North Melbourne Kangaroos

Pavlich Powers Dockers To Top Four

rickb — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 08:19:37 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Patersons Stadium, Perth

Fremantle has demolished the North Melbourne Kangaroos in three out of their last four games played, the most recent time by 61 points. North has traveled to Perth twice in the last month to play in very hot conditions. This time they had the services of their premier ruckman Todd Goldstein who was a last minute withdrawal when they played West Coast in Round 1.

North Melbourne started well and had the first goal on the board from Drew Petrie after he intercepted an errant Jayden Pitt pass. Aaron Edwards followed up with a superb goal from deep in the forward pocket. The only time Fremantle had a possession in the first three minutes was when they were awarded a free kick from the center bounce. Matthew Pavlich started to get his game into gear, distributing the ball well across the forward half as the quarter progressed, but his teammates were letting him down. Pocket dynamo Hayden Ballantyne scored a stirring goal from a ruck bounce down and sparked the Dockers into action as they kicked the next two goals to hit the front. There was a bizarre incident involving a goal umpire who signaled a point from a Brent Harvey kick, only to have the field umpire and boundary umpire disagree with him and change the call to a goal. Kepler Bradley kicked the next two goals for the Dockers, one after the siren from 55 yards out to give the home team a handy nine point lead at the break.

Fremantle had most of the play in the second quarter but couldn’t quite put their opponents away. Adam McPhee looked to be playing for a free kick when he put his head down and ran into an opponent while gathering the ball. This is a gray area in the rules the AFL has implemented to protect players from being tackled head high. McPhee's goal stretched the lead and things were looking good for the Dockers. Jack Ziebell kicked North’s next two goals, one of which had the goal umpire from the earlier controversy involved again. He signaled a point for what was clearly a goal, before changing his mind under pressure again from the field umpire.The atmosphere was electric and the crowd was enjoying the free-flowing style of play from both teams. Daniel Wells read the ball best from a stoppage and snapped a goal across his body from 35 yards out to give the Kangaroos some momentum. They would not give the game away but as the quarter ended North had not made any progress towards closing the nine point gap.

Fremantle’s Chris Mayne scored first in the third quarter after being awarded a free kick in front of goals. Fremantle had to activate their substitute soon after when Nick Suban encountered friendly fire from Ryan Crowley while tackling Wells. Suban broke his fibula in the incident and was stretchered from the ground, straight to hospital. His injury continues a run of bad luck for the Dockers and Suban in particular, as he was out for most of last season with an ankle injury. Fremantle began to move away from the Kangaroos when Ballantyne and Nathan Fyfe scored in quick succession. Fyfe received a 50 yard penalty to put him 55 yards out, and he produced a sensational kick to increase the Dockers' lead.

There were two goals in this quarter that will be in the running for goal of the year. Aaron Edwards scored a major after he evaded a Pavlich tackle and dribbled the ball end over end from 30 yards out on a tight angle from the pocket. With both teams pressing forward into North Melbourne’s half, Bradley gathered the ball for Fremantle on the outer wing. Ballantyne sprinted from the back end of the center square into the open forward line. Bradley spotted him and kicked the ball out in front for him to run on to, bounce twice and kick a magnificent goal. Stephen Hill capped off the quarter with an intercept and goal from a poor kick-in by the Kangaroos. The Dockers led by 32 points and looked like running away with the game.

Cruize Garlett, the substitute for North Melbourne, was activated as the final term started. He started in the middle and injected some run into the midfield. The Kangaroos kicked the first goal when they transferred the ball quickly from defense and capitalized on a rare mistake by the Dockers’ Greg Broughton. The goals were coming thick and fast in an entertaining tussle. North Melbourne was doing just enough to tantalize its supporters and never looked completely out of the game. They came with a rush at the end, kicking the last three goals of the match but the moment had passed and it was too late to impact the result. Fremantle ran out comfortable winners by 29 points. In Ryan Crowley's 100th game, it was a fitting result for the occasion.

It has been a poor start to the season for the Kangaroos. They are winless after Round 4 and are languishing at second last on the Ladder. Fremantle are playing consistently good football and, with three wins, they find themselves in fourth position and half a game clear from the next club. They have continued where they left off in 2010 and are real contenders for a Final’s berth this year.

For David Woodley's photos of this match click on the link:

http://www.afana.com/drupal5/category/image_galleries/2011_season/2011_s...

Scoreboard
Fremantle: 5.6 9.9 14.12 18.19 (127)
North Melbourne: 4.3 8.6 9.10 14.14 (98)

Best Players
Fremantle: M Pavlich, H Ballantyne, S Hill, N Fyfe, D Mundy
North Melbourne: A Swallow, J Ziebell, L Adams, A Edwards, B Harvey

Eagles Get Jump On Kangaroos

rickb — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 05:47:53 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Patersons Stadium, Perth

Perth has been in the grip of a never-ending summer. On a day that should have been pleasantly autumnal, the North Melbourne Kangaroos arrived to face 97 degree heat and a parochial crowd of nearly 36,000. To make matters worse, the Kangaroos' premier ruckman Goldstein came down with a stomach virus before the game leaving the lion’s share of the work up to first gamer Cameron Pederson.

