by Lisa Albergo, reporting for AFANA from Chicago
2007 Schedule
With a new software program in place, the league now has the ability to plan a more equitable schedule based on the Round 22 standings and the finals, rather than basing it on team standings as of Round 15. Currently each team faces either three or four teams twice that were in the top eight at the end of Round 15 the previous season. But with the final eight often changing between Rounds 15-22, that has led to situations where some clubs were advantaged or disadvantaged in terms of their draw for the following season.
A case in point was Essendon this season, which only had to play one of last year's eventual finalists twice in 2006 because two of the three top eight teams it was scheduled for return meetings against - based on the ladder at round 15 last year - in Brisbane and Richmond were not in the top eight at round 22.
The software, which is also used by the NFL in the United States, enables the league enter a whole range of requests.
MILESTONES
10 Years Ago
The Brisbane Lions’ first ever clash with the Bombers took place at the MCG in Round 6, 1997, and Brisbane's inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly. The Lions led by 20 points midway through the 2nd term, but lost 15.12 (102) to 9.17 (71).
In-form midfielder Ben Robbins was the Lions’ best player, but he suffered an ankle injury late in the game that would sideline him for eight weeks. Chris Scott tore a hamstring after missing the previous 10 weeks with a broken collarbone, and Alastair Lynch strained his hamstring.
Tristan Lynch and Matthew Clarke were the Lions’ other best performers, while Joe Misiti collected 30 possessions for the Bombers, and Scott Lucas, Ryan O’Connor and Gary O’Donnell shared the Brownlow Medal votes.
KANGAROOS
Injury Update:
Source: Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
CROWD: 54,306 at MCG
CROWD: 43,250 at the MCG
CROWD: 40,380 at Subiaco Oval
The Eagles entered the match with serious questions surrounding their form and premiership ambitions after losing three of their past five matches. And there have been question marks over their sometimes underachieving attack. On the flip side, the Crows were surely brimming with confidence, having lost just 1 of their past 15 games - a shock 3 point loss to the Tigers - and having the meanest defense in the league which has conceded an average of just 10-11 goals over the course of the season.
CROWD: 23,183 at AAMI Stadium
CROWD: 32,761 at Telstra Dome
Essendon ensured just their second win for the year by slamming through the first 4 goals of the final term. Bradshaw stemmed the Bomber run with a goal, but Essendon came back again with a further 3 goals to snuff out any chance for Brisbane. Bradshaw kicked his 6th for the match and was followed by Rischitelli, but Lucas was not to be outdone and booted his 7th to finish off the game and end Essendon's longest losing streak in history as well as a 4 game losing streak against the Lions.
CROWD: 9561 at Manuka Oval
CHANGES: MELB - Dunn replaced in selected side by Brown
UMPIRES: James, Head, Ellis
CROWD: 17,518 at Telstra Dome
Also factored into the system are "penalty points" for negative aspects of a team's previous schedule, such as successive interstate trips, an uneven spread of home games, and 6 day breaks. The program can then base a team's schedule on this information to provide a more even schedule. Of course, modifications to whatever the program spits out can be made. The new scheduling process will also allow the AFL showcase some of its higher profile games at better stages of the season. One of these match-ups is the Grand Final rematch, which the league would like to schedule in Round 1 instead of Round 15 as was done this year.
The league is currently sorting through the "wish lists" of the 16 teams and will try to accommodate as many as possible while still maintaining its own commitments. One major change will be the introduction of a weekly twilight game on Sunday to be shared between Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Currently, only Perth had such games starting at 2:40 PM Perth time (4:40 PM AEST). Next year, Adelaide and Melbourne will both feature late afternoon games on Sundays.
The league is currently sorting through the "wish lists" of the 16 teams and will try to accommodate as many as possible while still maintaining its own commitments. One major change will be the introduction of a weekly twilight game on Sunday to be shared between Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth. Currently, only Perth had such games starting at 2:40 PM Perth time (4:40 PM AEST). Next year, Adelaide and Melbourne will both feature late afternoon games on Sundays.
Collingwood and Essendon will again have sole access to Anzac Day, which next year falls on Wednesday meaning both teams will have a short break leading into the game, while the Queen's Birthday will again feature Melbourne and Collingwood. The Easter Monday game, which has been rotated between teams over the years, has yet to be decided.
The biggest changes to the schedule next year are the Kangaroo shift to the Gold Coast and plans to remove Melbourne's Brisbane "home games" from the draw and put them at Manuka Oval in Canberra. Plans are afoot to also schedule several Bulldog games at Manuka.
Brisbane CEO Michael Bowers lashed out at the AFL over its plans to break the Melbourne agreement, which does not expire until 2009. Bowers, who revealed that the club was facing a loss this season, said the Lions could lose up to $400,000 next year if the league relocates Melbourne from Brisbane.
The AFL has made it clear that it no longer wants clubs striking deals with interstate clubs or venues that afford those clubs an extra home-ground advantage. Removing Melbourne from Brisbane next year and the Bulldogs from the SCG will, the league believes, result in a fairer draw.
Unlike Brisbane, the Bulldogs have no problem with the changes as club president David Smorgon said they were about to end their agreement to play home games in Sydney and would be happy to play in Canberra - a deal which could net the club over $1 million.
It is believed that Sydney could play as the "away" team in both the Canberra games, against Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs.
Source: Melbourne Age
GENERAL NEWS
AFL Radio Bid
The league has put a $1 million price tag on its radio broadcasts for the next 3 years and has restructured the games into several "packages" which could result in a bidding war between 3AW footy station SEN as well as limit the ABC's involvement. And the league is considering buying a stake in SEN, which has indicated they will bit against 3AW and Triple M for an interest in all the packages the AFL is offering.
The A-class package would include Friday night, the best Saturday games and the 2.10pm Sunday games while the B-class package, originally expected to have been taken up by the ABC and SEN, would also include Friday night, as well as the inferior Saturday games, the earlier Sunday game and the soon-to-be-introduced and unpopular twilight games.
Triple M has already put forward an impressive presentation to the AFL, although they and 3AW have balked at the league's asking price. Only one other commercial station in Melbourne will be included in what has been termed the "A-class package", which could force 3AW out of the running or be relegated to the less attractive interstate games involving Victorian teams. The AFL wants all of these games broadcast into Melbourne next year.
3AW and Triple M paid an estimated $180,000 to cover AFL games this season with those two and the ABC alternating coverage of the best games.
Source: Melbourne Age
Under 16s Results
QLD 14.13 (97) NT 7.10 (52)
TAS 13.7 (85) NSW/ACT 6.7 (43)
SA 14.13 (97) Vic Metro 18.10 (118)
WA 10.10 (70) Vic Country 8.7 (55)
QLD 14.10 (94) NT 11.26 (92)
NSW/ACT 3.3 (21) TAS 10.8 (68)
SA 18.18 (126) Vic Metro 9.8 (62)
Vic Country 12.7 (79) WA 7.16 (58)
Vic Metro won Division One. The Kevin Sheehan Medal for the Division One best and fairest was awarded to Hamish Harlett from Edwardstown, South Australia
The Northern Territory won Division Two, remaining undefeated throughout the championships. The Alan McLean Medal for the Division Two best and fairest was awarded to Marlon Motlop from Wanderers, Northern Territory
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL, Media Release
TRIBUNAL
Charges laid:
Simon Goodwin (ADE), tripping Kangaroo Daniel Wells: negligent (1), low impact (1), in play (0), and body contact (1), equaling 3 points, a Level 1 offense, and 75 demerits. He has a 1 game suspension in the past 3 years which does not affect his penalty. He entered an early plea to reduce the demerits by 25% to 56.25 demerits and a reprimand.
Simon Goodwin (ADE), tripping Kangaroo Daniel Wells: negligent (1), low impact (1), in play (0), and body contact (1), equaling 3 points, a Level 1 offense, and 75 demerits. He has a 1 game suspension in the past 3 years which does not affect his penalty. He entered an early plea to reduce the demerits by 25% to 56.25 demerits and a reprimand.
Daniel Motlop (PA), striking Saint Andrew McQualter: reckless (2), low impact (1), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 5 points, a Level 2 offense, 125 demerits, and a 1 game suspension.He entered an early plea, reducing the penalty 25% to 93.75 demerits and a reprimand.
Des Headland (FRE), striking Demon Simon Godfrey: intentional (3), low impact (1), behind play (1), and body contact (1), equaling 6, a Level 3 offense, and 225 demerits. He has a total of 2 matches suspended within the last 3 years, which increases his penalty 10% to 247.50 demerits. He also has 93.75 residual demerits from within the last 12 months for a total of 341.25 demerits and a 3 game suspension. An early plea would have reduced the penalty 25% to 255.94 demerits and a 2 game suspension.
Des Headland took his case to the Tribunal in an effort to have the behind play and intentional classifications reduced. While he was successful in arguing the intentional ruling down to reckless, the Dockers were unable to have the behind play classification reduced to in play. Headland never contested that he struck Demon Simon Godfrey, the Dockers tried to argue that the incident took place after the game had started with Headland saying he committed the offense in an attempt to get a break on Godfrey to beat him to the center square. Headland's player advocate, in trying to argue a rules point, challenged the umpire report, saying that field umpire Scott Jeffery did not correctly fill in the report sheet and the league's prosecutor failed to prove that the game hadn't started.
Jeffery's report said the incident occurred at the opening bounce, but in questioning, he admitted he didn't know whether the game had started and video evidence was inconclusive.
The Tribunal panel did downgrade the classification to reckless, dropping his demerits from 225 to 125, but that rose again to 231.25 demerits with his prior offenses factored in and the 2 game suspension stands.
Under AFL rules, in order for the 25% discount to apply, the Dockers would have had to have been successful in arguing down both classifications. Had they done so, the demerits would have been reduced to 173.44 and just a one match suspension.
Brad Green (MELB), misconduct in making contact with the head of Docker Ryan Crowley: intentional (3), low impact (1), behind play (1), and high contact (2) equaling 7 points, a Level 4 offense, 325 demerits, and a 3 game suspension. He has an existing five-year good record, reducing the penalty 25% to 243.75 demerits and he entered an early plea, reducing this a further 25% to 182.81 demerits and a 1 game suspension.
Adem Yze (MELB) was fined $1200 for a first offense of abusive language toward an umpire. He accepted, reducing the fine 25% to $900.
Josh Carr (FRE), striking Demon Nathan Carroll: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), behind play (1), and high contact (2), equaling 7 points, a Level 4 offense, 325 demerits and a 3 game suspension. He has a record of 1 game suspended in the past 3 years, which does not affect the penalty. An early plea would have reduced this 25% to 243.75 demerits and a 2 game suspension.
Josh Carr succeeded in having his charge reduced to reckless, but failed to have it downgraded from intentional to negligent, which denied him the 25% discount.
While Carr agreed he did make contact with the face of Carroll, he argued the strike was a "very soft push" rather than a blow with a closed fist. He also said he only entered the fray to pull his brother Matthew away from the melee. And the Dockers used medical evidence to suggest that Carr's permanently bent finger, match day strapping, and a splint would have prevented him from making a fist. However, reporting umpire Michael Vozzo refuted this claim, saying he had a clear view of the incident and said that Carr did use a clenched fist in making contact with Carroll. Carr also had his demerits reduced to 225, which still leaves him with a 2 game suspension.
The following players from Melbourne and Fremantle were all fined for engaging in a melee and fined. All accepted the ruling, reducing their fines by 25%. The reduced and accepted fines are in parentheses:
Matthew Carr (FRE), $3200 ($2400) for a 2nd offense
Des Headland FRE), $3200 ($2400) for a 2nd offense
Ryan Murphy (FRE), $2000 ($1500) for a first offense
Matthew Whelan (MELB), $2000 ($1500) for a first offense
Paul Wheatley (MELB), $2000 ($1500) for a first offense
Daniel Ward (MELB), $2000 ($1500) for a first offense
The melee charge against Nathan Carroll was thrown out.
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release; Melbourne Age & alf.com
Draft Dates
Trade Period: October 9 - October 13 (2 PM)
List Lodgment One: October 31, 2 PM: Maximum of 35 players,
Rookie Promotions, Father/Son selections, Retained (second-year) Rookies
Draft Nominations Close 2 PM November 15
List Lodgment Two: November 17, 2 PM
Delisted Players Nominations Close: November 22, 2 PM
2006 Draft: November 25
Uncontracted Listed Players Nominations Close: November 28, 2 PM
List Lodgment 3 & TPP Estimates; International
Rookie Nominations: December 1, 2 PM
Delisted Player Nominations Close: December 8, 2 PM
AFL Pre-Season Draft (Microsoft Live Meeting Technology): December 12
Nomination of Eligible Rookie Players (Brisbane Lions and Sydney): December 12
AFL Rookie Draft (Microsoft Live Meeting Technology): December 12
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
MILESTONES
350 games umpired: Darren Goldspink umpired his 350th senior game this week since his debut in 1989, making him only the fifth umpire in the history of the game to reach this mark behind Rowan Sawers (410 games, 1977-97), Hayden Kennedy (382 games, 1988-current), Bryan Sheehan (363 games, 1986-2003) and Ian Robinson (353 games, 1971-87). A media conference opportunity for Darren will be confirmed later this week, for all interested media.
250 club games:Nathan Buckley (COL) became the 10th player in the history of the club to reach 250 games, joining Tony Shaw (313 games, 1978-94), Gordon Coventry (306 games, 1920-37), Wayne Richardson (277 games, 1966-78), Len Thompson (268 games, 1965-78), Jock McHale (261 games, 1903-18 and 1920), Gavin Brown (254 games, 1987-2000), Harry Collier (253 games, 1926-40), Lou Richards (250 games, 1941-55) and Peter Daicos (250 games, 1979-93)
250 games: Adem Yze (MELB) became the sixth player in the history of the club to reach 250 games, joining David Neitz (279 games, 1993 - current), Robert Flower (272 games, 1973-87), Jim Stynes (264 games, 1987-98), Steven Febey (258 games, 1988-2001) and Brian Dixon (252 games, 1954-68)
200 games: Joel Smith (HAW) & Brett Montgomery (WB)
150 games umpired: Mathew James
100 games as captain: Peter Bell (FRE) became the first 100 game Docker captain
100 games: Adam McPhee (ESS), Matthew Bode (ADE), Daniel Giansiracusa (WB)
100 games umpire: Matthew Head
50 games umpired: Matthew Nicholls
50 games: Henry Playfair & Charlie Gardiner (GEEL), Mark McGough (STK), Scott Stevens (ADE), Andrew Walker (CARL); Roger Hayden (FRE), Jarrad McVeigh (SYD)
50 club games: David Teague (CARL)
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
BRISBANE
Jason Akermanis met with the senior playing group and the match committee last week in an effort to mend his broken relationship with the team, but was basically voted off the team. The vote was 12-0 against him coming back to the team this year, and his career as a Lion could effectively be over.
Jonathan Brown, who was at the meeting as a member of the leadership group, said Akermanis' failure to commit to the team after this year was one of the reasons behind the decision. Brown said the form of the Lions' young players in recent weeks heralded an exciting future for the club, and expressed sadness that Akermanis would not be a part of it. He praised Akers, saying he was one of the greatest player in the club's history whose legacy would not be forgotten. Brown expressed hope that player and club could be reunited in the future, but for now, everything had to be about what was best the club.
Injury Update:
Jonathan Brown (hip/back) began running last week, while Jed Adcock resumed in the reserves.
Jonathan Brown (hip/back) began running last week, while Jed Adcock resumed in the reserves.
Mitch Clark, OP, indefinite
Chris Johnson, OP, 2-4 weeks
Chris Johnson, OP, 2-4 weeks
Ashley McGrath, hamstring tear, 3-4 weeks
Richard Hadley, Pat Garner, Joel Macdonald, Anthony Corrie, knee, season
Jonathan Brown, hip/back, 2 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, on long term injury list, indefinite
Richard Hadley, Pat Garner, Joel Macdonald, Anthony Corrie, knee, season
Jonathan Brown, hip/back, 2 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, on long term injury list, indefinite
Beau McDonald, hamstring tear, 2-3 weeks
Nigel Lappin, ankle, on long term injury list, 3-4 weeks
Colm Begley, thigh strain, 1-2 weeks
Lenny Clark, corked thigh, 2-3 weeks
Nigel Lappin, ankle, on long term injury list, 3-4 weeks
Colm Begley, thigh strain, 1-2 weeks
Lenny Clark, corked thigh, 2-3 weeks
10 Years Ago
The Brisbane Lions’ first ever clash with the Bombers took place at the MCG in Round 6, 1997, and Brisbane's inaccuracy in front of goal proved costly. The Lions led by 20 points midway through the 2nd term, but lost 15.12 (102) to 9.17 (71).
In-form midfielder Ben Robbins was the Lions’ best player, but he suffered an ankle injury late in the game that would sideline him for eight weeks. Chris Scott tore a hamstring after missing the previous 10 weeks with a broken collarbone, and Alastair Lynch strained his hamstring.
Tristan Lynch and Matthew Clarke were the Lions’ other best performers, while Joe Misiti collected 30 possessions for the Bombers, and Scott Lucas, Ryan O’Connor and Gary O’Donnell shared the Brownlow Medal votes.
Source: Melbourne Age & Julie Rackstraw, Club Media Release
ESSENDON
Injury Update:
Injury Update:
Dean Rioli, knee, 1 week
Tim O’Keefe, shoulder, 3 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fractured fibula, 3 weeks
Jason Laycock, knee, 4 weeks
Heath Hocking, foot, season
Lachlan McKinnon & Aaron Henneman, shoulder reconstruction, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Tim O’Keefe, shoulder, 3 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fractured fibula, 3 weeks
Jason Laycock, knee, 4 weeks
Heath Hocking, foot, season
Lachlan McKinnon & Aaron Henneman, shoulder reconstruction, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Adam Ramanauskas, cancer, indefinite
James Hird (hamstring) and Dustin Fletcher (ribs) returned to the side this week.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com & Emma Robinson, Club Media Release
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Injury Update:
Injury Update:
Luke Darcy, Robert Murphy, Tim Walsh, Adam Morgan, Mitch Hahn, knee, season
Tom Williams, foot, season
Shaun Higgins, elbow, 2-4 weeks
Brent Montgomery, calf, 2-4 weeks
Daniel Giansiracusa, hamstring, 2 weeks
Tom Williams, foot, season
Shaun Higgins, elbow, 2-4 weeks
Brent Montgomery, calf, 2-4 weeks
Daniel Giansiracusa, hamstring, 2 weeks
Source: Shaun Anderson, Club Media Release
RICHMOND
Injury List:
Trent Knobel, ankle, 1-2 weeks
Trent Knobel, ankle, 1-2 weeks
Will Thursfield & Mark Coughlan, knee, season
Chris Newman, broken leg, season
Brent Hartigan, foot, 5 weeks
Kelvin Moore, groin, 1 week
Source: Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
CARLTON
There is saying in football that defenders make the best coaches - just look at Kevin Sheedy, John Worsfold, Mick Malthouse, and Paul Roos. They were all great defenders in their day. Next season, if former Carlton great Steven Silvagni can find a spot, those 3 could find themselves planning tactics against the Fullback Of The 20th Century. Currently serving as a part time coach with the Western Bulldogs and working in the media with Channel Ten, Silvagni has said he is now interested in a coaching role next year should something open up.
Silvagni has been working 10-12 hours a week with the Bulldogs this season, specializing in marking contests under defensive coach Leon Cameron and concentrating on Brian Harris and Ryan Hargrave. Silvagni also sits with Coach Rodney Eade, Cameron, Chris Bond, Sean Wellman and Matthew Drain in the coach's box on match days.
Silvagni has been working 10-12 hours a week with the Bulldogs this season, specializing in marking contests under defensive coach Leon Cameron and concentrating on Brian Harris and Ryan Hargrave. Silvagni also sits with Coach Rodney Eade, Cameron, Chris Bond, Sean Wellman and Matthew Drain in the coach's box on match days.
However, with the club's tight budget, it is almost certain that Silvagni's position at the club will come to an end this year, with the club earmarking its share of the broadcast revenue to help decrease its debt.
Silvagni worked in 2005 to improve the defensive skills of young Sydney defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson. It was all done on a voluntary basis and won the praise of Sydney Coach Paul Roos after the grand final victory. Last year, Silvagni knocked back an assistant coaching offer from Collingwood, preferring to work part time with the Bulldogs and remain at Channel Ten. The network, which signed Silvagni upon his retirement from Carlton, has indicated it would like to keep him in a part time TV role.
Another retired Carlton champion, Age commentator Robert Walls, endorsed Silvagni in April as the next coach of Carlton, where Silvagni's father, Sergio, was also a club champion and premiership player.
Although Silvagni hesitated at the coaching path because of the strain it puts on family life, the success of his onfield and off field contemporaries in John Worsfold and Roos at handling the pressure helped sway him. And he is sure wife Jo will give her blessing as she knows how much footy means to the 39 year old Silvagni, who will again be an assistant coach with the Australian international rules team when it travels to Ireland this year.
The club has placed Jason Saddington on the long-term injury list with no replacement named at this stage.
Back in the side this week was Simon Wiggins, a late withdrawal last week due to hamstring tightness.
Injury Update:
Ian Prendergast, knee, ongoing assessment
Aisake O'hAilpin, groin, 1-2 weeks
Troy Longmuir, knee, 3-4 weeks
Justin Davies, back, indefinite
Marc Murphy, shoulder, season
Jason Saddington, knee, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Stephen Wilson, Club Media Release
KANGAROOS
The Transport Accident Commission announced last week that it will sponsor the Kangaroos' annual Grand Final breakfast and use the bit time event to help promote its message against drunk driving. Some of the funds used on the event have come from the fine imposed upon Collingwood and Magpie Chad Morrison for his driving indiscretion earlier in the year. The breakfast, which over the years has become one of the main events of Grand Final Week, will be renamed the "TAC Grand Final breakfast — drink drive bloody idiot".
The breakfast is expected to attract over 2000 people, including PM John Howard, and TAC will provide breathalysers to reinforce its message. TAC will also be launching a new campaign to coincide with the AFL's finals series.
Placed Tim Hutchison on the long-term injury list and upgraded Ed Lower as his replacement.
Injury Update:
Glenn Archer, shoulder, 2-3 weeks
Tim Hutchinson, groin, season
Glenn Archer, shoulder, 2-3 weeks
Tim Hutchinson, groin, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
PORT ADELAIDE
Warren Tredrea will miss the rest of the season due to a nagging knee injury. It stems from the dislocation he suffered during a preseason game and admitted that he has struggled all year as well as being in a bit of denial, thinking it would eventually get better.
Warren Tredrea will miss the rest of the season due to a nagging knee injury. It stems from the dislocation he suffered during a preseason game and admitted that he has struggled all year as well as being in a bit of denial, thinking it would eventually get better.
Tredrea missed the Rounds 1-3 after dislocating the knee and damaging the medial ligament in a practice game. He re-injured the knee in Round 12, missed Round 13, played the next 2 games, but was a late withdrawal last week.
