Upsets Rule

Round 17 Scores

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:04:40 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

GEEL 6.3   8.10   9.12   12.16 (88)
HAW  3.2   6.5    9.8    11.11 (77)

GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 3, Chapman 2, Bartel 2, Mooney, Stokes, Gamble, Enright, Rooke;
HAW - Franklin 4, Williams 2, Brown 2, Roughead 2, Bateman

BEST: GEEL - Bartel, Selwood, Enright, Ottens, Corey, Kelly; HAW - Mitchell, Bateman, Brown, Murphy, Croad, Ellis

INJURY: GEEL - Chapman (hamstring), Milburn (virus) replaced in selected side by D. Johnson:
HAW - Osborne (corked buttock)

UMPIRES: McBurney, Rosebury, Schmitt

CROWD: 86,179 at MCG

The intensity of this game lived up the prematch hype surrounding it for the past several weeks. The midfielders from both sides won plenty of the ball and there was plenty of pressure applied by both teams. After several missed shots by both teams, it was almost goal for goal early in the first term. The Cats then put on a burst of four goals through Chapman, Mooney, Chapman again and Steve Johnson to give Geelong a 25 point lead. Williams goaled just before the siren to cut Geelong's lead to 19 points at 1/4 time.

It was more of the same in the second term. Ottens missed an early chance to extend Geelong's lead before Roughead and Brown goaled. Brown added another a few minutes later before Bartel and Franklin traded goals. Chapman and Stokes kicked a pair midway through the term, but Franklin got one back for the Hawks. Gamble followed up a miss with another Cat goal to put the Cats 17 points clear at 1/2 time.

Chapman, who had been playing well, did not take part in the second half due to a hamstring strain The Hawks seized their chance early in the third term with goals to Roughead and Brown putting them within 5 points. Enright goaled to again extend the Cat lead. Again, both sides missed several chances in front of goal before Franklin took a strong mark (catch of the ball) and goaled to cut Geelong's lead to just three points late in the term. The Hawks won the ball again as time ticked away and Rioli took a spectacular mark. He was also awarded a 50 meter (55 yards) penalty, but was still too far out to score. He got the ball to Ladson who kicked long to the forward line where Franklin was waiting. He was surrounded by Geelong defenders and the siren won out as the Cats hung on to a four point lead at 3/4 time.

The Hawks wasted no time with a goal at the start of the final term to take a two point lead. Ladson had a chance to increase that lead, but missed and the Cats were away with a booming long-range goal to Bartel. Rooke followed with another Cat goal a few minutes later.The Hawk defenders were working overtime to stop the Cats' run. They did so briefly, forcing several points. A Cat turnover led to another goal to Franklin and the Hawks were within six points. Brown also missed a chance to level the scores and the Cats hit back with another goal to Steve Johnson. With just a few minutes left to play, Geelong held an 11 point lead. They then forced several stoppages as both sides desperately for the ball. Hawthorn eventually won out and kicked to Franklin but Scarlett spoiled Franklin's chance to take possession. With just 90 seconds remaining, the Cats chipped the ball around to run the clock down. The Hawks had one final chance when Bartel conceded a free kick to Ellis. He found Hodge, but the Cats forced another turnover just seconds before the siren.

ESS  5.7   7.10   12.11   19.14 (128)
COL  1.3    6.7    9.10   11.14 (80)

GOALS: ESS - Welsh 4, Lloyd 4, Reimers 3, Monfries 2, McPhee 2, Stanton, Jetta, Lovett-Murray, Hille; COL - Cloke 3, Didak 2, Anthony 2, Davis 2, Medhurst 2

BEST: ESS - Welsh, Watson, Peverill, Lloyd, Hille, Fletcher, Reimers, Monfries; COL - Cloke, Thomas, O'Brien, Maxwell, O'Bree, Burns

INJURY: ESS - Lucas (back, knee); COL - R. Shaw (heavy knock)

REPORTS: ESS - Reports: Lucas for striking O'Brien; COL - Davis for front-on contact on Watson, Didak for striking Slattery

UMPIRES: Donlon, James, Head

CROWD: 64,785 at the MCG

The Bombers got off to a flying start with the first two goals to Lloyd and Welsh. Midway through the term, Welsh had two more on the board for Essendon. To that stage, Collingwood had yet to register a score and their first came at the Fletcher who rushed through a point. Monfries added another Bomber goal before the Pies managed to score on their own, albeit just two points to Davis and Swan. Cloke finally got the Pies on the board with a goal late in the term when an interchange mix up briefly left the Bombers one player short in defense. Slattery and Jetta finished off with several more points for the Bombers to give Essendon a 28 point lead at 1/4 time.

Collingwood fought back in the second term and bombarded the goals. Didak was first up with a goal before Cloke and Wood missed. Essendon rushed through another but Anthony added another goal for Collingwood as did Cloke and Davis. Two goals to Lloyd and Stanton in as many minutes gave Essendon some breathing space with a 15 point lead before Cloke goaled again late in the term to make it a nine point margin at 1/2 time.

Didak goaled from the first bounce of the third term to have the Pies within a kick. The Bombers hit back as they slammed through five straight goals through the efforts of Monfries, Lloyd, Jetta, Lovett-Murray and Reimers. A point to Reimers moments later had the Bombers out to a 34 point lead. The Magpies kept themselves in the contest with goals to Anthony and Davis cutting the Bomber lead to 19 points at 3/4 time.

The margin was just 13 points when Medhurst bobbed up with the opening goal of the final term. But Reimers goaled twice to spark another Bomber burst of five goals, it was game over. Medhurst goaled again late in the term, but Essendon's victory was already assured, and even more so when McPhee and Hille finished off the game with two more Bomber goals.

