Last night’s Round 3 match between Adelaide and Geelong served as an almost perfect case study for a number of the issues we speak to here at the Thebarton Enquirer. Examples of umpire inadequacy, league mismanagement and clubland gaslighting were all evident.

On the back of a ripping start to the season by Sydney last night, let’s look at what at a NSW/ACT side might look like if the The Allies concept was abandoned.

Every February, the AFL sends its clubs to suburban ovals and regional grounds under the banner of the Community Series. The messaging is consistent: taking elite football to new audiences, strengthening grassroots ties, growing the game nationally. Is that the real reason?

State of Origin last night made a triumphant return. Let’s call a spade a spade though, the AFL never does anything out of sentiment. So it seems pertinent to stop and think – why now?