The Aussie Rules Football Thread - The Greatest Game On Earth

[sceadugenga]

I don't mind old Rex actually, I use the term old affectionately rather than referring to age, he's a year younger than me so he can't be old; he could play a bit for a Vic and his fishing shows are good fun.

Won't be back in Chiang Rai for a few more weeks so hopefully I can get down to Port and the 'Roos in Adelaide over Easter. Should be a good match after we've shown Freo not to believe pre season hype this weekend. Can't believe some half wit in the Sunday Age picked them for the flag.

Sorry about the 'Dons...I'll get the condolences in early, it'll save time later in the season. Still need a bit of work there. Better recruiting and dare I say it....a new coach? Waiting to see how Mal Micheal goes, I think you needed a good youngster rather than another geriatric.

Thai360's getting up an AFL tipping contest if anyones interested.

[Crow Boy]

And heres one of the most famous "Ovals" in Australia, The MCG.

They should remember it from the number of times the Australian Cricket team beats them there - mind you the Poms spend so little time batting there it makes sense they don't recognise it.

Here's a nice oval for all you bread thieves to play your little girlie game on:

The best part of your post is that the loaf of bread isn't even an oval

Anytime you guys want to put an English soccer team up playing a game with full contact - the AFl run games of modified rules in the UK each year. However be warned getting tapped on the shin and diving for the ground with tears in your eyes will not get a free kick unless it is in the arse by the umpire telling the player to stop messing about and get on with the game.

[Crow Boy]

The mighty Sceadugenga snuffs the battle with delight.

Raised a Russell Ebert drop kick from the sacred turf of Alberton Oval he spits down upon all weasely chardonnay drinking cows supporters. This season the great Port Adelaide side will rise to their rightful position in the finals then let all Victorians and the homeless South Australian side who stole the ground we paid for beware.

See how we humbled the mighty Brisbane returning pride to our state and then the cows choked at the business end of the season for the last two years.

McLeod's daughters!!!!...... tremble at the approach of this years showdowns!!!

Ah the delusions of Port Power supporters - you can't love 'em but you have to pity them.

My younger brother takes his son to Power Games as a member because he couldn't get a membership to the Crows but they were giving them away at Alberton. He turns up with his son decked out in their Crows kit and join the other Crows supporters who did the same thing.

Ok Q: what's the difference between Viagra and Port Power

A: at least Viagra can get you past a semi

Q: Why does every Port Power player learn the Heimlich Manouver

A: For when they choke

Ahh being serious Sceadugenga Russel Ebert was a brilliang play and I really hope that the Power do well this year - we could always hope for a Crows v Power clash in September for the big day out.

Wonder if the Victorians will get a team in the final eight this year?

Where do you watch the game up in Chiang Rai?

[Crow Boy]

The mighty Sceadugenga snuffs the battle with delight.

Raised a Russell Ebert drop kick from the sacred turf of Alberton Oval he spits down upon all weasely chardonnay drinking cows supporters. This season the great Port Adelaide side will rise to their rightful position in the finals then let all Victorians and the homeless South Australian side who stole the ground we paid for beware.

See how we humbled the mighty Brisbane returning pride to our state and then the cows choked at the business end of the season for the last two years.

McLeod's daughters!!!!...... tremble at the approach of this years showdowns!!!

I didn't know Rex (thank you mother for the rabbits) Hunt was living in Chiang Rai.. Go Dons.

Not enough fishing for Rex to live in Chiang Rai - I used to like listening to Rex on the radio, he could mangle a comentary like no other but had a great football eye - the rest of his head was pretty similar to a stomped sherrin as well.

A mate of mine was in the Police (Vic) with Rex and said he was a good cop but not someone you would ever want to bad mouth if he was in earshot. He had a vicious punch on him when he wanted to get someones attention. He would use it to sort out some of the young coppers who thougth they knew it all and needed a bit of station house enducating as Rex would put it.

[sceadugenga]

Rex Hunt did his National Service as a military policeman too, I believe, which says something about him.

We get the Australia Network on satellite Crowie, my Mrs had it put on while I was away once and it's that one they pinch from the PI so it's a bit erratic. But then I've always got the 2004 grand final on DVD to watch.

I must admit I like Port's smaller membership because it means I can see the home games when I'm in Adelaide just by getting tickets at the gate, impossible in Crow's games. Went to a Showdown that was a Crow's home game once and we had to buy tickets out of the newspaper. Well worth it though, we kicked your ars*s.

I suspect the Crows are past their best this season with nothing to show for it, the new rules won't help you either with the running out of defence style of play the Crows use, it's turning into a forwards game more and more. Be interested to see if Craigie can coach that sort of game. Personally I think the Crows were over trained the last two seasons which usually means injuries at the end of the season, just when you don't want them.

Still, we can't talk though, we were the best team in 02, 03 and 04 for only one flag.

[Crow Boy]

I picked this up from the Australia MSN web site. It is about Ben Cousins who is a play I love to watch even if he plays for the West Coast Beagles. Tragic story and one which I am sad to say will most definitely happen again.

Tuesday March 27, 2007

By ninemsn staff and wires

Ben Cousins is refusing to check into a drug rehabilitation centre, despite the urging of his family and club, the West Coast Eagles, according to a report.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist, who was suspended indefinitely by the Eagles on March 20, is also refusing to make a pubic statement about his drug addiction and believes he can "beat his drug problem without full-time medical and psychiatric help," The Age said.

