■ Interesting weekend of football just gone, with the Bulldogs getting the points over Collingwood in a low-scoring game at the MCG. I thought the Pies were the better team for most of the day, but ran out of legs and players in the end, with the red, white and blue doing the job. That is what good teams do. They take advantage of whatever situation is presented. We have lacked that killer instinct in the past and probably would have lost that game a few years ago. The young players are really inspiring and it is great to see Easton Wood excelling as captain. As the reigning best and fairest, he’s expected to be one of our best players, but his leadership is fantastic and what a team-lifting goal he kicked on Sunday. It is back to Etihad Stadium this Sunday for a mid-afternoon game against the Eagles.
■ The issue of statues at sports venues always makes for robust discussion, but I don’t think anyone would begrudge Kevin Bartlett joining the legends at the MCG. From what I heard on radio, it’s a popular decision. Bulldogs fans see the great EJ every time they cruise into the Whitten Oval, and rightly so. There probably isn’t room at the Whitten Oval for statues of the likes of Charlie Sutton and Doug Hawkins. I wonder, though, if there is anywhere in the west where we could establish an avenue of honour to acknowledge sports greats of the west. I mean all sports, not just football. We have had greats in cricket, boxing and the Olympics, to name just a few. If you have suggestions where this could be located and who should be in it, let me know.
■ The VFL Big V was not good enough to knock over the South Australians last Sunday in Adelaide. There was a big contingent of western suburbs players from Williamstown, Werribee and Footscray in the side but in the end the Croweaters got home by 19 points. All three western suburbs sides sit in the VFL eight, but there is a long way to go. This Wednesday night (June1) sees the rugby league State of Origin series start. This series is the pinnacle of that sport and is one of the greatest sports rivalries I have ever seen. I won’t miss a minute of all three games. While rugby league is nowhere near as exciting as our game, this is must-see TV. Even if you have never seen a game or know nothing about the rules, you will enjoy watching this spectacle.
Any news, let me know on email kevin@howdypartnersmedia.com.au. Follow me on Twitter @KevinHillier, plus check out the Howdy Partners Media website as well.
