1. Concerned, Pascoe Vale
On balmy spring nights, the Four Points enjoys nothing better than writing to newspapers, complaining about how our tax dollars are being spent. Road signs? Humbug. The man who comes round and keeps the trees away from power lines? Why, oh why, oh why.
So it’s with a certain amount of heady expectation that we learned yesterday of the Victorian state government’s plan to give $10.5 million to nine of the 10 Victorian clubs. Of course, we’re delighted with the much-needed handout for our own club – but the others? What a senseless waste of the Four Points’ tax-paying dollars. First Lynne Kosky, and now this.
Richmond is the biggest beneficiary, then North Melbourne and Essendon, which has been slung $1.5 million for “ground reconfiguration”. We deeply hope this is the product of a latent Kevin Sheedy plan to train on hexagonal surfaces.
2. You and I, we’re going to live forever
Great news for Royce Hart, promoted at long last overnight from ordinary Richmond champion to the realm of the gods.
A forward noted for his high marks, Hart captained the Tigers to back-to-back flags in 1973-74. He was a farmer and some-time commentator in retirement, so will presumably need to adjust to his new role in a vast banquet hall, where he’ll spend eternity dining on boar, elderberries, and supping the gods’ own mead from the skulls of vanquished enemies. As is our understanding of Richmond’s Hall of Fame.
3. Fevwatch
Oh, Brendan Fevola. Why not take the sensible option and celebrate St Patrick’s Day weekend by shaving an amusing shamrock into the side of your head?
4. Tankwatch
Is the draft system flawed? Leigh Matthews says yes. League CEO Andrew Demetriou says no. The Four Points stands by its proposal to have recruiters compete in an ‘It’s a Knockout’-style tournament, with the last man standing winning the No.1 draft pick for his club, plus a souvenir NAB AFL Draft board game and a state of the art video recorder.
WHAT’S COMING UP
What to look out for on afl.com.au this Tuesday
Flag form guides
Matt Burgan dips into his bag of entrails to gauge your team’s premiership readiness. Today’s installments: North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.
Every day is Libba day
The AFL should report today on Monday’s meeting with the 1984 Morrish Medallist.
Coach chat
Throughout 2007 the Four Points looked forward to Tuesdays like a hypoglycaemic child to Easter. It goes without saying that we’re delighted to hear that Tuesdays with (Richmond coach) Terry (Wallace) is returning to Punt Road. Melbourne’s Dean Bailey is also up as the buzz builds ahead of round one.
Brendan Fevola
Carlton’s leadership group will decide today how to deal with their errant forward
Our club guides continue, daringly in reverse alphabetical order. Today we take a good hard look at St Kilda, Richmond, and Port Adelaide.
Monday's Four Points.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
