I’m now trying to figure out what’s worse — a mediocre MLS club losing 5-0 to the USL First Division leader, or an AFL club contending for the Top 8 losing to one of the worst clubs in recent memory.
Yet that’s what happened Friday night in Melbourne — Friday morning in America — as the Richmond Tigers upset the Collingwood Magpies, 116-96. AFL Commissioner Andrew Demetriou can now point to this match and say, “See!? There’s no tanking in footy! NO TANKING!!!!”
Vindication must feel nice. Like a warm apple pie…
Seriously, though, how does a Collingwood club trying to cement its position in the Top 8 lose to club that has managed only one win and one draw in 18 rounds? Did they figure they could rest some starters? Did they play to the level of their competition? Is this just one of those bitter rivalry games where these things happen? Anyone a little closer to the action want to wager a guess as to what happened here?
And in case you’re wondering, no, I won’t dish out any shame for Chelsea if they lose to Birmingham City tomorrow. They have, what, a dozen players injured? It’s no wonder the focus in Stamford Bridge will quickly turn to the Champions League this season.
5 responses so far ↓
1 Andy // Aug 10, 2007 at 12:37 pm
Isnt it interesting how the rules are do diverse for football. A universal word with so may different meanings.
2 The Crazy News Guy // Aug 10, 2007 at 1:47 pm
Collingwood underestimated the Tigers. Obviously.
A shameful display from the Pies (not that I’m complaining seeing the Wood lose), but it goes to show, anything can happen in AFL.
It’s a very even competition, generally.
Unlike such comps as the English P. League, where only 3 or 4 max teams have an honest chance of winning the league.
AFL= Expect the unexpected.
3 Jeff // Aug 11, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Yeah, that would be kinda like Houston losing to Real Salt Lake… oh, wait…
4 Steve M // Aug 15, 2007 at 3:43 pm
In round 18, Collingwood didn’t look too good in their win against Carlton — and Carlton is what 15th on the ladder…
If you’re in the triangle and want to see some live Footy this weekend, the Tigers are having an Intra-Squad Game, Saturday @ 1:30…
5 chosen one // Aug 28, 2007 at 7:30 am
cooooolliiiiiinnngggwoooooo-ooooodd