As for most of last season, the Eagles' problems lay not with getting the ball but with finding targets once they did. Veteran Captain Brett Harvey kicked the Kangaroos' first goal when he read the ball off hands in the goal square. After missing an easy shot in front of goal early, Lachlan Hansen followed up with a second goal. North Melbourne played as much of the game as they could through the middle of the ground and, in spite of the scorching heat, they looked full of run. The Eagles were having trouble sticking their tackles and were playing under the fall of the ball. Lindsay Thomas kicked the third goal for the Kangaroos after a smart, crisp piece of full field play. It wasn’t until the 16 minute mark that Matt Priddis kicked West Coast’s first goal after a shocking kick in by North’s Jack Ziebell. The Eagles followed up with goals to Brad Ebert and Andrew Embley to get back into the game, before Liam Anthony steadied the visitors once more. North Melbourne took a slim two-point lead into the second quarter.

Josh Kennedy had had a very ordinary game to this point but he took a strong mark in front of goal and kicked the Eagles into the lead. Mark LeCras added to the tally with a kick that traveled a full 30 yards end over end on the ground and the Eagles found some extra spirit and intensity. North’s Daniel Wells’ handball receipt and run to deliver a kick to Thomas in front of goal was a spark that lifted the Kangaroos. Aaron Edwards kicked another and the home crowd fell silent until young Eagle Jack Darling was rewarded with a free kick after some fierce forward tackling pressure on Ziebell. His goal put the home team up by five points at the end of the half.

As a concession to the heat, the AFL agreed to extend the half time break by five minutes and the extra rest seemed to benefit the Eagles. LeCras kicked the first goal but, in an unusual incident, he fell to the ground and was stretchered off with a suspected torn groin. Darling kicked the Eagles' next after marking a bullet-like pass from Beau Waters who had run from half back to make the play. The heat was sapping leg strength from players of both sides. With only three players and a substitute this year instead of the four rotational players available last year, cramp is becoming a factor late in games. North’s Thomas was in wonderful form and kicked the next two goals when he teamed up with Harvey and then Wells. Leigh Adams finished the quarter with a goal that resulted in the Kangaroos going into the final quarter with a two-point lead.

Mark Nicoski was fired up to start the last quarter and kicked two of the next three goals for the Eagles. Tireless ruckman Dean Cox added another and it looked as if West Coast would run away with the game. North Melbourne was not to be denied and clawed back into the game with goals to Edwards and Leigh Adams. The Kangaroos were suffering more in the heat and began to cramp up making chasing their opponents problematic. Goals were traded as time ran out and the Eagles limped home with a four-point win.

It may be early days but the Eagles find themselves in the top eight for the first time in years. North Melbourne is in twelfth position facing the Collingwood juggernaut next weekend. See David Woodley's photos of this match at:

http://www.afana.com/drupal5/category/image_galleries/2011_season/2011_season_photo_essays/round_1_west_coast_v_north_melbourne/1

Scoreboard
West Coast:      3.7 6.10 9.12 13.14 (92)
North Melbourne: 4.3 6.5  10.8 13.10 (89)

Best Players
West Coast: D Cox, A Embley, W Schofield, M Priddis, M LeCras
North Melbourne: L Thomas, L Hansen, C Pedersen, M Firrito, D Wells

Laidley Stays With Port Adelaide

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 15:06:33 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Port Adelaide assistant coach Dean Laidley has decided to remain with the Power, after previously informing the club he wanted to return to Melbourne. However, he will have the best of both worlds as he will split his time between the two cities. In essence, he will be a "commuter coach". He will spend four days in Adelaide and three in Melbourne.

Laidley's decision came after his unsuccessful bid for Essendon's senior coaching position. Port's new senior coach Matthew Primus is happy at the prospect of Laidley continuing as Port's midfield coach. Primus said that Laidley, who joined Port last year after stepping down as North Melbourne's senior coach, has a great relationship with the playing group and that his experience will benefit both the staff and players.

Port has promoted Cameron Hitchcock and Danny Meyer from the rookie list to the seniors. Hitchcock played 17 games in 2010. Meyer played 20 games for Richmond 2005-2008 before being delisted by the Tigers. He was rookie listed with the Power in 2009 and played six games for Port in 2010. Port has delisted Jay Nash, gained in 2009 via a trade with Essendon. Nash played 43 games with the Bombers 2005-2009 but managed just eight with Port in 2010. Also gone is Matthew Westhoff, younger brother of forward Justin Westhoff. Mathew played only six games 2008-2009 and no games in 2010. Westhoff will continue to train with Port until the draft later this month. The club has the option of re-drafting him to their rookie list.

