AFL Wins Media Suit
The league has won its court case and can now permanently prohibit the media from publishing the names of the players it obtained who allegedly returned two positive drug tests. However, the court ruling came too late to stop the names being bandied about in the media and through the football industry, but operations manager Adrian Anderson said that their careers have been damaged. According to Anderson, the AFL clubs still do not know the identity of those players and that everyone was assuming that the names leaked to the media were the correct ones.
Only the AFL Medical Officer has the correct information and Anderson denied it would be unfair to clubs who might trade for one of those players not to know of the positive tests. St. Kilda Coach Grant Thomas and Carlton Coach Denis Pagan agreed with that opinion, saying it was up to the individual clubs to do their homework on potential recruits. Anderson also likened the information to private medical information which cannot be released by anyone, not even the AFL, unless given consent to do so.
Source: Melbourne Age
Cat Serious But Stable
Tom Lonergan could play football again after losing a kidney after a game injury, according to club doctor Chris Bradshaw. Lonergan, originally hospitalized for a lacerated kidney, had to be rushed into emergency surgery when his pulse dropped and blood pressure rose in the wee hours of Sunday morning. It was discovered that a previous injury to the same kidney, about six years ago, had left scar tissue that increased the severity of Lonergan's new injury.
He also required further surgery to remove blood-absorbing packing and doctors induced a coma to aid his recovery. He remained in that coma for 5 days, before doctors brought him around in a 6 hour procedure.
Lonergan, playing his seventh game for Geelong, collided heavily with Melbourne forward Brad Miller while moving with the flight of the ball. His kidney had been badly lacerated and bruised, and another section, leading up to his heart, was also damaged.
Bradshaw said the first priority would be Lonergan's recovery and he would then counsel him about the possibility of playing on or not. Bradshaw named several players who had played with just one kidney. Former Geelong ruckman John Newman, champion Collingwood forward Peter McKenna, and Lonergan's good friend Bo Nixon, delisted by Hawthorn last season, had shown it could be done.
Newman had part of his kidney removed when he was pushed into a fence during his fourth season, 1967, and returned to play until the end of 1980 and notch 300 games. Nixon, who grew up with Lonergan and played with him at the Calder Cannons, wore a protective guard after he had a malfunctioning kidney removed shortly before being traded from Collingwood to Hawthorn at the end of 2004.
Professor David Power, a renal specialist at Austin Health, said patients usually spend up to 2 weeks in the hospital and up to a month recuperating after the removal of a kidney because of the amount of muscle involved in the surgery. The latest word is that Lonergan is progressing well and is expected to make a full recovery. He has had a stream of visitors and well-wishers all week. First and foremost are his family, who have been at his side constantly. So as not to tire him out too much, his teammates have set up a roster schedule for visiting him two at a time.
Lonergan is expected to spend several more weeks in the hospital.
Source: Melbourne Age
GENERAL NEWS
Draft Change
Clubs will no longer be restricted when it comes to trading draft picks. Previously, all trades had to involved at least one player. However, the league has now decided that clubs can trade for selections only.
The league's decision was based on the recent trend of clubs trading more for draft selections than players and the belief that the restriction was a restraint on the clubs. The new rule will give the clubs more flexibility, especially with multi-club trades.
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
Surgery For Commissioner
AFL Chairman Ron Evans underwent surgery last week to have a tumor removed from his abdomen. The surgery and subsequent recovery period will see him step down from his Commission duties for the next month. Evans, 67, has been AFL chairman since 1998.
Source: afl.com
TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:
Ray Hall (RICH), rough conduct against Essendon's Damien Peverill: reckless conduct (2), medium impact (2), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 6 points, 225 demerits, a Level 3 offense, and a 2 game suspension. He has two matches suspended within the last 3 years, which increases his penalty 10% 247.50 demerits. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 185.63 demerits and a 1 game suspension.
Mark Johnson (ESS), striking Tiger Kayne Pettifer: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), in play (1), and body contact (1), equaling points, 125 demerits, a Level 2 offense and a 1 game suspension. He has an applicable good record, which reduces the penalty 25% to 93.75 demerits and a reprimand. Had he accepted, the penalty would have been reduced a further 25% to 70.31 demerits, still a reprimand, with the demerits held over toward his future record.
Johnson took his case to the Tribunal in an attempt to clear himself. At the hearing, Johnson said he only swung at Pettifer's arm in an attempt to break Pettifer;s grip on his guernsey, but missed and connected with Pettifer's stomach.
Pettifer, who buckled at the knees holding his stomach, admitted to staging for a free kick and even informed umpire Matthew Head of his dive on the night.
Despite the evidence presented, the Tribunal upheld the reprimand, costing Johnson the extra 25% reduction, leaving him with the original 93.75 demerits which will be held over toward his future record. Any offense will push the demerits over 100 for a certain suspension.
Jordan Bannister (CARL), striking Magpie Brodie Holland: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), behind play (1), and high contact (2), equaling 7 points, 325 demerits, a Level 4 offense, and a 3 game suspension. He has an applicable good record, which reduces the penalty 25% to 243.75 demerits and a 2 game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty a further 25% to 182.81 demerits and a 1 game suspension.
Collingwood's Dane Swan and Ben Johnson and Carlton's Brendon Fevola were all fined for taking part in a melee. It was a second offense for all 3, drawing a fine of $3200. All 3 accepted, reducing the fine 25% to $2400.
The match day report laid against Collingwood's Alan Didak was reviewed. It was the view of the Match Review Panel that Scotland took possession of the ball and Didak began to move towards him from the side and slightly behind the Carlton player. Scotland first realized Didak was approaching when he was approximately two meters away. Didak had positioned himself to bump and had his arm and shoulder tucked in for contact. Scotland attempted to avoid contact but unfortunately contact was made to his head. Despite the high contact, Didak's action was viewed as a legitimate attempt to bump. Therefore, the contact to the head was considered accidental and the action was not considered to be a reportable.
The match day report laid against Carlton's Brendan Fevola was reviewed. It was the view of the Match Review Panel that Fevola made an open-hand grab around the neck of Swan. His action was not deemed to be reportable.
Source: sportal.com & Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
While the AFL's system still has its critics, the Essendon District Football League Tribunal has no qualms about sending a clear message and the decision was supported by all officials.
That message came in the form of a 7 year ban against an under-18 player for striking an umpire in a semi-final between the Doutta Stars and Strathmore. The incident occurred after Strathmore had kicked a goal and the umpire awarded a free kick which would be another goal to Strathmore. The Doutta player, one R. Gordon, then seized the umpire. According to one official, the young player simply "went troppo". He was charged with abuse, assaulting and striking the umpire.
EDFL Umpires Association president David Sullivan said he hoped the message was clear than such behavior is not acceptable. Football Victoria manager of development and planning Mick Daniher agreed, saying it was hard enough to recruit and retain umpires in the suburban leagues and that umpires had to be protected.
Source: Herald Sun
MILESTONES
AFL Life Membership: Shane Crawford (HAW) qualified for automatic AFL Life Membership with his 300th official game this week since his debut in 1993, comprising 267 premiership matches, 21 pre-season matches, 3 state of origin matches and 8 international rules matches.
