IR Series dead?

[goswannie14]

Originally posted by ROK Lobster
Scrap the IR series. Keep State of Origin in Memory Lane. Neither are relevant. An international series is interesting when the game is international, such as cricket, rugby, netball, soccer, basketball etc etc. Then an international series is a best of the best v the best of someone else's best - and is therefore relevant. On the next peg down, state v state is the same but only when the best of one state rarely compete against the best of the other - ie ONLY in the series. Rugby league state of origin was heaps better when only a handful of the Qld's were playing in the Sydney comp. Since the top league became a national league S of O has become less relevant and is an example of good marketing more so than an great sporting event. I think that AFL should be left as it is. Why try to create a 'better' trophy, a 'better' showcase, a superior event? I am quite satisfied knowing that every week of the season the game is being played at the highest level, that each week the best players in the world are playing in the best competition in the world all vying for the game's greatest prize. Anything else diminishes that. What does State of Origin or the IR series achieve? Very @@@@ing little imo.

I couldn't have summed it up better myself ROK. We have a great game at AFL level, in this comp club v club is far more important than state v state. Although the VFL started the SOO concept, it quickly outlived its appeal as VFL, now AFL supporters are more interested in how their club is going againstother clubs than how their state is going against another atate.

How would you feel having to cheer for a St Kilda or WCE player?

[AnnieH]

Originally posted by laughingnome
Teddy Whitten is going to come haunt you in your dreams tonight.

The problem with the State of Origin concept was that it was adding to injury tolls and player fatigue. Well, that was shy it was scrapped. Crowds were low, no one really cared for it, it sort of reminds me of South Sydney. Now its gone a lot of people are whinging, but will you fair dinkum support it if it was to return?

The idea of adding extra weeks to the season is ridiculous. Find me a place to put State of Origin (1 round or 2 or 3) that doesn't add to the season and place another burden on the playing group and I'll put you on a par with Gandhi. But then you have to support it as well.

I supported SOO when it was played. My fantabulous boss flew me down every year (for five years), on the condition I backed the Allies. It was a great @@@@-up. We loved it.
But of course you are right. There were some nasty injuries along the way. I felt for the players who got injured (and their fans).
Maybe if they did a SOO at the end of the year instead of the IR series?? It would probably generate more interest.

[laughingnome]

Wasn't it a joint VFL and SAFL venture as they were seen as the two best competitions in the country?

[Industrial Fan]

Originally posted by swantastic
Whats MMG going to discuss over the potato know?

Its going to have to be just plain Paddy bashing from now on...

[goswannie14]

I think it was the brain child of the VFL, but obviously they needed someone to play so the three way comp was run for a few years in the early 70's between the VFL, SANFL and WAFL.

I know it was early 70's because I got a free pass to see the Vics v WA at Waverley when I was in grade 6.