Source: Daniel Norton, Club Media Release; AFL Record 2010 Season Guide, AFL 2010 Grand Final Record

Pies Get Easy Ride In 2011 Schedule

johnson — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:21:41 -0500

by Johnson Leung reporting for AFANA in Melbourne

Collingwood's chances of winning consecutive Premierships have been boosted by the 2011 AFL schedule, revealed in Melbourne last week. The club have been given 18 games in Melbourne next year, with 14 at the MCG, and do not travel outside Victoria until Round 14. The Pies will finish with three interstate games in the last seven rounds of the regular season. This year, the Pies played seven matches at the MCG from Round 16 to Round 22 on their way to claiming top spot, then four finals (including two Grand Finals) at the venue to break their 20 year premiership drought.

AFL Chief Operating Officer Gillon McLachlan rejected the suggestion from Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett that the schedule favored the defending Premiers, saying nearly every Melbourne club asks to play at the Pies at home. "(Collingwood) travel the least of anyone in the competition ... because when we match all the games and club requests and where we try to put them, they become a bit landlocked," McLachlan said. "It's a quirk and it's just how it is."

Carlton and Richmond will open the season for the fourth year in a row, on Thursday March 24. The following night Geelong hosts St Kilda at the MCG, while the Pies get the premiership defence underway with a Saturday afternoon home game against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. However the Pies are not expected to unfurl their 2010 flag until their Friday night Round 3 clash against Carlton. Other highlights of the opening round include a Saturday night contest between Adelaide and Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium to commemorate the Crows' first official match in 1991. A day later, James Hird will coach Essendon for the first time in a home and away game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Gold Coast's entry into the AFL means byes will return to the schedule for the first time since 1994. Next season will consist of 187 matches across 24 rounds. There will be 19 rounds of eight matches with one bye and five rounds of seven matches with three byes. All clubs will play 11 home games and 11 away games with two byes. The new schedule means the domestic TV broadcast arrangement will change. While pay-TV broadcaster Foxtel will be guaranteed a minimum of three games each week, free-to-air networks Seven and Ten could broadcast as little as one match each week, depending on the schedule.

Gold Coast will have the bye in Round 1 and will make their debut in Round 2, against Carlton at the Gabba in Brisbane. The Suns will play three home matches at the Gabba. Their first home match at the redeveloped Gold Coast Stadium will be in Round 10 against Geelong and will mark Gary Ablett's first match against his former club.

Rounds 5 and 6 have been dubbed a "footy fiesta" with the AFL scheduling 14 games across nine of 11 days, with only two days separating the last match of Round 5 (Hawthorn v Geelong on April 26) and the first match of Round 6 (West Coast hosting Melbourne in the first Thursday night game at Patersons Stadium, formerly Subiaco Oval). Traditional rivals Essendon and Collingwood will clash at the MCG on Anzac Day, followed by a night match between Fremantle and Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium.

The AFL has abandoned its policy of the previous year's Grand Finalists only playing once the following season. Collingwood and St Kilda will clash twice next year, at the MCG in Round 11 and Etihad Stadium in Round 21. The League has again scheduled a "floating" final home-and-away round to give it more flexibility for the final week of games before the finals. Essendon will have the bye in this round.

Other features of the 2011 schedule include:

