TOPIC:

Interesting to hear on "Hungry for Football" that the AFL has said that it's James Hird's turn to present the Victorian Medal (aka Norm Smith medal) at this year's GF. What the hell are they thinking??? As Neil Balme said, it's celebrating the biggest drug scandal in Australian sporting history - ever. I agree with Balmy, it's an absolute crock of shite - disgraceful!

58shark wrote: Interesting to hear on "Hungry for Football" that the AFL has said that it's James Hird's turn to present the Victorian Medal (aka Norm Smith medal) at this year's GF. What the hell are they thinking??? As Neil Balme said, it's celebrating the biggest drug scandal in Australian sporting history - ever. I agree with Balmy, it's an absolute crock of shite - disgraceful!

Perhaps the winner of the medal could decline to accept it ?

Grassy wrote: Whatever you think of Hird,No way known he should be doing this for 20 years at least.

The AWFULL Commission really thought this one through.

A great decision Grassy...finally some leadership by the AFL in assisting one of their own family when they are down than kicking him in the guts...a good example for the wider community, rather than condemn have the courage to forgive. If you ever met James Hird I reckon 99% of you would change your opinion of the bloke. Suspect we'll see a lynch mob performance by non Essendon supporters on the day but that will be a poor reflection on themselves...everybody deserves an opportunity to redeem themselves of mistakes they may have made, great to see AFL house recognise that. Forgiveness is a far greater quality than hatred to display. Let's hope the greater AFL community will recognise this and act accordingly in this moment.

Dirty Weekender wrote:

Grassy wrote: Whatever you think of Hird,No way known he should be doing this for 20 years at least.

The AWFULL Commission really thought this one through.

A great decision Grassy...finally some leadership by the AFL in assisting one of their own family when they are down than kicking him in the guts...a good example for the wider community, rather than condemn have the courage to forgive. If you ever met James Hird I reckon 99% of you would change your opinion of the bloke. Suspect we'll see a lynch mob performance by non Essendon supporters on the day but that will be a poor reflection on themselves...everybody deserves an opportunity to redeem themselves of mistakes they may have made, great to see AFL house recognise that. Forgiveness is a far greater quality than hatred to display. Let's hope the greater AFL community will recognise this and act accordingly in this moment.

I think you're a bummers supporter DW? If so, I understand where you're coming from. They should forget Hird for at least 10 years then consider it. I would be interested on your thoughts on whether Ben Cousins and maybe Daniel Kerr should be eligible for All Australian? Should Lance Armstrong be allowed to present the yellow Guernsey? I'm not saying that he should be forgotten forever, but now is not the time. Don't forget, as was said, he oversaw the biggest drug cheat program in AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HISTORY. Let's be honest, it's a home decision by the VFL...sorry, AFL and he must serve his penance.

58shark wrote:

Dirty Weekender wrote:

Grassy wrote: Whatever you think of Hird,No way known he should be doing this for 20 years at least.

The AWFULL Commission really thought this one through.

A great decision Grassy...finally some leadership by the AFL in assisting one of their own family when they are down than kicking him in the guts...a good example for the wider community, rather than condemn have the courage to forgive. If you ever met James Hird I reckon 99% of you would change your opinion of the bloke. Suspect we'll see a lynch mob performance by non Essendon supporters on the day but that will be a poor reflection on themselves...everybody deserves an opportunity to redeem themselves of mistakes they may have made, great to see AFL house recognise that. Forgiveness is a far greater quality than hatred to display. Let's hope the greater AFL community will recognise this and act accordingly in this moment.

I think you're a bummers supporter DW? If so, I understand where you're coming from. They should forget Hird for at least 10 years then consider it. I would be interested on your thoughts on whether Ben Cousins and maybe Daniel Kerr should be eligible for All Australian? Should Lance Armstrong be allowed to present the yellow Guernsey? I'm not saying that he should be forgotten forever, but now is not the time. Don't forget, as was said, he oversaw the biggest drug cheat program in AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HISTORY. Let's be honest, it's a home decision by the VFL...sorry, AFL and he must serve his penance.

Already has served his penance....if you are talking hall of fame for cousins and Kerr I believe they should be judged on their football merits.

Maybe Rolf Harris should be able to give out awards to Aus kickers, seriously though a player will receive his award to a chorus of boos on Grand Final day.

Dirty Weekender wrote:

58shark wrote:

Dirty Weekender wrote:

Grassy wrote: Whatever you think of Hird,No way known he should be doing this for 20 years at least.

The AWFULL Commission really thought this one through.

