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[jambo]

North should be top 5. They threw away about 7 games this year in close ones.

 

[Westlo]

In the end we'll just have to wear this, we weren't going to beat Hawks, Geelong and the swans anyway, they way the AFL have handled this meant there was always going to be heavy penalties. We're still allowed to do father and son (Long's kid next year if he shapes up) and we get the 18th pick next season. And if we're as good as I think we'll be, that means we only lose a few places in the first round as well as our second round pick in the 2014 draft.

We're in much better shape as a club (and financially) than Carlton were when they got smashed by the AFL. Carlton were a rabble at the time, Essendon is on the verge of being a Top 4 side the next few years.

We just have to lift our mature aged recruiting efforts and make some smart trades to get into the second round. Gumbleton + 3rd round for Doggies 2nd. Jetta + 4tth round for a 3rd, etc. Swap out Bellchambers for Adams and we'll be right. (Taylor to give the mids the added oomph and Ryder is by far a better ruckman and him giving the lion's share with Daniher pinch hitting should be enough, though need to find some cover in the drafts/trade, North's Currie?)

Bomber is as fine a caretaker coach you could ask for, though I hope they let Bomber coach the entire 2014 season, when Hird comes back it can be as an assistant for the final rounds before taking over again in 2015. And North or Carlton playing richmond and smashing their overrated asses will ease the pain of missing the finals, though there's not too much pain because with our current form and injuries, I was expecting a repeat of the Adelaide and Carlton elimination finals anyway...

 

[Yagharek]

That's disappointing. Why do you feel that way?

First disclosure: As a lifelong Essendon supporter,despite recent years of poor performance, I have thoroughly enjoyed some of the competition's highlights. Close GFs with hawks/cats/saints/magpies and swans. I even felt collingwood were screwed unfairly in 2002's GF due to questionable umpiring. As an essendon supporter, that should mean something.

My problem with this year is th eway the afl has run the asada business. Leaks, rumours, innuendo - it all has a strong feeling of leading the public to a desired conclusion. Essendon have essentially been declared as drug cheats without specific allegations.

The way I see it is this: either
a) Essendon did cheat in which case fuck them or
b) They bent the rules without breaking them and are being made an example of

Since I can't find a likely option c) (but am open to one), both situations really bother me to the extreme. Either the club I follow is fucked, or the competition they play in is corrupt.

Neither option is palatable to me, so unless I am missing an obvious option c, the game is dead to me.

I think I will reserve judgement til the final asada report is revealed.

Also, the continuous media frenzy over rumours, innuendo, supposed leaks etc is a textbook example of how willingly people will follow a story based on certain tribal allegiances. Big footy/HTB people take note and learn when you are being led by the nose. On the other hand, essendon fans should be cautious about being reassured by the faithful that it is all a conspiracy.

I will accept a scenario where essendon made honest mistakes and the afl erred on the side of caution. I wont accept incompetence from essendon or malice from the afl.

 

[Jables Swan]

Do Bombers fans want Hird to be coach again after this?

 

[legend166]

Vince, I want to try and discuss this calmly and honestly.

Having read the AFL charge sheet, do you not already thing there is enough evidence to safely assume that Essendon used banned performance enhancing drugs.

It outlines in very clear detail, with the text messages from Dank to Robinson and Charter, that Dank imported large amounts of materials used to make Thymosin Beta 4. There are invoices, from the club, for the purchase of Thymosin Beta 4. There are then consent forms signed by the players, agreeing to be injected with Thymosin Beta 4.

We then know that the players received a large amount of off site injections. It's entirely reasonable to assume that they were in fact injected with Thymosin Beta 4. And anyway, the WADA code makes it clear that the intent to use banned drugs makes you just as liable as actually using them.

Thymosin Beta 4 is a specifically listed, banned substance, so there's none of the faux ambiguity like with AOD9604.

I don't think that Essendon sat down and said "Right, we're going to implement a drugs program, and we're going to use banned drugs and we're going to try and hide it from everyone!" I think what happened was that Dank sold Hird on the idea that other clubs had implemented these 'cutting edge' drug programs and so they had to keep up. Hird thought that sounded amazing and thought he was being super clever (the way he completely dismissed all the warnings from people inside the club was horrible). He said to Dank 'Now make sure it's legal!' and then made absolutely ZERO effort to actually make sure that was the case.

