Buggering footy

[Phil Doyle]

I was travelling the forty odd k's to training last night with our President Mark Cuffe and he was going on about his brother's best mate who he went to the Swans with last week. This bloke played for Weston Creek in the eighties and said plainly that the AFL had stuffed footy at a club level.

Around the Mountain Lions people are amazed at my lack of interest in the AFL.

"But you like footy?" is the common mantra.

Yep, I like footy. I like it as something people play, are involved in and determine themselves. I like the physical nature and contest of the game. I like what it does for a community. I like what it does for young men who would otherwise be ****farting about and getting themselves into trouble (and we have our share of those at the Mountain Lions).

Recently the local Wizard Branch made a huge hullabaloo about them being the "home" of Aussie rules in the Blue Mountains. Our club approached them to support the Mountain Lions; they didn't want to know about us.

Footy is forty odd blokes (some of them very odd) trying to propel a ball through some big sticks. It's not a bad thing.

Footy is not a business. It's not a slave auction where humans are traded like so many cattle for the benefit of people who want to sell you electrical goods and financial products.

Footy is about sacrifice. Its not about sitting on your fat arse while some other feller has the crapping knocked out of him.

The knobjockeys at the NRL are running a promotion called "whats my team". Well, my team isn't Telstra or the National Australia Bank or even Simpson Washing Machines. My team is my mates.

And what does the AFL do for my mates? Well, it screws them for the better part of half a grand a year. It gets them to sign up for pay TV to help that great friend of the working man, Rupert Murdoch. It teaches them that the best way to approach a contested ball that has gone to ground is to flop onto a pack. It teaches them that football is something that other people do, and they watch.

I know I'm preaching to the converted here, but if the brain dead half back flankers that spend all their energy supporting the AFL put a tenth of that into their local club, grass roots footy would be a lot healthier. Of course, its not in the AFL's interest to encourage people to get involved at a local level. Maybe at a junior level so they can churn out some more horse flesh to keep the turnstiles ticking over, but as for footy at a community level, forget it.

It was a hard night at training but we had a reasonable turnout. We will struggle for numbers for the long trip to Parkes this weekend. We currently have 14 available due to a bad combination of unavailabilities and will probably have to press gang a few under 17's to back up for the seniors.

I know our situation is far from unique at a grass roots level but at times like these the big end of the football town with their support and resources gives me the ****s.

To paraphrase the great philanderer: "Ask not what your local club can do for you, but what can you do for your local club."

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Right on the money, Phil, wonderfully written!

[Phil Doyle]

I have to fill 20 spaces on the team sheet Kev, so I'll put you down on the interchange in case we have a ring-in. What number do you want?

[timelord]

You wanna pay Kev's air fare, Phil. D?? *ROTFLMAO*

Seriously, I agree. Brilliantly said.

Hey, just on that. I sent an email to the VCFL marketing man, Alistair whatever-his-name-is - complaining about the fact that both of the Division One semi finals on the Queen's Birthday weekend are being played as curtain raisers to the Saturday and Monday MCG games (Hawthorn/Adelaide and Melbourne/Collingwood). The reason I complained is because I can't go now - because I flatly refuse to line the pockets of an AFL club just to get to see a VCFL semi final!! Both of the Division Two semis are too far out (Hamilton and presumably Swan Hill) so they aren't options.

Don't get me wrong. It's good for footy in one sense. And it's not the same as the Fitzroy/West Brunswick game in August (that's a club game and one has ample chance of seeing either club at any other time during the season). The championships are special. I was banking on going on June 7 - and now I damn well can't unless the VCFL give me a free ticket (which cheeky old me asked for - and probably won't get).

[Dogwatcher]

Well written Phil. It's true - my mates here in the Riverland can't believe why im more interested than Central District's results than Collingwood's. It's because that's where I grew up, I didn't grow up in Adelaide city, or in Collingwood's backstreets, but I grew up in elizabeth and I'm passionate about the place.
Sadly for me, the AFL club I support is one of the major forces behind this ugly corporatisation - but I guess it means survival. Even so, it's still ugly.

