Open Pyke

[BeeEmmAre]

I'm with Beerman. Don't, repeat, DON'T show the countdown clock at the ground. I love the suspense, even if it nearly gives me a heartattack. I'd even be in favour of removing the countdown clock on TV completely as well. The big screen I watched Saturday night's game on was too narrow for the picture so I could only see the seconds, not the minutes. It probably doubled the panic, but it's preferable to knowing the time IMO.

[Swansongster]

I don't have strong opinions on whether the AFL game clock should count down or up. I like the status quo of seeing time remaining from home but not when at the game.

I think League and Rugby could learn something from the US about clock management though. I hate all of that time that is ticking away when the ball is not in play. At least in our game, the only time lost is in set shots and that has a defined limit which seems to be managed fairly well by the boys in fluro.

[bondy]

I agree with Beerman, I like counting up rather than down. To me there is more suspense in the unknown than the known.

What I mainly enjoy is the uniqueness - there is no other sport (that I know of) that has such an idiosyncrasy. It's a quirk that I love.

[Cpt. Kirk]

I don't have strong opinions on whether the AFL game clock should count down or up. I like the status quo of seeing time remaining from home but not when at the game.

I think League and Rugby could learn something from the US about clock management though. I hate all of that time that is ticking away when the ball is not in play. At least in our game, the only time lost is in set shots and that has a defined limit which seems to be managed fairly well by the boys in fluro.

The us version of clock management is good but time outs ruin american sports, still love to watch them but there is nothing worse then the last minute of a close basketball game taking 5 minutes because of all the timeouts.

[goswannie14]

I remember that, years ago, the time shown on the scoreboard at the SCG used to count down instead of up. It was always thrilling during close finishes. I never heard why they changed it. Does anyone know?

It could have something to do with being a breach of the AFL rules. I am guessing it was a mistake, as I don't know of any ground where it has happened.

[erica]

It could have something to do with being a breach of the AFL rules. I am guessing it was a mistake, as I don't know of any ground where it has happened.

Perhaps. It wasn't a one-off, though. Happened for years.

[Beerman]

The us version of clock management is good but time outs ruin american sports, still love to watch them but there is nothing worse then the last minute of a close basketball game taking 5 minutes because of all the timeouts.

That's the bit I love! Builds the tension. It's an interesting proposition for each AFL coach to be able to call one 2-minute time-out per game. I'm sure Hirdy would have loved to use his as soon as Dempsey took the mark

Not sure it would work though. AFL is very different from basketball where you can go from end to end in a matter of seconds and you can score from anywhere on the court. (Magic Johnson once scored from his defensive baseline with a couple of seconds to play to win the match). OTOH, grid-iron is just too slow for me with all the stoppages.

Incidentally, Cpt Kirk, I saw your namesake at the football this morning. He looked well, having a good time despite the weather. I think his kids play for the club (Maroubra), but it is the first time I've seen him around.