WCE  2.3   6.5   9.11   15.13 (103)
STK  4.5   6.6   9.9    12.14 (86)

GOALS: WCE - LeCras 4, Ebert 3, Staker 3, McKinley, Lynch, S. Selwood, Seaby, Nicoski;
STK - Riewoldt 5, Milne 2, Goddard, Montagna, Ball, Armitage, Gram

BEST: WCE - Ebert, Staker, LeCras, Lynch, Braun, Cox, Seaby, McNamara; STK - Riewoldt, Hayes, Goddard, Fisher, Montagna, Eddy

INJURY: WCE - Dean Cox (cramp); STK - Max Hudghton (calf),

Umpires: M. Nicholls, Kamolins, Ellis

Crowd: 34,037 at Subiaco Oval

It was all St. Kilda through much of the first term after Riewoldt and Milne kicked the opening goals. The Eagles managed just a solitary point and the Saints rushed another. In between, Goddard added a third goal for the Saints and Montagna did likewise. The Saints' lead could have been greater but Riewoldt missed twice. The Eagles just couldn't put the score on the board with Cox also missing a shot on goal. The Eagles finally put two goals on the board late in the term as the Saints took a 14 point lead at 1/4 time.

The second term saw the Saints without Hudghton in defense and seemed to unsettle their backline. They still started well enough with Riewoldt and Milne putting through a pair of goals. Unlike the first term, the Eagles fired back with goals to LeCras, Ebert and Staker. LeCras and Milne then both missed before McKinley goaled to have the Eagles with one point at 1/2 time

Ball extended the Saints' lead with the first goal of the third term, but the Saints seemed to wilt under an Eagle onslaught. A goal to LeCras cut the margin to just five points and Ebert put the Eagles in front with another goal. Gram's miss leveled the scores midway through the term but a point to LeCras put the Eagles back in front. Riewoldt goaled to again give the Saints a five point lead. It didn't last long as Spangher kicked a point and Seaby goaled to give West Coast a 2 point lead at 3/4 time.

The margin was seven points when LeCras goaled at the start of the final term. A point to Hayes, a rushed point by the Eagles and a goal to Riewoldt leveled the scores again. From there, the Eagles took over with goals to Lynch, Staker, Selwood, Nicoski and LeCras ending St. Kilda's day. The best the Saints could do were two consolation goals to Gram and Riewoldt.

ADE  3.6   8.7   8.10   11.11 (77) 
SYD  2.3   4.9   4.12    6.17 (53)

GOALS: ADE - Porplyzia 5, Goodwin 2, Campbell, Gill, Mackay, Symes; SYD - Jolly, Ablett, Bird, O’Dwyer, Hall, Mathews

BEST: ADE - Porplyzia, Rutten, McLeod, Vince, Knights; SYD - O'Keefe, Kirk, Kennelly, Bird

INJURY - ADE - Massie replaced in selected side by Moran, Van Berlo (concussion); SYD - Malceski (calf) replaced in selected side by Mathews, Playfair (suspected hamstring)

UMPIRES: Armstrong, McInerney, Vozzo

CROWD: 26,260 at SCG

The Swans are noted for their hard running and fierce tackling, but so are the Adelaide Crows who beat the Swans at their own game with their own disciplined brand of play. Much of the game was an arm wrestle with just one goal scored in the first half of the first three terms. That goal came in the opening term to Jolly for the Swans. Both sides missed numerous shots on goal before the Crows managed three in a row late in the first term. The Swans finally got their second after Adelaide's burst and it was the Crows by nine points at 1/4 time.

The Swans missed several chances early in the second term to steal the lead which was extended further when Porplyzia marked (caught the ball) and goaled. Goodwin then goaled from a free kick to give the Crows a 20 point lead. The Swans then managed consecutive goals to Bird and first year player O'Dwyer. The Crows replied with two more of their own to Mackay and Porplyzia to take a 22 point lead at 1/2 time.

The third term was a desperate tussle with no goals scored. The Swans registered six posters in the second half. The Crows and Swans broke even for the term. Each side rushed through a point and kicked two points each. It left the margin at 22 points in favor of the Crows at 3/4 time.

It was five minutes into the final term before Symes extended Adelaide's lead with a goal. Bock, McVeigh and Hall then missed more shots on goal before Porplyzia goaled again for Adelaide. Hall, well held by Rutten for most of the game, finally kicked his only goal for the match, but Porplyzia sealed the win with a late goal before Matthews kicked one last goal for Sydney.

RICH  2.2   8.4   10.7   18.9 (117)
BRIS  3.6   7.8   13.14  16.18 (114)

GOALS: RICH - N. Brown 4, Bowden 4, Richardson 3, Riewoldt 2, Deledio, Simmonds, Schulz, White, Morton; BRIS - J. Brown 3, Bradshaw 3, Sherman 2, Johnstone 2, Brennan, Corrie, Charman, Black, Copeland, Drummond

BEST: RICH - Richardson, Bowden, Deledio, Johnson, Tuck, Brown; BRIS - Drummond, Brown, Patfull, Johnstone, Black, Dalziell

UMPIRES: Stevic, H. Ryan, S. Ryan

CROWD: 31,275 at Telstra Dome

The Lions had the better of the Tigers around the ground for most of the first term, but wasted chances in front of goal. Those misses proved crucial in the end as more accurate kicking would have given them what could have been a match winning lead. Bradshaw, the main offender with 1.3 for the term, got the first goal of the match. Several misses from both sides followed before Nathan Brown got one for the Tigers. Brisbane then kicked two of the last three goals. Corrie had a chance to extend Brisbane's lead after the Lions intercepted a Tiger kick in. He missed as well, leaving the Lions with a 10 point lead at 1/4 time.

