Watching Izak Rankine get flattened by Dan Houston in a cowardly act during The Showdown on Saturday night was not fun. One of the game’s best in the front half was laid out comprehensively and reports of Crows coach Matthew Nicks referring to the impact as a ‘dog act’ are hard to take offence towards. Houston will sit for an extended period and potentially have played his final match for Port Adelaide.
More AFL At the time of writing the case was pending at the tribunal and after the intense media focus that rightfully called out the cheapest of cheap shots, Houston will hopefully have been whacked with at least five weeks for his handiwork. (Editors note: Houston was later found guilty and handed a five-week ban ) Whilst the bump/hit was awful to watch and Houston, in a more measured and balanced competition would be sent from the field for his action, the aftermath actually took things to another level. Some Port Adelaide fans felt the need to escort Rankine from the field with a clear chorus of boos.
So sick was the send-off that the actual blow became secondary and for the umpteenth time, a small yet noticeable section of AFL fans managed to perform in a manner rarely seen across the country in other codes. Win a Ziggy BBQ for Grand Final day, thanks to Barbeques Galore! Enter Here. No one supports their sport quite like AFL fans, and that is what plays a major role in making it the most engrossing, financially successful and powerful game in the country.
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