Eagles chairman Dalton Gooding told the newspaper 28-year-old Cousins had resisted a series of attempted interventions.

"The first step for Ben is accepting the problem, and then Ben making a statement and then going off somewhere for rehabilitation."

"Let's just hope that Ben can come to some positive conclusions. Ben would only be considered for playing football again once he seeks rehabilitation.

"I think there's a chance he can play this year if he accepts that rehabilitation," he was quoted as saying.

Leigh Matthews believes saturation media coverage of Cousins' substance abuse problem is the best thing to help the AFL and its clubs win the battle against illicit drugs.

The Brisbane Lions coach and AFL player of the 20th century said the West Coast star's plight hammered home the anti-drug message for the common good.

"Ben Cousins, the Eagles and the sport of AFL have taken a fair caning over this but I think in fact having a really high-profile person who gets grabbed by the drug scourge is the best thing for everybody else," Matthews said yesterday.

"Because everyone else says 'Gee this can happen. It's not theoretical any longer'.

"We give our drug talks as all clubs do and even giving photos of people before and after but they're not people they (the players) know."

Matthews said all sportspeople in Australia would have been taken aback by the fall-out of Cousins' problems and felt it was the greatest incentive for them to stay away from drugs.

with AAP

[Crow Boy]

I don't mind old Rex actually, I use the term old affectionately rather than referring to age, he's a year younger than me so he can't be old; he could play a bit for a Vic and his fishing shows are good fun.

He is good and has done a lot for both sports - football and fishing.

Won't be back in Chiang Rai for a few more weeks so hopefully I can get down to Port and the 'Roos in Adelaide over Easter. Should be a good match after we've shown Freo not to believe pre season hype this weekend. Can't believe some half wit in the Sunday Age picked them for the flag.

Freo are a dark horse - they have never played to their ability and have some very good players over the years Modra and Pablich jump to mind. hmmm both South Australians funny that. I wouldn't get too carried away by your win over them, preseason games are NEVER a true indication of what happens in the real thing. New rules, new players being given a trial, better (older) players rested to preserve them, coaches playing new tactics, and old masters of the game like Sheed's just playing tactics to confuse the opposition.

Sorry about the 'Dons...I'll get the condolences in early, it'll save time later in the season. Still need a bit of work there. Better recruiting and dare I say it....a new coach? Waiting to see how Mal Micheal goes, I think you needed a good youngster rather than another geriatric.

Much as I hate to admit it but Sheeds is still one of the best coaches in the game. He made many changes in tactics and training (bugger couldn't think of another thing he did that started with "t" ) I can't see them winning the flag this year but will never underestimate them - they have a habit of popping up and doing something spectacular. Mal Michael is a tough and talented player but he is getting old and has had too many bad hits so is carrying injury. Same story with a lot of their playing list, talented players but now too old to be truly competitive in the modern game.

Thai360's getting up an AFL tipping contest if anyones interested.

Which forum?

[Crow Boy]

More Problems for Ben Cousins

Cousins in massive bender last week: reports

Wednesday Mar 28 05:00 AEST

By ninemsn staff

Ben Cousins was reportedly in the middle of a three-day partying spree last week while his family pledged support for him in the face of damaging drug allegations.

A source close to the Cousins camp told the Herald Sun that the West Coast Eagle hit the town after being suspended indefinitely by the club.

But after spending the weekend recovering from the massive bender, Cousins reportedly woke up on Monday eager to seek treatment for his alcohol and drug abuse problems.

West Coast and Cousins' family have planned a comprehensive path to recovery for the Brownlow medallist, including the specific type of rehabilitation he needs and the date at which he could return to the field.

Cousins is now "thinking straight and ready to listen", according to the unnamed source.

He is still likely to head overseas soon, possibly to Arizona, for drug and alcohol treatment.

The source expects the flight out of the country — for which the AFL has offered the star player a private charter — could be this week or in a fortnight, depending on Cousins' frame of mind.

[Crow Boy]

AFL defends drug policy amid criticism

Tuesday Mar 27 21:29 AEST

The AFL launched a concerted defence of its illicit drugs policy on Tuesday night as Sports Minister George Brandis continued the federal government's opposition to the code.

The league released an lengthy open letter from its chief executive Andrew Demetriou, stressing that the AFL is the only Australian sporting code that tests for illicit drugs out of competition.

Senator Brandis attacked the "three-strikes" policy in parliament on Tuesday, following criticism in the last few days from Prime Minister John Howard and Treasurer Peter Costello.

The statement from Demetriou also featured comments from three experts, who all commended the AFL for its approach to illicit drugs.

"If following our current review we need to do more target testing or increase the number of out of competition tests for illicit drugs, that's what we will do," Demetriou said.

"It is clear from recent public debate and commentary that not everyone will agree with our approach, but as we did when developing our racial and religious vilification and respect and responsibility policies, we sought the advice of experts in the field to help us develop the system.

"In the current environment, we will also not make short term decisions but take our time and again seek the best possible advice."

But Senator Brandis savaged the policy, where the first or second time an AFL player tests positive only his club doctor and the AFL's medical officer are informed.

Players are publicly named if they test positive a third time and the player then fronts the tribunal.

"A three strike policy is not a zero tolerance policy," Senator Brandis said.

"It is not...the toughest possible stance against drugs, it does not go far enough."

Two years ago, the Federal Government withheld funding for the AFL because it had been the only Australian sporting code not to sign up with the WADA international anti-doping code.