Goals to Sherman and Drummond gave the Lions a 22 point lead at the start of the second term. The Tigers started to win more of the ball and get it forward. Nathan Brown nailed a goal, then set up Riewoldt for another. When Morton goaled from a free kick, the Tigers were within four points. The Lions got one back through Jonathan Brown but the Tigers kept fighting. They rushed a point and from the kick in, rushed it to the other end where Bowden goaled. Simmonds goaled to give the Tigers the lead and it was Richmond by eight points when Riewoldt added another. Brennan kicked a late goal for Brisbane to have the Lions within two points at 1/2 time.

Brisbane hit back at the start of the third term with three goals and as many misses to extend their lead to 21 points before Schulz pulled one back for Richmond. Again, the Lions pulled away with goals to Johnstone, Jonathan Brown and Copeland. Nathan Brown won the ball out of the middle and slammed through a late goal from beyond 50 meters (55 yards). It was small consolation for the Tigers who trailed by 25 points at 3/4 time.

Richardson, who spent much of the game, roaming around the ground, went to the forward line in the final term. He was one of the keys to the Tiger turnaround, kicking several goals and setting up several others. He kicked the opening goal of the final term and set up Nathan Brown for the next one a few minutes later. It cut Brisbane's lead to 14 points. A series of errors from both sides followed before the Tigers took control again with Bowden kicking another goal. He was followed by Richardson and the Tigers were within two points. Deledio was in the thick of the action soon after with a handball setting up White for a goal to give the Tigers the lead. Brisbane then rushed a point. Power blew the kick in, sending the ball straight to Bowden for another Tiger goal. The Lions finally managed to get their hands on the ball for a decant passage of play ending in a goal to Charman. Bradshaw goaled minutes later to restore Brisbane's lead. Sherman goaled to give the Lions an eight point lead, but the margin was back to two points after Richardson slotted a goal. Jonathan Brown kicked from 60 meters (65 yards). Had it gone through, it might well have proved the match winner, but it was touched on the line for a point. Both sides has one more roll of the dice but it was the Tigers who won out when defender Moore took a strong mark (catch of the ball) and the Tigers were away. They got the ball to Tambling and he delivered to Bowden with just 22 seconds remaining. Bowden, whose defensive tactics of walking the ball over the line for two consecutive points last week sparked debate, did not disappoint. His matchwinning goal gives the Tigers an unlikely chance for a finals spot.

FRE  6.3   8.6   15.9   20.9 (129)
PA   0.3   6.5   11.6   15.11 (101)

GOALS: FRE - Mark Johnson 3, McPharlin, Crowley, Carr, Grover, Sandilands, Murphy, Head, Mayne, Mundy, Ibbotson, Tarrant, Peake, McManus, Palmer, Thornton; PA - Tredrea, Westhoff 4, Cassisi, Motlop 2, Brogan, Pearce, S. Burgoyne

BEST: FRE - Palmer, Crowley, Schammer, Sandilands, Mark Johnson; PA - Westhoff, Tredrea, K. Cornes, Cassisi, Pearce

INJURY: FRE - Pavlich (knee) replaced in selected side by Palmer; PA - Salopek (Achilles), Tredrea (shoulder), Chaplin (ankle)

REPORTS: PA - Lower for making head-high contact with Peake

UMPIRES: Stewart, Chamberlain, Jeffery

CROWD: 19,072 at AAMI Stadium

Luke McPharlin proved to be an excellent replacement up forward for the Dockers. They also showed what they are capable of, especially through the midfield with the onballers matching and bettering their opponents. The Dockers had the advantage of a strong breeze in the first tern and were helped by some bad errors from Port. After Mark Johnson got the first Docker goal, Port rushed a point. Thurstans had the kick in duty, but botched the kick and Carr pounced for the second Docker goal. Port's first score of the game was a rushed point by the Dockers. Westhoff got Port's next score, another point. The Dockers then slammed through four goals, the second from a 50 meter penalty (55 yards) awarded to Grover. Port managed one more point for the term as the Dockers took a 36 point lead at 1/4 time.

Port recovered and fought back in the second term and also had the breeze. Brogan goaled from a free kick within a few minutes of the start. Westhoff kicked two in the space of a few minutes and Tredrea got another. In between, the Dockers wasted several chances with Tarrant missing a gettable close range shot. Johnson won the ball in contest in the forward line for the Dockers, but Tredrea soon replied at the other end. Murphy goaled from a free kick. After McManus missed, Murphy goaled late in the term to give the Dockers a 13 point lead at 1/2 time.

Port surged in the third term with goals to Westhoff, Tredrea and Cassisi to take the lead. The Dockers then rallied as the midfield seized control once more and tool back the lead with goals to Tarrant, Peake and Mayne. A brilliant snap by Pearce was matched by an equally clever goal to Mundy. Head and Ibbotson added late goals to give the Dockers a 27 point lead at 3/4 time.

Port had the breeze in the final term and came out firing, but were matched by the Dockers, who never stopped running. It was goal for goal until midway late in the term when the Dockers kicked clear. Palmer, Thornton and Johnson added goals t close the door on any chance for Port.

NM     7.3   9.6   11.9   14.14 (98)
MELB   1.3   3.4    6.8   10.10 (70)

GOALS: NM - Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie, Hale, Campbell; MELB - Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey, Valenti, P. Johnson, Sylvia, Morton

BEST: NM - Harvey, Hale, Jones, Thomas, Gibson, Simpson, Rawlings; MELB - Buckley, Jones, Valenti, Davey, McDonald, P. Johnson

REPORTS: MELB - Dunn for striking Harvey

UMPIRES: McLaren, Fila, Hendrie

CROWD: 21,330 at the MCG

Wet and chilly conditions saw a paltry attendance. Those who did turn up were treated to an impressive display by the Kangaroos who have yet to lose at the G this season. They have now won four of their past five. They set up the win with a stunning seven goal first term. Harvey and Simpson were prolific ball winners through the middle. The Kangaroos kicked two of the first three goals of the game with Miller snagging Melbourne's only goal for the term. Melbourne squandered what few other chances they had in front of goal, leaving the Kangaroos with a six goal lead at 1/4 time.

