Round 4: the other games. Am I looking at this the right way up?

[i'm-uninformed2]

Dogs kicking themselves out of this with inaccuracy, which is a joy to watch, then Reiwoldt bangs through a torpedo after the three quarter time siren to really rub it in

[stevoswan]

Looks like the Dogs are overrated. Tigers spanking them now.

[Mark26]

GWS look like they're going to lose against Freo. This round of footy just keeps getting better.

[dejavoodoo44]

GWS look like they're going to lose against Freo. This round of footy just keeps getting better.

Though it looks like they're copping an old style Subiaco special: frees 37-15 with a few minutes to go.

[i'm-uninformed2]

GWS look like they're going to lose against Freo. This round of footy just keeps getting better.

It’s great, and they’re on the end of a 42-16 free count.

[Mark26]

The commentators made several remarks about the lopsided count. Freo were the better squad in the end, but Freo got a lotta love from the yellow maggots.

[dejavoodoo44]

It’s great, and they’re on the end of a 42-16 free count.

I haven't seen a second of the game, but it appears that they've let the crowd do the umpiring. Though now that I think of it, it was probably a shame that Toby wasn't making his comeback, as it's hard to see him get out of that, without earning another 6 or 8 weeks.

[mcs]

It’s great, and they’re on the end of a 42-16 free count.

Seen it suggested its the biggest differential in a match in AFL history. No idea if its correct but would be pretty close.

[stevoswan]

It’s great, and they’re on the end of a 42-16 free count.

That's almost beyond Fairypup levels of love! Disgraceful.

[barry]

I can't recall a season where straight kicking has won so many games.

[Sandridge]

The Poodles lost by almost 7 goals but still won the free kick count 25 to 15.

Bulldogs frees in the first 4 rounds. 105

Opponents frees in the first 4 rounds. 65

[longmile]

I read that Freo got a free kick for every 9 disposals

Not necessarily related but the AFL surely cannot be happy with the quality of officiating this round. It's been hard to enjoy

[Ruck'n'Roll]

Problem is, the AFL's response to poor officiating has always been to deny there's an issue and clamp down on criticism.
It must makes it hard to actually do anything to improve things when you're behaving in such a manner.

[Sandridge]

Crows giving the Bombers a real run for their money at the moment.

[snajik]

I read that Freo got a free kick for every 9 disposals

Not necessarily related but the AFL surely cannot be happy with the quality of officiating this round. It's been hard to enjoy

Regardless of whether the free kicks are there or not, one would think that the sheer volume of free kicks we're seeing would contradict or undermine the the AFL's determination to keep the ball in play, to keep the play flowing. Mostly when a free is given, play stops, defences reset, avenues to goal are clogged. This trend seems to fly in the face of recent rule adjustments such as the fullback can now kick in before the goal umpire finishes waving the flags, and insufficient attempt to keep the ball in play, rushing behinds etc. It's a bad look for the game. It's the main reason I can't tolerate rugby union.