Last week pay TV operator Foxtel announced their AFL-dedicated channel Fox Footy would be closing at the end of the current season, after Foxtel failed to negotiate a deal with the new free-to-air TV rights holders from 2007, Channels Seven and Ten. The consequences for the viewer vary according to your location but for yours truly and anyone else living in NSW, ACT, Queensland or the NT, they could be terrible. Currently, without Fox Footy we’d see a maximum three games a weekend (sometimes one), unless you’re prepared to sit up into the small hours for a replay, often with chunks edited out for advertising. The AFL’s new deal was supposed to force Seven and Ten to provide better service in the ‘expansion’ states but beyond a guarantee to show the Friday night game live in Sydney and Brisbane, not much else is known. Two games a weekend would have pretty severe consequences for this posting, I’d say.
At Docklands:
Footscray 6.3 9.5 12.10 13.14.92
St. Kilda 3.4 13.5 18.8 22.10.142
The Stainers shrugged off their Perth debacle as the power forwards overwhelmed the Bullpups, 8 goals from G-Train and 5 from Barbie Riewoldt seeing off the Doggies. Coach Grant Thomas spent the week spinning some of his nonsensical business-speak, his impenetrable “regarding Robert Harvey, we’re attempting to exit him out rather than exit him in” interpreted as an attempt to force Harvs to retire. No, that’s not what he meant, Thomas said. What he did mean will never be understood. The Dogs are mixing their form as September approaches but you get the ‘foiling’, as Denis Commetti would say, that Footscray have to play at their very best to trouble the top sides. The Bulldog side here was strengthened by the return of Daniel Giansiracusa and pensioner Brett Montgomery from injury, juniors Cameron Faulkner and Dylan Addison made way. The Stainers welcomed back Aaron Hamill from a long spell with his annual leg injury, ruckman Cain Ackland and Stephen Powell also returned. Missing were Andrew Thompson (groin strain) and Jason Blake (bruised ribs) while Aaron Fiora was dumped.
As with many games recently, this one started at a frenetic pace. Eight goals were rammed through in the opening quarter-hour. Satiner spearhead Fraser Gehrig opened proceedings with a goal slotted on the run as the hardly-nimble G-Train wheeled away from opponent Brian Harris. Brad Johnson replied for the Dogs before Gehrig booted another, leading to Nick Dal Santo’s pass. The Bullies proceeded to boot the next five goals, rebounding strongly from defence with Scott West orchestrating things. The Saints were wasteful going forward and paid for it. Brad Johnson had a height advantage over opponent Steven Baker and bagged two more goals, a snap thanks to Shane Birss’s good roving and a goal-square mark of Ryan Griffen’s long kick. When West collected Chris Grant’s handpass and slotted, the Doggies led by 24 points; the Saints scored a late one to trail by 17 points at quarter-time. Things turned about in the second quarter as the Saints introduced Stephen Powell to tag West closely, the Stainers also clogged up the middle part of the ground to oppose the Puppies’ run through there. Sinkilda men Brett Voss, Riewoldt and Dal Santo scored the first three goals of the term to wipe out the deficit, Dal Santo’s major coming from a wayward handpass from Bully ruckman Peter Street. Big Street atoned a bit by kicking a goal himself and Johnson’s fourth gave the Pups an 11-point lead, but the floodgates really opened now for the Stainers. They banged on seven unanswered sausages, including two from Riewoldt, too big for Dale Morris, one for Gehrig, a great running slot from Rob Harvey and a mark and goal for Justin Koschitzke. The Sainters led by 30 points before a late Matty Robbins goal gave the Dogs a lift before half-time. A brief lift. Stinkilda punted the first four goals of the third stanza, including a miraculous effort from Riewoldt snapped off-balance, which rolled and trickled through ahead of wrestling Gehrig and Harris. Mighta flicked off G-Train’s shin. The Saints led by 49 points after that and the game was more-or-less over. The Bulldogs scored three of the last four goals of the term, and the first major of the final korter to close within 28 points. But the Saints bolted clear from there, bagging the final four goals of the night. G-Train cashed in with three of ‘em.
Fraser Gehrig booted 8.1 from 12 marks and 14 kicks, taking him to 65 goals for the season - equal second in the leeg with Bulldog Brad Johnson, who got six here. Robert ‘Exit Him Out’ Harvey collected 25 touches, 10 marks and a goal, Nick Riewoldt had modest amounts of the ball (6 marks, 10 disposals) but bagged 5 goals. Nick Dal Santo (26 possies, a goal) and Luke Ball (27 touches) were good in the midfield and the running defensive men, Brendon Goddard (29 disposals), Sam Fisher (26 possies) and Jason Gram (21 handlings) were all handy. Brett Voss and Stephen Milne kicked 2 goals each. The Bulldogs received outstanding service from Brad Johnson again, 6 goals from 8 marks and 13 kicks. Daniel Cross (36 disposals) worked hard and ol’ Chris Grant (18 touches, 7 marks, a goal) was serviceable across half-forward. Adam Cooney (23 touches), Lindsay Gilbee (23 handlings, a goal) and Ryan Griffen (13 touches) were alright but scoring goals was a real problem for the Pups. "I was just disappointed with the lack of fight, just not being able to hang in there and hang tough. Most of the things to try and curb it (Sinkilda’s second-quarter run-on) were coming from the box and from the runners, rather than the players," said Eade. "It's just a continuing education for the guys but I was just disappointed we couldn't stall the game." The Dogs play Essadun at Docklands next Friday night and will finish eighth regardless of the result. Grant Thomas said "I think the important aspect of tonight was whilst there were some good individual performances I think they came on the back of a lot of good team play and selfless work. Our key forwards worked together and isolated and allowed different guys to get quality possessions. I think the important part is they can look at that game and say, 'we worked really hard, but we worked as a team'. When you work as a team you don't rely on individuals and you have a really selfless approach to getting great results and I thought tonight was one of our better results." The Saints seem to play every round 22 game interstate, this year they go to Brisbane and need a lot of teams ahead of them to slip up to reach the top four.
