THE CHAMPION
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The reactions were immediate as Chris Judd was stretchered off the MCG on Saturday. A standing ovation from virtually everyone at the ground, not to mention Judd's own waving to the crowd in acknowledgement, seemed as clear a signal as any that after 14 seasons and 279 games, that was it. The word from Judd himself, though, remains: wait and see. That's something that football isn't great at doing, of course, so you can expect the "will he or won't hes" to dominate the next few weeks. The one thing you do know about Judd, however, is that whatever the call, it won't be one made in a rash moment.
THE CAUSE
Football can be a cynical business, but one which can show a tremendous sense of community when the occasion requires. Such has been the case with the "Big Freeze at the G" drive for funds to find a cure for motor neurone disease. Neale Daniher, himself diagnosed with MND two years ago, has been tireless in promoting the cause, which will be highlighted at Monday's Queen's Birthday game when a list of football types are plunged into an ice pool. In some cases, that will be a cause good enough on its own, but if you can help out, head to www.freezemnd.com to make a donation.
THE PAUSE
Has there been a passage of play as bizarre as what transpired at the MCG in the second quarter on Saturday? A goal-line scramble saw Adelaide's Charlie Cameron's point-blank shot stopped by Blue Andrew Walker's leg. The ball proceeded to roll around the goal line, seemingly unbeknown to either player, Cameron walking away for the kick-in, Walker preparing to do just that until, after about five seconds, everyone bar the umpire realised it was play-on and Walker, wrapped up by Paddy Dangerfield, handballed over his head to concede a point. Where's the Benny Hill music when you need it?
THE CARNAGE
Brisbane's 30-point loss to GWS might in ordinary circumstances be considered just a disappointing chapter in a poor season. But the Lions' plight right now is anything but ordinary, and if you need proof, take a look at an injury list which even before Sunday's game contained no fewer than 19 names, at least a dozen of them walk-up starts. The result of that could be seen in the curtain-raiser at Spotless Stadium, in which the Giants beat the Lions 33.18 (216) to 3.6 (24). Yep, you read correctly. Given that backdrop, a five-goal defeat to a top-four team wasn't a bad effort at all.