Tim's Report - Round 3

A protracted battle over the broadcast rights of footy commenced this week when Carlton decided to sue the AFL and Channel Seven over an "unauthorised" live pay-TV broadcast of the Blues' first-round game against Brisbane. Carlton argue that, as owner/operators of Princes Park, they own the rights to all broadcasts from it The AFL argue that they run the competition, so the rights are theirs. The wider picture is the future of cable, internet and free-to-air broadcast rights. Already four clubs have signed internet deals outside the AFL. The MCC and MCG Trust are looking on in interest, as are Collingwood and some of the other larger clubs who reckon they can get more money by selling their broadcast rights individually rather than letting the AFL sell 'em as a package. Other clubs are less keen, thinking they’ll lose out. Bulldog president David Smorgon criticized Elliott’s actions, to which Elliott responded "The Bulldogs are a small club with a tragic history of failure." Guess who The Bulldogs are playing next week?

The enmity between Footscray and Brisbane continued when Jose Romero was suspended 2 weeks for scratching Simon Black. Romero was done on verbal evidence from Black and the Brisbane club doctor with no video available. Romero appeared on Thursday night's Footy Show and bagged the Lions, Black, the doctor and the tribunal in fairly colourful language, earning him fines from league and club. Black should have an interesting time in round 17, when the Lions host the Dogs at the Gabba.

At the MCG:

Many times the Tiges have stuck with the Roos for three quarters, only to be overrun at the end and so it was again in this ridiculously high-scoring game. A centre clearance meant a goal and the ball sliced through both defences like a hot knife through butter. At least the Sydneyroos were the perpetrators rather than the victims of the straight kicking. In the end the skill gap and the self-belief gap made the difference. The Tigers had four changes from last week, out injured went ruckman Gale (groin), Merenda (knee) and Rombotis (shoulder), Aaron James was dropped and he'll have to do A Lot to get picked again. Incoming were Richardson, Rory Hilton, Paul Broderick recovered from a broken ankle and a first-gamer, teenage forward Ezra Poyas from Prahran. North had Wayne Carey back from his shoulder injury and also picked Brady Rawlings, out went Abraham (groin) and Burton (dropped).

Normally I've a fair memory for goals and the like, but I won't even attempt it here. Coaches have ascribed the heavy early-season scoring to the early start, dry grounds or whatever. The new 'red-hot' interpretation of holding-the-ball plays a part. Defenders are too frightened to jump on the ball for fear of giving away a free. North started like a bomb with multiple centre clearances thanks to McKernan, Harvey and Grant. McKernan kicked the first goal, a mark from Carey's free kick, Calthorpe and Carey got one each and they missed a few shots too before a Richmond player had touched it. Finally Knights sharked a centre clearance and Tivendale slotted nicely on his left foot for the Tiggers' first gol. Immediately Norf bagged two more, Calthorpe from a mark and Clayton on the run I think and it felt like last week all over for the Tiges. But suddenly Knights and Richardson galvanised 'em into action, Richo majored and gave one away for Dragicevic, Ottens bombed a set shot. The Harboroos bagged a couple more including a great left-foot snap from McKernan before the Tiges got two, Richo again and somebody else, it was becoming a blur of centre bounces and twirling goal ump flags. If we thought it'd rained goals in the first quarter, the second featured a downpour of Mozambiquean (?) proportions. The Roos carved out a 20-point lead at one point, consecutive goals from King, Clayton teasing the defenders and Motlop. But Richmond clawed back thanks to a miraculous left-foot snap from Sampson which initiated their own 3-goal run. There were a number of other goals 'til half time, including Harvey's great banana-kick .

Again in the third quarter the Roos managed to get 20-odd points clear with McKernan and King doing particularly well, Grant and Shane Clayton dobbing some more goals. Again the Tiges forged back. Rory Hilton was playing the game of his life as an attacking defender, Knights continued to win across the middle and Richardson mark everything at CHF. Unfortunately Richo, after 100% accuracy in the first half, missed three shots in the term, one after a spectacular grab which would've put the Tiges in front. But he still made a few, a good handpass for Bourke cut the margin to a goal at the final break. Tiger coach Frawley was very animated. Later reports suggested he told the lads they were going to win and that North were too old, too slow and finished. Hmm. North scored the first goal of the last stanza. Bourke marked strongly for Richmond at CHF, but missed the shot. Bowden majored for the Tiges, cutting the gap to 6 points. A minute later he cantered into an open goal and seemed certain to level the scores, but missed woefully. It was the turning point. Immediately Bell snapped an excellent goal for North. McKernan cleared the next centre bounce, Carey handpassed for Lange who held off three defenders in an extraordinary effort to goal from close range. North were 17 points up and all players were beginning to look very tired, hardly surprising given there'd barely been a ball-up or throw-in all night. Richardson and Rogers missed shots for the Tigres before Kanga Dave King kicked a perfectly judged running goal from the flank. King stabbed another from point-blank range, the Roos were 27 points ahead and pretty much home. They got two more goals, one thanks to some obscenely bad umpiring, while the Tiges' goalshooting deserted them.