I recently read a letter (in the Proud Highway) by Hunter S Thompson where he talks about the scams in American football (written in 1967), so even then the farsighted could see the ugly face of drafting and selling teams and the politics behind it. (Phil, I'm sure you'd like the letter, let me know and I'll photocopy it for you).

It's great that you've done something about grass roots football and its existence in the mountains there. Fantastic, I just hope you aren't going to get too bitter about this whole struggle.

Good luck with filling the guernseys on Saturday - I've been there trying to find players B4.

How about writing R. McLean next to #15?

[Phil Doyle]

Nah Rob, not too bitter. Being able to sound off in forums like this when I should be working helps. :D

I'm a big fan of Hunter S. - I was accused of being Australia's only Gonzo footy journalist when Shirtfront Magazine was breathing, but to that honour I give our very own Kev C (mobbs). As your attorney I advise you to forward the letter on to me.

Oh, and consider yourself selected. I'll let you know how you go.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Originally posted by Phil Doyle
I have to fill 20 spaces on the team sheet Kev, so I'll put you down on the interchange in case we have a ring-in. What number do you want?

I'm probably still officially on Cheltenham's list from 1991 ... so you might be better off adding DogWatcher's name.

[Dogwatcher]

Originally posted by Mobbenfuhrer
I'm probably still officially on Cheltenham's list from 1991 ... so you might be better off adding DogWatcher's name.

Kev, shouldn't be a problem.
I'll actually be playing at Berri at the same time. I'll be the magnificent doppleganger man for a day - playing in two places at once. This way I've got two chances of winning - which the way we are playing at moment is necessary.

[Dogwatcher]

Phil, you got a fax number?
If you have pm me and I'll forward on the relevant pages.
It's very funny in Thompson's usually blustery fashion.

[McAlmanac]

Originally posted by timelord
Hey, just on that. I sent an email to the VCFL marketing man, Alistair whatever-his-name-is - complaining about the fact that both of the Division One semi finals on the Queen's Birthday weekend are being played as curtain raisers to the Saturday and Monday MCG games (Hawthorn/Adelaide and Melbourne/Collingwood). The reason I complained is because I can't go now - because I flatly refuse to line the pockets of an AFL club just to get to see a VCFL semi final!! Both of the Division Two semis are too far out (Hamilton and presumably Swan Hill) so they aren't options.

Wouldn't you want to see blokes you know (I assume) enjoying a special thrill? :confused:

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Originally posted by Dogwatcher
Kev, shouldn't be a problem.
I'll actually be playing at Berri at the same time. I'll be the magnificent doppleganger man for a day - playing in two places at once. This way I've got two chances of winning - which the way we are playing at moment is necessary.

Oh ok ... well Phil can give me #22 ... or anything that's free.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Originally posted by McAlmanac
Wouldn't you want to see blokes you know (I assume) enjoying a special thrill? :confused:

Kind of like going to support your mate who's performing in a string quartet in front of Hitler ...

[you_idiot]

Fabulously written, Phil.

My wife and I, we love our footy, regardless of whether it's covering the Central Highlands league for the Ballarat Courier (that's my gig, she just tags along because she has the wheels and she's a faithful assistant with a notepad and binocculars), or if it's barracking for Geelong, or watching any other AFL match on television.

However, we know that there are differences between the two levels discussed here. We appreciate the fact that there are differences, and while the game is played at different levels, we also know that if it looks like a duck, moves like a duck, quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. Footy is footy, in that analogious respect.

But lately, we've been enjoying the local country footy a lot more-- not just because I'm achoring the CHFL coverage for the local paper here in Ballarat or because Geelong are 1-7 at present, but probably because we get to see the sport in its purest forms on a week in, week out basis. To us, that's very refreshing.

And that's what keeps footy very real for us.

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Mobbenfuhrer
Kind of like going to support your mate who's performing in a string quartet in front of Hitler ...

Interesting comparison..........

I would have thought the blokes playing would love to play at the MCG given the experience it would be........not sure many musicians would have enjoyed playing in front of Hitler given the choice.


As for the original article - very well thought out and provoking - not everyone who follows AFL football is happy with everything that occurs in the 'corporate' version of the game but can still enjoy the footy being played out on the park.

