With a week off from playing duties, it was a pleasure to be afforded the opportunity to lie on the couch and spectate last weekend’s sporting events. Take your pick of AFL, rugby, soccer, basketball, golf…there was something for everyone. Whilst I did do a bit of channel surfing to check scores, most of my time was spent analysing the AFL.
During one of the matches, I was taken aback by the commentary of a certain member of the expert panel. Before I continue, I would like to note that this particular commentator is one of my favourites and that I have the utmost respect for his opinions and humble nature. However I believe on this occasion, he made a rather rash observation that was tenuous at best. It goes to show, that like playing, commentating requires quick, calculated decision making and that anyone can make a mistake no matter what his or her level of experience.
The moment unfolded as a player missed a set-shot at goal and the commentator exclaimed, “…that is absolutely inexcusable…” Inexcusable is defined as ‘too bad to be justified or tolerated.’ Can missing a set shot really be inexcusable? A player doesn’t try to miss a set shot. We simply get back off the mark, go through our routine and do our best to kick a goal. No player intentionally misses a set shot and let me tell you no one is more disappointed about missing such a shot than the player him/ herself. Surely the word inexcusable should therefore be reserved for unacceptable behavior/actions that people choose to make.
Each weekend there are incidents that could be defined as inexcusable. These instances typically occur when players become overwhelmed with pressure, frustration or fatigue. Behaviors such as striking or verbal abuse come to mind and while players typically accept full responsibility, such actions are inexcusable.
At the end of the day, we are all human and will all make mistakes. Therefore, whether it is a misguided comment by a commentator, or an ill action on the field, whatever the situation, when pressure is involved, we are all susceptible to poor decision-making.
On a lighter note, in an exciting first, Open Pyke received its first email requesting discussion on the following:
“I was wondering why AFL teams defending their goal line don't leverage the rugby line-out "chairlift" to try and stop the ball going through for a goal or to reduce it to a behind score… In a case of the set shot, it would definitely allow defenders time to setup for the tactic.”
-Paul F.
Well Paul, it’s funny you ask because I myself posed that same question to the boys when I first arrived. If I remember correctly, they seemed to think that there was a rule preventing such leveraging. Although it would be a useful tool, logistically it would be much more difficult to accomplish in AFL than in rugby.
On the oval, there is nothing that prevents the opposition from bumping or jumping into the lifting players, which could put the jumpers in a dangerous position. More over, as a defending team, if you are to commit three players to boosting, you leave yourself open to leading forwards, which could result in an easier shot at goal. In short, it would take a brave group of defenders to attempt such a production; that said, I’m sure all rugby union enthusiasts would welcome it.
Objectively,
Mike Pyke
Have you got anything relevant in the football or news world you would like me to discuss? Send your queries to media@sydneyswans.com.au, and include your name and hometown and I’ll try and discuss them in my next blog.