Roos were led by David King, swapping between wing and half-forward rather than his usual defensive role he bagged 5 goals from 17 kicks. McKernan produced a greatly improved effort in the ruck, 10 marks, 18 hitouts and 3 goals. Brent Harvey (21 disposals, 2 goals) and Adam Simpson (22 kicks, a goal) were very important at the centre bounce and around packs, Grant (21 touches, 2 goals) and Shane Clayton (18 possies, 2 goals) were effective runners about the ground. In defence Pickett was alright. As you can imagine there were plenty of goalkickers; Calthorpe got 3 playing in a forward pocket, Carey, Bell, Motlop and Lange kicked 2 each. Tiges' Matthew Richardson was very good at CHF, seeing off Martyn, McCartney and Archer for 13 marks and 4 goals. And 4 points. Rory Hilton showed his potential, he was very good off half-back for 30 disposals (25 kicks) and a goal. Gaspar stopped Carey and Duncan Kellaway smothered Bell while having 23 possies. Knights was good in the middle for 23 well-used disposals and Campbell had 29 touches down back. Ottens and Dragicevic kicked 3 goals each, Sampson bagged 2. Frawley said his "too old, too slow" jibes "weren't directed at North, they were directed at our players because they lack belief. It was actually a show of respect for North rather than anything else." Pagan didn't buy it. "The opposition coach running out with his interchange saying we're too old and too slow, at quarter-time and three-quarter-time, I don't think that pleased our guys too much, I can tell you." Pagan did admit that North's leaky defence was a concern, letting through 67 goals in 3 games so far.

At the MCG:

Horforn got their first points as Crawford found form and the unlikely John Barker kicked the crucial goals. Brisbane wouldn't be happy but this extended run of away games, necessitated by work on the Gabba surface, may be taking its toll. The Hawks went in without McCabe, suspended for biffing Camporeale last Sunday and Hay was a late withdrawal with 'flu, Obst and Young were dropped. Expensive twos player, Youngy. That quartet was replaced by Richards Vandenberg and Taylor, Brendan Krummel and debutant small forward Chance Bateman of Perth. Bateman is the first Aborigine to play for the Hawks. Two changes for the Lions, professional goalsneak Craig McRae and first-gamer Shannon Rusca, from local club Southern Districts, coming in for late withdrawal Jason Akermanis (cork thigh) and their dropped no. 1 draft pick of last year, Des Headland.

I was perched in the corporate box courtesy a mate and enjoyed the game thanks to much complimentary lager. McRae opened the scoring with a left-foot snap from an impossible angle but soon the Horks were doing well, untagged Crawford had 10 touches in the first stanza and Croad was very good at CHB. Dixon snapped a couple of early goals and Bateman got one, goals too for Thompson and Holland, marking Thompson's centering kick. Late in the term Salmon hobbled off with a recurrence of his groin strain - doubt he went in fit - and in the second term the Lions took charge, just like last week. Mick Voss and Black got their share of the ball in the middle and Bradshaw continued where he left off with two goals from strong leads and marks. I had some Crownies. Heuskes converted a free kick after collapsing extravagantly when taken high. Black slotted an excellent running left-footer from the boundary and the Lions went in seemingly in control at the long break. The third quarter was tighter, Matthews despatched Shaun Hart to tag Crawford. Hawthorn were struggling up front, Holland was getting a fair bit of the ball but not close to the sticks and after an explosive start Thompson was quiet. Consecutive goals from Lappin and Lynch put Brisbane 25 points clear and I considered how to spend the pool money I was certain to collect, having picked Brisbane by 31.

Then came a key moment. Thompson twisted his ankle when tackled by Chris Scott and had to go off. John Barker, who'd been on the bench with a brief run in the ruck, went to full-forward. Barker immediately took two marks and kicked two goals to get the Hawkers within 2 at the last change. Early last term and Barker held a strong grab between Lions Leppitsch and Martin, punted truly again and the Hoks were only 6 points down. Lynch copped a softish free and punted it through to restore the Brians' 2-goal buffer before Barker lobbed once more, converting his own free. Hawks missed a couple before Daniel Harford, who had a big final quarter, marked at CHF and raised the twin calicos to put 'em in front. Much drunken excitement in our little section of the 'G before the Lions grabbed the lead back with Ashcroft's mark and goal. But soon Richard Taylor bombed an excellent running shot to put the Hawks back to a 1-point lead and in the dying seconds Hawks' Barlow grabbed the ball from a bounce, snapped instantly and watched it sail through. They were home.

