Bizarre story in the Herald Sun today where Hawthorn are sulking about not being allowed to play a few unqualified players in the VFL Preliminary Final next week. They want to get "match fitness" into two recently injured players.
The suggestion put forward has been to give two Hawthorn listed players a run in the Young Guns Curtain Raiser.
I've got a problem with that. Firstly, it takes two spots away from other players who genuinely want a chance in the Young Guns game to show their worth and try to impress AFL clubs. And secondly, and perhaps more importantly, where do you draw the line? Geelong's VFL side is out, they might have a few players who they want to get "match fit" in case they are needed in remaining AFL finals, so are they allowed to play in the Young Guns game as well? Sorry Hawthorn, flog your players on the training track, don't compromise the VFL competition or a game designed to give young people a go. And AFL Victoria need to stay firm on it and not allow it to happen.
