I don't think we've been bullied at all.
We made as many if not more hits than Nottingham in that game, certainly the biggest hits came from us. We didn't win either fight but who cares? The players weren't hurt, the crowd were pumped up for it and the team were too. You won't win every fight.
We also won the game quite convincingly, a bullied team wouldn't of won by that scoreline. I just think this whole perception of us being bullied is exactly that, a perception. I don't see us pulling out of hits, scared to go in the corners or any guys getting nailed and hurt. We're playing our own game and not being put off it. I fail to see how that is being bullied.
We have seen 5 fights this year already, 4 or which we have started or gone looking for, and are only a few weeks in with 6 months left of the season. Last season we only had 17 and that was with this apparent policeman who stopped our players being bullied. Except when Bowns was being run all year, or when Hendrikx jumped Lord after promising he'd take care of him, or Fitzgerald taking every opportunity to try and fight Hotham. Yeah that big, bad enforcer worked so well then didn't it? He had 2 fights, one he had no choice and the other was his own personal vendetta, neither was sticking up for his team mates.
Sorry but I think we have been bullied at times this season. I was at Guildford and as well as our basics being poor on the night we were second in everything in the physical department (apart from the Hotham and Haddad stuff). It's been apparent quite a few times this season.
As for your Bordy reference, I agree he didn't deliver what he was built up to deliver. However, you're way off the mark with your comments. Last year we had 17 fights in total. The previous year we had 43 and the year before that 46. I think the figures prove the point that nobody was interested in fighting us because of him. How many times did teams just dump the puck and turn over possession as he bore down on them? Can't really think of anyone taking liberties with us last season at all. Mcgratten said in an interview over the summer he had no intention of fighting Bordy last year. Think he knows what he's talking about.
Lord v Hendo was a personal thing that was a fair fight and settled on the night. I'm sure Lordo didn't want anyone fighting his battles and made it clear to the team.
And as for Fitzgerald (and any other team in the league to be fair) who wouldn't want to try and get into a fight with Hotham? League MVP, massive points production and huge minutes played. It's no coincidence he is always targeted, getting him in the bin for 5 is a good trade in anyones eyes. Don't tell me you've forgotten all of the times Bordy offered Fitzgerald out and he bottled it? Remember all the chants and Fitzy waving his arms about? The guy is a chicken.
Here's a prediction, without the 'Bordy effect' we will have far more fights this year as there is nothing to fear in our team. Yes we have tough guys (and fair play I've changed my opinion on Faryna - he's tough as nails) that will stand up and have a go, but we have no deterrent that scares the opposition.
Last year our players had an extra few feet of space to play with, I think this year we'll find it a lot tougher.
Love this team and still think we'll win the league.