Inspiration in the face of ugly attacks

Tonight’s St Kilda-Collingwood game was notable for the grit and determination of the Saints’ win, but also for the less than sporting way that Collingwood sought to influence Clint Jones’ performance before the game had begun.

 

In our previous post, we agreed with Bob Murphy that a respectful handshake before the game would be more appropriate than the rutting rites that seem to be fashionable.

 

It’s hard relying on TV, because we see so little of what’s happening on the ground, however it appeared that Collingwood targeted Jones for extreme physical attention at every opportunity. We at AussieRulesBlog are not fans of a win at all costs mentality. Aussie rules is not, contrary to the attitudes of many, a life and death struggle. It is a competitive game, but losing doesn’t cost your life. The threat of being beaten in a game of aussie rules does not justify thuggery.

 

We might also mention that the Saints have indulged in the same sort of tactics themselves on occasion.

 

The game was redeemed by the Saints’ courageous second half. We’re often not overly impressed with the Saints, but they won respect for tonight’s against-the-odds performance.

 

It’s such a shame that all those first-round Collingwood Premiership celebrations will have to be put on hold too!

 

Also worth noting, with the benefit of listening to their audio feed, that the umpires did a pretty good job of taking control of a high-pressure situation and calming it down. Their performance tonight was firm, but restrained. An over-officious attitude could easily have exacerbated the tensions, but, fortunately, Steve McBurney is otherwise engaged this weekend.