wait, wait, wait … just watched the Sunday Footy Show highlighting how they blocked Cripps at every centre bounce.
I mean, COME ON. If that sort of treatment doesn’t warrant a rule change I don’t know what does.
So the ball is NOT in play, there’s NO actual contest yet, in some instances the location was more than 10 metres away from where the ball was about to be bounced, and the opposing player did NOT have eyes for the ball.
So if you take your eyes off the ball and look at your opponent for a split second in a marking contest it’s a free every single time.
Also an instant free for “blocking” if the player’s path to a marking contest is impeded.
Why is that treated differently?
Of course, nothing new here - has been happening for years, and not just to Cripps. McCrae is portrayed as the good guy but I think this belies his Sheedy- or Clarkson-like approach to pushing things to the limit. He was even astute enough to make Pendlebury the blocker knowing he’s an ump favourite who has the footballing IQ to disguise the blocks.
Which brings me to Pendelbury’s last centre clearance - did he or did he not head straight for the boundary line? Great observation from one commentator that doing that is win/win. If the ump pings him for “insufficient intent” it gives them time to set up behind the ball. If the ump is too gutless to make the call it’s a throw in just far enough away from goal.
Williams coped two umpiring clangers early and fans spent the next four quarters blaming him for everything, he wasn't that bad.
Walsh left Daicos free unchecked in F50 in the critical game ending final moment, and fans are silent!
I’ve watched that play over and over - seems to me that Cera might have also stuffed up. Tried to be too cute in picking the ball up but spent it early and blinked, fumbled it upwards which is exactly what you don’t want in those tight packs. Lost control and it was swatted forward straight into Daicos’s path. That’s being harsh, I know, but sometimes it comes down to chaos and luck.
In what Fkn situation, when momentum was with us, is the only player close enough to put any pressure on Jeremy Cameron (the most dangerous opposition player).... Jaxon Binns.
Yep. My TV barely survived that one.
Further to that, doesn’t matter which player of ours it was, why the hell were they 3 metres away? For god’s sake, if anyone should have a player’s hand placed on their chest by way of tracking their position in space and time, it’s Cameron - especially when the game’s on the line in the last few minutes.
Probably not a great idea to talk tactics in an interview but Curnow would only have to do it once or twice and the opposition would see what's going on. and be aware.
No point whingeing about the umpires although it’s hard not to. One that has me befuddled is the 50 against Harry for moving off the mark. If the umpire called “Stand” before Cripps came in to take over the mark it certainly wasn’t audible on the commentary.
And, for what it’s worth, the ball bobbled off Henry’s chest as it crossed the line. Only a few centimeters of “air time” but you’re telling me they don’t have camera in all 4 posts? At the MCG?? In 2024???
Everything about that loss was nauseating. From the predictability of it all, to the haircuts on the Adelaide players, to the unbridled joy in the Foxtel commentary box.
Frustrated as well though, of course. Hard to know what to say. Probably should have been more vigilant with regard to the opposition’s 5-6 goal run-on interstate which has been our Achilles heel for years now.
Coleman cut us up in the second q but I guess that’s what separates the top few sides from the rest - a lesser name player will often step up catching coaches and tacticians unawares.
Such a stupid sized ground. No wonder Brisbane are unbeatable at the ‘Gabba but useless at the G. I fear for next week’s outcome.
Our youngsters in Hollands and Motlop played with composure and therefore skill, above their years. Congratulations young men. As for Blacres.....he's our new cult hero. Mr Clutch 👏🏼
I think a few people on this and other fora owe Motlop an apology. After being rightfully dropped mid-way through the year he has been pivotal, I think, to the turnaround. Don’t know who has been coaching/mentoring him but his forward craft and Eddie-like pressure has improved through the roof. Yes, he made some blunders in the last q last week but it’s not easy to come on as sub late and slot into the pace of the game (which just goes to amplify Ollie’s maturity and composure). He got caught twice holding the ball against the Swannies but they (Sydney) are a phenomenal tackling side thanks to their access to rugby specialists.
Many amazing moments where our blokes showed poise, discipline and heart in adversity. Just one critical example - Weitering's brilliant risk to shift play late in the game with a rocket to Hollands, then Hollands' smart kick to Doc and with his crook shoulder took the overhead mark and attacked the goal face. The rest is inspirational history. A great moment.
That WAS the moment. If it wasn’t for the Spanish Soccer Federation I would have invaded the field to kiss Weits on the lips after the game.
