Footy's Back

A collective groan is heard across the nation as many of us gear up for AFL Season 2016 and the first bounce at the G tonight when Carlton get ready to take on Richmond for the traditional season opener.

But as I get my stats sheet ready I see the following news article on my favourite stats page:

Chris Yarran has shrugged off criticism of his physical condition this pre-season after being labelled "his own worst enemy" by former coach Mick Malthouse.

Malthouse questioned Yarran's dedication, saying he "hasn’t quite got that knack of being a great professional in regards to coming back and being ready to play".

"I don't pay too much attention to it to be honest … everyone's got different opinions about it," Yarran said.

"At the end of the day, the only people that matter are my close friends and teammates.

"I'm always happy with my shape."

Chris Yarran is at Richmond now, no thanks to Mick. And Mick has been assigned to irrelevance now, no thanks to his outdated game style and a rough-and-ready collective that wasn't keen to play for him.

OK so Malthouse has the all-time record for the number of games coached and played in an illustrious career that saw flags as a player and coach, but many (myself included) will judge him on how his career was finished at Princes Park.

OK so Yazz isn't ready for the season opener. Big Deal! Many of his team mates and his colleagues across the League are in the same position for various reasons! Mick's not slagging off about them (or is he?)

Let's just get on with the footy, ignore the irrelevant, and we'll see who's there at the pointy end when we tune our TVs to the local channel and our radios to Roy & HG for the Festival Of The Boot once again!


peterg
24Mar16

AFL Home & Away Round 1: Carlton 2.8 9.10 9.13 14.20 (104) def Richmond 3.0 7.0 13.3 13.6 (84) at MCG 25Mar11

I won't pretend to claim this as my own - a good mate over in WA caught the game and gave me his take on it (which I've emended): 

Both sides faired very well. Tigers attacked like a bunch of adolescent males seeking the alpha status amongst the pack. The youngsters such as Jack (JR) Riewoldt put a message out and yes, they will not be trifled with in front of goals. With late last season, a pre-season, and the 1^st round of 2011 JR proved himself to be a serious forward, the consistency between seasons showed me discipline and a drive that is well behooved of all young players . 

The Blues fought back with style and grace that adorns any veteran side, they out shone the young'uns in both he 1^st and 4^th qtrs. The only downfall for the Blues was the  stoppage of their run in the 2^nd and the sheer dismissal of their midfield in the 3^rd. Where were they? Where was reigning midfield champ? Yes, you know the one I mean!

The 4^th was a different story. Mr. Ratten must have broken the whip on some ass in the break after the 3^rd because those boys came out firing, which they should have done half a game ago to show these kiddies how to play footy. But they didn’t, and because of that they only just got away with a win.

Gooooooo ball!

Signing out

SV