AFL – the most brutal game in the world?

By Will Denton
MUMS around Australia are currently considering legal advice after some of the most brutal, sickening and downright stupid injuries ever compressed into one weekend of footy. It was like watching one of those American montage videos of people copping horrific pain, with the same commentary after each one i.e. ‘Ooohh that’s gotta hurt!’

What’s even more amazing is that Jonathon Brown managed to play out a game unscathed, as his Lions overcame a Suns outfit that will probably be without Gary Ablett for a few weeks; after we found out that even the Son of God can get a bung knee.

Amongst all the carnage, there were some pretty significant results. Freo managed to overcome a Saints side that were still dirty about Ross Lyons departure, not because he walked out on them, but because he took the lunch room TV remote with him and its been stuck on SBS ever since.

Carlton clearly underestimated Essendon and you could be forgiven why. An injury list longer than War and Peace, a looming mid week ANZAC clash with the Pies and James Hird’s hair now doing the press conferences. Somehow the Bombers made the Blues look ordinary and beatable.

Hirdy’s mob are undefeated along with the Swans and the Eagles who, despite not managing to kick a goal in the first half, got up in a thriller over the Hawks. Even though only 10 goals were booted for the match, it was a gripping game and a snapshot of what it will take to win the flag this year.

A quick turnaround this week as ANZAC day is on Wednesday, and unbelievably it’s Essendon that will go in favourite. The Pies, still with the ghost of Mick hanging over Nathan Buckley, will be keen to silence a few critics and keep the wolves at bay. Freo host Carlton in another Friday night blockbuster, and so it rolls on. Man, footy is so good.

Is AFL the most brutal sport around? Tell us below: