There's always something happening in the footy world, and we're here to bring it to you in the lightest way possible.
Here's what's made news on the socials this week:
COVID Lockdowns Cause Fixture Chaos
With the recent COVID-19 situations in New South Wales and Victoria reaching breaking point and lockdowns to get control of the virus, it has caused fixture chaos for the AFL.
14 of the 18 clubs were in Victoria, but with the news of a snap 5-day lockdown in Victoria starting on Thursday night, a number of teams were ordered to move interstate to avoid border closures and quarantine requirements.
Who would be playing where was definitely a confusing one for the fans.
So you have 2 Melbourne teams flying to QLD, yet an SA team flying into Vic? ๐ค
— Nick Fahey (@nickfahey96) July 15, 2021
Still two games at the same time on Saturday?? Bring Dees Hawks forward to 1.45???
— Luke P Gavin (@LukePGavin) July 15, 2021
— Harold (@Unwashed_Harold) July 15, 2021
Jack Riewoldt To Play Game 300
Richmond star forward Jack Riewoldt is set to play his 300th AFL game this weekend in what has been a truly great career to date.
Riewoldt, a three-time premiership winner, three-time Coleman Medallist and three-time All-Australian, has seen and been apart of all the highs and lows over his time at Tigerland, but is set to achieve a milestone only a select few get to accomplish in their AFL careers.
Despite being unable to share the celebration live in Victoria, Tigers fans took to social media to congratulate their star on a huge achievement.
Congrats on game 300, Jack!
Such a proud, historical achievement for our Great Club @Richmond_FC #tigerimmortals #Jack300 https://t.co/YnOInx5q1L
— Breeza ๐ฏโฐ (@BAFLD) July 15, 2021
Truthfully when Jack first played he didn't instil a lot of confidence in me. Looked slow & wasn't jumping high for marks. He became the smartest thinker in a game I have seen, those smart little things he does are ๐ A great clubman, deserves the accolades, congrats on 300 Jack.
— tiger_hype (@tiger_hype) July 16, 2021
Blues Legend Passes Away
On Thursday morning, it was learnt that Blues legend Sergio 'Serge' Silvagni passed away aged 83.
Silvagni leaves behind a famous legacy that will never be forgotten at Princes Park. A true great of the Carlton Football Club and the VFL/AFL as a whole.
Vale, Sergio Silvagni!
Impossible to put into words what this man means to our Football Club and the AFL in general.
R.I.P Serge Silvagni.
A truly magnificent man and a Giant of our sport.
๐ pic.twitter.com/ewYqxp3etJ— Carlton Cheersquad (@CFCCheersquad) July 15, 2021
Ben and Jack Silvagni pay tribute to their nonno, Sergio Silvagni. โฅ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/djUZ2v1POi
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 15, 2021
Geelong Skipper To Play On In 2022
Geelong champion Joel Selwood isn't done with his career just yet after it was announced earlier this week he would be lacing up the boots for another year, signing a one-year deal to remain at the Cats.
Selwood needs just 11 more games to overtake Stephen Kernahan's long-standing record for most games captained at VFL/AFL level and will likely get it come next year, which is a tremendous achievement.
He's been a star at Geelong and a star of the competition for a number of years, and the Geelong faithful were pumped to see he'd be going around one more time.
In my eyes itโs not even a debate. Joel Selwood is Geelongs greatest ever player. That bloke has carried this side for a decade now and will continue too. Bleeds blue and white. Absolute champion. A statue will be made of him when he retires. https://t.co/XZA6f6TwCa
— Max Blake (@maxblake44) July 13, 2021
Selwood should go past our games record and Kernahan's games as captain record next year. Would be fitting - IMO the best leader we've seen since Voss. Don't think it's a coincidence that Geelong's consistently ultra high standards have married up with the length of his career. https://t.co/WTc5VRbhab
— Rudi (@RudiEdsall) July 13, 2021
The Shorter Quarters Debate Starts Again
Ah, the good ol' shorter quarters debate is back.
At the completion of Carlton and Geelong's clash on Saturday night, Cats coach Chris Scott made a comment in his press conference that shorter quarters should make a comeback as games are going too long.
Former Pie and Giant Heath Shaw was quick to back up Scott on his comment.
Polls were made during the week on social media and the general public was asked on their opinion on the matter. The resounding answer you ask?... A big no no!
No no no and no ! Seen it last year and it was horrible. Forget about come from behind wins like last weeks pies win. They will be be so rare in shortened quarters https://t.co/F8s9umP9hS
— Dan ๐ฎ๐น ๐ค๐ค (@TheDak04) July 13, 2021
No need for shorter quarters in the AFL. I donโt know many that actually want it. There needs to be less time between goals and reduce the time at stoppages by throwing it up and throwing it in quickly. It will see less structure, more spontaneous play and the game will shorten.
— Adam White (@White_Adam) July 11, 2021
Euro's Penalty Shootout Springs Draw Conversation In AFL
After a tense finish to the Euro 2020 soccer tournament which saw Italy defeat England 3-2 via a penalty shootout, conversations begun whether a penalty shootout of a different kind should be added into the AFL if there was a draw.
Speaking onย Footy Classified,ย Craig Hutchison said the AFL should adopt their own form of shootout in a drawn situation, with each team taking five shots and the team with the most goals out of the five, wins.
When the suggestion was put to the public on social media, yeah, don't like the chances of it happening if it were up to them.
Its not soccer. Please.
How many draws are there in a season.
Shut up already— Tracey Reid (@traceyannereid) July 13, 2021
How about this........... The teams played four quarters of football and nothing could separate them, so let's give them 2 points each. I duno it's just an idea.
— Vincent cala (@Vinnie_19) July 13, 2021
MUST WATCH:ย Betts Shares Words Of Wisdom With Young Footballers
Eddie Betts is one of the greatest small forwards to ever play the game, but what he does off the field is just as inspiring and amazing and it can ben seen here.
At the completion of his sons junior football game this past weekend, Betts made his way into the oppositions club room to give the opposition kids some words of wisdom and inspiration after some tough weeks.
He really is a gem!
Canโt speak highly enough of #EddieBetts. My son and his team played against Eddies son today and we have had some tough weeks. Eddie came in with these words of encouragement. Meant the world to the kids. Something small can have a massive impact. Thanks Eddie @CarltonFC #afl pic.twitter.com/tH4syK1CYk
— SHAYNE IRONS (@H_BELLS07) July 11, 2021