Difficult issue.
Fact is, many of us are paid members. That is we pay our hard earned money to support and follow the club. We are passionate and mostly loyal
supporters.
The players are now a professional group of men who have varying degrees of affection and loyalty to the club as an entity as opposed to an employer. Case in point, 2 of our players asked to be traded away this year and threatened to leave for no compensation, thus holding the club and its members overa barrel. Similar things have happened with the likes of Campo last year. Fevola, Lappin and Houlihan have also looked to leave the club in recent times. Once they remain, I am convinced they will give their all for the club once they sign but they are rightly looking after their best financial and occupational interests.
I would excuse posters for criticisms of players. They are paid professionals and we have high expectations of their preparation, training and output. I think criticism can be warranted and fair.
The balance is to not descend into personal character attacks. As DOA has said, we aren't aware of people's circumstances and motivations. They may be motivated by greed, they may not. They may have family issues or not. You shouldn't post something that you wouldn't want written about yourself, a friend or relative in the same circumstances.
Saying someone can't play (up to AFL level) is a valid criticism. Saying he is a prick or an asshole probably isnt.
FWIW, I didnt think mjonc's post was over the top. Read in context was different to reading the phrase "mini-mental breakdown"
Login
Register
FAQ
