‘When Will The Penny Drop?’: King Fumes At ‘Retro Round’ Bumps – And The ‘Lucky’ Bans | Fox Footy

Ladies and gentlemen, strap in, because today we're diving headfirst into the world of AFL. And trust me, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The game has evolved in so many ways, but one thing seems to stay stuck in a bygone era – the rules.

The Headache of Head Trauma

First, let's talk about one of the most glaring issues – head trauma. You'd think that with all the talk about player safety and the horrifying stories of past players suffering from life-altering injuries, we'd have seen some change, right? Wrong. It's disappointing to say that not much has changed.

The system seems all too cozy with some of these tackles that genuinely intend to hurt players. Two weeks' suspension for a dangerous tackle? Come on, it should be a minimum of three. If a player knocks another one out cold, it should be six, seven, or eight weeks – no questions asked.

And then there's Buddy Franklin, one of the greats, going for contact with the head and getting just one week. That's not even a deterrent. It's like giving a kid a week off from school as a reward.

The AFL has come a long way in many aspects, but when it comes to punishment, it seems like they're stuck in the past. The risk of causing injury isn't just about what happens on the field; it's the risk of causing injury to the league's reputation, with 200 past players suing because they can't live meaningful lives at 50. It's time for the AFL to change its perspective and take this matter more seriously.

Changing the Game for the Better

So, how can we bring about real change in the game? It's time to rethink the rules, and maybe it's time for a new Matrix. Instead of sticking to the old ways, let's create a dynamic system. Give Michael Christian the flexibility to say, "Under this new Matrix, it's a four-week suspension," for those savage hits.

The game has evolved, and players have become faster, stronger, and more ferocious. They're pushing the limits like never before. So why are the rules stuck in the past? It's time for the AFL to catch up and ensure that the punishment fits the crime.

Launching into the Unknown

Speaking of launching, what's up with these youngsters deliberately choosing to leave their feet and launch themselves at opponents? It's a shocker, and it's been a while since we've seen such acts. Buddy's been around for a long time, but these newcomers are taking the game to new heights – literally.

It's refreshing to hear some voices of reason in the commentary box. They're as surprised as the rest of us. One week for Buddy's actions? That's just not enough. We should be having serious conversations about the descent we've witnessed in the game.

The Decline of the Mighty Hawks

Now, let's talk about the Hawks. They've had their glory days, and we all know that rebuilding takes time. But what we saw recently was nothing short of disappointing.

Their system was poor, their effort lacked, and their execution was terrible. When you look at their pressure numbers, it was the worst we've seen in a long time. They've gone from five wins, seven wins, eight wins, and now it seems like they're moving backward. The slow burn might be a bit slower than they thought.

Is Sam Mitchell the man to lead them through this rebuild? It's a valid question, but the real issue is the performance on the field. It was a game they would've expected to do better in. The transition speed of the opposition was too much for them to handle, and it's clear that they have a long way to go.

Forward Thinking – or Lack Thereof

We know a team's success depends on its ability to move the ball from defense to attack. The Hawks had 77 opportunities to kick goals from their defensive half but only managed to score two. That's not how the top teams play.

The Hawks need to have more faith in their backline, which is sturdy and experienced. Their forwards need a chance to shine, and the constant bombing of the ball into the 50 won't do them any favors. They need a connection and synergy that's currently lacking.

The experiment of playing Nathan Fyfe as a forward isn't panning out. He's a superstar midfielder, and he should stay in his element. Playing him as a forward is like putting a square peg in a round hole. The Hawks have some rethinking to do if they want to make any progress this season.

The Dogs' Growing Pains

Now, let's shift our focus to the Bulldogs. They've had their fair share of growing pains, and this season is no exception. The loss they experienced wasn't catastrophic, but it did raise some concerns.

Their tall forward mix is an interesting experiment. We're wondering if there's enough aggression in there. Norton is a fierce competitor, but does Rory Lobb have the same edge when playing out of position? And what about Jamara? Does he have the grit to take contested marks and become a true powerhouse in the forward line?

It's clear that the Bulldogs have some fine-tuning to do, and they need to find that aggression and edge to make a real impact this season.

In conclusion, the AFL needs to wake up to the changing times. The game has evolved, and so should the rules. Head trauma and player safety should be paramount, and the punishment should reflect the seriousness of the offenses. The Hawks and the Bulldogs, on the other hand, need to reevaluate their strategies and find the aggression and synergy they lack. It's a long season, and there's plenty of time for change. The only question is, are they ready to embrace it?