At Kardinia Park:
Geelong 2.1 5.4 11.5 14.10.94
Melbourne 5.2 10.5 12.8 14.10.94
The result has since been overshadowed by the news young Cat Tom Lonergan suffered a badly lacerated kidney in this game and had to have the organ removed; currently Lonergan is in a medically-induced coma and his situation is serious, best wishes to the lad and his family. Lonergan was hurt running back with-the-flight into a marking contest and being pole-axed by Brad Miller’s shoulder, the sort of contest taken for granted these days to the extent players not ‘going’ in the situation are deemed cowardly, as Josh Hunt would know. Now you can see what players are afraid of. Anyway, the strange result was as good as a win for the Demuns, maintaining their top-four spot in relation to their modest percentage. The Cats’ frustrating final home game was seen as summing up their season. Coming in, over-exuberant Cat Cameron Mooney was suspended for the fourth time this season, believed to be a VFL/AFL record, for punching Amon Buchanan in the stomach last week. Two games, ending his year. The Catters plan to give Mooney extra-intensive anger-management training. Or vicodin. Andrew Mackie (soreness) was out too and Shannon Byrnes dropped, the Catz recalled Nathan Ablett, David Wojcinski and forgotten spearhead Kent Kingsley. The Dees regained Byron Pickett but were without David Neitz (groin strain) and Matthew Bate (corked knee), Colin Sylvia returned to replace Neita.
Before the game retired Cat Peter Riccardi presented his no. 15 guernsey to junior Ryan Gamble. With Neitz absent the Katz lined up Matthew Scarlett at full-forward. But the Deez dominated the opening half. Cameron Bruce, Brad Green and James ‘Junior’ McDonald were very good as Melbun scored the first three goals, including one from Adem Yze following a goal-square screamer over Josh Hunt. A nice grab but Daniel Kerr’s classic over Scott Burns in round 16 is still my favourite this year. Anyway, Yze’s second goal of the quarter gave the Dees a 24-point lead before the Cats got a late one. The pattern continued into the second stanza, consecutive Catter goals from Steve Johnson and Brent Prismall reduced the Melbun lead to 13 points, but the Dees scored the next four majors to go 38 points ahead into time-on. Josh Hunt repaid Yze with a big grab over the Melbun man. Dee fans were angered when the goal-ump decided Mark Jamar’s mark was taken after the ball had gone through for a point. Gary Ablett booted late second-term goal but the Pussies were booed off at half-time. The Catters got a major to start the third term, they were 26 points down. But McDonald roved the pack to snap one for the Deez and a minute later Yze’s wobbly centering kick dropped for Sylvia to mark and convert, Melbun were 38 points ahead again. The Katz had received a blast from ‘Bomber’ Thompson at half-time and Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel and Gablett Jnr lifted ‘em back into it. Nathan Ablett was good too, his handpass released Prismall whose low kick was marked by a diving David Johnson, he majored to set the Catters on the way back. Nathan Ablett got a couple and when Scarlett marked and converted late the Cats were 9 points down at the final change. Yze kicked the first goal of the final term for Melbun but the Katz kept on. Steve Johnson booted consecutive goals, one from a mark and running shot, as the Cats got within a point. Lonergan’s terrible injury happened here, a bit later Gablett tumbled the ball forward from a pack. Steve Johnson and Dee backman Ben Holland closed on the ball, Johnson flattened Holland with a shoulder to the, um, lower head and the ball tumbled on for Scarlett to snap a goal, putting the Cats ahead. Dee fans were kinda upset about that, too. Jamar plucked a grab and booted truly to tie the scores, Yze snapped a tight-angle point to put Melbun ahead but Cat man Brad Ottens obliged by missing a set shot from 40m. The Cats attacked again, Scarlett had a tough snap which went very high and dropped short. Demun backman Nathan Carroll camped under the ball but spilled the mark. Bartel arrived, Holland dived in and in the fraction of a second before Bartel could force the ball through for a behind, the siren sounded. A draw. The Cats were applauded off this time.
The Catters were dragged back into it by Cameron Ling (32 disposals with 23 handpasses, 11 marks) and Jimmy Bartel (31 touches, 10 marks) while Steve Johnson did the job in attack with 4 goals from 10 kicks and 7 marks. Gary Ablett (19 touches, a goal) was also a useful midfielder and Nathan Ablett (14 handlings, 2 goals) found a way to make his running productive. Corey Enright (26 disposals) was good and Tom Harley did well on Russ Robertson, who won this fixture last year for the Deez. Matthew Scarlett kicked 2 goals. Melbun’s good first half was powered by their running players, Daniel Ward (27 disposals), Cameron Bruce (23 touches, a goal) and reliable on-baller James McDonald (22 possies, a goal). Adem Yze (22 touches, 7 marks) worked hard in attack for 3 goals and Travis Johnstone (23 handlings, a goal) played alright. Aaron Davey (17 kicks) is approaching peak form. Russ Robertson kicked 2 goals. Neale Daniher reckoned "It's pretty simple, if we win next week (against Adelaide at Football Park) we finish in the top four. When we came down here today we were pretty keen to make sure that was still the case. At the end of the day a draw is still as good for us as four points in the sense our top four aspirations are still in our own hands." True, and the task of beating the Camrys suddenly appears easier with the croweaters’ disastrous injury problems. Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson said "I was really proud that we came back. I thought our first half was pretty horrible and smacked of a team just going through the paces, but we challenged them at half-time. I thought in the end, we were unlucky not to win the game." The Katz are conducting a club review, with Bomber’s football department being examined next week.
At York Park:
Hawthorn 2.4 4.8 5.11 7.16.58
North Melbourne 4.2 4.3 4.8 4.12.36
Horforn have signed a deal with the Tasmanian government to play four home games per season in Launceston for the next five years. It’s worth at least $12 million to the Orcs, very handy. The consequences for their 30,000 Victorian members, avidly sought when the club was under pressure to merge 10 years ago, are yet to be worked out. But the Hawks hardly enticed any of their new two-headed friends by producing an awful game of footy here, with conspiratorial help from the Kangers. The Hawks won, at least. Norf called up Jade Rawlings to play, he’d decided to retire last week and the Ruse’d been good enough to select him for a swansong against the Hawks, for whom Rawlings played the vast bulk of his 128 games. Herald-Sun journo Michael Stevens wrote an article pointing out Rawlings’s three games for North had cost the Roos $133,000 each - for which Stevens was castigated by the ex-players in the meedya, of which there are many. Stevo was only echoing the thoughts of any Kangaroo member. The Hawk side here was unchanged following consecutive victories. The Kangas ‘rested’ Sav Rocca so he could practice NFL-style punting, Troy Makepeace and Ben Schwarze were dropped. In addition to Rawlings, Glenn Archer returned for the Ruse and 200cm Brad Moran was given an AFL debut, he’s from Southport in Queensland but was born in England and switched from rugger to footy 4 years ago.
