8 - ZIP

[tweedaletomanning]

The EPL analogy is a good one because, while the AFL isn't nearly as unbalanced as that, there are obvious inequities that supporters of the "lesser" clubs consistently have to deal with.

I've noted this before, but on the day of 2010 GF1 we were facing a club with not only infinitely better training facilities and game-analysing resources but one that had been favoured by the season's fixture (fewer interstate matches and a slew of home-ground matches leading into the finals). We had an ex-player (Ball) in the opposition team after his manager scared off other suitors (a case of possible draft tampering that the AFL showed no willingness to investigate). We also had a player (Baker) who in the lead-up to the finals had been suspended for 9 matches -- an exceedingly dubious penalty that a more powerful club might have challenged successfully (if indeed such a severe penalty had been applied in the first place).

We drew the match. And most likely would have won it if we'd enjoyed Collingwood's training facilities, their soft fixture, and their intimidatory power over the AFL.

Exactly!

[The Fireman]

Maybe if we brought back capitol punishment the Umpires would we a little more considered in their decision making.

Personally I would have booked front row for a public flogging.....s*** happens.

[Old Mate]

The umpires had a poor night however 'they' are not corrupt. However the AFL is corrupt in the fact the the draw is favourable to the organisation and not the individual teams to ensure maximum revenue in Fat Cat's back pocket. The game has lost a lot of integrity since he's been the CEO IMO.

[kosifantutti]

There was an OOF. O'Brien's kick after THAT free went straight out. But this isn't included in the free kick count.

Our two frees were the deliberate against Shaw and a high tackle on Dal.

I thought most of the Pies frees were there but if you are going to ping Jimmy for holding the ball you have to do it to Brown (twice) and Blair in similar situations.

And if you are going to ping Jimmy and Milne for arm chopping and mark interference then you have to give the two to Kosi right in front and one to Fisher in the last minute

[dragit]

Good point, I was thinking of the deliberate call when I said it was the field umpires call… not OOF.

[MCG-Unit]

Now the salary cap. I thought they lost an AA because of it. Who did we lose in all our time at the top? Ball and that was only because we decided to get Lovett. Are we cheating as well? It must be fun going to the footy thinking the umpires will cheat and so will the AFL. Me well iprefer to just watch the game and think we can win at anytime.

Of course you do... That's because you are an ignorant fool! ( nothing personal)

Tell me where did Davis end up?
Anywhere? His manager was so incompetent he couldn't strike a deal with anyone?

Where he (Davis) ended up has nothing to do with him leaving because they didnt have the money to pay him. How come you didnt answer my question? Did we cheat as well?

What I heard on Leon Davis (not just from the media) is that he was on about $200k - and wanted around $300k. Think he or his manager may have called the offer an insult. Collingwood held their ground, and no-one took him in the drafts.

Davis foolish and/or poorly advised IMO - now probably getting $60k - $80k in the WAFL. Coll did the same with Jack Anthony. Mid-range players can price themselves out of a contract, even if there is enough in the Sal Cap.