Big game from young Hawk Trent Croad at CHB, keeping Molloy quiet and gathering 22 disposals with 9 marks. He often drove the ball deep into the forward half with old-fashioned torpedos. Barker was the hero with 4 goals in a quarter-and-a-bit, from 6 marks. Crawford had a quieter second half but still got the agget 31 times (22 in the first half) in a much-improved effort. Harford had 14 touches, 6 marks and a goal all in the last quarter, 27 disposals altogether. Folks around me reckoned some Harford consistency would be good, he's a bit of a glory-hunter. Holland had 15 kicks and 11 marks at CHF but only the one goal this week, nevertheless he did well and Dixon was a lurking forward with 3 goals from 6 kicks. Thompson kicked 3 goals as well. Usual suspects for the Lions, Mick Voss had 17 disposals and Black 22 with a goal. Al Lynch enjoyed the absence of Hay, the regular Hawk full-back, to boot 4 goals from 5 marks. Michael Martin, the former Bulldog, was very good in the Akermanis role with 20 disposals in defence and Chris Scott played well. Bradshaw, McRae and Ashcroft kicked 2 goals each.

At Colonial:

An exciting draw as the match appeared over with the Eagles well in front with 8 minutes to go, then a 5-goal blast in 5 minutes by the Saints seemed to put them in charge. Two points is better than none but the pressure's still on Timmy and the Saints. The Eagles would be disappointed after seeming home. In selecting the Saints axed new players Plapp and Charles along with regular Peckett and brought in youngsters James Begley, Ben Walton and Damien Ryan. The Weagles were without important centreman Dean Kemp (hamstring), late withdrawal Michael Braun and dropped Donnelly for Rowan Jones, Mitchell White and ol' Chris Lewis, back from a string of injuries.

West Coast played better in the first quarter but their mistakes in front of the sticks, and the Saints' accuracy, kept things level. Perhaps the Weagles aren't used to playing on dyed-green sandpaper in front of a few dozen people. Weevil Chad Morrison scored the first goal after Saint Burke was caught in a tackle, then the Saints got two, Everitt at full forward again proving an unstoppable blend of height and agility. Loewe led, marked and goaled too. The Eegs led by 10 points after Rowan Jones converted Morrison's pass, Thompson cut it to 4 with a thumping kick and Everitt put 'em in front, courtesy Delaney's pass. Bellotti kicked on the full but the Eagles led again when Cummings booted truly from McKenna's pass. Gehrig missed a simple shot, then the Sainters led briefly when Davis set up another snap for Everitt, his third goal of the quarter. Another Weegle point squared it up at the first break. Needn't have bothered with the rest of the game. Stakilda jumped out at the start of the next term, Harvey and Burke good in the centre. A strong mark and goal from Thompson, Loewe's free kick and they led by 12 points, but the Eagles tied it up with Gehrig's hooked shot from a very narrow angle. McKenna found Phil Matera on the lead and Wally junior punted 'em 7 points up. St. Kilda booted three late goals, good pressure from Everitt led to Hudghton majoring, then Spider booted two of his own from a mark and a free. Excited Watson rushed onto the ground to greet his men at the big break.

All Eegs in the third, big men Gardiner and Turnbull pushed forward as they favoured the direct approach. Saint McLaren spilled a mark, allowing the busy Morrison to find Cummings, sausage. Hudghton did well to create the reply for Delaney. Phil Matera snapped a ripper on his left foot, Gehrig missed badly again but then walloped truly from 50m and the Weagles were back in front, by a point. Cummings extended it to seven after recovering his own spilled grab, Cousins made it 13 from a strong mark. Gardiner shot poorly after being set up by Gehrig but as the Eagles powered on, Turnbull tapped a ball-up to Williams and he sausaged. Sandgropers by 20 points, the biggest lead so far. Watson moved Everitt into the ruck and Chad Davis snapped a terrific little left-footer right on the 3/4 time siren. All set for the finale.

Everitt, back in front of the sticks, gathered a loose ball and snapped the Stains down to 8 points behind. Phil Matera hurt his knee, badly it appeared. But the West Coast had been better for the second half, Banfield's accurate snap and Gehrig's good mark and conversion, created by a Wirrpunda run, sent them 21 points clear with 8 minutes to go. Watson pulled the key move, Loewe into the ruck. Everitt intercepted a handpass and majored once more, the Saints cleared the restart and Thompson roved Everitt's contest to snap the gap down to 9 points. Loewe cleared the centre again and Rob Harvey ran doggedly to spear an inspirational goal, 3 points. Loewe's aggression saw the Saints forward from the next bounce, Burke's left-foot snap and they led. Loewe again - he was inspired - but Daryl Wakelin missed from a free kick. Never mind, Hall marked the kick-in and the ball ended with Lenny Hayes, his calm left-foot slot had the Sainters appearing winners, 10 points up with just over 2 minutes left. Now it was the Weeg's turn for some luck, they managed an attack at last. The ball appeared destined for a rushed behind but Gehrig dived to haul it back into play, it bounced off the outside of Metropolis's boot and trickled over for a goal. Gardiner launched himself to clear the bounce, Turnbull got the ball and handpassed for Morrison to tie the scores. And that's the way it stayed 'til the end.

