jack kerr is a "journalist" who lives most of his time in Berlin. He is a self-proclaimed documentary maker on things environmental. His previous interest in sport revolves around soccer... and often soccer in germany.
This particular piece that he wrote is an opinion piece. It is not a piece of journalism as he does not offer any new information. He hasn't interviewed anyone. He does refer to some old facts about ladder positions but other journalists have referred to these on countless occasions.
The only thing that I can offer to explain this opinion piece is that he is paid money by the Guardian to write stuff that people will read. A drover's dog would be smart enough to know that writing about Collingwood will deliver the cash into his hands so that he can pay for this Berlin appartment.
As for Damien, well we all know and respect him as a ferret. He makes contacts and talks to lots of people to find out rumours. He's good at that. He has a demeanor that would encourage me to give him some info, if he was seeking something from me. A bit like feeding a seagull or a pet rat. He gathers this information and makes some predictions. It's a valid way to make a living. However, he has used none of these skills to write this opinion piece. He has merely trampled down old worn out paths that other opinion-piece bloggers have written before. He offers nothing new. He glibly refers to a few high profile collingwood recruits in degoey and moore but doesnt bother to go further but this isnt a piece of analysis, it's a piece of writing that is intended to place Damo in the same league as Robbo and the rest. ....the so-called footy expert. Damo.....please go back to doing what you have done in the past.... hang around the toilets at footy clubs... check out the rubbish bins.... taste test some of the used condoms..... stick to what you know..
You sir, are a true wordsmith!
I agree wholeheartedly with everything you have written here. Thankyou for stating it so concisely.