Fair comments. I suspect you're right on your first point re: the AFLFA typically focusing on the collective vs. the individual. Still there are times where an individual fan is mistreated (including where he/she has done something wrong), and I don't think it's too much to ask the Fans Association to speak up when that happens. Clearly, this is one of those occasions. I've no problem with a sanction. A five year ban is absolutely ridiculous.
Also, it's not just about this bloke who's copped a ban. The AFL and the clubs apparently view supporters/members as dispendible: they'll happily throw a supporter under a bus if it helps to manage this week's media cycle. Similarly, media outlets have no qualms with completely dishonest reporting on fan behaviour. That's bad news for all of us who attend matches. This BS would be less likely if there were an organisation pushing back on it.
And yes, you're right that advocacy groups need to pick their battles. My issue is that they've actually weighed in on this one, and seemed to have basically plagiarised the sanctimonious press statements made by the AFL and Collingwood.