A great decision Grassy...finally some leadership by the AFL in assisting one of their own family when they are down than kicking him in the guts...a good example for the wider community, rather than condemn have the courage to forgive. If you ever met James Hird I reckon 99% of you would change your opinion of the bloke. Suspect we'll see a lynch mob performance by non Essendon supporters on the day but that will be a poor reflection on themselves...everybody deserves an opportunity to redeem themselves of mistakes they may have made, great to see AFL house recognise that. Forgiveness is a far greater quality than hatred to display. Let's hope the greater AFL community will recognise this and act accordingly in this moment.

I think you're a bummers supporter DW? If so, I understand where you're coming from. They should forget Hird for at least 10 years then consider it. I would be interested on your thoughts on whether Ben Cousins and maybe Daniel Kerr should be eligible for All Australian? Should Lance Armstrong be allowed to present the yellow Guernsey? I'm not saying that he should be forgotten forever, but now is not the time. Don't forget, as was said, he oversaw the biggest drug cheat program in AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HISTORY. Let's be honest, it's a home decision by the VFL...sorry, AFL and he must serve his penance.

Already has served his penance....if you are talking hall of fame for cousins and Kerr I believe they should be judged on their football merits.

What penance? I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe for a year on $1mil to study. Some penance!! In your opinion then, Cousins and Kerr should be inducted despite their troubles - is that what you are saying? As for Armstrong, what's your opinion on him presenting an award?

58shark wrote:

Dirty Weekender wrote:

58shark wrote:

Dirty Weekender wrote:

Grassy wrote: Whatever you think of Hird,No way known he should be doing this for 20 years at least.

The AWFULL Commission really thought this one through.

A great decision Grassy...finally some leadership by the AFL in assisting one of their own family when they are down than kicking him in the guts...a good example for the wider community, rather than condemn have the courage to forgive. If you ever met James Hird I reckon 99% of you would change your opinion of the bloke. Suspect we'll see a lynch mob performance by non Essendon supporters on the day but that will be a poor reflection on themselves...everybody deserves an opportunity to redeem themselves of mistakes they may have made, great to see AFL house recognise that. Forgiveness is a far greater quality than hatred to display. Let's hope the greater AFL community will recognise this and act accordingly in this moment.

I think you're a bummers supporter DW? If so, I understand where you're coming from. They should forget Hird for at least 10 years then consider it. I would be interested on your thoughts on whether Ben Cousins and maybe Daniel Kerr should be eligible for All Australian? Should Lance Armstrong be allowed to present the yellow Guernsey? I'm not saying that he should be forgotten forever, but now is not the time. Don't forget, as was said, he oversaw the biggest drug cheat program in AUSTRALIAN SPORTING HISTORY. Let's be honest, it's a home decision by the VFL...sorry, AFL and he must serve his penance.

Already has served his penance....if you are talking hall of fame for cousins and Kerr I believe they should be judged on their football merits.

What penance? I wouldn't mind being sent to Europe for a year on $1mil to study. Some penance!! In your opinion then, Cousins and Kerr should be inducted despite their troubles - is that what you are saying? As for Armstrong, what's your opinion on him presenting an award?

Did Hird win a Norm Smith fairly and squarely...I believe he did hence he gets to present it this year as per the normal practice. He is under no current suspension of the AFL. Has Hird paid penance for mistakes that were made at Essendon by the entire heirarchy of which Hird was one part. The fact that the opportunity to coach will never again be a possibility for him is a bloody big price he will have to carry all of his days. Do I want to see a man kicked over and over when he is down, no i do not. As for lance Hamilton he has absolutely no relevance to Australia or our football code so why would we have him awarding anything. In his field he has had his wins removed from the records whilst I believe Hird is still a recognised recipient of a norm smith. Will you boo Hird as he presents the medal or applaud the winner of the norm smith in his moment? As a lover of footy I hope you'll be applauding the winner rather than venting your hatred.

anchorman wrote: It is an insult to all football followers.
I am not sure which worse Meat loaf or Hird.And I could even mean last weeks meat loaf that has been out of the fridge.Both stink.

Get over it, England trades with Germany & Australia trades with Japan.. It's FINISHED.

It's a classic case of mental health being so front and centre these days I have no doubt that is behind McLaughlin's decision to offer him the opportunity to present the Norm Smith. I assume that is if Essendon make the GF and an Essendon player wins it? Won't happen anyway. But it's way too early for mine. Let Essendon welcome him back to the club by all means. I think he's already writing a column in one of the rags over there and no doubt he'll pop up in a media gig in some capacity soon, most likely on radio at first.

But he shouldn't be one bit surprised if many or most have not forgiven him. If I was an Essendon fan I certainly wouldn't have forgiven him. But more importantly Essendon are on the right track and putting it behind them.