What's the payoff in losing?

I've blogged a bit about the Dockers lately. Their losing streak continues. The question I pose here is "What payoff do the Dockers enjoy by losing winnable games?".

Over the past few weeks the Dockers have made a habit of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They've been in front in the final quarter - and lost - in each of the past four weeks (happy to be corrected here). At times the margin has been substantial. Still they manage to lose.

As an example they had a significant (nearly 40 points?) lead over Geelong at home. They choked. They were going to hand out a hiding in Melbourne leading by nearly 60 points. Again they choked. To do this once is forgivable, but to do it time and again raises questions. What is the payoff in being perpetual losers? Do they perceive themselves as being unworthy of winning? Perhaps. Do their working class roots dictate they have to struggle for the rest of their existence against more affluent, successful clubs? Maybe. Are they afraid of success? Possibly. I'm not sure what the payoff is for them losing. But I believe there is one.

It's about time they figured out the reasons why they give up winnable leads. At the moment they're an embarrassment to the state.

Roger Hayden out for 3-5 weeks

Too bad for Roger Hayden. He's going to be out of the Dockers' line up for 3-5 weeks after receiving a punctured lung in the game against the Dogs last weekend. It's a loss the Dockers don't need. Hayden is a reliable defender who sets about his work in a polished, disciplined manner, unlike some of his team mates who are uncommitted wannabes.

Here's wishing Hayden a speedy recovery.

Time for Rick Hart to go

What's wrong with the Dockers? Admittedly the Dogs are second on the ladder and are a tough ask to beat, but I'm saying that's where the Dockers should be - second on the ladder. Have a look at their list. They've got some of the best mid-fielders in the league, their forwards are the dream team - they don't come much better than Tarrant and Pav for some fire power in front of goal - and yet still they can't deliver and choke on win-able leads.

The Eagles on the other hand are in rebuilding mode. I can't remember a club that's done well despite a big injury list. Have a look at some of the players they had out of the team on the weekend. Lecras, Hunter, Kerr, Hanson, Hurn, and Waters are all champions capable of turning a game around. All are having a rough trot with injuries. Worsfold is doing the right thing and building the club for next year.

Given an injury-free run, the Eagles are going to be hard to beat next year. The Dockers on the other hand will continue to be perpetual under-performers. Perhaps it's time there was a change at the top. I'm talking here Rick Hart and some of the directors. Obviously they take comfort from snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

Mac spelling preferences

I own a Macbook Pro and use Pages for word processing. I keep getting prompted to use the American spelling but I live in Australia. Quite frankly it's giving me the shits. If you know how to change it I'd appreciate your help.

Dockers go down to Geelong

Reports that the Dockers were desperately unlucky to lose to the Cats are off target and miss the point. Put simply the Dockers weren't good enough and deserved to lose.

They lack the fitness to go a full game at full tilt. It's notable that the Cats overran them at the end of both the second and fourth quarters. I don't know why anyone would want to be a Dockers supporter. They have the talent. Let's face it, you don't get up by 38 points over Geelong through not playing a good brand of footy. But they don't seem to be able to deliver when it all counts - and that's frustrating for their supporters.

They've got some young guns that have huge potential but need another season or two under their belts to harden up. By then some of their better players will be past their prime so I can't see things changing in a hurry. I sure hope they don't take any encouragement from tonights efforts.

The only thing they showed tonight is they know how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

Como property damaged by vandals

Wow wouldn't you be shit off if you were the property manager (and owner) of the property in Como that's just been vandalised. Wonder if it'll be covered by insurance?

ANZAC day dawn service

Is our society going soft or am I becoming a grumpy old man?

It was great to see such a large turn out at the dawn service this morning. Men, women, old, young, all sorts of nationalities, all shapes and sizes. Each made their way along Fraser Avenue, across the grass, by bike or by foot, each with the goal of commemorating the spirit of the ANZAC. War is an ugly, ugly beast and no right-minded person wants its experience. But to yearn for peace is not enough. We, each of us, must be willing to fight for it, defend our right to it, to do what we can to keep it. Peace requires effort - and courage, sacrifice, determination.

So why is it that so many make the effort to attend the dawn service, then spend the time whispering and fidgeting, as if they can't bear the silence and the stillness. Why is it they can't stand to attention (well at least standing still would be a start) in silence while wreaths are laid? Why do they need to kiss and cuddle while old diggers shed silent tears for fallen mates? Why can't they make that tiny sacrifice for just a few short minutes.

Maybe I'm hard, or harsh, or overly critical. Maybe I should just be more grateful that so many made the effort to turn up at all. Maybe I was looking through eyes that could see my own softness reflected in those moments of inattention. Maybe war is just so sad.

Whatever the case I hope to never experience war. I hope for a world where wars are won through words and smiles. I hope for a day when peace is dominates the news. I hope for a place where all can enjoy abundance not a privileged few.

So thanks to all those who turned up to the dawn service. You make Australia what it is.