Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson says positives were too few in opening round
THE split round and the Roos in the gun, big tick for the Eagles and Jack Watts and a reminder life is bigger than the game.
Mark Robinson
Don't miss out on the headlines from Mark Robinson. Followed categories will be added to My News.
IN THE hotch-potch that was Round 1 — a simple but powerfully symbolic piece of black tape was a reminder that life was bigger than the game.
Melbourne acknowledged Dean Bailey’s passing on Saturday night and, although the result was not ideal, Bailey’s understanding of the game and the players would have prompted a positive appraisal from his good self.
The players went backwards and sideways too many times, they turned it over, they didn’t have a tall forward line and they couldn’t stop Nick Riewoldt, but Bailey would’ve emphasised the positives.
They won the ball. They took on the opposition. They fought and scrapped. And they nearly won.
Positives were too few in the carnage of the opening round.
SCROLL DOWN TO REPLAY ROBBO’S LIVE CHAT
On the field, Collingwood was beaten to a pulp, Carlton shredded over personnel, North Melbourne wimped it, Sydney was supposedly in turmoil and Richmond hate the north more than South Korea.
The split round itself was lacklustre. Those without Foxtel missed the pre-season and then were invited to labour through nine games over two weekends, leaving punters unfulfilled. There was incredible joy at GWS, Port Adelaide and the Bombers, but Round 1 was like watching a blockbuster movie in nine sittings.
Off the field, agendas dominated the landscape.
The Hird saga, which ignited when Tania gave an interview to the ABC as part of a wider discussion of AFL bullying, overshadowed the situation of Bailey.
LITTLE WON’T GUARANTEE HIRD’S JOB
Bailey’s lawyer Chris Pollard told the ABC that the former Melbourne coach was “threatened” if he did not accept a punishment, despite the club being found not guilty of tanking.
“Threats were made that (Bailey) probably didn’t have a great future in the AFL football industry and Dean was concerned with that in terms of financially supporting his family,’’ Pollard said.
Threatened? Bullied? Expulsions?
Pollard’s comments were unsettling. Bailey died of cancer and who knows whether the incredible stress of the investigation and subsequent penalty played a role in his illness. But surely stress isn’t a good bedfellow for cancer.
Let’s not point the gun directly at the AFL, but Pollard’s comments — along with Jeff Kennett and Tania Hird’s on the same program — should be enough to force the AFL to rethink its strategies.
Intimidation combined with manipulated outcomes without transparency is killing the faith in the game.
The AFL’s strategy is wrong. If there is a crime, then let’s hear all about it. Let’s not learn later from those aggrieved that they believed the AFL acted as a standover man.
Chairman Mike Fitzpatrick has to fix the problem because the perception of his organisation is at an all-time low. If Gill McLachlan is appointed chief executive, his agenda must be to change the culture of the AFL. Something has to give. Maybe it is a complete change of leadership, which includes Fitzpatrick.
Maybe the club presidents have to lead the way. I have been critical of Eddie McGuire in recent weeks, but perhaps Ed is exactly the person to say enough is enough, because good people such as Bailey are being forgotten amid the politics.
Scapegoat is a word used by the punished, but I’m not convinced it is without foundation.
And who knows what’s happening at Essendon? Chairman Paul Little didn’t want to comment yesterday about Hird, which means that story drags on for another couple of days.
If he does sack Hird, Little might as well walk himself. He will have done what the AFL probably wanted to happen last August and, funnily enough, can you remember how much Little hated the AFL then?
Clearly, Little has moved on and a sign of his leadership will be whether he can persuade Hird to do the same.
If he cuts Hird, then Little is simply part of the pervading culture that is nothing more or less than catch and kill your own.
‘SUBI’ AGAIN THE HOUSE OF PAIN?
THE flight west for an encounter at Subiaco might once again be the most treacherous in the AFL.
The South Australian teams at Adelaide Oval might yet prove to be the most hostile in the AFL but, on available evidence, Fremantle and West Coast are assuming top billing.
We best be careful assessing the Eagles after last night as the Western Bulldogs were below their usual standard with their pressure, run and field kicking and lacked potency up forward.