Two Monday night and three Thursday night games.
Geelong, Fremantle and Sydney will have games against teams coming off the bye four times, while Collingwood, Hawthorn, Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs have none.
Essendon have the most games of any club against this year's top-eight clubs (12) with five matches against top-four finishers. By contrast, the Western Bulldogs only have three games against their fellow top-four finishers.
Adelaide are either at home or in Melbourne in the first 19 weeks of the season. They will only travel to Victoria, Western Australia and Queensland. The Crows will play three Saturday afternoon games (against Fremantle, Gold Coast and West Coast) at home, and at least eight of the Crows' 11 home games will have live telecasts against the gate.
Brisbane Lions will play three games at the MCG and three at Etihad Stadium for Victorian-based supporters. The Lions and the Suns will clash Saturday night at the Gabba in Round 7 and Round 21.
Essendon will play five 2010 finalists (Western Bulldogs, Sydney, St Kilda, Carlton and Collingwood) in a row to start the year. They go to Perth twice in five interstate trips and play Gold Coast only once.
Fremantle have been rewarded for their breakthrough 2010 season with three games at the MCG compared to none last year, that is until they reached the finals. They also get to play two Friday night games against St Kilda (Round 20) and Collingwood (Round 23)
Geelong will face a unique challenge in the 2011 schedule when they have three straight weeks of games against teams coming off the reintroduced bye: Collingwood in Round 8, Carlton in Round 9 and Gold Coast in Round 10.
Identical twins Brad and Chris Scott will coach against each other for premiership points when Geelong play North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon in Round 7. Channel Ten had requested that the match be played at Etihad Stadium on a Saturday night to maximise TV ratings, but the Cats objected.
Gold Coast will have at least 18 matches on Saturdays, eight of which will be played at night. The Suns are the only club that won't play at least one match on either a Thursday or Friday night, with Sydney playing their first home game on a Friday night since 2003. The AFL has stated that matches involving the Lions and the Suns will never be played in the same timeslot.
Hawthorn will play nine games outside Victoria, including four home games at Launceston's Aurora Stadium. This compares to just seven interstate games this year, including one trip to Adelaide and Perth.
Melbourne have one less interstate trip than this year, with four away matches in Darwin, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. They also have 10 Sunday games next year.
North Melbourne have to visit Paterson's Oval (formerly known as Subiaco) twice in their first three games and also play Hawthorn in Launceston. In all, the Roos will travel six times. They will also confront Grand Finalists Collingwood and St Kilda twice and the bean counters will not be happy with only one Friday night game. The Kangaroos' only Friday night game will be in Round 19 against Carlton.
From Rounds 7 to 17 Port Adelaide will have a demanding schedule: home, Sydney, home, Darwin, home, Perth, home, Brisbane, home and Darwin. The Power will play three Saturday afternoon games at AAMI Stadium, against West Coast, Gold Coast and Fremantle.
Richmond play their first nine matches in Melbourne, including their first four at the MCG. The Tigers will not play in Victoria for a 35-day period from May 21 to June 25, during which time they will travel to Darwin, Sydney and Brisbane, along with the first of their two byes. Cairns in tropical north Queensland will host an AFL match for competition points for the first time when the Tigers take on Gold Coast at Cazaly's Stadium in Round 17. It will be the first of three matches to be played between the clubs over three years at the venue.
St Kilda have the most games played at night with 16 games, including one Thursday night game, one Monday night game, six on Friday nights and six on Saturday nights.
Sydney will play eight games at the SCG and three at ANZ Stadium (against Essendon, Collingwood and St Kilda).
In a new concept, West Coast will tackle the Western Bulldogs in an indigenous-themed clash at Patersons Stadium in Round 9, the same weekend as the Richmond-Essendon "Dreamtime at the 'G" clash. The Eagles will host the HMAS Sydney tribute match for the first time against the Swans at Patersons Stadium in Round 4 and will have just three six-day breaks and two night away matches.
Patersons Stadium will be empty for a weekend in Round 17 when West Coast take on St Kilda in Melbourne on the Saturday while Fremantle will be in Sydney on the Sunday.

Sources: theage.com.au, heraldsun.com.au, AAP, The West Australian, adelaidenow.com.au

Footy Redemption For Andrew Krakouer

Lisa Albergo — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 18:14:00 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

In times of trouble, family, friends and a good support network can work miracles. Former Richmond Tiger and current Collingwood recruit Andrew Krakouer can attest to that as he has had an abundance of support while in prison and since his release. While in jail, he found ways to stay fit and joined the prison footy team. Once paroled, he joined Swan Districts in the WAFL and helped them win the 2010 Premiership.

He is only the second player (after former North Melbourne Kangaroo Barry Cable) to win best on ground in the WAFL Grand Final along with the Premiership medal, the Swan Districts best and fairest and the Sandover Medal (WAFL equivalent of the Brownlow). Last week, Krakouer had a chat with Melbourne Age sports writer Caroline Wilson and told her how footy was, and is, his salvation.

This author must defer to the professional writing of Ms Wilson as anything summarized would not do proper justice to the story. Please click on the link below to read the story in full. It is a story that had to be told and is a must read.

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/how-football-saved-krakouer-20101020-16u8u.html

Cats Name New Coach

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 17 Oct 2010 15:41:14 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Chris Scott, twin brother to North Melbourne's Brad Scott, has been appointed as the new coach of Geelong. Scott has edged out assistant coach Brenton Sanderson, who was favored by departed coach Mark Thompson, and Ken Hinkley. Hinkley played 11 games with Fitzroy (1987-88) and 121 games for Geelong (1989-1995) and coached in country local leagues for several years before joining St Kilda as an assistant to Malcolm Blight in 2001. He then coached Bell Park in the Geelong Football League before returning to the Cats as an assistant to Mark Thompson. Hinkley joined the Gold Coast coaching staff last year. Sanderson started his career with Fitzroy (six games) and Collingwood (four games) before playing 199 games with the Cats.

It is believed Scott has been offered a three year contract. Scott, a defender alongside his brother, played 215 games for the Lions 1994-2007 and was a member of the 2001 and 2002 premiership teams. He missed the 2003 Grand Final due to injury. He joined Fremantle as an assistant in 2008 and helped reshape the backline. Although Scott says it was the call of Coach Mark Harvey to shift forward Chris Tarrant to defense, some credit Scott with that move.

Next season will be just the third time in AFL history that brothers will be coaching against each other. The others were Len Smith (Fitzroy) against his brother Norm (Melbourne) 1958-62 and Kevin Rose (Fitzroy) against Bob Rose (Footscray, now the Western Bulldogs) in 1975. However, this will be the first time twin brothers will be opposed to one another in the coaching boxes.

Currently, Scott's former Brisbane teammates Nigel Lappin and Blake Caracella are still on the Cats' coaching staff.

Source: theage.com.au

Club Awards

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 03 Oct 2010 11:11:50 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

One week after the drawn Grand Final, there was another tie. While nowhere near as dramatic or media grabbing, it did set another record. Veteran Kangaroo Brent Harvey took out his fifth best and fairest award. He was not alone as fellow veteran Brady Rawlings tied with Harvey to win his third club champion award. Harvey's previous wins came in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2008. He was previously tied on four best and fairest wins with Wayne Carey, David Dench and Noel Teasdale.

Harvey averaged 25 possessions per game this season. He had one of the best games of his career against West Coast in Round Three with 19 kicks, 25 handballs, 11 marks (catch of the ball) and a goal. He also played his 300th game against the Eagles in Round 21.

Rawlings, who won the award previously in 2004 and 2006, had a career best season in defense, averaging 28 possessions. His best game came against Fremantle in Round 19. In that 54 point win, he had 13 kicks, 26 handballs and eight marks. Falling an agonizingly close third was the 2009 winner Andrew Swallow. He finished one vote shy of tying with Harvey and Rawlings.

Voting: the four members of the match committee award votes on a 0-10 scale. The most votes a player can be awarded in any one game is 40.

Top 10
Brent Harvey - 44
Brady Rawlings - 44
Andrew Swallow - 43
Leigh Adams - 26 (countback, 2 x 4 votes)*
Daniel Wells - 26 (countback, 5 x 3 votes)*
Michael Firrito - 26 (countback, 4 x 3 votes)*
Nathan Grima - 23 (countback, 1 x 4, 1 x 3, 7 x 2 votes)*
Levi Greenwood -23 (countback, 1 x 4, 1 x 3, 4 x 2 votes)*
Todd Goldstein - 22 (countback, 1 x 4 votes)*
Ryan Bastinac - 22 (countback, 1 x 3 votes)*

*Count back - a system to break ties whereby the tie is broken by tabulating how many higher votes a player gets over another.

Other Awards:
Community Award: Andrew Swallow
Best Clubman: Drew Petrie
Glenn Archer Northerners Award: Michael Firrito
Best First- Year Player: Ryan Bastinac
Jason McCartney Jumper: Brady Rawlings
Cheer Squad Determination Award: Brady Rawlings
Supporters' Player of the Year: Brent Harvey
Life membership: Drew Petrie, Leigh Harding, Corey Jones

On the night, long time director Ron Joseph announced his resignation. Joseph, who has also been a player manager for many years, has been involved with North Melbourne off and on for 45 years. In making his announcement, Joseph said it had been a wonderful journey which had been full of highs and lows. He also predicted the Kangaroos were on their way up again.

Source: Heath O'Loughlin, Club Media Release

Sydney midfielder Kieran Jack is the 2010 Sydney best and fairest. In a close finish, Jack won with 553 votes, with young ruckman Shane Mumford second on 545 votes. Josh Kennedy came in third with 542 votes. Jack, who switched from rugby and debuted in 2007, led the team in tackles, was third for kicks and contested possessions, fourth for ball disposal and second for Inside 50's (delivering the ball into the team's scoring zone). He also kicked 21 goals for the year. Jack, who has gone from a negating player to a more attacking role, has played 71 games for the Swans and just signed a new three year contract.

Mumford, 24, was originally rookie-listed by Geelong and played 21 games 2008-2009 before being traded to the Swans. He was the number one ruckman and was impressive in the ruck as well as at ground level.

Kennedy, 22, is the son of Hawthorn star John Kennedy, Jr and grandson of legendary Hawthorn coach John Kennedy, Sr. He managed just 13 games with Hawthorn in three years before being traded to Sydney at the end of 2009. Like Jack, he has become a valuable midfielder and played all 24 games in 2010.

Voting: the five members of the match committee can each award up to ten votes for each player per game. The maximum votes a player can receive per game is 50.