Dank probably didn't think he was doing anything wrong, because from all I've seen of him over the last six months, he really doesn't seem like the smartest tool in the shed. He thought he'd found loopholes in the WADA code and was trying to exploit them.

I just cannot understand how the AFL can sit there and say that there is currently no proof to suggest that Essendon players were injected with banned drugs. All the proof is right their in their own charge sheet. The only thing I can take from this is that they know that ASADA is coming down with the hammer so they're going to leave all that to them.

If this all petters out and those are the only punishments Essendon get, I'm just about ready to give up on this league. I'll follow the Swans, but that's about it.

I hate doping in sport. It seriously just ruins so much of it for me. I hate the attitude towards it that is prevalent in US sports (basically a 'who cares?') We need to make sure that we do everything possible to not get to that point.

 

[HolyCheck]

Vince, I want to try and discuss this calmly and honestly.

Having read the AFL charge sheet, do you not already thing there is enough evidence to safely assume that Essendon used banned performance enhancing drugs.

It outlines in very clear detail, with the text messages from Dank to Robinson and Charter, that Dank imported large amounts of materials used to make Thymosin Beta 4. There are invoices, from the club, for the purchase of Thymosin Beta 4. There are then consent forms signed by the players, agreeing to be injected with Thymosin Beta 4.

We then know that the players received a large amount of off site injections. It's entirely reasonable to assume that they were in fact injected with Thymosin Beta 4. And anyway, the WADA code makes it clear that the intent to use banned drugs makes you just as liable as actually using them.

Thymosin Beta 4 is a specifically listed, banned substance, so there's none of the faux ambiguity like with AOD9604.

I don't think that Essendon sat down and said "Right, we're going to implement a drugs program, and we're going to use banned drugs and we're going to try and hide it from everyone!" I think what happened was that Dank sold Hird on the idea that other clubs had implemented these 'cutting edge' drug programs and so they had to keep up. Hird thought that sounded amazing and thought he was being super clever (the way he completely dismissed all the warnings from people inside the club was horrible). He said to Dank 'Now make sure it's legal!' and then made absolutely ZERO effort to actually make sure that was the case.

Dank probably didn't think he was doing anything wrong, because from all I've seen of him over the last six months, he really doesn't seem like the smartest tool in the shed. He thought he'd found loopholes in the WADA code and was trying to exploit them.

I just cannot understand how the AFL can sit there and say that there is currently no proof to suggest that Essendon players were injected with banned drugs. All the proof is right their in their own charge sheet. The only thing I can take from this is that they know that ASADA is coming down with the hammer so they're going to leave all that to them.

If this all petters out and those are the only punishments Essendon get, I'm just about ready to give up on this league. I'll follow the Swans, but that's about it.

I hate doping in sport. It seriously just ruins so much of it for me. I hate the attitude towards it that is prevalent in US sports (basically a 'who cares?') We need to make sure that we do everything possible to not get to that point.

Unless the charge sheet is wrong? Charge sheet isn't evidence, it was what the AFL were accusing essendon of, note WAS. it's not the charge sheet essendon were charged with.

Below is the list of sanctions and details around the charges against the Essendon Football Club, coach James Hird, assistant coach Mark Thompson and football manager Danny Corcoran.

Club doctor Bruce Reid has chosen to contest his charges.

Essendon Football Club

Essendon FC breach of AFL Player Rule 1.6

The AFL Commission and the Essendon FC acknowledge that the conduct in its totality relied upon by the AFL and EFC to constitute a breach of Rule 1.6 is as follows, namely, that Essendon FC:

