To be honest ... I am disappointed with how the game has gone these last few years. Defenders are being given way too much latitude when tackling and being allowed to hold on for too long. Plus they are always grappling. It's leading to low scoring games ... maybe 30-50% of games are slow grafting affairs.
As well as this, there doesn't seem to be the spontaneity in attack that there used to be. We have a dearth of quality halfbacks and five-eighths. Aaand, I really don't think Melbourne are such a great team - the way the game is refereed just suits them.
Eventually it will switch around and go the other way though, it always does.
Plus, I wish Newcastle were doing better!!! Haha.