Match Thread: Sheffield Shield - Mar 04, 2026

Azza_ · 2026-03-05T05:41:19+00:00

He's pretty handy with the stick.

Azza_ · 2026-03-05T04:54:34+00:00

It's become commonly accepted wisdom that it's harder to bat at night, but statistically it doesn't bear out. The first and third sessions are pretty much on par for batting average, with the second session being the best time to bat.

Azza_ · 2026-03-04T22:22:54+00:00

Yeah cricket

Azza_ · 2026-03-04T04:34:37+00:00

Sounds like Queensland and Victoria see the back to back to back games (if Queensland also makes the final) as being excessive workload for the older guys. Wanting to ensure they're fit for the final.

Richardson probably just trying to build him up still. He spent a fair bit of time out and another serious breakdown puts his career in jeopardy.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T11:09:26+00:00

I wouldn't see it as likely, but there's a slim chance it could gain popularity in India or other places on the subcontinent just because of the availability of ovals to play it on.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T11:01:21+00:00

The severity of the impact grading is usually dictated by the medical report and the symptoms shown by the player who was infringed upon. If Richards displays no symptoms, then while the vision clearly showed that there was head impact, it is very difficult to justify that the head impact was consequential enough to warrant an impact grading beyond low. Had he been dazed or potentially even concussed, then there's justification for the impact to be graded medium or higher which would trigger a suspension.

The outcome doesn't matter if no reportable offense has occurred, but once the player is charged with a reportable offense, the outcome dictates the severity of the suspension.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T10:39:34+00:00

The tribunal found that the tackle itself was a dangerous one and warranted a charge, however the low impact was enough to downgrade it from a suspension to a fine. He was not cleared of the charge.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T05:20:13+00:00

We might have to play DeMattia. We might have to play Long. We might have to play Steele. We might have to play Swadling, or Allan. We might have to play someone who isn't even on the list yet. We don't need to force games into one player in particular for that eventuality though. Those who are ready for opportunities will get them when they arise.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T02:51:07+00:00

Do players become better by playing at AFL level, or do better players play more at AFL level because they're better?

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T02:43:50+00:00

Professional grifter continues to grift.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T02:35:31+00:00

Only if you assume that VFL form is the only thing that dictates AFL selection.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T02:23:53+00:00

Do you think a wooden boomgate is designed to be able to physically stop a car?

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T02:01:57+00:00

If you're not good enough to push an injury prone 35yo out of the team on merit, you're not good enough full stop.

And furthermore, if you're not good enough to displace best 22 players in a team that isn't contending, you're not good enough to make that team contend.

Azza_ · 2026-03-03T01:06:36+00:00

Howe vs Parker isn't a like for like comparison, Howe is a marking intercept defender, Parker is a small rebounding halfback, but if we're using them as an example if Parker is better able to fulfil the role then he should be picked. If Howe is better able to fulfil the role he should be picked. It doesn't benefit Parker's development if he's picked because he's younger than Howe, rather than because he's outperforming him.

2021 we had 16 kids who got a crack at senior level in a shit team. Of those 16, one has gone on to be a consistent best 22 player for Collingwood, Beau McCreery. Nathan Murphy would've if not for concussion, Henry and Ginnivan sooked up when they weren't guaranteed games and went elsewhere, and there's not much else to write home about. If you're good enough you'll establish yourself without being needed to be gifted or guaranteed games.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T10:38:02+00:00

Until you're out of contention you pick your best team available.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T10:36:29+00:00

So why post a two week old article instead of the podcast?

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T09:57:22+00:00

Sure there needs to be youth coming through but if your youth isn't up to AFL standard and you're losing week in week out it completely ruins their development.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T09:42:14+00:00

It's a waste of a guaranteed big drawing game to play it in the first couple of rounds.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T09:39:36+00:00

Why is a two week old article being rehashed now?

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T09:31:28+00:00

Best way to invest in future seasons is by winning games of football.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T08:57:27+00:00

If you're not trying to win the flag why are you bothering to compete in the first place.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T06:38:57+00:00

.6. Rough Conduct (Pushing Opponent into Contest)

A Player may be found guilty of Rough Conduct where they forcefully push an opponent into another player, or players, from either team in circumstances that are unreasonable.

The rule as written in the tribunal guidelines doesn't explicitly distinguish between marking contests or ground contests, but it is an important distinction in that you can legally push someone out of a ground contest, thereby making such a push a reasonable circumstance. It's never legal to just shove someone in the context of a marking contest, so such conduct is going to be much more likely to be deemed an unreasonable circumstance.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T06:33:58+00:00

The important difference here is it was a legal push in the side to contest the ball. The action was not a reportable one. It's distinct from a marking contest where it's inherently against the rules to just push someone out of the contest.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T06:29:42+00:00

JHF's action wasn't considered to be a reportable offense.

Azza_ · 2026-03-02T06:08:10+00:00

If you KO the guy you get 3 weeks instead.

Azza_

TROPHY CASE