The Monday Knee Jerk Reaction: Round Fourteen
In the world of Australian rules football, where emotions run high and the line between passion and madness is often blurred, the Monday knee-jerk reaction is a sacred ritual. It's a time when fans, coaches, and commentators alike let their hearts rule their minds, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the weekend's matches. This week, we delve into the madness, exploring the highs and lows of Round Fourteen, and why, in my opinion, the AFL is a league of contradictions.
The Bulldogs' Unraveling
The Western Bulldogs' season has been a rollercoaster, and their loss to Adelaide was a stark reminder of their fragility. The Dogs' defense, a mere shadow of its former self, has become a liability, and their inability to stop the Crows' Jordan Dawson, who booted three first-quarter goals, was a telling sign. The Bulldogs' season, like a sticky tape holding them together, is starting to peel off, and their future looks uncertain. This is a team that needs to find its identity, and fast, or risk becoming a mere footnote in the AFL's history.
The Suns' Tradition of Collapse
Speaking of traditions, the Gold Coast Suns have perfected the art of collapse. Their loss to Geelong was a case in point, as the Cats barely broke a sweat. Damien Hardwick's post-game criticism of the umpires was a stretch, given the 45-point loss, but it highlights a deeper issue. The Suns' lack of consistency and their inability to perform under pressure are becoming a familiar story. The AFL's funding and support have not been enough to turn the Suns into a consistent contender, and their future remains uncertain.
Essendon's Search for Stability
Essendon's loss to Melbourne was a surprise, but not an unexpected one. The Dees' ability to run rings around the Bombers, despite not playing their best, was a stark reminder of the team's current struggles. The search for a new coach is driving Essendon fans mad, with media speculation swirling around names like James Hird and Dean Solomon. The process feels like a desperate search for stability, and the club's history of making the right decisions gives fans hope, but the pressure is mounting.
North Melbourne's Exciting Win
North Melbourne's win over West Coast was a breath of fresh air. The Kangaroos, playing in Western Australia, showed why they are a force to be reckoned with. The game was a shoot-out, with Nick Larkey and Jake Waterman booting goals for North, and the Eagles' Jake Waterman missing a set shot in the dying moments. The North Melbourne home crowd, a factor in the Eagles' loss, was a key element in the game's outcome, and it highlights the importance of home-field advantage in the AFL.
Port Adelaide's Unconvincing Wins
Port Adelaide's win over Sydney was a case of the Swans winning when they weren't playing well. The Swans, down by 20 points in the second quarter, came back to narrow the lead to nine points at three-quarter time, before pulling away in the fourth. Port's biggest problem was their inability to stop the Swans in key moments, missing shots at goal, and spoiling each other for marks. This is a team that leaves fans wondering why they are out to ruin their lives, and it's a trend that needs to change.
Richmond's Surprising Loss
Richmond's loss to Brisbane was a shock, and a reminder that the Lions are a force to be reckoned with. The Lions, despite playing terribly this season, are still seventh on the ladder, and their ability to beat a team made up of kids old enough to be firebombers and fringe VFL players is a testament to their resilience. The AFL's decision to schedule this game in Hobart, with Dustin Martin playing for Clarence, adds an intriguing layer to the story, and it raises questions about the league's priorities.
St Kilda's Disappointing Performance
St Kilda's loss to Greater Western Sydney was a disappointment, and a reminder of the impact of Ross Lyon's coaching style. The game was scheduled to clash with the Socceroos match, and many complained. However, I believe the AFL should be applauded for minimizing people's exposure to Lyon's teams. Friends don't let friends watch St Kilda, and the Socceroos, disciplined, skillful, and explosive when it mattered, were a welcome contrast.
The AFL's Contradictions
The AFL is a league of contradictions, and this week's matches were a microcosm of that. The Bulldogs' unraveling, the Suns' tradition of collapse, and the Lions' surprising win all highlight the league's unpredictability. The search for stability in Essendon, the excitement of North Melbourne's win, and the Swans' unconvincing wins show the AFL's ability to surprise and delight. The league's funding and support, while crucial, have not been enough to turn the Suns into a consistent contender, and it raises questions about the AFL's priorities. The AFL is a league of contradictions, and it's what makes it so fascinating.