They desperately need another key back and key forward. Not for the first time, the Bulldogs will be looking to Liam Jones to be the No.1 man in the forward line.
DOGS’ REVIVAL COPS REALITY CHECK
But last night wasn’t about how pathetic the Bulldogs were, but how frightening the Eagles.
Time and better teams will test them, but the signs were more than encouraging.
Defensively, the Eagles made the Bulldogs inept.
The Bulldogs had seven more possessions, but failed by 65 by points.
Always, it was a crowded Bulldogs forward line and an open Eagles forward line.
The Eagles midfield defended strongly and then burst from half-back and through the midfield.
The Eagles midfield — Rosa, Shuey, Priddis, Selwood, Gaff, Wellingham — are known names, but seemingly have renewed attitude under coach Adam Simpson.
Time and again they ran unaided through the middle and linked up, and time and again they forced the Bulldogs backwards and sideways with their possessions. Picture headless chooks trying to move a Sherrin while being harassed and you get some idea.
Mostly everything about the Eagles was impressive.
The talls — Cox, Naitanui and Sinclair — monstered Will Minson, the defence led by Glass, Hurn and McKenzie especially (22 possessions, 12 marks) were dominant, and then we get to the forward line.
They had ample opportunity — inside 50s were 59-37 — and used it.
They play a tall forward group, a supposed third tall in Jack Darling (four goals) and Mark Le Cras played mid/forward and returned 27 possessions and five goals. They are devastating numbers.
The Eagles will get greater opposition, but unlike last year, they might be ready to combat it.
The Bulldogs would be desperately disappointed.
The goodwill built up at the end of last year is already forgotten.
Pace was an issue, defensive running was an issue. It meant the Eagles too easily found space, and then they had players running in numbers. It was a stampede, and the Bulldogs were trampled on.
Redemption is a must in Round 2, which is against the Kangaroos, who will be looking to redeem pride themselves.
LIKES
1. The skippers
Joel Selwood, Jobe Watson and Nick Riewoldt put on master classes and it’s not about who was better than who. But even the revered Michael Voss was in awe of Selwood’s performance against the Crows, describing Selwood as incomparable to anyone else in the AFL in terms of will power. Watson can’t be far behind, and poses an even more dangerous threat as a forward than Selwood. And what of Riewoldt? There have been far bigger games, but this meant plenty.
2. Mark LeCras
A knee injury robbed him of a year of football at a time when he was entering the star realm. HIs 27 touches last night were his best return since his 28 versus Gold Coast in Round 11, 2011, and that’s also consecutive five-goal hauls. He was superb up one end as was Eric McKenzie up the other. The search for the new Darren Glass is well and truly over.
3. Liam Shiels
Released from a run-with role, Shiels just might be the pop-up midfielder for the Hawks this year. Had 21, kicked two and laid eight tackles to be one of many outstanding Hawks against the Lions. Has kicked three, 11 and seven goals in each of his past three seasons, but would not surprise if he pushes 25 this season, which would create yet another offensive option for the premiers.
4. Jack Watts
Has Roosy unlocked the factor inside the former No.1? The Dees had some solid players, including Jones, Tyson and big Jake Spencer who nailed 100-plus Super Coach points in what must be a career-first. But the most telling was Watts. Just the one tackle and five contested possessions in his 27, but he took on the game with flair and confidence. His best position? Who knows, but perhaps he becomes the Mr Fix-it: Defence, mid and forward line.
WATTS MIGHT HAVE TO ANSWER DEES’ FORWARD CALLS
5. Quick wit
As Jonathan Brown lined up for goal number three in Tasmania, it was revealed he was about to jump ahead of Footscray’s Simon Beasley and Essendon’s Simon Madden in total career goals, which followed Dustin Fletcher overtaking Madden on Friday night for total games at the Bombers. Then this from Mark Riccuito on Fox Footy: “Simon Madden has had a bad weekend.”