Miller got Melbourne's second at the start of the second term, but the Kangaroos soon hit back through Campbell. Miller booted another for Melbourne in the low-scoring term which saw both sides miss shots on goal. Thomas snared a late goal for the Kangaroos who led by 38 points at 1/2 time.

The lead blew out to 43 points when Thomas opened the third term with a goal, but the Demons put up some fight. Davey goaled to bring the margin back down but Jones goaled for the Kangaroos. Several more misses by both sides were sandwiched between two goals to Newton. It was the first time the Demons had kicked consecutive goals, but the Kangaroos still held a comfortable 31 point lead at 3/4 time.

The Demons rallied early in the final term with three of the first four goals to be within 19 points. In between more misses, Thomas and Morton traded goals. A turnover late in the game proved costly for the Demons as Thomas goaled to put the result beyond doubt.

CARL  2.4   5.8   12.13   18.18 (126) 
WB    3.3  10.4   15.6    15.8 (98)

GOALS: CARL - Fevola 6, Wiggins 4, Kreuzer 3, Betts, Judd, Murphy, Stevens, Scotland; WB - Hahn 3, Johnson 3, Harbrow 2, Hill 2, Boyd, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Minson, Murphy

BEST: CARL - Judd, Stevens, Fevola, Murphy, Wiggins, Carrazzo, Scotland, Waite; WB - Cross, Cooney, Gilbee, Boyd, Johnson, Griffen

INJURY: WB - Addison (knee),Tom Williams (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Andrejs Everitt

UMPIRES: Kennedy, Meredith, Avon

CROWD: 37,879 at Telstra Dome

It was Chris Judd's 150th AFL game and Simon Wiggins' 100th. Both were instrumental in Carlton's fightback. Waite was also pivotal in defense in the first term as he helped foil several Bulldog attacks. Johnson got the Bulldogs on the board with the opening goal after Judd kicked a point. Both sides missed several chances before Kreuzer goaled for Carlton midway through the term. Wiggins bagged Carlton's second but Giansiracusa and Harbrow goaled to give the Dogs a slim five point lead. Fevola then marked (caught the ball) and was awarded a 50 meter penalty for a late hit from Lake. The goal would have given the Blues the lead, but Fev retaliated and the umpire reversed the free kick, leaving the Dogs in front at 1/4 time.

Fevola redeemed himself early in the second term with a goal after Hahn goaled for the Dogs. Wiggins goaled and the Blues were back in front but the Dogs put pedal to the metal and began to overrun the Blues. Gilbee, Hill and Harbrow goaled to restore the Bulldog lead. Wiggins kept the Blues in the game with his third goal but Minson replied soon after. Further goals to Johnson and Robert Murphy had the Bulldogs in front by 26 points at 1/2 time.

Judd missed a chance to cut the lead at the start of the third term before a goal to Hahn extended the Bulldog lead. A point to Minson and a rushed behind by the Blues didn't help the Carlton cause. Judd added a badly needed goal but goals to Johnson and Boyd midway through the term had the Dogs in front by 38 points. The Blues rallied with goals to Wiggins and Fevola but hill and Hahn added a pair around a Scotland goal and it seemed the Dogs had the answers to any challenge. The Blues came again with goals to Fevola and Kreuzer from a free kick after he ran down Everitt. Simpson kicked a point and the Dogs rushed a point and clung to an 11 point lead at 3/4 time.

The Bulldogs lost Addison early in the final term and the Blues fired early in the final term. They put the Dog defense under plenty of pressure with constant attacks. Fevola missed his first two shots but booted the next two goals to put Carlton in front for the first time since early in the second term. The Bulldogs seemed to have come to a halt as the Blues continued the comeback. The Bulldogs failed to score again and while the Blues missed a few, Betts, Kreuzer and Stevens all goaled to give the Blues an amazing come from behind win.

GOALS
Lance Franklin (HAW)   77
Brendon Fevola (CARL)  77
Matthew Pavlich (FRE)  59 
Daniel Bradshaw (BRIS) 58
Jonathan Brown (BRIS)  57
Jarryd Roughead (HAW)  54

Source: Melbourne Age, Herald Sun, afl.com.au, author notes from live broadcasts

Round 12 Scores

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 17:29:46 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

ESS  4.6   7.11   11.14   16.17 (113)
WCE  4.1   6.6     9.11   13.13 (91)

GOALS: ESS - Hille 3, Lucas 3, Neagle 3, Lloyd 2, Laycock, Lovett-Murray, Monfries, Ramanauskas, Reimers; WCE - Wirrpanda 4, LeCras 3, Hunter 3, Embley, Wilkes, Staker

BEST: ESS - Hille, Reimers, Watson, Lonergan, Welsh, McPhee; WCE - Wirrpanda, Embley, LeCras, Selwood, Stenglein

INJURY: ESS - Lovett (gastro) replaced in selected side by Atkinson; WCE - Kerr (calf) replaced in selected side by McNamara

UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Jeffery

CROWD: 33,386 at Telstra Dome

Both teams had plenty to play for in this match as both try to lift themselves from the nether regions of the bottom eight. The spirits, minds and bodies were certainly willing in the opening stages of the game, but the skills fell a bit short with several glaring errors before the first goal. Essendon wasted chances in the first term while Wirrpanda kicked two goals from penalties against Ramanauskas. Ironically, Wirrpanda was the one who helped keep the Eagles in the game but what effect would he have had if he gone back to defense? With Hille working hard in the ruck and around the ground, and contributions from Monfries, Stanton, Reimers and Fletcher, Essendon pulled away from the Eagles late in the first term to lead by 5 points at 1/4 time.

Essendon continued to chase and tackle as did the Eagles in the second. This time, both teams squandered chances in front of goal. The Eagles kicked two of the first three goals to steal the lead midway through the term. Essendon continued to bombard the goals and finally nailed the last three through Lovett-Murray, Neagle and Hille to take an 11 point lead at 1/2 time.

