WITH the 2021 Toyota AFL Premiership season racing to a conclusion, Damian Barrett's Sliding Doors is really heating up.
So what's Damo saying about your club? What's he saying about the AFL? You can't say that, Damo, can you?
Oh, and be sure you tune in to AFL Daily as Nat and Damo put the spotlight on all the big issues. Check it out.
IF ...
Joel Selwood is still the maddest, toughest, bravest player going round ...
THEN ...
Rory Sloane might be closing on the title. And now he's deciding to play through serious damage to a tendon in his finger.
IF ..
prior to this season Linc McCarthy had compiled two very nice years with the Lions ...
THEN ...
he's exploded to new heights in 2021. He's tough, as polished as any player in the comp, and incredibly given his past injuries that saw him manage just 29 matches in five seasons as a Cat, has now played 55 of a possible 57 for Brisbane.
Richest of kicks leads Lincoln towards the sticks
Daniel Rich delivers a trademark pass and Lincoln McCarthy is the eventual beneficiary, who punishes his ex-side superbly
Published onIF ...
the Blues and the Teague Train had a much needed win against the Crows last week ...
THEN ...
it nevertheless came in a manner unlikely to change the views of those in charge of the football department review. Eight goals in a 20-minute burst in the second term, four goals outside of that. The good can very good, but a lot of damage is being done during the down patches.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
Running Saad special lights up Marvel
Adam Saad delivers a trademark goal on the burst after a number of bounces to excite…
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Video00:42 MinsViewed
Seedsman sells candy and sinks a ripper
Paul Seedsman sells the dummy to Sam Walsh before delivering a beautiful kick from…
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Video01:13 MinsViewed
Vintage Eddie putting on an absolute clinic
Eddie Betts produces a number of dazzling moments for the Blues, all in the span of…
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Video00:54 MinsViewed
Captain Cripps burns off Crow and joins the show
Patrick Cripps shrugs off Reilly O'Brien and charges forward for a remarkable goal
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Video00:55 MinsViewed
Big fireworks after Weitering gets collected late
Tensions spiral out of control after Darcy Fogarty concedes a 50m penalty following…
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
Not even the seagulls could stop this Seedsman
Paul Seedsman lands an outrageous snap from the tightest of angles
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Video00:30 MinsViewed
Oh no, Sholl, missing the opening goal
Lachlan Sholl painfully sprays a huge opportunity in the dying minutes for the Crows
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Video07:52 MinsViewed
Highlights: Carlton v Adelaide
The Blues and Crows clash in round 15
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Video02:14 MinsViewed
Wonderful Walsh runs all day long
Sam Walsh showed off his freakish ball-winning ability and endurance with another…
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Video12:35 MinsViewed
Teague: 'You don't expect to play like that all the time'
Watch Carlton's press conference after round 15's match against Adelaide
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Video08:52 MinsViewed
Nicks on Sloane: 'We're a bit concerned'
Watch Adelaide's press conference after round 15's match against Carlton
IF ...
two weeks have now elapsed since Bucks was exited ...
THEN ...
with each passing day that decision looks more and more politically based than football. A fractured and embattled board desperately clinging to its hold on power.
IF ...
Tom Stewart had a rare bout of rash behaviour in round 15 ...
THEN ...
being the usually ultimate team player that he is, he will respond favourably against the Bombers, where a big job awaits – Jakey Stringer.
The Package delivers a beauty from long range
Jake Stringer takes advantage of the open 50 and kicks a brilliant long-range goal
Published onIF ...
the Dockers copped a raw deal this week when their home game against Carlton had to be transferred to the 'G ...
THEN ...
it wasn't actually as raw as the decision in 2013 to force them to play a qualifying final at the Cattery.
Match Previews R16: Fremantle v Carlton
Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Dockers and the Blues at the MCG
Published onIF ...
the season is nearing its pointy-end stage and the Cats are again yet to establish full trust in a ruckman ...