The league's initial reluctance to sign the WADA code stemmed from aspects of how the code dealt with illicit drugs.

The more recent "three-strikes" policy is separate to the WADA code.

Also, AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson responded to widespread criticism from club officials and parents of footballers that they were not told about the first and second positive tests under the illicit drugs policy.

"The club doctor is informed right from the start....the players have signed up for this on the basis of confidentiality and being counselled by drugs experts," Anderson told 3AW.

"With all due respect to the (club) presidents, they're not the drug experts.

"Those parents, like everyone else, should be commending the players for signing up to do something about illicit drugs and to be tested.

"Those parents should take comfort in the fact that the best experts will be dealing with their kids if they have a problem with drugs.

"They're dealing with it in the way that the experts tell us is the most likely to make sure that they don't do it again."

The AFL statement quoted support for its policy from Victorian Health Promotion Foundation chief executive Dr Rob Moodie, Professor Nick Crofts from the Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre and Professor Margaret Hamilton from the Australian National Council On Drugs.

In other developments, it is understood Victorian Police will not reopen the investigation which allegedly caught AFL players Daniel Kerr and Aaron Edwards talking to a drug dealer.

Basketballer James Harvey is also apparently on the surveillance audio tapes.

Kerr's club West Coast has suffered through a tumultuous few weeks over the illicit drugs issue, with the club suspending Ben Cousins indefinitely and his family then revealing Cousins has a substance abuse problem.

Earlier Tuesday, high-profile footballers threw their weight behind the AFL over the illicit drugs policy.

Players have backed the league's three-strike policy and supported suggestions of more testing, especially the morning after matches.

Melbourne captain David Neitz said Tuesday he was in favour of random testing for illicit drugs and it was logical to test immediately after games.

"It makes sense really," Neitz said. "If anyone's going to take drugs it's going to be on a Saturday night so it makes sense to have the testing at that time," he said.

St Kilda co-captain Lenny Hayes said the players would support any extra moves the AFL undertook to try to crack down on the problem.

"I think they're obviously going to have a look at it but we've really got to back what the AFL puts in place," he said.

©AAP 2007

[Crow Boy]

Lyon denies drug rumour

Monday Mar 26 13:00 AEST

By Tony Jones

National Nine News sports presenter

Given the AFL's 2007 season officially gets underway this Friday night, those who mix in football circles should be on a real high this week.

But being on any sort of "high" at the moment is fraught with danger; guilt by association.

Having fed off the West Coast Eagles for the better part of a fortnight, it was only a matter of time before the media would turn on itself.

Football's rumour mill has long been swirling with talk of high profile ex-players-turned-commentators mixed up in illicit drugs.

The finger-pointing and cryptic mobile phone conversations have now reached fever point following an article in Melbourne's Sunday Age which indicated that one such person was central to a police investigation and is poised to be charged.

The resume reads as this:

- a player of distinction at a Melbourne-based club

- high profile member of the media

The field suddenly narrows and that's a slap in the face to the likes of former Melbourne champion and Channel Nine identity Garry Lyon.

It seems that Lyon's name is frequently mentioned when it comes to these drug rumours to the point where he has gone public in his denial.

"I can categorically state, 110 percent, that it's not me" Lyon told the Herald Sun newspaper.

"It's a slap in the face when people ask. It's certainly not me,” he said.

I felt a sense of guilt reading the last quote given that, despite my friendship with Lyon, I had cause to phone him over the weekend to ask similar questions.

Not for a moment, did I seriously suspect Garry was caught up in any such activity but I needed confirmation from the man himself.

Another who "fits the bill" is former North Melbourne star Wayne Carey. As a result, he's found himself the subject of a headline "Carey stays silent on drug use ducking a hot topic".

All this because Carey was within earshot of his young daughter and not prepared to comment.

Lyon, himself, is a father to three young boys. What must they think when they read of their dad's supposed links to illegal activities?

Like most footy scandals this one has a limited life.

Soon, there'll be more controversy to cover.

Surely it's only a matter of time before we (the media) start umpire bashing and criticisng the surface at Telstra dome.

Then again, best we steer clear of grass and white lines.

[Crow Boy]

WE-TV (Australia Network) schedule. Thai times.

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 1: Melbourne v St. Kilda Friday 30 Mar at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 1: Kangaroos v Collingwood Saturday 31 Mar at 11:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 1: Sydney v West Coast Eagles Saturday 31 Mar at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 1: Adelaide v Essendon Sunday 1 Apr at 10:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 1: Carlton v Richmond Sunday 1 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Brisbane v St. Kilda Thursday 5 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Richmond v Sydney Saturday 7 Apr at 11:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Geelong v Carlton Saturday 7 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Pt. Adelaide v Kangaroos Sunday 8 Apr at 10:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Western Bulldogs v Adelaide Sunday 8 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 2: Hawthorne v Melbourne Monday 9 Apr at 11:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 3: Collingwood v Richmond Friday 13 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 3: Carlton v Essendon Saturday 14 Apr at 11:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 3: Fremantle v West Coast Eagles Saturday 14 Apr at 22:00

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 3: Sydney v Brisbane Sunday 15 Apr at 10:30

AFL Premiership Season - Rd 3: Kangaroos v Hawthorne Sunday 15 Apr at 22:00

With the best interests of the Chiang Mai AFL supporters forum I took it upon myself to cross to the other side of town and visit the Downunder Bar. Those in the know will recognise it at a very nice Aussie themed pub with food and drink on hand. Out the front of the bar was a blackboard advertising the TV viewing times so check it out. For those people interested in the rugby (you know the game were the players run forward and throw the ball backwards) the Downunder is showing Union and League (NRL).

