Tempo

[liz]

Because they're close. If they're not close then they would not be so rivetting. If they were close and there more goals scored then they would probably be a better spectacle.

But only in your opinion. Not as absolute fact.

One could easily argue that it wasn't just the fact that the games have been so close that's been compelling but also that goals have been so hard to come by that each one really means something, thereby adding to the tension.

[NMWBloods]

Depends on why they're not kicking goals. Is it because their forward line is incompetent? Is it because there is flooding? Is it because there are a lot of ball ups and sideways kicking? None of those things suggest a quality game of football. I don't understand the attraction of watching what is meant to be the premier sporting code of the country if it is not at a high standard.

If a team wins an AFL game 1 goal to nil in the final second of play would anyone think that was a great game?

[TheMase]

I agree that's a large part of it. Which is why - IMHO - a tight, low scoring game of AFL is often a far more entertaining contest than a high scoring shoot-out when goals become just another piece of candy to lick before the next piece arrives.

That is an excellent point!

[Mr_Juicy]

This should be renamed the Liz v NMW thread

[NMWBloods]

This should be renamed the Liz v NMW thread

Yes, we're demonstrating to everyone how it's possible to have a vigorous discussion without it degenerating into abuse!

[NMWBloods]

That is an excellent point!

I disagree. It may be a valid point when comparing a 15 goal game against a 45 goal game, but when considering an average 30 goal game it's missing part of the point of the game.

[TheMase]

I disagree. It may be a valid point when comparing a 15 goal game against a 45 goal game, but when considering an average 30 goal game it's missing part of the point of the game.

Perhaps I don't totally agree. I don't necessarily think it is more exciting, but definitely more edge of your seat given the nature of the contest.

One goal means a lot more in a 15 goal contest, than a 30 goal contest for instance.

Honestly, I love it when we are able to do both which we are capable of at times.
The hard tough contested footy, with skill is awesome to watch and generally results in higher scoring. That is my favourite...

[dimelb]

What attracted me to AFL, though, was most certainly not the fact that it was high scoring, relative to soccer. It was the range of physical skills - the running, jumping, tackling, marking - , the multi-dimensional aspect of the game compared to most other football codes (aided by the marking but also the lack of an offside rule), the fact that not only can players with varying physical attributes play the game but a team actually needs them to be successful.

I grew up playing and watching Rugby League and Rugby Union. I still enjoy State of Origin and international Union, but Liz has given the reasons for my conversion to AFL since moving to Melbourne.
And the debate here is the main reason why I enjoy this site.
I am still frustrated that we don't attack more. I don't mind very much whether there are lots of goals or not many, as long as we are trying to score and using the skills we can show at our best.
Dalziel and Pascoe fans may recall Dalziel's explanation of football codes:
Rugby Union - a game for hooligans played by gentlemen
Soccer - a game for gentlemen played by hooligans
Rugby League - a game for hooligans played by hooligans.
And I like Martin Flanagan's comment on AFL - the game they play in the Dreamtime.

[Mr_Juicy]

Yes, we're demonstrating to everyone how it's possible to have a vigorous discussion without it degenerating into abuse!

@@@@ you!

[originalswan]

@@@@ you!

@#^& that and %^## all those $$%^&**(), @@+%%$#$%!!!

Furthermore, %##@@#@@*## unless you can enjoy @@#$$%^%% but don't count me in!

[reigning premier]

Simple....

Liz likes to see her team win...

NMW only if it's a "quality" game...

[NMWBloods]

Simple....

Liz likes to see her team win...

NMW only if it's a "quality" game...

Wow - way to completely miss the point!

Was that really too hard for you to follow...?

[reigning premier]

Wow - way to completely miss the point!

Was that really too hard for you to follow...?

Perhaps you've confused yourself?

Because they're close. If they're not close then they would not be so rivetting. If they were close and there more goals scored then they would probably be a better spectacle.

To take the ultimate extreme, I wonder how many people would be happy if we won a premiership by winning every game 5 goals to 3?

Yes, if we are seeing scorelines of >20 goals on both sides (although that is notalways the case).

However, I'm not talking about those games. I'm talking about ones where there are a reasonable number of goals kicked for the game - say around 30 or so. It is more likely that game will be more interesting than a game where 15 goals are scored in total.

Given one of the highlights of football is seeing goals, I think an extra 10 goals during the game adds more interest and excitement.

In the short term if we win I don't care how. However, I don't want us to win mainly that way. Most of our games are bereft of highlights and aren't particularly exciting enough to be rewatched.

[NMWBloods]

Perhaps you've confused yourself?

It's right there in the quotes.

"In the short term if we win I don't care how. However, I don't want us to win mainly that way."

Over the long term the quality of the game is important, otherwise why follow the sport.

[reigning premier]

It's right there in the quotes.

"In the short term if we win I don't care how. However, I don't want us to win mainly that way. Most of our games are bereft of highlights and aren't particularly exciting enough to be rewatched."

Over the long term the quality of the game is important, otherwise why follow the sport.

Think you missed a sentence.... I've put it back in for you... In the contect of the statement made, it's fairly relevant.