Longing for the day ...

For the good of the game, rub Barry out

I'm struggling to believe the nonsense about Barry Hall's escape from sanction for attacking an opponent during a game.

It's not that I think the opponent didn't milk it - he did - nor that there was much force in the blow - there wasn't. What I have trouble coming to terms with is the finding that the blow was delivered "in play" - it wasn't.

I've said it before: this is a part of the game that the AFL could rub out completely and no-one would be worse off. A physical contest at the ball is fine - I'm all for it - but this nonsense with AFL players pushing, shoving, wrestling and yelling at opponents when the ball is at the other end of the park (often before the first bounce) is just a penis substitute. It's not allowed in any other sport and it shouldn't be allowed in the AFL.

It may be harsh for a player to miss a Grand Final, but that's happened to plenty of players in a lot of codes for many different reasons over the years and if it makes tham reconsider foul play, so much the better. I love to watch the skill of AFL players contesting the ball, but this irrelevant stuff turns my stomach and makes me determined not to be a part of a game with that culture.

For the good of the game, Barry Hall and his off-the-ball antics should be rubbed out!