WITH clubs back training after the COVID-19 shutdown period, Sliding Doors is also back after a two-month hiatus.
So what's Damo saying about your club? What's he saying about the AFL? Check it out.
IF ...
anyone at this club ever again says, "Hey, let's arrange a players' getaway" ...
THEN ...
someone else at this club needs to pull rank and ask, "Have we properly thought this through?". No more camps.
IF ...
the glass is half empty for this team ...
THEN ...
it's the four losses in a row. Tigers twice in consecutive weeks last year (round 23, qualifying final), then GWS in a semi final. And the Hawks in round one at the 'G.
IF ...
Jack Martin was seen doing cartwheels and heel clicks late last year when the Blues front-ended his massive deal ...
THEN ...
the salary cuts due to the COVID-19 shutdown place him high among the players hardest hit in the bank accounts.
IF ...
Eddie keeps getting aggrieved about the AFL snub of the mighty Lou Richards when it comes to being granted Legend status ...
THEN ...
he shouldn't forget the Magpies themselves snubbed Louie The Lip, when they left him out of their Team Of The Century.
IF ...
the Joe Daniher to Sydney project last year was full of lies, mixed messages, wasted time, questionable management and maybe even double-crossing ...
THEN ...
prepare yourself for it to all happen again later this year.
IF ...
Jesse Hogan can get himself through three weeks of training and then onto that plane to the Gold Coast hub ...
THEN ...
it will be one of the stories of the year. Would love him to become the player he was meant to be.
IF ...
Jack Steven thinks he's training and playing again without proper explanation to police, his club and the AFL of his stabbing last weekend ...
THEN ...
he'd better have a rethink. The info may not need to be made public, but it does need to be relayed.
IF ...
the Suns were enduring scrutiny about their future at the start of the competition suspension ...
THEN ...
with the national showcasing through the six-team hub of the benefits of the region in which they reside they have a massive opportunity to forever prove that they, and their geographically beautiful patch of Australia, are forever here to stay in AFL life.
IF ...
Cal Ward was available for round two ...
THEN ...
that would be a fantastic outcome for one of the game's best leaders. The man near-forgotten outside of the Giants, but forever in the minds of his teammates.
IF ...
Clarko used the 2008 season to unleash his 'Cluster' with devastating, stunning effect ...
THEN ...
you can be assured he will have spent the COVID-19 shutdown attempting to devise something equally telling. This year's premiership will be won through innovation, and Clarko starts in pole position in that race.
IF ...
May and Lever return fully fit, focused and ready to run through the proverbial brick wall ...
THEN ...
the 2018 Demons are back for a big 2020.
IF ...
the Roos missed out on praise after their courageous comeback in round one against the Saints ...
THEN ...
one way to ensure they get it upon resumption: replicate the spirit evidenced in the second half against the Saints.
IF ...
Kochie ever steps down as Port boss ...
THEN ...
the footy world is going to be a whole lot more boring. Don’t agree with everything he says, and felt his comments directed at Mick Malthouse were downright ordinary, but boy can he liven things up in a way very few can.
IF ...
the Rance Train has, indeed, left Richmond station, as worded this week by CEO Benny Gale ...
THEN ...
that wouldn't stop me from attempting to intercept that train at South Yarra to talk about a return ticket.
IF ...
this was a normal season ...
THEN ...
the Saints' capitulation against North in round one would have been a big talking point. Ordinary second half fadeout after an off-season of self-generated positive headlines. Happy to still talk them up, but need to show match-day resolve.
IF ...
the 2020 season had run to plan ...
THEN ...
big Bud, due to a knee injury, would've missed at least half the year. Instead, he now gets the chance to play 16 matches plus finals. I'm backing him in to kick the 56 goals required to crack the 1000-goal milestone this year.
IF ...
the COVID-19 shutdown benefits one team over all others.
THEN ...
in my eyes it's this one. Have got one last proper roll of the premiership dice with big Kennedy a key to that project. Look out, now that he's properly recharged, and with Tim Kelly poised to cut loose.
IF ...
IF Bevo shipped Jake Stringer out after a few issues at the end of 2017 ...
THEN ...
he must've softened on his players' flaws given his preparedness to back in Lachie Hunter.
AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL
IF ...
some clubs thought it was inevitable that they'd get access to an extra couple of players for the remaining 2020 season matches ...
THEN ...
they'd be advised to at least consider the status quo. No final decision made yet, but on my reading, reckon there will be only four on the bench when round two kicks off.