At one stage of the third term, Essendon was out to a 23 point lead before goals to Wirrpanda, Wilkes and Hunter narrowed the gap. Essendon's four goals for the term to the Eagles' three had the Bombers out to a 15 point lead at 3/4 time.

Ramanauskas kicked the first goal of the final term for the Bombers and although the Eagles continued to fight back, Essendon pulled away. Lloyd's goal, after a spectacular high-flying mark (catch of the ball) pretty much sealed the win. While the Eagles kicked four goals for the term, it wasn't enough to catch the Bombers who kicked five.

WB    2.6   7.12   12.15   19.17 (131)
BRIS  3.2   5.4     8.4    10.8 (68)

GOALS: WB - Welsh 5, Akermanis 3, Johnson 3, Cooney 2, Murphy 2, Addison, Hahn, Ray, Ward; BRIS - Brown 3, Hooper 2, Adcock, Black, Brennan, Corrie, Drummond

BEST: WB - Cooney, Akermanis, Boyd, Griffen, Murphy, Johnson, Welsh, Hargrave; BRIS - Power, Drummond, Brown, Charman, Adcock

INJURY: WB - Giansiracusa (cut head), Griffen (corked thigh); BRIS - Rischitelli (hip) replaced in selected side by Polkinghorne

UMPIRES: Donlon, Stevic, McInerney

CROWD: 39,320 at MCG

The strength of the Bulldogs is their hard-running, free-scoring midfield. Coach Rodney Eade admitted one weakness was winning and clearing the ball from throw-ins and ball-ups. Not this time, as the Dogs matched their hard running with excellent ball-winning skills. The likes of Cooney, Griffen, Boyd and Cross appeared as if they had brought their own balls to the game. Lake was a rock in defense, containing the dangerous Brown, who kicked two of the Lions' three first term goals. Hudson and Minson combined to dominate the ruck contests, giving their runners plenty of chances to get the ball forward. The Dogs had plenty more scoring chances in the term, but couldn't put the score on the board with just two goals, leaving the Lions with a two point lead at 1/4 time.

The Bulldogs took control in the second term and really broke the game open. Only inaccuracy in front of goal kept the margin from blowing out even more. Still, five goals to two for the term was enough as the Dogs established a 20 point lead at 1/2 time.

The Bulldogs continued to dominate in the third term. They won more of the ball, tackled more and constantly pumped the ball forward. The Dogs lost Akermanis in the term with a hand injury but he did come back in the second half. It didn't stop the Bulldogs who had too many options for Brisbane counter. They kicked five unanswered goals for the term. One of those goals was a typical Akermanis special when he got the ball near the boundary and kicked a tight-angle goal from a long way out. Brisbane staged a mini-rally late in the term with three goals to cut the Bulldog margin to 35 points at 3/4 time.

The Brisbane surge continued in the final term with the first three goals as the Lions got within 23 points. The Bulldogs quickly snuffed out that rally with goals to Ray, Akermanis and Ward. The Bulldogs then proceeded to blitz the Lions for percentage booster. Hahn and Johnson added goals. In the dying minutes of the game, Welsh goaled and then was awarded a free kick in the goalsquare to a second and the Dogs' seventh for the term.

FRE   5.3   9.8   13.11   18.12 (120)
NM    0.4   3.6    3.10    9.13 (67)

GOALS: FRE - Pavlich 8, Tarrant 2, Farmer 2, Bell, Ibbotson, Michael Johnson, Mayne, Mundy, Palmer; NM - Thomas 2, Brown, Campbell, Harding, Harvey, Lower, Petrie, Power

BEST: FRE - Pavlich, Farmer, McPharlin, Solomon, Tarrant, Hayden, Schammer; NM - Harvey, Simpson, Wells, Petrie, Power

INJURY: NM - North Melbourne: Hamish McIntosh (knee), Shannon Grant replaced in selected side by Leigh Brown

McIntosh could miss up to 10 weeks with a posterior cruciate ligament injury, virtually ruling him out for the rest of the season.

UMPIRES: McBurney, Fila, Meredith

CROWD: 34,105 at Subiaco Oval

The Kangaroos went into the game without key forwards Thompson and Jones and were also missing dynamo Grant. Their absence was telling as the scoring was left to a smaller forward line. The Docker defense of Hayden, McPharlin and Grover not only kept the Kangaroos goalless in the first term, but also set up plenty of plays from the back line. At the other end, Pavlich proved too good for Firrito, kicking two of Fremantle's five goals for the term to help his side to a 29 point lead at 1/4 time.

It was at the start of the second term when McIntosh hurt his knee, leaving Hale to shoulder the ruck work. Kangaroo Coach Dean Laidley had implored his team to lift in the second term and they did just that early on. Wells set up Thomas for North's first goal and Thomas was in the thick of things again when he flew high to mark (catch the ball) and kick his team's second, cutting the Docker lead to three goals.The Dockers proceeded to kick four of the next five goals for a 38 point lead at 1/2 time.

Pavlich had four goals to half time and Firrito was replaced by Gibson, who fared no better. With Sandilands giving his midfielders an armchair ride, the Dockers - and Pavlich continued the onslaught. Ibbotson started the third term with a goal from a Kangaroo turnover. From there, it was the Pavlich show with three goals in less than 10 minutes. His first came from a free kick, then Palmer won the ball in the middle and fired it in to Pavlich. Pavlich then was awarded a 50 meter penalty (55 yards) and the Dockers were out to a 61 point lead at 3/4 time.

Pavlich and Tarrant kicked the opening two goals of the final term, but the Kangaroos showed some fight with goals to Petrie, Lower, Brown and Harding. It was all for naught. Although the Kangaroos added two more for the term so did the Dockers through Mayne and Farmer.