While the ligament is fine, the dislocation caused a bone to chip, and the ragged edge has been rubbing, causing pain n the knee. After consulting doctors and the club medical staff, Tredrea decided to look after the problem now and have himself right for preseason training for 2007. If surgery is required, it would be a minor arthroscope to clean up the knee.
Tredrea said his vice captains - Kane Cornes, Michael Wilson, and Brendon Lade - have done a great job already in deputizing for him. He said the trio have been rotating their duties with one speaking to the group prior to games, one tosses the coin, and another fronts the media.
Tredrea will do as much as he can off the field to help the younger players during his recuperation.
Daniel Motlop will also miss the rest of the season after having a shoulder reconstruction. He has been playing all year with the injury and has struggled. Having the surgery now will allow him to be fully recovered in time for the 2007 season, although he will be on a modified training program until Christmas.
This item isn't quite related to Port Adelaide, but it does concern a South Australian team. Factory explosion survivor Cameron Edson, just 3 months after the explosion, made his footy comeback last weekend with his local footy team - Southern Flinders. And it was a pretty impressive return as Edson kicked 5 goals to help his team to victory.
And the Southern Flinders team played a curtain-raiser at AAMI Stadium this week ahead
of Port's match against the Swans.
Edson was told his season was over due to severe burns and shrapnel wounds to his back and face, as well as being pinned under a tractor. The factory blast killed Flinders' captain and two other of Edson's teammates. Edson defied medical advice that he needed to rest and went for a kick and run with his mates 3 weeks ago, but did admit he'd lost a bit of fitness and some distance on his kicks, but was happy to out running around a paddock.
Both the Adelaide Crows and Port have helped raise funds for the victims and their families and the curtain-raiser this weekend also raised money.
Edson's team is just out of the league's top 4 on percentage and are a good chance to make the finals this year.
Injury Update:
Dean Brogan, ankle, 2 weeks
Peter Burgoyne, hamstring, long term injury list, season
Fabian Deluca, broken hand, 2-3 weeks
Josh Francou, knee, ongoing assessment
Warren Tredrea, knee, season
Peter Burgoyne, hamstring, long term injury list, season
Fabian Deluca, broken hand, 2-3 weeks
Josh Francou, knee, ongoing assessment
Warren Tredrea, knee, season
Regained Dominic Cassisi this week.
Source: afl.com.au; Adelaide Advertiser & Dan Bryant, Club Media Release
GEELONG
Peter Riccardi, after serving as an emergency last week, finally was back in the side this week after missing much of the season with a calf injury.
Source: afl.com
WEST COAST
Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Mark Nicoski, ankle, 4 weeks
Adam Hunter, knee, 3-4 weeks
Dean Cox, fractured collarbone, 3 weeks
Matthew Spangher, groin, 2 weeks
Chad Fletcher, hamstring, 1 week
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Mark Nicoski, ankle, 4 weeks
Adam Hunter, knee, 3-4 weeks
Dean Cox, fractured collarbone, 3 weeks
Matthew Spangher, groin, 2 weeks
Chad Fletcher, hamstring, 1 week
Matt Rosa, corked thigh, 1 week
Ben Cousins returned from injury this week and Ashley Sampi played his first game since Round 7 after a stint in the WAFL to regain confidence and form.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Gary Stocks, Club Media Release
HAWTHORN
Regained Peter Everitt (foot), Shane Crawford (shin), and Joel Smith (hamstring) this week, but Richard Vandenberg (virus) missed again this week, as did Chance Bateman (elbow).
Injury Update:
Tim Clarke, foot, 1-2 weeks
Source: Melbourne Age, afl;,com, & Kristi High, Club Media Release
ST KILDA
The club has put Justin Koschitzke's return on hold,. pending full clearance from medical staff and neurological specialists. While he has played in the VFL recently, that has also been nixed with the club releasing a statement which said that, while he is getting better, further improvement is required before he can be declared fully fit. He is eligible to play VFL football after serving a one game suspension for colliding with an umpire, a collision which left Kosi with a mild concussion and a broken nose.
Andrew Thompson (shoulder) returned to the side this week.
Injury Update:
Raphael Clarke, quad, 2 weeks
Xavier Clarke, hip, 1-2 weeks
Aaron Hamill, knee, 2-3 weeks
Lenny Hayes, knee reconstruction, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
Injury Update:
Paul Johnson, shoulder, season
Andre Gianfagna, shoulder, indefinite
Paul Johnson, shoulder, season
Andre Gianfagna, shoulder, indefinite
Source: Leigh Newton, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
Andrew Ericksen has been taken off the long term injury list.
Andrew Ericksen has been taken off the long term injury list.
Injury Update:
Ben Mathews, calf, 1-2 weeks
Jarred Moore, thumb, 6 weeks
Jarred Moore, thumb, 6 weeks
Source: Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
ADELAIDE
Regained Trent Hentschel, who missed last week with a cork thigh. Jason Porplyzia and Nathan van Berlo came in as replacements for the injured Andrew McLeod and Jason Torney. This was van Berlo's first senior game since he broke a collarbone in Round 11.
Injury Update:
Bernie Vince, knee, 2 weeks
Chris Knights, quad, 2 weeks
Andrew McLeod, foot, 3-4 weeks
Source: David Brakenshaw, Club Media Release
COLLINGWOOD
Shane Wakelin missed this week with a hamstring injury.
Source: afl.com
GENERAL SILLINESS
Umpire Darren Goldspink held a press conference last week in the lead up to his 350th game and admitted that he had made a few mistakes in his 17 year career, but said - with tongue planted firmly in cheek, that the last one he made was in 1998.
And like every young boy, he had a dream of playing league football. As a kid, he would kick the ball around and imagine he was Kangaroo champion Malcolm Blight.
Source: afl.com
On to the scores:
COL 5.4 11.9 13.14 16.17 (113)
HAW 0.1 3.1 6.2 11.2 (68)
GOALS: COL - Rocca 4, Didak 3, Buckley 2, T. Cloke 2,
H. Shaw 2, Lockyer, O'Bree, Tarrant; HAW - Barker 2,
Crawford 2, Franklin 2, Birchall, Brown, Lewis, Mitchell,
Roughead
BEST: COL - T. Cloke, J. Cloke, Didak, Buckley, H.Shaw,
Clement, Johnson, Fraser, Rocca; Prestigiacomo; HAW - Brown,
Mitchell, Hodge, Crawford, Smith
INJURY: COL - Clement (corked buttocks), Davis (broken ankle);
HAW - Croad (concussion)
CHANGES: COL - Thomas (shoulder) replaced in selected side by
Davis: HAW - Williams replaced in selected side by Barker
UMPIRES: McBurney, Grun, Jeffrey
CROWD: 54,306 at MCG
The Hawks have shown a bit of form and purpose in the past few weeks, but in this game they reverted into old habits and displayed in the first term now not to play football, with some embarrassingly poor disposal. While the Hawks inflicted some of the damage, they are not completely to blame as Collingwood played a pressure game which forced Hawthorn players into hasty decisions. One of the first resulted in Collingwood's first goal when Travis Cloke picked off a Lewis kick intended for Everitt. Heath Shaw and Anthony Rocca followed with goals of their own to give the Pies a 3 goal lead midway through the term. While the Hawks momentarily stopped the avalanche, Buckley and Lockyer kicked late goals while the Hawks managed only one behind for the term, leaving the Pies with a 33 point lead at 1/4 time, a lead which could have been even greater but for some wayward kicking for goal.
Collingwood then again wasted several chances to bury the Hawks when Buckley, Tarrant, and Johnson all missed shots on goal early in the 2nd term. The Hawks finally put through a meaningful score when Barker got their first goal via a free kick. Buckley hit the post to make it 4 straight points to Collingwood before a dubious free to the Pies allowed Travis Cloke to mark and goal. The Hawks then got their act together briefly with Crawford leading Heath Shaw on a merry dance to boot consecutive goals to reduce the margin to 25 points. Then the Pies kicked into gear, with a little help from the umpires and more Hawk errors to slam home 5 goals. Frees to Burns and Lockyer ended up with Didak crumbing a goal after a defensive error from Hawthorn. At the next bounce, Fraser won the tap out with Heath Shaw snaffling the ball and unleashing a Rocca-like bomb from 60 meters. A few minutes later, Fraser, who was giving the rusty Everitt a torrid time, earned a free and he found Tarrant in the square. Rocca then outbodied and outmuscled the inexperienced and hapless Zac Dawson, whom Rocca torched in Round 2. Rocca bobbed up again a minute later for another goal and the Pies led by 56 points at 1/2 time.
Hawk Coach Alistair Clarkson rang in a few changes to start the second half. Dawson was moved off of Rocca and went to cover Travis Cloke with Campbell getting the job on Rocca. And Roughead was shifted from the back line into the Hawk attack, which was sorely missing Williams. But the moves seemed to work as Birchall goaled from the opening bounce, but after Tarrant missed and a rushed behind from the Hawks, Buckley goaled to keep Hawthorn at bay. A few more misses by Collingwood, including a shot by Didak which hit the behind post to be out on the full, kept Hawthorn in the hunt. From the Hawk kick in, Birchall's kick went straight to Didak for another Magpie goal. Tarrant and Franklin traded points before Barker bobbed up for a Hawk goal. Brown then goaled from a free to give the Hawks a winning score for the term, but the Pies still held a 54 point lead at 3/4 time.
The out of form Everitt was on the bench at the start of the final term with Taylor taking over in the ruck and Croad, who had suffered a nasty knock in the second term was in the rooms recovering and waiting for an ambulance to take him to the hospital for scans and observation. The Hawks seemed to find some run and banged on two quick goals through Mitchell and Lewis. The next run of play went Collingwood's way with Davis crumbing an attempted mark from Rocca and getting the ball to Didak for a goal. Rocca was in the thick of it a few minutes later with a mark. But he was deep in a forward pocket and managed just a point from a very tight angle. In the passage of play, Davis injured his ankle in a tackle and hobbled off the ground. O'Bree booted a goal sandwiched between 2 from Roughead and Franklin. Franklin and Rocca finished off the term, and while the Hawks won the term - as well as the second half - they were never going to close the gap they allowed Collingwood in the first half.
For the Pies, it was the multi pronged attack of Travis Cloke (22/12), Didak (25/12), and Rocca (15/7) which wreaked havoc on the Hawk defense. For the second week in a row, Tarrant (10 kicks, 7 marks) was productive rotating between a wing and attack. Fraser (23 hitouts, 18/5) was just too good for Everitt and the less experienced Taylor as he fed the ball out to Buckley (19/7) and O'Bree (22/4). Jason Cloke ((18/10), Heath Shaw (21/5), Clement (23/10), Johnson (22/7), and Prestigiacomo (11/7) repelled Hawthorn attacks and ran the Pies into attack.
For Hawthorn, Mitchell (26/7) and Hodge (26) can hold their heads high for their tireless efforts in the center, while Crawford (31/7) and Brown (19/6) ran the ball well out of the half back lines and through the center and Smith (20/6) battled valiantly at center half back.
STK 5.5 14.6 23.6 27.12 (174)
RICH 2.2 6.7 8.9 10.11 (71)
GOALS: STK - Gehrig 10, Gram 4, Montagna 3, Goddard 2,
Riewoldt 2, Dal Santo, Ackland, Milne, Voss, Fiora, Harvey;
RICH - Richardson 4, Schulz 2, Tivendale 2, Johnson, Tambling
BEST: STK - Gehrig, Gram, Montagna, Ball, Powell, Goddard, S.
Fisher, Harvey, Voss, Riewoldt; RICH - Raines, Johnson, Chaffey,
Richardson, Deledio, Polo, Simmonds
INJURY: STK - Hudghton (knee strain); RICH - Brown (hamstring)
Nathan Brown could sit out the rest of the season with this latest
setback. He will miss 3-4 weeks as it is, and is considering resting
his leg for the year and concentrate on next year.
CHANGES: RICH - Gaspar (knee) replaced in selected side by Hall,
Kellaway (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Stafford, Krakouer
finger) replaced in selected side by Chaffey
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Rosebury, Allen
CROWD: 43,250 at the MCG
While the Saints controlled much of the play for most of the first term, the Tigers managed to keep up with them early on. Gram opened the goal scoring for the Saints and after several misses from both Schulz got the Tigers' first a few minutes later. Gram replied a few minutes later and from there it was all St. Kilda. Simmonds was shifted forward and Stafford came off the bench to take over in the ruck, but it didn't matter as Riewoldt goaled, then Gehrig began his rampage against the undermanned Tiger defense with 2 quick goals to give the Saints a 21 point lead at 1/4 time.
Richardson got the Tigers going at the start of the 2nd term, but the Saints stepped on the gas to break the game open with the next 3 goals. Tivendale and Tambling kept the Tigers in touch with goals on either side of a Gram goal, but the Saints again took over to kick 5 of the next 6 goals for a 47 point lead at 1/2 time.
To that point, Gehrig had 7 straight without a miss. The Tigers found themselves even more undermanned when Brown came off with a hamstring injury in the 2nd term and did not return.
The 3rd term was more of the same as the Saints continued the demolition with another 9 goal haul to the Richmond's 2 for a massive 87 point lead at 3/4 time.
They relaxed a bit in the final term, but still booted 4 goals to 2 with Gehrig finally missing shot after booting his 10th goal early in the term.
For the Saints, Ball (28/6), Harvey (23/5), Voss (19/11), and Goddard (22/8) ensured plenty of supply into attack where Gehrig (15 kicks, 12 marks) showed no mercy against Hall, Riewoldt (15/11) was too strong for Joel Bowden, Montagna (34/6) was creative, and Powell (24) also proved handy. Gram ((29/9) and Sam Fisher (25/8) provided drive from defense.
For Richmond, Raines (22) tried in defense but lacked support, while Johnson (15/4), Chaffey (16/4), and Deledio (24/7) did all they could in the midfield. Polo (18/6) and Richardson (11 kicks, 9 marks) were restricted in attack while Simmonds (18 hitouts, 15/4) and Stafford (13 hitouts) contributed well in a lost cause.
WCE 6.3 10.4 19.6 26.9 (165)
ADE 1.0 4.6 8.6 12.11 (83)
GOALS: WCE - Lynch 4, Judd, Armstrong, Hansen 3, Sampi,
Kerr, Cousins, Staker 2, Butler, Braun, Seaby, Morton,
Stenglein; ADE - Burton 3, Ricciuto 2, Goodwin, Edwards,
Thompson, Hentschel, McGregor, Mattner, Reilly
BEST: WCE - Kerr, Cousins, Braun, Glass, Chick, Butler,
Hansen, Lynch; ADE - Thompson, Edwards, Burton, Stevens
CHANGES: WCE - A. Embley (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Morton
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Chamberlain, Wenn
CROWD: 40,380 at Subiaco Oval
The Eagles entered the match with serious questions surrounding their form and premiership ambitions after losing three of their past five matches. And there have been question marks over their sometimes underachieving attack. On the flip side, the Crows were surely brimming with confidence, having lost just 1 of their past 15 games - a shock 3 point loss to the Tigers - and having the meanest defense in the league which has conceded an average of just 10-11 goals over the course of the season.
But West Coast, still with premiership ambitions, turned the tables to dominate from the opening bounce with Seaby relishing his new role as #1 ruckman in the absence of Cox and Gardiner to dominate the center breaks. That dominance translated into constant run into attack for the Eagles who put plenty of pressure on the Crow defense. At the other end, Lynch and Hansen were constant targets for the midfield supply which came their way.
Cousins started the onslaught with a successful snap after a great tap from Seaby, Braun got the next, and when Judd threaded one through from 42 meters out and hugging the boundary line, the Eagles had kicked 3 goals in six minutes. Adelaide tried to stop the Eagle run by dropping numbers into defense, but it didn't stop the Eagles as Seaby and Sampi chimed in. Ricciuto finally broke the Eagles' run of goals to put Adelaide on the board, but Staker answered a few minutes later with a strong grab to put the Eagles 33 points clear at 1/4 time. Other than Ricciuto's goal, the only Crow highlight was another stratospheric launch from Brett "Birdman" Burton, as he climbed high over Selwood to snare the ball and crash to the turf.
Lynch continued the Eagle domination with a goal from the first bounce of the 2nd term.but the Crows were not going down without a fight just yet as they settled and began to apply their well-documented pressure which forced Chick to drop a mark from a kick-in. Edwards swooped on the loose ball and goaled. The Eagles responded with 3 of the next 4, including a freakish snap from Armstrong who managed to get to boot to ball as he was being tackled. It blew the lead out to 41 points, before the Thompson pounced on a wayward kick from Brett Jones in defense and banged home a goal to cut the Eagle lead to 34 points at 1/2 time.
The stats reflected the difference between the two sides at half-time. West Coast dominated possession with 201 disposals compared to Adelaide's 143, and also went inside 50 eight more times (24-16).
The result was put beyond doubt in a lopsided 3rd term which saw the Eagles pile on 9 goals to 4 to lead by 11 goals at 3/4 time. Kerr, who put on an absolute show throughout the game, was particularly prominent with 12 touches, 2 goals, and setting up most of the others.
The final term was party-time for the Eagles as they added 7 more goals to Adelaide's 4 to run out with one of their more convincing wins for the year.
It was Adelaide's biggest loss since Round 17, 2004, when a rampant Brisbane demolished the Crows with a 141-point win.
For the Eagles, Kerr (34), Cousins (38/7), Butler (29/9), Braun (41), and Judd (21) ran amok through the midfield as they feasted on Seaby's 25 hitouts. Glass (16/9) limited Ricciuto while Chick (12) contributed well with Graham and Wirrpanda giving strong support. Up forward, Lynch (18) and Hansen (15/7) proved match winners with 7 goals between them and Sampi (13) was lively at their feet.
The Crows uncharacteristically had few winners across the ground with Edwards (23) and Thompson (30/5) in the middle, Burton (15/8) in a forward pocket, and Stevens (16/7 in a besieged defense the only ones who gave a yelp.
SYD 5.3 7.11 9.14 10.17 (77)
PA 3.0 4.3 5.7 7.8 (50)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 3, O'Keefe 2, Jolly 2, McVeigh, Buchanan,
Schneider; PA - Thurstans 2, White 2, Dew, Thompson, Mahoney
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Kirk, Buchanan, O'Keefe, Bevan, Jolly,
Kennelly, Hall, Barry; PA - Pearce, K. Cornes, Ebert, Symes,
C. Cornes, Mahoney
CHANGES: SYD - Fosdike (calf) replaced in the selected side
by Schmidt
INJURY: PA - Salopek (strained AC joint)
UMPIRES: Quigley, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 23,183 at AAMI Stadium
There were two main differences between the Swans and Port in this game. First, the Swans had 16 of their 22 premiership players while Port had just 10 who took part in their historic first flag in 2004 with 11 other players having less than 50 games to their names. The inexperience was telling. It also came down to which side made the fewest mistakes with even the more experienced Sydneysiders guilty of wayward play at times, none more so than Michael O'Loughlin who had another serious case of goal yips, managing 0.4 for the game.
Sydney dominated the play in the first term, kicking 3 of the first 4 goals to establish an early break. The Swans capitalized on some sloppy play from Port as they picked the ball off and ran it well. Forwards Hall, O'Loughlin, and O'Keefe had the Port defense under constant pressure, but inaccuracy let them down, with Hall one of the prime offenders with a 2.3 for the term, leaving the Swans just 15 points up at 1/4 time. That lead came with a Buchanan goal after the siren.
It took nearly 4 minutes for the first goal of the 2nd term to be registered, going Port's way. Sydney always threatened to break the game open but wasted numerous chances in front of goal as they booted 2.8 for the term. Their only two goals came late in the term when O'Keefe snapped two in a row in the dying minutes to give the Swans a 26 point lead at 1/2 time, just before the rain started pelting down.
Slippery conditions and Port kicking into the wind made goals a premium in the 3rd term, not to mention skills. Sydney was manning up better and using their choking tactic to force turnovers. Dew was moved into Port's attack, which was sorely missing the presence of the injured Tredrea. But nothing seemed to work well for either side as the game turned into a scrap. Both sides again missed chances in front of goal and it wasn't until half way through the term that Hall marked on a lead to kick a goal for the Swans. A minute later, O'Loughlin charged onto a loose ball and kicked, only for it to roll 30 meters into the post. Chaplin replaced Wakelin on the menacing Hall as Thomas kicked a point. The Swans cleared the ball out of defense and found Jolly who marked and kicked his second goal for the year (his first came in the opening term). Burgoyne earned a free in the middle, but turned it over. Bevan gave it right back and Thurstans' goal cut the Swan lead to 31 points at 3/4 time.
Mahoney gave Port some hope when he goaled to start the final term, but the game continued to be an error-riddled scrap. The Swans again could not press home their advantage with both O'Keefe and Dempster hitting the post, then O'Keefe's kick from 50 fell short and was marked by Chad Cornes. After Kennelly conceded a point, it wasn't until late in the term that goals were registered with Schneider putting the virtual sealer through at the 19 minute mark and White giving one last gasp for Port just before the siren.
It was only the third time in its 10 years in the AFL that Port has lost 5 successive games. Its only previous 5 game losing streaks were from late 1999 to early 2000 and from Rounds 5-9, 2000. This was also the 4th successive game in which Port has failed to kick 10 goals.
They managed 6.18 against Richmond, 8.10 against Geelong, and 8.12 against St Kilda.
For the Swans, Barry (18/9) was effective against Thurstans, while Kennelly (22/7) and Bevan (23/4) provided their usual dash out of defense. Kirk (27/8), Goodes (24/8), and Buchanan (28/13) defied the conditions to find plenty of the ball in the center where Jolly had 24 hitouts. Up forward Hall (17/9), O'Keefe (24/7), and O'Loughlin (17/8) always threatened. O'Loughlin needs just one more goal to bring up #400 for his career. Jude Bolton tagged the dangerous Shaun Burgoyne out of the game and Fosdike's replacement in debutant Tim Schmidt showed enthusiasm and a willingness to throw himself into the contests which was impressive.
For Port, Chad Cornes (17/7) and Kane Cornes (25/4) proved influential in the midfield while Pearce (22) did well across half forward and pushing up the ground. Ebert (18/8) and Mahoney (15) worked hard in attack while Symes (17/5) did the same in defense.
The Swans' finals' hopes were in danger of slipping away a few weeks ago, so this win was an important one for them with games yet to come against Essendon (SCG), Melbourne (MCG), Geelong (Skilled Stadium), Brisbane (Telstra Stadium), and Carlton (SCG).
ESS 5.4 10.6 17.7 25.10 (160)
BRIS 6.3 10.8 15.11 18.15 (123)
GOALS: Lucas 7, Bradley 4, Hird 4, Hille 3, McVeigh
2, Dyson 2, McPhee, Johnson, Stanton; BRIS - Bradshaw 6,
Hooper 4, Drummond 2, Fixter, Moody, Black, Stiller, Sherman,
Rischitelli
BEST: ESS - Hird, Lucas, Bradley, J Johnson, Hille,
Fletcher, Camporeale; BRIS - Black, Hooper, Bradshaw,
Charman, Voss, Roe, Power
INJURY: ESS - McPhee (shoulder); BRIS - Charman (dislocated
shoulder), Michael (calf)
Charman could miss the rest of the season with the injury, which may
require surgery
CHANGES: ESS - Slattery (quad) replaced in selected side by Reynolds;
BRIS - Selwood (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Adcock
UMPIRES: Margetts, McLaren, Avon
CROWD: 32,761 at Telstra Dome
It was a ripper game which belied the positions of these two teams in the standings. The Lions got the early jump when Drummond soccered through a goal from the first bounce and was quickly followed Bradshaw. Hird, back to his awesome best, took a Hille pass for Essendon's first a few minutes later and triumphantly punched his fist in the air. Bradshaw, who was giving Fletcher the runaround, replied quickly as the lead continued to seesaw and the term featured plenty of highlights. Bradley and Fixter traded goals before Hille tapped the ball to Dyson who found McPhee for a great running goal. Bradley snared the next for the Bombers. Moody and Black answered for the Lions to give them a 5 point lead at 1/4 time.
The 2nd term picked up where the first ended, with both sides running the lines well and playing a superb attacking brand of football which saw the lead again flip back and forth. Hooper and Lucas were doing much of the early damage, each booting 2 goals in the first half of the term. Essendon came out of the term the better side, kicking 3 of the next 5 goals to lead by 2 points at 1/2 time. Hooper and Lucas both finished the term with 3 goals each.
McPhee (shoulder) started the 3rd term on the bench while Lovett was back on the ground after a brief stint on the bench nursing a knock to the ribs.
The 3rd term was a tough arm-wrestle with the lead changing 7 times in an old-fashioned, high-scoring shootout. It took until late in the term for the Bombers to seize more than a token lead when they kicked 3 successive goals for the first time by either side in the match, with McVeigh's second giving the Bombers a 14 point lead. Bradshaw goaled to cut the Bomber lead to 8 points at 3/4 time.
Essendon ensured just their second win for the year by slamming through the first 4 goals of the final term. Bradshaw stemmed the Bomber run with a goal, but Essendon came back again with a further 3 goals to snuff out any chance for Brisbane. Bradshaw kicked his 6th for the match and was followed by Rischitelli, but Lucas was not to be outdone and booted his 7th to finish off the game and end Essendon's longest losing streak in history as well as a 4 game losing streak against the Lions.
For Essendon, James Hird (27) led the way, with Jason Johnson (26/10), Peverill (22/7), Bradley (11/6), and Camporeale (14/6) in great support. Lucas 23/9) had another picnic up forward while Fletcher (18/7) battled Bradshaw and Hille (22 hitouts, 22/6) was excellent in the ruck and around the ground.
For Brisbane, Black (24), Voss (20/4), and Power (23) continued their stellar seasons on the back of Charman's (23 hitouts, 18/4) ruck work and support around the ground before he went off injured. Young Hooper (6 kicks, 3 marks) made the most of his limited touches but showed great maturity to back himself, as did Bradshaw (10 kicks, 5 marks), while Roe (16/6) impressed across half back.
KANG 6.1 9.3 11.9 13.12 (90)
GEEL 2.2 3.6 5.7 8.12 (60)
GOALS: KANG - Thompson 4, Rawlings 2, Grant 2, Swallow,
McIntosh, Watt, Harvey, Urch; GEEL - Ottens 3, Mooney 2,
Enright, Hunt, Mackie
BEST: KANG - Jones, Sinclair, Harvey, Grant, Petrie,
Thompson, Swallow, Thompson; GEEL - Bartel, D. Johnson,
Enright, Mackie, Hunt, Chapman, Wojcinski, Ottens
INJURY: GEEL - Ablett (right shoulder, AC joint),
Ling (concussion)
CHANGES: KANG- Brown and Makepeace replaced in selected
side by Rocca and Urch; GEEL - Rooke (shoulder) replaced
in selected side by Riccardi
REPORT: GEEL - Mooney for charging Pratt
UMPIRES: M. Nicholls, Woodcock, Goldspink
CROWD: 9561 at Manuka Oval
It was a disastrous first term for Geelong. While the Kangaroos set themselves for a memorable swansong at their home away from home, the Cats' woes began less than 15 minutes into the term. Brady Rawlings got the Kangaroos off to a great start with successive goals, with Swallow and McIntosh chiming in. Ling was crunched and spent the rest of the game on the bench. It left Wojcinski to try and tag Roo star Harvey. Five minutes later, Ablett was off after a heavy bump from Sinclair. Mooney, in his first game back from suspension booted two goals for the term, but was also reported for the 3rd time this season. But goals to Watt and Harvey had the Roos 23 points in front at 1/4 time.
The Cats brightened up slightly in the second term, with Egan and Scarlett doing the job on Rocca and Thompson. But it wasn't enough to stop the Kangaroos, who booted 3 goals to 1 - including one to Thompson - for the term to lead by 33 points at 1/2 time.
Enright and Ottens kicked the first 2 goals of the 3rd term, but Thompson booted one a few minutes later with Grant getting another for the Kangaroos in a low-scoring term, but it was enough for the Kangaroos who led by 38 points at 3/4 time.
Chapman tried to spark a revival after the Cats won the first clearance of the last term and had a quick snap on goal only to kick a behind less than 30 seconds in. Ottens and Hunt got two for the Cats as they attempted a challenge,but that challenge was quickly defeated with Thompson kicking the last 2 goals for the Roos, while the Cats managed just 1 more to Mackie.
For the Kangaroos, Corey Jones (36/14) and Sinclair (28/12), while Harvey (27/7) was also prolific. Petrie (27/10) was impressive against Mooney, while Brady Rawlings (21/6) and Swallow (25/4) lent excellent midfield support. Thompson (11 kicks, 8 marks) got away from the Cat defenders enough to be a matchwinner.
For the Cats, Bartel (25/8) and Enright (22/10) worked hard in the midfield, as did Wojcinski (19/6) and Mackie (21/8) when they came on for injured pair Ablett and Ling. Chapman (20/8) worked hard across half forward while David Johnson (21/5) and Hunt (22/5) toiled in defense. Ottens (9 kicks, 7 marks) was the main target in attack, doing well with limited chances even though he and Stokes muffed several shots in the second term.
MELB 5.2 9.5 13.9 18.11 (119)
WB 6.3 6.7 7.12 9.14 (68)
GOALS: MELB - Yze 5, Neitz 3, Davey 2, McLean 2, Robertson 2,
Holland, Godfrey, Bate, Bartram; WB - Cross 2, Ray, Grant, Smith,
Johnson, Robbins, Eagleton, Minson
BEST: MELB - Bruce, Yze, Godfrey, Ward, McLean, Whelan, Neitz,
Carroll, McDonald; WB - Cross, Morris, Boyd, Griffen, Cooney
INJURY: MELB - Davey (hamstring), Pickett (hamstring); both will miss 2-3 weeks
CHANGES: MELB - Dunn replaced in selected side by Brown
UMPIRES: James, Head, Ellis
CROWD: 36,466 at MCG
Neitz opened proceedings with a terrific 50 meter set shot goal and the Demons were away with further goals to Godfrey and Yze, before Cross put one through for the Bulldogs. Then it was time for a bit of Davey magic as he gathered the ball on a wing, took off with his electrifying pace, and finished it off with a stylish goal. But the Bulldogs got 3 of the last 4 goals for the term. The last from Yze is a certain contender for goal-of-the-year. He got the ball in a forward pocket and managed to bend it around under pressure, but the Dogs still led by 7 points at 1/4 time.
That lead was down to a solitary point when Neitz goaled inside the first minute of the 2nd term. From there the Demons dominated as they kept the Dogs goalless while kicking 3 more themselves for the term. The only sour note was the loss of Pickett for the remainder of the game, but the Dees were still out to a 16 point lead at 1/2 time.
