Another scandal has erupted around Brendan Fevola . Media and TV reports have revealed he has admitted to having a gambling habit causing great financial loss.

This comes a few days after the Richmond Football Club were involved in a drunken fracas in Sydney . Several Richmond football players , including Ben Cousins ,have been suspended by their club for varying lengths of time.All were fined .

Whilst these exploits make good tabloid headlines are they detracting from the reputation of the game and its enjoyment by fans ?

Players wear their jumper, jersey , guernsey with pride . They play football for an AFL team and are paid well for their effort . Elite athletes who set an example for young people and encourage all to enjoy a healthy lifestyle, participate in a team sport and get regular exercise .

Does anybody really care how much wealth is squandered in gambling venues by AFL players .

How many stories can we entertain about mid season drinking binges?

Players wear their jumper , jersey , guernsey and play to the best of their ability .

All the other hype surrounding players behaviour can stay behind the scenes.

Let the viewing public enjoy the spectacle of the game .

tiger cub

devil in disguise?

Geelong are happy to "get it on "

The  AFL season started on Thursday night at the MCG with traditional rivals Carlton and Richmond playing in a much publicised opening game .

Richmond selected newly signed recovering drug addict Ben Cousins on their team along with their other superstars Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson and up and comer Jack Riewoldt. The Tigers favoured an experienced line up with many experienced players taking on the younger less experienced Blues. The Blues selected four first gamers in keeping with an established team re-building youth policy by Blues Coach Brad Ratten. The Carlton youngsters  all acquitted themselves admirably  helping the Blues to an 83 point win over a lacklustre Richmond side. The Tigers woes were further compounded with a disappointing hamstring injury to Ben Cousins who was forced to leave the ground in the last quarter .It has been confirmed he will miss 3/4 games by embattled Tigers Coach Terry Wallace .

In a closely fought rematch of last  years Grand Final   the Cats were successful victors over  the Hawks by eight points . It proved an action packed contest with fans treated to a great Friday night spectacle at the MCG.  All the big names played hard including Lance Franklin and Luke Hodge for  the Hawks both of whom were reported .The Cats players managed to combine well to beat the Hawks on the night but have also sustained reports for players  Max Rooke reported for rough conduct and teammate Andrew Mackie booked for striking Brent Renouf.