150 games: Matthew Pavlich (FRE) became only the third player in the history of the club to reach 150 games, joining club record holder Shane Parker (227 games) and Shaun McManus (191 games)
150 games: Leigh Brown (KANG), Matthew Bishop (PA), Tyson Stenglein (WCE)
100 games at two clubs: Jeff Farmer (FRE) became the 29th player in the history of the game to record 100 games at two separate clubs, having played 118 games with Melbourne. The full list is Bernie Quinlan 366 games (177 Western Bulldogs, 189 Fitzroy), John Blakey 354 games (135 Fitzroy, 219 Kangaroos), David Cloke 333 games (219 Richmond, 114 Collingwood), Gary Dempsey 329 games (207 Western Bulldogs, 122 Kangaroos), Barry Round 328 games (135 Western Bulldogs, 193 Sydney), Paul Salmon 318 games (218 Essendon, 100 Hawthorn), Roger Merrett 313 games (149 Essendon, 164 Brisbane), Alastair Lynch 306 games (120 Fitzroy, 186 Brisbane), Paul Williams 306 games (189 Collingwood, 117 Sydney), Russell Greene 304 games (120 St Kilda, 184 Hawthorn), Gavin Wanganeen 300 games (127 Essendon, 173 Port Adelaide), Sav Rocca 256 games (156 Collingwood, 100 Kangaroos), Greg Williams 250 games (34 Geelong, 107 Sydney, 109 Carlton), Peter Bell 247 games (123 Kangaroos, 124 Fremantle), Darryl Wakelin 245 games (115 St Kilda, 130 Port Adelaide), Matthew Clarke 245 games (130 Brisbane, 115 Adelaide), Robert Scott 245 games (132 Geelong, 113 Kangaroos), Paul Hudson 245 games (134 Hawthorn, 107 Western Bulldogs, Four Richmond), Stephen Paxman 240 games (102 Fitzroy, 138 Port Adelaide), Dean Rice 234 games (116 St Kilda, 118 Carlton), Fraser Gehrig 233 games (115 West Coast, 118 St Kilda), Anthony Daniher 233 games (115 Sydney, 118 Essendon), Darren Jarman 230 games (109 Hawthorn, 121 Adelaide), Ian Hampshire 224 games (113 Geelong, 111 Western Bulldogs), Tony McGuinness 222 games (109 Western Bulldogs, 113 Adelaide), Tim Pekin 219 games (107 Fitzroy, 112 St Kilda), Jeff Farmer 217 games (118 Melbourne, 99 Fremantle), Earl Spalding 211 games (109 Melbourne, 102 Carlton), Leigh Colbert 209 games (105 Geelong, 104 Kangaroos)
100 games: Ian Perrie (ADE), Gary Ablett (GEEL), Paul Medhurst (FRE)
50 games: Trent Sporn (CARL), Dane Swan (COL), Sam Fisher & Mark McGough(StK), Charlie Gardiner (GEEL)
50 club games: David Teague (CARL)
50 games umpired: Matt Stevic
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
(Ed. note: after this week, injury lists will be posted only for those teams contesting Finals)
ST KILDA
The club was mourning the death of club stalwart, Travis Payze, 60, this weekend. He passed away on Friday after a long illness. Payze had been involved with the club for over 40 years in a variety of roles, beginning as a member of the 1966 premiership team. He went on to serve as chairman of selectors, administrator, director and president. He was also involved at one stage with development of younger players such as Nathan Burke, Stewart Loewe, Robert Harvey, and Tony Lockett.
Payze played 127 games and kicked 73 goals 1966-74. He came to the club from Frankston and debuted in a 1966 semi-final, kicking 3 goals in that match. He was an All Australian in 1972.
Following his retirement, he remained at the club to serve as chairman of selectors 1983-85, then a board member 1983-93), and president from 1987-92. He was inducted into St. Kilda's Hall Of Fame in July of this year.
Defender Jason Gram has signed a new 2 year contract. Jason has played 31 games for the club, after being traded from Brisbane in 2003 in exchange for a draft selection. Gram was drafted in 2001 by the Lions but played just 2 games with Brisbane in 2003 before being traded to the Saints.
Forgotten ruckman Barry Brooks finally earned a recall to the seniors this week to give the Saints some badly needed ruck support. It will be his first game since Round 11, 2005 and just his 8th senior AFL game. He starred for Casey Scorpions at VFL level last week, dominating the hitouts, kicking two goals, taking 11 marks and racking up 23 possessions.
Brooks was drafted at the end of 2001 by Port Adelaide, spent 2002 honing his skills in the SANFL, and then was traded to St. Kilda at the end of 2002. He debuted in 2003, playing 5 games off the interchange before a knee reconstruction ended his season. He struggled in 2004 to recover from the knee injury and played just 2 games last year.
Injury Update:
Lenny Hayes, knee reconstruction, season
Matt Maguire, fractured leg, season
Troy Schwarze, hamstring tightness, 1 week
Fergus Watts, ankle, season
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, author notes, & Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
CARLTON
Ryan Jackson was elevated from the rookie list last week and made his debut this week.
Jackson is the 1097th player to represent Carlton in the AFL and the 6th Carlton player to debut this season. Jackson was the number one selection in the 2006 Rookie Draft.
Injury Update:
Josh Kennedy, partially collapsed lung, ongoing assessment
Nick Stevens, neck, ongoing assessment
Adam Bentick & Mark Murphy, shoulder, season
Justin Davies, back, season
Craig Flint, fractured tibia, season
Jason Saddington, knee, season
Simon Wiggins, hamstring, season
Source: Stephen Wilson, Club Media Release
PORT ADELAIDE
Injury Update:
Michael Wilson & Peter Burgoyne, hamstring, season
James Ezard, osteitis pubis, season
Nathan Lonie, Jacob Surjan & Daniel Motlop, shoulder, season
Michael Pettigrew, shoulder/shins, season
Brad Symes, adductor, season
Adam Thomson, groin, season
Warren Tredrea, knee, season
Source: Daniel Bryant, Club Media Release
COLLINGWOOD
The club set a new season attendance record with 40,090 fans turning out this week to bring the total attendance to 1,156,032, breaking the previous best attendance figure of 1,119,886 which was set in 2003. The club also set a new home game attendance record, with 572,768 supporters attending home games. The previous best was 556,688 set in 2002. However, the club needed over 53,000 fans to set a new AFL record, but missed that one. The AFL season record for any one team is 1,169,551 set in 1998 by Essendon.
Chris Tarrant returned to the side this week as did Nathan Buckley, who was rested last week, and Dale Thomas who missed several weeks with a broken collarbone.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Nicki Malady, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
White the Demons regained David Neitz and Matthew Bate this week, they went into the match without Byron Pickett and Matthew Whelan, both of whom only returned last week from hamstring injuries. Both pulled up sore after the game and the club has decided not risk further injury on the eve of their finals campaign.
Injury Update:
Matt Whelan & Byron Pickett, hamstring, 1 week
Paul Wheatley, back, 1-2 weeks
Ryan Ferguson, knee, 1-2 weeks
Brent Moloney, groin, season
Paul Johnson & Andre Gianfagna, shoulder, season
Heath Neville, groin, season
Source: sportal.com & Ryan Larkin, Club Media Release
HAWTHORN
On top of signing off a new deal with major sponsor HSBC, Hawthorn has also completed a new deal to play 4 games a year in Tasmania for the next 5 seasons. As part of the lucrative deals, a Tasmanian logo will now appear on the front of the Hawthorn jumper, while the HSBC logo will appear on the back. The matches in Tasmania will be against a mixture of both Victorian and non-Victorian clubs.
The new deal will pave the way for St Kilda to end its deal to play two games per year in Tasmania with one year remaining on its contract, allowing the club to play 11 home games in Melbourne from next season, the preferred option of Coach Grant Thomas and the club. The Hawks are also seeking seven home and four away games at the MCG from next year.
Injury Update:
Luke Brennan, knee, season
Peter Everitt, ankle, season
Danny Jacobs, hamstring, season
Thomas Murphy, back, 1 week
Michael Osborne, foot, season
Simon Taylor, shoulder, season
Source: Kristi High, Club Media Release
KANGAROOS
Jonathan Hay announced to the club and the public last week that he has been suffering from bipolar depression for over 3 years, and that it is this illness which has affected his life and playing abilities. Hay decided to make his condition public as the result of the negative publicity surrounding several off field indiscretions which led to his being dropped from the Kangaroos' VFL affiliate Tasmania.
Hay has been given an indefinite leave from the club to remove any extraneous pressures so he can concentrate on treatment and recovery from the disorder, with which he was diagnosed in 2003. Hay was flanked by Kangaroos CEO Geoff Walsh, former Kangaroos player Wayne Schwass, who also suffers from depression, and Professor Patrick McGorry, a psychiatrist and made this public statement, as reported in the Melbourne Age:
"I want to....explain why this year has gone badly for me, on and off the field. This is needed because of the significant disappointment and confusion that has resulted and the associated negative publicity. I would rather not be sitting here....but things have come to a point that, for my own benefit and the interests of the North Melbourne Football Club, my teammates and all the supporters, I need to give an explanation as to why I've had the year I've had. Three years ago, I was diagnosed with a mental health problem, known as bipolar depression. I sought treatment for this and for a time it was successful and I made a good recovery. Unfortunately, during the course of this year, I became unwell again. This time, the treatment has been less successful and I have struggled to recover. This illness has directly affected my form and at times my well-being and behavior off the field."
McGorry said the condition not only can cause erratic behavior, but can also seriously disrupt sleep and Hay had sometimes tried to play after sleepless nights. McGorry went on to explain that the disorder can reduce energy, the ability to relate well to other people, and can cause feelings of doubt, pessimism, and despair. He likened the disorder to any physical injury a player can suffer and compared it to the groin condition osteitis pubis, saying that no knows when it will get better but it is something which can be overcome. He believes that Hay can make a full recovery.
Walsh said no one at the club knew of the source of Hay's difficulties, saying the club had done a check on Hay's past before completing the trade deal with Hawthorn at the end of 2004. At the time of the trade, Hay was not ill and had been free of the condition for at least 2 years.
