Bone’s beef: Why are fans seeing red over Toby Greene’s marking contest
STOP the outrage, hold the hysteria, answer the question first. What did Toby Greene done wrong? Chris McDermott says nothing. And the AFL’s Match Review Officer Michael Christian seems to agree.
STOP the outrage, hold the hysteria, answer the question first, what has Toby Greene done wrong?
The GWS star has been the topic of conversation since the Giants impressive win over Sydney on Saturday and his three-goal cameo that played a big part in the victory.
Greene returned after a lengthy absence to inspire his team to week two of the finals but it was the way he did it that had the football world talking.
Greene used his foot in several marking contests to fend off opposition players and allow him to mark the ball, but many fans did not like it.
It was not the extension of Greene’s leg that offended most but the force in which he did it.
It is not an act the game sees much of but it is not illegal.
Some were calling for him to be held to account when MRO Michael Christian handed down his findings on Monday from the weekend’s matches.
He wasn’t, with the AFL ruling Greene’s contentious “kicking” motion was not of sufficient force to warrant action.
“Toby Greene has been cleared of contact on Nic Newman. Before the ball arrives, Greene extends his leg and pushes player Newman, before completing the mark. Force used was below that required for a charge to be laid. No further action taken,” an AFL spokesman announced.
Greene did as many have done for decades.
My instant recollection is of the great
My instant recollection is of the West Adelaide great Peter Meuret doing something similar to Sturt legend Michael Graham at Adelaide Oval, when he marked in the middle of the ground and used his boot to fend the Double Blues speedster off.’
doing something similar to Sturt legend Michael Graham at Adelaide Oval, when he marked in the middle of the ground and used his boot to fend the Double Blues speedster off.
No-one complained. Nothing to see.
It is the same here and unfair that Greene should be subject to any witch hunt that could impact on his finals preparation.
Former MRP member Nathan Burke holds a different view and says Greene should be held to account for an act “we don’t want our kids to be doing”. He added, “In soccer, you’re sent straight off the ground”.
Correct Nathan, but it’s not soccer.
The game and the rules are not the same.
Show me the rule that says Greene can’t do what you’re asking him to be penalised for and Ill concede. Until then, let him play within the rules.
The question should also be asked, if it wasn’t Toby Greene, would there be any discussion at all?
Remember Greene has faced similar scrutiny for a similar offence against Western Bulldogs Luke Dahlhaus just last season.
It is worth remembering on that occasion Greene’s action was not in a marking contest but after receiving a handball and Greene was hit with a fine.
The weekend’s incident is completely different and must not be used as a comparison.
Greene does divide the football community as some players do but he is without blame on this occasion.
Michael Christian has made the right call for the game and for Greene.
We’ve had enough off-field controversy this year. It’s finals time, let the game hold centre stage for a few weeks.
Please!