Bye Week. Great time for injured players to recuperate, niggles to be un-niggled, chocolate eggs to be consumed.
Well, I'm sure the latter will occur. In terms of the health of our squad, however, I have less confidence. Our already depleted back line has suffered another major blow with the loss of Mitch Brown for 8-10 weeks. A fractured thumb is the culprit.
There is even more pressure on the likes of E-Mac and Schofield to step up now. Brett Jones, possible replacement, suffered a hairline fracture in his arm in the WAFL on the weekend.
Key players Lecras, Waters and Brown will now all be on the sideline for extended periods. Less key player Masten is also missing.
It's unfortunate, but a reality. Other teams do and will have injuries. It will be no excuse for any slide in form in the coming weeks.
It's a huge couple of week as well. A must win game against Melbourne followed by an intresting test against Essendon at the Dome.
What to do until then though?
Mitch Brown might not be able to use his thumb, but that doesn't stop us from playing some AFL Live.
AFL Live Review
I've played a few hours now and my thoughts are mixed. It's not a masterpiece nor an exercise in epic-failure. The graphics are fine, although not in any way impressive. Player similarity is adequate. As in, it's possible to tell the difference between Naitanui and Ashton Hams. Commentary, as in most sports sims, is tiresome after 5 minutes. Though to be fair, 'BT' is like that in real life too.
The game itself is frenetic. There's a little too much button-mashing, with the need to constantly tackle, or handball. Maybe realistic, definitely frustrating. Marking contests are difficult to master. In general, the mechanics of kicking are okay though seem a little jerky. One disappointment is the inability to deliver big bumps. I know it's not a big part of the AFL anymore, but it's a game right?
Incredibly, there is no instant replay function.
On the plus side, online play is so smooth you almost forget you're playing over the net.
Do I recommend it? For AFL fans desperate for any sort of sim: definitely. It's no FIFA or Madden, but it's probably the best AFL game to ever be released.
Verdict: 7/10
Until next time
Misanthropic Eagle
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