Ask Robbo: Mark Robinson answers your burning football questions from Round 13
The Bombers have gone four rounds without a victory and no one appears capable of winning a game off their own boot. They need Joe Daniher more than ever, but is there a chance of him staying at Tullamarine?
Mark Robinson
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The free kicks awarded to Richmond pair Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin caused a fierce backlash from opposition supporters.
Acting for a free kick may not be in the spirit of the game, but is it a stretch to consider it cheating?
However, it’s adding to the pressure the umpires are under.
The Tigers, meanwhile, added to Essendon’s woes last weekend and Bombers fans are wondering who is capable of stepping up.
Mark Robinson answers your burning Round 13 questions.
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ANGRY TIGERS
Tony: The Tigers are fast losing all respect in the football world Robbo, don’t you think? Do you believe they are not representing tough and fair football code?
Robbo: They’ve been angry, but who isn’t? They would feel the football world is against them, but they could use that as an Us v World mentality. I haven’t lost respect for Tigers, but they are an interesting watch.
CHEAT SHOT
Joe: With the MRO citing Grimes and Vlastuin for what was, in effect, cheating, should the AFL reverse the result of those frees which would leave the game as a draw? Wouldn’t that be the fair result?
Robbo: No. That’s ridiculous. And it’s not cheating to act for a free kick. Countless players do it every week by their dropping or thrusting themselves to get a free kick. No one likes it. Overt acting needs more than fine, though.
DANIHER’S FUTURE
Steve: Most sides have a star or two that you can look at and say, ‘This bloke is going to drag his team over the line’. Essendon has one guy that can win them games off his own boot and that’s Daniher. How can Essendon convince him to stay or do you think he’s already out the door?
Robbo: I really don’t know JD’s future. They say he’s really invested in hub land, but what does that mean? The Bombers need him because, you’re right, matchwinners are scarce at Tullamarine.
LAY OFF THE UMPS
Carmel: Hey media, can you please talk about the way the game was played not umpired. Enough of Tom Lynch and potential reports and controversial free kicks. Tell us about how the game was won or lost by the players. Who played well and who didn’t. What the coaches could have or should have done. I am expecting a full editorial on the coin toss soon.
Robbo: Fair call, but umpires and decisions have been high on the agenda because of change of interpretation. I’d like to think the media covers all aspects of football.
SECOND CHANCE FOR PADDY?
Leigh: Pending being ready for a return to footy, should Collingwood chase Paddy McCartin?
Robbo: Yes. And any other club needing a key forward. But there is a risk. Medical would need to be ticked off. His aspirations determined. And his salary would be below average. Baby steps first with Patty.
CADDY WHACK
Joe: Has a change in position for Josh Caddy haltered his career, it was only two years ago that he kicked 46 goals playing as a forward.
Robbo: That was two years ago. He’d still be in the forward line if he deserved to be and he would be on the wing if he deserved to be. The coach dumped him and the coach knows his players better than anyone.
PLAYERS TAKE OWN RISK
Wayne: A number of AFL players don’t wear mouthguards during games. I would have thought them mandatory! After all, aren’t we trying to protect the head?
Robbo: Not mandatory. Protecting teeth and protecting the brain are separate issues. If a player is foolish enough to play without a mouthguard, that’s their issue. I don’t really care to be honest, Wayne.
BOMBER DAN
Ben: With the current state of the once mighty Dons’ recent lack of success, can we really afford to have Dan Andrews going around telling people he is an Essendon supporter when he is such an embarrassing failure?
Robbo: Have a lie down, Ben