According to the stats in today's Age, Saints' Peter Everitt bagged 7 goals from 6 kicks. Extraordinary. Former Freo centreman Tony Delaney was their most consistent player on the night, 26 disposals and a goal from the middle. Harvey, who was limping heavily at the end, had 33 disposals (22 kicks) and his team-lifting goal. Andy Thompson was a touch of class again with 26 touches and 3 goals from half-forward and Loewe sparked the comeback in the ruck, he finished with 25 disposals, 9 marks and 2 goals. In other words, the old reliables although Davis (11 touches, a goal) and Hayes (19, a goal) continue to impress. The Eagles received good performances from Wirrpunda again (23 disposals) and rover Ben Cousins (27 touches, 2 goals). Both Materas played well, Pete got the ball 24 times and Phil snaggled 3 goals before his late injury - news is it's not good, a strained medial ligament. Morrison was a busy half-forward with 19 possies and 2 goals, Gehrig took 8 marks and booted 3 goals. Cummings also kicked 3 goals. Judge blamed the Weeg's poor early goalshooting. "We just did not put enough scoreboard pressure on them early in the game. We should have won but I cannot be critical of my players, because they had a go." Watson reckoned "You are always really disappointed when you come away with a draw, and it's my first one as coach, but after the game when we went through the positives and negatives there were a lot more positives." He praised Everitt's effort and accuracy. And ability to score goals without kicking the ball.

At Football Park:

Not a happy time in the Festival City as the Camrys slumped to nun from three. The mild irony of Geelong beating the Crows at Footy Park for the first time with the Cats' most recent coach now in charge of the Cows was probably not appreciated by Ayresey. The Coodabeens suggested Gazza's trying to fill the side with players like himself, slow defenders sporting mullets. Cats are going very well, three wins now with two interstate. Like the Swans, the worst part of their fixture is over. In selection Ayres stayed true to form and dropped premiership players Brett James and Andrew Eccles for two first-gamers, Robert Shirley and Justin Cicolella, both from Woodville/West Torrens. Kane Johnson was a late pull-out (back), replaced by Matt Connell. Geelong had two changes, regaining Clint Bizzell and giving a debut to Danny O'Brien, a small forward recently elevated from the rookie list, to replace late withdrawal Gary Hocking (groin-related 'flu) and dropped Derek Hall.

Once again the Cats received a very even contribution all over the field. They began brightly. Burns got the first goal and after Crow Welsh answered it from a mark, Geelong scored the next three. A Mensch handpass sent Burns in for his second and Sholl got the ball to Riccardi, allowing the winger to bang a long kick home. Crow Burton punched when he could have marked and Cat Houlihan snapped 'em 20 points up. Aderlayed rallied with Smart and Goodwin performing well, Smart's handpass led to a Koster goal then Goodwin created a goal for McLeod. Smart levelled the scores with a gol following a brave grab. Cats did well in the second korter, youth had its say when Scarlett passed for the opening goal to O'Brien. Clarke was lucky when his miskick flopped into the arms of Mooney who goaled and it was Geelers by 13 points. Corolla defender Bassett was forced off with a shoulder injury. Goals were swapped for the rest of the half, Bickley cut the margin to 7 points after good lead-up work from Burton and Welsh, Mooney responded for the visitors after a good strong mark. Welsh brought the Cressidas within 6 points again and then appeared to take a good mark 30m out, but it wasn't awarded. Edwards missed a shot before Burns roved perfectly to snap the Cats two goals up at half time.

The Crows scored the first goal of the third stanza and the crowd roared to life when Welsh put them in front a minute later, the momentum seemingly shifted. But the dogged Cats responded admirably, Corrigan passed for ruckman King to boot a huge goal, Burns waited down at a goalsquare pack and snapped truly, then Ronnie's persistance is chasing the ball led eventually led to major for Milburn. Bizzell rammed it through from 40m and Geelong led by 22 points, the biggest lead of the match. Robran got one for the Cows but the enigmatic Paul Lynch did his usual thing and kicked two goals in as many minutes for the Cats, putting the Hooped Hicks 27 points in front. Cow ruckman Rehn gained some late consolation, goaling from a dodgy mark where he appeared to shove Graham heftily, but he also missed a shot on the siren. Geelong got the first goal of the final quatrain and the Crows looked doomed again, but mounted one last challenge. Cicolella, a promising type, roved for a good goal and McGregor converted a strong mark, Cats up by 12 points. Rehn cut it to an even goal and Burton's huge left-foot roost narrowed it to a point. The Crows were surging now, Welsh's miss levelled the scores and they hit the front when Burton kicked a point. In the past they would have gone on from there, but not this time. A grubbing snap from 'Oysters' Kilpatrick put Geelong back 5 points in front and King sealed it with a lead, mark and sausage, capping off good work upfield from Mooney and Houlihan.

Even performance from the Cats, very good considering Buddha's absence. The standouts were winger Peter Riccardi (24 disposals, a goal) and the very good ruckman Steven King, who not only won hit-outs but had 18 disposals, 8 marks and kicked 2 goals, a very good all-round game. In attack Ronnie Burns read the play nicely for 18 touches and 4 goals, David Mensch ran hard for 22 touches and 7 marks. Down back Ben Graham beat a number of opponents (until Rehn arrived in the last quarter), Sanderson kept Jarman quiet and McGrath did alright. Milburn played handily in the middle for 22 disposals and a goal. Jason Mooney kicked 2 goals. Corollas' Mark Ricciuto gathered a hefty 33 disposals off half-back and captain Bickley battled in the centre for 24 touches and a goal. McLeod played link-man for 27 disposals and a goal. Goodwin played well for 23 disposals and Ben Hart was also a useful performer. Matt Robran took 10 marks and kicked a goal from CHF, further afield Scott Welsh did well for 9 marks and 3 goals. Cicolella's debut was good, 17 possessions, 7 marks and a goal for the small fella. Rehn kicked 2 goals. Gary "I see myself as a career coach" Ayres said "It was a very high-pressure game. They probably took their chances and we didn't. I'm positive it will turn, provided the players tough it out." In fact they are waiting on a couple of players to return, defenders Stevens and Caven most notably, while Rehn is still improving. Still, they didn't look like losing after they hit the front. Bomber Thompson said "We just didn't give up. We got challenged - Adelaide hit the front by a point and we never lost our cool. The players...must have a good belief. I think that was the best thing that could have happened in the last quarter." Easy, this coaching game.

At the MCG:

The Pie fans can enjoy the Olympics and the off-season now they've won their Grand Final. Harsh perhaps, they romped in, playing before an AFL-pleasing 82,669. President Eddie took the credit. It resembled that big game in early 1995 when the Tiges announced themselves with a big win over North. Inconsistency was the hallmark of the '99 model Carlton and it surfaced again here, afterwards Parkin bemoaned their few hard-ball gets and poor tackling. Or perhaps it was the karma police punishing John Elliott, who's been especially idiotic this week, even by his standards. In selection Collingwood recalled Gav Brown (6 goals v Port Melbourne last week), Nick Davis and Mark Richardson, out went James Wasley with a shoulder injury while Leon Davis and Smith were axed. The Blues made one change, bringing in key defender Stephen O'Reilly, lately of Fremantle, for dropped tagger Franchina.

The pumped-up kiddies, and oldies, of Pieland flew from the gate. With Buckley and Shane O'Bree consistently rampant and Adkins aggressive in the middle, Rocca Junior and Fraser jumping all over hapless Allan, they went forward constantly. O'Bree banged a ripper opening goal, the crowd bellowed in Cro-Magnon delight. Second for Gav Brown who won a very doubtful free against Rice and copped a 50m penalty when the ball was returned incorrectly - my favourite, that one. Maggies by 3 goals when Tarrant hammered Sexton and Kinnear snapped from close range. Strong marks from Hamill and Whitnall (plus 50m) got the Bloos on the board. It was as close as they got. Brown snapped another and Buckley set up a splendiferous snap for Sav Rocca. Adkins dobbed one after collecting Nick Davis's pass. Browny got another as the Maggies scooted clear. Parkin moved blokes rapidly, Camporeale picked up Buckley and Rice was dragged off Brown, which didn't matter really as Browny was off by quarter-time with a hammy. Pies piled on another seven in the second quarter, O'Bree joined in the midfield fun now and slotted a nice goal from Orchard and Buckley's lead-up work. Mal Michael marked and converted and later gave one away for Orchard, Tony Rocca drifted forward for a grab and sausage. Matt Lappin was the only Blue worth mentioning at this point as he held a tough grab to bag his second goal. But all the old criticisms of the Blues were being dragged out - too slow, too old, can't play on the big ground. A quieter third term, especially for Carlton who didn't manage a goal. Sav Rocca now came to the fore, booting 3 of the Pie goals for the term. And they coasted in, despite letting the Blues kick 5 in the last quarter, Whitnall punting three of those. Still, nice turnaround from 'The Millennium Game'.

