Co-captain Phil Davis covers off all the hot topics in this week’s edition of The Footy Phil with episode three of the GIANTS’ new podcast.
There was plenty to cover off when Davis sat down for this week’s instalment of The Footy Phil. On the agenda of the footy media early this week has been Tom Hawkins’ one week suspension for a jumper punch in last week’s match against Adelaide.
“I think definitely once they brought out the mandate a couple of weeks ago about it that he was always going to be suspended,” Davis said.
“I think it’s a really fine line. Was the force sufficient? Probably not. Was the force sufficient last year when he got me? Probably not.
“But I think it’s the look and what it’s teaching the younger kids and that’s one of the great things about being footballer players, is that you can set some sort of example for the young kids.
“I think the AFL have made it clear that they don’t want any punching to the head.
“Was Tom’s a little push to the throat? Maybe. But is it a bad look? Probably yes. I think that’s what the AFL have decided and that’s where it got to.
“We got told very clearly by Leon when that came out that if we touch anyone in the head with a closed fist that we’ll be getting a week.”
THE FOOTY PHIL - Episode 3 Agenda
- Win over Essendon
- Josh Kelly’s performance
- Spotless Stadium fortress
- West Coast’s form away from home
- Are Collingwood the real deal?
- Should Hawkins have been suspended?
- AFL State of Origin
- Taking on Carlton
- Plans for the break
- GIANTS Netball
- Teammate(s) of the Week
At round 12 and the half way point of the year, Davis outlined his top contenders for this year’s Premiership.
“I think there’s a fair few teams (that could win it),” he said.
“Geelong have obviously shown in the last three weeks that they’re at the very top of the pile. Adelaide are a great side, the Dogs have always been a fantastic side.
“And then you’ve got sides like Richmond who are trying to make a big play, Port Adelaide are making a big play, so there’s still six or seven teams that are playing consistently good footy so that makes it hard to choose.
“I’m waiting to really see the Bulldogs in the second half of the year, I think they’ll go to another level and really put themselves firmly in the top couple of teams.”
Davis also covered off teammate Josh Kelly’s superb form in the win over the Bombers as the midfielder racked up 38 touches, 10 tackles and a goal.
“He obviously was outstanding and probably one of the main reasons we won the game which is not bad for a bloke in his fourth year,” Davis said.
“I don’t think he’s a left of field player in the comp anymore, I think he’s a genuine superstar.
“He’s just got polish, he’s one of the best ball users forward of centre I’ve seen. And to do it all off the back of being in the media four or five times a week is pretty great.
“I think everyone says it’s a lot of pressure but all he’s doing is chucking a few more zeros on his contract so it’s not that much pressure.”
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