A trend I've noticed is that most of the pieces so far have been about politics or sport. Far from wanting to change that, I thought it was high time to combine these topics into one super post!
A quick look at the news would show that there are any number of ways to compare two political entities. Polls, policies, funding, personalities, the list goes on. But what would happen if they met, mano a mano in the sporting arena? Let's take a look at the starting 22's of the ALP and the Coalition. Of course for those not completely across AFL here's some brief explanations, as well as a rundown of current members of parliament.
ALP
Defence: Labor has a steady, no-frills last line of defence comprised of three wily veterans, although Kim Carr is lucky to hold his position in the side after public disagreements with team captain Julia Gillard. The get some drive off half back through hard man Albanese and Conroy, however Conroy's ambition can occasionally outweigh his ability. Senator Chris Evans provides stability and is the leader of the defence.
Midfield: Treasurer Wayne Swan is the engine room of the ALP midfield, supported by honest toiler Smith and the steady up and comer Plibersek. Combet and Shorten add a touch of silk to the midfield, although the way Shorten muscled his way into the midfield group has ruffled a few feathers. Both are former union heads, and therefore are up for the fight, both on and off the field. Ruckman Garrett has struggled adapting to his role, and is always looking to dish off the easy handball.
Forward: The ALP can struggle in attack, and have brought in star recruit Bob Carr to try and straighten them up. Centre half forward Gillard carries the burden of being the lynchpin of the forward line, as well as having to provide defensive cover for her teammates. Wong and Faulkner are experienced players but not natural forwards, while Nicola Roxon has been shuffled through various position to find her best role in the side. Sid Sidebottom appears to be in the side based on a famous AFL surname.
Bench: Unfortunately for the ALP, there is no real X-factor of the bench, with Kelly not bringing much to the team apart from a throwback VFL moustache. Sport minister Kate Lundy is a new addition to the team, while McClelland has fallen out of favour and just scrapes into the 22. Kevin Rudd of course was substituted before the game even began.
Coalition
Defence: The coalition boast a very offensive minded back line, with Morrison, Robb and Brandis all liking to join in the attack at any opportunity. Entsch and Truss and more conservative members of the defence, while Mary Fisher has been placed in the back pocket to keep her out of any more trouble. The one weakness of the defence though is that it can get into a 'rabbit in the headlights' scenario when put under scrutiny by the opposition.
Midfield: The Coalition has combative, powerful midfield. Everywhere man Abbott has famous endurance, enabling him to quick switch between positions, while Abetz and Hunt are crafty veterans, prepared to get their hands dirty. Chris Pyne is the classic terrier-like rover and Bernardi is well known for the playing the man as well as the ball. The midfield group loves to engage in 'friendly' banter during the game.
Forward: Vice-captain Julia Bishop leads the gun-slinging Coalition forward line, and is famous for her on-field death stare. Joyce and Heffernan are the classic loose cannon forwards who, on their day, can be very dangerous. Sophie Mirabella is the archetypal small forward, always prepared to dish out a bit of lip, while Bronwyn Bishop despite nearing the end of her career is a cunning competitor. Joe Hockey is an old-fashioned full forward, big on presence, not so big on running and defence.
Bench: The Coalition mixes up youth and experience on its bench, with Roy being the youngest player in the game while Phillip Ruddock has been a permanent fixture of the team for many years. O'Dwyer has big shoes to fill as the replacement for former treasurer Peter Costello. Malcolm Turnbull is the substitute and, despite being one of the better players in the side, is rarely called upon by captain Tony Abbott.
Who wins and why: A very difficult match to predict given the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The Coalition has a dangerous group of forwards supported by an offensively minded game plan, while the ALP's defence is superior to it's forward line which may be unable to take advantage of the Coalition's vulnerable defence. While the ALP is known for it's internal bickering which can affect its performance, the Coalition has also been plagued recently by conflicting messages from team members. It may come down to who is the more consistent, reliable side on the day. ALP by 4 points.
A quick look at the news would show that there are any number of ways to compare two political entities. Polls, policies, funding, personalities, the list goes on. But what would happen if they met, mano a mano in the sporting arena? Let's take a look at the starting 22's of the ALP and the Coalition. Of course for those not completely across AFL here's some brief explanations, as well as a rundown of current members of parliament.
ALP
Midfield: Treasurer Wayne Swan is the engine room of the ALP midfield, supported by honest toiler Smith and the steady up and comer Plibersek. Combet and Shorten add a touch of silk to the midfield, although the way Shorten muscled his way into the midfield group has ruffled a few feathers. Both are former union heads, and therefore are up for the fight, both on and off the field. Ruckman Garrett has struggled adapting to his role, and is always looking to dish off the easy handball.
Forward: The ALP can struggle in attack, and have brought in star recruit Bob Carr to try and straighten them up. Centre half forward Gillard carries the burden of being the lynchpin of the forward line, as well as having to provide defensive cover for her teammates. Wong and Faulkner are experienced players but not natural forwards, while Nicola Roxon has been shuffled through various position to find her best role in the side. Sid Sidebottom appears to be in the side based on a famous AFL surname.
Bench: Unfortunately for the ALP, there is no real X-factor of the bench, with Kelly not bringing much to the team apart from a throwback VFL moustache. Sport minister Kate Lundy is a new addition to the team, while McClelland has fallen out of favour and just scrapes into the 22. Kevin Rudd of course was substituted before the game even began.
Coalition
Midfield: The Coalition has combative, powerful midfield. Everywhere man Abbott has famous endurance, enabling him to quick switch between positions, while Abetz and Hunt are crafty veterans, prepared to get their hands dirty. Chris Pyne is the classic terrier-like rover and Bernardi is well known for the playing the man as well as the ball. The midfield group loves to engage in 'friendly' banter during the game.
Forward: Vice-captain Julia Bishop leads the gun-slinging Coalition forward line, and is famous for her on-field death stare. Joyce and Heffernan are the classic loose cannon forwards who, on their day, can be very dangerous. Sophie Mirabella is the archetypal small forward, always prepared to dish out a bit of lip, while Bronwyn Bishop despite nearing the end of her career is a cunning competitor. Joe Hockey is an old-fashioned full forward, big on presence, not so big on running and defence.
Bench: The Coalition mixes up youth and experience on its bench, with Roy being the youngest player in the game while Phillip Ruddock has been a permanent fixture of the team for many years. O'Dwyer has big shoes to fill as the replacement for former treasurer Peter Costello. Malcolm Turnbull is the substitute and, despite being one of the better players in the side, is rarely called upon by captain Tony Abbott.
Who wins and why: A very difficult match to predict given the strengths and weaknesses of both sides. The Coalition has a dangerous group of forwards supported by an offensively minded game plan, while the ALP's defence is superior to it's forward line which may be unable to take advantage of the Coalition's vulnerable defence. While the ALP is known for it's internal bickering which can affect its performance, the Coalition has also been plagued recently by conflicting messages from team members. It may come down to who is the more consistent, reliable side on the day. ALP by 4 points.
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