Shane O'Bree, a nephew of Allan 'Butch' Edwards, played extremely well. Opposed to stat machine Brett Ratten, O'Bree had 31 disposals - 8 more than Ratten - and booted 3 goals, with 19 touches and 2 goals to half-time. He displaced Buckley from normal first mention in this paragraph, but Bucks was still very good with 34 disposals and a goal. Anthony Rocca does a good impression of a ruckman, 9 marks and 2 goals here from 17 handlings and Adkins was very impressive again, 22 disposals and 2 goals in the heavy traffic, as Parkin would call it. Scott Burns - a comparative veteran, I suppose - got the ball 26 times from half-back and bagged a goal and Sav Rocca booted 6 from 5 marks, only one miss. Three goals for Gav Brown. That’s all without mentioning Licuria (27 possessions, a goal), Betheras (21) and Williams (22, 0.4). Worryingly impressive whichever way you look at it. Not much to say for Carlton, they were dicked all over the ground. Their only winner was Lance Whitnall at CHF, who kicked 5 goals from 10 marks and handled the ball 23 times. Matty Lappin kicked 2 goals from 19 touches. Camporeale had 30 disposals and a goal from the middle but his mates in there - Bradley, Ratten, Brown - were swamped. Koutoufides was off by half-time with an ankle injury. Other problems were exposed. Allan can't carry the ruck by himself and the makeshift backmen, Hotton, Nelson and the like aren't up to it. Dunno about the pace thing, as I heard someone comment afterwards, you always look slow when you 'aint got the ball. "It was pretty miserable today. We had few players that held their own, let alone won their position," said Parkin. "We failed miserably...we were annihilated in hard-ball gets. Hopefully it's just an aberration." Mick Malthouse is trying hard to keep that lid down. "You have to be a realist...the simple fact is we go into round four next week with a little bit of confidence, but we still have a long way to go. It's been encouraging and the players have been very good at what they are trying to do."

At the SCG

Swans had to fight to win their first home game of the season, a more efficient and accurate forward line and some bizarre late umpiring doing for the game but wasteful Demons. In selection Sydney called up Troy Luff to replace Jason Ball, out with an ankle sprain. The Demons had ruckman Jeff White return, Al Nicholson made way.

A sunny day and a disappointing 27,000 greeted the combatants. Close first term, Swan forward Ryan Fitzgerald once more proving a handful with three goals in the first quarter. Melbourne’s majors came from five different players, Schwarz got one, midfielders Leoncelli and Woewodin scored, even lumbering old Marc Seecamp bagged one. The Bloods steadily crept ahead over the next two quarters, their delivery into the forward line coupled with the constant running of those forwards saw them make more of their chances than the Dees, who bombed away or missed shots. Their cause wasn't helped when spearhead James Cook collapsed dramatically with an ankle early in the second quarter. Sydney had already lost Dale Lewis, his arm in a sling when I turned the TV on late in the first. Schwass and O'Loughlin displayed their wares in the third, O'Loughlin snapped a great goal and Leo Barry scored a couple too as their lead expanded to a comfortable six goals by the final break. Melbourne now lost captain Neitz, who'd cut Fitzgerald out of the game, with a sore knee. But the Swans eased down too soon, or perhaps were tired from all their travelling. Melbourne kicked the first four goals of the last quarter. Farmer led well (opponent Crouch was off, injured) and kicked one, Leoncelli snapped truly, Schwarz and Matthew Collins converted goalsquare marks, Collins making up for a horrible earlier miss. The Dees were only 11 points down when the Swans managed an end-to-end transfer of play with O’Loughlin crucial, Allison got the ball on the 50m line and ran all the way in to blast it through. It wasn't over yet though, Adem Yze (or "Wise" according to Plugger (correct pronunciation Oozay)) booted a terrific running goal to bring it back to under 2 goals again. Then Schwarz marked on the lead 30m out but the umpire awarded a free kick to the Swans, the reason for which was a complete mystery. Schwarz went mad and conceded a 50m penalty, that was enough. Not had a lot of luck with umps so far, has Ox.