SYD  3.5   7.9   12.16   14.18 (102)
STK  2.2   3.5    8.9     9.13 (67)

GOALS: SYD - O'Keefe 3, O'Loughlin 3, Hall 2, Goodes 2, McVeigh, Moore, Bird, Jolly; STK - C. Gardiner 3, Riewoldt, Dal Santo, M. Gardiner, Goddard, Schneider, Milne

BEST: SYD - Swans: O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, Goodes, Kirk, Jack, McVeigh; STK - Hayes, Gram, Riewoldt, Jones, M. Gardiner, Dal Santo

INJURY: SYD - Everitt (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Bird; STK - Dempster (leg), M. Gardiner (hamstring), Koschitzke (knee) replaced in selected side by C. Gardiner, Ferguson replaced in selected side by McQualter

UMPIRES: James, Kamolins, Avon

CROWD: 25,996 at the SCG

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, the Sydney crowd emphasized that when Kirk found Hall in the opening minute of the game with a resounding roar to welcome the big fella back from his seven week layoff from suspension and injury. Unfortunately, that layoff may have made him a bit rusty as he sprayed his kick for goal. It took until almost midway through the term for the first goal which went St. Kilda's way through Riewoldt. O'Keefe and Dal Santo goaled for their respective sides before O'Loughlin and Hall each goaled to give the Sydney Swans a nine point lead at 1/4 time.

The Saints came out determined in the second half and could have taken the lead if not for misses from Goddard and Blake. Riewoldt wasn't much better in front of goal when he got the ball. It was left to Charlie Gardiner to level the scores midway through the term. The Saints worked hard to stay with the Swans around the ground, but the Swans were much more potent up forward, especially when Goodes pushed into attack. He goaled to restore Sydney's lead before O'Loughlin set up McVeigh for another. Hall and O'Keefe goaled late in the term and Sydney was in front by 26 points at 1/2 time.

The Saints did well early in the third term to restrict the Swans while Gram set up the Gardiner boys for a each to be within 13 points. Goodes, Kirk, Jack, and Bird continued to work hard for the Swans who added two goals of their own. Former Swan Schneider goaled to bring the Saints within 11 points. The Swans steadied with goals to Goodes, Bird and O'Loughlin giving them a 31 point lead at 3/4 time.

The Saints continued to squander chances in the final term and were unable to catch the fast finishing Sydney who added two more for the term.

HAW   2.3   5.5   8.7    11.10 (76)
ADE   2.4   5.7   8.10   10.12 (72)

GOALS: HAW - Roughead 3, Williams 2, Osborne 2, Franklin, Rioli, Hodge, Mitchell; ADE - Porplyzia 3, Edwards 2, Douglas 2, Jericho 2, Vince

BEST: HAW - Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis, Brown, Roughead, Ellis;
ADE - Bock, Johncock, Thompson, Goodwin, Maric, Edwards

INJURY: HAW - Croad (hip) replaced in selected side by Murphy, Bateman (hamstring), Morton (corked thigh); ADE - Reilly (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Otten, Bassett (neck)

REPORTS: HAW - Franklin for alleged rough conduct on Doughty (Adelaide)

UMPIRES: Vozzo, Wenn, Mollison

CROWD: 44,559 at AAMI Stadium

Both coaches employed interesting set-ups. The Crows, when they had the ball, deployed five defenders through the midfield while the midfielders pushed forward into Adelaide's attacking zone. The Hawks countered by having only three players in defense when Adelaide had the ball. As a result, both sides applied plenty of pressure, but it was Adelaide who had the early advantage as they kicked most of their entire first term score in the first five minutes of the game. The Hawks finally began to win the ball and worked their way back into the game. Franklin was well contained by Bock but the Hawks still managed two goals of their own. Adelaide added one more behind to lead by a solitary point at 1/4 time.

Edwards and Douglas goaled early in the second term, but the Hawks replied soon after through Williams. Shortly after, Franklin was reported and then Williams goaled again to give Hawthorn the lead. Porplyzia's goal stole the lead back for Adelaide, while Franklin ran further afield in an effort to win the ball and get away from Bock. The Crows lost Bassett in the term with injury and wasted several more chances to pull away from Hawthorn. Nor could the Hawks break clear in the low-scoring term which netted just two goals for each side, leaving the Crows with a narrow two point lead at 1/2 time.

A goal early in the third term gave Hawthorn the lead. Franklin relished the absence of Bock and continued running further afield to create opportunities. A golden chance was missed when Lewis gave away a 50 meter penalty (55 yards), gifting a goal to the Crows. Despite the absence of Bock and Bassett, the Crow defense continued to apply the pressure, clearing a Roughead pass intended for Williams. Late in the term, Porplyzia kicked two goals, only for Roughead to make amends with two of his own to get the Hawks within three points at 3/4 time.

Both teams kept the pressure on in the final term and both missed crucial shots on goal early which could have swung the game either way. Finally, Edwards broke the drought with a goal to keep Adelaide in front. Franklin, who had registered only six behinds to that stage, boomed through a goal from over 50 yards to spark the Hawks. He won the ball a few minutes later, but his pass to Roughead was spoiled by Adelaide and Jericho goaled for the Crows to give Adelaide an eight point lead. Osborne goaled a minute later and it back to a two point margin. Williams had a chance to kick the sealer, but a downfield free kick to the Crows negated his goal. From there, it was a midfield tussle for several minutes before Hodge pounced on a loose ball and goaled to give Hawthorn the lead. Franklin missed from a kick on the run a few minutes later, but the Hawks maintained possession to run the clock down to protect their lead.