Schwass, who last year admitted to battling depression during his career and is now chief executive of the Sunrise Foundation, which assists athletes with depression, said it is typical to conceal the illness out of shame or embarrassment. He said that Hay now needed space to get better and that it was now about the person, not the footballer.
Leigh Harding will miss most, if not all, of next year, after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during a training drill last week. Harding, who has one year left on his contract, landed awkwardly after taking a mark during the drill.
Injury Update:
Tim Hutchison & Adam Simpson, groin, season
Jesse Smith, ankle, season,
Shannon Grant, knee, season
Daniel Pratt & Cameron Thurley, shoulder, season
Callum Urch & Blake Grima, hamstring, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Injury Update:
Luke Darcy, Robert Murphy, Tim Walsh, Adam Morgan, Mitch Hahn, knee, season
Tom Williams, ankle, season
Shaun Higgins, elbow, 2-4 weeks
Nathan Eagleton, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Source: Shaun Anderson, Club Media Release
RICHMOND
Mark Chaffey and Greg Stafford will both retire at the end of the season. Chaffey, 29, will close out his 10 year career on 166 games, but said he has struggled too much with injury over the past few seasons, especially groin trouble. The game this week was only the 6th Chaffey has played in 2006.
Stafford, 32, played 130 games with Sydney including the 1996 losing Grand Final before joining the Tigers in 2001. Stafford decided that, after 14 years, it was time to hang up the boots. Stafford finishes with 204 games to his name.
Injury Update:
Daniel Jackson & Andrew Kellaway, hamstring, 2 weeks
Darren Gaspar, Mark Coughlan, & Will Thursfield, knee, season
Nathan Brown, leg, season
Danny Meyer & Brent Hartigan, foot, season
Chris Newman, broken leg, season
Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, broken collarbone, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
ESSENDON
The club has just completed a 7 month study, commissioned by CEO Peter Jackson, on the trends in national and international sport. The club will use the analytical study, titled Football 2010, to help reshape its football department and determine the best structure for the future. Jackson said the study examined how the club could best utilize what he called the "skill sets" at the club's disposal to improve areas and fill gap in others within the structure of the football department. He referred to the changes as "a re-alignment of existing skill sets".
The study was undertaken by General Manager of Football Operations Dominic Cato and General Manager of Business Operations Travis Auld and overseen by Jackson. The key changes which will occur are:
John Quinn to assume the role of High Performance and Training Services Manager and be responsible for coordinating all elements of the playing list’s physical preparation.
Sports Science resources will be employed and report directly to John Quinn. The role of these resources will be to monitor and assist with the implementation of technological advancements that can assist in better preparation and development of the players.
Adrian Dodoro will be appointed List Manager and will also have a full-time recruiting resource reporting to him. Given the increasing number of draft picks coming from outside Victoria and the AFL’s development priorities in Queensland and NSW, it was decided additional resources were required to adequately source talent across all markets.
Matthew Knights has been appointed to the role of on-field Development Coach and will run a comprehensive program designed to assist with the development of players from year one to year three. He will not have a match day role with Essendon but will remain match day coach of Essendon's VFL affiliate, the Bendigo Bombers.
A senior executive specializing in learning and development, reporting directly to the CEO, will be appointed in the near future. This role will sit across the entire club but will mainly focus on the developmental needs of players and coaches.
Essendon presently has 19 players under the age of 21 and that number will grow following the upcoming draft. It is the fourth youngest list in the AFL. There are also 23 players on the list of 44 that were born outside Melbourne and this trend is likely to continue at the upcoming draft. On the back of these numbers the Club felt it was important to provide more support to the playing group, and in particular these players.
Travis Auld will be appointed as Chief Operating Officer and he will oversee management of the club’s related entities, salary cap management, and player contract negotiations. He will also oversee football department processes.
David Calthorpe will assume the role of Team Manager. This role will see him look after all the day-to-day administrative matters related to football operations.
Dominic Cato, previously the General Manager of Football Operations, will move into a senior commercial-based role that reflects his skill set.
The club has finally come up with an alternate guernsey design which has been approved by the AFL. The design features a very wide red sash which takes up about 70% of the guernsey and will be worn in games against Richmond (which has produced its own alternate of more yellow), St. Kilda, and Melbourne. However, the colors could still pose a problem against Melbourne, whose guernsey also features red.
Dean Rioli has a message for other Aboriginal players at Essendon and around the country: make the most of your opportunities or you could regret it. Rioli admitted he wasn't dedicated enough when his body was sound to allow him to use his skills before chronic knee problems condemned him to a premature retirement after literally limping to his 100th game last week. As for the suspected cracked bone in his wrist suffered in the game last week, Rioli was stoic, saying getting injured again in his last game was the story of his career.
Rioli now plans to stick around Melbourne and Essendon to use his contacts to help not only the indigenous players at Essendon, but to also work in the wider community to encourage young Aboriginals to not give up on their ambitions and to live better lives.
When asked about the highlight of his career, Rioli said it was his first game after being elevated from the rookie list and playing under then first game captain Michael Long and watching Matthew Lloyd boot 13 goals.
They did it 2 years ago, and they are doing it again this year. A group of young players will head for Japan in November. but it won't be all fun and games, as some of them will find themselves as the teachers at a school near Tokyo. The players will also spend time in Hiroshima, study new training techniques in Kyoto and hold AFL clinics in Tokyo and Osaka. And, as they did two years ago, the players will spend 2 of their 11 days with a non-English speaking Japanese family.
Jobe Watson, Angus Monfries, Andrew Lovett, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Jay Nash, Jason Winderlich, and Brent Stanton will be accompanied by fitness coach John Quinn, chief executive Peter Jackson and possibly one more player.
Quinn hoped the trip was about exposing players to a new culture and encouraging them to look back on their own, be that football or personal, and start tackling any deficiencies.
Quinn said it was up to the players to decide what they wanted to talk about in the classes, whether it be English, Australia, Essendon, footy, etc, but said it was more about communication and sharing ideas.
And Quinn himself did a bit more globetrotting as he headed for Kuwait this weekend to help out with the Socceroos, who are competing in the Asian Cup. Quinn will spent just under a week with the team, at the invitation of interim Australian coach Graham Arnold and with the blessing of the Bombers. The Socceroos' regular conditioning coach was unavailable for this trip. He will make sure the players stay hydrated in the 100-degree conditions, keep track of how hard their training sessions are, warm them up on match day and oversee their recovery.
Injury Update
Patrick Ryder & jay Neagle, ankle, season
Dustin Fletcher & Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Scott Camporeale, strained calf, season
Andrew Lovett, broken hand, season
Henry Slattery, quad, season
Tim O’Keefe, shoulder, season
Heath Hocking, foot, season
Jason Laycock, Lachlan McKinnon, & Aaron Henneman, shoulder reconstruction, season
Adam Ramanauskas, cancer, indefinite
Source: Melbourne Age, Herald Sun & Emma Robinson, Club Media Release
BRISBANE
Jason Akermanis and his manager, Ricky Olarenshaw, have had preliminary meetings with Essendon Coach Kevin Sheedy and Essendon recruiting manager Adrian Dodoro, and also met with Melbourne Coach Neale Daniher.
Although money was not discussed, Akermanis has outlined his conditions through his management and they are: a three-year contract, on $400,000 or more, plus the right to earn more in the media.
While the price tag might rule some clubs out of the market, the biggest question remains that of Akermanis' media rights and what a club would allow him to do as a media performer. According to Olarenshaw, Akermanis wants to pursue a media career when he retires from football and, to that end, wants to continue in the media while playing. Olarenshaw did admit that there would be guidelines laid out by whichever club takes Akermanis.
Injury Update:
Mitch Clark, OP, season
Pat Garner, Richard Hadley, Anthony Corrie, & Joel Macdonald, knee reconstruction, season
Jonathan Brown & Chris Scott, hip, season
Jamie Charman, dislocated shoulder, season
Michael Rischitelli, shoulder, season
Beau McDonald, hamstring related knee soreness, season
Nigel Lappin, ankle, season
Also missing through injury this week were Jason Roe (knee), Troy Selwood (back), and Josh Drummond (hamstring).
10 Years Ago
The Lions played the Saints at the Gabba in Round 2, 1997 and brought up the merged club's first win. On a hot Brisbane day, the Lions roared to a 97-point win. Clark Keating booted 5 goals from center half forward, while full forward Justin Leppitsch and forward pocket Chris Johnson bagged 4 each. Ben Robbins, Matthew Clarke, Shaun Hart and Marcus Ashcroft were the Lions’ best.