Top 10
Kieren Jack - 553
Shane Mumford -545
Josh Kennedy - 542
Jarrad McVeigh - 497
Heath Grundy - 495
Adam Goodes - 464
Nick Malceski - 460
Brett Kirk - 455
Ryan O'Keefe - 444
Daniel Hannebery - 418

Other Awards:
The Paul Kelly Players' Player Award - Adam Goodes
This award is voted upon by the 22 senior players after each game

Rising Star Award - Dan Hannebery (also won the AFL Rising Star Award)

Dennis Carroll Trophy for Most Improved Player - Mike Pyke

This award, decided by the Match Committee, is based on votes in 2010 compared to 2009 and other criteria. Pyke, 26, was recruited from Canada where he played rugby. He joined the Swans in 2008. He played 18 games in 2010 as backup ruckman to Mumford.

Barry Round Trophy for Best Clubman - Ted Richards (decided by the Match Committee)

Paul Roos Award for Best Player in the Finals - Josh Kennedy (decided by the Match Committee)

Source: Jenny McAsey, Club Media Release

Essendon captain Jobe Watson is the 2010 club best and fairest winner for a second consecutive year. Watson won with 291 votes, well ahead of second-placed Heath Hocking with 241 votes. Jason Winderlich was third with 231 votes. Watson had his best game in the Round 17 win over North Melbourne with 38 possessions, three tackles and two goals. Watson finished seventh in the Brownlow Medal vote. He joined the Bombers under the father-son rule in 2002, debuted in 2003 and has played 115 games and kicked 44 goals. His father Tim, currently active in the media, also captained the Bombers and is a four time best and fairest winner.

Voting: three members of the match committee can award to 10 votes to a maximum of eight players per game.

Top Ten
Jobe Watson - 291
Heath Hocking - 241
Jason Winderlich - 231
Dustin Fletcher - 225
Brent Stanton -167
Nathan Lovett-Murray -164
Mark McVeigh -156
Ben Howlett -154
Alwyn Davey -144
Angus Monfries -143

Other Awards:
Best Clubman Award - Heath Hocking
Leading Goal Kicking Award - Angus Monfries
Club Rising Star Award - Ben Howlett
Most Improved Player Award - David Zaharakis
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player Award - Tayte Pears
Striving for Excellence Award - Angus Monfries
Bill Hutchison Award -Nathan Lovett-Murray

Source: Cara Pelchen, Club Media Release

Bulldog Ryan Griffen has won his first best and fairest award. Griffen, who debuted in 2005, had a breakout season this year in the midfield. He has just signed a new two year contract. Fellow midfielder and the 2008 winner Daniel Cross was second and, despite preseason ankle surgery, played every game this year. Daniel Giansiracusa finished third ahead of the last year's winner Matthew Boyd. Giansiracusa played every game this year and kicked 35 goals.

Voting: the four members of the match committee each award 1-5 votes per player per game.

Top Ten
Ryan Griffen -137
Daniel Cross -126
Daniel Giansiracusa -113
Matthew Boyd -111
Robert Murphy -105
Ben Hudson -102
Brian Lake - 99
Adam Cooney - 97
Barry Hall - 93 Votes
Dale Morris - 83 Votes

Other Awards:
Best First Year Player - Jordan Roughead
Most Promising Player - Easton Wood

Scott West Most Courageous - Liam Picken
This award was introduced in 2007 and named for seven time best and fairest winner Scott West, who was renowned for his courage.

Brad Johnson Best Team Player - Ben Hudson
Previously known as the Match Committee Award, now named to honor the just retired Brad Johnson. The award recognizes team spirit and dedication.

Community Award - Sam Reid
Introduced in 207 and awarded by the Bulldogs' Community Club, it recognizes a player's work in, and commitment to, community programs supported by the club.

Source: David McNamara, Club Media Release

Memories Of 1977 Drawn Grand Final

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 26 Sep 2010 18:05:52 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Collingwood opened the 1977 season strongly, winning seven of their first nine games. North was almost as good, losing just three games in the same period. One of their wins was against Collingwood. Both teams slipped midway through the season with Collingwood winning four from their next six and the Kangaroos just breaking even with three wins and three losses. Both teams finished the season well with just two more losses and Collingwood finishing in first position and North Melbourne third. The final four had become a final five (introduced in 1972). As in 1975, North had to do it the hard way. They were the only team since the introduction of the final five to make and win a Grand Final from third position.

The finals system had gone from four teams (as in 1966) to five teams. The top teams were Collingwood, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Richmond and South Melbourne (now the Sydney Swans). In the first week, there was one Elimination Final between fourth and fifth and one Qualifying Final between second and third. Collingwood had the week off and would play in one Semi-Final against the winner of the QF. The QF loser would play the winner of the EF. Win or lose, by virtue of their placings at the end of the season, Hawthorn and North were entitled to the double chance if they lost their first finals game.