In very good conditions, the game started promisingly. Hawk man Trent Croad, playing in defence again on Nathan Thompson, ran afield on a rebound and kicked for Lance Franklin to mark and convert. The Kangas replied, Daniel Wells worked hard to get a kick towards Thompson, he spilled the mark but the ball rebounded handily and Thompson snapped truly. Wells did, um, well again to set up Kasey Green for a running slot and the Ruse led by 4 points. Ben Dixon sent the Horcs ahead again, converting a free-kick from the goal-square after a Roo man clouted him high, allegedly. We didn’t see it on TV. The Ruse bagged the last two goals of the quarter though, Andrew Swallow centered the ball for leading ruckman Hamish McIntosh to mark and convert. Norf’s future there. Late in the stanza Jade Rawlings led for a grab on half-forward and his $22,166 kick was marked by ‘Lethal’ Leigh Harding, who converted. The Ruse led by 10 points at the first break. After korter-time turnovers abounded. Defenders dominated, Croad did well on Thompson and at the other end Kangas Drew Petrie and Leigh Brown stuck close to Franklin and Jarryd Roughead, respectively. Franklin did kick a second-term goal, dropping behind Petrie to mark Richie Vandenberg’s lobbed kick and convert. A Vandenberg kick led to a great pack-mark for Dixon, team-mate Franklin making a fair spoiling attempt by clouting Dixon in the head. But Dixon held on and converted. Harding made an awful mess of the Kangas’ only shot of the term. One goal adorned the third stanza, Dixon again with a free-kick for being held down by somebody. The Hawks led by 10 points after it. More missed Roo shots, from David Hale the worst, had them slipping behind. The Hawks moved close to getting the points midway through the last quarter, Mark Williams had a high snap which (just) cleared the players on the line. Horcs by 15 points now and a bit later Willo sealed it, converting from Tim Clarke’s pass. Norf had gone 78 minutes (still unbroken) without kicking a goal. Jade Rawlings shed some tears as he departed at the end, through an honour-guard of players from both teams. Noice touch.
Young Hawk defenders Grant Birchall (27 disposals, 10 marks) and Brad Sewell (27 touches) had a lot of the ball, mopping up wayward Roo attacks. Running flankers Tim Clarke (28 possies, 11 marks) and Chance Bateman (19 disposals) were good and rover Sam Mitchell (25 possies) did very well again too. Joel Smith (19 handlings) played alright. Ben Dixon (3 marks, 8 disposals) deserves kudos for managing 3 goals on a day when they were rare, Lance Franklin and Mark Williams kicked 2 goals each. Roo men Brent ‘Boomer’ Harvey (33 disposals, 11 marks) and Daniel Wells (29 touches, 8 marks) worked hard midfield but other Kanga runners were a bit ordinary. Backmen Drew Petrie (16 disposals, 8 marks) and Leigh Brown (16 touches, 7 grabs) were good and youngster Brad Moran (21 disposals, 10 marks), a developing ruckman, made a very handy debut. Ruckman David Hale (18 handlings, 10 marks) played well too. “Terrible game of footy, all round. That was not a great advertisement for AFL football,” proffered Dean Laidley. “But unfortunately some games pan out that way. It wasn't our forwards, we just murdered the ball going inside our forward 50, which was not all that flash. I think it was 40-odd ineffective kicks to 25, and I would imagine most of those were from our mids or forwards that had come up the ground and kicked the ball back inside forward 50." Ah well. At least Moran looks like he can play. "It was a tough game of footy in the end, good conditions and neither side could convert," Alistair Clarkson said. "It was a pretty blustery and difficult breeze to be honest, and both sides scored a lot of points but we can't be too greedy, we're just happy to be winning at this stage of the season and hopefully building towards better things later on . . . it was just good to get the points in the end."
At the MCG:
Richmond 5.2 10.3 14.8 20.9.129
Essendon 3.5 9.8 12.11 16.17.113
It’s the Nineties all over again as the Tiges are positioned to finish ninth with twelve wins (maybe). The difference here being it’s seen as a good thing in 2006. Although, ten years down the track, Richo’s form still seems crucial. He booted 9 goals as the Tiges stayed just ahead of the plucky Dons all night. Or plucky-ish. Typically bizarre Sheedy moves such as leaving the hopelessly outclassed Kepler Bradley on Richo all night and playing Courtenay Dempsey and one-legged Dean Rioli on-the-ball at one point, suggested Sheeds was not all that interested in winning the game. Maybe it was Sheeds being Sheeds. The Tigers had an unchanged side following two straight wins, Essadun called up Dempsey, Richie Cole, Joel Reynolds and young ruckman Tristan Cartledge to replace Dustin Fletcher (hamstring), Andrew Welsh (shin injury), Jason Johnson who was suspended a game for elbowing Hawk Mitchell in the Jatz crackers and the dropped Ben Jolley. Dean Rioli played his 100th and last game of AFL football, the exquisitely skilled Rioli saw his career brought to an end by a chronic knee problem.
In the build-up Sheeds reheated his criticism of ‘basketball cr-p’, the term he used to criticize Richmun’s ultra-keepings-off strategy against the Cows earlier in the year. The Tiges were only too happy to play open, man-on-man footy against this undermanned Essadun side. The Tiges opened the scoring in stereotypical fashion, the brothers Bowden combined on a defensive rebound and Patrick’s long-kick was marked by back-pedalling Jay Schulz, who also slapped his head into the goal-post. Schulz hooked it through. The Dons replied as Damien Peverill centered the ball for Courtney Johns to mark and convert. Richardson warmed to the task, booting the next two goals from strong marks ahead of Bradley. The Tiges led by 12 points but as they would all night the Dons stayed close, Scott Lucas and Brent Stanton scored consecutive sausage-rolls to put the Dons ahead by a couple of points. But it was soon clear Richo was in for a big night as he kicked two more goals, the first coming as he juggled a one-handed mark in front of Bradley and received a 50m penalty as the frustrated Bomma slapped the ball away afterwards. Richo slotted his fifth from a tricky angle to open the second quarter, following majors from Andrew Krakouer and, er, someone had the Tiges 28 points ahead. The Dons hit back as James Hird shifted himself onto the ball, Nathan Lovett-Murray lobbed a pass to set up an easy conversion for Peverill and a minute later Lovett-Murray dobbed a running goal himself. A Dempsey handpass allowed Lucas to boot a major and the Dons were back 7 points down. Tempers frayed a bit and Tige backman Ray Hall was reported for crunching Peverill, who had his head over the ball. The AFL don’t like that sort of challenge and Hall’s since been suspended a week, ending his season. The Tiges scored the next two majors, Richardson’s sixth sending them 19 points clear. But the Bombouts finished the stanza strongly with three unanswered majors. Mark Johnson kicked two of ‘em, the first a woeful mongrel kick which wobbled through, the second a clinical slot from the flank. At the following centre-bounce Hird and Dempsey combined to clear the ball, Dean Rioli waddled out and marked 45m from goal. Rioli thumped it through and the Dons were just a point down at the long break.