For those who don't know the Downunder I have attached a map to this posting - hope you get to the game and enjoy the pub. I also hope your team wins unless you are one of those dirty stinking mongrel Essendon Bummer supporters in which case I hope the MIGHTY ADELAIDE CROWS bury your lot into the turf

CB

[Crow Boy]

This has just been posted on the AFL home page and makes very interesting reading

CB

Demetriou's message to supporters on drug policy

Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

News

An open letter from the AFL chief executive to all Australian football supporters.

AS a key stakeholder in the AFL competition, I would like to take this opportunity to brief you on our illicit drugs policy and our anti-doping code relating to performance-enhancing drugs.

Let me stress a key fact and that is our organisation is the only one in Australian sport which tests for illicit drugs out of competition

As you are aware, our response to illicit drugs over the past few weeks has been subject to substantial media coverage since the West Coast Eagles announced that they were indefinitely suspending Ben Cousins.

Firstly, our thoughts are with Ben Cousins and his family. The AFL and the West Coast Eagles are committed to continuing to support Ben and his family and provide any assistance we can to help him to overcome the current challenges he faces due to substance abuse.

Our primary focus is Ben and his family – football is not the issue.

Secondly, we will continue to work with all AFL clubs and players to build better responses and a better system to tackle illicit drugs. We care for the health and welfare of AFL players and will continue to educate and do all we can reasonably be expected to do to prevent them from using illicit drugs and to arm players with the information and guidance needed for them to make the right decisions.

Ultimately, players will make choices and if they make the wrong choice, we will provide counselling and rehabilitation as part of an overall response.

If following our current review we need to do more target testing or increase the number of out-of-competition tests for illicit drugs, that’s what we will do.

It is also worth considering what Justice Murray Kellam said in a Supreme Court judgement concerning the Illicit Drug Policy last year:

"It is argued before me that bearing in mind that the ID (Illicit Drug Policy) imposes a regime upon players over and above the World Anti-Doping Association compliant Anti-Doping Code, the IDP reflected ‘a ground-breaking, innovative and co-operative initiative’ between a major sporting administration body and a player representative body directed at proactively addressing illicit drug use in a manner designed to protect the health and welfare of players and others whilst simultaneously condemning and recognising, the potential harm involved with the use or possession of illicit drugs. I accept that argument."

The AFL has a history of being prepared to tackle difficult issues as we have demonstrated through our racial and religious vilification policy and our respect and responsibility policy to address attitudes to women. In both instances, we were the first Australian sporting body prepared to address these issues.

We have also been prepared to be the first Australian sporting body to tackle the issue of illicit drugs through out-of-competition testing because we are genuinely concerned about the health and welfare of players.

It is clear from recent public debate and commentary that not everyone will agree with our approach but as we did when developing our racial and religious vilification and respect and responsibility policies, we sought the advice of experts in the field to help us develop the system.

In the current environment, we will also not make short-term decisions but take our time and again seek the best possible advice – from AFL clubs, drug prevention experts, players and other stakeholders.

The introduction of our illicit drugs policy some two years ago came about after statistical testing indicated that the use of illicit drugs by players had increased during a four-year period.

With the support of the AFL Players’ Association, we introduced our illicit drugs policy which provides more training, more resources, more support and more testing than any other professional sport.

So how is the AFL different from other sports in its bid to tackle illicit drug use?

All major Australian sports are compliant with the World Anti Doping Authority Anti-Doping Code. This anti doping code is often referred to as the WADA code. The AFL is fully compliant and has zero tolerance to performance enhancing and illicit drugs on match day and performance enhancing drugs out of competition.

In relation to illicit drugs on match day, if an AFL player tested positive for cocaine on match day, that player would be suspended for two years.

We differ from other national sporting organisations as follows:

* AFL players are tested outside of competition for illicit drugs. Athletes in other sports are not tested out of competition for illicit drugs other than the NRL, which currently allows clubs to test players for illicit drugs and is considering adopting a competition wide illicit drugs policy for out of competition.

* The AFL’s out-of-competition testing for illicit drugs is in addition to the WADA compliant in-competition testing program conducted by the Australian Sports Anti Doping Agency.

* The AFL has a comprehensive education and prevention program including counselling to try to prevent illicit drug use.

* The AFL has a system to target-test players suspected of using illicit drugs.

* The AFL releases the results of out of competition testing for illicit drugs each year.

* AFL players have agreed to be tested for illicit drugs out of competition under a policy applicable to all AFL Clubs and players.

Our message is clear. Do not take illicit drugs. We believe that one positive test is one too many but we also know that illicit drug use is a difficult and complex public health issue.

Our policy is consistent with the Federal Government’s National Drug Diversion Initiative which sees drug users diverted into counselling rather than the criminal justice system.

Our aim is to prevent illicit drug use and change behaviour. But our policy also recognises that if players fail to heed the message or take advantage of counselling they will face suspension.

We have also included following this letter a summary of comments from various experts in the field in relation to our illicit drugs policy for your consideration and have attached separately a comparison between the approach of various sports to performance enhancing and illicit drugs.

