Re: Round 12: Carlton vs. Port Adelaide - Post match celebrations

[ElwoodBlues1]

As far as I recall P, there was no slinging action at all in the Gibbs tackle. He had Gray well wrapped up yes but went to ground with him. No sling at all.  What are we saying now, that your not allowed to go to ground if you've got a bloke wrapped up?

I thought it was two movements..tackles then sling but it wasnt malicious...reprimand or one week max....if we appeal he will get three IMO.
Gray not being able to come back on probably sealed Gibbs fate and the 2 week ban...

[Bear]

I think he had to be suspended... 1 week for mine.

I don't doubt that he hit the ground hard, but Port took a very cautious approach to sub him off. He passed a concussion test. Not saying that is wrong, but If he comes back on the ground then Gibbs doesn't get suspended.

It's a fine line.

[laj]

Finally got to watch the whole game.

Great improved effort from the team, with the tackling in particular quite fierce. Tended to get their bodies engaged more in tackles rather than just grasping with their arms.

Best players for me were Murphy, Cripps, Bell and Rowe. Other good contributions from Gibbs, Docherty, Buckley, Henderson, Casboult, Everitt, Graham and Yarren.  Quite a few players drifted in and oht of the games, but the best players stuck at it the whole game.

We still had 100+ points kicked against us, when Schultz and westhoff had poor games, suggesting our defence still needs alot of work. But good run and carry out of half back and a preference for finding targets in the middle rather than thumping it along the lines.

Depends on how the game is played too. We had 100pts kicked against us in the '99 Preliminary final too.

[Mantis]

Did anyone notice when our key forwards kicked goals on the weekend, they gave each other high fives with only their index fingers, Hendo, Everitt, Menzel Levi. It was so obvious in the first half of the game.

[DJC]

Did anyone notice when our key forwards kicked goals on the weekend, they gave each other high fives with only their index fingers, Hendo, Everitt, Menzel Levi. It was so obvious in the first half of the game.

Everitt was asked about it in an after game interview.  He said that he is a germophobe and doesn't want the skin contact of a high five.  He then said it was just a bit of fun  :

Perhaps it's just an expression of the freedom the players now feel.

[cookie2]

I thought it was two movements..tackles then sling but it wasnt malicious...reprimand or one week max....if we appeal he will get three IMO.
Gray not being able to come back on probably sealed Gibbs fate and the 2 week ban...

Just had several more looks at this. OK, there was a very slight hint of two movements, rather than a single smooth descent. However, I too think it was certainly not malicious and did not deserve the penalty it received. Still can't escape the feeling of us being singled out every time and I'm still feeling pi55ed off.

[Thryleon]

Did anyone notice when our key forwards kicked goals on the weekend, they gave each other high fives with only their index fingers, Hendo, Everitt, Menzel Levi. It was so obvious in the first half of the game.

they did this last week too.

Regarding the tackle, I have this to say.

If the outcome of the action dictates the validity with the action then the game is in strife.

If Gray hadn't hit his head no one would care.

Therefore it's an indictment on the game to suspend Gibbs.

[ItsOurTime]

Just saw some tackling highlights on Footy Classified. Gets the blood pumping but loved how nearly every player went on with it after the tackle with a push or a shove.

[Brettie]

Just saw some tackling highlights on Footy Classified. Gets the blood pumping but loved how nearly every player went on with it after the tackle with a push or a shove.

Not to mention the dropping of opponents with shepherds & body hits as Port players kicked the ball.......we were goddamn brutal & I loved it - I think Tom Bell did too, as he appeared to have great delight in unmercifully dumping every Port player he tackled.....

[Vivian]

they did this last week too.

Regarding the tackle, I have this to say.

If the outcome of the action dictates the validity with the action then the game is in strife.

If Gray hadn't hit his head no one would care.

Therefore it's an indictment on the game to suspend Gibbs.

I mentioned this issue earlier; that rough conduct due to its nature is more subject to being assessed by the severity of the act than other offences.  The MRP system leads to this, but im not certain the previous tribunal system was better. Each had their pros and cons. The current system leaves little room for discretionary judgement in determining penalties.  More discretion may result in more inconsistencies though.

The game is in greater strife if players get seriously injured in the head, and the nature of the professional game increases the chances of this. Despite the nostalgia for supposed greater toughness in years gone by, the players are much faster and stronger than they were 20 years or more ago. Skulls have not got any thicker in this time, and more information is emerging on the damage such blows can inflict. The game is not and is not getting 'soft' by any stretch.

I agree that if Gray had stood up after the tackle then we would not be debating this, but the arrangements are in place because of a precautionary principle.

Another interpretation of this is that Gibbs and Gray were fortunate that the latter was not badly hurt, and that a three week penalty aint much.  A rugby player in Queensland died on the weekend from head injuries sustained in a tackle.