by Lisa Albergo, reporting for AFANA
Injury Debate Rages On
In the lead up to their game this weekend, Collingwood Coach Mick Malthouse and Sydney Coach Paul Roos held a joint press conference at which they both expressed their concerns about the speed of the game causing more injuries this year. Both echoed the sentiments of Carlton Coach Denis Pagan and Brisbane's Leigh Matthews that the new rule changes could be the cause - especially the new kickin rule. Pagan urged the AFL to look at why more players were now being injured, while Matthews questioned the new kick-in rule, believing that the increased speed of the game had left players more susceptible to injury. Both Malthouse and Roos are concerned that the increased speed of the game is causing players to become fatigued, resulting in injuries.
Both Collingwood and Sydney have been relatively injury free this season, barring the 4 injuries Collingwood suffered 2 weeks ago. Malthouse noted that most of the ACL injuries this year have been non-contact injuries and believes the fatigue factor has played a significant role with those injuries. While the Swans have had the fewest injuries this year - using just 24 players through Round 11, said those who have been injured have been players who usually do not succumb to, and have not had a history of, soft tissue injury such as calf or hamstring strains is faster there is less time to rest and the players will be more fatigued and injuries will happen. He agreed with Malthouse, who believes some of the new rules were brought in to stop the Sydney style of play, that the speed of the game does not allow players sufficient rest time. Malthouse reiterated the call of some coaches several weeks ago that they should have a say about the rules, and said the AFL doesn't seem to be interested in what the coaches might think or have to say regarding rule changes. Malthouse said he hopes that the people deciding the rules are actively involved in the game, not "looking through a pair of binoculars calling a game".
Story Source: afl.com.au
Essendon's Matthew Lloyd agrees with Matthews and Pagan, saying the increased speed of the game could be to blame for the increased season-ending injuries and believes it is something the AFL needs to review at the end of the year. Lloyd's season came to an end barely after he had returned from a preseason broken arm when he tore his hamstring off the bone in Round 3, and has only just begun training again. He says the game has become too fast and would like to see players, fitness coaches, and even the Rules Committee get together at the end of the year to discuss the issues involved. Bulldog Coach Rodney Eade - whose side has suffered the worst with no less than five knee reconstructions - is considering a review of the club's training regimen.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Despite the spate of serious knee injuries this season and calls from players and coaches to revisit the rule changes, Dr. Hugh Seward, who heads up the AFL Medical Officers Association, said statistics collected over the past 14 seasons have shown an overall decline in the number of serious injuries. He conceded that some seasons saw a higher injury rate than others and that, in any given year, there can be a heavy patch of injuries, but cautioned against jumping to conclusions.
He said it was important to take into account the long-term decline in the injury rate, the number of games lost due to injury, and see what the trend is over the course of the season rather than just one segment of the year.
The most common and most prevalent injury is still the hamstring strain.
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
GENERAL NEWS
Hall Of Fame
The AFL held its annual Hall of Fame Induction dinner last week and there were some big names joining the honor roll. Former St. Kilda star and Hall of Fame Legend Ian Stewart and former coach Allen Jeans finally got their wish after years of urging with original 1996 inductee Darrel "Doc" Baldock being elevated to Legend status. Stewart has been campaigning for Baldock's elevation since 2000 while Jeans described him as the equal of any player he had ever seen.
Craig Bradley, Tony Lockett, and Peter Matera were also honored as they finally became eligible in their 3rd year of retirement. Robert Walls, who played and coached and now works in the media, also was honored. While Bradley, Lockett, and Walls join a host of fellow Carlton, Swan, and Saint players, Matera is just the second Eagle after Ross Glendinning to be inducted.
Baldock is in fine company as a Legend. The other Legends are: Ron Barassi*, Kevin Bartlett, Haydn Bunton snr*, Roy Cazaly*, John Coleman*, Gordon Coventry, Jack Dyer*, Graham "Polly" Farmer*, Peter Hudson, Bill Hutchison, Leigh Matthews*, Jock McHale, John Nicholls*, Bob Pratt*, Dick Reynolds*, Barrie Robran (SA), Bob Skilton*, Ian Stewart, Ted Whitten*.
(*were named Legends upon induction in 1996)
The Inductees:
DARREL "DOC" BALDOCK: inducted 1996, elevated to Legend: St Kilda 1962-68, 119 games, 237 goals; B&F 1962, '63, '65; captain 1963-68; premiership 1966; club leading goalkicker 1962-65; coach 1987-89; Victorian representative on 10 occasions; 15 games for Tasmania; All-Australian 1961, 1966 (captain); St Kilda and Tasmania Team Of The Century.
Tasmania: 71 games for East Devonport 1955-58; 158 games for LaTrobe 1959-61, 1969-74;
4 games for New Norfolk 1975; 20 games for NWFU; East Devonport B&F 1955, 1956, 1957;
LaTrobe premierships 1969-72; Wander Medallist (NWFU) 1957, 1959, 1969; All-Australian 1961, 1966 (captain). All up, he played 397 games with 4 different clubs
Baldock, 67, was regarded even in his earliest days with the Saints as a freak, with amazing control that often made it appear as though he had the ball on a string. Some considered him too short (179 cm) to play center half forward, but he controlled the forward line with aplomb.
He was widely regarded as a star when he arrived at St Kilda from Tasmania. He had previously been signed by both Melbourne and South Melbourne, but the Saints snapped him up when South's hold on him expired. Baldock won the club B&F in his first 2 seasons. Baldock, with his courage and skills, played a pivotal role in the club reaching its first grand final in 1965 and then winning the flag a year later. As a youngster in Tasmania, he practiced his ball skills by kicking the ball against a brick wall and gathering it on the rebound. Baldock returned to Tasmania to captain/coach his former club Latrobe, taking them to 4 successive premierships. He returned to coach the Saints in 1987. Despite suffering a mild stroke in first season, he remained through 1989. On his return to Tasmania, Baldock moved into state politics, becoming state minister for housing and social welfare. He currently trains and runs horses in Tasmania. On being elevated, Baldock said, "I suppose excited would be the word," he said. "I get quite funny about these sorts of things, but I was delighted. It's unbelievable. Yes, I'm really excited by it."
WILFRED "CHICKEN" SMALLHORN: Fitzroy 1930-40, 150 games, 31 goals; 7 games for Victoria; 1933 Brownlow Medal; Fitzroy Team of the Century (wing)
He was never big, weighing in at just 62 kg during his career, but was very courageous. Recruited from Collingwood Technical School and East Brunswick Methodists, where he was coached by former Fitzroy player Arnold Beitzel and played as a rover. A best-on-ground performance on a wing in his debut with Fitzroy had him permanently shifted to that position. He was the first Brownlow winner to have his medal presented in front of an MCG crowd. He suffered a leg injury in 1940 and was told he would require a cast for 6 weeks. He decided to retire and went into the army, and spent 3 years in a POW camp. He said in later years that his footy attributes probably helped him survive the ordeal. He went on to become a long-time panelist on former umpire Harry Beitzel's TV show.