Richmond defeated South Melbourne in the Elimination Final and Hawthorn defeated North Melbourne in the Qualifying Final. So the Semi-Finals were North Melbourne versus Richmond and Collingwood versus Hawthorn. There would be no "next week" for the losers. Collingwood won a thriller against Hawthorn by a mere two points while North demolished the Tigers by 11 goals. In another quirk, both Collingwood and North scored a total of 112 points in their wins. Collingwood scored 17.10 while North scored 16.16.

In the first Grand Final, North had the better of Collingwood and was more accurate in front of goal, kicking 4.4 to Collingwood's 1.5 for a 17 point lead at quarter time. The second term saw the Kangaroos fail in front of goal with just six points while the Magpies slammed through three goals to be right back in the contest and just two points down at half time. North also failed to kick a goal in the third term and Collingwood took a 27 point lead with five goals for the term. North Coach Ron Barassi shifted defenders Daryl Sutton and David Dench to the forward line. Sutton and Baker goaled for the Kangaroos. A point to the Kangaroos was followed by another goal to Baker. Late in the term, the Kangaroos had a seven point lead. Peter Moore kicked a point for the Pies and then Ross Dunne took a strong mark and goaled with just 40 seconds on the clock to force a draw and a replay the following week. The final score was Collingwood 10.16 (76) to North Melbourne's 9.22 (76).

The replay was hard-fought throughout, but the Kangaroos had the better of Collingwood for most of the game. They broke the game open and led by six goals early in the second term. However, they only kicked one goal and Collingwood stormed back into the match with a ten minute burst to be within 11 points at half time. Most of the third term went goal for goal but the Kangaroos kicked away late to lead by 5 goals at the final break. Collingwood refused to give in and got to within 12 points early in the final term. The Kangaroos withstood everything the Pies threw at them. Even though the Magpies outscored the Kangaroos for the term, North won the replay by 27 points. It was North Melbourne 21.25 (151 to Collingwood's 19.10 (124).

Source: Every Game Ever Played 1897-1997, AFL Record Season Guide, This Football Century, 100 Years of Australian Football

Strike Three Benefits Tuck

Lisa Albergo — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 22:20:03 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Hawk midfielder Travis Tuck faced the Tribunal on the Tuesday following Round 22 as the first player charged with a third strike under the AFL's illicit drug policy. It was not through testing that his third offense was discovered, but rather from an incident during the Round 22 weekend. On the Friday night, he was found unconscious in his car outside a nightclub. He was rushed to a hospital where he was treated for overdosing on the party drug GHB*.

Police, who are not charging Tuck for possession, found drug paraphernalia and a vial of "liquid" in his car. While he was being treated in the hospital, it was learned that he has been being treated for clinical depression for the past 10 months. He had been making excellent progress until this relapse. It is believed the relapse came as the result of the club informing him several days previously that his future was in doubt and that he was not selected in the Box Hill team (Hawthorn's VFL affiliate) for their Final's game. At his hearing, Tuck admitted to the use of drugs and the two previous strikes against him. He also said that he had been under personal pressures at the time.

The hearing, which was closed to the media, heard testimony from medical experts, several of whom have been treating Tuck. It was said that he had been being treated for depression and had been making excellent progress. He had also been treated and counseled for his previous two drug strikes under the AFL guidelines. Under those guidelines, only the AFL medical officers are notified. After a second strike, the club doctor is notified. After a third offense, club officials are notified and the offender goes before the Tribunal which determines sanctions.

The Tribunal took into consideration all the medical testimony which was presented. One medical advisor told the Tribunal that it would beneficial for Tuck to remain on Hawthorn's playing list so he could be in a structured environment which would provide support for him during his treatment and give him motivation to improve. The panel then rendered their decision. They waived the $5000 fine but Tuck was suspended for 4 weeks from AFL football and a further 8 weeks from VFL football. They said that due to the compelling circumstances, the usual penalties under the AFL code would be too harsh. However, they also issued stipulations with which Tuck would have to comply. They are:

- Tuck must submit to testing three times a week for a period to be determined by the AFL medical officers.

- he must fully cooperate in providing a urine sample upon request for testing.

- continued cooperation with AFL medical staff, attendance at a prescribed drug rehabilitation program, and any psychiatric advice and treatment as may be directed by his doctors.

Should Tuck test positive again or breach any of the instructions listed above, he could again be referred to the Tribunal for further penalties.

Tribunal chairman John Hassett concluded that the AFL policy's main goal was to look after the welfare of the players and said it was that focus which led the Tribunal to its final decision. AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson thanked the Tribunal and AFLPA, Hawthorn, the AFL medical staff and Tuck's doctors for their assistance in ensuring that Tuck could continue his football career.

Hawthorn will keep Tuck on their list but not the senior list. He will still be allowed to train and play with Box Hill. If the club opts to delist him, he will still be a member of their training squad through Box Hill and he will be allowed to play in the 2011 preseason games. The club will have then have the option of selecting him in the 2011 rookie draft. If not selected, the club would still have the option of placing Tuck on the newly established inactive list and then have the further option of relisting him at the end of next year.

