'Social Talk' is back again in what is yet another week with plenty happening after the first round of footy finals.
Here's what's made news on the socials this week:
Goodbye Toby
Giants superstar Toby Greene has been rubbed out of the footy finals with a three-match suspension after pleading guilty at the AFL Tribunal for making contact with AFL umpire Matt Stevic.
The tribunal released a statement following the hearing saying Greene's contact with the umpire was 'intentional, aggressive, disrespectful and demonstrative'.
Toby Greene heading into his hearing this morning #tribunal #tobygreene pic.twitter.com/kkUeAfgfGY
— heisenhird (@heisenhird) August 30, 2021
Matt Stevic told the tribunal he did not feel "threatened at the time", however as the finals heat up we may even see the umpires take protective measures into their own hands.
Toby Greene suspended but AFL umpires taking no chances this weekend... #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/RJBBWu2Ik9
— Sportsbet.com.au (@sportsbetcomau) August 31, 2021
GWS will play Geelong this Friday in the semi-final and what better way to cheer Cats coach Chris Scott up after a 43-point loss to Port Adelaide than the news of Greene's suspension.
“Alright, Toby Greene guilty. Let’s cross live now to the Cats camp for some reaction from Chris Scott” pic.twitter.com/7osoVtMbNt
— Cath Durkin (@CDurkinFOX) August 31, 2021
Season over and the Dons sent packing 🙁
They showed plenty of promise towards the end of the season, however Essendon couldn't quite make it happen after failing to make it past the first week of finals.
In what was a heartbreaking 49-point loss to the Dogs, Essendon wrapped up their season, devastated at the loss but celebrating the development of their young and talented side.
Although it may be tears for the Bomber fans right now, the team are looking sharp for 2022 and young ruckman Sam Draper took to Twitter to express his excitement for his team's future.
Well, that’s a wrap for the 2021 season for the dons, it’s genuinely exciting what we’re building and I’m so proud to play for this club ❤️🖤 @essendonfc pic.twitter.com/jLgthqucw5
— Sam Draper (@SamDraper38) September 2, 2021
On the other-side, Dog's small forward Cody Weightman sent social media into overdrive sparking online debate about his series of free kicks during the match last weekend.
The reactions soon saw the footy world place their arms around the crafty Bulldogs forward following an onslaught of social media vitriol.
Wishing everyone a good weekend, especially you, Cody Weightman.
— Alex Docherty (@TheAlexDocherty) September 3, 2021
I see Weightman is still copping criticism. I was at the ground and can vouch that he worked his ass off, threw his body at everything, launched for every smother etc. Yeah, his goals were from frees, but he found a way to kick as many goals as the opposition… in a final no less
— Adam Roy Davey (@RoyDT) August 29, 2021
Carlton coaching blues continue as Lyon pulls out of the race for the top job
The search for the perfect candidate continues after it was announced this week that Ross Lyon has withdrawn his interest in becoming the next Carlton coach.
With Lyon out, David Teague sacked and Alastair Clarkson adamant in taking a break from coaching next year the Blues' grand plans appears to be dwindling away.
I am a Carlton supporter, but this is too funny pic.twitter.com/4hdQWc3XN4
— Rainman (@ItsTheRainman) September 2, 2021
The Carlton FC master plan 🙃 pic.twitter.com/5Yl480eXGe
— Stats Insider (@StatsInsider) September 2, 2021
According to Max Laughton, all Carlton needs is a coach that is "linked to the club" with "first hand experience" and can connect with "many of the players."
Sounds a lot like someone they may know.
imo Carlton needs someone with a background linked to the club, someone with first-hand experience with the current situation, someone who many of the players connect with pic.twitter.com/eufodAg1kp
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) September 2, 2021
Perhaps the Blues may take an unorthodox approach to filling the role, with the one and only Andy Lee expressing his interest in the job.
Best of luck Andy!
With regards to the @CarltonFC coaching job. I’m happy to do it. I just need Tuesdays off to record the podcast 👍
— Andy Lee (@andytomlee) September 2, 2021
The Good news for Collingwood just keeps on coming!
Last week Collingwood fans celebrated Nick Daicos joining the club next year and the good news continued this week with the Pies announcing Craig McRae as the head coach.
The former three time premiership Lion is determined to improve the club and told reporters in a press conference that he is "here to coach the football club and make everyone better as quick as [he] can."
Fans were clearly excited at the news and expressed their joy on twitter.
HOW IS TODAY FILLED WITH SO MUCH GOOD NEWS FROM COLLINGWOOD ?????? THIS CANNOT BE REAL
— josh daicos supremacy (@grundyisbae) August 30, 2021
During his football career, Craig McRae kicked 232 goals from 195 AFL games as a key member of the club's early 2000s success. He worked under four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson as an assistant as well as coaching at Richmond, Brisbane and Collingwood.
Get excited Pies fans!
Congratulations to former premiership Lion, Craig McRae on his appointment as Collingwood Head Coach 🎉 #Uncaged pic.twitter.com/xUPsopKtEd
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) September 1, 2021
With Craig McRae set to win the Collingwood job, half of all AFL coaches will have either coached or played under Alastair Clarkson.
D.Hardwick, L.Cameron, A.Simpson, L.Beveridge, C.Fagan, B.Ratten, S.Mitchell, C.McRae as coaches, S.Dew as a player.
Reasonable tree. @FOXFOOTY
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) August 30, 2021
Collingwood good news continued: Skipper got the Jab
The good news is not over yet for Collingwood fans as they can celebrate their captain Scott Pendlebury getting his first vaccination.
Congratulations to Scott for doing his part to create a safer and healthier community!
The skipper has got his first vaccination.
Have you? If not, seek the necessary advice from your GP or medical practitioner.
Let’s create a safer community together ✊ pic.twitter.com/GTwaxie50J
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) September 2, 2021