Posted Fri 17 Dec 2010 04:53I agree Brat... as I said, with some "disclaimers!"
In the end, it is about satisfying the "Major Shareholders", the owners of the Television Rights. Thus the growing interchange, the Vid reviews and the Star billings for Umps and "Assistant" Umps on the boundaries. There is also a growing trend towards sanitizing thuggery, why then is it OK for some to clearly roundhouse belly shot for some, and not others.
In the end, they want a fast flowing skillful array of glittering Starlets providing the Super Stars with a platform to exhibit their exceptional brilliances and sheer athletiscism. Brendan Goddard was like a figure tragic such as portrayed by Crowe in Gladiator. Brave, powerful, indestructable, a pillar against the Hordes. And he was! A bit like Aker when Port "snatched" their Flag.
It is a sound approach as the AFL seeks to engrave a niche' in the Modern Arena of electronic subscriptions. It isn't a Cage Fight, or Lingerie Footy, but somewhere betwixt. I am simply hoping this fast paced evolution doesn't bypass the Traditions of a "uniquely tribal" contest that had more than a slim trace of sportmanship and decency.
Will the Franchise arrangements and Gambling create a Monster or Organised Criminal influences, who can really tell. Punting is a traditional Aussie obsession, it is just a little more sophisticated now! So Jockeys, Boxers and Footballers cannot be seen to Bet anymore than Ashes Cricketers or Sub Continental Cricketers can, is a "Career" choice like substance abuse and Heavy Industry Workers. At the game, there is a live stream of odds for the result whilst the game is in Progress, that's a bit like organised caterers selling Condoms at the School Ball huh!