6. Phil Davis
Inspirational from the co-skipper to continue playing after receiving a knee to the kidneys, which required intensive care treatment. Anyone who wants to see how much it took out of him, have a look at the picture he put of himself on twitter yesterday. He is white and gaunt. Hope he gets back this year because he deserves some luck.
Feeling much better so thought I'd try and do a runner with @cocoadl #noluck #selfie #hospitalband #thanksforsupport pic.twitter.com/iK4spsAH3m
— Phil Davis (@phildavis_1) March 23, 2014
7. Umpiring
Don’t know if it’s Wayne Campbell or Hayden Kennedy — or both together — who masterminded the overhaul of interpretations and philosophies, but it is overwhelmingly welcomed. They pay obvious free kicks and still protect the ball winner. Noticeably, players who throw their arms in the air looking for a free are ignored, players are not pinged for marginally hanging on to players after a tackle and bodywork by forwards and defenders is not being disadvantaged. Not a surprise that free kicks for Round 1 were at their lowest totals since 2004.
FREE KICKS PLUMMET TO 10-YEAR LOW
Honourable mentions: Tom Hickey’s tackling, Breust and Roughie, Stevie J in the midfield, Chappy, Dustin Fletcher with the ball on the siren, Curren, Saunders and Newnes for the Saints, Yeo’s 10 tackles and, of course, Bob Murphy in his 250th.
DISLIKES
1. North Melbourne I
Don’t ever be so silly to say Round 1 means nothing. The Kangas stunk. Worse, Jamie Macmillan told SEN Radio on Saturday they had been planning for the Bombers for three months. Lack of simple one-on-one footy was stark, being beaten by almost 50 in the contested ball was embarrassing.
2. North Melbourne II
Lack of leadership was most telling. When Essendon went chip, chip, chip from back pocket to half-forward, the leaders didn’t marshall the troops, nor did the coach in the box. This is not about Brad’s Scott assessment of the players, but the players’ assessment of each other. Ziebell, Wells, Bastinac, Cunnington and Dal Santo should be brutal in the review, if they haven’t been already.
3. North Melbourne III
Picked them to finish top four, but top-four sides don’t put in that sort of performance. Good sides don’t waiver in their attack on the ball. Good sides don’t let Heppell take 16 uncontested marks, don’t let Hooker take 16 uncontested marks, don’t let the opposition take 159 uncontested marks. Seriously, there is no shame in losing, but there is when you lose like that.
4. Comparisons
Luke Dunstan had a magical start to his career and is everything which he showed in the pre-season: Smart, hard and driven. But there is a penchant to go over the top with praise. His former coach at Woodville-West Torrens, Michael Godden, naturally is thrilled with the debut and likened aspects of Dunstan to Hall of Famer Greg Williams. It is the second player to be referenced to the all-time great. Some at the Blues have christened Patrick Cripps ‘’Diesel’’ because, they say, he can extract the ball like Williams. Dunstan has played one game, Cripps hasn’t played at all, and Williams won two Brownlows and a Norm Smith and was ranked in the top 10 players of the previous century.
5. Taking the advantage
It often works, but sometimes it doesn’t. Players want to move the ball so quickly, they immediately pick up the ball and they are set upon. Beau Maister did exactly that after Nick Riewoldt won a free kick in the final quarter, but Maister picked up the ball and lost it almost straight away. Surely, you have to look before you leap.
6. Guthrie whingeing
It’s a tough game and players such as Patrick Dangerfield will cop it. Indeed, it wouldn’t shock anyone to learn that Chris Scott told his players to hit Dangerfield with everything they had. Guthrie got the job and manhandled Dangerfield who just happened to be on the wrong end of 50-50s. It doesn’t mean those in South Australia, led by Graham Cornes, can demand a royal commission.
7. Tom Rockliff
Rate this bloke highly, and liked the way he tried to get in the face of Sam Mitchell. But, no, swipes to the guts behind play is not on. Reckon he will get a week for it.
BEST TWEETS
@wildebeestz: Like: Chappy/Fletcher/Reiwoldt — class veterans Dislike: North. Same strip as bananas in pyjamas and played like them
@LaurenceRosen: Like: Martin Gleeson. Silky despite his light frame. Dislike: North Melbourne. Need to bounce back.