established a program relating to the administration of supplements to its players in preparation for, and during, the 2012 AFL premiership season (the Program);
engaged in practices that exposed players to potential risks to their health and safety as well as the potential risk of using substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code;
disregarded standard practices involving the human resources department when employing Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank at EFC;
failed to conduct routine, systematic pre-employment checks in respect of Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank;
failed to ensure that persons with the necessary integrity, reputation and training were engaged by EFC to implement the Program;
failed to ensure that those implementing the Program were adequately supervised;
failed to devise or implement adequate systems or processes to ensure that some substances provided to and used by players were safe and were compliant with the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code;
failed to have proper regard to player health and safety, including failing to ensure that some substances had no potentially negative effects on players;
failed to identify and record the source from which some substances used by players were obtained;
failed to adequately monitor and record the use of some substances;
failed to audit or monitor some substances held on the premises of EFC;
failed to implement a system for recording and storing some substances held on the premises of EFC;
failed to meaningfully inform players of some substances the subject of the Program and obtain their informed consent to the administration of some of the substances;
failed to take appropriate and adequate action when it became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory and potentially risky practices were occurring in relation to the administration of supplements; and
permitted a culture at EFC of frequent, uninformed and unregulated use of the injection of supplements.
The AFL Commission further determines, and the Essendon FC further acknowledges, that by reason of the above matters:

- EFC failed to ensure it adequately protected the health, welfare and safety of the players; there was a risk that Essendon players could have been administered substances prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk; and

- EFC is unable now to determine whether players were administered some substances prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code,

As a result, it has been determined the Essendon FC breached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules (March 2011).

Essendon FC sanction

Essendon FC:

will pay to the AFL a fine in the sum of $2,000,000, such amount to be paid by in instalments as follows:

- $400,000 on 31 December 2013;

- $800,000 on 31 December 2014;

- $800,000 on 31 December 2015; and

will forfeit its place in the 2013 AFL finals series and will not play in the 2013 AFL finals series, being deemed to have finished the 2013 Premiership Season in ninth position;

- is prohibited from exercising, at the 2013 National Draft, its Round 1 and Round 2 selections, as those selections are identified immediately prior to the exchange period as specified under Rule 9.1 and any rights conveyed under Rule 8.1; and

- is prohibited from exercising, at the 2014 National Draft, its Round 1 and Round 2 selections, as those selections are identified immediately prior to the exchange period as specified under Rule 9.1 and any rights conveyed under Rule 8.1.

EFC will, in 2014, be granted a selection at the end of Round 1 of the National Draft prior to any compensation selections otherwise awarded under the Rules.

For the avoidance of doubt, the EFC has the ability to trade in for draft selections at any level of draft pick in the 2013 and 2014 National Drafts.

EFC acknowledges that:

- EFC regrets the impact and the potential consequences of this matter for the EFC players and the AFL competition in general;

- EFC supports the AFL Rules and recognises the need for the integrity of those Rules and the integrity of the AFL competition to be preserved by the AFL Commission.

The AFL acknowledges that neither EFC nor any of the individuals charged set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered prohibited or potentially harmful substances.

James Hird

The AFL and James Hird agree that in 2011/2012 EFC implemented, while Hird was Senior Coach of the club, the Program, which was inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and James Hird that:

- he contributed to the Essendon FC’s failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the Program;

- when he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices;

- he did not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players may have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code, and any such risk is an unacceptable risk;

- as Senior Coach, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance within EFC’s football department,

and in consequence, Hird accepts that the Essendon FC breached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

Sanction

By reason of the matters referred to above:

the AFL will impose a 12 month suspension from the AFL effective from 25 August 2013;

James Hird will not work with any AFL Club in any capacity during this period; and

James Hird accepts this suspension.

The AFL and James Hird consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given James Hird’s willingness to resolve the matter.

The AFL acknowledges that:

- No breaches of the AFL Anti-Doping Code have been established to date;

- James Hird did not set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances;

- James Hird’s willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.



Mark Thompson

The AFL and Thompson agree that in 2011/2012 the Essendon FC implemented, while Thompson was Senior Assistant Coach of the club, the Program, which was experimental, inappropriate and inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and Thompson that:

- he contributed to EFC’s failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the Program;

- when he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices;

- he did not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players could have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk;

- as Senior Assistant Coach, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance and oversight within EFC’s football department in relation to the Program,

- and in consequence, Thompson accepts that Essendon FC breached Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

Sanction

the AFL will impose a $30,000 fine

The AFL and Thompson consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given Thompson’s willingness to accept responsibility as described above.

The AFL acknowledges that:

- No breaches of the AFL Anti-doping Code have been established to date;

- To the best of the AFL’s knowledge and belief, Thompson and the Essendon FC did not set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances; and

- Mark Thompson’s willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.

