ANALYSIS: Even in dark times, footy still gives us reason to smile
Australia's coat of arms symbolises a nation moving forward. Like the kangaroo and emu, us Aussies struggle when it comes to going backwards.
But what struck me quite profoundly this weekend, as we commentated the footy from a makeshift broadcast position in the ABC boardroom at Southbank, is the powerful role the AFL plays in maintaining our mental health. Over his decorated career, Ablett has tallied more than 30 possessions in a record 126 games. During the Cats' superb win over Brisbane the little master had only 14 disposals — well down on volume, but high on output and influence.Off-field controversies have engulfed the club in recent weeks, threatening to undermine the Magpies' premiership ambitions.But Nathan Buckley's side blocked out the external noise and narrowed its focus, playing with renewed energy and cohesion.
Nic Naitanui's showreel is already well established. Naitanui, fuelled by Reilly O'Brien's accidental publication of game notes that labelled him unfit and lazy, produced a masterful display of ruckwork in West Coast's 33-point win over Adelaide.O'Brien may need to add the following to his Nic Nat notes for next time: Generous, humorous and most critically, a bear not to be poked.
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