If you've been with me this long, you already know that I'm no footy expert! If you're new to my site, the disclaimer is at the bottom of the page! Please read it so you know where I'm coming from!! Whether you're new to the sport or a seasoned veteran, your comments and questions are always welcome! Send 'em to me and I'll share them here!

When I tuned into the game early in the first quarter, Melbourne were ahead 3-3-21 while Essendon were still trying to find their way at 0-1-1. I think my presence was a jinx to Melbourne because Essendon got a couple of goals and before I knew it, they were comfortably in the lead. By the end of the first half, Essendon had a 21 point lead.

Midway through the second quarter I lost the Internet audio feed. I tried to get it back a couple of times but it wasn't meant to be. Boo.

I have a subscription to the Telstra Internet audio feeds of the game. It's a great value for those of us who aren't able to get the live games any other way, though it's not as dependable as I'd like because, well, you know how Internet connections can be! But I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to listen to the games live and I highly recommend the subscription despite the occasional glitch. The service also gives subscribers delayed video coverage of each game via the Internet.

Anyway, since I wasn't able to listen to the rest of the game, I kept my eye on the AFL.com live scoreboard. This is a free service that's available during all the games. It's saved my life (OK, that's a bit melodramatic but you know what I mean!) many a time when I've been unable to get a radio feed of the Richmond game! Believe me, a live scoreboard is infinitely better than nothing!

Somewhere after midnight my time the score was 13.7.85 Essendon to 8.11.59 Melbourne, and I decided I'd had enough for tonight. The drawback to the scoreboard as opposed to the audio feed is that you have to really care about the outcome of the game to stay up in the middle of the night to watch your computer screen refresh every few seconds!! I've been known to do it...but I opted this time. When I went to bed, I was pretty sure that Essendon would win but I'll admit that I checked the scoreboard first thing the next morning! I've seen games turn quickly -- you never know what might happen!

I'm on pins and needles waiting for the Richmond game!! Go Tiges!

Disclaimer: This site is intended for those of us who are relatively new to Aussie Rules Football. I don't claim to be an expert -- in fact I'm as green as they come! The ideas expressed are accurate to the best of my wee, limited and infantile knowledge! Please keep in mind that my comments come strictly from listening to the game, not viewing it. I'm putting a lot of weight into the way it's called.