CARL  2.7   3.10   9.13   17.17 (119)
COL   1.4   5.8    9.13   12.17 (89)

GOALS: CARL - Fevola 8, Scotland 2, Waite 2, Thornton, Armfield, Fisher, Stevens, Wiggins; COL - Medhurst 4, Swan 2, T Cloke, Burns, O'Bree, Thomas, Lockyer, Davis

BEST: CARL - Fevola, Murphy, Judd, Scotland, Waite, Kreuzer, C. Cloke. Collingwood: Swan, Medhurst, R Shaw, T. Cloke, Johnson, Maxwell

UMPIRES: Farmer, Kennedy, Schmitt

CROWD: 80,310 at the MCG

Fevola was badly out of sorts for the first half and Judd was ineffective early, partly due to the close attention from Rhyce Shaw and the appearance of struggling with a possible groin injury. Egan and Fraser were getting the better of young Hampson and Kreuzer in the ruck. Carlton's biggest weakness in recent times has been a thin defense. Lately, O'hAilpin, Jamison and Thornton have begun gelling in the back line. Waite was also stationed in defense for the first half. Up forward, Collingwood seemed to have the advantage with Thomas, Didak and Davis all dangerous pathways to goal. Carlton's main focal point was Fevola. Both teams were fired early but couldn't put the score on the board. For Carlton, Fevola and Murphy were two main offenders. For Collingwood it was Reid. Fevola eventually bagged the first goal but then Murphy, Reid and Fevola again all missed. Fevola partially redeemed himself with a goal, only for Collingwood to reply through Burns for their only goal of the term. Then it was more points from Fevola, Murphy and Reid and a poster from Travis Cloke, leaving Carlton with a nine point lead at 1/4 time.

That lead was slashed to just three points when Thomas goaled at the start of the second term. Again more misses and rushed points seemed to be the order of the day before Lockyer goaled from a free kick to give the Magpies a two point lead. Collingwood attacked again from the kick in but the Carlton defense held firm to force a point before Thornton raced out of the back line to take a pass and kick his first goal of the season to put Carlton in front. Thomas missed a chance to restore the Magpie lead and Collingwood again forced a point. Collingwood regained the lead again when Swan goaled from another free kick. The Pies won the ball again from the next bounce and raced forward. The ball went to ground and when Stevens made what appeared to be a half-hearted effort, Medhurst swooped and goaled. One final forward thrust by the Magpies was again foiled by the Carlton defense and the Pies were left with a 10 point lead at 1/2 time.

In the first half, Fevola was not only missing his kicks for goal, but seemed to be displaying some of the poor attitude which saw him almost traded a year ago. That changed in the second half. Waite was moved from defense to attack in an effort to provide another goal kicking option. Betts was moved out to a wing where his speed and ballwinning skills could be put to good use. Travis Cloke hit the post again at the start of the third term, but Medhurst added another goal to extend Collingwood's lead. More misses from both sides followed before O'Bree and Scotland added goals. Medhurst was at it again soon after with a point and a goal to give Collingwood a 24 point lead. A year ago, it would probably have been enough for Carlton to curl up their toes and fall over. Not this time, with Gibbs getting away from Heath Shaw and Judd breaking free of Rhyce Shaw. Murphy, Stevens and Collingwood castoff Scotland also lifted to go in hard at man and ball. Simpson missed twice before goals to Waite and Armfield reduced Collingwood's lead. Travis Cloke got one back for Collingwood, but Fisher added a goal as did Fevola from a free kick to have Carlton within four points. Swan then missed twice to give the Magpies some breathing space. From the last kick in, the Blues raced the ball to the other end and Fevola goaled from another free kick to level the scores at 3/4 time.

Carlton went into attack at the start of the final term and took a one point lead when the Pies rushed through another point. Davis goaled less than a minute later and the Pies were back in front. Carlton attacked again and again but managed just a few points but stopped another Magpie goal with another forced point. A goal square scramble resulted in Fevola going to ground. Somehow, he still managed to get boot to ball and put through an amazing goal and the Blues were in front once more. The fourth lead change came less than midway through the term when Fraser won a throw in and Swan goaled. From the next bounce, Judd burst out of the center and again found Fevola whose goal again gave Carlton a two point lead. Davis missed, leaving the Pies trailing by a point. Judd then earned a free kick, got the ball to Russell who found Wiggins. But Wiggins was 55 yards out and he couldn't make the distance and the ball was knocked out of bounds. The throw-in was close to Carlton's goals and Wiggins made amends with a goal which put Carlton seven points in front. Jamison was awarded a free kick in defense and again the Blues, through Judd, Russell, and Kreuzer moved the ball quickly into attack and to a waiting Fevola and the Blues were out to a 13 point lead. It was 14 points when Collingwood rushed another behind. Medhurst goaled to keep the Pies in the game. The next midfield skirmish resulted in a Wiggins' tackle forcing a turnover to Carlton and Waite goaled to restore Carlton's 14 point lead with 6 minutes remaining. Stevens goaled a few minutes later to give the Blues their biggest lead yet. Swan again missed a shot on goal which might have given Collingwood some hope. Carlton sniffed victory, and pushed every inch of the way, stopping another Collingwood scoring attempt with another rushed behind. The game was all but over when Scotland goaled against his former team. From the next bounce, Carlton won the ball again and Fevola marked (caught the ball). The siren sounded as he lined up for goal number eight and iced the cake with a goal after the siren.

Unmanageable as it seemed at the start of the season, Carlton is now in the top eight for the first time since 2001.

RICH  3.6   11.13   13.15   16.20 (116)
MELB  5.3    6.5    11.8    14.10 (94)

GOALS: RICH - Richardson 5, Brown 3, Morton 2, Cotchin, Hyde, Polak, Simmonds, Tuck, M. White; MELB - Miller 3, Bartram 2, Bruce 2, Davey 2, Bate, Garland, Green, J. White, Wonaeamirri

BEST: RICH - Richardson, Deledio, Brown, Tuck, Cotchin, Polak;
MELB - Bruce, Wheatley, McLean, Miller, White, Garland

UMPIRES: Sully, M. Nicholls, Ryan

CROWD: 27,348 at Telstra Dome

Melbourne once again started well, but it was the Tigers who got on the board first with a goal to Hyde and a point to McMahon. The Demons then got their first through Bruce, after which followed a series of rushed points and missed shots on goal from both sides. McLean and Bruce were providing great drive for the Demons. Bartram, Bruce and Miller all goaled to give the Demons an unlikely lead. Richardson, who started on a wing and drifted between defense and attack added two late goals for the Tigers to cut Melbourne's lead to nine points at 1/4 time.