I hope you find this information useful and it provides you with a better understanding of the AFL’s Illicit Drug Policy and our ongoing fight against drugs.

Yours sincerely,

Andrew Demetriou,

Chief Executive Officer

Comparison of all Sports on Drugs in Sport

What do Australian sporting organisations do to combat the use of steroids and other performance enhancing drugs?

All major Australian sports comply with the WADA Code. Under WADA, drug testing consists of:

In competition (match day) testing for performance-enhancing drugs and illicit drugs.

Out of competition (365 days a year) testing ONLY for performance-enhancing drugs. There is no WADA testing for illicit drugs outside of competition.

What do sporting organisations do to combat illicit drug use?

Match Day or In Competition: The AFL has joined with other major sporting codes in adopting the WADA Code for testing and sanctioning for match day use of illicit drugs (e.g. ecstasy, cocaine, marijuana). Any player in any major sport who tested positive for cocaine on match day would be automatically suspended for two years).

Out of Competition: The AFL is the only Australian national sporting organisation to have a system to detect illicit drug users and provide help and counselling to change their behaviour. The system also allows for the players to be sanctioned (i.e. suspended, as well as counselled.)

The AFL is the only sporting competition in Australia that has a policy of testing and sanctioning players for illicit drug use outside of competition.

SPORTS CODE

TYPES OF DRUG

IN COMPETITION

(match day testing)

All major Australian Sports comply with the WADA Code

OUT OF COMPETITION

AFL Illicit drugs 2 years

Tested for illicit drugs.

A third positive test results in ban of up to 12 matches.

Steroids and other performance enhancing drugs

2 years

2 years

Other Football Codes – eg NRL, ARU, FFA

Illicit drugs 2 years

No Testing*

Steroids and other performance enhancing drugs

2 years

2 years

Olympic Sports – eg swimming, athletics, cycling

Illicit drugs 2 Years

No Testing

Steroids and other performance enhancing drugs

2 years

2 years

Illicit drugs include cocaine, ecstasy, amphetamines, marijuana etc.

Steroids include all performance-enhancing drugs and masking agents etc.

* Some NRL clubs conduct in-house tests. NRL currently considering adopting an illicit drug policy.

(Updated March 26, 2007)

COMMENTS FROM VARIOUS EXPERTS IN DRUG TREATMENT

Dr Rob Moodie, Chief Executive Officer, Victorian Health Promotion Foundation:

“I am writing to add my support to the AFL’s approach to the management of illicit drug issues. I know that the AFL complies with the WADA regime in relation to performance enhancing substances. The fact that the AFL has chosen, with the support of the Players’ Association to address other illicit substances is commendable. Importantly, the Illicit Drug Policy both focuses on player welfare and reduction of use of illicit drugs in AFL teams. The strategies in place to reduce illicit drug use involving a series of confidential interventions is the most appropriate if the goal of player welfare is to be met”.

Professor Nick Crofts, Director, Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre:

“Turning Point Alcohol and Drug Centre is a leading agency in Victoria in relation to alcohol and illicit drug treatment and policy issues; as such we are deeply involved in developing rational and effective practice and policy on alcohol and other drugs in many areas of life and with many communities.

“From this background, I am writing to commend the AFL in its approach to the management of illicit drug issues among its players and urge you, with any support we can offer or provide, to hold the line against those who call for quick fixes based on emotion rather than evidence”.

Professor Margaret Hamilton, Member, Australian National Council on Drugs:

“I am aware that the media and community regularly call for tough, confrontational naming and blaming type responses. In my experience, these are most unhelpful in actually achieving behavioural change. While there is a place for confrontation within a trusting, supporting counselling relationship, this is not usually helpful if and when it is public. My own approach in working in this area for over 35 years has always been to maintain a stance that is both humane and pragmatic. My reading of the IDP suggests that it is consistent with this approach".

[sceadugenga]

You get these footy players heading off for a night on the town.... if they fill up with booze, scarf down a couple of pies, a hamburger and chips then finish the night at Maccas they get a 'please explain' from the trainer when he does a skin fold test at training the next week. The pills don't only kick them along, they are also an appetite suppressant, speed was sold as diet pills not very long ago.

I suppose the temptations are just too great, I've seen people lined up near nightclubs while dealers sell their product. We talked about it a barby here the other night and my mate's daughter, who I always thought of as squeaky clean, said she had been a regular user when clubbing before she got married. Said it was a lot better way than booze to get loaded and have a good time.

Think I'll stick to beer myself.

[Farma]

This may be of interest to some of the footy experts.

I received this from Thai Airways Australia this morning.

Join Thai Airways International Footy Tipping Competition

Dear Preferred Customer,

We notice that you haven't joined the Thai Airways International Footy Tipping Competition yet.

It's so simple!!

Just register and THAI will look after the rest. You will be able to view winners, ladders, margins and see where you stack up against the rest. You will receive an email of your tipping results and if you forget to tip.

Awesome Prizes!!

This is a game of skill so the THAI Footy Tipping competition with some great rewards waiting for the most outstanding tippers!

There's a Thailand holiday reward on offer for two people, flying economy class to Bangkok and return on THAI; staying for 2 nights at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok and 2 nights at the Sheraton Resort & Spa in Hua Hin with transfers between airports and hotels included.

There are also some great consolations prizes. See the THAI website for full details.

http://thaiairways.footytips.com.au

[Crow Boy]

This may be of interest to some of the footy experts.

