Talk:Colliwobbles

Article problems

I think there are a number of problems with this article.

Firstly, there should be reference made to the fact that the term "Colliwobbles" (at least in relation to Collingwood Football Club) was coined by Lou Richards (referenced here: http://www.victoriapark.net.au/lou_richards_53.html)

Secondly, if the basis of the Colliwobbles theory is that "This era has been dubbed as the Colliwobbles mainly due to the fact that Collingwood were favoured in most of these Grand Finals; or simply by the fact that Collingwood lost by small margins", the following Grand Final appearances have no rightful place in "Colliwobble" history:

1960:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_VFL_season#Ladder

Melbourne finished the home and away season on top of the ladder, three wins ahead of Collingwood (4th place).

Collingwood narrowly won both of their initial finals matches, firstly defeating Essendon by 9 points, then Fitzroy by 5 points. Conversely, Melbourne easily defeated Fitzroy in the Second Semi Final, winning by 62 points. I wasn't even born while this finals series was under way, but I would strongly suggest Melbourne would have been red-hot favourites to win this particular Grand Final. Furthermore, the margin could not be described as "small" (48 points).

1980:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_VFL_season#Ladder

Collingwood were the first side to reach the Grand Final from the Elimination Final during the "Final Five" era of VFL Finals. The result was an absolute hiding at the hands of Richmond by a then-record margin of 81 points.

Taking the same path from the Elimination Final, Essendon in 1983 (new record losing margin of 83 points) and Melbourne in 1988 (new record losing margin of 96 points) repeated the end results of Collingwood's brave tilt at the flag in 1980. It would be laughable for anyone to seriously suggest Collingwood were flag favourites in 1980.

On the other hand, I believe mention should be made of the following seasons in "Colliwobbles" folklore:

1969:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1969_VFL_season#Ladder

Collingwood finished on top of the ladder during this particular season, yet failed to make the Grand Final. They lost both finals (the Second Semi Final to Carlton by 36 points; the Preliminary Final to Richmond by 26 points), resulting in a "straight sets" exit from the finals series that year.

1973:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1973_VFL_season#Ladder

Again, Collingwood finished on top of the ladder at the end of the home and away season, yet again failed to fire a shot during the finals series that year. Collingwood lost the Second Semi Final to Carlton by 20 points (after leading by 2 points at 3/4 time), then suffered a 7 point defeat at the hands of Richmond in the Preliminary Final (after leading by 45 points at one stage of the game).

In closing, the focus on Grand Final appearances in defining the "Colliwobbles" makes such a definition far too narrow, in my opinion.

I'd be interested to read the thoughts and suggestions of others on this topic.— Preceding unsigned comment added by BruceDuperouzel (talk • contribs)

Trivia and Statistics Section

I am struggling to see the relevance and encyclopedic merit of the entire Trivia and Statistics section. It seems that most of the facts here are either calculated totals from the main data (achievable by any person with a calculator and desire to see these statistics) or irrelevant data, such as that of the mention of St.Kilda and Richmonds last premierships. Please explain the relevence of this section on WP, maybe I am missing something? Pdunky (talk) 23:11, 2 September 2011 (UTC)