THEN ...
it's same old, same old. Ratugolea being managed out of Friday night 's game against Essendon, Stanley back in. Question marks everywhere.
Returning Cat rises for crucial opener
Rhys Stanley claims the opening goal of the finals after clunking a terrific mark in the forward line
Published onIF ...
the Suns gave themselves a chance against the Tigers with an attacking gameplan ...
THEN ...
they nearly blew it with poor kicking, and not only at goal. But they hung tough throughout. There were a few good wins way back in 2014, but round 16, 2021 might have been this club's best.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video01:18 MinsViewed
Tensions rise as Corbett catches opener
A fiery start to the game after the Suns snare the first goal and let the Tigers know…
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
The fine Aarts of feeding Dusty at all costs
Jake Aarts reads the play to perfection and hands it to Dustin Martin who finishes in…
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Video00:47 MinsViewed
Skipper swallows up opportunity with ripper
Gold Coast captain David Swallow conjures an awesome goal out of nothing to keep the…
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Video00:17 MinsViewed
Concussed Corbett cops elbow and falcon
Suns forward Josh Corbett get subbed out of the game after brutally copping both an…
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Graham generates a big bomb on the burst
Jack Graham keeps the Tigers alive with a stunning shot on the run
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Video00:41 MinsViewed
King reigns supreme with insane winner
Ben King and the Suns seal a remarkable upset victory against the Tigers with this…
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Video07:39 MinsViewed
Highlights: Gold Coast v Richmond
The Suns and Tigers clash in round 16
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Video02:24 MinsViewed
Miller the machine lighting up your screen
Touk Miller never stopped running for the Suns and was the catalyst for a huge upset…
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Video11:12 MinsViewed
Dew: 'The most complete win for this year'
Stuart Dew says he had an 'overwhelming' feeling of happiness for his players after…
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Video07:05 MinsViewed
Hardwick: 'Our players are struggling and lacking confidence'
Damien Hardwick concedes his players are not executing their skills or playing…
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Video14:51 MinsViewed
Mini-Match: Gold Coast v Richmond
Extended highlights of the round 16 clash between the Suns and Tigers at Marvel…
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Video03:15 MinsViewed
Last two mins: King dethrones Tigers in upset of the century
Enjoy the thrilling final moments between the Suns and Tigers at Marvel Stadium
IF ...
Tom Green was axed last weekend and immediately recalled ...
THEN ...
not sure what that process achieved, given he seemed to be flying in his second season, and the Giants clearly missed him in their loss to the Hawks.
NAB AFL Rising Star: Tom Green lights up round nine
Watch the highlights and find out why Tom Green gets the NAB AFL Rising Star nom
Published onIF ...
the future is Will Day and Denver Grainger-Barras, who unfortunately will both miss with injury on Saturday night ...
THEN ...
the soon-to-be past comes in the form of Shaun Burgoyne, who reaches game No.400 against his old club Port Adelaide. As crucial as any Hawk in the glorious premiership dominance of 2013-15.
Silk 400: The best of Burgoyne's superb career
Shaun Burgoyne becomes the fifth player in VFL/AFL history to notch the 400-game milestone
Published onIF ...
it's Trac and Clarrie getting all the Demons mentions in Brownlow conversations ...
THEN ...
I don't know why big Maxxy is being left out. Finished equal fourth in 2018, and is quite possibly compiling the best of his 11 AFL seasons, which has already seen him earn four All-Australian jackets.
Gawn turns small forward in this crazy crumbing goal
Melbourne captain Max Gawn reads the spillage perfectly and snaps through an absolute ripper on his left
Published onIF ...
there has been definite improvement in the past seven weeks ...
THEN ...
a true audit of performance will come in the Sunday twilight fixture. The previous time the Roos played the Bulldogs was round three – the losing margin 128 points.
Highlights: North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs
The Kangaroos and Bulldogs clash in round three
Published onIF ...