It was a different story later in the season in Round 17, when the two sides clashed at Waverley. Michael Voss and Andrew Bews suffered season-ending injuries, while Craig Lambert and Shaun Hart were hurt and missed a month. The Saints won the game 12.20 (92) to 5.14 (44), with Adrian Fletcher leading the Lions’ possessions with 23 and Hart being the side’s best player.
Source: Melbourne Age & Julie Rackstraw, Club Media Release
GEELONG
Coach Mark Thompson may be under pressure to remain at the helm as rumors are circulating that he has lost the support of the players as well as some of their managers.
According to the Melbourne Age, the team's leadership group as well as at least 5 player agents have been interviewed by CEO Brian Cook as part of the club's extensive review, and many of them have been critical of Thompson's performance.
According to at least 3 prominent player managers, Thompson has lost the respect of players and has not helped his cause by poor communication skills with his team. It is believed that even club president Frank Costa, a long time supporter of Thompson, has begun to lost faith in the coach, who is contracted through 2007. And long-time football manager, Garry Davidson, is also believed to have lost the players, especially after being charged with a DUI earlier in the year.
The club's on-field leadership group, comprising captain Steven King, Tom Harley, Cameron Ling, Matthew Scarlett, Paul Chapman, Cameron Mooney, and Joel Corey, has also come under intense scrutiny and will undergo a restructure for next season.
Amid all the negative speculation, Coach Mark Thompson believes he has maintained a positive attitude and says he wants to remain coach next season. And he believes everything possible has been done to determine what went wrong this season after such a promising start.
Pressure is also mounting on the administration, which took over in 1998, from without, with supporters gathering signatures on a petition to force an extraordinary general meeting. A spokesman for the disenchanted group said that supporters and members want explanations for the team's downfall after such a promising start and how the administration plans to remedy the situation.
The club's regular AGM is usually held just before Christmas, but the members are pushing for an EGM to take place well before that. Such a meeting could cost the club $50,000 or more, but the petition's leader Rennis Witham, who ran and failed to win a seat on Geelong's board in 1998, said members could not wait for the scheduled annual meeting. She also accused the club's administration of poor communication with the members and said the cost of an EGM should not be an excuse for not being accountable.
In gathering more than 250 signatures in the past few weeks, Witham said many members wanted answers and unless the club board was more forthcoming, many would not renew their memberships next season.
While many EGMs are called to force a challenge to and a spill of the existing board, Witham said Geelong's constitution allows such a meeting without challenging for a special election.
Ryan Gamble debuted this week. Gamble, a 184cm midfielder from Glenelg in the SANFL, was drafted last year.
Source: Melbourne Age & afl.com
ADELAIDE
Adelaide, the "unbeatable" team 6 weeks ago, is reeling from the injury toll which came out of the match last week. Andrew McLeod has little hope of playing in the finals, while young forward Trent Hentschel and defender Ben Hart may never play again.
McLeod, who only recently had surgery to remove a bursa from his foot, developed an infection and required further surgery last week. McLeod felt some discomfort at half time last week, and struggled through the second half of the game. When his boot was removed afterward, the foot swelled badly and the club doctor put him on antibiotics straight away.
Best case scenario is that he will miss 3-4 weeks, virtually ruling him out of the finals.
Hentschel remained heavily sedated for several days after dislocating his right knee and rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The damage is so severe that in time he may require a knee replacement. One surgery was done to repair the dislocation, while the reconstruction to repair the ligament damage will be done in November or December. Hentschel will not be allowed to put any weight on the leg for 8 weeks and total rehabilitation could take 12-15 months. Doctors compared the injuries to that of a severe car crash.
Hart, 32, has a severe Achilles tendon injury which will force him out of the finals as well. Football manager John Reid said there is a chance Hart could play again, but it is something that will not be discussed until further assessments are concluded.
And Mark Ricciuto, who missed last week with what was thought to be the flu, has now been diagnosed with a severe viral infection which has ruled him out of this week's game and could see him miss the finals altogether. Ricciuto has been virtually bed-ridden all week and has been quarantined from the club. It took several days and a battery of tests to finally determine what it was. At first, doctors thought he might have an infection known as Ross River Disease, but it was finally confirmed as the highly contagious Parvovirus B19 (or Fifth Disease), most common to children.
Another concern for medical staff is whether or not it has spread to other Crow players because the virus takes about 3 weeks to incubate and is easily spread through contact, sneezing, coughing, etc. Ricciuto did not become symptomatic until last week. Symptoms include rash, joint swelling, and joint pain. Because the disease can last for several months, doctors are unsure when Ricciuto will be able to play again.
Brett Burton is progressing well, but the club does not expect him to be fully recovered to take part in the finals.
The full injury list is:
Andrew McLeod, foot, 3-4 weeks
Mark Ricciuto, virus, indefinite
Ben Hart, Achilles, indefinite
Trent Hentschel, knee, season
Brett Burton, hamstring, indefinite
Hayden Skipworth, hamstring, 1 week
Luke Jericho, shoulder, season
Chris Knights, quad, 1 week
Source: Melbourne Age, Herald Sun, & David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release
FREMANTLE
Veteran midfielder Jarrad Schofield announced last week that he will retire at the end of the season. Schofield played 63 games for West Coast 1993-98, receiving a rising star nomination in 1996, before moving to Port Adelaide for 130 games 1999-2004, that included all 25 games in 2004, including the Premiership win against Brisbane. He returned to WA, joining the Dockers at the end of 2004, but his preseason was interrupted by a serious back injury which required two separate operations and restricted him to just 10 games in 2005.
Schofield, 31, admitted that he has never reached full fitness since the injury, but says he has no regrets and has enjoyed what he called a "....very enjoyable and rewarding career".
Source: Fremantle website
WEST COAST
Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Mark Nicoski, ankle, 2 weeks
Travis Gaspar, foot, 1 week
Andrew Embley, AC (shoulder) joint, 1 week
Daniel Kerr, calf strain, 1 week
David Wirrpanda, hamstring, 1 week
Source: Gary Stocks, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
Dashing defender Tadhg Kennelly has signed a new 3 year contract, but said it would be his last with the Swans, after which he will return home to Ireland and resume his career there.
There was speculation that Kennelly would return to Ireland at the end of this year, especially after the sudden death of his father. It was a visit from his mom Nuala and sister Joanna which gave him the confidence and resolve to extend his stay with the Swans.
Luke Ablett and Lewis Roberts-Thomson (late withdrawals last week) returned this week.
Source: afl.com & Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
GENERAL SILLINESS
Sav Rocca's young son, Matthew, is oblivious to the ramifications of Dad's move to the USA and NFL football. As such when asked what team he wanted to play for when he grew up, Matthew replied that he wanted to play for Collingwood. Rocca Snr, traded to the Kangaroos from Collingwood, gently reminded Matthew that the correct response should be the Kangaroos. At the time, Matthew was wearing a Kangaroo guernsey with Dad's #26 on the back.
Most of us have heard about the "fashion parades" and calendars in which players strut their stuff. Usually, these feature the likes of Shane Crawford, Ben Cousins, etc. Well, former Cat Ben Graham is now a model for the New York Jets. He's now spruiking the latest in Jets swim wear on the club's official website and showing off his best "surfie" poses.
By the way, the top runs $66 while the trunks cost $46.
And one from Inside Football's humor page, The Back Pocket, where everything is unabashed bald-faced lies and complete fabrications:
What He Said: "I wish I could play forever." - Essendon champ James Hird
What He Meant: I'll play until the team can cope without me. So I might be about 60 by then...."
Triple M featured a new Ray White Homes ad, this time with Brian Taylor talking to "Becky", a diehard Saints fan. Becky tells Brian she has to sell her home because she thinks its cursed. Taylor asks why and Becky explains that she moved into the house in October of 1966, one month after the Saints won the Grand Final. Since then, the Saints haven't won a Grand Final, thus the curse she feels she has brought onto the club.
Source: Melbourne Age, Inside Football, & Triple M Radio live broadcast
On to the scores:
WB 8.2 13.5 18.9 22.15 (147)
ESS 2.3 10.9 14.14 18.17 (125)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 5, Giansiracusa 4, Montgomery 3, Robbins 3, Smith 2, Cooney, McMahon, Minson, Power, Wight; ESS - Lucas 8, J. Johnson 5, Hird 2, Heffernan, Johns, Solomon
BEST: WB - Johnson, S.West, Cooney, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Boyd, Montgomery; ESS - Lucas, Peverill, J. Johnson, Dyson, Stanton, Lovett-Murray
INJURY: WB - Harris (jaw)
UMPIRES: McBurney, Chamberlain, Ellis
CROWD: 42,956 at Telstra Dome
As slow as Essendon was to get started, the Dogs were fast in breaking away with their trademark run and slick disposal. And what started out looking like a blowout turned into a high-scoring, entertaining shootout. Although Essendon was first to the board, Dyson's two long shots on goal were sprayed for behinds. In between, Cooney set up Wight for the first Bulldog goal 5 minutes into the match. Gilbee set up the next from defense with Smith popping through the next goal. A Lovett-Murray turnover allowed Brad Johnson to goal. And it so it progressed as the Bombers, when they got hands to the ball inevitably missed chances or coughed it up under pressure. It was only a miskick from Minson which allowed the Bombers to get their first through Solomon. Montgomery nailed the next for the Dogs and a free to McMahon in the center handed another goal to Brad Johnson. The Bombers found enough to get the ball to Lucas for a mark and goal but it was quickly answered by Power. Further goals to Robbins and Giansiracusa and a rushed point gave the Bulldogs a 35 point lead at 1/4 time.
It got even uglier for the Bombers at the start of the 2nd term when Brad Johnson kicked 2 in the space of a few minutes with the Bombers again missing 2 shots on goal. But the Bombers produced a Lucas inspired turnaround with Lucas grabbing 2 in a row. A miss to Dyson was followed by a Cooney poster, but he redeemed himself a minute later with a goal from the resultant kick in. Goals to Minson and Lucas again halfway through the term maintained the status quo. But Essendon was working harder with Jason Johnson and James Hird starting to have an influence. Giansiracusa goaled to keep the Bombers at bay, but Heffernan got it back. Jason Johnson goaled from a free kick, then was in the thick of the action again with another. Stanton's shot was touched on the line, but enter JJ once more in time on and what was a commanding lead for the Dogs was cut to 14 points at 1/2 time.
After the break, Hird went to full forward and his shadow, Gilbee, was close by. Morris relieved Harris on Lucas while Harris picked up Jason Johnson. Street took over for Minson in the ruck, while Minson took a spell on the bench, probably more to defuse tempers than for a rest, as Minson had gotten into a bit of a dust up in the 2nd term with several Bombers after flattening Hird. From the bounce, the Bombers attacked again and what should have been a goal saving mark in defense was dropped by Hargrave. Hird swooped and goaled. Hird was at it again a minute later, with his second slashing the Bulldog lead to just 2 points. Brad Johnson missed a chance to give his side some breathing space, but another Bulldog turnover led to another Lucas goal as the Bombers stole a 2 point lead. Brad Johnson goaled to restore the Bulldog lead. Then McVeigh sprayed a kick which would have put Essendon back in front.
The Dogs rose to the challenge with goals to Giansiracusa and Smith putting the Dogs 15 points in front. Solomon and McVeigh couldn't find the big sticks either and the Dogs stretched their lead to 19 points. Solomon crashed into Harris, sending Harris to the bench before Jason Johnson goaled again to get Essendon within 19 points. Brad Johnson also missed, but was gifted a 50 meter penalty moments later when Mark Johnson encroached on his mark. It put him into point blank range as the Dogs pulled away once more. The Dogs kept the ball in their attacking zone from the kick in but Brad Johnson could only manage a point from a free against McVeigh. Morris then did well to spoil Lucas at the other end for another Bomber point and Stanton finished off the term with a 50 meter kick for yet one more point, leaving the Dogs with a 19 point lade at 3/4 time.
When Lucas marked and goaled from the bounce, that lead was slashed to 12 points and the Dogs didn't help their cause any with a series of behinds before Giansiracusa bobbed up with 2 in as many minutes to give the Dogs a 20 point lead. Brad Johnson was on the bench by now after hobbling off with a minor injury. Montgomery and Lucas traded goals midway through the term and Brad Johnson came back on. Another series of behinds followed as well as Giansiracusa's kick being touched on the line. The Bombers made one final surge with goals to Jason Johnson and Lucas cutting the Dog lead to just 10 points. Robbins and McMahon then sealed the game with 2 more goals for the Dogs.
For the Dogs, West (36/6) dominated the packs from the outset and had plenty of support from Cooney (25/7) and Montgomery (11 kicks, 8 marks). Minson (12 hitouts) and Street (22 hitouts) gave the Dog runners great delivery out of the ruck, while Gilbee (28/7) helped set up attack from defense. Up forward, Johnson (18 kicks, 11 marks) was too good for McVeigh while Boyd (15/5) was an able crumber across half forward.
For the Bombers, Stanton (26/6), Peverill (23/5), and Dyson (18) were tireless in their efforts to keep the Bombers in the game, while Lucas (14 kicks, 6 marks) and Jason Johnson (24/7) starred at center half forward and off a half forward flank. Lovett-Murray (16) mopped up well across half back.
WCE 5.8 10.12 21.13 26.17 (173)
RICH 1.1 2.6 7.8 12.13 (85)
GOALS: WCE - LeCras 5, Armstrong 4, Lynch 4, Butler 3, Judd 3, Banfield, Cousins, Cox, Fletcher, Hunter, Rosa, Seaby; RICH - Stafford 3, J. Bowden 2, Richardson 2, Howat, Hyde, Johnson, Pettifer, Tambling
BEST: WCE - LeCras, Rosa, Stenglein, Judd, Cousins, Fletcher, Lynch, Armstrong, Butler, Glass, Cox, Chick; RICH - J. Bowden, Deledio, Raines, Roach, Stafford, Roach, White
INJURY: WCE - Staker (concussion)
CHANGES: RICH - Krakouer (ankle) replaced in selected side by McGuane
UMPIRES: Davis, Allen, Meredith
CROWD: 35,016 at the MCG
The Eagles were back to their clinical and ruthless best in demolishing Tigers. With Seaby controlling the ruck to give the Eagle midfield first use, the Tigers were hard pressed to get their hands on the ball. Up forward, 4th-gamer LeCras was wreaking plenty of havoc, beginning with the first two goals of the game. In the first term alone, he saw off 4 different opponents. It wasn't until about halfway through the term that Pettifer outmuscled Selwood in a marking contest to get the Tigers' first goal. But the goals to Fletcher, Rosa, and Seaby handed the Eagles a 31 point lead at 1/4 time.
Two goals to Armstrong inside the first 5 minutes of the 2nd term ballooned the lead out to 43 points, but Richmond managed to briefly stem the avalanche when Johnson got away from Judd to slot a goal. The Tigers began to find a bit more of the ball but couldn't make any inroads on the scoreboard. Lynch repeated Armstrong's early term efforts of 2 in 2 minutes, then Armstrong struck again and the Eagles were out to a 54 point lead at 1/2 time.
It would have been even worse had the Eagles kicked straighter, as only 2 of their 12 points were rushed by the Tigers. Then again, the same could be said of the Tigers. They might have been half a chance to at least put up a reasonable challenge had they not kicked 5 points of their own, with only one of their 6 being rushed.
Any hope of even the merest whisper of a comeback was extinguished when the Eagles banged through the first 3 goals of the term. The rest of the term went goal for goal, with every Tiger shot being answered by the Eagles. Two of those came to LeCras again before Cox chimed in. Joel Bowden found time to push forward for a rare defender's goal, only to for LeCras nail his 3rd for the term. Lynch and Hunter added a pair to close out the term, and the Eagles headed to 3/4 time with a massive 89 points at 3/4 time. The 11 goals kicked represented the second best 3rd term ever for the Eagles.
The only interest in the final term was whether the Tigers could avoid their 4th 100-point defeat for the season and they did so, even managing to outscore West Coast by one point with the sting well and truly out of the contest. And it was the retiring Stafford who saved Richmond that humiliation, but it still gave the Eagles their highest score ever against the Tigers, their highest total score for the season, and their highest-ever score at the MCG.
The Eagles had winners everywhere Cousins (30), Judd (24), Fletcher (32/10), Butler (25/7), and Armstrong (20/5) tore the Tiger midfield apart thanks to the work Cox (21 hitouts, 17/7) in the ruck and around the ground. Chick (17/6) threw his weight around in defense with support from Glass who restricted Richardson (8 kicks, 8 marks), while LeCras (14 kicks, 10 marks), Lynch (16 kicks, 10 marks), and Rosa (27/14) grabbed just about everything coming their way up forward. Stenglein (29/10) was also dangerous across half forward
For the Tigers, Joel Bowden (20/8) and Raines (26/5) did best in a defense under siege, while Deledio worked hard off a wing, White (15/6) tried to create across half forward, and Stafford made the most of limited chances. Roach impressed off the bench. And the retiring Chaffey (13/7) was a serviceable contributor out of a back pocket.