The game stayed close into the third term. Richardson opened the goal-scoring for the stanza but things were tight for a while. Mark Johnson and Toiga Kayne Pettifer had a bit of a blue. Lovett-Murray slotted a great tight-angle and when Hird scored one the Bommaz were ahead. The lead swapped a bit as Richo turned provider, passing for Pettifer to mark and convert, but Lucas answered for Essadun. The Tigers managed the final two goals of the third Mario, ruckman Troy Simmonds pushed forward for a mark and goal and young big man Adam Pattison steered a good shot through from the flank. The Big Pussies led by 9 points at the final change. Hird curled a terrific snap through from the boundary to open the final term and Don fans roared in hope. But Richardson was still out-marking Bradley, Sheeds declining to move the young man or double- (or triple-) team Richo. The big Tige’s eighth goal followed and a Pettifer major extended Richmun’s lead to 15 points. Bummer Mark McVeigh’s major gave the Dons hope again but the Essadun proceeded to kick four consecutive behinds, wasting their chance. From the kick-in of the last of those, the Tiges advanced and Pettifer marked and majored. Goals were swapped for a bit but, fittingly, Richo had the final say as he marked 15m out and booted no. 9 after the final siren. Rioli, a little tearful, was chaired off.
Matthew Richardson booted 9.5 (yes, 14 shots at goal) from 19 marks and 21 kicks, a fair effort. Ruckman Troy Simmonds (21 disposals, 11 marks, 21 hit-outs, 2 goals) continued his fine season and half-back Mark Chaffey (19 touches, 8 marks) is finding some fitness following his delayed start to the year. Joel Bowden (23 disposals) set things up and did reasonably well on Lucas, forward Kayne Pettifer (15 possies, 7 marks, 3 goals) played well. In the midfield Kane Johnson (20 touches, a goal), Nathan Foley (20 disposals) and young Matthew White (11 touches, 6 tackles) were good. Bomma veteran Damien Peverill must be coming outta contract, he worked very hard for 32 disposals and a goal. James Hird (26 touches, 5 marks, 2 goals) played well again and Scott Lucas (11 marks, 13 kicks, 4 goals) was handy at half-forward. Hope for the future was there in the form of running backman Nathan Lovett-Murray (21 disposals, 2 goals), Brent Stanton (22 touches, a goal) and Jobe Watson (25 possessions). Mark Johnson (18 disposals, 2 goals) played well. Kev Sheedy blamed inexperience and lack of match fitness. "And I'm talking about Hille, Hird, our backline. To try and carry seven players needing a game, either less inexperienced or been out for quite some time or haven't had a game for ages, that's a d*mn good effort. I'm disappointed in the loss, but we had our chances because we had more shots on goals and our turnovers hurt us more than what we would have hoped." Why didn’t he move Bradley? "Out of a negative can come a positive and, if you get young players under the pump, they can really learn from the experience," Sheedy said. "You toy in your own mind with whether you move him or you don't, but the only way you become a good player is leave them on them and let them learn." Harsh. ‘Plough’ Wallace reckoned the Tiges didn’t play particularly well, but was happy to win of course. "At stages in the past, and probably even earlier on this year, we've gotten a little bit nervous in games where we've gone in as favourites. But we've had three weeks in a row where we've gone in favourites now and we've got the job done, so we think that's a step in a positive direction for a young team."
At Stadium Australia:
Sydney 3.2 7.4 9.8 14.12.97
Brisbane 3.1 4.2 5.3 6.4.40
Not the most exciting game but the Swans did what they had to, grinding away for three quarters before a brief, heavy goal-deluge in the last quarter boosted percentage. The Bloods’ biggest worries were an early back problem for Barry Hall and the fear the Demons might beat a decimated Camry outfit next weekend, and thus keep the Swans out of the top four. For the Lyin’s there was speculation this may’ve been Michael Voss’s last game, Vossy ended the night with severe back pain and he has been contemplating retirement recently - although Leigh Matthews is sure Voss will play on in 2007. The Brians tried hard but lacked the personnel to trouble the Swans on the scoreboard. In selection the Bloods recalled Nick Davis from his six-week penance in the Sydney league, Ben Mathews also returned to replace injured pair Luke Ablett (back) and Lewis Roberts-Thomson (foot). Brisbun regained a useful man in Chris Johnson while juniors Marty Pask and former Swan Ben Fixter were recalled, they replaced axed trio Jared Brennan, Rob Copeland and Rhan Hooper. Brisbane’s ‘unsettled’ Mal Michael and Swan hero Barry Hall both played their 200th AFL games . . .
. . . but didn’t line-up on each other, big Daniel Merrett picked up Hall. Plenty of pack-bound slog early, which suited the Lyin’s, before the visitors scored the first goal. Cheynee Stiller chipped a pass for Marty Pask to hold a mark running into the pocket, he majored. Time-on was a minute away before the Bloods scored their first goal, Hall marked 80m out and dished a handpass for Adam Goodes to gallop clear with a few bounces and roost it through. The Brownlow favourite had started well. Hall went down grabbing his lower back after a marking contest, causing some consternation amongst Swan supporters. Hall played out the game, though. There followed a couple more goals each before the first break, Michael O’Loughlin threaded one through from a tight angle for Siddey and Lyin’ Justin Sherman’s outside-of-the-foot dribbler clipped the inside of the post, but the obscured goal-ump awarded full points. Late in the term the Lyin’s lost promising defender Jason Roe with a knee injury, Siddey led by a point at the first break. Tight and low-scoring again in the second term, prior to time-on only Swan Amon Buchanan and Sherman scored goals, Sherman’s a great shot from the boundary. Nick Davis’s first shot, an attempted banana-kick from 30m out, sliced through for a behind. The Swans made the first significant break with three late goals, Nick Malceski converted from a mark and Tadhg Kennelly booted one on-the-run, his first goal of the season. Hall sausaged from a free-kick against Merrett and the Swans led by 20 points at half-time.
Siddey were expected to kick clear in the second half but the third term followed the same grinding pattern. The Swarns missed a few early shots before, 15 minutes in, Jude Bolton roved a pack and snapped truly to put his side 28 points ahead. Immediately Stiller set up a mark and goal for Chris Johnson and the Lyin’s trailed by 22, but in the shadow of the siren big Swan Stephen Doyle marked at the top of the goal-square and booted it through, Siddey by 29 points at the last change. Lyin’ spearhead Dan Bradshaw kicked the opening goal of the final stanza and the Brians slogged along a respectable four goals behind for a while, before the Bloods belted through five goals in ten minutes. Jarrad McVeigh started the run and a minute later Mathews free-kicked a goal, clouted high by Michael at a throw-in. Buchanan won a free-kick at the restart and passed to leading Heath Grundy, his slick handpass allowed Nic Fosdike an accurate, flying snap. Lyin’ junior Matthew Moody was caught in possession and O’Loughlin free-kicked a major, the Bloods cleared the restart again and Sean Dempster walloped a running sausage from 50m. The Bloods led by 56 points now and coasted to the finish.
Adam Goodes (24 disposals, 5 marks, a goal) stayed under notice despite the efforts of gritty Lyin’ tagger Troy Selwood. Ryan O’Keefe (27 touches, 8 marks) was handy as a midfielder again and ruckman Darren Jolly dominates the AFL in hit-outs, 41 here to complement his 12 possessions. Jude Bolton (14 touches, a goal) and Amon Buchanan (17 handlings, a goal) played well on-the-ball and running Nick Malceski (20 touches, a goal) was good too. Craig Bolton (14 handlings, 9 marks) was a handy backman. Barry Hall and Mick O’Loughlin kicked 2 goals each. The Lyin’s best was probably young midfielder Cheynee Stiller (31 disposals, 10 marks) while Mal Michael (20 disposals, 10 marks) was busy out at CHB. Justin Sherman (28 disposals, 2 goals) ran hard and there was decent defensive rebounding from Jed Adcock (24 disposals). Troy Selwood (21 touches) deserves some credit for his second half on Goodes. "I thought we were pretty good for the first three quarters and a couple of bad mistakes was the reason that they were a few goals in front, but then they had a really good 10-minute patch and blew the scoreboard apart," Matthews said. "I thought for most of the game tonight, that part (our competitiveness) was pretty good. We didn't look very talented in a lot of areas where you needed to be, but I thought the effort and the intensity was pretty good for most of the night." Paul Roos said "It was pleasing to get a good win against a team who has a lot of injuries and is developing. They have got some good, young athletic kids but obviously they are at a different stage than us in terms of where the season is at, so it was pleasing to finish off really well and get a good victory." The Swans have another easy game against the Blues next weekend and will hope one of the Adelaide teams will do ‘em a favour and win, so the Bloods can move into the top four.
At Football Park:
Port Adelaide 1.2 6.3 11.5 14.11.95
Adelaide 3.8 6.12 9.13 11.15.81
The Camrys not only lost the game but their seemingly serene progress to the flag is falling apart due to a sudden, calamitous run with injury. Trent Hentschel suffered a season-ending knee injury here, they’re saying Brett Burton mightn’t play again this year and Mark Ricciuto (hamstring-related ‘flu, apparently) was absent too. After this one Andrew McLeod developed an infection in his operated-on foot and won’t be available until Grand Final Day, maybe. Then there’s Ben Hart’s achilles tendon and Nathan Bassett’s concussion. All of which overshadowed a very good performance from the young Flowers to cause an upset win in Showdown, er, twenty-one I think. They very much enjoyed the victory, Chad Cornes in particular. Last week Port rover Josh Francou announced his retirement, Francou’s last three seasons have been ruined by knee injuries. Francou was a superb natural rover in his prime, his career peaking in 2002 when he was runner-up in the Brownlow and an All-Australian. Then Francou did his knee in the 2003 pre-season and the troubles began, another blown knee in early 2004 causing him to miss the premiership that year. He played 156 games. In selection here the Camrys replaced Hayden Skipworth (hamstring), Kris Massie (shin), Ricciuto (’flu, officially) and the axed Scott Stevens with Nathan Bassett, returning forward Ian Perrie, Chris Knights and debutant Richard Douglas, a midfielder from Broadford north of Melbourne. One change for the Pooer, Damon White returning for injured Jacob Surjan (shoulder).
The Camrys certainly started the better of the two sides with early goals to Matthew Bode and Scott Welsh. But the momentum was wasted with a final total of 3.8 in the first quarter, including a run of six consecutive behinds and two appalling out-on-the-fulls from Bode and Tyson Edwards. At the first break Power coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams stressed to his blokes how the Camrys’ inaccuracy had left them with a chance. The Power duly responded with the midfield leading the way, and booted five of the first six goals of the second korter to take a 5-point lead. Port had their own injury worries with back trouble forcing Damon White and Darryl Wakelin from the field. Camry men Nathan Van Berlo and ruckman Matty Clarke bagged late majors to give the Cressidas a 9-point lead at half-time. Early in the third stanza Edwards and Bode kicked goals for the Cows to have them 20 points ahead, but the Flowers kept coming. A Simon Goodwin turnover led to a mark and goal for unattended Shaun Burgoyne, Port forward Brett Ebert forced a rushed behind before Danyle Pearce kicked long, Ebert marked on a lead and punted truly. The Addlaid lead was down to 7 points and the game entered a tough phase with both sides hitting in hard. Eventually Bassett provided relief for the Coronas, sneaking forward to mark Michael Doughty’s chipped pass and boot a goal. The Camrys led by 14 points. Port ruckman Brendon Lade won a free at the restart and kicked long towards Ebert and his man, Graham Johncock. As they wrestled the ball cleared them and was marked by Josh Mahoney, his shot fell short but was marked too easily by junior Flowerman Greg Bentley in the goal-square, he converted. Shortly afterwards Hentschel hurt his knee, tackled in the act of kicking Hentschel’s right leg buckled alarmingly, dislocating the knee and tearing a few ligaments. A terrible injury and he won’t play again for a long while. Port pressed on, Mahoney roved a ball-up to snap a sausage and the Corolla lead was down to 2 points, Port advanced from the restart and Adam Kingsley passed for leading Ebert to mark, he thumped it home from 50m. Port led by 4 points now. A bit later Ebert and Bassett clashed heads in a marking contest, Bassett definitely the worse off as he was stretchered off with concussion and a bleeding face. The club reckon he’s okay now. Ebert was a bit groggy too but he was welcomed warmly into the three-quarter-time huddle, the Pooer leading by 4 points.
Plenty of missed opportunities in the tense opening to the final Mario. Ebert, perhaps still non-compos, missed two easy shots and Camry Scott Thompson hit the post. A long, goal-bound kick from Knights bounced off Welsh’s head and through for a point. Ebert missed a set shot from 20m as the Power crawled to a 7-point lead. Luck helped ‘em along, a rolling kick along-the-ground from Kingsley eluded tired-looking Camry Nathan Bock and Fatty Dew arrived to soccer a major for the Power, sending ‘em 13 points ahead. Pearce won the ball from the restart, his kick towards Thurstans was spoiled but Ebert roved and passed for Lade to mark and convert. Port led by 19 points now. The Cows hung in, Doughty held a good 2-grabber at CHF and passed for Van Berlo to mark and punt truly, back to 13 points the diff. But Port replied, Dom Cassisi marked 50m out and was knocked over by late-arriving Bock, a 50m penalty gave Cassisi a simple conversion and prompted great delight from Port-loving commentator Dwayne Russell. Camry man Bode slotted a running goal with 1:20 to go but too late, desperate, long punts forward from the Cows were swallowed by Chad Cornes who alternately ‘fisted’ the Camry fans or his own Port supporters, and Chadley continue to rouse the Port nutters after the final siren.
Chad Cornes (28 disposals, 13 marks) duly won the Showdown medal for his very good efforts in defence. Brett Ebert (10 marks, 16 kicks, 3 goals) played well again up forward, his three behinds coming in the last quarter. Port’s young midfield impressed again, particularly Danyle Pearce (24 disposals) and Steven Salopek (23 touches, a goal) with older heads Adam Kingsley (23 touches) and Kane Cornes (20 disposals) prominent. Dom Cassisi was handy with 22 possies and 2 goals, as ever Brendon Lade (12 touches, 20 hit-outs, 2 goals) played well. Shaun Burgoyne and Josh Mahoney kicked 2 goals each. The Camrys’ midfield men worked hard, the usuals in Tyson Edwards (31 disposals, 8 marks, a goal) and Simon Goodwin (22 touches, a goal) and wingman Michael Doughty (22 handlings) has been playing well. Ruckman Matthew Clarke (13 touches, 16 hit-outs, a goal) was good and Matthew Bode (15 possies, 4 goals) again scored the goals in the absence of a key forward doing something. Nathan Van Berlo bagged 2 goals to complement his 17 touches and Robert Shirley (20 disposals) did a decent stopping job on Burgoyne. Neil Craig talked around the issues. "We saw some footy we liked, particularly in the first quarter, and we saw some other things we didn't like. We saw some energy, we saw some intensity, we had 11 scoring shots, some poor conversion, but for the first time in a month we saw that sort of footy that's important to us. Our second quarter wasn't disastrous. Certainly after half-time we were clearly outplayed. It's two weeks to go before the finals and it's important we use that (time) the best we possibly can." The Camrys are guaranteed a top-two spot but will need to come up with some sort of forward structure before the finals. Jubilant ‘Choco’ said "We talked about those odds (against Port winning) and what people say about you, and the fact that you have to play hurt and sore, and that probably will occur by the end of the game. It was a bit of a battle of attrition. They didn't have too many left on the bench and neither did we. I thought it was just a brilliant effort to out-run them, and a great credit to (fitness coach) Darren Burgess, with his limited resources . . . The way the game went, I thought the Crows actually gave us a chance. They had a lot of shots on goals early and missed, and if you give a side a chance, you're going to get nailed sometime."
At the MCG:
Collingwood 4.5 13.8 20.10 24.12.156
Carlton 7.1 11.4 17.7 17.10.112
Channel Nine came under fire in the meedya for showing this game on delayed telecast, rather than the first v third Derby in Perth. Nothing to do with Nine’s CEO being the Collingwood president, of course. Anyway, things worked out well for Nine as this game had everything, namely a lot of goals and a dubious piece of thuggery provoking several fights and turning the game around. The Bluies battled hard all day but finally ran out of puff, as the Poise snapped back into goal-scoring form led by 6 goals from ‘Anfernee’ Rocca. On the other hand , if you’re a Bloo supporter you’ll blame evil cheat Alan Didak and a disgraceful umpiring performance. Yes, Goldspink was one of ‘em. In picking here the Poise lost Nathan Buckley (sore hip), Harry O’Brien and Shane Wakelin (leg injuries both) while Jason Cloke was dropped, in came Ryan Lonie, Julian Rowe, Simon Prestigiacomo and stringbean ruckman Guy Richards. Four changes for the Bluies too, Nick Stevens (stiff neck?), Simon Wiggins (fractured eye-socket) and axed pair Adam Bentick and Chris Bryan replaced by Adrian Deluca, Luke Blackwell, Trent Sporn and first-gamer Paul Bower, a tall, afro-ed key defender from North Mandurah in WA.
Eleven goals in the first quarter was fun enough, with the Bluies making more of their chances. They had seven blokes kick their seven goals. Two of the Poise first-quarter majors were gifted by Bloo Jordan Bannister, twice caught as he ran outta defence (too slowly). The Blues were 15 points up and playing well in a free-wheeling second quarter when the fun began. Bloo (and ex-Magpoi) Heath Scotland collected pass in the centre of the ground and as he turned to advance was clattered by Didak. Groggy Scotland was assisted from the field, claret spilling from his nose. Didak was reported (by Goldspink) for rough play but since then the match review panel has decided, controversially, Didak has no case to answer. It was a feet-down, elbow-tucked shoulder that accidentally hit Scotland in the head. A free-kick but not reportable. I’m with panel on this, although there’s plenty who disagree and the appearance of blood complicates matters. Anyway, as some Bloozers attempted to remonstrate with Didak the resulting Bluie free-kick went forward and Eddie Betts banana-snapped a wonder-goal, provoking an almighty roar from Bloo fans and sending the Blooze 21 points ahead. Scuffles continued as Rocca marked and goaled for the Poise. Didak provoked Bloo Lance Whitnall and appeared to head-b*tt the Bloo man, Whitnall proceeded to chest Scott Burns to the ground - not illegal, yet Burns grabbed his face and a free-kick was awarded, resulting in a goal for Burns. A minute later Bannister jumper-punched Brodie Holland (Bannister’s been offered a week suspension) and Holland free-kicked a goal from point-blank. Mental midget Brendan Fevola was joining in the fisticuffs now as the Pies banged through three more quick goals against the rattled Blooze, Rocca with two of ‘em. Holland completed the half with a goal from a free-kick and 50m penalty, six unanswered majors from the Maggies and they led by 16 points at the long break. Bloo fans vented their considerable spleen on the officials at half-time. The Blues steadied after half-time. Whitnall moved away from erstwhile opponent Rocca and to the forward-line, his two third-term goals helped the Blues stay in touch. But Lance’s shot on-the-full resulted in a rebound goal for Ben Johnson, then Rhyce Shaw majored to break the alternating-goal pattern and the Poise led by 21 points at the last rest. The Blues were spent and the Maggies cruised to the line with four unanswered majors in the final stanza. Fevola managed to get himself reported for biffing Dane Swan.
