Eating one's own

[sharp9]

I know this is supposed to be a Richmond thing, but a couple of posts have got me thinking and I realise that even though I might have a few harsh words to say here or to a mate I would never dream of bagging one of my own players at a match.

e.g. I was very dissappointed with a couple of Saddo efforts against Essendon (leading to goals as well) but there's no way I'd scream out "Saddo you ****ing useless bastard why don't **** off back to the 2's and stop pretending you're up to this caper!"

Thinking about it I realise that my aim is simple...I want us to win and abusing our own players is not going to help. Someone was mentioning a lady who always pays out on Leo Barry. how could you do that? Weird.

On the other hand I will "encourage" them not to repeat negatives, as in.....

"Come on Swannies get in there and win the bloody ball, FFS! Fight harder you bastards - I mean is it too much to ask for one measly clearance?".....which could be construed as negative but I maintain errs on the side of support.

Anyone found themselves unable to stop a stream of vile invective being aimed at one of our precious bloods?

I did once yell out from the top deck of the Olympic stand (after yet another OOBOTF) "How can you be that bad?" Unfortunately for me the wind had changed direction and the rest of the crowd was quiet....meaning that a couple of the players looked up. I did feel a bit silly - plus the family in front of me got up and moved.

What's the worst case of eating one's own you've seen? (assuming you wouldn't want to admit to too many of your own indiscretions).

[undy]

For some reason I used to have it in for John Stevens. Once you start fixating about a particular perceived weakness in someones game (eg his disposal), that is all you see, all that players good plays are ignored.

I think a few of us are guilty of the same thing with respect to one player or another.

I saw one of Kenny Williams numerous Tv interviews and they asked him about his favourite player. PK was with him, I think it was just after he'd retired. Anyway Kenny said something along the lines of he doesn't have a favourite - as soon as they pull on the red and white jumper, they all get his 100% support, from the first gamer to the captain. I think he was pretty much on the money, so now I try to focus on the positive stuff.

[Chubby Muffler]

Re: Eating one's own

Originally posted by sharp9
What's the worst case of eating one's own you've seen? (assuming you wouldn't want to admit to too many of your own indiscretions).

I was at the SCG a few years ago when the Swans got booed off the ground, I THINK at 3/4 time. It was not a pleasant experience but at the same time, they really were playing poorly. Kells actually wrote about it in the paper.

[j s]

Originally posted by undy
For some reason I used to have it in for John Stevens.

He used to be my favourite player

[Diego]

Yeah i have been pretty harsh on here in the past regarding some players, but when i am at the ground i always shout encouragement. Always "Cmon kirky,,thats it well done, cmon crouchy..goood kick, Jude his loose his loose man up man up" etc and i like doing it.

i usually just give it to the other mob playing us, like Sat night i was right bang front row where the collingwood players kept walking past after they got replaced.

I did give it to Broadie Holland and to boundary umpire..i actually had a whole section of the crowd laugh at one of my comments.

Also got a very stern look from bucks after i kept calling him figjam..you know the look..arrogance and a slight nod of the head. This was during a throw in...and so i gave him the bird. I would like to say that this distracted him in tackling the irish fella but that happened on the other side of the ground.

[Barry Schneider]

For some reason elements of our crowd are quick to boo and slow to cheer.People around me are more vocal criticising than praising.Is this an example of a decaying society or not accepting mediocrity.

[swansrule100]

i never yell out and boo my own team god know illl go aggggh u can do better than that or something ..thats a close to negative as id go... its more just run hard cmon fellas

why boo them off they tried ....

[NMWBloods]

Originally posted by swansrule100
why boo them off they tried ....

What if they didn't...?

[swansrule100]

well i dunno id cry :P

ive never seen a swans side not try

ive seen some crappy teams...but not one that didnt try

[BAM_BAM]

our first year as members we had unreserved seats on the hill, so we'd get to the game early so we could get a decent seat, especially if it was raining, we always sit under the Doug Walters stand to remain dry.

A few times we moved around a bit and if it was a nice sunny day, we'd often change bays. There was this one older guy who no matter where we sat would always end up near us, within a row or two. And he would bag Dale Lewis every time he got the ball. When his disposal was brilliant, it wasn't due to his execution, it was because the team mate got himself in a great position to receive the ball.

Well, as Dale was my favourite player then I was not all that happy with the constant tirade and would often stare daggers at the back of his head just wishing he'd shut up. Or make little comments when he was in ear shot, or screaming at the top of my voice "well done Dale" Much to my Sisters amusement.

One sunny August day this horrid little man sat right next to us. It was all my sister could do to hold me down as I was ready to fight for Dale's Honour. I warned her, "One word from him and you'll be bailing me out tonight. I hope you've paid up your MasterCard".

The game starts, Dale gets the ball and he let go with nothing but praise. I was sitting in the aisle seat, and I nearly fell into it, I just couldn't believe it.

apart from that we've been pretty lucky.

[Chubby Muffler]

Originally posted by BAM_BAM
The game starts, Dale gets the ball and he let go with nothing but praise. I was sitting in the aisle seat, and I nearly fell into it, I just couldn't believe it.

Ahhh....the power of a positive role model! Plus your now in Bay 29 and all fans in Bay 29 ROCK!

[Ruda Wakening]

Re: Eating one's own

Originally posted by sharp9
What's the worst case of eating one's own you've seen? (assuming you wouldn't want to admit to too many of your own indiscretions).

I learnt many years ago, that at half time no matter how far your team is in front, never ever tell an opposition supporter to " Look at the scoreboard".

[Triple B]

And he would bag Dale Lewis every time he got the ball.

No DrJ, wasn't me.

We used to bag Dale from the Noble Stand!!!!!

[Chubby Muffler]

Re: Re: Eating one's own

Originally posted by Ruda Wakening
I learnt many years ago, that at half time no matter how far your team is in front, never ever tell an opposition supporter to " Look at the scoreboard".

We had an unreal game against Carlton, I think 2002. We were getting flogged, and this nob in the crwod was loving it, giving us heaps for 3 quarters. All the usual Sydney Sux, You don't know how to win etc. We then put on one of the most awesome final quarters I have ever seen, reeled them in and won. It was soooo satisfying, the whole Bay turned at the end of the game and sang the club song at this guy. He was embarressed as all hell, I have never forgeotten how good it felt. I also learnt never to open your mouth too early, because one of the great things about AFL is how quick a game can turn.

[Thunder Shaker]

As much as possible, I shout encouragement at our players, bag the opposition, and speculate on the ancestry and intelligence of the umpires.