Chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your questions after Round 2

Carlton isn’t “pathetic” but the Blues have been selective with their effort so far this season, which has led to two losses. Mark Robinson answers your burning questions after Round 2.

Herald Sun sports writer Mark Robinson with the Samsung Galaxy tablet – promo Herald Sun subscription offer. Picture: David Caird

Footy is back and so are the debates about some of the game’s big issues.

From Jack Higgins’ mark review to TV rights and Harley Bennell’s debut, it’s been a huge week of AFL news.

Here are some of the other talking points:

—Shaun Burgoyne’s dangerous tackle on Patrick Dangerfield

—AFL TV deal finalised

—Players take a stand against racism for Black Live Matter movement

Chief football writer Mark Robinson gives his answers to your footy questions.

IS YOUNG SUN SELWOOD 2.0?

Joe: Do you think Matt Rowell will be the next Joel Selwood?

Robbo: Rowell is listed as 178cm and 74kg and Selwood 183cm and 84kg but I’m staggered, looking at the size of Rowell, that he’s 10kg lighter than the Cats skipper. What Rowell has is the same appetite for the contest and similar work ethic. He also has smarts, in that he can find the ball. The next Joel Selwood? It’s a big ask because Selwood is an all-timer, but at the same time Rowell looks special.

Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. Watch every match of every round Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >

Matthew Rowell in his first year. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

Joel Selwood in his debut season.

POWER’S YOUNG GUNS

Greg: Been trying to convince you about the quality of the Port list with the best group of juniors in the AFL. Not many, including you, expect Port to make the eight. While the Crows were not great, Port Adelaide sounded out a big warning to opposition sides and doubting journalists that they are on the march up the AFL ladder.

Robbo: Come on, Greg, blind Freddie’s blind aunty could see their talented youth. The doubt was could Port be trusted and that trust is growing. It’s been a swashbuckling start but let’s be real, they beat Adelaide who were putrid. Let’s hope Port is a contender because their youth and game style is exciting to watch.

CARLTON’S DISAPPOINTING OPENING TERM

Kevin: Why are Carlton so pathetic … again?

Robbo: The Blues aren’t pathetic, their problem is they are being selective with their effort.. To me, they are waiting to see how the game is being played from the start before adjusting their attitude.. It happened in Round 1. It happened on Saturday. It turned around in both matches. The coach will have to reassess how he prepares his players. Be it in the last 10 minutes before they run out, or be it an hour before the game or be it the day before. The players are not hunting or being aggressive.

CATS’ CRYSTAL BALL

Rob: Just wondering if you have changed your opinion on Geelong after their demolition of Hawthorn Friday night. Weren’t you one of the experts that had them on the slide this season?

Robbo: My pre-season ladder had Geelong second. My revised ladder - which all reporters at the paper did on the eve of Round 2 - had them fifth. You have me confused with someone else Rob.

The Cats got the restart off to a perfect start. Picture: Michael Klein

KENNETT’S RELEGATION CALL

Alan: Given Jeff Kennet’s comments about poor performing clubs being relegated and Hawthorn getting smashed by Geelong – do you think relegation is a good idea?

Robbo: Stupid idea. Relegation is not for the AFL. What happens if Port Adelaide, for example, falls $15 million in debt and can’t win a game? Relegate them to the VFL? It won’t happen. It’s odd the AFL hasn’t made any comment about Kennett’s fearmongering.

BLACK LIVES MATTER

Lynden: Do you think it’s appropriate, regardless of the cause, to allow player statements like kneeling for BLM? What if a player, for any number of reasons, didn’t feel it appropriate to take a knee?

Robbo: Have no issue with it, in fact support it. The proviso is the players kneeling is not a token show of support. What will be the ongoing support from players and clubs? Richmond has been heavily invested in indigenous Australia for a decade and clearly you can’t say the same about all clubs.

Players took a stand against racism this weekend.

SHORTENED QUARTERS

Mick: Shortening the quarters is rubbish. A lot of good sides like Richmond do a lot of damage in time on because of fitness and pressure. Why can’t they go back to 20mins plus time on, it has no effect on the fixture?

Robbo: You’re not alone with your thoughts, Mick. The AFL could easily announce today a return to 20 minute quarters plus time-on because it has and will be a level-playing field for all teams. The AFL won’t because the schedule might have to be contracted if COVID-19 strikes again.

MORE AFL NEWS:

Peter V’landys has accused the AFL of making up numbers as code war escalates

Olympic gold medallist and ex-federal Senator Nova Peris has called on the AFL to lift its game in the fight against racism

Stats show footy has remained the same as 2019 despite shortened quarters, North Melbourne are ‘Hawthorn-like’

Originally published as Chief football writer Mark Robinson answers your questions after Round 2