Zak Butters can get through a SANFL match on the weekend after a season ruined by ankle and knee injuries ...
THEN ...
the Power's premiership hopes will skyrocket. Still only 20 years of age, but an incredibly significant part of this team, among the five most important.
Opening Power play smooth as Butters
Zak Butters gets Port Adelaide off to the perfect start with a beautiful crumb and dribble finish
Published onIF ...
I thought Damien Hardwick was sooking it up in May with his complaints about having to play at Marvel Stadium, and in having an in-game, on-camera crack at umpires at the Gabba ...
THEN ...
maybe it was actually an attempt at smoke-screening deeper Tigers problems. Thursday night's loss to the lowly Suns producing the loudest alarm bell yet that the dynasty is done.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video01:18 MinsViewed
Tensions rise as Corbett catches opener
A fiery start to the game after the Suns snare the first goal and let the Tigers know…
-
Video00:47 MinsViewed
The fine Aarts of feeding Dusty at all costs
Jake Aarts reads the play to perfection and hands it to Dustin Martin who finishes in…
-
Video00:47 MinsViewed
Skipper swallows up opportunity with ripper
Gold Coast captain David Swallow conjures an awesome goal out of nothing to keep the…
-
Video00:17 MinsViewed
Concussed Corbett cops elbow and falcon
Suns forward Josh Corbett get subbed out of the game after brutally copping both an…
-
Video00:44 MinsViewed
Graham generates a big bomb on the burst
Jack Graham keeps the Tigers alive with a stunning shot on the run
-
Video00:41 MinsViewed
King reigns supreme with insane winner
Ben King and the Suns seal a remarkable upset victory against the Tigers with this…
-
Video07:39 MinsViewed
Highlights: Gold Coast v Richmond
The Suns and Tigers clash in round 16
-
Video02:24 MinsViewed
Miller the machine lighting up your screen
Touk Miller never stopped running for the Suns and was the catalyst for a huge upset…
-
Video11:12 MinsViewed
Dew: 'The most complete win for this year'
Stuart Dew says he had an 'overwhelming' feeling of happiness for his players after…
-
Video07:05 MinsViewed
Hardwick: 'Our players are struggling and lacking confidence'
Damien Hardwick concedes his players are not executing their skills or playing…
-
Video14:51 MinsViewed
Mini-Match: Gold Coast v Richmond
Extended highlights of the round 16 clash between the Suns and Tigers at Marvel…
-
Video03:15 MinsViewed
Last two mins: King dethrones Tigers in upset of the century
Enjoy the thrilling final moments between the Suns and Tigers at Marvel Stadium
IF ...
there are a few players at the Saints who deserve a change of fortune on the injury front ...
THEN ...
none more so than Dean Kent. Among the possible ins for Sunday's match against Collingwood, after returning through the VFL last weekend after a long layoff with concussion issues.
Cheeky Saint with the no-look goal and glare
Dean Kent sprints away from James Aish and runs into the post but kicks it from the goal-line
Published onIF ...
round 15's match against the Power at Adelaide Oval Port ended in a 10-point loss ...
THEN ...
