I do detest is the collective Victorian assertion that 'because of our long history we are the best' mentality that pervades the Victorian clubs. And that is what the non Victorian people HATE about Victorian teams. And a case, as I have outlined above, is flawed but perpetuated by the 'establishment' - AKA AFL commission.

And dont get me started on Collingwood - why, tell me why, does Collingwood have so much power? I know, its bums on seats but one day, the rest of the AFL teams will grow some, er, footballs, and start to demand equal rights to the Anzac Day fixture, home ground preferences, gurnseys etc etc. Why dont all the clubs just stick together and demand it? I just dont get it!

I do actually like Geelong; Ablett, well, I just like watching him play in those tight little shorts and if it wasnt a South Australian team playing; I would be barracking for them. Even against a team from another state (especially West Coast who are another peeve of mine)

 

[Duckman#72]

So you think I barrack for Port do you! Nope, I am a Crows supporter club member. My hubby worked with the Crows for several years!

You see, my point (and RAFA's too, obviously) is that none of the Victorian teams had any AFL History UNTIL the Interstate teams joined to form the AFL. If SANFL history can be deleted, doesn't count or whatever, then ditto to the VFL history. The Vics try to have it both ways - they ignore the WAFL, SANFL and TFL prior to the creation of the AFL, but refuse to even entertain that their history too, should be likewise deleted; or, all included (a more preferable option). I dont hate the Victorian teams because they are Victorian, but if I do dislike a team it is because of what that team represents to me. Its just that, well actually, Geelong is really the only Victorian team that actually appeals to me. But what I do detest is the collective Victorian assertion that 'because of our long history we are the best' mentality that pervades the Victorian clubs. And that is what the non Victorian people HATE about Victorian teams. And a case, as I have outlined above, is flawed but perpetuated by the 'establishment' - AKA AFL commission.

And dont get me started on Collingwood - why, tell me why, does Collingwood have so much power? I know, its bums on seats but one day, the rest of the AFL teams will grow some, er, footballs, and start to demand equal rights to the Anzac Day fixture, home ground preferences, gurnseys etc etc. Why dont all the clubs just stick together and demand it? I just dont get it!

I do actually like Geelong; Ablett, well, I just like watching him play in those tight little shorts and if it wasnt a South Australian team playing; I would be barracking for them. Even against a team from another state (especially West Coast who are another peeve of mine)

Hi Prospector

No I knew you were a Crows supporter - it's just that we were talking about Port. I knew a classy lady would be above barracking for Power Sorry if I offended you.

I completely agree with you about Collingwood. Way too much influence!! Although it is a pet hate of mine that clubs have to have an away guernsey anyway. It is a money making concept only. Please Brisbane get rid of those terrible white ones - go back to the Fitzroy jumper as the alternative strip.

I can understand the frustration of the 14 clubs that are not involved in the ANZAC Day Clash. However I temper the statement by saying that the AFL commission has made it clear for a number of years that it expects clubs to become financially independent and show some leadership and innovation when it comes to marketing and financial matters.

The ANZAC Day clash was initiated by Essendon and Collingwood on the back of an idea by Kevin Sheedy. The same might be said of "'Dreamtime At the G" another Essendon initative with Richmond. In a couple of years time will other clubs want to play "Dreamtime" games? I love both those concepts because I get to see my team play (guilty as charged)......but can the AFL really say "Well done Essendon, well done Richmond, you have built a wonderful concept here...next year we are going to have Fremantle and Hawthorn playing the Dreamtime game"? In football terms surely the AFL needs to reward the clubs "going for the ball".

We might just have to agree to disagree about the SAFL part. The VFL expanded into the AFL......it wasn't the SAFL or TFL or WAFL that morphed into the AFL. But that doesn't make the history of football in those states any less important.

Hope Gary takes out the Brownlow. He's been great all year. Mrs Duckman also thinks Gary looks good in his shorts (along with Ben Cousins).

Duckman

 

[chops_a_must]

The ANZAC Day clash was initiated by Essendon and Collingwood on the back of an idea by Kevin Sheedy. The same might be said of "'Dreamtime At the G" another Essendon initative with Richmond. In a couple of years time will other clubs want to play "Dreamtime" games? I love both those concepts because I get to see my team play (guilty as charged)......but can the AFL really say "Well done Essendon, well done Richmond, you have built a wonderful concept here...next year we are going to have Fremantle and Hawthorn playing the Dreamtime game"? In football terms surely the AFL needs to reward the clubs "going for the ball".

Well, yeah. Freo for instance has the Len Hall Memorial Game and the Purple Haze game, which the marketing department builds off. I can't see what is stopping other teams from doing the same sorts of things...

 

[Prospector]

:bier: to Gary winning the Brownlow; tis nice to see Buckley out of contention; He was born in Adelaide SA, in case you didn't know : Did you know wikipedia said he was born in a shed? No wonder he thinks he is, well, almighty!

I think Chad Cornes might be in with a chance too; being blonde and all that, (and can play good footy) but he also does mouth off a bit - but then so did Akermanis.

Will be so exciting to see what the Ladies will be wearing - ; as long as McLeod's wife has had some counselling as to what not to wear! All good!

