Jack Anthony, you're the man!!!

Long-time readers — I'm sure there are some of you out there — will know that I am a devoted Bombers man. I hope you would also realise, from reading AussieRulesBlog, that I care as much, and perhaps more, about our game than I do about my favourite team.

The Round 1 Collingwood-Adelaide game was the last of seven games for the round that I watched. It was an entertaining game and the Magpies lost in a close result, so my footy gods had done their bit. Jack Anthony, as has become his habit, was a very effective marking forward and a beautiful kick for goal. However there was an earlier aspect of Jack's game that impressed me far more.

At the start of the game, it's normal, these days, for opponents to greet each other with a bump. For all I know, the exchange might be along the lines of, "G'day china," — umph — "that was a great pub we saw you at last week." But, from the sidelines, these rituals seem designed to steal the intimidatory march on the opponent.

The aforementioned Jack Anthony however, sought out his starting opponent, Adelaide's Ben Ruttan, and offered his hand. Ruttan was shocked and moved away. It took two or three efforts, but eventually Ruttan shook Anthony's hand.

What's so impressive you may ask. Well, it's simple. Anthony was symbolically saying to Ruttan, "I respect you for being out here. Good luck." What a wonderful way to commence the game! Play it hard, give no quarter, but respect the guy in the other jumper. It's called sportsmanship.