05-04-2017, 02:34 AM
(05-04-2017, 02:14 AM)Gointocarlton link Wrote:Rivalries exist and are also created, nothing "old" about it. Ask any kid drafted 10 years ago, today or in 10 years time what they think about playing on the MCG v Carlton, Filth, Scum or the Tiggers in front of 80-90K. Ask Hawks players/fans what they think of Geel and the Scum. The arch enemy stuff is just an extension of the rivalry IMO (ie rivalry taken to the next level), always been there for the players and fans, always will be.
I guess the point I was making is that in the professional era, and in the post-zone era, things like rivalries and arch enemies are old school. I can understand some fans getting into it, but beyond that, it's passé. Our players should be ready to play, irrespective of who the opponent is. And if we need a gimmick for every opponent we play, then something's wrong iMO.
Rob Walls admitted in an interview with Mike Sheahan that most of his rivalry with Essendon was made up, and stemmed mainly from issues with Sheedy.