@DemP_9: Like: Saints young brigade showing fight Dislike: One-way footy from North Melbourne
@SimonLeonNMFC: The splits round hurts as a Roos fan.1 week of abusing Pies, Blues and Tiger fans really backfired #bringonrnd2
@FeleppaDaniel: Dislikes hird talk is annoying me. Likes joe daniher, chappy, ambrose and of course bobs 250th
@wominator91: the future for the @brisbanelions looks bright as pushed the premiers all the way yesterday ! was great display
@js_kay: like family tradition
... Seems fitting when Fletcher broke Madden record blokes named Watson & Daniher were significant too
@martydownunder: DISLIKE: Journos who interpret what someone says rather than reporting what was actually said.
@GFargy17: Dislike: Waiting until 7:40 on the second Sunday to see my team play! Joke!
@vaughanwhite: dislike u doing likes/dislikes before doggies have played but I’ll take a gamble and say my like is crameris 7!
@EllertonMathew: Been saying 18mths now,dislike Scott’s coaching at North,road to nowhere,he has to go
@MercurialMattyV: Dislike: Tania Hird, James Hird, Pretty much all Hirds. Like: GWS beating the Swans (still).
@RyanSmithAu: dislike: the somewhat dirty tactics on dangerfield. like: wins from both GWS and the Suns!
@Bundyking11: Like: Youthful exuberance of the young bombers and umps letting the game go. Dislike: Kangaroos intensity
@sainter1966: Likes: St Kilda and Essendon winning while playing 3 debutants. Dislikes: People trying to talk down the game
@ShootFlexo: Like: Fletch. Dislike: The media whingeing about Hird getting airtime, despite being the ones talking about it
@robmccasker: I’m sure I’m the only one who tweets Tania Hird as a dislike
@JLyall5: likes: Watts’ composure and elite ball use. Dislikes: split rd 1 format. It just doesn’t work #feelslikenabcup
@Specialgrant: Dislike Kangas Sochi Winter Olympics finished weeks ago while we practised downhill skiing worthy of gold
@PaulJRaymond: like the hawks play fairly scrappy footy and kick 139 points. Dislike overreaction to R1 results #LongSeason
@jwrightgiant: I’m still drunk from last Saturday’s win over the Swans. Can we throw in a mention for the mighty @GWS_Giants
@rhettrospective: Like: Sandy Roberts back on TV. Dislike: He didn’t broadcast a game
@JonoLagonik: DISLIKE — Kangaroos 2nd tier, poor from atley, McKenzie, McMahon, Gibson, Bastinac. Key to their improvement
@marty67: Dislike: As a Bombers supporter the uncertainty of where the truth lies in the Essendon Saga
@ShanghaiTim: Like: Love watching the new kids run around! Tyson, Dunstan, Aish, Langdon, Zac Merrett etc — exciting stuff!
@c_kennedy23: dislike: North all talk no action yet again
@FeathertopDT: Dislike: been said a million times but $2.50 for a tray to carry your beer in at Etihad is pathetic.
@Porternator: Like: Big Jono Brown kicking 4 goals Dislike: That he is still the major target inside 50 for Brisbane
@Twiggyflow: I LOVE Jimmy Bartel. I’d let him have a crack. Also like that my Cats are still showing a bit
@JohnnyClark83: Farren Ray is a like. Underrated for too long.
@GeorgiaLove71: Like: the brilliant games from 3 captains — Selwood, Watson & Riewoldt. Dislike: North Melbourne — really poor.
‘In games we give up’: Flag hero savages Dons as board war looms
‘We are no longer feared, we’re certainly not respected’ – Essendon premiership player Paul Weston has had enough. He tells MARK ROBINSON exclusively about his plan for change.
‘We’ve got champions who are zombies’: Mitchell’s plea for help
Last Monday, at just 58, Barry Mitchell was lying in Epworth Hospital wondering if the game he loves had almost killed him again. This is his confronting story the footy world needs to hear.