THE GAME HAS CHANGED
A.F.L football has massively changed over the past generation. Until around the mid nineties the game was spectacular and honoured the three pillars of its foundation- high marking, long kicking and the often classic one on one duels. The latter in particular captivated crowds along the way the drop kick, torpedo punt and stab pass have disappeared. So too has the likelihood of century goal kickers reappearing. No more may fans be thrilled by a Coventry, Coleman, Lockett and the host of centurions. As Tony Lockett said not so long ago, “people and players, gone from this life, who lived prior to 1990, if they came back today, they would barley recognise the game they loved”. He might have added that rugby, soccer, cricket, tennis etc would still be very much as they have been down the ages. At its beginning the Aussie game had ten rules- the ten commandments of the code-today the rule book must be as thick as the bible.
The two modern era greats, Shane Crawford and Andrew Mackie, pictured at an Assumption game in 2011, are glad they played when they did- 1992 to 2008. Shane (ACK) was a Hawks champion and won the Brownlow Medal in 1999. Andrew starred for the Cats over a long period.
Why today’s version needs four umpires is hard to understand. Friends of mine ex VFL and AFL umpires John Harvey and Mark Prince shake their heads in disbelief. Today’s games can be exciting if the scores are close and the top sides are playing each other, but one-sided clashes between lower half teams soon lose viewers’ attention. Of the 2025 clubs Collingwood, Geelong, Brisbane, Bulldogs probably go closest to the way today’s game should be played.
FOOTNOTE
I’m glad Bulldogs have extended Luke Beveridge’s contract for two more seasons. He’s a good coach and a good man from a fine family line. His grandfather Jack Beveridge played 148 games for Collingwood before going to coach Hamilton in Western Victoria. Whilst there he sent son John (Luke’s dad) to Marist Brothers College in Mt Gambier.
THE FUTURE
Phoebe Litchfield (20) and Sam Konstas (19) are destined to be super stars of the game. Phoebe, from Orange in NSW grew up playing cricket with the boys. A brilliant hockey player as a teen she opted for cricket and at 16 debuted in the WBBL. Now she is already well established in the national team. Sam Konstas thrilled the packed MCG last Boxing Day with a blazing innings against India. He should have been in the Aussie XI at Lords for the world test title clash but George Bailey and his co selectors never adopt a bold approach. Sam, along with Josh Inglis, Jason Sangha and Cooper Connolly must play in the coming Ashes series.
SAFA HERO
It has been hailed as one of the truly great innings of Lords history. South Africa’s hero Adam Markram received an almighty standing ovation as he left the field after his fighting 136 in the world test final which sank hot favourites Australia. The “rainbow” nation is a tough troubled land, and its cricketers paid a pittance compared to Australians, are tough men steeled in a harsh environment. The Lords crowds were certainly pro South Africa. If England can’t beat Australia, they cheer for anyone that can.
MICK JAGGER
Legendary Mick (now Sir Michael) Jaggar is pictured at the recent world test title clash South Africa versus Australia at Lords. A lifelong cricket fan. His all-time heroes are Denis Lillee, Michael Holding and Denis Compton. Mick loves Australia and will be here for the Ashes battles next summer.