Miller, who has taken over as a key forward since the retirement of Neitz and the injury to Robertson, bombed in a long-range goal early in the second term to give the Demons a 15 point lead. A few minutes later, Bruce missed a chance to make it a 21 point margin and from there, the Tigers took over. Deledio, Tuck, Brown, Foley, Simmonds in the ruck led the charge. Wherever Richardson roamed, something invariable happened. Midway through the term, Brown snapped a goal which started the Tiger run. Melbourne was clinging to a 10 point lead, but then seemed to disappear from the game. One journalist described their fadeout as something akin to the notorious missing 18 minutes from the Watergate tapes or the old movie Lost Weekend. Richmond did as they pleased with goals to Polak and Richardson giving Richmond the lead. The barrage continued with goals to Richardson again, Matt White, Cotchin and Brown again. The goalfest came to an end with Simmonds, Riewoldt (Jack, that is, a cousin to St. Kilda's Nick) and Schulz all adding three points to close out the term and give Richmond a 38 point lead at 1/2 time.

The Demons returned to the game, so to speak in the third term and it showed. After misses from Dunn and Schulz, it took until midway through the term for a goal to be registered. The first went to Garland for the Demons. Simmonds added another for the Tigers but Melbourne rallied with a goal to Green and two to Davey. One of those came after the diminutive Davey soared over the towering Richardson for a spectacular mark (catch of the ball). .When Miller added a fourth the Demons, the Tiger lead was only 13 points. Richardson added one final goal for the term before the Demons added a point and the Tigers rushed a point and took a 19 point lead at 3/4 time.

Brown had a shot on goal early in the final term, but it was disallowed when the umpire ruled the ball had been thrown to him, much the disapproval of Tiger fans. Pattison gave away a free kick for slamming into Jeff White and the goal put Melbourne within 13 points. Wonaeamirri then got the ball, passed to Davey and dashed forward to take the ball back from Davey. His goal had the Demons within eight points. Points to Cotchin, Jones and Bowden followed and it was Richmond by just nine points. Brown and Morton sealed the win with late goals, Morton's coming with just three minutes remaining. Bate added one late consolation goal for the Demons.

GEEL  3.5   7.9   13.14   15.18 (108)
PA    2.2   3.6    4.6     7.7 (49)

GOALS: Chapman 4, S. Johnson 2, Rooke, Ablett, Mackie, Ling, Varcoe, Stokes, Lonergan, Prismall, Blake; PA - Motlop 3, Rodan 2, Tredrea, S. Burgoyne

BEST: GEEL - Selwood, Ottens, Corey, Mackie, Chapman, S. Johnson, Ablett, Ling; PA -Wilson, Motlop, Rodan, Logan, Brogan

INJURY: GEEL - MIlburn (cut face)

REPORTS: GEEL - Steve Johnson for headbutting Chaplin); PA - Daniel Motlop for striking Taylor

UMPIRES: Stewart, McLaren, Ellis

CROWD: 21,642 at Skilled Stadium

After consecutive losses to Carlton and Sydney, Port's season was on the line, if not over and they were determined to make a good showing. This they did early in the match, holding up Geelong for the first five minutes or so. Ablett got the Cats started with the opening goal. Soon after, Tredrea goaled for Port and the Power actually snagged the lead briefly with a goal to Shaun Burgoyne. Steve Johnson must have taken aggression lessons from former bad boy Mooney as he and several Port players went at each other before Rooke kicked an opportunistic goal. The Cats won the ball again and Chapman flew for the ball but dropped it. Somehow, he managed to recover it and kick another goal to give the Cats a nine point lead at 1/4 time.

The second term got off to a bad start for Port when Cornes gave away a 50 meter penalty (55 yards) to Ablett for a late hit after Ablett had marked. Ablett got the ball to Mackie and the Cats extended their lead. Another free kick, this time to Selwood for a high tackle helped set up Chapman. Wilson crashed into Chapman for another 50 meter penalty and Cat goal. Soon after, Johnson was in the umpire's book for his headbutt. Port finally found some run but could not capitalize, adding just three points midway through the term. Chapman added another Geelong goal before Motlop booted Port's only goal for the term. Ling capped off the term with another goal as Geelong raced out to a 27 point lead at 1/2 time.

The start of the third term was equally good for the Cats with Varcoe kicking the first goal and then getting off a pass to Steve Johnson. Cassisi's revenge for Johnson's earlier attention came at an inopportune time, with the Port midfielder conceding yet another 50 meter penalty and another Cat goal. Stokes and Lonergan joined in on the goal fest before Motlop broke Geelong's run of goals. Chapman and Prismall added goals late in the term to take Geelong out to a whopping 62 point lead at 3/4 time.

From the restart of play, Rodan goaled for Port and Motlop followed a few minutes later. The scoring dried up for the most part until midway through the term when Johnson goaled. Blake's long-range goal had Geelong fans in raptures. Port fired one final shot with a late goal to Rodan just before time and the Cats once again came away with a big win over the Power.

GOALS
Franklin (HAW) 60 
Fevola (CARL)  50 
Bradshaw (BRS) 43 
Pavlich (FRE)  42 
Brown (BRIS)   39 
Roughead (HAW) 38

Source: Melbourne Age, Herald Sun, afl.com.au & author notes from match broadcasts