 

[Rafa]

Duckman,
you like the idea now of a commie AFL system...??? drafts, priority picks, salary caps... i guess if it helps your victorian clubs, then who cares about principles...

infact, team sports in general are something that runs contrary to right wing ideology... where its all about the individual. If poeple work as a team, you can always to much more than as a bunch of individuals...

john howard certainly has no idea what a team is... hence he refused to hand over the reigns for the good of the party just last week...

Ah... but lets not get politcal in this thread!

 

[Duckman#72]

Duckman,

Ah... but lets not get politcal in this thread!

Good idea Rafa...I think we've gone a bridge too far.

 

[>Apocalypto<]

After seeing them struggle against the Pies and lack of finals experience, i think port will win by 20+

 

[Rafa]

Good call Duckman

Geelong were immense at the stoppages on Friday night, specially in the third and fourth quarters... they attacked the ball in waves... it was poor/nervous finishing that kept collingwood in the game.

Port did the same to North, but Geelong have stronger bodies than North...

Its incredible, both have had one solid no hold bars hitout... (Port against Eagles, Geelong against Collingwood).... and one easy game against the Roos... they are 1-1 in the minor round too... both winning away from home!

i think the key battle will be the rucks/stoppages and whether Port can adequately replace Wilson

 

[robert toms]

As a Crows supporter,and not exactly keen on Port Adelaide (they were always bad losers and even worse winners),I would be a bit worried if I were Geelong...Port match up much better in the ruck than Collingwood did and I believe they have more goal kicking potential than Geelong.If Port win a lot of us will have to temporarily leave the state...it will be unbearable!
I hope Andrew McLeod wins the Brownlow...I had a little tiddle at 66/1.

 

[godzillaismad]

Well guys, who would you choose: King or Blake?

After yesterday, I'll choose King but for Blake, he will be devastated to miss out... so what's the go?

Also, Playfair for Byrnes?

 

[YELNATS]

Well guys, who would you choose: King or Blake?

After yesterday, I'll choose King but for Blake, he will be devastated to miss out... so what's the go?

Also, Playfair for Byrnes?

It's a pity that Blake has lost a bit of the form he was in a few weeks ago. But I'm not sure if King can turn it on just for one game and what role would he play vis-a-vis Ottens?

At least Ottens and Blake have an understanding of their roles, but I'm not sure about the Ottens and King combination?

As for Playfair replacing Byrnes, you're talking about two totally different players, one a tall key forward, Playfair, the other a small running forward/midfielder, Byrnes. I wouldn't meddle with this, I'd leave Byrnes in the side as I think they'll need his pace against Port.


Should be a great game, but the Cats would be suited on the MCG.

 

[mark70920]

The only team I despise as much as Collingwood is Port Adelaide , thank god Geelong won on weekend or for the first time I would not have watch the Grand Final. Unfortunatley I believe those Port scum will win but I will be barracking for Geelong.

I'm from WA I don't have any VIC SA bias, just hate the arrogance of Port supporters (only match by the Pies supporters)

Freo all the way in 2008

 

[Prospector]

I dont find Port supporters arrogant at all; aggressive and abusive, some are bogan, but arrogant - nope. Yes, thank God Geelong won - imagine the bun fight as to what collingwood would allow Port to wear!

Has Ablett had a hair cut? He looks really different - I want his long scruffy locks back.....

 

[Bluesky]

Well done to Jimmy, won by 7 votes and missed the last 2 games with an operation. Now all the Cats need is the Cup this weekend and it will be a cleansweep.
The rising star award, 9 all Australians, the Brownlow and hopefully the Cup to cap off a super year.

GO CATS

 

[mexican]

Well done to Jimmy, won by 7 votes and missed the last 2 games with an operation. Now all the Cats need is the Cup this weekend and it will be a cleansweep.
The rising star award, 9 all Australians, the Brownlow and hopefully the Cup to cap off a super year.

GO CATS

Don't forget G.Ablett voted player of the year from all coaches. Jimmy you legend!!!!!!!!!

 

[Bluesky]

Oops forgot that, Gazza deserved more than what he got. Both should have it. Hopefully this year is the start of the Geelong Supremacy for the next 5+ years.

Just imagine how many votes he would end up with if Gazza and Corey didnt take many votes off him. Plus the 2 missed games.

What a Champ

GO CATS

 

[nomore4s]

Hopefully this year is the start of the Geelong Supremacy for the next 5+ years.

GO CATS

lol, getting a bit carried away now aren't we? They've still got to win this year yet.

Just remember how bad the cats were last year, they could fall apart very quickly. Recent history shows it's hard to keep a strong team together for long and dominate for long periods, think Bombers 2000 & Carlton 1995 both teams dominated the season like Geelong have this year but fell away very quickly after that.

Good luck for Sat, I would love to see Geelong finally win a flag

 

[mexican]

Oops forgot that, Gazza deserved more than what he got. Both should have it. Hopefully this year is the start of the Geelong Supremacy for the next 5+ years.

Just imagine how many votes he would end up with if Gazza and Corey didnt take many votes off him. Plus the 2 missed games.

What a Champ

GO CATS

Gazza has to keep his mouth zipped with the umpires, then he might get one!


GO CATS