1. The Richmond footy club has entered the race for Zak Butters.
I’m all in on this because he represents exactly the type of dynamic, high-impact midfielder the club needs to accelerate its next premiership window. One that they have boldly declared they would like to achieve in five years. Butters brings elite clearance work, relentless pressure, and the ability to change games with his explosiveness and skill under pressure — qualities Richmond has lacked in last two years. He would complement the tough and consistent Tim Taranto and help hasten the development of Sam Lalor, Taj Hotton and the as yet unseen number seven pick of 2024, Josh Smillie. At just 25 he fits perfectly into a developing list and the Tigers timeline for ultimate success again. And just on the Butters tribunal outcome, Port are right to appeal as I, like most footy fans, don’t understand how — if there is no clear audio — the tribunal can believe one person’s word over another. I know they said Foot could not have mistaken what Butters, above, said but it’s a pretty loud environment and Butters is adamant so there might have been some misunderstanding. But I guess the AFL feels like it has to back its umpire. Also, tribunal member Jason Johnson listening to the last part of the hearing in his car made it all feel a bit higgledy piggledy given it is something pretty serious. It felt like the AFL needed to get their ducks in a row a bit better on this one.
2. A few weeks ago, I said I thought it could be a different Bulldogs this season.
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Having won at the Gabba against the Lions and then against the Crows at Adelaide Oval. But in hindsight the Lions and Crows were under par in those games. A few injuries later and a sloppy win against Essendon followed by a comprehensive loss to Hawthorn has me doubting them as top four team again. It might seem a bit harsh, but the Hawks opened them up by scoring from stoppage. This is normally the Dogs; strength. Tim English is their key if he makes a miraculous return from injury to play. If they can win at Geelong they are 5-1 and entrenched in the top four. A loss and you’re in the pack. This is a huge game for the Doggies Friday night on Channel Seven.
3. The ARC and intervention on umpiring decisions is an interesting debate.
It’s been a great innovation to make sure we get goal scoring decisions right. There can be no doubt about that. But I think that is where it should end. Last Thursday night the ARC intervened to change a LASSO out of bounds decision. Later in the match there was a blatant throw from Josh Rachelle that if paid would have been a Carlton goal. I heard some commentators say that the ARC should be able to make decisions like these. A hard no from me. The last thing we need is the ARC overturning decisions around the ground. It should only be used for the goal line. You can’t have it changing some frees like the LASSO but not others. Simple. You can’t be half in on intervention. It’s all or nothing around the ground and I say it should be nothing.
4. I love hearing Nathan Buckley wants to coach the Tassie Devils.
It’s been pretty clear since he didn’t get that Melbourne job when he had the chance of getting it that he wanted to coach the Devils. I think Tassie need a senior experienced coach, and I reckon he is just trying to get ahead of the other contenders by being passionate about it and jumping out there. I think it’s a good thing. He is a guy who took Collingwood to a grand final. The Devils are looking spoilt for choice with John Longmire another great option if he is keen on it. If you look at it simply by their resumes Horse has a great record that maybe pips Buckley, but passion counts for a lot.
5. Great move by Al Clarkson and his match committee moving Luke Parker to half-back this season.
As an ageing midfielder it was going to be hard for him to justify midfield minutes ahead of Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel, Tom Powell or George Wardlaw. Half-back is perfect for Luke and North. North’s defence has improved as a result. His ability to read the play and intercept was on display against the Lions in the Barossa last Saturday. He had the most intercepts on the ground with 10. At 33 years of age, he continues to be a very valuable player. What a smart pick up he’s been for this improved North outfit.
6. Playing AFL-AFLW doubleheaders is a great and progressive move by the AFL.
It will expose the AFLW to more fans and give an opportunity for our AFLW athletes to play at the best stadiums and in better conditions to some of the suburban groups they currently play at. The skill level and game standard can only improve. It obviously adds value for fans who will be able to see two games. Having three daughters myself I can’t wait to be able to take them to a Tigers doubleheader at the MCG. It will help show them that they can dream to be an AFLW player if that’s the path they ever wanted to take. The AFL CEO suggested that Opening Round would involve all teams and cities next year.
Sarah Hosking of the Tigers marks the ball under pressure from Georgia Knight of the Magpies last year. Credit: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images
7. As it should the AFL is listening to the fans lately. Keeping the grand final at 2.30pm was another example of this.
So, the next decision will be to lock Gather Round into Adelaide for at least five more years. This is what the South Australian government want so they can confidently invest in more infrastructure to improve the incredibly successful weekend. Put simply it just would not work as well in any other capital city. It has to stay in Adelaide.
8. I think the most valuable players in footy are the guys that can get more than 20 possessions and at least a goal a game.
Think Dusty Martin and Christian Petracca style mid forwards. If you have one of these players on your team you would be thrilled. Well, the Crows now have two of these players in the emerging Josh Rachele and Izak Rankine. Rachele had 26 touches and four goals against Carlton last week. Rankine had 22 possessions and two goals. What a luxury for coach Matty Nicks. The Crows started the year a bit slowly but if these two guys keep up this form the Crows will feature strongly in the 2026 finals series.
9. It’s never as good as it seems in our game and at the same time it’s never as bad. Just ask the suddenly buoyant Bombers fans.
They ended their 17-game losing streak last weekend and it was a very solid win led by some exciting young players. A few weeks ago, the footy world was saying they couldn’t see a win coming, me included, but don’t worry Dons fans there are more on the radar. They have very good young talent in Nate Caddy, Issac Kako, Archer May, Archie Roberts, Sullivan Robey and Jacob Farrow. The midfield is experienced, and Zach Merrett, above, and Darcy Parish are looking good again. With Jordan Ridley back and Mason Redman to come down back looks better. But in the last six quarters to me they simply look to have drawn a line in the sand with their pressure effort and body language. A tough test awaits against the Suns this weekend but if the attitude remains strong more wins are coming for the Bombers.
Peter Wright and Zach Merrett celebrate. Credit: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images
10. Cats veteran star Mark Blicavs will become only the second rookie selection to play 300 games when he reaches the milestone this Friday night against the Dogs.
Mark is a great story coming from an athletics background where he was a steeplechaser. He has certainly used this athleticism to make him one of the most versatile players the game has seen. He has played in almost every position on the ground to great effect in each. Chris Scott must love having his magnet on the board knowing he can plug a hole anywhere. I don’t know Mark but from afar he seems a great teammate and person. An all-time great at the Cattery. Congratulations mate.