Speaking of Dane Swan, the Pie half-back was very good here with 33 disposals and 11 marks, as was Alan Didak (26 touches, 13 marks, 2 goals), leaving aside his dubious role in reversing the sides’ fortunes. Anthony Rocca (7 marks, 10 kicks, 6 goals) showed overdue form and Ben Johnson (23 disposals, 2 goals) and Scott Burns (23 touches, 2 goals) were good, Paul Licuria (31 handlings, 11 marks, a goal) worked hard. Josh Fraser (19 handlings) galloped about to reasonable effect. Chris Egan bagged 3 goals and there were 2 each for Sean Rusling and Brodie Holland. Bloo winger Kade Simpson (30 disposals, a goal) had a very good game and Anthony Koutoufides (28 touches, a goal) has played well since resolving his (immediate) future. Heath Scotland (29 touches) was still a good player despite his brief departure and Lance Whitnall (11 marks, 12 disposals, 2 goals) was good at both ends, again. Lank-haired flankers Matty Lappin (28 touches) and Ryan Houlihan (21 handlings) were good, ruckman Barnaby French (20 hit-outs, 10 disposals, a goal) and runner Andrew Carrazzo (20 possies) were alright. Fevola and Eddie Betts kicked 3 goals each, Jarrad Waite and Adrian Deluca booted 2 goals each. Denis Pagan focused on the second-quarter incident and it’s aftermath. "It was where it was won and lost - it was good to see our guys rally - but we went too far with it then and gave away four goals from free kicks. We got completely rattled for 10 or 15 minutes and that was the difference. It's been a situation that's happened in a lot of games that we've played - we just go to sleep or switch off or don't concentrate for 15 minutes . . . and that's the end of the game - the good sides just put you away in that period of the game." Carlton will need to produce a huge effort against the Swans next week to avoid their third wooden spoon in four years. Mick Malthouse said "They were good, Carlton. It was a good grounded, four-quarter effort of which Carlton put enormous pressure on us in the first, second and third quarters and I guess once we opened up, the first goal in the last quarter probably took the stuffing out of them." The Poise face North in Sav Rocca’s final game next weekend, they need multiple slip-ups by sides above them on the ladder to claim a top-four spot.
At Subiaco:
West Coast 4.3 4.8 4.11 8.13.61
Fremantle 4.1 8.5 14.8 18.10.118
Can the Dockers win the flag? This is the question occupying minds as Freo triumphed easily in the Derby. They’ve beaten most of the genuine contenders during the eight-game winning streak and are being considered by the punters, in to second-favourites now. Unlike the Dokkers’ previous Derby wins, based on them being super-hyped, this was a stroll for Freo after korter-time. The Wiggles were remarkably flat, apologists pointed to the Weegs’ game at a steamy, energy-sapping Gabba last week and absent players here, most notably Daniel Kerr (calf strain) and further injuries to Andrew Embley and David Wirrpanda during the game. Legitimate reasons perhaps, but they were overrun by the Dockers. In selection the Eegs had Daniel Chick and versatile Adam Hunter return, replacing Kerr and the dropped Steven Armstrong. The Dockulaters had Ryan Crowley and Paul Hasleby in, replacing Daniel Gilmore (hamstring) and Luke Webster.
A still, sunny day at Sooby in front of a Derby-record crowd of , who’d snapped up the tickets in 27 minutes. The WA state government plan to either redevelop or rebuild the stadium to hold 60,000 in the near future. The Weegs were full of running early but after Chris Judd missed a tight-angle shot, the Dockers sneaked a coupla goals against the run of play. Running Heath Black exchanged handballs with Peter Bell and chipped a pass for Michael Johnson, who started at CHF, to mark and convert. A bit later Jeff Farmer gathered a loose ball and kicked into the path of Ryan Crowley, he collected the pill and punted truly from 50m. The Dokkas led by 11 points. The most significant act by a Wiggle so far was Dean Cox kneeing Steven Dodd in the head, probably accidentally. Dodd departed for a while. The Weegs got on the board as Quinten Lynch thumped a kick home, from Brett Jones’s pass. It soon became clear the Weeg attack was very weak if Lynch was contained. The Shockers scored again, big Aaron Sandilands wobbled a kick forward and Weeg backman Darren Glass did very well to spoil Pavlich, but as Pav and Glass wrestled Farmer arrived to soccer it through. Dokkaz by 11 points again but Wiggle rover Ben Cousins ran furiously to lift his mob. Cousins did well to the win the ball, his tumbled kick was collected and handballed by Rowan Jones for Judd to snap a left-foot runner. Cousins created a chance for Jones, which brought a behind only, so Cousins booted a long major himself after receiving Sam Butler’s handball. That put the Eegs 2 points ahead and after Brent Staker lobbed a major from 50m off a coupla steps, the Eegs led by 8 points. Cousins had made himself literally sick through running and went for a rest, Freo rover Byron Schammer missed appallingly. Late in the term Judd’s kick to switch play sliced on-the-full and Bell’s resulting free-kick went to Des Headland, front-runnin’ Des majored to reduce the Weeg lead to 2 points at the first rest. Some relentless Weevil attack in the early second Mario brought a few behinds only. A strong defensive mark from Shocker Luke McPharlin initiated a rebound attack, Headland mongrelled a shot through from the flank and Freo led by 3 points. Rowan Jones missed another shot for West Ghost before Dokka Johnson passed for Farmer to mark strongly in front of Adam Selwood, ‘Wiz’ booted his second goal and Fremandle led by 9 points. The Coasters’ early challenge was faltering quickly, Freo were winning around packs and controlling the ball. McPharlin was beating Lynch and the other Eeg forwards were rarely sighted. Dockers David Mundy and Troy Cook kicked behinds, good coaching from Connolly had hard-man Cook playing on David Wirrpanda. Farmer led wide to mark Brett Peake’s pass and centre the Sherrin for leading Bell, the Dokker skipper sausaged. A great tap-on from Farmer allowed Johnson to gather and send speedy Peake clear, the lad Peake booted a goal and Freo led by 22 points at half-time.