Neitz and Davey extended that lead early in the 3rd term, with Grant getting the only Bulldog goal halfway through the term. Robertson and Yze added two more for the Demons and it was Melbourne by 33 points at 3/4 time.
Bartram made it 40 points early in the final term, but the Dogs booted 2 to be half a chance, but the Demons snuffed out that chance with the last 4 goals.
The Dees have now won 12 of their past 14 and it was their 10th consecutive win at the MCG. And the Demons have also won 9 of their past 11 against the Bulldogs.
For Melbourne, Bruce (22/8) did a terrific job in quelling the dangerous Brad Johnson, while Carroll (22/8), Ward (32/9), and Whelan (31/10) were also solid in defense. Godfrey (14), McLean (29/5), and McDonald (33) drove the midfield and took turns in shutting down West, while Neitz (8 kicks, 4 marks) and Yze 26/5) led the attack. Debutant Nathan Jones notched up 17 touches.
For the Bulldogs, Cooney (22) and Cross (32/14) worked hard in the midfield, while Griffen (21) provided his usual run from defense, while Morris kept Robertson to just 5 kicks and 4 marks. Boyd (23/7) found plenty of the ball across half forward but lacked support in the face of Melbourne's defense.
Demon Adem Yze played his 218th consecutive match while Bulldog Chris Grant equaled his club's games record (329), held by Doug Hawkins.
FRE 3.6 8.10 14.13 15.17 (107)
CARL 1.2 5.6 7.10 13.11 (89)
GOALS: FRE - Murphy 5, Pavlich 2, Farmer 2, Webster,
Carr, Cook, Crowley, Sandilands, Bell; CARL - Fevola 5,
Koutoufides 2, Walker, Russell, Simpson, Whitnall, Waite,
Wiggins
BEST: FRE - Bell, Johnson, Murphy, Pavlich, Mundy,
McPharlin, Sandilands, Black; CARL - Simpson, Walker,
Fevola, Koutoufides, Scotland, Thornton
CHANGES: FRE - Longmuir (knee) replaced in selected side by Medhurst
UMPIRES: Schmitt, Kamolins, K. Nicholls
UMPIRES: Schmitt, Kamolins, K. Nicholls
CROWD: 17,518 at Telstra Dome
The Blues opened with plenty run and controlled the first five minutes of play, but let themselves down with poor kicking for goal. They could easily have had three goals before Crowley banged through the first for the Dockers. But with McPharlin forcing Fevola to roam further afield for his kicks, and Whitnall in defense, the Blues managed just 2 points early. But the Dockers, for all their dominance, failed to put much scoreboard pressure on the Blues with their own inaccuracy. Farmer, Crowley, and Webster all missed gettable shots before Webster at least redeemed himself. Simpson then put in a nomination for ugliest goal of the year with a wobbly floater midway through the term, but it had the Blues within a goal before Pavlich goaled late in the term to five Freo a 14 point lead at 1/4 time.
A soft 50 meter penalty against Bryan at the start of the 2nd term had Farmer within range but he missed, as did Peake minutes later. Stevens faired little better at the other end for the Blues. But Wiggins picked off McPharlin's kick-in for a goal. Webster then earned a free in the middle and found Bell who marked and goaled. The Dockers again failed after that with Cook's shot touched on the line and Medhurst hitting the post. Some undisciplined play from the Dockers gifted Whitnall two kicks and a 50 meter penalty for Carlton's next goal. Cook then squeezed through a shot from long range, before Fevola marked 60 meters out and sent it through. Farmer got the next, but the Blues and Fevola made the most of a Medhurst turnover before Murphy and Matthew Carr closed off the term with goals to give Freo a 22 point lead at 1/2 time.
Framer goaled from the first bounce of the 3rd term and then Murphy took center stage banging through 2 in succession on his way to 4 for the term. Pavlich got the other while the only Carlton highlights for the term were a goal to Waite and some vintage Kouta, who got the ball out of the center and dashed in for a fine running goal. The final stages of the term saw both sides miss a number of shots. Wiggins, Betts and Fisher all missed chances to get the Blues closer while Pavlich hit the post and Black also missed, but it was enough to have the Dockers 45 points in front at 3/4 time.
With such a lead, the game appeared all but over, with Sandilands answering Fevola's opening goal. But the Blues stormed home to kick the next 5 goals for some scoreboard respectability, but they had left their run too late.
For the Dockers, Bell (23/4), Black (200, and Mundy (12/5) ran well through the middle, while McPharlin (11/4) had an entertaining battle with Fevola. Johnson (21/9) was solid in defense and Matthew Carr (19/6) swept well across half back, Sandilands (20 hitouts) won the ruck duels, while Murphy (8 kicks, 8 marks) and Pavlich (18/7) starred in attack.
For Carlton, Koutoufides (23/6) turned back the clock out of the center, while Walker (27/8) and Thornton (17/8) showed continued improvement in defense, from which Scotland (31/7) launched plenty of attacking moves. Up forward, Simpson (28/13) and Fisher (14/9) provided targets while Fevola (8 kicks, 6 marks) mimicked his Docker counterpart Murphy.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
ADELAIDE CROWS 14 3 1862 1197 155.56 56
WEST COAST EAGLES 13 4 1704 1479 115.21 52
MELBOURNE DEMONS 12 5 1690 1454 116.23 48
ST KILDA SAINTS 11 6 1606 1311 122.5 44
COLLINGWOOD MAGPIES 11 6 1846 1563 118.11 44
SYDNEY SWANS 10 7 1591 1320 120.53 40
WESTERN BULLDOGSB 10 7 1776 1625 109.29 40
FREMANTLE DOCKERS 10 7 1497 1573 95.17 40
GEELONG CATS 8 9 1542 1522 101.31 32
RICHMOND TIGERS 8 9 1360 1704 79.81 32
BRISBANE LIONS 7 10 1548 1674 92.47 28
PORT ADELAIDE POWER 6 11 1487 1655 89.85 24
KANGAROOS 6 11 1400 1666 84.03 24
HAWTHORN HAWKS 5 12 1355 1732 78.23 20
ESSENDON BOMBERS 2 14 1 1530 1892 80.87 10
CARLTON BLUES 2 14 1 1370 1797 76.24 10
GOALS
Brendan Fevola (CARL) 60
Barry Hall (SYD) 53
Fraser Gehrig (StK) 51
Brad Johnson (WB) 48
Daniel Bradshaw (BRIS) 47
Anthony Rocca (COL) 47
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 47
Scott Lucas (ESS) 46
Nick Riewoldt (StK) 45
Mark Ricciuto (ADE) 44
Port Adelaide's Troy Chaplin is the Round 16 Rising Star nominee.
Chaplin played at center halfback against Nick Riewoldt and restricted him to two goals in the Power’s narrow loss to the St Kilda.
The 20-year-old left footer has played 13 games this season after debuting in 2004 and playing eight matches last year. He suffered a fractured left eye socket in Round 1, but has found consistency and has collected 20 or more possessions four times this season.
Troy was a member of the 2002 AIS-AFL Academy Squad and won the Barassi Medal for the best and fairest player in the Australia v Ireland Under 17 series in 2003. He represented Vic Country in 2003 Under 18 Championships and was named All-Australian. At 193 cm, he was also a champion basketballer and was a member of the Victorian Under 18 basketball team.
From the Maryborough Rovers, north of Ballarat in country Victoria, Troy was Port’s first round selection (15th overall) in 2003 Draft.
Troy is the Port Adelaide’s fourth nominee this season following Danyle Pearce (Round 3),, Brad Symes (Round 9), and Jacob Surjan (Round 11).
This is the second time Port Adelaide has had four Rising Star nominees in one season. The first time was in 1997, with Port player Michael Wilson taking out the award. The most nominees in one season is five - Essendon in 1993 and Fremantle in 1996.
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Monday, July 31, 2006 - 12:10 PM EDT
