Round : the other games.

[dejavoodoo44]

Yes, while I haven't been to a Collingwood game at the MCG, the couple of times that I've been to Collingwood games up here, I've found their fans to be "part of the rich tapestry of life", rather than anything threatening.

[KSAS]

I also add my recommendation to attend a Carlton v Collingwood game. My only experience was way back in the 90's (91?) when they played at VFL Park to a full house (as big block busters were scheduled there back then, with both being regular finalists at the time).

I went with a Carlton supporter and it was a memorable experience.

[Sandridge]

Sorry if this is not the right place. I'm asking for some advice. I will be in Melbourne on Thursday next week- April 16 and was wondering if it is advisable to go to the Carlton -Collingwood game? I've been to the MCG before for finals matches with us- but I haven't seen a real blockbuster match between two Victorian sides...soooo I guess the main question is- Is it safe for me to go by myself as an older lady swans fan,? and secondly, if I go, how do I avoid Collingwood supporters? Where do I sit? Or should I forget the whole thing and just watch it on TV from the hotel?

The hardest part might be getting a ticket but, like others here, I reckon you should go for it Daisi! The atmosphere will be fantastic and it will be a great experience for you, especially if you don't really care about who wins. And Carlton and Collingwood supporters hate each other so much that if you wear Swans gear, you'll be safe!

[Thunder Shaker]

One should not fear Collingwood supporters. If they are playing well, they would be good company. (I went to a school in a Collingwood zone so I saw many of them first hand at a young age.)

Carlton supporters are the ones who might be a bit problematic. Since their last premiership 30 years ago, they've finished last five times. This year they have been especially traumatised by second half fadeouts. I expect they may be a bit ... grumpy.

If it was me, I would sit with some Collingwood supporters. If they get a bit grumpy about the 2022 preliminary final (they lost to Sydney by a point), remind them of the 2023 Grand Final to shut them up (they won that by 4 points).

[Thunder Shaker]

North Melbourne have made a solid start against Brisbane, currently leading in the second quarter.

[Thunder Shaker]

Brisbane ended up winning, but North were competitive.

The real story so far is Essendon winning for the first time in 11 months.

This is not the first time that Melbourne have allowed an opponent to end a long winless streak.

[Daisi]

Thanks everybody for all the lovely responses. I really enjoyed reading them and there's some great advice there...Thanks for taking the time to respond. I'll try to get a ticket, and let you know how I go.

[dejavoodoo44]

Having just watched the delayed telecast, I'm a bit surprised that it took Brisbane so long to put North away. Maybe North are a bit better than I thought? But I suspect that it's more like Brisbane are a far way off their peak, while North are probably close to theirs. Parker continuing his reinvention as a half back with his intercept marking, but his limitations can be seen, when the ball hits the ground and he has to chase nippy forwards.

[dejavoodoo44]

And while I remember, I hope that Berry gets a suspension for his whack on Stephens. Those swinging arms to the back of the head in a marking contest really annoy me, but they rarely get punished.

[dejavoodoo44]

Hawthorn look home against the Bulldogs. 35 points up with 8 minutes to go. That means we finish the round on top of the ladder. Possibly doesn't mean a lot at this stage of the season, but hey, some teams might not have been top of the ladder in years.

[KSAS]

I predict the media will now laud Hawthorn as the no. 1 ranked team with that win. It doesn't really matter at this stage of the season as Deja mentioned above, but getting the early wins is important in setting up your season.

Freo will also be buoyed being able to win the close ones the last few weeks for that reason. Particularly with Longmuir's coaching future being decided upon.

No undefeated team, which closes up the race. Brisbane are building it seems. Interesting to see how GWS performs today after regaining some of their stars, as we face them Friday night after another short turnaround.

[dejavoodoo44]

Cadman and Coniglio picked up concussions today, so it looks like they'll miss our game against the Giants.

[dejavoodoo44]

The Butters tribunal case is sort of interesting.

The umpire marched him 50 metres, because he heard, "How much are they paying you?"

Butters seemed somewhat bewildered and later claimed that he said, "How is that a free kick?"

Unfortunately, it seems that the umpire's mike didn't pick up what was said, to add some sort of clarity. So, you'd think he'll get off, and it will be filed away as an unfortunate misunderstanding. But there is probably a chance, that the AFL will look at the record of Butters, as the most fined player in the AFL, and decide that they're going to trust their umpire, rather than him.

[Thunder Shaker]

I predict the media will now laud Hawthorn as the no. 1 ranked team with that win. It doesn't really matter at this stage of the season as Deja mentioned above, but getting the early wins is important in setting up your season.

It would be premature to anoint Hawthorn as the number 1 team this early in the season.

Their record:
Round 0: Lost to an injury-depleted Giants by 27 points. The only other game the Giants have won so far is against the winless Richmond.
Round 1: Defeated Essendon by 62 points. Essendon have only won one game.
Round 2: Defeated Sydney by 17 points when Sydney was missing both Heeney and Gulden for the only time in the past 4 years.
Round 3: Bye.
Round 4: Defeated Geelong by 1 point. This game could have gone either way.
Round 5: Defeated Western Bulldogs by 40 points when the Bulldogs were missing their ruck English through injury.

I would hold judgement on Hawthorn's credentials until after they've played teams like Brisbane, Fremantle and Gold Coast at full strength.