it was far from disastrous, and in fact underlined the Swans' quality. Should account for the at times pick-and-choose Eagles at the Cattery on Sunday.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:51 MinsViewed
Young Swan forward's electric start continues with silky snap
Will Hayward has gotten off to a flyer with this snapping goal his second
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Video00:49 MinsViewed
Brilliant finish lifts Buddy up VFL/AFL goalkicking table
Lance Franklin draws level with Jack Titus in equal-sixth on 970 goals after this…
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Video00:38 MinsViewed
Farrell goes bang from beyond the arc
Kane Farrell kicks this massive long-range goal to peg one back for the Power
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Video00:33 MinsViewed
Buddy on report for front-on contact
Swans superstar Lance Franklin has been placed on report for this high hit on Jarrod…
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Video00:50 MinsViewed
Papley launches a bomb to put Swans back in front
Tom Papley has kicked a booming goal from beyond the 50m arc to give his side back…
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Video00:40 MinsViewed
Boak kicks a classy running goal to extend Port's lead
Travis Boak gives his side the perfect start to the second half with this superb…
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Buddy goes past Titus with classic finish
Lance Franklin passes Jack Titus and move to sixth on his own on the VFL/AFL…
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Video00:55 MinsViewed
Swans superstar wows with stunning chase-down tackle and goal
Lance Franklin has continued his dominant final term with this brilliant tackle and…
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Video02:25 MinsViewed
Buddy winds back the clock with vintage display
Lance Franklin surpassed Jack Titus for sixth on the all-time VFL/AFL goalkicking…
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Video06:38 MinsViewed
Highlights: Port Adelaide v Sydney
The Power and Swans clash in round 15
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Video06:54 MinsViewed
'We did a fair bit right': Longmire's mixed feelings after loss
Watch Sydney's press conference after round 15's match against Port Adelaide
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Video10:47 MinsViewed
'Our resilience was remarkable': Hinkley praises players' attitudes
Watch Port Adelaide's press conference after round 15's match against Sydney
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Video13:25 MinsViewed
Mini Match: Port Adelaide v Sydney
Extended highlights of the round fifteen clash between the Power and Swans at…
IF ...
the stats from last weekend's loss to the Bulldogs revealed minus 15 in clearances and minus 30 in contested possessions ...
THEN ...
almost certainly those areas will be the key focus against the Swans.
ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS
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Video00:52 MinsViewed
Eagles champ on target to kick off their day
West Coast's Andrew Gaff receives the ball from a clearance turnover and snaps truly…
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Video01:04 MinsViewed
Is Flyin' Ryan in trouble for this high hit?
Eagles star Liam Ryan appears to make high contact with Bulldogs defender Jason…
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Video01:01 MinsViewed
Doggies' hard work pays off with a major
Bulldog Toby McLean goals after some strong team play
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Video01:12 MinsViewed
Bulldog subbed out after heavy contact
Ryan Gardner is out of the game after sustaining a shoulder injury in this incident…
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Video01:14 MinsViewed
Is this the Goal of the Year? The Bont snaps a miracle major
Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli kicks a near-impossible goal
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Video00:44 MinsViewed
Eagles speedster converts with this snap
West Coast's Jack Petruccelle has a roving snap and goals
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Video00:52 MinsViewed
The Eagles go goal-for-goal with the Bulldogs
Eagle Oscar Allen kicks truly under pressure
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Video00:37 MinsViewed
Doggies land a body blow to the Eagles
Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli reads the tap-out perfectly and handballs to Jack Macrae…
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Video01:00 MinsViewed
Bulldogs youngster kicks his first AFL major
Riley Garcia has a flying shot at goal and scores full points for his first as a…
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Video05:47 MinsViewed
Highlights: West Coast v Western Bulldogs
The Eagles and Bulldogs clash in round 15
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Video09:59 MinsViewed
Simpson: 'We know what's in front of us'
Watch West Coast's press conference after round 15's match against Western Bulldogs
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Video11:14 MinsViewed
Beveridge: 'We didn't relent... we kept at them'
Watch Western Bulldogs's press conference after round 15's match against West Coast
IF ...
Treloar damaged his ankle in round 10, was sent back out to play again only to be subbed out thereafter, and then had "successful" surgery ...
THEN ...
something, somewhere, has gone wrong, given there are now doubts about him returning in 2021.
AND THIS ONE'S FOR THE AFL
IF ...
I understand the reasons behind the AFLPA pushing back on the AFL asking the Bulldogs to consider playing a second 2021 season match after a five-day break (one five-day break for each club had been signed off) ...
THEN ...
I still don’t agree with it. The season in its planned form is on a knife's edge.