Since 2000 have the Bombers become the victim of "Tall Poppy Syndrome"?

Question

As a fan I totally understand how disappointing the past couple of seasons have been but I am finding that the media are taking pot shots at the Bombers at every opportunity, the umpires have been totally against them and now we find that one of the 2 best ruckmen in the competition has not even been considered for All Australian Selection!

I can handle people not liking the team and I can handle losing when its a fair game but I can not handle the absolute unfairness that has been dished out to the poor old Essendon side. They have put up a galant fight given the number of injuries and terrible umpiring decisions that have gone against them.

I just get the feeling that now that they are struggling, everyone is out to chop them down, and I dont have any respect for those who kick people when they are on the ground!

P.S. Please don't use this question for Bomber bashing, there has been enough of that already. Thankyou.

Answer 1

A lot of teams, whether they are succesful or not, have a lot of things (ie: umpires) working against them!

The Bomber have seen many of their players leave since 2000, so it is no shock that they have struggled. From my personal experience, I haven't seen much "Essendon Bashing" compared to what other teams cop!

** Just thought I'd mention: In the Herald Sun it was stated that Collingwood have received the least free kicks all season, and Geelong have received the most help from the umpires, with 156 more free kicks than the Pies! How's that for consistency?**

Answer 2

as a footy lover i have picked this up and we all no bombers havernt been the best but certainly no where near the worst.

the media put them down at any little small thing which is disappointing considering every weekend they have to play with something on their back ( pressure from media ),

hile bombers ruckman has everything the ruck work the running the rover skills the skill 2 go up forward and play as a tall forward, now not even to get in the squad of 40 is really upsetting 4 some1 like me who cherishes the chance to watch some1 of his talent play the game.

umpires dont start me with them inconsistent pick on lots of teams epically dons come on umps let the game flow a bit. everyone is fustrated i think but yes they do pick on the dons!

cheers

Answer 3

I have not noticed that the Bombers are being treated differently to any other team, I guess when you barrack for a team and they are so far down without much hope for an immediate competitive future it must seem that way. I think every team goes through it at some stage.  

Answer 4

Louise Maree, From my casual attendamce on this forum, I have found your comments and questions to be well-balanced and demonstrating a thoughtful and understanding nature. However this question is not to your usual standard. Please let me explain.

"the media taking pot shots at the Bombers". I think you know what jerks the media reps are. Ignore them. The Bombers sell.

I agree that Hille is one of the best going around. Selections of these sort are never going to please everyone, and are they so important? What "best" team was it last year that did not include a single Magpie player. It reflects on the people making inappropriate choices.

"the absolute unfairness that has been dished out to the poor old Essendon side." They are struggling, that is fair, and to be expected for a side on top for so long. "terrible umpiring decisions that have gone against them." I looked at AFL website and found as best I could that your team received 412 and gave away 418 free kicks. I know it depends where they're given, but that looks like a pretty even split, In addition, in my experience, free kicks even up over time. And I don't think Essendon is a "poor" club, do you?

At the start of the season, your gung ho coach ran the side ragged getting them to play his type of game, and they were flogged for it. You won only 2 of the first 11 games, then won 4 in a row before Richmond snagged you by 4 points at the MCG. You flogged Collingwood by 8 goals and beat Melbourne, before dropping the last 4 games, the last trying the soul of the hardiest supporter I suppose.

I reckon that you should reflect on that run of 6 wins from 7 games mid-season before injuries struck, and look forward to a good year next season.

Cheer up.

Answer 5

lozz, does it say which team has given away the most free kicks? wouldnt be surprised if collingwood are on the top of that list :P

and to be honest, i havent seen any essendon bashing on the media. but then again, im from SA, so the media here doesnt talk about anyone besides crows and port. maybe its just a victorian thing.

and yes, sometimes i feel like the umpires are totally against us. i mean, when we're playing against collingwood with victorian umpires, and things start to go their way with the poor decisions, you have to get suspicious. thats just the way AFL is. unfortunately

Answer 6

How many injuries has the Bombers had this season??

Weren't they scrapping the bottom of the reserves,

just to feld a senior side?

No team can be competitive when half or more of their senior players are on the sideline

And what of the coaching ( cough) of Matthew Knights?

Yeah he may be an ex tiger- but his coaching has left a lot to be desired, i think.

Nah, sorry, i dont see the Bombers winning a flag, or being top four, under the coaching of Knights