STEVE MARSH: South Fremantle 1945-56, 226 games; East Fremantle, 1957-58, 39 games; 19 games for WA, state captain in 1954; South Fremantle B&F 1950, 1951, 1952, 1956; South Fremantle premierships 1947-48, 1950, 1952-54; East Fremantle premiership 1957 (captain-coach); All Australian 1953 (inaugural team); Simpson Medalist 1953; Sandover Medal 1952 (WA equivalent to Brownlow)
One of the greats of WA, Marsh played a defining role in South Fremantle's golden post-war era. Recruited from Kalgoorlie Railways Football Club, the pint-sized Marsh was regarded by good judges as the finest rover then seen in the game. Quick off the mark, elusive, courageous, a great leader and highly skilled by hand or foot - he was famed for his drop kicks to position. He was best on ground in the 1953 premiership, winning the Simpson Medal WA equivalent to the Norm Smith Medal).
In 1957, Marsh controversially accepted an offer to become player-coach for South's arch-rival East Fremantle for a then-staggering £300, and in his first season, with Marsh playing a key role on and off the field, East Freo won its first flag in 11 years.
HARRY BEITZEL, Umpire, broadcaster, pioneer: VFL Umpire 1948-60, 153 games, 1955 GF, 6 State games; VFL Director of Umpiring 1980-81; 3KZ Commentator 1961-71; 3AW Commentator 1972-88; 3AK Commentator 1989-91
The young Beitzel played reserve grade footy for Fitzroy, where he was born and raised, but turned to umpiring after his discharge from the navy, and in 1948, aged 20, became the youngest man to control a senior VFL match. Achilles tendon troubled forced him to retire and he spent the next 30 years in the media. He had stints with radio stations 3KZ, 3AW, 3AK, ABC and community radio; He wrote for Footy Week, The Australian, The Herald, Truth and Sunday Telegraph; and television ABC and Channel 9.
Beitzel said he never intended to enter the media as he wanted to make a comeback to umpiring in 1961. He was then approached by 3KZ to fill in for former Melbourne player Jack Mueller who had gone overseas. The rest, as they say, is history.
He started as a special comments man on 3KZ, eventually graduating to calling the play. He also joined ABC television, chairing Friday night's Focus on Football and Football Round-Up on Saturday evenings. His balding pate, nasal voice and distinctive, clipped delivery complemented an articulate, opinionated nature, and he enjoyed an excellent rapport with a disparate group of football legends. He also wrote for the Football Record (now AFL Record), and a magazine called Footy Fan. He founded Footy Week, which replaced Footy Fan in 1965. Footy Week was the first publication, to feature full statistics of all games. In 1967, inspired by watching the 1966 All-Ireland Gaelic football final on television. It was he who first suggested the idea of a hybrid game to the league and led the first tour of 34 VFL players to Ireland. The team included Ron Barassi, Royce Hart and Alex Jesaulenko. They played and defeated Meath, the All-Ireland champion.
Of his umpiring days, Beitzel said, "I loved the umpiring. It was a tremendous challenge. I had a good communication with the players. Sometimes you had to match wits with them, but when they knew you were fair dinkum, they accepted it and trusted you - that's what I got out of umpiring."
He said his fondest memories from working in the media were the innovations he introduced. As well as being the first to produce match statistics, Beitzel also introduced the 6-hour concept of footy coverage as well as the "around the grounds" commentators and the idea of having commentators in the player rooms. Andrew Demetriou once referred to Beitzel as "the godfather" of the International Games. Beitzel said his induction was an honor about which he was "absolutely thrilled".
Beitzel now lives on the northern coast of NSW and volunteers his time to the development of footy, working with junior players, something he says gives him lots of fun and joy.
JOHN MURPHY: 1967-77, 214 games, 326 goals; South Melbourne 1978-79 23 games, 40 goals; North Melbourne 1979-80, 8 goals; 11 games for Victoria; Fitzroy B&F 1968, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1977; South Melbourne B&F 1978; Fitzroy captain 1973-77; Fitzroy leading goalkicker 1971, 1976; South Melbourne leading goalkicker 1978; Fitzroy Team of the Century (center)
The son of Hawthorn best-and-fairest winner, Leo Murphy, he was pursued by Hawthorn under the father-son rule, but opted to play with Fitzroy. He played center, across half forward, and as a rover. He debuted in 1967 and played 158 consecutive games, a record from debut until recently when it was broken by Sydney's Jared Crouch. Murphy was equal best-and-fairest in his second year, 1968. He landed in hot water with the committee when he publicly commented that the club needed to unload older players and recruit new players. Until 1977, his career had been injury-free, but at South Melbourne and then North Melbourne, he had a succession of problems. He played in South's 1979 finals game as a full forward.
Murphy said, "Over the years you watch other people get inducted into these sorts of things and you think, gee that would be fantastic if it happened to me. I'm lucky enough that's it's happened to me. I'm just rapt that after so many years out of the game, I was remembered by someone."
ROBERT WALLS; Carlton 1967-78, 218 games, 367 goals; captain 1977-78; premierships 1968, 1970, 1972; leading goalkicker 1975, 1976; Carlton Team of the Century; Carlton coach 1986-89, 56 wins, 28 losses; Premiership coach 1987; Fitzroy 1978-80, 41 games, 77 goals; Fitzroy coach 1981-85, 60 wins, 54 losses, 1 draw; Brisbane Bears coach 1991-95, 30 wins, 78 losses, 1 draw; Richmond coach 1996-97, 17 wins, 22 losses.
Debuted for Carlton at just 16 years of age and booted a goal with his first kick . Early in his career, he was used in defense but became one of the game's best center half-forwards. Played in a back pocket in the 1968 premiership and was CHF in the 1970 and 1972 premierships. In the 1972 grand final, he kicked six goals. Played in losing grand finals in 1969 and 1973. Quit the captaincy early in 1978 to move to Fitzroy, where he added height and experience. The Lions made the finals three times in his five seasons as coach, before he returned to Carlton as coach. He took the Blues to a grand final in his first coaching season, which the team lost. After a few years away from coaching, he joined the Brisbane Bears in 1991 and took the club to its first finals appearance in 1995 before joining Richmond as coach in 1996. In an odd coincidence, he and John Northey virtually swapped clubs in 1996, as Northey left Richmond to coach Brisbane. Walls is now a highly respected specials comments man for television and radio match broadcasts, writes a column for the Melbourne Age, and works appears with Gerard Healy and Herald Sun writer Mike Sheahan on the chat show On The Couch.
Walls said of his induction, "I'm very thrilled and honored," Walls said after learning of his induction. "It's a really nice feeling to be honored in this way after a career in lots of different areas of the game."
TONY LOCKETT: St Kilda 1983-94, 183 games, 898 goals; Brownlow Medal 1987 (tied with Hawk John Platten); Coleman Medal 1987, 1991; B&F 1987, 1991; club leading goalkicker 1984-87, 1987, 1989-94; Sydney 1995-99, 2002, 98 games, 462 goals; B&F 1995; Coleman Medal 1996, 1998; club leading goalkicker 1995-99; EJ Whitten Medallist 1995; All Australian 1987, 1991, 1992, 1995, 1996, 1998; St, Kilda Team of The Century; Sydney Team of The Century
The greatest goalkicker the game has known, his marking and overwhelming strength made him stand out immediately after arriving at St. Kilda. He kicked 117 goals in 1987 and 127 in 1991 to help the Saints to their first finals berth in 18 years. He was the first full forward to win a Brownlow Medal. The next year, he booted 132 goals, including a club record 15 against Sydney.
He joined Sydney to get away from the glaring spotlight of Melbourne and flourished there as well, adding two more Coleman Medals to his tally as a Swan. Capped his career in 1999 when he broke Magpie Gordon Coventry's long-standing AFL goalkicking record of 1299 goals. Ironically, that record was broken in a midseason match against Collingwood at the SCG in front of an adoring Sydney home crowd. Caused a sensation over the summer of 2001-02 when he flagged a comeback and was snapped up by the Swans at the 2002 pre-season draft. However, he never fully recovered from a badly corked thigh in a practice game and struggled before retiring again midseason. He managed just 3 more games and 3 goals before permanently hanging up the boots.
Lockett, who shied away from media attention and has little or no involvement with footy now, made a rare public appearance and thanked both clubs for the opportunities given him, "The clubs gave me the opportunity to play alongside some of the best footballers who have ever gone around. It's an honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame and I'm very privileged,"
PETER MATERA: West Coast 1990-2002, 253 games, 217 goals; 5 games for WA; B&F 1997; Norm Smith Medalist 1992; All-Australian; All Australian 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997; West Coast premierships 1992, 1994; Indigenous Team of the Century (wing)
From the West Australian country town of Wagin, Matera had great pace, liked to run with the ball and showed it all in the Eagles' first premiership in 1992. He again made an important contribution to the team's next flag two years later. A brilliant player who had the knack of breaking up a game with a burst of pace or dodge around an opponent. Like a true champion, he lifted his game to another level when playing in finals and the long-awaited best-and-fairest award finally came his way in 1997, three years after polling second in the Brownlow Medal. Matera played under the stress of ankle injuries throughout his career and did not work on his natural pace, concentrating instead on his renowned upper body strength. He was so effective after switching to halfback in 1996 that many coaches still used taggers on him. Even in 2002, in the twilight of his highly decorated career, he could play in virtually any position.
Matera said his latest honor rounded out his career in dream fashion, "To be inducted in the highest level of football and accolades as in the Hall of Fame is one of those things that just caps off my career," Matera said. "This more or less finishes my career on a high."
CRAIG BRADLEY: Port Adelaide (SANFL) 1981-85, 98 games, 104 goals; Carlton 1986-2002, 375 games, 247 goals; 15 games for SA; Port Adelaide B&F 1982, 1984, 1985; Carlton B&F 1986, 1988, 1993; Fos Williams Medal 1986, 1991, 1993 (BOG for SA in State of Origin games); Michael Tuck Medallist 1997; All Australian 1983, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1997; Carlton captain 1998-2001; Port Adelaide premiership 1981; Carlton premierships 1987, 1995; Port Adelaide's Greatest Team 1870-2000 (wing); Carlton Team of the Century (wing); 4th on VFL/AFL all time games list
Bradley could easily have broken Michael Tuck's games record had he not delayed his entry into AFL ranks. He was 22 when he came to Carlton as part of the great SA influx which saw Peter Motley & Steve Kernahan join him at Carlton (unfortunately, Motley's promising career ended tragically after just a few games due to severe injuries sustained when a drunk driver slammed into his car) and John Platten join Hawthorn. Bradley tied for the club B&F in just his first season when his non-stop running and pinpoint delivery made a huge impact as a centerman and ruck-rover. With his skipper and great mate Stephen Kernahan, Bradley was instrumental in the club's 1987 premiership.
His devotion to fitness saw him still at his best in the twilight of his career. Even at 38 years old, he could still turn it on and match or better younger opponents. Re-invented himself in 1999, playing mainly as a running halfback flanker with an occasional run on the ball. His form in 2000 was as good as ever, again acting as a vital link-man from defense, and he again played a vital role in Carlton's 2001 campaign and finished 10th in the best and fairest aged 38. A superb finisher with quick acceleration, Bradley was quoted as saying "it's not the end of the world when you are over 30" after winning The Sunday Age footballer of the year award in 1997, aged 34. Indeed, the advancing years seemed to make no difference to his output.
On joining his premiership teammates Stephen Kernahan, Stephen Silvagni and Greg Williams, as well as coach his coaches Robert Walls and David Parkin in the Hall of Fame Bradley said, “They were great teammates and David was such a great coach. It’s nice to be in with those guys. We all enjoyed playing with each other so much.”
Story Sources: afl.com.au; player briefs from Encyclopedia of League Footballs & author notes
Hunt Affair Refuted
Robyn Hood, the beautician at the center of the Rex Hunt scandal which broke last month, has denied that she slept with the media star. She has also denied being paid for the encounters, saying instead Hunt sometimes gave her money to buy gifts for herself - clothes, flowers, and even a car.
Hood, 40, admitted to a nine-year relationship with Hunt, but said he was never unfaithful to wife Lynne. Hood said while she remained clothed, Hunt was a bit of an exhibitionist with the pair usually meeting in public place, "He was affectionate, very touchy-feely....Then he'd either, in the car or out of it, depending on how cold it was, fling off all his clothes. The more public, the greater the danger and the more exciting Rex apparently found it. If I said....let's go somewhere nice and private, Rex didn't want to. Cozy and private isn't what he was into."
While denying weekly payments for the trysts, Hood did admit to a payment for turning over notes and a taped conversation, but also denied the payment was the reported $50,000.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Seven Sells Dome
The Seven Network, which invested heavily in the building of the Telstra Dome with the AFL paying it off over a period of years, has sold it to James Fielding Funds Management, a financial firm for a reported $330 million. Seven'' former interest in the dome is now controlled by a consortium of major superannuation funds and institutional investors. James Fielding Infrastructure, a joint venture between property developer Mirvac Group and Leighton Holdings, intends to act as the asset manager on behalf of the consortium of investors and the deal will be finalized in July. Seven decided to relinquish its interest in the Dome to focus on its media businesses.
Story Source: Financial Review
AFL Teams With African Cricket
A partnership between the AFL and the South Africa/North-West Cricket Association, will see greater access to cricket grounds as well as the two bodies sharing office space and training facilities. Both will also benefit financially with the AFL considering an increase in development funding and there can now be joint commercial deals to share sponsorship and ground signage, as well as co-hosting of AFL exhibition games.
NWCA CEO Jacques Faul spent two days in Melbourne last week and was a guest of the AFL at last week's game between St Kilda and Adelaide at Telstra Dome. The AFL's general manager of game development, David Matthews, said South Africa represented the most promising international opportunity for Australian football and that the partnership between AFLSA and cricket provided a genuine opening for strong grassroots development. According to Matthews, there are currently approximately 2500 locals involved in footy and 50,000 playing cricket. He sees the joint venture as a way of promoting greater exposure of footy and providing greater encouragement for people to take up the game. The AFL currently invests about $100,000 a year in the AFLSA, which, in part, pays for 4 full time staff, and will consider increasing that investment.
Former Demon Brian Dixon (who attended the 2002 USAFL National Tournament) has been involved in the SA development for several years and the Australian betting agency Tattersall's have also been involved. Matthews said the AFL currently provided $100,000 a year to AFLSA — money that helps fund four full-time employees — but that until now much of the pioneering work in the country had been done by others, such as former Melbourne player Brian Dixon and the gaming company Tattersall's, who worked to have Australian football added to the North West Academy of Sport.
Three months ago, a squad of Australian indigenous youth, led by Michael Long, Adam Goodes, and former Docker Coach Gerard Neesham (who founded the now highly successful Clontarf Academy in WA), toured South Africa, playing a series of footy matches as well as international rules games.
Brisbane and Fremantle played an exhibition game in Cape Town in 1998, while St. Kilda held their 2004 preseason camp in Potchefstroom. Fremantle and the Eagles are both interested in holding training camps and/or practice games there in the future.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
AFL Losing Identity Says Ex-Ump
Former league umpire Kevin Smith, who officiated 300 games 1971-85, has spoken out regarding the AFL's constant tinkering with the rules, saying the changes are making it look like soccer and rugby union. While he concedes that some rule changes are necessary to keep fans interested and help the game develop, he said other changes have turned the it into possession play and gang tackling.
Smith was quoted in the Age, "Since the 1980s the AFL's interpretation of holding the ball has been extended and taken the focus off the player making the football his priority, as it once was, to the player who lays the best tackle." Smith says the game has lost its identity. Smith umpired the 1975, 1976, 1979 and 1983 grand finals and was the last Victorian Football League central umpire to officiate on his own. He is now the Eastern Football League umpires director.
Story Source: Herald-Sun
Women's Results
The 2006 AFL Women's National Championships were held in Sydney last week with over 270 players from 7 states participating. Tasmania was the only one not taking part in the games but the Australian Defense Force entered a team. At the completion of the tournament, an All-Australian Team was named and that team will play in the inaugural Women's International Rules Series to be held in Ireland in October and November this year. As part of the festivities, former Swans Heath James and Troy Luff were on hand to hold a clinic for 5-18 year olds. Also present were AFL NSW/ACT Development staff and representatives from the Sydney Women's AFL.
2nd Round Results:
WA 8.12 (60) QLD 5.5 (35)
NT 1.0 (6) SA 0.3 (3)
VIC Seniors 13.9 (87)
NSW 0.1 (1)
VIC U19s 10.11 (71) WA 2.5 (17)
ADF 0.1 (1) ACT 2.4 (16)
VIC Seniors 12.11 (83) VIC U19s 7.6 (48)
NT 3.1 (19) NSW 3.1 (19)
SA 10.7 (67) QLD 4.4 (28)
ADF 1.0 (6) ACT 4.1 (25)
Day Three:
NT 4. 2 (26) QLD 3.4 (22)
SA 3. 5 (23) WA 3.3 (21)
VIC 5.9 (39) NSW 4.3 (27)
ACT 0.0 (0) ADF 1.2 (8)
VIC U19s 4.5 (29) VIC Seniors 11.3 (69)
NT 1.5 (11) SA 0.0 (0)
WA 9.11 (65) VIC U19s 4.1 (25)
ADF 0.0 (0) QLD 1.2 (8)
ACT 2.3 (15)
NSW 0.0 (0)
Day Four:
VIC Seniors 7.3 (45) SA 2.2 (14)
QLD 1.0 (6) ACT 1.2 (8)
WA 6.5 (41)
VIC U19s 3.1 (19)
VIC Seniors 14.10 (94) NT 2.1 (13)
ADF 0.0 (0) ACT 0.5 (5)
WA 7.13 (55) QLD 10.8 (68)
NSW 2.2 (14) ADF 1.9 (6)
VIC U19s 4.10 (34) NT 3.3 (21)
SA 2.1 (13) NSW 2.3 (15)
Grand Final:
VIC Seniors 18.7 (125)
WA 2.1 (13)
Final:
QLD 8.9 (57)
VIC U19's 3.3 (21)
Source: Michelle Morgan, Publicity & Promotions Manager - Sydney
Look Out Nick
Jack Riewoldt, the cousin of St Kilda superstar Nick, is already making a name for himself at junior level. In the recent U-18 Championships, he turned in a match-winning performance to help Tasmania, the Division 2 title-holder, defeat NSW/ACT 11.12 (78) to 10.7 (67). Young Jack, who stands 193 cm, booted all 3 of his team's final term goals in a 6 minute burst after NSW stole the lead with a goal. It was a terrific comeback from Riewoldt, who did not get a touch in the first term. He finished with 15 disposals and was named BOG. In an earlier match, Queensland held off Northern Territory by 28 points.
The second day results were:
Vic Country 14.8 (92) Vic Metro 17.13 (115)
WA 11.14 (80) SA 8.8 (56)
Story Source: afl.com.au, Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:
Brad Scott (BRIS) and Matthew Robbins (WB), were charged with wrestling one another.
Both were fined $1200 for a first offense and both accepted an early plea, reducing the fine 25% to $900.
Carlton midfielder Ryan Houlihan took his case to the Tribunal this week and had his rough conduct charge thrown out. As reported last week, Houlihan was offered a 1 game suspension for his bump on Eagle Matt Rosa Houlihan said he prided himself on being a fair player, who always went for the ball, and argued that, as he was moving in to lay a legal bump on Rosa, also going for a loose ball, slipped which caused Houlihan to make contact with his head rather than Rosa's shoulder as intended. Video footage showed the ball bounced up into Rosa's arms and that he instinctively tried to avoid contact with Houlihan causing him to slip.
Field umpire Craig Hendrie gave evidence by video link and said he was 15 meters away from the incident with a clear and uninterrupted view of the contact which he deemed not to be reportable on the day even though Rosa was knocked out and left with concussion. Player advocate Jonathan Kemp used recent collisions between Saint Justin Koschitzke and Bulldog Daniel Giansiracusa, and Saints Matt Maguire and Luke Ball to emphasize the defense that injury causing contact between players is not always illegal. The jury of David Pittman, Wayne Schimmelbusch, and Stewart Loewe took only two minutes to declare Houlihan not guilty.
Story Sources: afl.com.au & Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
MILESTONES
150 club games coached: Michael Malthouse (COL)
Story Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
RICHMOND
Mark Coughlan underwent a knee reconstruction last week and will miss the rest of the season.
Injury Update:
Will Thursfield, knee, season
Membership: 29,233 as of 6/18
Story Source: Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
Midfielder Paul Williams announced last week that he would retire at the end of the season. Williams said he always felt that 2006 would be his final season and said he is happy to go on a high rather than try to play one more season with the possibility that he might struggle. Williams and his family will move back to Melbourne where they have family. He decided to make the announcement in the lead up to the game against Collingwood, as he spent 10 years as a Magpie after being drafted as a 17 year old from Tasmania in 1989. While he has no firm plans for life after football, he and his manager are exploring several options. He would like to remain in football in some capacity, not necessarily as a coach, but said he wouldn't turn down an opportunity if it presented itself. For the time being, his focus will be the rest of the season, training hard, and getting "....absolutely every ounce of energy.....left....to help the club....."
Coach Paul Roos was unstinting in his praise, “Paul Williams has been an outstanding servant to AFL and more recently the Sydney Swans,” Roos said. “He is a thorough gentleman who has represented this club both on and off the field with impeccable character, he will leave a lasting legacy at the Swans and we will be sorry to see him go.” Williams, when he joined the Swans, also joined an elite club - that of a player winning a B&F in his first season at his new club. He also went down in VFL/AFL history for playing the most games of any player (294) before tasting premiership glory, and he rates the 12-point victory over premiership favorites Port Adelaide in the 2003 qualifying final as a standout match.
PAUL WILLIAMS FACT FILE
AGE: 33
DRAFTED: Collingwood 1989 (Pick #70) from North Hobart
DEBUT:1991 Collingwood – 2001 Sydney Swans
GAMES: 303 (189 Collingwood, 114 Sydney Swans); GOALS: 305
HONORS: Sydney Swans Club Champion 2001, 2002; 2nd Collingwood B&F 1995, 3rd Collingwood B&F 1996, 1997, 2000; All Australian 2003; Premiership side 2005
Story Source: Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release & Melbourne Age
Injury Update:
Nick Malceski, hamstring, 2 weeks
Story Source: Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
ESSENDON
The club was fined $20,000 for wearing yellow armbands without permission in last week's match. The players wore the armbands as part of the cancer awareness campaign to which the game was dedicated. The AFL, while saying it supports numerous community initiatives, there are too many similar requests from all the clubs and various community organizations. AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said the fine money will be donated to cancer research.
The club is aghast at the fine, with club CEO Peter Jackson calling it "mean-spirited". Jackson defended the club's decision to disobey the AFL and allow the players to show support for their ailing teammate Adam Ramanauskas, currently undergoing treatment for a recurrence of the cancer which was detected last year. Jackson was quoted in the Age, "If you can't support a mate going through chemotherapy, what can you support?....The AFL endorse a $5000 fine for someone breaking the nose of someone in the general public then slug us $20,000 for paying tribute to a close friend and teammate battling cancer. This was something that the players felt really passionate about - he is having chemotherapy, he was unable to come into the club...because he is too ill, and the AFL are fining us for supporting him. It beggars belief." The players were disgusted at the news of the fine and David Hill, director of the Cancer Council of Victoria was also surprised that the AFL, which ignored pleas from the club and the AFLPA, would do such a thing.
Story Sources: Melbourne Age & afl.com.au
The club has been protecting Andrew Lovett by throwing out an injury red herring as a ruse to protect him from undue public scrutiny. Lovett has not played since his Round 8 suspension, now complete, due to what the club said was personal issues. Lovett has also missed a number of training sessions since the suspension. He was named as an emergency against West Coast but was replaced at the last minute by Jobe Watson, who was coming in for late withdrawal Dustin Fletcher. Lovett suffered a family bereavement during the preseason and was later embroiled in a domestic dispute that resulted in a restraining order being placed upon him. Club officials would not elaborate on what was termed "significant personal issues" but a spokesman said Lovett would be given as much time as needed to sort through everything.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Injury Update:
Luke Darcy, Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Adam Morgan, & Tim Walsh knee, season
Shane Birss, ankle, 3 weeks
Story Source: Shaun Anderson, Club Media Release
HAWTHORN
The club wants more than 2 games per season in Tasmania and has begun negotiations toward achieving that end. The current deal does not expire until the end of 2010. However, the Hawks would be keen to negotiate for St. Kilda's 2 games, if St. Kilda opts out of its contract which expires next year. Hawthorn's desire could be the out St. Kilda needs, but the club would also negotiate with the Saints if they decide to honor their commitment. Kennett emphasized that a permanent move to Tasmania was not on the agenda but the Hawks "have fallen in love with Tasmania" and want to become a de facto Tassie team. The Hawks have also been approached by Richmond with an offer for matches between the 2 sides to be played in Tasmania on a regular basis. Richmond was impressed with the record breaking crowd last weekend, as well as the fans and the playing surface at Aurora Stadium. The club will not pursue any more games on the Gold Coast. All of this becoming a reality, however, hinges not only on what the Saints will do, but on the AFL and the Tasmanian state government.
Injury Update:
Danny Jacobs, hamstring, season, season
Michael Osborne, foot, season
Osborne will require surgery on his foot to repair tendon damage and a fracture. He sustained the injury in Round 4, but the condition has not improved sufficiently.
Story Sources: Melbourne Age & Kristi High, Club Media Release
ST KILDA
Injury Update:
Aaron Hamill, right PCL sprain, 3 weeks
Robert Harvey, hamstring strain, 3 weeks
Lenny Hayes, ACL reconstruction, season
Justin Koschitzke, skull fracture, indefinite
Andrew Thompson, fractured vertebrae in back, 2 weeks
Fergus Watts, fractured ankle, indefinite
There are concerns that Luke Ball is showing early signs of a recurrence of OP. Currently, he has been cleared by medical staff, but he will be monitored closely for the remainder of the season
Membership: 32,231 as of 6/19
Story Source: Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
KANGAROOS
Injury Update:
Sav Rocca, hamstring, 1 week
Tim Hutchison, groin, indefinite
Story Source: Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
PORT ADELAIDE
Injury Update:
Josh Francou, knee, on-going assessment, indefinite
Warren Tredrea, knee, 2-3 weeks
Story Source: Daniel Bryant, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
The Demons have come up with a unique initiative which will eventually see a partnership between five different sporting codes. The first step, which has seen the club join forces with the Melbourne Phoenix netball club, has been completed. The Demons are currently negotiating with the Melbourne Tigers basketball club, the Melbourne Storm rugby league team, and the Melbourne Victory A-League soccer club. The alliance will see all 5 share the Olympic Park facilities and memberships. It also opens up a wide range of marketing possibilities and benefits for fans - such as tickets to games of the other codes. A club spokesperson said, "There are great opportunities for both sports. We can offer our members, sports followers and corporate sponsors 12 months of activity. We will have members across all ages, male and female, in the most popular sports participation demographics."
Melbourne will re-design its away strip to acknowledge the Phoenix in some form, but will not adopt the purple that the Phoenix now wear. Demon Coach Neale Daniher and Phoenix Coach Julie Hoornweg will become assistant coaches of the other's teams and will sit in the coach's box on match day to learn tactics, strategies and leadership. Sports Minister Justin Madden believes the alliance will provide a huge boost for women's netball which has failed to gain a large following despite being the most popular participation sport for women.
Injury Update:
Alistair Nicholson, foot, 2-3 weeks
Clint Bizzell, leg, 2-3 weeks
Story Source: Melbourne Age & Ryan Larkin, Club Media Release
FREMANTLE
Defender Robert Haddrill required surgery to repair cartilage damage in his right knee and will miss the next 2-3 weeks.
Story Source: Mark White, Club Media Release
BRISBANE
The Brisbane Lions held its Team of The Decade and Magic Moments function last week with 800 in attendance. The black tie ball was a celebration of the 10 years the Brisbane Lions have existed, since the Brisbane Bears merged with the Fitzroy Lions at the end of 1996.
The Brisbane Lions Team of the Decade contains two Norm Smith Medallists, three Brownlow Medallists, four dual premiership players, eight All-Australians and 16 triple premiership players.
The backline comprised the six players who spent most time there during the premiership glory years with little debate among the selectors – Brian Burke, Mike Sheahan and Robert Walls – about who should fill those defensive posts, only about who should be in which position. And that was taking into account the claims of former club favorites Danny Dickfos and Matthew Kennedy.
Mal Michael and Justin Leppitsch picked themselves in the key backline posts, Chris Scott was 1998 club champion as a ruck-rover but was irrepressible at halfback, and Marcus Ashcroft filled a key part of the premiership puzzle when moved into defense in 2001. Darryl White could fill any defensive position – and did – while Chris Johnson was part of a massive change in the game with his attack from defense. The romance of a center line comprising Lappin-Voss-Akermanis was particularly appealing to the panel. But pragmatism prevailed and Brad Scott secured a wing position, with Akermanis at half forward. Brad Scott played an important strategic role on the wing while Akermanis’ goalkicking prowess, which includes winning the club goalkicking award in 2004, saw him named on a half forward flank. Like the back half of the ground, big men Jonathan Brown and Alastair Lynch were certainties for the key forward posts, while Daniel Bradshaw filled the forward pocket position from which he kicked 300 goals for the decade.
Craig McRae’s goalkicking ability coupled with the recognition of his defensive skills, which like Johnson changed the role of the position, earned him a flank position. And Luke Power was named in a forward pocket, given his uncanny goal sense and the fact he kicked more than 50 goals in the 2000 season. The ruck positions – one on the ground and one on the bench – were always going to be one of the tougher selection decisions. Clark Keating earned the No. 1 berth, with three top-notch performances in four grand final appearances too difficult to overlook. Jamie Charman (one premiership) played a similar number of games to Beau McDonald (two premierships) over the decade but won a split decision for the place on the bench. The first club champion from 1997, Matthew Clarke, had equally strong claims. But Charman’s efforts in playing a substantial role throughout the season in helping the team to the 2002 and 2003 grand finals won out with the selectors. Martin Pike and Tim Notting were both strong contenders for a wing position, but Brad Scott’s longevity and overall contribution from 1998 got him the berth. So the selectors ensured Pike and Notting sat alongside Charman on the bench. The final place in the 22 was cause for most debate amongst the selectors, with two-time premiership player Robert Copeland, former Bears All-Australian and club champion Craig Lambert, and loyal club servants Richard Champion and Kennedy in the mix. Champion was described as the player the team could ill afford to lose the most in a stellar 1999 season, and his overall performances coupled with his link to the start of the new Lions era saw him claim the final place.
BRISBANE LIONS TEAM OF THE DECADE
Backs: Chris Johnson, Mal Michael, Darryl White
Half-Backs: Marcus Ashcroft, Justin Leppitsch, Chris Scott
Center: Nigel Lappin, Michael Voss (c), Brad Scott
Half-Forwards: Jason Akermanis, Jonathan Brown, Craig McRae
Forwards: Luke Power, Alastair Lynch, Daniel Bradshaw
Rucks: Clark Keating, Simon Black, Shaun Hart
Interchange: Martin Pike, Tim Notting, Jamie Charman, Richard Champion
Coach: Leigh Matthews
The top 10 Magic Moments were decided by a vote of 45 people who had been associated with the Lions over their first 10 seasons of existence. Each person selected their favorite 10 moments from a short list of 40, and the collated votes determined the final 10.
They were:
1. Alastair Lynch clutching the ball as the siren sounds on the Lions 2001 premiership triumph.
2. Jonathan Brown running back 45m with the flight of the ball and leaping headfirst into a pack to take claim the AFL Mark of the Year, in Round 17, 2002 against Hawthorn.
3. Michael Voss’ face contorts in ‘exultation’ as he runs around the boundary giving the ‘No. 1’ sign to Lions fans after goaling from the run on the boundary late in the last quarter to seal the 2001 grand final win over Essendon.
4. Michael Voss contorting his body through the air to mark between Collingwood players on the MCG center wing to help his side to the 2002 premiership.
5. A minute after coach Leigh Matthews sends the message to Jason Akermanis to crumb the front and not the back of packs, ‘Aka’ snaps a goal over his shoulder on his left foot to seal the 2002 grand final win over Collingwood.
6. The first street parade in Brisbane in 2001 when the biggest crowd since WWII crammed city streets to celebrate the Lions’ first premiership.
7. The second of Jason Akermanis’ two incredible goals within 60 seconds of each other from the boundary in the sopping wet against Geelong in Round 13, 2005 which raised the roof at the Gabba.
8. Michael Voss on the podium at the MCG saying his signature ‘You little beauty!’ after the Lions achieve the ‘three-peat’ in 2003 grand final.
9. Simon Black’s running goal near halftime in the 2003 grand final as he accumulated an equal club record 39 possessions, a Norm Smith Medal, and a third premiership medallion.
10. Nigel Lappin diving onto the ball in face of oncoming Collingwood players in the dying minutes of the 2003 grand final with the Lions 10 goals in front. Lappin played with broken ribs from the previous week and then punctured a lung, spending the next two days in
hospital. His courage to play was reflective of the team, which saw 11 players enter the game under injury clouds.
Source: Ron McDonald, Club Media Release
Jason Akermanis has been fined $5000, with another $15,000 suspended until the end of the season for bringing the club and the game into disrepute.The fine stems from the email which was made public from his website. While the email was generated by his brother Rory, who administered the site, the club said in a statement that he "must be held totally responsible and accountable for the appalling content that was sent from his personal website business and signed in his name."
Akermanis was sanctioned by the club under the AFL Code of Conduct. Other issues surrounding Akermanis are the fact he discussed in the media correspondence from the club over the matter even though it was meant to remain confidential and the selling of merchandise which is considered intellectual property of the club. The club is also peeved at Akermanis for his failure to comply with club rules about public comments on issues the club feels are confidential.
Injury Update:
Mitch Clark, OP, indefinite
Chris Johnson, groin, 3-5 weeks
Jed Adcock, quad, 1-2 weeks
Ash McGrath, hamstring tear, 8 weeks
Richard Hadley, Anthony Corrie, Pat Garner, Joel Macdonald, knee reco, season
Daniel Merrett, elbow fracture, 2-3 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, long term injury list, indefinite
Josh Drummond, quad, 1-2 weeks
Nigel Lappin, ankle, 4-5 weeks
Story Source: afl.com.au & Ron McDonald, Club Media Release
ADELAIDE
Andrew McLeod, who has been diagnosed as having a bursa in his left foot, has opted not to have surgery until the end of the season. He has played every game this season, although he has missed a few training sessions when the condition has flared. McLeod consulted the team doctor as well as a specialist - along with Coach Neil Craig - and it was determined that, with rest and management, surgery could be avoided for the time being, allowing McLeod to see out the season. This week's break will allow further improvement to the condition. McLeod has played 93 consecutive games for Adelaide since last missing a match.
Injury Update:
Luke Jericho, shoulder, 1 week
Richard Douglas & Ian Perrie, knee, 3 weeks
Nathan Bock & Darren Pfeiffer, back, 3 weeks
Ben Hart, broken arm, 4 weeks
Nathan Van Berlo, broken collarbone, 7 weeks
Ben Hudson, knee rehab, possible late season return
Story Source: afl.com.au & David Brakenshaw, Club Media Release
CARLTON
Injury Update:
Adam Hartlett, hamstring, 1 week
Paul Bower, knee, 3 weeks
Brad Fisher, shoulder, 3-5 weeks
Jarrad Waite, knee, 4 weeks
Anthony Koutoufides, broken hand, 4-5 weeks
Troy Longmuir, shoulder, 7-9 weeks
Justin Davies, back, indefinite
Story Source: Ian Coutts, Club Media Release
GENERAL SILLINESS
Former player Brian Taylor is now a match caller for Triple M Radio which has a home loan/seller company as an advertiser during the games. The company has come up with several amusing advertisements which feature Taylor speaking with home sellers. In one ad, Taylor asks a Bulldog supporter if she's selling because she needs a bigger place. Her response is that she's leaving hubby because hubby doesn't believe her when she insists Luke Darcy will win the Brownlow. Taylor informs her that Darcy is out with a knee injury, then there is the sound of Taylor getting whacked. The other ad has Taylor speaking with a Collingwood fan who says she's moving because of the new neighbors. Taylor asks if they are too noisy. No, she says, they're Essendon and she never has and never will live next door to Essendon supporters.
Story Source: Author notes from match broadcasts
On to the scores:
KANG 4.2 8.6 12.8 18.13 (121)
CARL 4.4 6.6 14.8 15.12 (102)
GOALS: KANG - Grant 5, Thompson 4, Brown 3, Harding 2,
Corey Jones 2, Hale, Petrie; CARL - Fevola 5, Deluca 3,
Betts, Blackwell, Carrazzo, French, Murphy, Simpson,
Wiggins
BEST: KANG - Thompson, Grant, Makepeace, Harvey, Corey
Jones, B. Rawlings, Simpson; CARL - Simpson, Murphy,
Fevola, Stevens, Deluca, Lappin, Houlihan
INJURY: CARL - Kennedy (knee) replaced in the selected side by Blackwell, Fevola (hyperextended knee)
REPORTS: KANG - Gibson for striking Wiggins
UMPIRES: Margetts, Stevic, Goldspink
ATTENDANCE: 34,110 at Telstra Dome
The two struggling teams came out fired up, with both in desperate need of a win and it showed with both coaches making ample use of the interchange in the opening term to ensure strong run.
After Grant kicked the opening goal 3 minutes in, the Blues had the better of the term with Wiggins and Fevola presenting well up forward and getting good delivery from the midfield. Fevola ran far and hard to present a strong lead and Betts buzzed around looking for the crumbs. All 3 booted goals to give the Blues an early lead. Thompson got one back for the Kangaroos, only for Fevola to reply a minute later. But the Kangaroos clawed their way back, locking the ball in their forward zone for most of what was left of the term, resulting in goals to Brown and Petrie while Wiggins kicked just one more point for Carlton, leaving the Blues just 2 points ahead at 1/4 time.
Pratt was replaced by Watt on Fevola at the start of the 2nd term, but he couldn't stop Fevola from hauling in a screamer on the goal line to extend Carlton's lead. Then the Roos - more specifically, Shannon Grant - hit back. Grant, who proved too quick for McGrath and Carrazzo, put on a stunning burst with 3 goals in 4 minutes to give the Roos a 17 point lead. grab the lead for the Kangaroos. He marked strongly again but sprayed the shot and Stevens did the same a minute later. Blackwell snapped a classy goal from a McLaren pass and the margin was back to 2 goals. From there, both sides missed several chances and the Blues had a scare when Fevola landed awkwardly from an attempted mark. He was helped from the ground in considerable discomfort as the Kangaroos went to 1/2 time with a 12 point lead.
The worst fears were allayed at the start of the 3rd term with Fevola walking and jogging along the boundary line. The Roos picked up where they left off with a goal to Grant shortly after Fevola returned to the fray. Grant spilled a mark and the Blues recovered as Whitnall cleared the ball from defense. Stevens marked and found Murphy who found Fevola and the Blues were back in the hunt. Fevola's next shot from 50 went wide for a point. But the Kangaroos could not press their advantage as Brady Rawlings' shot from a free kick was touched on the line and Hale squandered a free kick for just a point. The Blues attacked again with Fevola getting involved in a goal square scramble and dribbling through a soccer kick. The Blues won the center bounce and Deluca marked 50 meters out. As he was lining up his kick, Gibson tangled with Wiggins, got reported, and gave away a 50 meter penalty which took Deluca to the goal line. The Blues were in control and Murphy's goal a minute later had them in front by 5 points. Deluca's goal a few minutes later made it an 11 point margin. The Kangaroos coughed up the ball allowing French to unleash a 50 meter torpedo goal to have Carlton in a winning position. The Kangaroos again dragged themselves back when Thompson goaled from a free kick and Hale blasted through one on the run. Deluca and Corey Jones finished off with a goal each, leaving the Blues 12 points clear at 3/4 time.
Kade Simpson got the all-important first goal of the final term, but Corey Jones replied soon after. Brown got another for the Roos and Harding bobbed up for 2 in 2 minutes to give the Roos an 8 point lead. Thompson sealed the win with the last two goals of the match. For the Kangaroos, Grant (14/9) was a headache in the forward pocket as was Harvey (22) across halfback, while Brady Rawlings (22/6) and Adam Simpson (21/6) won the ball well through the middle. Corey Jones (15/5) and Thompson (15 kicks, 11 marks) always looked dangerous up forward, while Makepeace (21/8) and Watt (18/6) held the defense together. For Carlton, Stevens (23/8), Kade Simpson (20/9), and Carrazzo (20/13) never stopped running as they feasted on French's 27 hitouts. Deluca (8 kicks, 7 marks) and Fevola (10 kicks, 6 marks) were towers in attack with support (23/8) from Lappin while Houlihan (23/7) and Whitnall (15/5) provided drive off the back line.
COL 4.3 6.7 11.8 14.11 (95)
SYD 2.4 2.10 6.13 11.16 (82)
GOALS: COL - Didak 4, Lonie 2, Rocca 2, Licuria,
Fraser,Johnson, R. Shaw, Egan, Davis; SYD - Hall 3, O'Loughlin 2, O'Keefe 2, Goodes 2, Schneider, Williams
BEST: COL - Burns, Didak, R. Shaw, H. Shaw, Clement, Lonie, Fraser; SYD - Buchanan, Hall, Barry, Roberts-Thomson
CHANGES: COL - Wakelin (Coll) replaced in the starting side by Egan
UMPIRES: McBurney, James, Allen
CROWD: 60,307 at Telstra Stadium, Sydney
Collingwood jumped the Swans early with Didak snapping a clever goal inside the first minute, then Lonie fired in a long running bomb from outside 50. The Pies were beating the Swans at their own game as they bottled up play and forced the Swans to chip the ball around. It wasn't until midway through the term that Schneider set up O'Loughlin for a goal, but Lonie,s bouncing tight angle shot just evaded a lunging Swan defender restored the Pies' 2 goal lead. Licuria bounced through another before McVeigh slammed through one from 50 meters to cut the Pie lead to 11 points at 1/4 time.
While Sydney struggled and the Pies controlled the early stages of the 2nd term, they couldn't exert any scoreboard pressure with Johnson and Rocca both spraying shots. Nothing was working for the Swans at the other end either as O'Keefe's long kick fell short and was nicked over the line by Fraser for a rushed point. Then Tarrant missed before Rocca marked and goaled to keep the Pies in front. Then it was Williams who squandered a chance when his kick from 25 meters slewed off the side of his boot. It was only one of a number of costly misses for Sydney. Moments later, Fraser put through a tight angle goal to hand the Pies a 20 point lead. Hall, who was having a forgettable game against Prestigiacomo, dropped a mark he would normally gobble up. He recovered the ball but his effort was spoiled when the ball was touched on the line. At the other end, Leon Davis finished off the term with a poster and the Pies went to 1/2 time with a 21 point lead. It was the second time this season the Swans have failed to kick a goal in a term.
Whatever Paul Roos said in the rooms at the break worked, as the Swans came out firing in the 3rd term with Buchanan twice combining with Hall inside the first four minutes and when O'Keefe, and then Hall again, booted goals, the Swans had grabbed a 4 point lead. It stung the Pies into action, starting with Johnson who roved to a pack and restored the Pie lead. The Swans got the ball in the middle, but as Williams scooted past a downed Pendlebury, he stole the ball and headed off the other way. Didak earned a free kick and made the Swans pay. Another miss to Nick Davis was followed by goals to Rhyce Shaw and Egan from a Didak setup. Rocca broke away for a strong mark and goaled after the siren to put Collingwood 25 points in front at 3/4 time.
O'Loughlin's goal at the start of the final term gave Sydney some hope but any chance of a comeback was made all the more difficult with another goal to the deadly Didak. The Swans were still a slim chance when Rocca missed and Leon Davis sprayed two shots, but enter Didak again and Leon Davis to snuff out all but the barest of chances for Sydney. The Swans mounted a late challenge with goals to O'Keefe, Goodes, Williams, and Goodes again, but it was too little too late.
For Collingwood, Fraser (25 hitouts, 15/5) was excellent in the ruck and around the ground, while Burns (28) led the midfield charge. Heath Shaw (20/18), Rhyce Shaw (24/13), and Lonie (23/10) showed plenty of pace. Clement (20/6) was a rock in defense alongside Prestigiacomo, who kept Hall quiet. While Tarrant (13 kicks, 8 marks) and Rocca (8 kicks, 4 marks) had little influence, Didak ((14 kicks) was the difference and proved too elusive.
For Sydney, Jolly (27 hitouts) matched Fraser in the ruck, while Ablett (15), Buchanan (28/5), Kirk (18) battled away in the middle. Barry (29/10), Craig Bolton (26/10) and Lewis Roberts-Thomson (11/4) worked hard in defence, while Hall (12 kicks, 11 marks), O'Keefe (17 kicks, 13 marks), and O'Loughlin (15/6) earned little reward for their efforts.
STANDINGS
W L FOR AGST % PTS
ADE 10 2 1298 790 164.3 40
WCE 10 2 1204 1027 117.23 40
COL 9 3 1394 1072 130.04 36
WB 8 4 1354 1178 114.94 32
MELB 8 4 1216 1066 114.07 32
SYD 7 5 1195 991 120.59 28
StK 6 6 1047 991 105.65 24
PA 6 6 1183 1234 95.87 24
FRE 6 6 992 1134 87.48 24
RICH 6 6 1000 1260 79.37 24
GEEL 5 7 1127 1061 106.22 20
HAW 5 7 981 1187 82.65 20
BRIS 4 8 1095 1202 91.1 16
KANG 3 9 984 1226 80.26 12
CARL 2 10 963 1262 76.31 8
ESS 1 11 1017 1369 74.29 4
GOALS
Brendan Fevola (CARL) 48
Barry Hall (SYD) 44
Anthony Rocca (COL) 37
Brad Johnson (WB) 36
Jonathan Brown (BRIS) 35
Mark Williams (HAW) 33
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 32
Nick Riewoldt (StK) 32
Mark Ricciuto (ADE) 30
David Neitz (MELB) 30
Source: afl.com.au, Melbourne Age, and author notes from match broadcasts
Article last changed on Friday, June 30, 2006 - 5:09 PM EDT
