I wonder to myself each week if this, what is here in in this thread is part of the reason "the game" is suffering here in Australia. The enemy within seem to be a significant inhibiting factor and potentially doing untold damage before we then expose its (the games) underbelly publicly to be mocked and mauled by other sports.
Growing up in AFL land I have witnessed first hand the passion of some supporters and the loathing for the opposition team. For example Collingwood supporters watching a Carlton or Bombers game, can be seen frothing at the mouth, and retrieving the flying set of falsies that shot out in the frantic moments of uncontrolled verbal passion that is like grapeshot from a cannon at short range trying to cut down the opposition players, and at time the umpires. The ensuing exchange of infantry fire is across the seats and rows from both teams supporters, no quarter given, no quarter asked. But the final siren signals a reluctant ceasefire where they all withdraw until the next meeting.
But should a non-AFL outsider challenge either party you will see what AFL supporters are really about. Firstly and foremost is the love of the game. You will find when challenged AFL supporters wearing all different colours will stand side by side defending the game before their own teams. This is embedded in a AFL supporters soul at birth.
We tear shreds of each other and each others teams as this thread demonstrates. Then we have a perverse expectation that the colours we wear on a weekend justify preferential treatment for our players to be included in the Wallabies. Again we will argue our allegiance over that.
Our game is different to others in Australia. Its complex in that is not only a domestic product, but an international one.
I believe we as supporters need to look again and find Rugby's real identity and realign our allegiances. The Game firstly, then the Wallabies, and then in to the breeding and testing ground that provides the players for our world conquering Wallabies team - Super Rugby, NRC and local Clubs and competition.
Before we can change a thing we need to stop imploding the game and stop acting like ass clowns!
Oh, in regards to the game it was a great game, both teams showed heart, their strength and weakness and the quality of the players they have in their squads. Nothing better than right up until the final whistle you aren't sure who will win. This is what its all about, and this is what we need to be seen on FTA TV!!!
Yes there will be issues with referring decisions at times, but I would rather see the Brumbies and Reds got hard at it with a full compliment for 80 minutes. I am not sure how others would feel but "just" getting over the line and needing a man advantage would be an unfulfilling win for me.
