In March 2006 Melbourne was gripped by Commonwealth Games fever. Athletes from every corner of the Queens influence descending on our hollowed MCG turf for a fortnight of decadence; running, jumping and swimming against each other in a stunning array of purpose built facilities. It was a predictably enjoyable affair, so enjoyable that two thirds of the Sierra Leone team couldn't bring themselves to leave, preferring instead to abscond from the Games and hide - waiting for the whole thing to blow over.
Crows coach Brenton Sanderson could well be hoping that that has inspired an increased vigilance for unannounced decampments by sportspeople in foreign cities, especially in light of Patrick Dangerfield's comments. Dangerfield has requested permission to "stay over" in Geelong after tonight's match at Simonds Stadium, preferring the surfing and fishing opportunities of his family's Moggs Creek home to the sights and smells of Adelaide.
Dangerfield was terse when asked about penning a new deal with the Crows, saying "when I do it will be a decision based on success not on money, that’s for sure, I’m one of those players who want to know the direction of the club... clearly there has been a lot of talk here about the problems we’ve had. We lose Kurt Tippett for nothing and then first and second-round draft picks for two years and it makes it a lot more difficult to have success."
Dangerfield also revealed that he has done his best to fill seats at Simonds Stadium in light of slow ticket sales for tonight's clash. Even with Dangerfield's 25 relatives in attendance, the 9000 unsold tickets to the match has caused some concern for the league, though not for Cats GM Steve Hocking. "We've got plenty of tickets available, people can certainly get good seats still." he pleaded, before rambling off a list of excuses, including our personal favourite - that despite the extended pre-season and split first round, the game has "snuck up" on the good folk of Sleepy Hollow.
The sneakiness of the clash has been undermined further by the return of J-Pod for his first game against the club that revived his career, and the celebrations for favourite son Jimmy Bartel's 250th game. Then again, they don't call it Sleepy Hollow for nothing...
In the news...
Collingwood used their in-house TV show to announce the re-signing of young ruckman Brodie Grundy. "Putting pen to paper was a very big decision. It’s something I didn’t take lightly" said the 19-year old.
The good news has continued from The Gabba, with Tom Rockliff signing a three year deal with the Lions. The 24 year old joins Jack Redden and Josh Green in committing to Brisbane.
Luckless swan Alex Johnson could have to wait up to 2 months before he can have his third knee reconstruction due to inflammation and infections in the knee. 'We can rebuild him, we have the technology' the Swans medical staff didn't say.
And Essendon's needlephobic midfielder David Zaharakis has penned a 3 year deal with the Bombers, keeping him at the club until 2017. "I couldn't be happier" said Zaharakis, confirming just how far removed he is from the ASADA scandal.
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