There's a Thailand holiday reward on offer for two people, flying economy class to Bangkok and return on THAI; staying for 2 nights at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok and 2 nights at the Sheraton Resort & Spa in Hua Hin with transfers between airports and hotels included.

There are also some great consolations prizes. See the THAI website for full details.

http://thaiairways.footytips.com.au

Thanks Farma for the link

I registered and submitted my tips - know I am going to regret this but who knows I may win a prize of a trip to Thailand whoo hoo - hang on a minute, I already here

So enquiring minds want to know - who's your team and where are you from

CB

[sceadugenga]

This may be of interest to some of the footy experts.

There's a Thailand holiday reward on offer for two people, flying economy class to Bangkok and return on THAI; staying for 2 nights at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok and 2 nights at the Sheraton Resort & Spa in Hua Hin with transfers between airports and hotels included.

There are also some great consolations prizes. See the THAI website for full details.

http://thaiairways.footytips.com.au

Thanks Farma for the link

I registered and submitted my tips - know I am going to regret this but who knows I may win a prize of a trip to Thailand whoo hoo - hang on a minute, I already here

So enquiring minds want to know - who's your team and where are you from

CB

Hope you have used your TV.com nom de plume as the mighty sceadugenga just signed up and will miss no opportunity to point out the lack of football nouse that Crow's fans have become a household name for.

Actually I used to lift a glass at the Rob Roy Hotel in the City of Adelaide, a notorious Crow's fan's hangout due to the predominance of wimpy Sturt and Glenelg supporters in the area and the barmaid was a devout Power fan. In the first round of that year's tipping contest she kicked 0 from 8.

I got tired of saying..."well, she is female."

[Crow Boy]

This may be of interest to some of the footy experts.

There's a Thailand holiday reward on offer for two people, flying economy class to Bangkok and return on THAI; staying for 2 nights at the Pathumwan Princess Hotel in Bangkok and 2 nights at the Sheraton Resort & Spa in Hua Hin with transfers between airports and hotels included.

There are also some great consolations prizes. See the THAI website for full details.

http://thaiairways.footytips.com.au

Thanks Farma for the link

I registered and submitted my tips - know I am going to regret this but who knows I may win a prize of a trip to Thailand whoo hoo - hang on a minute, I already here

So enquiring minds want to know - who's your team and where are you from

CB

Hope you have used your TV.com nom de plume as the mighty sceadugenga just signed up and will miss no opportunity to point out the lack of football nouse that Crow's fans have become a household name for.

Actually I used to lift a glass at the Rob Roy Hotel in the City of Adelaide, a notorious Crow's fan's hangout due to the predominance of wimpy Sturt and Glenelg supporters in the area and the barmaid was a devout Power fan. In the first round of that year's tipping contest she kicked 0 from 8.

I got tired of saying..."well, she is female."

It wouldn't let me so I have to assume that someone else has taken the Crow Boy ID (buggerit)

Don't know the Rob Roy - I used to drink at the Stag or the Cooper's Pub (blighmy can't remember it's name). When I went back to Adelaide I lived at Brighton and drank at the Esplanade which was a Glenelg Tigers pub - I was a North Adelaide supporter in those days. Because I have spent so much time away now either interstate or overseas I have completely dropped out of the SANFL and wouldn't have a clue what is happening there now.

However I will post my predictions and results each Friday and stand back as the rest of this forum give me stick about my crap selection.

CB

[Pink Mist]

My local is the "Broady" but I do have the odd one or two at the "Vinnie" (now renamed the "Jetty")

I do barrack for the "Bays" but havn't been to a game for a coupla years, last time I got into a blue with a port supporter

[Old Croc]

Started again this weekend.

In an incredible replay of the last years grand final The West Coast Eagles have just beaten Sydney by a single point, again!!!

The last three games between these sides have been decided by the smallest possible margin!!

Earlier, the Fremantle Thuggers were well beaten by Port Adelaide despite starting as strong favorites.

Other games results: Saints beat Melbourne, Collingwood beat Kangaroos and Brisbane beat Hawthorn.

[sceadugenga]

"Earlier, the Fremantle Thuggers were well beaten by Port Adelaide despite starting as strong favorites. laugh.gif "

Did you see that third quarter old one? Did the mighty Port Adelaide not smite them hip and thigh?

Were they not reduced to dust under our feet?

Back to the drawing board Freo.

[Old Croc]

Some more results from round 1.

Essendon 16.9.(105) G: Lucas 7, Lloyd 2, Jetta 2, Johnson, Welsh, Lovett, McPhee, Hille

Adelaide 9.14.(74) G: Bock 3, Burton 2, Thompson 2, Van Berlo, Knights, Perrie

Western Bulldogs 17.11.(113) G: Johnson 8, Giansiracusa 2, Cooney 2, Gilbee, Akermanis, Murphy, Darcy, Hargrave

Geelong 13.15.(93) G: N Ablett 3, Mooney 3, Wojcinski 2, Gardiner, Mackie, G Ablett, Bartel, Chapman

Carlton defeated Richmond by 17 points

Good news there for Austhaied, not so good for Bronco and Crowboy!

[sceadugenga]

Essendon 16.9.(105) G: Lucas 7, Lloyd 2, Jetta 2, Johnson, Welsh, Lovett, McPhee, Hille

Adelaide 9.14.(74) G: Bock 3, Burton 2, Thompson 2, Van Berlo, Knights, Perrie

Goodwin injured early, McLeod had an ordinary day, no one else stepped up take their place. The Crows have to stop relying solely on their key players.