Danny Corcoran

The AFL and Danny Corcoran agree that in 2011/2012 the Essendon FC implemented, while Corcoran was Manager – People and Development of the club, the Program, which was experimental, inappropriate and inadequately vetted and controlled.

It is agreed by the AFL and Corcoran that:

- he contributed to EFC’s failure to take sufficient steps to ensure the health, welfare and safety of players in relation to the Program;

- when he became aware of facts that suggested that unsatisfactory practices were occurring, the action he took was not sufficient to stop those practices;

- he did not take sufficient steps to avoid there being a risk that players could have been administered substances that were prohibited by the AFL Anti-Doping Code and the World Anti-Doping Code and any such risk is an unacceptable risk;

- as Manager – People and Development, he shares responsibility for the inadequate governance within EFC’s football department in relation to the Program,

- and in consequence, Danny Corcoran accepts that he contributed to EFC breaching Rule 1.6 of the AFL Player Rules.

Sanction

the AFL will impose a 6 month suspension from the AFL, effective 1 October 2013, 2 months of which is suspended for a period of 2 years;

Danny Corcoran is not permitted to work with any AFL Club in any capacity during any period of suspension referred to in the preceding paragraph; and

Danny Corcoran accepts this suspension.

The AFL and Danny Corcoran consider that the best interests of the game and its supporters are served by a resolution of this matter now given Corcoran’s willingness to resolve the matter as described above.

The AFL acknowledges that:

- No breaches of the AFL Anti-Doping Code have been established based on the information held by the AFL;

- To the best of the AFL’s knowledge and belief, neither Danny Corcoran nor the Essendon FC set out to implement a supplements program that would result in players being administered WADA prohibited or harmful substances; and


-Danny Corcoran’s willingness to resolve the matter as described above is appropriate action by him in the circumstances.

 

[DaMan121]

Unless the charge sheet is wrong? Charge sheet isn't evidence, it was what the AFL were accusing essendon of, note WAS. it's not the charge sheet essendon were charged with.

Most of the details regarding TB4 stems from the ACC investigation, leaked when the story broke in Feb. The text message exchanges, invoices etc - all this was known before the ASADA investigation even began.

 

[legend166]

The charge sheet has evidence in it. Unless the AFL/ASADA decided to falsify text messages, emails and a consent form signed by players I'm not sure what your point is Holy.

 

[Yagharek]

Don't they have samples that have not been found to contain anything untoward?

The black-and-white did they/didn't they isn't going to magically appear for you legend. There is no proof (yet) as to what they did take except for the drugs they have already admitted to, such as Watson and AOD. But even with that said, he said he only knows what he was told he was taken.

Anyway, I can't entertain any more of this discussion with you. You have long made up your mind based on allegations circulating in the media, no proof or final report seems necessary and charges equal evidence in your understanding.

If that's how you see it then I've got nothing further to get from reading your posts on the topic.

 

[AxeMan]

<SNIP>

I think you've pretty much hit the nail on the head.

The AFL can't be seen to even tolerate the suspicion that a team was taking PED's.
Essendon may not have taken PED's but there is pretty strong evidence that they may have.
I believe that if Hird took the fall or stood down at the beginning of the year than the whole process and ensuing chaos that occurred would have been avoided. Some penalties would have occurred but it wouldn't have been a rabid frenzy like it has been.

I'm not 100% sure if the AFL were leaking information but there is no way I would be surprised if they were. But I can say for sure that there is no way that Essendon wasn't leaking if the AFL were

I think the media and AFL have an unhealthy relationship.
They have too much influence the media. Why do you need to be an AFL accredited media entity/reporter to report on the game and gain access to information and clubs?
It's only going to get worse when the AFL media arm is in full swing.
Too many commentators ready to champion the cause of the 'mighty AFL' and never question the direction

ASADA are struggling for a reputation but it's hard to see exactly what they have done wrong. Ideally the AFL and ASADA investigations should have been separate, but then the AFL wouldn't have had access to all the details and with that the competition runs the risk of allowing Essendon to go unpunished.

I firmly believe the AFL were and still are actively campaigning to ASADA on behalf of Essendon. Whether is has any effect I doubt we'll ever know.
Demetriou protects the game and will do what he believes is in it's best interests. And a healthy Essendon is a big part of that. Remember he called Essendon's sponsors earlier this year to allay their fears.

