When looking at some of the off-field indiscretions that players get up to, you have to wonder whether it's a case of someone not knowing when they're on to a good thing -- or whether they're just wired to sabotage themselves.
Take Aaron Edwards for example, a young man with a bit of a track record for mischief. At one stage, Edwards looked destined to become just another suburban footballer; that was until North Melbourne threw him and his AFL career a lifeline. Since joining the Kangaroos, it would be fair to say that Edwards hasn't really set the world on fire, nor done near enough to secure his future at the highest level.
Yet despite being in an already precarious position, Edwards has managed to get himself clocked 38km/h above the speed limit on his way to training -- with alcohol in his system to boot. I'm not a supporter of the Kangaroos, but such stupidity bothers me to no end.
You would think that after being discarded by the West Coast Eagles, Edwards would make the most out of a second opportunity. Given North Melbourne's current lack of senior key position forwards, Edwards had an opportunity in 2009 to cement himself within the senior line-up. He now finds himself out of favour with the club whilst having developing forwards such as Robbie Tarrant nipping at his heels.
North Melbourne have acted swiftly by suspending Edwards for three months, which will rule him out of the pre-season competition along with the first four rounds of the premiership season. The speed and extent of the penalty is a credit to North Melbourne, who could ill-afford any bad publicity during the time of year when the drive for memberships is at its peak.
Whether it's a lack of maturity or a misplaced sense of entitlement, you have to wonder what goes through the minds of some players these days. I don't think AFL players are obliged - or should be - role models, but they should be well aware that they will be in the spotlight and as such their misadventures will not be granted the same anonymity as those commited by the average joe.
For a six figure salary and the opportunity to play this nation's most beloved sport, you would think - especially at the age of 24 - that you would be able to pull your head in just enough to avoid having it lopped off. Like they say though, the problem with common sense is that it's not all that common.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Brisbane Strike It Rich...
With the 2008 national, pre-season and rookie drafts long since completed, why not use this time of restlessness and impatience (the time between now and the beginning of season 2009) to speculate as to who out of the latest bunch might make an immediate impact? Lord knows, the bookies are already taking money on who will be crowned the 2009 Rising Star.
If I had to pick one player to keep an eye on, I'd be leaning towards Daniel Rich. Rich was touted as a certain top three selection for most of the draft lead-up; it was only in the final week when word started circulating that Fremantle were perhaps leaning towards fellow West Australian Stephen Hill. As it panned out, Fremantle did pull the trigger on Hill at #3 and with Port Adelaide, Essendon and Carlton all taking the players they were expected to take, Brisbane were the beneficiaries of the Daniel Rich "slide" at #7.
Brisbane must have been pinching themselves when their first pick arrived on draft day. In Daniel Rich, they have nabbed themselves a ready made player with the physical attributes to take part as early as round one. The reasons for the slide from top three to number seven are believed to be a perceived lack of upside, but I don't buy into such reasoning. Any player drafted carries with them upside simply out of necessity -- if they don't find improvement then they're likely to not make the grade. In the case of Rich, we have a player who sports an impressive skill set who by all accounts has the work ethic required to succeed - and excel - at AFL level.
Brisbane were spoiled for the first half of this decade, sporting one of the most incredible midfields that the game has witnessed. With the likes of Michael Voss, Simon Black, Nigel Lappin, Luke Power and Jason Akermanis playing roles in the engine room, it's understandable why Brisbane had such a sustained period of dominance. With the retirements of Voss and Lappin and the departure of Akermanis to the Western Bulldogs in recent years, Brisbane entered the 2008 draft looking to sure-up its midfield. Daniel Rich will go a long way to providing the mortar for future stability.
Besides all of the proven form and expectations, there is also some reasoning to be found for those people who believe in the more superstitious side of football. The last two rising star awards have been won by #7 picks, with Joel Selwood taking the honours in 2007 and Rhys Palmer in 2008.
If I was a gambling man, I'd be throwing some coin down on Daniel Rich in 2009.
