Hawthorn Coach Sam Mitchell has revealed the meaning behind a bizarre sign that left fans and commentators confused during Monday’s AFL game against Geelong.
There were plenty of wild theories, including speculation that it was a reference to Hawthorn ruckman Ned Reeves, nicknamed “Noodles,” and that it was his time to take over ruck duties from Lloyd Meek.
Other fan suggestions included:
- Geelong is done, go for the kill
- 2 minutes left – based on the popular 2 minute noodle snack
- Try to put it between the sticks, and;
- Chip and hold the footy for the next two minutes to stop momentum.
One fan even posted that it meant, “Your noodles always slip through your chopsticks.” (Mark carefully, sit behind packs to prevent ball from slipping through hands, scoop for ground balls).’
However, the real explanation wasn’t that complicated.
Hawthorn Football Operations Coordinator John Cavarra holds up the cryptic plate with a bowl of noodles during the Hawks’ tough loss to Geelong
Patrick Dangerfield (on the ground) tries to gain possession along with Will Day (right) and Changkuoth Jiath in the rain at the MCG on Monday
The board, featuring a bowl of noodles with chopsticks and a noodle dangling from a pair of chopsticks, was a request for players to adopt a wet-weather football style.
Speaking AFL 360Mitchell explained that each club has its own set of signs and codes.
“It started raining around that time so it was just a wet weather style footy sign,” he said.
“We could put in ‘wet weather’, but then of course everyone would know what it is – although they’ll know now that I’ve just said it, so we’ll have to change it.
“We talked to the players and they named that style of play, and they called it noodles, so we asked someone to put up the noodles sign.
‘Johnny Cavarra, who puts up that sign, is always disappointed because all his comrades give him a bit of a pat on the back when they put it up.
“Maybe we should change it if you keep running it.”
The Hawks’ Ned Reeves (pictured left, confused with the Cats’ Tom Hawkins) is nicknamed “Noodles,” leading many fans to believe the sign was about him
The fledgling Hawks side had to rue what could have been after their fast start was lost when they were destroyed by Geelong in the third quarter
It’s the second time Hawthorn has been in the spotlight for bizarre photo cards with hidden meanings.
Last year, curious fans tried to figure out what a dabbing radio meant. Ultimately, it meant playing the ball slowly like DAB [Digital Audio Broadcasting] radio has a small delay compared to traditional analog radio.
The Hawks aren’t the only team using different characters and codes. Essendon coach Brad Scott uses “scenario-based maps” during pre-season training sessions to give his team a head start into the upcoming season.
Hawthorn’s use of signs and codes is not new to the AFL, as teams have been using them for years to convey messages to their players without the opposition knowing.
The codes are designed to be cryptic and difficult to decipher, to prevent rival teams from figuring out their game plan.
This dabbing radio image from Shutterstock was used by the Hawks last year to message players to slow down the game
Philadelphia Eagles coaches hold up signs of Rocky and Elvis in 2013. The use of picture boards is becoming more common in various sports
While some codes, such as using different colors or clocks, are familiar, others are more obscure, such as Hawthorn’s “noodle sign.”
The use of signs and codes is not unique to Australian rules football as it is also used in other sports.
For example, in American football, photo boards are used to convey messages to players on the field. Each board contains four images, each related to a different player, game, or action.
For example, the top left image may indicate the formation, while the top right image may indicate the protective quarterback.
The use of photo boards has become more common in recent years as teams try to find new ways to convey messages to their players without the opponent knowing.