Your second last sentence is the answer you're looking for

....essendon made honest mistakes and the afl erred on the side of caution

 

[Yagharek]

A potential option c) would be if Essendon were deceived by criminal/corrupt persons who lied and covered up certain chemical supplements. This is probably a fanciful notion, however.

ASADA's final report really needs to be made public for the good of all parties concerned, but comprehensive evidence might not be attainable.

 

[jambo]

Friday August 30th
Sydney vs. Hawthorn @ ANZ Stadium

Saturday August 31st
St Kilda vs. Fremantle @ Etihad Stadium
Geelong vs. Brisbane @ Simonds Stadoium
Port Adelaide vs. Carlton @ AAMI Stadium
Essendon vs. Richmond @ The MCG
West Coast vs. Adelaide @ Patersons Stadium

Sunday September 1st
Gold Coast vs. Greater Western Sydney @ Metricon Stadium
Collingwood vs. North Melbourne @ The MCG
Western Bulldogs vs. Melbourne @ Etihad Stadium


Round 23 Teams

 

[jambo]

My tips for the weekend:

Hawthorn

Fremantle
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Richmond
West Coast

Gold Coast
Collingwood (by 19 points)
Footscray

Six of those games could go either way so I have no idea what's going to happen this weekend. Here's hoping the Roos make it in to the 8!

 

[Jables Swan]

My tips for the weekend:

Hawthorn

Fremantle
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Richmond
West Coast

Gold Coast
Collingwood (by 19 points)
Footscray

Six of those games could go either way so I have no idea what's going to happen this weekend. Here's hoping the Roos make it in to the 8!

I've tipped the same. I'm 1 point in the lead in my work comp. It has all come down to this. So damn nervous. $1000 would be very handy at this point.

 

[HolyCheck]

My tips for the weekend:

Hawthorn

Fremantle
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Richmond
West Coast

Gold Coast
Collingwood (by 19 points)
Footscray

Six of those games could go either way so I have no idea what's going to happen this weekend. Here's hoping the Roos make it in to the 8!

Hawthorn

Fremantle
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Essendon
Adelaide

Gold Coast
Collingwood (by 99 points)
Footscray

here's mine... I'm 1 point away and 80 points off on the margin lol

 

[Andiie]

My tips for the weekend:

Hawthorn

Fremantle
Geelong
Port Adelaide
Richmond
West Coast

Gold Coast
Collingwood (by 19 points)
Footscray

Six of those games could go either way so I have no idea what's going to happen this weekend. Here's hoping the Roos make it in to the 8!

Think we went one different to each other so that should decide who finishes 2nd.

 

[Jables Swan]

Looking back at who was leading during the year, Andie and I have had a pretty good battle for first, changing most weeks and Jambo came from no where in the second half of the year.

 

[Andiie]

Looking back at who was leading during the year, Andie and I have had a pretty good battle for first, changing most weeks and jambo came from no where in the second half of the year.

Yeah, up until the last few rounds it's been pretty close all year but I don't think I was ever that confident of being able to take and keep a lead because of how inconsistent I had been. It was hard enough just pulling back that lead of yours let alone take it.

I checked the tips per round for a laugh and I had half the amount of 6's jambo and yourself had (4 to 8) and had around double the amount of 4's and 5's (8 to 4/6). It was offset somewhat by my 8's. Too many bad rounds, not enough mid ones.

 

[Jables Swan]

That's normally the story for me each year. Bit of an arsey year for me. Hopefully it's enough to take out my work comp too.

Watch out for Jambo next year I reckon. I'll also get Rezbit to join in next year.

 

[fisheyes]

I'm too far out of contention for GAF tipping to care, but in my family one, I'm 6th. 1st is unreachable, but 2nd is only 3 tips away. 7th, meanwhile, is 5 tips below me. I'm going crazy this week with roughies, hoping I might just be able to climb a few spots. Go you Swannies, Saints, Eagles, Bombers and Roos!

 

[Andiie]

What an effort from Saints so far.

Disappointed with Geelong's effort. Hopefully we can pick it up.

 

[Jables Swan]

Saints killing my tipping. Dropping from first place.

 

[Andiie]

Wow, still time left and Montagna and Steven have 44 disposals each.

Edit: Goddamn at the possession difference. Freo had 2 over 20 disposals and Saints had 11 20's, 3 30's and 2 at 47. 519 to 291, lol.

