AFL Online

North slam door on Majak

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:35:49 +0000

Majak Daw has been suspended indefinitely by the Kangaroos today for what they say to be “breaching team rehabilitation protocols and behaving in a manner unbefitting of the club’s culture and expectations”. The up and coming rookie who made headlines yesterday for declaring he would be likely to miss the NAB Cup series after a [...]

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AFL GF vs Superbowl

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:59:45 +0000

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Stacks up

BEFORE we get into the AFL season, as in live, breathe and sweat every detail (will Jonathan Brown really play in the NAB Cup?) there is for many, the small matter of Monday morning in Indianapolis.

It's the Super Bowl, the 46th version of the biggest event in American sport and the closest thing the Americans have to an unofficial public holiday. Certainly, there isn't much else doing in the US while the big game is taking place.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/128575/default.aspx

Pretty good read about how the AFL Grand Final stacks up against the NFL Superbowl. No doubt the Superbowl is a worldwide spectacle going live to so many countries in the world.

The ticketing factor is pretty substantial, we all complain about having less and less access to Grand Final tickets each year (and rightly so) but the fact is club members still get access even if it's limited and you can get tickets for around $300 for a seat. Superbowl being $900+ makes it purely a corporate event. Sadly this is probably where the AFL is heading.

Demons name new co-captains

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:46:40 +0000

From http://www.afl.com.au/news/newsarticle/tabid/208/newsid/128530/default.aspx

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MELBOURNE has placed its leadership in the hands of youth, appointing youngsters Jack Trengove and Jack Grimes as co-captains for 2012.

Trengove will enter the record books as the youngest ever full-time VFL/AFL captain. He will be 20 years, 211 days when he plays in round one against the Brisbane Lions.

The 22-year-old Grimes has played just 32 matches in four injury-interrupted seasons and will be one of the least experienced captains in history in terms of games played.

Trengove has played 37 games since his debut in 2010.

Now I know Brad Green wasn't the best captain last year for various reasons, but this seems like a very bizarre decision.

As co-captains you have a 20 year old who hasn't even established himself as a regular contributor, and another guy who can't seem to stay on the park. Doesn't really scream "leadership" which I think the Melbourne club needs. On top of this, Green has been dumped from the leadership group altogether - that will do wonders for his confidence.

I think this is a huge mistake by the MFC. Trengove needs to focus on his footy and doesn't need this extra pressure of being captain - especially with all eyes on him now Scully has left.

I think keeping Green for another year would have been the best choice, with Jamar being a decent second choice. Let the kids play footy and worry about leadership later in their career.

Thoughts?

West Coast�s Embley suffers setback

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 00:32:05 +0000

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West Coast Eagles veteran Andrew Embley suffered an injury setback at a closed training session on Friday morning which could sideline him for three to six weeks leading into the new AFL season.

The incident occurred during a match simulation drill at Patersons Stadium, with the 2006 Norm Smith medallist suffering a subluxation of the right shoulder that is likely to keep him out of the NAB Cup pre-season competition.

While the injury will be closely monitored in the coming days, it is anticipated Embley will be ready for the start of the season proper.

http://www.sportsnew...fl-setback/3795

Should be right for round 1 but as teams really start to wind up into round 1 it's not an ideal time to get injured thats for sure.

North Melbourne name Swallow as captain

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:02:32 +0000

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ANDREW Swallow has been named North Melbourne captain after the Kangaroos ushered in a new generation of leaders at Aegis Park on Friday.

Swallow, 24, replaces Brent Harvey, 33, North's captain for the past three seasons, while Jack Ziebell, 21 later this month, was announced as a vice-captain alongside Drew Petrie.

I think Swallow was the obvious choice, Jack probably a fraction too young. Well done to Booma, I would have been happy for him to keep captaincy till he retires but I'm sure he'll be mentoring Swallow anyway.