ADE 7.3 12.8 17.10 23.14 (152)
MELB 4.3 9.3 13.6 14.10 (94)
GOALS: ADE - Welsh 5, Thompson 3, Bock 3, Perrie 2, Stevens 2, Edwards, Bode, Clarke, Doughty, Douglas, Reilly, Porplyzia, van Berlo; MELB - Neitz 5, Sylvia 2, Davey 2, Robertson, McLean, McDonald, White, Jamar
BEST: ADE - Thompson, Goodwin, Edwards, Porplyzia, Johncock, Bock, Mattner, Douglas, Clarke, Bassett;
MELB - Bruce, Johnstone, Neitz, Sylvia, McDonald, Ward, McLean, Bell
INJURY: ADE - Reilly (adductor strain); MELB - Bartram (sprained ankle)
Bartram will miss next week's final, but is a chance for the semi-final should the Demons win through
CHANGES: MELB - Holland (corked thigh) replaced in selected side by Motlop
REPORTS: MELB - McLean for rough conduct against Stevens (Adelaide)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Schmitt, Goldspink
CROWD: 41,364 at AAMI Stadium
Their captain down with a severe virus, a mounting injury list which threatens to derail their season, and just one win from the past 5 games. This was Adelaide going into this match. But if anyone had any doubts about the rest of their 2006, those doubts were quickly cast aside. The fierce tackling and excellent teamwork in ball use was back.
The game started with the two sides matching each other on the scoreboard before Bock broke the goal-for-goal trend shortly after the Demons lost Bartram to injury. Edwards extended the Crow lead when the Demons turned the ball over at a kick in, but the Demons bounced back with goals to Robertson and Neitz to take a 1 point lead. Adelaide took back the lead when Goodwin won the ball out of the center and it found its way to van Berlo. Porplyzia added another minutes later. Then Davey's long kick to the square was punched through by the resolute Crow defense. Thompson missed, but Perrie had no such trouble after Yze coughed up the ball and the Crows had an 18 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Crows were off and running when yet another turnover led to another Adelaide goal soon after the start of the second term. McLean replied from the next bounce to keep the Dees in touch, and Welsh missed from a free kick to extend Adelaide's lead, but Reilly and Thompson kicked a pair in a matter of minutes. Jamar added one for the Demons as Bode missed, then Sylvia and White kicked a pair before Stevens nailed a team lifter from 55 meters. Davey and Doughty then swapped goals. The Crows won the ball out of the center once more where Bock marked and was hit late by Miller. The resultant 50 meter penalty put Bock just 20 meters but he failed to capitalize, leaving the Crows 23 points in front at 1/2 time.
It was a grueling opening half with both terms running in excess of 30 minutes in warm conditions, but both teams came out ready to go after a long break down in the rooms. And it was the Demons who had the better start to the 3rd term with Neitz booting 2 in 2 minutes to cut Adelaide's lead. But Adelaide responded superbly through Welsh as he bombed through one from 50 meters. Mattner hit the post and that was followed by a goal to McDonald as the Dees battled to stay in the contest. Moments later, Miller was pinged for throwing the ball away after a free was called and another 50 meter penalty took Thompson to the edge of the square. Another free handed another goal to Welsh and Douglas bobbed up for one soon after. A soft free handed a goal to Neitz and from there the Demons worked the ball forward several more times, but once again the Crow defense held firm to rush the points and the Crows led by 28 points at 3/4 time.
Sylvia goaled at the start of the final term to give Demon fans some hope, but the Crows dominated from there out as they added 6 unanswered goals to finish all over Melbourne and claim 2nd place on the ladder.
It was Adelaide's highest score in 24 matches against Melbourne, eclipsing 23.8 (146) in 1995.
For Adelaide, it was the usual suspects of Goodwin (22) shaking off the attention of Godfrey and McDonald, Edwards (18), and Thompson (24/6) out of the center with help from Porplyzia (25) and Mattner (21). Bock (13 kicks, 6 marks) was excellent in attack as he and Perrie rotated between full forward and center half forward, while Welsh (12 kicks, 7 marks) was deadly in front of goal and Basset (14/5) and Johncock (23/9) marshaled the defense. Clarke (21 hitouts) and Biglands (11 hitouts) combined well in the ruck against White and Jamar.
For the Demons, Bruce (33/11) and Ward (24/6) provided drive from half back, while McLean (24/6), McDonald (23), Bell (24), Green (29/10), Sylvia (14/7) and Johnstone (28/7) toiled in the midfield. With Robertson well contained, Neitz (6 kicks, 5 marks) played a lone hand in attack.
FRE 6.6 11.9 18.11 23.13 (151)
PA 3.1 4.7 5.14 9.18 (72)
GOALS: FRE - Farmer 6, Pavlich 5, Peake 2, Headland 2, Longmuir 2, Crowley 2, McManus, Schammer, Bell, Hayden;
PA - Thurstans 2, Pearce, Thomas, Salopek, Bentley, Ebert, Mahoney, Willits
BEST: FRE - Pavlich, Farmer, Crowley, Peake, Hayden, Cook, J. Carr, Bell; PA - K. Cornes, Cassisi, Salopek, S Burgoyne, Lade, Thurstans
INJURY: PA - Kingsley (knee)
CHANGES: FRE - Hasleby (abdominal strain) replaced in selected side by Polak.
UMPIRES: Stevic, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 41,121 at Subiaco Oval
Port suffered a blow in the opening minute when Kingsley injured his knee and was forced to the bench for the remainder of the match. Port still managed the first 2 goals of the game with Pearce evading Hayden, then Thomas set up Kane Cornes for the next. Fremantle then kicked into gear as the midfield dominated and the Dockers surged. It started with Longmuir taking a pack mark from a Headland kick in. The Dockers ripped the ball clear of the next bounce with Cook and Crowley combining to find Headland for the next. In what was becoming a trend, Crowley booted one of his own, followed by Peake and McManus. Farmer somehow wriggled free of a Power posse to snap one of his spectacular specials and the Dockers were out to a 27 point lead. Thurstans managed one late goal to cut the Docker lead to 23 points at 1/4 time.
Pavlich opened the 2nd term proceedings with 2 goals. Farmer then did another Houdini act for the next. Pavlich was proving too strong and slick for Wakelin for the next. But it was Schammer who provided one for the highlight reel when he launched himself onto the shoulders of Logan, snared the ball, and crashed back to Earth. His goal was followed by another to Thurstans, but it was the Dockers by 44 points at 1/2 time.
And while the Dockers dominated, some of the old bad habits crept in, as they got a bit too cute, causing a series of blunders and turnovers midway through the term. But Port was equally inept and unable to take advantage.
Farmer was at his magical best again to start the 3rd term as he got hold of the ball deep in a forward pocket, turned, soccered the ball to himself, turned a couple of Port defenders inside out, and snapped a gem. Salopek got one against the run of play, but the Dockers were on a roll as they slammed through 6 unanswered goals, while Port could muster a wayward 7 points for the term, leaving the Dockers with a hefty 75 point lead at 3/4 time.
Port fired one last shot at the start of the final term with goals to youngster Bentley and Ebert but five of the next seven goals to Fremantle, with Farmer hobbling off with a niggle after his last. With the result beyond doubt, Pavlich and Bell were also rested for much of the term.
For the Dockers, Bell (24/8) led the midfield charge, as Josh Carr (22/6) went toe-to-toe with Kane Cornes, Crowley (35/11) had the better of Shaun Burgoyne), and Peake (29/7) again stamped himself as a star in the making. Hayden (18/8) and Black (29/6) produced some slashing runs from defense, while Pavlich (21/11) and Farmer (6 goals from 10 kicks) were matchwinners up forward.
Port had few winners with Lade (14 hitouts, 17/8) again at his best in the ruck, Kane Cornes 35/7), Shaun Burgoyne (20/6), and Salopek (25) prolific ballwinners in the midfield. Cassisi worked hard across half back while Thurstans (5 kicks, 6 marks) presented well in attack.
Fremantle has not only secured its highest finish in its short AFL history but also set a few more records along the way. Nine consecutive wins and 15 for the season is the best return for the club since they entered the competition. Their previous best was 14 in 2003, their first finals year. It was also Freo's biggest ever win and highest score against Port, who, ironically, denied Fremantle a finals berth just one year ago when they defeated the Dockers in Round 22, 2005. And the club set a new season attendance record of over 400,000.
