It seems that the protected species, the umpires, are to be wrapped in cotton wool, free from criticism, discussion and assessment.  Take the microphones off them for a start and then we would not be attracted to the inane, idiotic and completely non sensical mutterings they make.  One call last week saying “it was touched off the boot” showed us what monkeys they are.  A bunch of hen pecked, second rate school teachers suffering from the Oedipus syndrome is what they are.  And to think that 3 more are required when the West Sydney team enters the fray in 2012. 

While speaking of West Sydney, some wanker from NSW Rugby League called the push by the AFL into West Sydney like “their Vietnam”.  This tool was most probably an AFL umpire in a former life. 

Fremantle won their first game of the season last week as did Richmond so all teams have at least one win on the board.  Geelong and St. Kilda remain undefeated and both of these teams look very sharp indeed. 

The “Play it out ‘til the final siren” award goes to Collingwood this week.  The “pies allowed Essendon 3 goals in the final 3 minutes to hand the Bombers victory.  Guess what the call was from Magpie supporters?  “The umpires cost us the game”. 

Friday night sees North Melbourne hosting Collingwood and Collingwood should return to the winners list.  Brent Harvey is out for 12 weeks after a chicken wing tackle dislocated his chicken wing on the wing in front of the KFC advertising hoarding.  Cox and Goldsack have been dumped for Collingwood. 

Hawthorn versus Carlton should be a pearler on Saturday afternoon.  The Hawks are yet to find any semblance of their 2008 form and the young Carlton team are playing with confidence.  Digger says Carlton will continue to improve and make short work of Jeff’s boys. 

The local Perth Derby should attract lots of people from Perth with the rest of the nation not remotely interested in watching this one.  Digger predicts back to back wins for the Mentals. 

Brisbane hosting Essendon is a tough one to call and maybe the home ground advantage will be enough for Brisbane.  You would also expect a mental let down for Essendon and even though coach Matthew Knights is making huge improvements it is Brisbane for me. 

Another derby in Adelaide were the under rated Adelaide will beat the over rated Port Adelaide. 

Sydney to beat Richmond, Geelong to beat Melbourne and St. Kilda to beat the Western Bulldogs will round out the round. 

Digger