Re: Patrick Smith Blasts Carlton
Reply #10 –
Ah, Mr Smith... another to join the long queue of kicking Carlton when we are essentially in ICU.
The bottom line is that even with our "best" side on the park we struggle to be competitive against the bulk of the other sides. I think Friday's result drove home to the AFL that there are other clubs that contribute in a serious way to the bottom line and the old adage "a strong Carlton is a strong competition" rings true. With the next TV rights deal coming up you can bet that more demonstrations of the segregated competition will not help procure the best deal for the AFL.
The interstate clubs (WA, SA) are money making machines... the others get propped up by the AFL from monies generated by the successful Melbourne clubs and having a traditional powerhouse in the cellar for an extended period really bites the bottom line.
After watching Melbourne score, and largely squander, concessions I can't see how we will get a priority pick but gees if any club ever needed one we do. Giving us a pick for Waite last year was an obvious means to assist and I reman staggered that this did not eventuate...
I think the anti-Carlton stance from the AFL has already waned a bit - how else did we score so many marquee Friday night timeslots? I await with interest to see if the position continues to soften as our on and off-field positions become increasingly parlous.