STK 4.1 10.5 13.6 16.12 (108)
BRIS 3.4 4.7 7.14 7.15 (57)
GOALS: STK - Brooks 3, Harvey 3, Gehrig 3, Milne 2, Riewoldt, Goddard, Koschitzke, Gram, Fisher; BRIS - Sherman 4, Johnson, Adcock, Bradshaw
BEST: STK - Ball, Dal Santo, Baker, Harvey, Brooks, Goddard, Gram; BRIS - Voss, Adcock, Power, Sherman, Black, Merrett, Harding
INJURY: STK - R. Clarke (concussion)
CHANGES: STK - St Kilda: Hudghton (ankle) replaced in selected side by Jason Blake
UMPIRES: McLaren, Grun, Quigley
CROWD: 27,101 at the Gabba
Even he admitted he was not a noted goalkicker in his illustrious career, but it was the veteran Harvey who set the Saints on their way with the first two goals, but young gun Sherman - who has acquired the nickname Shermanator - replied at the other end for the Lions. Riewoldt got in the action soon after, only for the Shermanator, who is about the same size as Jonathan Brown, to boot his 3rd for the term. Goddard nailed one to close out the term to give the Saints a 3 point lead at 1/4 time, a lead which could have belonged to the Lions and would have several years ago, had they kicked straight.
Gehrig made it a 9 point lead to start the 2nd term, but Sherman hit back for the Lions soon after. Then the Saints took over with forgotten forward Brooks entering the fray with his first for the game. Milne and Harvey chimed in to extend the lead even further. The Lions had their chances, but couldn't put the score on the board with 3 misses. Somewhere in between, Brooks, who had 23 ruck hitouts, 5 goals, and a swag of possessions last week in the VFL, took a strong grab and goaled. A strong, slick, and efficient passage of play saw him mark and goal again a few minutes later to give the Saints a 34 point lead at 1/2 time.
Koschitzke's goal early in the 3rd term increased the lead before goals to Bradshaw and Johnson cut it back. The Saints had a bit of a mishap which cost another goal. Hamill earned a free in the center and kicked long but Goddard and Brooks both flew and virtually spoiled each other, allowing the Lions to clear the ball. But just as they headed into attack, Sherman turned the ball over and the Saints raced forward again for a goal to Milne. Gram let fly a minute later from 55 meters. A scare went through the St. Kilda camp when Ball landed awkwardly, clutching his knee in pain. Play continued as trainers attended to Ball, but the Lions again failed to capitalize as Bradshaw kicked only a point after marking a Black kick 40 meters out. Adcock made up for it from the kick in when Notting spoiled, allowing Harding to gather the ball and fire it in to Adcock. Milne coughed up the ball from the next bounce but again Bradshaw missed and the Saints cleared. As Ball was recovering on the bench, getting ready to return to the fray, Brett Voss and Raphael Clarke collided going for a mark. Both lay motionless for a few minutes. While Voss got up and continued, a groggy Clarke had to helped off, not to return. And again the Lions failed on the scoreboard, registering 3 straight points, sending the Saints into 3/4 time with a 34 point lead.
The Saints polished off the Lions in the final term, holding them goalless while adding 3 of their own, and the final score could have been more if the Saints had kicked straight.
For the Saints, Goddard (27/12), Dal Santo (32/7), and Harvey (21/5) were best in the midfield, while surprise packet Brooks (15/7) added an extra tall option in attack, and Baker (21/11) and Gram (19) were excellent in defense.
For the Lions, Black (25), Power (27/7), Voss (34/9), and Harding (24/6) contributed well through the midfield, while Adcock (29/8) and Merrett (16/7) opposed to Riewoldt impressed in defense, and Sherman (21) stood tall in attack.
SYD 5.1 9.3 15.9 21.10 (136)
CARL 2.3 2.6 2.7 6.8 (44)
GOALS: SYD - Goodes 4, Hall 3, O'Keefe 3, Buchanan 2, O'Loughlin 2, Malceski, Davis, McVeigh, Fosdike, Richards, Mathews, Schneider; CARL - Whitnall, Fisher, Fevola, Waite, Blackwell, French
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Buchanan, C. Bolton, O'Loughlin, O'Keefe, Kennelly, Barry, Kirk, Hall, Malceski, Schneider;
CARL - Scotland, Lappin, Koutoufides, O'hAilpin, Fisher
UMPIRES: Donlon, Avon, McInerney
CROWD: 33,943 at the SCG
Sydney had to win this one to secure a top 4 berth and made their intentions clear from the outset. While they played a more open and free-running style of game, the Blues tried to play one-on-one and accountable football. While they managed to stay close on the ground, poor skills, decisions, and finishing proved costly.
Malceski posted Sydney's first goal within 2 minutes, but Whitnall took a good grab and goaled against the Sydney flood. It was one of the few bright spots for Carlton as the Swans kicked the next 3 to open up a handy lead, which would have been even more had Ablett not hit the post. Fevola should have stuck with his traditional boots instead of the gold ones he wore to salute his Coleman win, as he missed from 50 meters. At least from the kick in, Fosdike kicked into the man on the mark. That man, Fisher, ran into an open goal. But it would be the last Carlton goal for some time. Hall got the next to give the Swans a 16 point lead at 1/4 time.
Carlton tried to stay with the Swans through most of the 2nd term, with one standout being Lappin as he pushed from midfield into defense, taking his life in his hands trying to block the space in front of Hall. Carlton's skill errors appeared to be a bit contagious at first as both sides were guilty of turnovers. It took until the 7 minute mark before the Swans posted the next goal through O'Keefe. From the bounce, it was Goodes to O'Loughlin to Kirk to Hall on a lead 50 meters out and he nailed it. The Swans tried to bottle up play as the Blues tired to keep pace and, but for a few points on either side, it wasn't until late in the term that the Swans again broke clear to boot 2 more goals to lead by 39 points at 1/2 time.
Whitnall was moved forward and Fevola shifted to the center at the start of the 2nd term and the Blues tried to generate something, but it was all for naught as the Swans slammed through 5 goals while holding Carlton to a measly point to lead by a massive 80 points at 3/4 time.
With the win safely in their keeping, the Swans rested Hall, Goodes, and O'Loughlin through much of the final term which became a bit of a shootout as the Blues managed more goals in the one term than they had for the entire game. But their 4 goals, the first coming half way through the term, was nowhere near enough as the Swans piled on 6 of their own.
The Swans had winners across every line with Jolly (19 hitouts) and Doyle (18 hitouts) too good for the retiring French (27 hitouts) in the ruck, Kennelly (25/7), Malceski (12/3), and Craig Bolton (18/5) restricting the Carlton attack and providing plenty of dash from the back line. Barry (16/6) was also superb at full back. Goodes (26/9), Buchanan (18/7), and Kirk (29/7) starred in the midfield, while Hall (8 kicks, 11 marks), O'Keefe (19/6), O'Loughlin (16/6), and Schneider (21/4) stretched the Blue defense.
For Carlton, Scotland (33/12) tried to inspire across halfback with support from Lappin (23/4) and O'hAilpin (15/9), while Kouta (27) and Fisher (18/5) tried to spark a staved forward line, where Fevola (6 kicks, 5 marks, 1.3) was well held.
COL 3.3 6.7 10.13 20.19 (139)
KANG 3.4 5.5 7.9 10.11 (71)
GOALS: COL - Licuria 4, Egan 3, Tarrant 3, Lockyer 2, Johnson, Lonie, Buckley, R. Shaw, Didak, Swan, Holland, A. Rocca;
KANG - S. Rocca 3, Jones 3, Watt, Green, B. Rawlings, Harvey
BEST: COL - Licuria, Burns, Johnson, Clement, O'Bree, Lockyer, R. Shaw, Swan, Fraser, Egan; KANG - Harris, Sinclair, Harvey, McConnell, B. Rawlings, Wells, Petrie
INJURY: COL - Prestigiacomo (migraine); KANG - Green (split head)
CHANGES: COL - T. Cloke out (shoulder), replaced in selected side by Tarrant
REPORTS: KANG - Archer reported for striking Lockyer
UMPIRES: James, Head, Ryan
CROWD: 49,040 at the MCG
Collingwood needed a big score to overtake the Saints on percentage, but got off to a slow start as the Kangaroos put in a spirited effort with long kicking and strong running. Acting skipper Corey Jones soccered through the opening goal, but the Pies grabbed the lead with goals Johnson and Lonie. USA bound Sav Rocca turned back the clock with some vintage play as he steamed out of the square to mark and goal twice in a matter of minutes to restore the Kangaroo lead. It was only a late goal to Buckley which got the Pies to within a point at 1/4 time.
Goals dried up for both sides until midway through the 2nd term when Rhyce Shaw broke the lines and found some space to give the Pies the lead. It was short lived as Watt handed it back to the Kangaroos soon after, despite a desperate diving lunge from Maxwell. Egan then snapped one for the Pies from a tight angle only for Jones to get it back for the Roos. Egan bobbed up late for a mark and converted after the siren to give the Pies an 8 point lead at 1/2 time.