Thank Buddha I'm a Port Adelaide supporter.

See the Bombers fly up, up.......

[sceadugenga]

My local is the "Broady" but I do have the odd one or two at the "Vinnie" (now renamed the "Jetty")

I do barrack for the "Bays" but havn't been to a game for a coupla years, last time I got into a blue with a port supporter

He was probably only pretending to be a Port supporter Bronc, we get a lot of that. The real Port supporters only hang at Lennys when they go down that way to pick up Glenelg women.

Mind you there's nothing wrong with Port women, they breed great footballers, but we feel obliged to go round the lesser clubs territories to improve the gene pool.

We'll have to get together before I go back to Thailand, the time has just flown (thank Buddha) so I'll give you a PM and see if we can arrange a mutual time. (I know a little Filipina chick down that way who thinks I'm 'hansum' actually, kill 2 birds with one stone).

[Austhaied]

Go Dons.. Hey Crowboy, wish i could of been there for it.. Did you go to the Downunder for it..??

[Crow Boy]

Go Dons.. Hey Crowboy, wish i could of been there for it.. Did you go to the Downunder for it..??

Yes I did and it was good to see Gus. Sadly I was the sole punter in the place apart from my wife and son who had absolutely no interest in it at all.

Quick review:

Disapointing game result from a Crows supporters point of view - but they didn't play well and would not deserve the points. The dons played a good brand of football and Scott Lucas was on fire. 6 goals 4 behinds for the day isn't a bad days work so he will probably not need to check if he made the match squad when they post it on Thursday.

Had a Aussie burger with the LOT for lunch and that was the highlight of the day

My tipping sucked and got only four correct

Miss you brother but have to say I was glad you weren't in my ear all morning with the Dons beating us at each quarter. Pretty sad when the Crows only just managed to match the Dons score for the previous quarter.

I think the Dons did very well and will go on to next week with a hightened sense of confidence - they have their team going well and the two new lads they recruited scored three goals between them - excellent effort and Sheedy will be pleased.

My biggest disapointment was Bassett's big hit on young Leroy Jetta - I counted Bassett do three steps between Jetta disposing of the ball and being laid low. I was suprised that Bassett was not reported immediately but I would be very surprised if he doesn't get a visitors card to the tribunal and he will be lucky to escape with three weeks in my opinion. Was a stupid piece of football and totally uncalled for.

CB

[Crow Boy]

Results for Round 1 of the AFL are:

MEL 62 STK 93

KAN 105 POR 121

BRI 69 HAW 44

SYD 73 WCE 74

ADE 74 ESS 105

WBD 113 GEE 93

CAR 115 RIC 98

Some interesting results with the match of the round being the SYD v WCE Grand Final Rematch

Congratulations to you if your team won and commiserations if your's lost

CB

[Crow Boy]

Essendon 16.9.(105) G: Lucas 7, Lloyd 2, Jetta 2, Johnson, Welsh, Lovett, McPhee, Hille

Adelaide 9.14.(74) G: Bock 3, Burton 2, Thompson 2, Van Berlo, Knights, Perrie

Goodwin injured early, McLeod had an ordinary day, no one else stepped up take their place. The Crows have to stop relying solely on their key players.

Thank Buddha I'm a Port Adelaide supporter.

See the Bombers fly up, up.......

The Crows played very poorly - a lot of skill errors and were never in contention. McLeod seemed to hibernate out on the wing and didn't have any impact at all. The two new lads for Essendon from Western Australia had a good day. Scott Lucas had a great day.

The Crows didn't have a tall in the forward line who could kick straight and their traditional strenght of the rebound and the crumbing was sorely lacking with a couple of key players out through injury

Good resulf for the Power

and Big Game for WCE v Swans - lots of upset people wearing red and white on the way home

CB

[Crow Boy]

Bassett, Sinclair cleared; Dodd suspended

Matt Burgan, Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network

News

ADELAIDE'S Nathan Bassett and the Kangaroos' Jess Sinclair on Tuesday were cleared by the AFL Tribunal of charges stemming from the weekend's matches.

Bassett and Sinclair were charged with engaging in rough conduct against Essendon's Leroy Jetta and Collingwood's Ryan Lonie respectively.

Veteran Bassett is now free to face the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday.

He had risked a two-match ban by contesting the charge but the tribunal took less than 10 minutes to find him not guilty.

The charge, laid by the match review panel after its video review, involved his clash with Jetta in the third quarter of Sunday's match at AAMI Stadium.

After attempting to smother Jetta's kick, Bassett said he had no alternative than to make contact with the Essendon youngster and the tribunal agreed.

Roos midfielder Sinclair is likewise free to play against Port Adelaide after he also was found not guilty by the tribunal.

Sinclair was charged over his bump on Lonie in the second quarter of Saturday's loss to the Magpies.

With video evidence inconclusive and both Sinclair and Lonie claiming the contact was shoulder-to-shoulder and not to the head or neck, the three-man panel took only a couple of minutes to find Sinclair not guilty.

In other decisions, Fremantle's Steven Dodd will miss the clash with Essendon this week after accepting a one-match suspension. The match review panel charged Dodd with misconduct for stomping on Port Adelaide's Damon White on Saturday.

The Dockers' Ryan Crowley accepted a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record after being charged with engaging in rough conduct against Port Adelaide's Daniel Motlop.

