Grand Uncle Horace
Nice to see the famous NMFC#wishboner spirit livii
The Johnny Rantall Cup
Look, I just do not like North Melbourne. They are largely ignored by most AFL fans and are fodder for a move to Tassy. Arguably the old VFL erred in admitting them in the first place. Their history is one of being uncompetitive.
Like many they had a burst of relevance when the 10 Year Rule was instituted back in the 70s and they had bags of cash (from what source remains unclear). They picked up Barry Davis and Doug Wade and sadly for South - John Rantall. He was a brilliant player for us. He made the Vic team in his Rookie year as an outstanding half back and never let us down.
As usual South was broke and could not match the offer. Johnny went to North where he played a lot in the Centre. Once Norf won a Premiership, he hotfooted it back to the Bloods.
Norf never liked us much and their rotten Alan Aylett played a key role in exiling us to Sydney. Later when we were broke and unsupported by the powers that be, we sold Carey and Horse to Norf for a pack of Colvan Chips. Later Carey played a key role in their defeat of us in the 1996 Grannie.
This century has been different. Sydney has gone from strength to strength. North has largely mouldered, making a few finals but being easily despatched. Relative to other Clubs, including ours, their membership numbers have languished. Relevance and viability are constant issues for them. Frankly my dears, I don't give a damn.
The Match
Ok - on to the match. We are 1 from 2 and they are undefeated. I suspect one of our favourite sons has helped them as a coach. As for us, I reckon we tossed the game away yesterday.
Selection issues will be influenced by injuries (hopefully we got through ok) and form. Doubt Naismith will play and unfortunately Goldstein is in good form. It will be a big match for Sinkers. If he can partially negate Goldy that will be a win for us.
I thought we went too tall and slow in defence yesterday and were found out. I would like to see Dawson moved forward. Speaking of forwards, our entries were often too high yesterday and Heeney and Haywood flew against each in packs too often.
Our mids would benefit from a bit of pace. Florent showed the value of a good turn of foot.
Maybe Stephens will get a go this week. Barring injury I do not see too many changes. Hewett, Gray and Rowbottom failed to impress yesterday but all have a case to be given another go.
Verdict
Bloods to get up in a close one on the back of better transitions forward.
Look, I just do not like North Melbourne. They are largely ignored by most AFL fans and are fodder for a move to Tassy. Arguably the old VFL erred in admitting them in the first place. Their history is one of being uncompetitive.
Like many they had a burst of relevance when the 10 Year Rule was instituted back in the 70s and they had bags of cash (from what source remains unclear). They picked up Barry Davis and Doug Wade and sadly for South - John Rantall. He was a brilliant player for us. He made the Vic team in his Rookie year as an outstanding half back and never let us down.
As usual South was broke and could not match the offer. Johnny went to North where he played a lot in the Centre. Once Norf won a Premiership, he hotfooted it back to the Bloods.
Norf never liked us much and their rotten Alan Aylett played a key role in exiling us to Sydney. Later when we were broke and unsupported by the powers that be, we sold Carey and Horse to Norf for a pack of Colvan Chips. Later Carey played a key role in their defeat of us in the 1996 Grannie.
This century has been different. Sydney has gone from strength to strength. North has largely mouldered, making a few finals but being easily despatched. Relative to other Clubs, including ours, their membership numbers have languished. Relevance and viability are constant issues for them. Frankly my dears, I don't give a damn.
The Match
Ok - on to the match. We are 1 from 2 and they are undefeated. I suspect one of our favourite sons has helped them as a coach. As for us, I reckon we tossed the game away yesterday.
Selection issues will be influenced by injuries (hopefully we got through ok) and form. Doubt Naismith will play and unfortunately Goldstein is in good form. It will be a big match for Sinkers. If he can partially negate Goldy that will be a win for us.
I thought we went too tall and slow in defence yesterday and were found out. I would like to see Dawson moved forward. Speaking of forwards, our entries were often too high yesterday and Heeney and Haywood flew against each in packs too often.
Our mids would benefit from a bit of pace. Florent showed the value of a good turn of foot.
Maybe Stephens will get a go this week. Barring injury I do not see too many changes. Hewett, Gray and Rowbottom failed to impress yesterday but all have a case to be given another go.
Verdict
Bloods to get up in a close one on the back of better transitions forward.