Another goal drought ensued as the 3rd term got underway and again it took until midway through the term for either side. And it was Tarrant doing the honors, only for Sav Rocca to get the next. Green followed by a nice running shot to get the Kangaroos within 4 points. But the Pies responded with the last 3 goals of the term for a 22 point lead at 3/4 time.
Still needing a better lead to boost their percentage, the Pies fired in the final term, slamming through the first 4 goals. Jones got one back for the Kangaroos, but again the Pies pulled away with another 3, the last coming as the result of a defensive mix up after Archer collided with an umpire and Swan raced into an open goal. The Kangaroos threatened briefly with 3 of the next 4 goals, but Collingwood would not be denied as Holland and Tarrant goaled to give the Pies a hefty win.
For Collingwood, Burns (28/7), O'Bree (27/6), Lockyer (20/11), Rhyce Shaw (19/7) provided plenty of midfield drive, while Clement (19/9) and Johnson (26/5), and Egan (20/9) controlled the defense. Fraser (13 kicks, 11 marks) spent most of the game up forward alongside Swan (23/7) and Sav Rocca who kicked 3 goals from 4 kicks. He finishes his career with 247 games and 748 goals. His goals tally puts him 12th on the all-time goal list, just behind Matthew Lloyd (767 career goals). He was embraced by players from both sides and had a guard of honor after the match.
For the Kangaroos, Wells (24/9), Harris (26/6), Sinclair (31/6), and Brady Rawlings (25) gave their all in the midfield, while Petrie (20/9) tried hard in an overwhelmed defense, and McConnell (19/8) and Harvey (26) did well in attack.
HAW 7.1 11.2 15.4 21.7 (133)
GEEL 2.2 6.4 7.8 10.12 (72)
GOALS: HAW - Williams 8, Crawford 3, Sewell 2, Franklin 2, Roughead 2, Guerra, McGlynn, Dixon, Barker; GEEL - Enright 2, Chapman 2, Johnson 2, N. Ablett, Prismall, Scarlett, G. Ablett
BEST: HAW - Williams, Mitchell, Birchall, Crawford, Bateman, Smith, Hodge, Sewell; GEEL - Chapman, G. Ablett, Enright, Prismall, Corey, Ottens
INJURY: HAW - Croad (AC joint); GEEL - Harley (hamstring), Gamble (elbow), Rooke (head)
CHANGES: HAW - Bailey replaced in selected side by McGlynn
REPORTS: HAW - Crawford for abusive language
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Rosebury, Woodcock
CROWD: 28,188 at Telstra Dome
Just as they started their season brightly, so Geelong started this game on the same note with Nathan Ablett posting a quick goal to start proceedings. And just as their season spiraled downward afterward, so did this game as the Hawks took control with the next 5 goals. Gary Ablett broke the run with a late goal but the Hawks booted 2 more for a 29 point lead at 1/4 time, and their best first term against Geelong since Round 14, 1990.
And the Hawks had their fans cheering and looking forward to 2007 with several great plays during the term. First, Franklin sped away from Harley to bend through a great banana goal from a pocket, and, to literally add injury to insult, Harley was then confined to the bench after twinging a hamstring during the chase. Toward the end of the term, Roughead also delighted the fans with a great mark in front of a pack as he reached up with one hand, knocked it forward, then grabbed hold with both hands. He polished it off with a set shot goal. The term was marred for the Hawks with the loss of Croad to a shoulder injury.
The Hawthorn barrage continued early in the 2nd term when they blasted three goals in the opening four minutes, running out to a 47-point buffer. Geelong suffered further blows for the term with key playmakers Ling (calf) and Rooke (head knock) going down, although both returned in the second half. The Cats fought back gallantly with 4 of the last 5 goals to cut Hawthorn's lead to 28 points at 1/2 time.
The Hawks pretty much ended the game as a contest as they banged through 3 goals at the start of the 3rd term. Enright got Geelong's only goal for the term and Williams gave the Hawks a 44 point lead at 3/4 time.
The retiring Barker was mobbed by Hawk teammates when he kicked the first goal of the final term and the Hawks continued the party with 2 successive goals to livewire Williams. Steve Johnson added one for the Cats but Williams answered soon after. Each side added two goals each to finish off, and a delighted Coach Alistair Clarkson said he was pleased with the strong finish the Hawks showed for the season. It was the first time Hawthorn has won 4 in row under Clarkson and it was also Hawthorn's highest score for the year.
For the Hawks, Crawford (28/8), Bateman (21), Mitchell (33/9), Sewell (20/5), and Smith (24/9) ran hard throughout, while young Birchall (36/11) again pressed his claim for the Rising Star award with his tireless work across half back. He has notched 20-plus possessions in his past 4 matches. Hodge (30/12) used his pace and skill to drive the ball out of defense. Williams (13 kicks, 7 marks) stole the show in attack with his 3rd career bag of 8 goals. Barker has just 6 disposals for the game.
For the Cats, whose slide ironically started with their Round 3 loss to the Hawks, Gary Ablett (27/12), Prismall (21/9), Corey (30/7), and Enright (22/10) worked hard in the center while Chapman (25/9) and Ottens (18/11) did the same in attack.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
WEST COAST 17 5 2257 1874 120.44 68
ADELAIDE 16 6 2331 1640 142.13 64
FREMANTLE 15 7 2079 1893 109.83 60
SYDNEY 14 8 2098 1630 128.71 56
COLLINGWOOD 14 8 2345 1965 119.34 56
ST KILDA 14 8 2074 1752 118.38 56
MELBOUNRE 13 8 1 2146 1957 109.66 54
WEST'N BULLDOGS 13 9 2311 2173 106.35 52
RICHMOND 11 11 1934 2245 86.15 44
GEELONG 10 11 1 1982 2002 99 42
HAWTHORN 9 13 1834 2140 85.7 36
PORT ADELAIDE 8 14 1911 2151 88.84 32
BRISBANE 7 15 1844 2239 82.36 28
KANGAROOS 7 15 1754 2167 80.94 28
ESSENDON 3 18 1 2021 2469 81.86 14
CARLTON 3 18 1 1791 2415 74.16 14
GOALS
Brendan Fevola (CARL) 84
Brad Johnson (WB) 70
Fraser Gehrig (STK) 68
Scott Lucas (ESS) 67
Barry Hall (SYD) 67
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 63
David Neitz (MELB) 61
Mark Williams (HAW) 60
Daniel Bradshaw (BRIS) 59
Nick Riewoldt (STK) 58
And now for next week's finals schedule:
FIRST QUALIFYING FINAL: West Coast vs. Sydney, Saturday (5:30 PM WST) at Subiaco
SECOND QUALIFYING FINAL: Adelaide vs. Fremantle at AAMI Stadium, Saturday (2.30 PM CST)
FIRST ELIMINATION FINAL: Collingwood vs. Western Bulldogs at MCG, Sunday (2.30 PM EST)
SECOND ELIMINATION FINAL: St Kilda vs Melbourne at MCG, Friday at MCG, (7.30 PM EST)
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & author notes from live broadcasts
Kangaroo Brad Moran is the Round 21 Rising Star nominee.
Brad’s journey to the AFL is unique. He was born in England and has played footy for only 4 years, but a natural athleticism and competitiveness has seen him quickly rise in the ranks of the Kangaroos.
Brad’s best-on-ground performance on debut was a positive in the Kangaroos’ loss to Hawthorn last week. His 13 kicks, 10 marks, and 10 hit-outs showed his endurance and work ethic and a bright future.
Brad’s father, Martyn, played in youth teams for English soccer powerhouse Aston Villa and Brad anticipated following in his footsteps. But the decision to migrate from Stratford-upon-Avon to the Gold Coast in 2002 changed his direction. Despite excelling in soccer, rowing and rugby union, Brad joined the Surfers Paradise Football Club at age 15. His height (200cm) and natural ability were quickly noticed by AFL development officers and he was enrolled in the AFL rookie search program.
Brad continued his development with Southport and represented Queensland at the 2004 Under 18 Championships. His athleticism was highlighted in the 2004 Draft Camp when he set a new record for the 20 meter sprint at 2.78 seconds.
Brad was a fourth round (section 58) in the 2004 AFL Draft. Since then Brad has continued his journey in the VFL, with Port Melbourne in 2005 and for Tasmania this year.
Brad is the Kangaroos’ second nomination this year, following Andrew Swallow in Round 17.
He is also the third player to be nominated on debut this season. Carlton's Marc Murphy (Round 1) and Tiger Dean Polo (Round 6) were also nominated after their first AFL games.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES in `07!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Sunday, September 03, 2006 - 11:42 PM EDT
