Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your footy questions
If thousands could gather in the CBD for a protest then it’s only a matter of time before crowds are allowed back at the footy and Mark Robinson believes fans will be back in the stands very soon.
Mark Robinson
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Our last weekend without footy is now complete and the season’s restart in only days away.
Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your burning footy questions ahead of the season restart on Thursday night.
Ross: Thoughts on the Port Adelaide prison bars debate?
Robbo: Allow them to wear it in Showdowns and Showdowns only. Collingwood brings plenty of money to the game — no one should forget that — and they have an agreement with the AFL. But once a year for a team who wore the black and white bars for 125 of those years is a reasonable request.
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Travis: What are your thoughts on marquee players? Does it give clubs like Richmond with Dusty a bigger advantage over other clubs?
Robbo: Don’t really understand your question. Simply, the more marquee players the better the team. If you’re asking should they be paid outside the salary cap, the answer is no. Ricky Nixon floated that idea 20 years ago and while it is a worthwhile discussion, it makes little point to have a salary cap if you’re going to pay players outside the cap.
Alex: Gill did a good job, but the AFL in general is not progressive enough. It bows to the old fashion traditionalist and this behaviour won’t get the game anywhere. For example, a night Grand Final this year would be temporary. Why? It should be permanent. It seems big changes are too hard for the commission. This whole attitude is pulling the game down. Living interstate, it’s easy to see AFL faults — slowness, to hesitant, too cautious etc. The scary thing is it could be their eventual downfall.
Robbo: Downfall? You’re kidding Alex. Most people want a day Grand Final anyhow. The delicateness of being both progressive and traditional is a constant issue, and sometimes the AFL leans heavily both ways. The game is in reasonable shape, so don’t mess with it.
Greg: Why, in these times when there are no crowds, do the AFL continue to favour the so-called marquee teams over the so-called lesser teams? When sponsorships are essential for all teams, we have teams who get no exposure on free to air television. How are these teams expected to attract sponsors?
Robbo: Fair question, but the networks also have a strong discussions with the league about Thursday and Friday night slots, so it’s not only an AFL thing. Am keen to see how the 6.05pm game on Sunday rates. This week it is Saints v Dogs which is a huge game. Could be a winner I reckon
Troy: The bookies have listed the Dees firm favourites to beat the Blues in Round 2. I think it’s an even money game. The Dees had real troubles generating goals in Round 1 and would need to improve their movement forward significantly to beat anyone of substance. Thoughts?
Robbo: One of the intriguing games of Round 2 and the outcome for the loser will prompt plenty of discussion. Demons still an unknown and Blues were no match for Richmond for the first two quarters. Think I favour the Demons.
Ben: Jumping the gun here but for the record, who will make top 4 this year and who wins the premiership?
Robbo: Richmond, Collingwood, West Coast and GWS. Selected Richmond at the start of the season and no reason to change that tip. That said, have changed my top four from the start of the season. Brisbane, Bulldogs and Cats out. Pies, Eagles, Giants in.
Peter: Do you think there will be fans at the Grand Final this year?
Robbo: Yes. I reckon we will have fans at the footy inside three weeks. If we can have 20,000-plus gather at public protests around the country, it’s baffling why the same, if not more people can’t gather at a footy ground.
Luke: What trades are you making in SuperCoach?
Robbo: Will get on to that today. Any suggestions? Have Nic Nat and Tim English as my rucks. Happy with Nic Nat, not so happy with English after Round 1.
Tash: What happens to the Perth teams if the WA government doesn’t lift border restrictions in a month?
Robbo: The AFL would likely ask the WA and SA teams to remain in the hub for another month, with hopes the government opens its borders during this time. It would then allow those teams return home and have a run of home games. If the borders do not open, the likelihood is eastern seaboard clubs would be required to fly to WA, do their 14-day quarantine and then play matches.
Al: Will the AFL get a TV rights deal done in time?
Robbo: In time for what? The start of the season? There’s no real deadline other than it would be preferred to be signed off sooner rather than later. They will get done. Both sides positioning at the moment, although it would seem the pressure is on the AFL more than the networks.
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