If I had to pick one player to keep an eye on, I'd be leaning towards Daniel Rich. Rich was touted as a certain top three selection for most of the draft lead-up; it was only in the final week when word started circulating that Fremantle were perhaps leaning towards fellow West Australian Stephen Hill. As it panned out, Fremantle did pull the trigger on Hill at #3 and with Port Adelaide, Essendon and Carlton all taking the players they were expected to take, Brisbane were the beneficiaries of the Daniel Rich "slide" at #7.
Brisbane must have been pinching themselves when their first pick arrived on draft day. In Daniel Rich, they have nabbed themselves a ready made player with the physical attributes to take part as early as round one. The reasons for the slide from top three to number seven are believed to be a perceived lack of upside, but I don't buy into such reasoning. Any player drafted carries with them upside simply out of necessity -- if they don't find improvement then they're likely to not make the grade. In the case of Rich, we have a player who sports an impressive skill set who by all accounts has the work ethic required to succeed - and excel - at AFL level.
Brisbane were spoiled for the first half of this decade, sporting one of the most incredible midfields that the game has witnessed. With the likes of Michael Voss, Simon Black, Nigel Lappin, Luke Power and Jason Akermanis playing roles in the engine room, it's understandable why Brisbane had such a sustained period of dominance. With the retirements of Voss and Lappin and the departure of Akermanis to the Western Bulldogs in recent years, Brisbane entered the 2008 draft looking to sure-up its midfield. Daniel Rich will go a long way to providing the mortar for future stability.
Besides all of the proven form and expectations, there is also some reasoning to be found for those people who believe in the more superstitious side of football. The last two rising star awards have been won by #7 picks, with Joel Selwood taking the honours in 2007 and Rhys Palmer in 2008.
If I was a gambling man, I'd be throwing some coin down on Daniel Rich in 2009.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
The NAB Cup Approaches...
We are now just a few weeks away from the pre-season competition -- the NAB Cup. The competition opens with Collingwood taking on West Coast over at Subiaco, after the match was moved from Dubai largely due to the economic crisis.
Collingwood fans were pleased with the match being moved back to our shores, as many felt Collingwood's excessive travel during the off-season may have hindered preparations. I'm sure many opposition fans find this ironic; as Collingwood have been criticised on a regular basis for their lack of travel during the season proper.
West Coast had a forgettable 2008, a year which saw them plummet from the top four to finish the season second last. In the balanced nature of today's game, cellar dwelling - even for a solitary year - comes with its rewards; as West Coast entered the 2008 draft with three selections within the top 20 in what was considered a very strong draft.
Some supporters opt to steer clear of the pre-season competition, as they don't feel it's a clear indication of their team's current standing. Sides have been known to take the NAB Cup less seriously, while others use it as an opportunity to gain some winning form prior to the real thing.
I dare say that the supporters who steer clear of the pre-season competition are within the minority, as five months without football is enough to drive any fan stir crazy. Regardless of the novelty nature of the NAB Cup, it is often an opportunity for fans to view the up-and-coming players within their side, as coaches seize the opportunity to test their untried players in match conditions.
I'm counting down the days until any football returns to the television, as whilst I enjoy following the cricket, nothing competes with the AFL.
Collingwood fans were pleased with the match being moved back to our shores, as many felt Collingwood's excessive travel during the off-season may have hindered preparations. I'm sure many opposition fans find this ironic; as Collingwood have been criticised on a regular basis for their lack of travel during the season proper.
West Coast had a forgettable 2008, a year which saw them plummet from the top four to finish the season second last. In the balanced nature of today's game, cellar dwelling - even for a solitary year - comes with its rewards; as West Coast entered the 2008 draft with three selections within the top 20 in what was considered a very strong draft.
Some supporters opt to steer clear of the pre-season competition, as they don't feel it's a clear indication of their team's current standing. Sides have been known to take the NAB Cup less seriously, while others use it as an opportunity to gain some winning form prior to the real thing.
I dare say that the supporters who steer clear of the pre-season competition are within the minority, as five months without football is enough to drive any fan stir crazy. Regardless of the novelty nature of the NAB Cup, it is often an opportunity for fans to view the up-and-coming players within their side, as coaches seize the opportunity to test their untried players in match conditions.
I'm counting down the days until any football returns to the television, as whilst I enjoy following the cricket, nothing competes with the AFL.
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