AFL Press Conference 13:45.

[AndyLucimitis]

Good call. Only call

Yep - damned if they do, damned if they don't. I think its the decision that causes the least disruption to 'everyone'.


I know people will trot out the 'Geelong could miss the finals by 2 points' line but so be it. If that's close to a Top 8 finish does it really matter anyway.

 

[Prestigerrycomo]

Wrong decision.

Geelong could miss the finals when there were alternative options that are equally compassionate.

I think the Geelong players would have felt very overwhelmed about the situation. While they wouldn't have the same level of grief themselves the sight of probably the players and I would say a lot of the crowd would have been very uncomfortable

 

[DERIBERATE]

Only adequate decision that could of been made.

Rubbish. Games are rescheduled in other sports.

 

[kaiserchief13]

What happens with fantasy now?

 

[mcgarnacle]

Not playing the match this weekend is the right call, but why can't the match be rescheduled mid week in a month or so?

 

[Boba Fetta]

wrong decision imo.

Really?

Is this that important?

Is footy that important?

 

[TigerTime3]

I know it seems unimportant right now... but when the dust settles in 2 months time, it's a real possibility that Geelong could finish 9th by half a game.

In fairness to Geelong, I think they could have scheduled a make-up match after the final round (or schedule a reduced-quarter match in between two rounds when they each have an 8-day break).

 

[BlakeyNoFlakey]

If we miss the finals by 2 points then my grief will be added to tenfold.

 

[Dinga_19]

As a cats supporter i am fairly happy with the outcome. Not only because the Adelaide players obviously need some time to themselves without the pressures of football but from a football sense i was not confident in beating Adelaide over there and also gives the likes of Kelly and Bartel etc another week off footy to try and get their bodies right without pushing themselves. We need players back from injuries if we are going to be a finals threat anyway.

 

[OldMateMuff]

In an incredibly difficult day for the code McLachlan and the gang have made the correct decision. We trusted they would make the right call.

Walsh should be honoured through the other matches going ahead this round - fittingly.

However, asking the Crows to take the field was not the correct way to proceed. In the end this was the only way to go - so congrats to the AFL for making the correct call.

 

[Herne Hill Hammer]

I know it seems unimportant right now... but when the dust settles in 2 months time, it's a real possibility that Geelong could finish 9th by half a game.

In fairness to Geelong, I think they could have scheduled a make-up match after the final round (or schedule a reduced-quarter match in between two rounds when they each have an 8-day break).

Or Adelaide could. Or Adelaide could have a superior percentage but miss out on top 4 by half a game or could miss out on 5th or 6th and a home final by half a game.

Should have played for 8 points in rnd 23.

 

[The_Reaper]

Not playing the match this weekend is the right call, but why can't the match be rescheduled mid week in a month or so?

So probably play Sat-Wed-Sat?

Seems pretty unfair on both teams.

The is the mechanism for when a game has to be cancelled (because of really bad weather or something).

 

[Jack London]

Its two points each, and its blatantly clear that the Cats won't be winning the flag or making the top four. I commend the Cats for their pragmatism and sense.

 

[NarniMagic]

Is this the first time a home and away match has actually been cancelled? Excluding the WW2 years obviously.

 

[RUNVS]

Why is it whenever the AFL call a press conference they always show up late?

It is their own press conference so it makes no sense that they are always keeping everyone else waiting.

 

[wowlace]

Right option. The result of a draw is a possible outcome had the game been played. For either team to get 4 points would be unfair on everyone.

 

[TigerTime3]

They spoke to all clubs about it, including Geelong, and got the go ahead.

The cancellation on compassionate grounds is the right call. But since everyone is still in shock and still in grieving, I just question whether the decision to call it a draw was the right call.

Some have said a draw was "the only option", but they had the option to reschedule the match for a later date.

Anyway, it's too soon to form a strong view. Let's revisit this decision in a few weeks.

 

[wowlace]

If we miss the finals by 2 points then my grief will be added to tenfold.

Your blokes lost to Melbourne. I wouldn't worry about finals.

 

[bombersfan4000]

Overheard someone take the piss out of channel 7. Lol

Yeah so what's new

 

[Millky95]

I think Gill handled himself well in that presser

 

[Big Fozza]

Only option really. No way they could cancel every match and imo that would have been unnecessary but totally correct in not expecting players to run out on the ground this weekend.

 

[CrowdedHouse]

I certainly respect the decision made by the powers that be, but personally I would have said play the game on Sunday.

Reason being, whether the Crows play on Sunday, or next week, or the week after that, the first game back will always be referred as 'the first game since....'
There will always be that 'sick in the gut' feeling for the players and I think coming back sooner would help them move on.

Only my opinion... every copes with grief differently.

 

[The_Reaper]

The cancellation on compassionate grounds is the right call. But since everyone is still in shock and still in grieving, I just question whether the decision to call it a draw was the right call.

Some have said a draw was "the only option", but they had the option to reschedule the match for a later date.

Anyway, it's too soon to form a strong view. Let's revisit this decision in a few weeks.

They don't really.

 

[HBFlanker]

Rubbish. Games are rescheduled in other sports.

Geez the chance at getting 2 more points must really mean a lot to you.

 

[Prestigerrycomo]

I certainly respect the decision made by the powers that be, but personally I would have said play the game on Sunday.

Reason being, whether the Crows play on Sunday, or next week, or the week after that, the first game back will always be referred as 'the first game since....'
There will always be that 'sick in the gut' feeling for the players and I think coming back sooner would help them move on.

Only my opinion... every copes with grief differently.

I think a lot of it has to do with the timing. Perhaps if it had occured earlier in the week it might have been ok. I think this late into it (i.e. Geelong would be getting on a plane probably today, Adelaide would have had a training session for the game) I doubt any of the players would have their head in the right place. A week or so would at least allow them to absorb some of the shock