Brisbane Lion Cameron Wood and Hawthorn's Simon Taylor both accepted $900 sanctions with early pleas. Wood and Taylor were charged with a first offence for wrestling each other.

Hawk Luke Hodge received a reprimand and 66 points towards his future record after being charged with tripping the Brisbane Lions' Nigel Lappin.

Several match-day reports were also reviewed, with the panel deeming no further action was required. Those reports were:

* Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich, who was reported for striking Port Adelaide's Darryl Wakelin. The panel said Wakelin was running back with the flight of the ball and Pavlich was running to the contest with his eyes on the ball. It said Pavlich extended his arm with an open hand was contesting the ball and in doing so made contact to Wakelin's face.

* Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis, who was reported for engaging in rough conduct against the Brisbane Lions' Cheynee Stiller. The panel said contact was made to the back of Stiller's head and neck.

* Essendon's Alwyn Davey, who was reported for making forceful contact with Adelaide's Martin Mattner. The panel believed Davey did not have a realistic alternative to contest the ball and contact to the head was in part caused by the circumstances outside the control of Davey. It believed Mattner slipper and then ducked his head.

* Richmond's Luke McGuane was reported for bumping or making forceful contact from front-on to Marc Murphy. The panel said Murphy had his head over the ball when McGuane came in from three-to-four metres away. McGuane made contact to the back of Murphy's head and neck. The nature of the contact was not a bump and nor was it forceful.

Also a number of incidents were reviewed, but none were deemed reportable. They were:

* Contact between Melbourne's Matthew Whelan and St Kilda's Luke Ball. It was the view of the panel that Whelan ran eight-to-10 metres from in front of Ball. Just before contact was made, Whelan turned his body to shepherd his teammate, resulting in contact between his back and Ball's chest. The momentum of the contact resulted in an accidental head clash. Under the tribunal guidelines, this was an accidental head clash.

* Contact between Melbourne's Aaron Davey and St Kilda's Steven Baker. It was the view of the panel that Davey made contact with Baker's neck after the Saint had disposed of the ball. Davey's action was a pushing motion and not a strike.

* Contact between St Kilda's Leigh Montagna and Melbourne's Travis Johnstone was viewed by the panel and it was deemed Johnstone had hold of Montagna's jumper in a scuffle. Montagna made a conscious effort to move away from the scuffle, but was unable to do so. He threw his right hand into the chest of Johnstone in an effort to free himself. The force was considered minimal.

* Contact between the Brisbane Lions' Cameron Wood and Hawthorn's Jordan Lewis was reviewed. The panel said Wood raised his arm and made contact with Lewis' neck region. The action was deemed to be a pushing motion, rather than a strike.

Edited April 4, 2007 by Crow Boy

[Crow Boy]

ADELAIDE'S Nathan Bassett and the Kangaroos' Jess Sinclair on Tuesday were cleared by the AFL Tribunal of charges stemming from the weekend's matches.

Bassett and Sinclair were charged with engaging in rough conduct against Essendon's Leroy Jetta and Collingwood's Ryan Lonie respectively.

Veteran Bassett is now free to face the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Sunday.

He had risked a two-match ban by contesting the charge but the tribunal took less than 10 minutes to find him not guilty.

The charge, laid by the match review panel after its video review, involved his clash with Jetta in the third quarter of Sunday's match at AAMI Stadium.

After attempting to smother Jetta's kick, Bassett said he had no alternative than to make contact with the Essendon youngster and the tribunal agreed.

I am pleased that Nathan Bassett was not suspended because that would have had a serious impact on the Crows against the Bulldogs on Sunday but I have to honestly say I am surprised.

As an ardent supporter of the Crows I think my team play hard football but fair. I think that Bassett who is a very experience backman should have been able to evade that hit on Leroy Jetta. He took an additional three steps, didn't change direction, AND raised his elbow to head height. It was a very fortunate thing that Jetta was not badly hurt as a result. He is a young man who I think will have a long and successful career in football and I hope he and the rest of the Essendon team don't take this personally. If Mal Michael had done the same thing on a young crow I would be baying for blood and very peeved that he got away with it.

I am hoping that this weekend's game with the Dogs will be something that I can be proud of and irrespective of the result say it was a good clean game where the better team won

ok I have to admit that if those dirty, stinking footscray dogs beat the crows then it is going to really piss me off

CB

[scousemouse]

It is getting close to that time of the year when the blustering wind and mind numbing cold of a Melbourne Winter starts and the locals wonder if there is any chance of getting a Victorian team into the Grand Final for 2007?

As a good South Australian lad I sincerely hope so because if there is one thing I love more than anything else is beating the Victorians at their own game so hoist your colours and sing your team song, 'cos Footy Seasons here. The first matches are on the weekend starting Friday 30 March.

Last year I used to go to the True Blue but sadly that venue appears to have closed indefinitely. Austhaied has advised in a different forum that the Down Under Bar and Restaurant will be showing the AFL of the big screen. I will do a reccie of the place and find out the schedule for when the matches will be played but am assuming that it will be from the ABC retrans over WeTV.

For all the Americans and assorted Europeans inlcuding the Poms - you are most welcome to join us in the celebration of this The Greatest Game Of All"

For now - lets get a show of hands (Avatars) of what's your team

Matt "GO THE MIGHTY CROWS" Crow Boy

real footbal !??!??! , dont you lot use your hands most the time !!!!!