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Keep on bouncing |
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by Thomas Grant | behindthegame.com.au
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LAST Saturday night's criticized centre bounce, that led to a Kangaroos clearance and furthermore a match-winning goal, has sparked unnecessary outrage throughout the football world.
 So called football experts have been quick to lament that the obscure bounce cost Collingwood the game.
What an absolutely outrageous assertion that a game played for over 120 minutes could be determined by one misdirected bounce.
Consequently, although the ball fell gracefully into the hands of Adam Simpson, the goal resulted because of a handball turnover from Rhyce Shaw the Roos' forward 50.
Footballers have even suggested that the bounce should be eliminated from the game due to its pointlessness. What more do people want to change about our unique game?
The bounce has been part of the game for over 100 years, why change another facet of the competition because of one rare incident?
Collingwood supporters have every right to be upset that the ball took an unfortunate turn, but if it was their team they would not be so critical.
Is the real issue the bounce, or is it another excuse to hold umpires responsible for a game because the margin was tight?
The skill involved with bouncing a football should be admired, and not be expected to be executed absolutely perfectly every time.
Players miss goals, coaches make poor decisions and journalists accuse incorrectly. Umpires should not be crucified for the occasional ill-directed bounce. |
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