Edit 2: How close was that? Stopped it on the goal line. Geez Cats, need to play better than that next week.

 

[Shaneus]

Jesus fuck Geelong. Only listened to bits of the game but the scoreline is a shocker.

 

[Andiie]

Jesus fuck Geelong. Only listened to bits of the game but the scoreline is a shocker.

If you get a chance try to watch the last couple minutes to see how close they come to snatching it. That last shot was ridiculous.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/23/geel-v-bl#

Edit: Carlton having a real crack. 13mins left, 4pts.
Fantastic win. Well done, Carlton.

 

[jambo]

Fucks sake.

We'll be out first week if we fade away in the third quarter like that.

 

[Shaneus]

If you get a chance try to watch the last couple minutes to see how close they come to snatching it. That last shot was ridiculous.
http://www.afl.com.au/match-centre/2013/23/geel-v-bl#

Edit: Carlton having a real crack. 13mins left, 4pts.
Fantastic win. Well done, Carlton.

Oh, I know how close they were. I was just surprised at the score of Geelong's 14 goals-whatever. Shithouse, especially at home.

 

[Jables Swan]

Fucks sake.

We'll be out first week if we fade away in the third quarter like that.

Bastards cost me $1000

 

[helloresolven]

It only made sense for Port to pull a North when North needed them to win .

 

[Jables Swan]

Final standings

Jambo with a huge comeback to snatch second place.

 

[Shaneus]

In my defense, I don't think I even put my tips in for the last month or two. Just kinda stopped giving a shit after I realised I missed the Friday tips!

 

[Andiie]

I took a risk taking Essendon, clearly didn't work out. I lost my home comp too by two tips, lol.

Anyway, congrats Jables (and jambo). And thanks to everyone else who entered.

 

[jambo]

I don't want to be a dick, and it's great that everyone's congratulating me on a great comeback, but my username is spelt with a lower case j =P

Nice work Jables, honestly you had it in the bag a few weeks ago imo.

So how are we going to do the Steam gift? People want to gift me steam wallet cash and then I'll send it to Jables? Is that even possible?

 

[Andiie]

I don't want to be a dick, and it's great that everyone's congratulating me on a great comeback, but my username is spelt with a lower case j =P

Nice work Jables, honestly you had it in the bag a few weeks ago imo.

So how are we going to do the Steam gift? People want to gift me steam wallet cash and then I'll send it to Jables? Is that even possible?

I don't think you can send steam cash. I was hoping you guys had a plan, I was just expecting to send him a money gift using paypal. I think he'd need his own paypal account though and I'd need his email. I'm not entirely sure how it works as I've only done it a couple times for steam games from the US on GAF. That, to me, seems the easiest way.

 

[HolyCheck]

quality work jAMBO

i would have slotted in around 9th or 10th had i joined in

 

[Jables Swan]

I can pass on my email to people if needed and I have PayPal.

I'll blame my phone for the capitalisation sorry jambo.

 

[Jables Swan]

Swans line up for tomorrow night looks damn good. Going to be a ripper game.

Hopefully my boys can get up over Port this week too.

 

[jambo]

I'll send some cash through later today when I get paid.

 

[Andiie]

Roos coaching Melbourne for the next 2 years is great news. I just want to see them playing well.

 

[jambo]

Great outcome, hopefully he can drag them back up from the bottom.


http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-09-06/roos-to-coach-demons-in-2014

PAUL Roos has been confirmed as Melbourne's new coach.

In a major coup for the Demons, who are struggling both on and off the field, Roos has signed a two-year deal that includes an option for a third season.

The 50-year-old will be welcomed to his new club at a press conference scheduled to take place at the MCG at noon.

The Demons' website described the high-profile acquisition as "monumental, given he has been on the radar of several AFL clubs since stepping down at the end of 2010 and has been regarded as one of the finest coaches of the modern era".

Roos sensationally declared his growing interest in accepting the job at Melbourne last Friday night after months of apparent indifference.

The Demons, and interim chief executive Peter Jackson in particular, continued to woo Roos and momentum grew once he told the Brisbane Lions he was not interested in moving north to seek their vacant position.

Roos took the Sydney Swans to two Grand Finals for one premiership, breaking a premiership drought of 72 years (the longest in League history) in 2005.

