Two big issues this week are being debated with the debate mainly being everyone else except the AFL and the AFL.
Firstly it is Ben Cousins and his impending return to the Weagles and secondly the contentious hands in the back rule.
Cousins is being asked to sign a revised contract that has several severe restrictions on him and his behaviour. The point being argued is that he is being treated as a player who has three strikes when it is reported that all his actual tests performed under the AFL practice have returned negative. While not condoning drug use to Digger it seems that Commandant Andrew and Sergeant Anderson are making decisions on the run in regards to Cousins and their drug policy but steadfastly refuse to look at other matters in the same light and apply the ostrich mentality.
The AFL should immediately banish the new interpretation of the hands in the back rule as confusion reigns and the current interpretation is one that will never be able to be successfully applied. Apparently it is causing disputes all the way down to the Under 8's. While the AFL honchos believe a 4th field umpire will able to solve the conundrum, I doubt the Under 8's or even local senior leagues will be able to afford 4 umpires. As a result it is one rule for the elite and a kick in the teeth for the grass roots players, coaches and supporters.
Digger was pretty spot on last week saying 13 goals wins you a match.
It started with the Weagles third away loss at their last three trips when they went down to the rejuvenated Essendon team at the Dome on Friday night. At half time the West Coast seemingly had the game in the bag but the Bombers came back hard in the second half. Veteran James Hird was sublime and was well supported by Scott Lucas with 5 majors.  Saigon's favourite player Brent Staker kicked 3 for the Westerners and Matt Rosa was West Coasts best.
Hawthorn jumped well and led convincingly at quarter time in the match against Sydney at the ‘G. However the Swans appear to like fighting back at this venue and at half time the game was evenly poised. Buddy Franklin will have a huge future with comparisons to Brisbane's Jonathan Brown already. The second half resembled a WWF cage match as the 2 sides wrestled for control and in the end it was the experience of the Swans that saw them over the line and out looking for the divas. Franklin kicked 6 out of 9 hawk goals to be their best and in an even team effort Nic Fosdike was best a field for Sydney in their 9 point win.
The Western Bulldogs took former Lion Jason Akermanis with them when they traveled to Brisbane for their clash with the Lions. Their were more boos than in the Haunted House whenever Akermanis went near the ball but he had the last laugh when the Bulldogs returned to the winners list with their 23 point defeat of the home team. Brad Johnson, the small big man was back in form with 4 of his kicks splitting the big sticks while the normal defender Jared Brennan on target for Brisbane with 3. However it was not all rosy for the Western Bulldogs with both Ryan Griffen and Daniel Cross suffering knee injuries.
Digger thought that Fremantle would kick the sweep last week but in fact the Carlton team did so and with gun full forward Fevola only slotting 2 majors. Jarred Waite continued his purple patch as the Blues handed out a thrashing to Port Adelaide. Mr. Smug appears to be on shaky ground and former super star Warren Tredrea seems to be headed back to the SANFL or the retirement paddock.
Adelaide ran out of players in their gallant loss to now top of the table Geelong. Let me tell you that Digger was tired after the game and he only watched as these two teams put on an absolute beauty. Gary Ablett Jr., announced his super star status in this game and ran hard all day. van Berlo was strong all day for the Ravens and both teams can take a lot out of the match given the pressure all day. And yes, van Berlo is spelt with a "small" v.
Gallant, unlucky, plucky and solid have all been used to describe Richmond's efforts in most of their games year. However, swallowing a thesaurus does not put points on the board and again after being a chance to win, Richmond squandered the chance and Fremantle ended up 23 point winners. Tattoo man Des Headland was on song for the Mentals with 5 sausage rolls and skipper Matthew Pavlich got 3. Brett Deledio was the Tigers best for the second week in a row.
The Kangaroos are back on the winners list by comfortably beating the St. Kilda team.
Collingwood supporters are still bitching about the umpiring following their teams loss to the rejuvenated Melbourne team in the Queens Birthday clash. A crowd of just a tad over 70,000 witnessed this now traditional clash and it was close all day. Russell Robertson's career best equaling 7 goals was the difference as the ‘Pies missed some easy shots. And for once Digger agrees with the magpie mob, the umpiring was appalling at times with umpire Stephan Grun appearing to make up his own rules. The Demons got over the line by 9 points.
The standard of umpiring in AFL ranks these days seems to be on an ever downward spiral toward total mediocrity.
LETTER OF THE WEEK
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Dear TopRX3,
Digger does not require your product at this point in time. Maybe you would like to sponsor our dart's team. A lot of the players sharpness and ability to stick it in is wanting.
Digger
Readers, Phentermine is an appetite suppressant and should not be taken by those in an agitated state or those who have a history of substance abuse. Not to be taken by Collingwood supporters or West Coast Eagle players.
A spliff, sorry split round this week with 5 out of 8 games this week and 3 next week.
Carlton 13th versus Hawthorn 3rd on the AFL ladder meet at the Dome on Friday night and this one promises to be a rip snorter. Carlton back on the winning ledger last week and the hawks continue to surprise. Who at Carlton can stop the rampaging Buddy Franklin? Digger selection is Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin who has the size and the speed required. Number 1 2006 draft pick Bryce Gibbs is showing the poise of a seasoned veteran and will be given free reign across the half back line. His timely runs out of defence set up many forward thrusts up to Fevola who will be keen to kick a bag. The Hawks to return the spoils here.
The Ravens from Adelaide travel to Melbourne to meet the Kangaroos who are surprising all and this must include pants man and former Roo and Raven great Wayne Carey who continues to bag Roo coach Dean Laidley.  When these teams last met in 2006 the Ravens were big winners but it will be a different story on Saturday. With their dressing room resembling the ICU on Grey's Anatomy the Adelaide team have few choices to pick from. There must be doubts on Simon Goodwin, Mark Riscuitto and Graeme Johncock and the rest will be sore from last weeks game. With Shannon Grant, Corey Jones and Brent Harvey in fine fettle and wanting to rub further dirt into the noses of detractors, the ‘Roos will continue on their winning way.
Can I reiterate again the http://www.afl.com.au/ is an embarrassment to all footy followers. Surely they can afford to pay someone to keep it up to date.
The Western Bulldogs are off to TIO Stadium in the Northern Territory of Australia and they are hosting Fremantle in this do or die clash. A heroic win to the Dogs last week but it did come at a cost with 4 injuries, 2 serious knee injuries. As much as Digger would like to tip the Doggies, Freo seem to have too much fire power in Pavlich, Headland et al and should win with a leg in the air.
In the upset of the round Brisbane will beat Geelong. Why?
Geelong are expected to win.
Geelong have won 6 in a row
Geelong play at home
Geelong played a brutal game last week
Geelong will always disappoint at some stage
Get done to the local TAB and have a few bucks on the Brisbane Lions.
With West Coast having a rest this week and if Geelong lose, Essendon could be sitting on top of the ladder come Sunday night. Digger does not expect Port Adelaide to trouble the Bombers on Sunday and with Essendon cock-a-hoop with their form they will win easily. The James Hird "say good bye to Hirdy road show" rolls into AAMI stadium this week and Digger cannot see it getting derailed. Go Bombers.
Until then,
Digger
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