Welcome to the second installment of my Weekly Bite. The week has been one that has not raised as many issues as before being the split round but here is my top and bottom four for this week in Football.
THE TOP FOUR
1. ROUND 14 SAINTS VS. CATS – Both sides remain undefeated going into round 13 of Football. Geelong play host to Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium while the Saints encounter Richmond at Etihad Stadium. All things going well both teams should enter the round 14 clash still without a defeat which is the AFL’s dream. Despite the game not being played at the MCG it sill will be the biggest game of 2009 to date. Who do we think will take a victory away in round 14 and remain undefeated?
2. LIAM JURRAH – Another exciting debut in season 2009 with Jurrah having his first run for the Demons against Essendon. Really enjoyed his game and especially his first Goal in senior footy. Could have easily had a couple more. Showed a lot of poise and also class with his skills. Definantly one to watch in the coming years.
3. NATHAN BUCKLEY – Will he, wont he, will he, wont he. The speculation on Nathan Buckley coaching in 2010 is beginning to hit fever pitch with everyone talking up his prospects and what job he will take. Buckley has been in America furthering his coaching credentials for a tilt at one of the jobs on offer. Where will Buckley be in 2010 and will he be ready to coach at senior level?
4. BRENT PRISMALL – The ex-cat has made a successful return to AFL football after a knee reconstruction towards the end of 2008. In my eyes was always unlucky not to get more games down at the Cattery. Showed that he has the ability to run in the midfield with a very solid game Friday night for the Bombers. Got a lot of the ball and used it well throughout the night. Really happy to see this guy doing well.
THE BOTTOM FOUR
1. THE MITCH MORTON KICK – I am beginning to become increasingly annoyed with the Mitch Morton style of set shot. The opening of the angle and then snapping the ball through the Goals. I understand this can work well for many players but on Sunday I witnessed two Geelong players try this style. Tom Hawkins successfully and Gary Ablett not so. My point is guys like Gary Ablett have great skills and do not need to use this set shot style to kick for goal, so please don’t. I am sure Gary Snr had some advice for his son after the set shot.
2. UMPIRES – Don’t get me wrong I love when the umpires start to let the play go more and pay fewer free kicks. If this is going to be the case however can the umpires ensure that consistency is across all games and also both ends of the ground? Case in point was Fremantle vs. Geelong, too much inconsistency, if you are not going to pay them all day fine, but don’t then pay them late in games. What do we all think of the new relaxed umpiring?
3. SPLIT ROUNDS – The idea of the split round is beginning to wear thin with myself and many others in the Football community. I like the idea of teams having a break but why can’t it happen on the same weekend? This year has justified to me why I don’t think the split round should happen. Three games in the second week with no games at the MCG on a Saturday. An odd split that will advantage and disadvantage many clubs in this week coming. If the split round is to continue it needs to be a proper 4 and 4 split or just a straight out by. Why not in the by week showcase the TAC cup?
4. JACK WATTS – Unfair the criticism that is being leveled at young Jack Watts of the Demons at the moment. I understand he may look like a boy playing amongst men but surely that is a problem with the club and selectors and not the player himself. I would agree he probably should not be in the senior’s side as he has many other commitments during his final year of school (I and many others understand the pressure). If he is happy to play senior football and the club selects him I have no problem with that but I do have a problem with the level of criticism by Demon supporters especially.
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