A melee generally refers to disorganized close combat involving a group of fighters. A mêlée ensues when groups become locked together in combat with no regard to group tactics or fighting as an organized unit; each participant fights as an individual.

Well let us hope that before Commandant Andrew and Sergeant Anderson have a look at the meaning of the word "melee" before they issue further "melee" definitions and proposed penalties after last weeks "wrestling match" in the game between Carlton and Collingwood.

A total of 32,400 AUD in fines were handed out to 15 players involved in the argy bargy.  What Digger seen of the "melee" was not really between 2 unorganised units fighting as individuals but most players were strictly trying to pull either friend or foe away from the fray.

Why does a player on 700,000 AUD per season get fined the same amount a player getting 300,000 AUD per game?

And apparently the AFL does not mind the odd melee in the Internationals against the Irish!

Digger was one of many to really enjoy seeing players standing up for their team mates, standing up for their club and showing a bit of fight but again the over reaction by the cadre was another example of the stance to turn a mans game into a game for athletic pansies with a distinct lack of skill.

Maybe if players at all levels were allowed to play a game where strength is pitted against strength and some built up aggression can be expelled on the field there may not be so much unwarranted aggression in the streets of a Saturday night.

Round 7 saw the Kangaroos meet Essendon on Friday night.  The ‘Roos led this tight game all night and the Bombers would be ruing their inaccurate kicking.  The Kangaroos ran out 22 point winners and may have finally shut Wayne Carey up.

The "melee" game was next up and these 2 old foes fought out a very good battle.  Carlton got away to a very good start and looked to have another win on their hands.  However, the ‘Pies really picked up after half time and with a 7 goal third quarter held sway at the lemon break.  Another strong final term saw them ran out 24 point winners.  Over 77,000 saw this clash where Didak back from injury kicked 4 and for Carlton Fevola got 4.

God help those Tigers and Mohammed and all those other deities out there pray for the Richmond Football Club.  The Port Power played host to Richmond last week and in the first half showed Richmond a clean set of heels.  The low and behold Richmond outscored the Power in the second half.  Not a good omen for the Power as you do not take the foot of the pedal when you have a chance for a big kill.  Maybe they were planning for the future by playing Brendan Lade up forward, he kicked 3.  Nathan Foley continued his rise in the AFL and was best for the timid Tigers.

Up to Brisbane and the Lions looked to claim another victim.  The Ravens are the walking wounded and beware the walking wounded.  Adelaide bounced out of the blocks and had the Lions flat footed.  The Ravens went straight to the lead and the lead kept increasing.  Punter Goodwin is back in top form and Tyson Edwards played his best for the season.  Celebrations on hold for Lethal Leigh Matthews.

St. Kilda slowly strangled the Sydney team and are the wheels falling off?  Nick Riewoldt shone for the Saints and Nick Dal Santo again firing.  Another team with a huge injury list, the Saints built momentum throughout the game and kept extending.  Come on Swans we need you winning.

The Weagles travel quite well but the extra 60 odd clicks done the highway caught them out.  But alas, Digger is running late and the CF himself does have deadlines.  Quickly, enjoyed the game but will need to do it this week again.

The third team with an injury list as long as queue at a trendy nite club, Melbourne battled manfully against the so far disappointing Western Bulldogs.  The Dees cannot get over the line, 6 points again.  Like the Swans the Dogs need to get a wriggle on.

Finally, and the red hot Hawks flew west to tackle Fremantle.  After a slow start the Mentals finally got on top and ground the Maybloomers down in the end winning by 16 points.  Highlight for  Trigger was the mini stoush between Antoni Grover and Ben Dixon.

LETTER OF THE WEEK

Ting, Ting, no mail this week.

Send your letters to diggerafl@yahoo.com.au

Digger

Adelaide have the pleasure of Richmond's company on Friday night and will win.

Essendon host the Brisbane Lions and given all the speculation about this being Kevin Sheedy's last year at the helm Bomberland during the week, Digger is tipping the Don's to dig deep and win.

Another team traveling the highway from the west this week as the Mentals visit Kardinia Park.  Just off the ‘phone from a serious Geelong knocker and even he reckons they will win again.  Cannot argue with that.  The Cats.

Others winners this week will be Hawthorn, Kangaroo's, Sydney, Western Bulldogs and the Weagles.

Be back and I will be bigger and better next week, I'm off to organize a melee.

Cheers,

Digger