Micky O'Loughlin continues to go like a train, another 26 disposals here and 3 goals cruising about the forward line. Evergreen Wayne Schwass had 32 touches and a goal and ruckman/forward Adam Goodes played well, except for his 1.4. Cresswell disposed of the ball 29 times. Brett Allison actually did something too, he kicked 3 goals including the sealer and Barry was useful with 2 goals. Ben Mathews got 24 possessions on a back flank, but he turns it over a bit too often. Fitzgerald kicked 4 goals and Craig O'Brien managed 2 majors. Lots of cameo-type performances amongst the Swans. For Melbourne centreman Andrew Leoncelli played a little beauty with 23 disposals and 3 goals and relentless Stephen Powell had 22 handlings with a goal. Shane Woewodin marshalled the backline for a 31 possies and snuck down for 2 goals and fellow defender Steven Febey was alright with 23 disposals. Neitz did well on Fitzgerald and Schwarz was the sole key forward after Cook's injury, he held 7 marks and kicked 2 goals from 19 touches altogether. Jeff Farmer worked hard for 3 goals from 16 touches. Neale Daniher said "I had a sense we may have been a little bit fresher than them, but we really needed to convert and we missed too many opportunities to put them under the pump." Eade opined "The way we were at three-quarter time you would like to win by more, but Melbourne are a good side, they are very fit." He went on to praise Brett Allison as having played "the best game I've seen him play." Can't have watched North much, Rocket.

At Colonial:

It's been amusing to watch Port supporters tearing out their own entrails because they've lost a few games. Shows the downside of a prolonged period of big?fishism, perspective goes right out the window. Williams called this the best performance of their season to date after a second-quarter Bulldog blitzkrieg settled the game. Good for the Dogs after the distractions of the week. In selection the Dogs lost Steve Kolyniuk with a broken finger and and Matt Croft with a bruised heel to join Romero as compulsory outs, Kretiuk was a late withdrawal with a hip injury. Replacements were Brad Johnson, back from suspension, Craig Ellis, Adam Contessa and Josh Mahoney. Scott West and Rohan Smith played their 150th games. The battling Power lost big man Brendon Lade for the season with his broken leg and dropped Stewie Dew, they also had a late change with Danny Morton out. In were Josh Francou, Nathan Steinberner and a first-gamer, forward flanker Steven Brosnan from Port Magpies.

Port started brightly with Montgomery and Wilson getting the ball while the Pup's uncertain disposal persisted from last week. The turnaround came with a double-change in the ruck to start the second quarter, Port rested the recuperating Primus and brought on French, while Wallace replaced struggling Scott Wynd with Luke Darcy. Darcy seized control of the game and Paul Dimattina began thumping those long drop punts down to Chris Grant, who outclassed the hapless Paxman to boot five goals for the quarter. Garlick buzzed about for a couple of goals too while Brown and winger Johnson helped feed the forwards for the 10-goal term. By the 20-minute mark of the third stanza the Dogs were 70 points in front, Grant had seven including a superb left-footer earlier and all Port could do was prevent further deterioration. Primus, restored to the ruck, helped exert some pressure and Tredrea got moving to boot some goals. Bode, Poulton and Cornes ran the game out well. The Bullies' day though, christening their new home with a maiden win.

Wallace heaped praise on Darcy and Grant, Darcy had 26 disposals with 9 marks around the ground and Chris Grant outdid Everitt, booting 7 goals from only 3 kicks (The Age again). Nathan Brown contributed handily again, 19 disposals with 2 goals and Garlick booted 4 goals from 8 kicks. Long-kicking wingers Johnson (14 kicks, 2 goals) and Dimattina (15 kicks, 3 goals) damaged Port and young Contessa performed well in a back pocket, gathering 20 possessions. Steady games from milestone men West (33 disposals) and Smith (5 kicks, 2 goals). For Port CHF Warren Tredrea improved on recent efforts, taking 9 marks and booting 4.3 with 18 disposals altogether. Could've kicked straighter. Gav Wanganeen kept Hudson quiet and had 12 touches, Michael Wilson played his best game for a while and reliable Kingsley was alright. Francis had 21 disposals as did Nick Stevens, however the latter was reported by four umpires for biffing Garlick. Bode and Cornes kicked 2 goals each. "If you count the first, third and fourth quarters we did OK, but certainly the second was not up to what we want," said Williams, trying to remain upbeat. Brisbane at home next week. Wallace said "Our intensity around the ball was better then it has been...Darcy and Grant got hold of the game and tipped it on its ear." Referring to next week, he continued "We have had a fairly 'tragic history' according to some, but we've had a pretty fair couple of years. I think John Elliott's words will be there for the players." Should be fun.

At Subiaco:

Easy enough for the Dons as the Dockers reverted to their wasteful best, although no-one punishes a turnover like the Bombers. A bit of spice was added pre-game when Docker assistant coach Ross Glendinning called Don spearhead Matthew Lloyd "suspect under physical pressure." Yep, the oft-repeated "Bombers are soft" line. Tough on Lloydy, he's not soft, just the best diver since Greg Louganis. Autumn leaves grip like super glue compared to Lloyd sprawling when his guernsey brushes an opponent's. In selection the successful Dockers made no change, the Bombers lost Robran (hammy) and dropped the chubby Dean Rioli. Scott Lucas returned for his first game after breaking his leg early last season and Mark Fraser was called up. Docker Dale Kickett played his 150th game, 109 of which have been for Fremantle.