I have passionately followed my club (Port Adelaide) all of my life and been through quite a few ups and downs along the way with them - to me it's the club itself that counts not so much the competition it is playing in. I also follow the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL with just as much passion - even though they are a new club I am glad they carry the tradition of a Port Adelaide side competing in the SANFL.

In a way it's the 'corporates' again that have messed up here as IMO they should be the reserves side for the AFL side but enough has been said about that on these boards previously and will again in the future.

I also enjoy going to watch the local footy up here in Darwin but do not get to as many matches I would like to due to other commitments. This year I did though have the great pleasure of flying over to the Tiwi Islands to watch their Grand Final. Something everyone who enjoys footy should try and do if possible as it really shows what grass roots football is all about given the involvements of the various communities that play in the comp. Add to that the exciting, fast and fearless style of play that is unique to their version of our great game. It will definitely be on my calender again next April.

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Originally posted by dreamkillers
Interesting comparison..........

I would have thought the blokes playing would love to play at the MCG given the experience it would be........not sure many musicians would have enjoyed playing in front of Hitler given the choice.

Ok ... well my mates in the string quartet are part of the Hitler Youth String Quartet.

Is that better?

[dreamkillers]

Originally posted by Mobbenfuhrer
Ok ... well my mates in the string quartet are part of the Hitler Youth String Quartet.

Is that better?

Much.....be interesting to see what some of the young Nazi's think of them though.....;)

[Mobbenfuhrer]

Oh their music was fine ... it was just that their debating skills let them down. :)

[Phil Doyle]

Originally posted by Mobbenfuhrer
Kind of like going to support your mate who's performing in a string quartet in front of Hitler ...

quote of the week for mine!

Anyway Rob, you can fax me on 02 4782 5164 - I'm not precious about the fax number, I get enough junk faxes as it is. It will be nice getting something worthwhile.

I'll look forward to it - just fax it after 2pm so I can switch the phone over whiole I'm up the street looking for blokes who might want to turn their hand at a bit of football on saturday.I like your signature by the way - that was our motto with the Shearers and Rural workers Union!

Cheers!

[Dogwatcher]

On its way Phil.

As for the lyric, it's something I repeat to myself every time I walk out onto the football field.
I love the fact the Shearers and Rural Workers Union cottoned on to it - Mr Schumann would have loved it.
Comes from one of my favourite albums - have it on tape so I rarely get to play it, but when I do (generally when Ms Dogwatcher isn't around) - I go off, jigging around the house.

[Phil Doyle]

Cheers for that mate! Bloody funny, I must get the book.

I must catch up for a beer when I pass through the Riverland on my way to watch Westies big charge for the semis. I was a bit of a Redgum fan and someone suggested the tune of 'Poor Ned' as the tune for the Mountain Lions Club Song.

[timelord]

Getting back to what McAlmanac said,

Wouldn't you want to see blokes you know (I assume) enjoying a special thrill?

If it means lining the pockets of the AFL clubs in the process - bluntly, no. It's counter productive. I like Kev's analogy - but it does go further.

Put it this way. Make the following comparison.

1. Bendigo v Geelong at the MCG as a curtain raiser on Monday
- Both leagues get a certain amount into their kick for either winning or losing, ONLY (part of the Worksafe sponsorship deal)
2. Bendigo v Geelong at the Queen Elizabeth Oval
- See above PLUS the gate takings for the BFL

It's the gate takings, guys. Neither Bendigo nor Geeelong will see one brass peanut at the MCG! It will all go to the AFL and the home side (in this case Melbourne). Even Collingwood will get a slice eventually. The country leagues get NOTHING! Same applies to the WGLFL v GVFL game prior to Hawthorn v Adelaide.

I pay to see these matches to support that level of football. By paying at the gate at the MCG I will be doing no such thing.

It's a matter of principle.

[Dogwatcher]

Poor Ned, Another Boring Thursday Night in Adelaide - two more quality tracks from the album.

Would you believe I keep the tape in my footy bag - not sure why, but that's where I keep it.

[Phil Doyle]

That would be agood thread: What people keep in their footy bags.

Apart from the usual detritus I've got a bottle opener and a torch! (I wondered where that'd got to).