Things didn’t look good for the Weegs as the second half began, Andrew Embley (shoulder) failed to re-emerge and soon Wirrpanda departed with hamstring trouble. Cook, roving to Pavlich, forced the ball from a pack for Crowley to stab a close-range sausage, Paul Hasleby won the ball at the restart and another smart tap-on from Farmer led to Bell slotting it through on the run. Freo were 33 points up now and commentator ‘Gerhard’ Healy was concerned for the Eagles, his very strong tip beforehand. A long Lynch shot thundered into a post and Weegle heads dropped noticeably, the heavily pro-Weevil crowd groaned. Quickly Farmer booted a goal after holding a with-the-flight mark, Matthew Carr roved a ball-up and kicked for Pavlich to mark, Pav majored. His first meaningful contribution as Glass was winning the duel but Freo were well in control anyway. Justin Longmuir and Matty Carr combined to send the Dockulaters forward again, Hasleby held a pack-mark 20m out and popped it through. Freo led by 51 points now and 57 after Hasleby snapped a close-range goal, bullocking from Pavlich and Crowley forcing the ball free. Schammer missed a straightforward shot late in the korter, wasting great play by Headland and Hasleby. Freo were 57 points ahead though and the Wiggles hadn’t scored a goal since midway through the first quarter. The drought ended as Cousins roved a goal-mouth pack to snap a major early in the final stanza. Freo replied quickly, a chain of handballs released Shaun McManus and his long kick was gathered on the bounce and steered between the big sticks with great skill, or luck, by Longmuir. The goal-ump signaled the goal using his thumbs rather than index-fingers, it was the official’s last-ever game before he moves to Brazil for work, apparently. Lynch free-kicked a goal for the Weegs, to McPharlin’s disappointment, but the Dorkers stormed forward from the restart again and Farmer booted a running sausage. Josh Carr set up that goal and the next, passing for Peake to mark and convert. Farmer turned provider for Cook to boot a major as Freo went 64 points ahead. Waiting for the siren as Cousins booted a 50m goal for the Weegs and Lynch, in the ruck now, blasted a long kick for Staker to mark in the goal-square and poke through. Farmer hooked a clever kick for Pavlich to grab and convert but the red mist was descending, ‘Wiz’ had already elbowed Selwood in the head and love-tapped the same Weegle in the stomach. Soon he was benched as the final minutes ticked by.
Freo skipper Peter Bell (28 disposals, 10 marks, 2 goals) won the Glendinning Medal, he wasn’t booed (well, not by everyone) as Chris Judd was when he won it after the first Derby this year. Jeff Farmer (13 touches, 5 marks, 4 goals) was very good, not only booting 4 himself but being involved in four or five other goals. Aaron Sandilands (22 disposals, 20 hit-outs) and Josh Carr (31 possies, 11 marks) helped Freo win the contested ball and running Des Headland (13 touches, 2 goals) was handy forward of centre. Roger Hayden (16 disposals) had the better of Ashley Sampi and Ryan Crowley (20 possies, 2 goals) played well. Paul Hasleby and Matthew Pavlich kicked 2 goals each. Wiggle ex-skipper Ben Cousins (31 possessions, 3 goals) was far-and-away their best player. Darren Glass (11 disposals), who had a ‘win’ against Pavlich, was next-best. After them you’re struggling to find a winner. Chris Judd (26 disposals, a goal) had plenty of the ball but did little damage, ditto Tyson Stenglein (28 possies) and Chad Fletcher (27 disposals, 11 marks). Brent Staker and Quinten Lynch kicked 2 goals each. Worsfold used the fatigue excuse. "Our work rate early was good but we certainly ran out of steam. We couldn't maintain it today . . . the boys looked tired. I thought in the first quarter and the start of the second quarter we missed some opportunities. That's the fifth game we've lost this year and all five have been exactly the same - disappointing." The Weegs will have a home final and double chance, regardless of how they go against the Tigers at the MCG next week. Chris Connolly said "West Coast had a lot of opportunities in the first quarter and probably didn't grab them, considering their inside 50s. Then we had opportunities in the second quarter and grabbed them. It comes down to opportunities and I think moving forward, we'd be looking to play West Coast in the finals again and hopefully with the way both clubs have conducted themselves and built themselves, for many years hopefully we'll have finals clashes." Connolly was asked about Grand Finals. "I've never thought about it. I once heard Wayne Carey say you never talk about it until you're in a grand final. And we're a long way from that at this point in time." Freo need to beat the unpredictable Port at Sooby next week to finish top-four. Whooda thought that a coupla months ago?
Ladder after Round Twenty One
Pts. % Next Week
West Coast 64 116.5 Richmond (MCG, Saturday)
Adelaide 60 141.0 Melbourne (Football Park, Saturday)
Fremantle 56 105.9 Port Adelaide (Subiaco, Sat. night)
Melbourne 54 113.7 Adelaide (Football Park, Saturday)
Sydney 52 123.7 Carlton (SCG, Sunday)
Collingwood 52 116.5 North Melbourne (MCG, Sunday)
St. Kilda 52 116.0 Brisbane (Gabba, Sat. night)
Footscray 48 105.7 Essendon (Docklands, Fri. night)
----------------------------
Richmond 44 89.2 West Coast (MCG, Saturday)
Geelong 42 102.2 Hawthorn (Docklands, Sunday)
Port Adelaide 32 92.0 Fremantle (Subiaco, Sat. night)
Hawthorn 32 82.3 Geelong (Docklands, Sunday)
Brisbane 28 83.9 St. Kilda (Gabba, Sat. night)
North Melbourne 28 83.0 Collingwood (MCG, Sunday)
Essendon 14 81.7 Footscray (Docklands, Fri. night)
Carlton 14 76.7 Sydney (SCG, Sunday)
Cheers, Tim.
Article last changed on Wednesday, August 30, 2006 - 11:29 PM EDT
