SO there has been a bit of talk lately about the byes in the AFL and that the players need it. Must say that I disagree. I’ve always thought that footy was a game of attrition and the team that could manage their players better than other teams would often come out on top. The game is not just a sprint, it is also a marathon and needs to be managed as such. That is part of the great art of managing a team, not just during each individual game, but planning for the entire year.
Then there are those who wish to make games shorter, once again to prolong a player’s career. I disagree again and use the same argument.
It’s not about whether you are soft or strong, it’s about whether you can make it through to the end and have a bigger score on the scoreboard and hopefully be in a better condition that your opponent. It’s that simple.
For those that remember, Gary Dempsey was tall and an excellent ruckman. When opposed to the more athletic Peter Moore, who had an excellent leap, Dempsey resorted to using his body rather than just jumping for the footy. The umpire let it go then and it has been let go ever since. Prior to that grand final (sometime in the 70s) using the body was shepherding or obstruction. Brodey Grundy gets away with this now. And good on him until they pull him up.
Grey areas in our rules can sometimes make our game great, but they need to stop making grey areas out of the black and white rules.
Enough, stop now Kurl, your soap box is wobbling.
AS I’m walking the street, Aaron Baulch drives past so I wave, then old mate Wally Keighran drives past, so I wave, then former workmate Hayley Steel drives past, so I wave. All one after the other. Would like to think that this was set up. Clearly not, but either way, nice work.
SOMETIMES it’s hard to remember names, especially if that someone has only been known by their nickname.
There is probably no need to even know this bloke’s real name as the nickname has always been used with respect, but for some reason, someone thought Kurl’s real name was Neil.
They can call me Neil, or Greg or Kurl. It doesn’t matter. All the very best, Mrs T.
FORMER Kerang local Brad Maclean will be part of the country’s best bush poets at the Gympie Muster on August 28 to 31. Brad always puts on a good show and must admit that I have a couple of his shows filed away on my computer for that day when I may need a comic check with reality. All the very best, Brad. Sure you will be a success again.
What did ever happen to Scrivo’s cat?
KERANG Footy Club are holding a reunion of a few premiership teams on August 2.
Reunions will be held for the 1955 Kerang team, 1975 Rovers premiership team, Kerang’s ’84 and ’85 and the 2015 teams. Guaranteed to be a wonderful evening.
SPEAKING of reunions, on July 5, Wandella held premiership reunions for the 1955, 1985 and 1995 reserves. George Fenton, Bruce English and captain coach Ron Free are three that are still around locally from the ’55 premiership. Good on you and congratulations to these three local legends.
Great to catch up with old friends.
ABE Keating was another Wandella lad to play his first senior game this year. Abe said that he “loved it”. He could be one to break Scratcher’s games record at the club. All the best.
WHILE on senior debuts, the Kerang Footy Club have had a few blokes make their senior debut this year.
Cooper Meehan, Nicholas Oliver, Myles Greenwood, Dominic Dick O’Flaherty, Brodie Meehan, Deklan Lux, Dylan Threlfall, Jordan Clingan, Zarne Thamm, Jayden Crellin and Tyler Meehan have all made their Senior football debut this season.
Add to that, the Blues slipped a few games of experience into youngsters last year as well. These blokes are in their second year. Flynn McKnight and Mason Dibsdale played two games in 2024, Hugh Bremner, Leigham McAlpine, Austin Crellin and Nick Murray all played one game in 2024.
A team’s strength is usually measured by their depth and although they have a few injuries at the moment to some top line players and their depth is being tested, they are doing a great job so far this season.
CAUGHT up with Leigh and Deb Forster on the weekend of July 5 while watching Pyramid Hill demolish Bears Lagoon Serpentine. Leigh seemed to be walking around the footy looking extremely busy but probably not doing a real lot, while Deb was flat out in the coffee van. Sorry Leigh, only joking.
Leigh was the friendly barman at the Victoria Hotel about 10 years ago and Deb is serving up some grub at Northaven.
Great to catch up folks.
WHILE having a pleasant conversation with old mate Bulldog, Mrs Beryl Norman has walked past and stated, “At least we know what’s going in the paper next week”. She also said that I had no idea who she was. So that comment guarantees a mention in the Komment. You can run but you can never hide.
So, Mrs Beryl Norman, wife of former contract harvester Ted, and I have worked with one of her grandsons for approximately 20 years and umpired three of her grandsons and a great grandson in cricket as well.
Next time Beryl, stop and we’ll have a chat.