He coached the Swans to seven finals series from eight full seasons, including six in succession from 2003-08. His strike rate over 202 games was 57.9 per cent.

Roos also created a player-driven culture that is the envy of most AFL clubs.

Roos resigned from the coaching position in 2010 and handed the job over to his assistant John Longmire, who guided the Swans to a flag last year.

Melbourne held its best and fairest last night and no official comment was made in relation to Roos at the function.

 

[Jables Swan]

Roos coaching Melbourne for the next 2 years is great news. I just want to see them playing well.

Great news for Melbourne. Hopefully he can get them back to being relevant and back to winning some games.

Goes to show how much Brisbane has possibly screwed up their coaching situation. They might be lucky to get out of it by picking up Woosha but what are the chances of that?

 

[fisheyes]

Melbourne have the nucleus of a very good list, especially if they get handed a priority pick, which would be absolutely ridiculous but I wouldn't be at all surprised if the AFL does it.

Let Roosy come in and have a cleanout of the list cloggers, of which they have quite a few, and treat the rest of the list like its a Gold Coast / GWS style youngster project, and in a few years they could really be something.

EDIT: What have we organised in regards to the tipping prize?

 

[Andiie]

EDIT: What have we organised in regards to the tipping prize?

I think it was said a while back that we could all send $5 to the winner and that'd make a decent enough prize. The only way I know how to send money to someone is to use paypal so if you're able to do that just message Jables and work out the details.

 

[jambo]

Friday September 6th
Hawthorn vs. Sydney @ The MCG [1st Qualifying Final]

Saturday September 7th
Geelong vs. Fremantle @ Simmonds Stadium [2nd Qualifying Final]
Collingwood vs. Port Adelaide @ The MCG [2nd Elimination Final]

Sunday September 8th
Richmond vs. Carlton @ The MCG [1st Elimination Final]


Week 1 Finals Teams

 

[jambo]

My tips for the first week of the finals are:

Hawthorn (by 15 points)

Geelong
Collingwood

Richmond

We did beat the Pies earlier this year, but I think they're on too much of a roll at the moment for it to happen again.

Will be interesting to see how the Swans go with a few big names back in the team coupled with Franklin being out for the week.

Also I can see the Tigers vs. Blues game going either way. Hope the Tigers win though, they need it after 12 years.

 

[HolyCheck]

My tips for the first week of the finals are:

Hawthorn (by 15 points)

Geelong
Collingwood

Richmond

We did beat the Pies earlier this year, but I think they're on too much of a roll at the moment for it to happen again.

Will be interesting to see how the Swans go with a few big names back in the team coupled with Franklin being out for the week.

Also I can see the Tigers vs. Blues game going either way. Hope the Tigers win though, they need it after 12 years.

The roar of the crowd at the essendon tigers game when the announcer mentioned they will be playing finals next week for the first time in 12 years was hilariously depressing.

 

[Andiie]

Can't wait for tonight's game. Should be interesting to see what both sides have learnt from last week's game.

The Geelong v Freo game is a lot closer than the odds suggest. Freo are dangerous all over. Pav always plays well against us and we're rubbish at stopping in form small forwards. Issues with Hawkins and our ruck don't give me much confidence either. Hopefully we get over the line for Chappy's 250th and to avoid having to play Collingwood in the 2nd week.

Collingwood should do it fairly easily and I picked Carlton for the upset, lol.

 

[Jables Swan]

Swans
Freo
Pies
Tigers

Could see the Swans getting up tonight though too.

Port going down jambo!!!!!

Edit: Changed to Swans. No Buddy or Cyril now.

 

[fisheyes]

Swans
Freo
Port
Richmond

Not sure why the Blues are considered better chances than Port and Freo - and almost shorter odds than Sydney - when they've been so awful all year. I guess the hype around the Tigers could be their downfall, but I can't see Carlton managing the upset.

 

[Jables Swan]

Swans
Freo
Port
Richmond

Not sure why the Blues are considered better chances than Port and Freo - and almost shorter odds than Sydney - when they've been so awful all year. I guess the hype around the Tigers could be their downfall, but I can't see Carlton managing the upset.

I reckon people expect Richmond to beat themselves. I hope they can get a win. They definitely deserve it more than Carlton.