Taking AFL for granted can be a costly mistake

With Will Denton
THEY say the AFL season is a touch too long. And judging by the performances of a few sides this week, it seems ‘they’ might be onto something. As we strap in for the penultimate round of regular footy, several observations are blindingly obvious.

Firstly, a few teams decided that clinching a top 2 spot isn’t really that important. I’m looking at you Adelaide and Collingwood. Got a wee bit carried away did we? Thought you would just rock up, have a bit of a kick to kick and look forward to a massage from that hot physio after the siren? Yep, both the Pies and Crows had handy leads, supreme confidence and two home finals within sniffing distance. Unfortunately when you take the foot of the pedal and leave the hard stuff to your mate in any circumstance (tandem bike riding included) you will inevitably come unstuck.

It must be said though, the Kangaroo side that totally dismantled Collingwood after quarter time, were hungrier and more selfless than Buckley’s mob, and are now well on the way to having a big impact in September. Collingwood now faces the prospect of a marathon flight to Perth and a West Coast team – that if they can stop the attempted manslaughter of their own teammates – might actually be able to field a decent squad. Luckily there were no witnesses viewing the match versus Port, so no charges have been laid.

Adelaide will have to front up against the might of Melbourne, fresh after an official AFL win over the Giants. Apparently the AFL is investigating this ‘just to be sure’. Sydney look like they don’t want the season to end at all, as they simply toyed with the Dogs before casually going on to score their biggest score in five years. The win sees them perched firmly atop the ladder and looking like making it all the way to the big dance. Freo have snuck into the 8 this week after punishing Richmond for using the most pathetic war cry to rev themselves up before the do or die clash -‘YOLO’. I know most groovy kids are into social media in a big way but seriously, leave it out. I had more respect for you, Richmond. Nek Minnit…

Lastly, have to mention the Blues total annihilation of their best mates, Essendon. It was more than embarrassing for the Bombers as they meekly surrendered not only the match, but also the 2012 season. Ouch.

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