A few Fridays ago, when we were prognosticating on the wild antics that Andrew Demetriou would engage in sans the prospect of many more months in the top job, not even the demented heads of Smother house anticipated this. It's glorious, insatiable. Perhaps the most wonderful thing to ever happen to our great game.
Today it became clear that Demetriou, rather than the quiet life he spoke of, is heading down the Jeff Kennett path of semi-retirement; Occasionally popping up on radio to make snide remarks about the enemies he's accrued over his years in power. Today's target was head of the AFL's nascent fans association - and former league employee - Brian Clarke.
Demetriou told radio station 3AW that Clarke's complaint to the ACCC about the much-maligned variable pricing strategy was "a bit of a stunt by Clarke and co", and brilliantly, he didn't stop there. "Anything he can do to get in the paper he will", he said, while also describing Clarke as a "disaffected ex-employee" who has "caused havoc everywhere he's gone". He also went after the ACCC, suggesting they too like having their names in the paper, which will surely please Gil McLachlan who will now bear the brunt of an outraged consumer watchdog.
Not that this was a one-sided affair - "We want to have a constructive relationship going forward. We're not going to deal with yesterday's men, and that's Andrew" said Clarke in a constructive manner. He also constructively called Demetriou stupid and said he was "out of touch with the average fan". "For him to take it personally and play the man, it's just disappointing" continued Clarke on a rant that will surely endear him to tomorrow's men, before summarising earnestly: "Andrew and I don't get along"
Demetriou's final word, though, was saved for the 'behind the times' and 'slow on the uptake' MCC.
Oh, glorious day. We hope there's many more to come.
In the news...
Speaking of fantastic media events, Jack Riewoldt appears to have reinstated the media ban - and taken it to new heights. Yesterday, following a savaging from Damien Hardwick, Riewoldt avoided the media by jumping a fence and catching a train from nearby Richmond station. He did, however, avoid the axe for his troublesome press conference. (On Riewoldt, we feel the need to defend him. If this is how we're going to treat players who actually express themselves - we should expect a pretty dour future for football media. - Smother ed.)
Essendon has confirmed it will pay the bill for any legal costs incurred by players fighting ASADA charges. "We're just trying to be prepared for any outcome" said chairman Paul Little ominously.
And, after an extended delay, the AFL appeals board has finally released the explanation for Jack Viney's exoneration. "The alleged offender should have the benefit of the doubt" they said in their release.
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