We in the east got to tune in after some overlong movie, at 11 PM. For some reason the first 10 minutes were left out, by which time Essendon led 2.0 to 1.4, and the first thing we saw was a Docker mistake end with Hird passing to Lloyd for a goal. I could've gone to bed then, if I weren't so sad. Solomon dropped a mark which allowed Docker Sinclair to snap a goal for Freo and then Bewick kicked on-the-full from a set shot, which cheered the locals. But then Lloyd kicked another (rookie Leigh Brown was on him), Shocker Bandy missed from 15m and a long Hird shot was sheperded though by Lloyd so the Dons were 14 points up at the first break. Channel Seven lopped off the first part of the second quarter too, Lloyd went off for a rest so Scott Lucas could have a run at full-forward. He responded with 2 quick goals from leads. Freo wasted a couple of chances, Modra missing one, before Don Long did very well to find Alessio 35m from goal. Bombers by 32 points. But Freo knuckled down and bored in, running furiously to get numbers to the ball. Cook, Fletcher and Hasleby were about as they had a prolonged attacking spell. They did a fair impression of the Glory as Sinclair soccered the ball to Modra who spun and buried it in the net - er, advertising sign. Cook marked and frustrated Long gave away a 50m penalty. Cook missed. Waterhouse was a trifle lucky to be paid a juggling mark 25m out, bang in front. Waterhouse missed. Callaghan found Modra leading into the pocket and he didn't miss, Dockers were exactly 3 goals behind. But the Dons attacked for the first time in a while and Long soccered a somewhat arsey goal. Another Dokker turnover midfield and Hird punted forward, Mark Johnson held a tough grab and converted. Dons by 5 goals at the long break, with equal scoring shots.

Drummy blasted his men at half time and they steamed out, Dodd found Modra who held a good chest mark under pressure and goaled. But Hird responded immediately for Esserdin following a nice, tough grab of his own. Freo again when Kickett found leading Waterhouse and at last Clive kicked straight, much to Cometti's delight. I liked Den's defence of his liking for Waterhouse - "Ah, anyone can say Carey." Now the Bommers put the foot down, a terrible pass from Fremantle's Sinclair, to a marked man when Bandy was miles clear on the wing, led to an easy rebound goal for Ramanauskas. Long stayed down at a pack and the ball spilled for him to goal, Lloyd (back at full forward) played in front for a strong grab and long 55m goal. Dons by 7 goals now. Docker Fewster reeled in a terrific one-handed mark but kept in with the team idiom by kicking a point. Then Justin Longmuir's overkicked pass allowed Bomber Barnes to kick a goal. Bloody hell. Finally Callaghan did well to get clear and Sinclair slotted a great kick on his left foot, cutting it back to 42 points. Some light relief when Bewick ignored a team-mate alone in the goalsquare and missed the shot before Hird's beautifully weighted pass to Ramanauskas saw the Dons 49 points up. He's not bad, that Jim Hird. Seven handily chopped off the last few minutes of the term, where Fremantle kicked 2 goals. Ta. Fremantle boxed on in the final term, where there were three goals each. Justin Longmuir kicked consecutive goals and Callaghan kicked a nice one, for Essendon Bewick finally passed to someone (actually it looked more like a miskick) and Blumfield goaled. Kickett fumbled terribly just 15m out from his own goal and was collared by Barnard, who converted the free. Lloyd postered when awarded a non-mark but completed the game with a well-taken snapped six-pointer. I stumbled off to bed, world order confirmed.

No stand-out for Essendon but I appreciated the pretty skilful Hird (12 disposals, 3 goals) and Mick Long (18 touches, 2 goals). Damien Hardwick (25 touches) shirked few issues in the often crowded Don backline. Mark Johnson was decent with 18 disposals and goal from half-forward and professional stat-gatherer Misiti got 29 of those. John Barnes played well in the ruck again and Blumfield was about for 21 possessions and a goal. Matty Lloyd played very well, covering plenty of territory for 10 marks, 14 kicks and 4 goals. Alessio, Lucas and Ramanauskas kicked 2 goals each. Plenty of Docker goers, running midfielders Troy Cook (27 possessions), Adrian Fletcher (30), Paul Hasleby (29) and long-kicking Ashley Prescott (20) worked very hard. Key forwards tried hard, Modra overcame a slow start to boot 5 goals against Dustin Fletcher and Waterhouse managed 1.3 from 9 marks and 20 disposals. Waterhouse is a tremendous athlete and always gives 110%. Just not sure if he can play footy. Justin Longmuir and Sinclair kicked 2 goals each. No quotes available at press time, sorry.

Ladder after Round Three

Cheers,
Tim.

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