How far is too far?

For AussieRulesBlog, last night’s Qualifying Final between Hawthorn and the Barcodes brought one question into sharp focus.

 

Although we were only seeing the game on television — which robs the spectator of almost all context — it seemed pretty clear that the Barcodes’ primary objective was to upset Lance Franklin, and they weren’t too fussed about how they achieved that objective.

 

Seeing two or three Barcodes virtually physically assaulting Franklin before the opening bounce and then more physical attention at every opportunity for the rest of the first half, it was clear that these actions were premeditated.

 

We regard ourselves as having a fairly modern and up-to-date outlook, notwithstanding the date on our birth certificate, but in football terms we’re firmly ancient. The end most definitely does not justify the means.

 

The question? We’re interested to hear from readers. How far is too far? How far over the line do you want your team to go in pursuit of a victory? Does sportsmanship — respect for one’s opponent — figure at all any more?

 

For the record, despite not having any affection for the Hawks, we mightily enjoyed watching the Barcodes reap the results of their, to us, unsportsmanlike approach.