Sir Doug Nicholls Round

Really enjoy the Sir Doug Nicholls Round. I often think of my first encounters of indigenous footballers. As a kid watching my very first VFL/AFL football games, Syd Jackson of Carlton immediately comes to mind. Syd wore the number 5 jersey and accompanying white anklets. He was a skillful half forward flanker in a team of champions and ethnic diversity. Jackson had the ability to kick the impossible goals and take high flying marks. His incredible snap on goal as part of a surging 3rd quarter Carlton comeback in the 1970 grand final is simply breathtaking. But in those days sadly, there were the racist comments. I’m old enough to remember some of the foulest of remarks which I’m not going to repeat here that were directed at Syd. But he got on with playing football and got on with the business of winning premierships (1970 & 1972). Syd was dearly loved by one and all at Carlton and was a clear crowd favorite.

Syd Jackson a trailblazer. Photo source: Inside Football 1970 / Carlton Blueseum

Another indigenous football person I think of is field umpire Glenn James. James started his career in the late 1970’s. He was an excellent umpire and sure, he like all umps never got everything right, but he was good enough to adjudicate in two grand finals (1982, 1984). Umpires get plenty of salty comments, but James copped some horror comments that would be unacceptable in today’s times. He was a fair umpire who kept a cool head which was much needed in the 1980’s of explosive player temperament.

Glenn James during his VFL umpiring career. Photo source: Herald Sun archival photo

I think my fave indigenous players of the 1980’s is a no-brainer. Les Bamblet and Michael “Magic” McLean both played for Footscray and I saw their finest work in the legendary 1985 side. Bamblett had amazing speed and goal nous. McLean had a wise head on young shoulders. His debut 1985 final series was stunning.

Brad Hill of the Fremantle Football Club. Photo: Jodie Newell

Then I think of today’s indigenous players that I am lucky enough to observe up close up. Names such as Brad Hill, Jeremy Finlayson, Daniel Rioli, Zac Williams, Nat Wilson are carrying on a fabulous tradition. Sydney’s Adam Goodes was a champ and despite the unpleasant affair that happened towards the end of his career I think much has changed for the better with regards to people’s rebuttal of racism.  There are more indigenous players in the game, there is indigenous media aka Mangarook Show. In 1970 there was zero of any this. But whilst there is still much to go, I think the Australian public know where they stand, they LOVE the contributions of indigenous players, they love the incredible jersey artwork and the embrace what matters most in any footy team. That is, it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, who you love, how you identify, if you respect people then you are part of our wonderful game that is Australian Rules Football.

Players of both teams link arms during the presentation of the Goodes-O’Loughlin Medal Photo: Jodie Newell

Collingwood looking the goods

Collingwood looked impressive on Friday night. Liked how they made goals out of the smallest windows of opportunities which I alluded to with my question to Nathan Buckley post-game. Daniel Wells, Chris Mayne and Andrew Pendlebury’s goals were incredible. Kudos to the Sydney Swans they worked hard in the contest and made the Pies earn every goal. Brodie Grundy was brilliant in the ruck and around the ground. I also liked the work of Callum Brown, the son of Gavin “Rowdy” Brown. He kicked two handy goals, one of which was questionable ie: running from the centre without a bounce (even Johnathon Brown questioned it on On The Couch) but he looks like a pretty decent midfielder. We spoke with him after the game. One subject Callum touched on was how he enjoyed the Sir Doug Nicholls round and spoke of Travis Varcoe’s involvement with the design of the Collingwood indigenous jersey.

Will John Longmire stay or return to Arden Street?

With the departure of North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, speculation about replacements are running rife in the industry. John Longmire’s name has been brought up in the discussions. It actually would be a good fit. We’ve consistently argued that Longmire despite his solid win/loss record has done the best he can with the Sydney Swans. Sure there has been talk of rebuild and new faces, but I think Horse needs a new club, a change and the prodigal son returning is a nice fit. Our radical, but sane suggestion is hire one Matthew Scarlett. He would be an absolute breath of fresh air to the club. He’d bring new strategies, new attitudes and a different vibe. The club needs it. Not taking anything away from Longmire’s achievements, but it’s time to change the coach at the Swans. One wonders if Tom Harley will have a quiet chat to Scarlo this weekend down at Sleepy Hollow when the Swans travel down to play the Cats on Saturday arvo.

Swans coach John Longmire. Is he contemplating a move to North Melbourne? Photo: Jodie Newell

Much better from the Giants

Loved the response by the Giants at the MCG on Sunday against Melbourne. Despite the poor form this season, Melbourne still have some excellent players. The victory was against a rated side. After a bit of a stuttered start re:  early shots on goal, the Giants started to surge and they began to run through the middle of the ground with absolute confidence, something I haven’t seen this side do at the ‘G. I’d love to see that form of play against a big opponent during a finals game. I really, really liked Leon Cameron telling us that he engaged former North Melbourne champ Wayne Carey to address the Giants forward players and talk about how to play at the MCG and play in big games. Carey wasn’t called “King” for nothing He was a king of the MCG and understood every blade of grass and every angle of breeze. Glad that Leon listened to the “narrative” as he put it about the poor winning record at the ground. You have to win at the MCG otherwise you go home with zero. Bravo coach Cameron, super impressed in your response. Focus on the solution, not the problem.

Harry Himmelberg is starting to impose himself as a serious forward. He booted 5 goals on Sunday. Photo: Jodie Newell