The news this week that favourite AussieRulesBlog whipping boy Jeff Gieschen will depart the AFL has cheered us enormously. Gieschen was something of a disaster as coach of Richmond and his tenure at the AFL as Umpiring Department chief has been no less calamitous. Gieschen’s tortured rhetorical convolutions to explain labyrinthine rules and touching faith in the power of DVDs have been a blight on the game.

Ding-dong-the-Giesch-is-gone, ding-dong-the-wicked-Giesch-is-gone . . . [huge grin]

AussieRulesBlog understands there are moves within the AFL for a less book-driven approach to officiating, and we certainly welcome an approach that pays attention to the pace and feel of the game.

Our good mood was spoiled with the news that the Warrior Priestess for Truth and the Australian Colander League way has been recognised by her peers with a Walkley Award for her “fearless and insightful reporting and opinion” on the Essendon supplements affair. They forgot to mention the blind prejudice and the torrent of leaks. [savage snarl]