As a result of the hearing, a storm of controversy erupted with club officials and fans divided on whether or not clubs should be informed after a first strike. Hawk President Jeff Kennett, who is also President of the depression support group beyondblue, and Hawk CEO Stuart Fox both fired a broadside at the AFL's policy of keeping player names confidential until the third strike. Fox said after the hearing that if the club had known prior to the incident, they could have helped Tuck through their own support network and the whole incident could have been avoided. Kennett has been opposed to the policy for some time and both he and Fox have written to the AFL requesting an overhaul of the League's policy.

Officials from Adelaide, Essendon and the Bulldogs are on Kennett's side in believing that club officials should be notified if a player returns a positive test for a first time. Collingwood Coach Mick Malthouse also supports that idea. Many believe that while it does not need to made known to everyone at the affected club, it would be better to have club medical staff and at least one person in administration be informed of a first offense so they can deal with it.

On the flip side, Melbourne's Cameron Schwab, Richmond's Brendon Gale, North Melbourne's Eugene Arocca, medical experts, AFL Operations Manager Adrian Anderson, and AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis support the policy of confidentiality. Gale, who preceded Finnis with the AFLPA and was one of the architects of the policy, said that confidentiality was paramount and that medical experts were better equipped to deal with the issue than club officials. Schwab said that if a player were exposed early on, in an atmosphere in which there is often movement of people from one club to another, it could prove to be a distraction. Arocca expressed sympathy for Hawthorn but said it should be left to the medical experts. He also said that if another club person should be informed, it should be a welfare officer. Gale said he could empathize with the frustrations felt by the clubs now that he is Richmond's CEO, but reiterated that the current method of confidentiality, counseling and treatment is the best way.

AFL CEO Matt Finnis supports the current policy, saying that Tuck could have faced even more pressure had he been forced to reveal his condition, drug issues and treatment to club officials. He said that sharing medical information with club officials would be inappropriate. The AFL's Adrian Anderson concurred, stating that getting Tuck into counseling after his first offense avoided an even more serious situation. He further stated that Tuck's struggles could have been exacerbated had his condition been publicized. Hawthorn Coach Alistair Clarkson said the revelation of Tuck's condition explained why he was out of form and struggling in games. The current policy expires in February.

After the hearing, Tuck issued a statement of apology saying he accepted the Tribunal's decision and took full responsibility for his actions. In his statement, he said "I have been dealing with personal and medical issues for the past 12 months and following ... intensive treatment I really felt that I had come a long way. It (the overdose) was a big setback ... and I understand the anxiety it has caused my family, friends and ... Hawthorn ... and for that I am truly sorry. I know I have to keep working hard to deal with my issues and ... this will not be easy ... I have had excellent medical assistance and will continue this treatment ... I'd like to thank the Hawthorn Football Club for their support ... and the ... support of the AFLPA and the AFL ... This ... and the ongoing structure in my life, along with the motivation to train and return to play will be a big part of my progress and my recovery."

The Tuck family has a long and distinguished history in football. Travis' father, Michael, is the League's games record holder with 426 games for Hawthorn to his name. He is married to Faye Ablett, sister to Gary Ablett Snr, making him uncle to Gary Ablett Jnr at Geelong, former Sydney premiership player Luke Ablett, and former Cat Nathan (now with Gold Coast). Travis' brother Shane currently plays for Richmond.

Tuck was drafted in 2005, debuted in 2007 and has played 20 games. He was named as an emergency for the Hawks' 2008 Grand Final team.

*gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (a naturally occurring substance found in the central nervous system, wine, beef, small citrus fruits, and almost all animals in small amounts). It can be used medicinally to treat insomnia, clinical depression, narcolepsy, alcoholism, fibromyalgia, and to improve athletic performance. It can also be used as an anesthesia. Illegally, it is used as an intoxicant and a date r-ape drug due to properties which can wipe out memory of events and cause a person to become compliant and suggestible. Some users take it for its numbing effects and hallucinogenic properties. It can be lethal combined with alcohol.For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gamma-Hydroxybutyric_acid.

Source: theage.com.au, heraldsun.com.au, afl.com.au, sen.com.au, AFL Record 2010 Season Guide

Bombers Fire Coach

Lisa Albergo — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:40:10 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

After a one hour board meeting several days ago, Matthew Knights was informed that his coaching contract, which will cost the club almost one million dollars in a payout, had been terminated. Knights, who has been under pressure in recent weeks and has been harshly criticized on talkback radio, in the media (including former champion players James Hird, Matthew Lloyd and former coach Kevin Sheedy) and on fan websites, apparently learned of the meeting through the media. After the meeting, Knights and his manager Daniel Richardson were summoned by the board to receive the bad news. One item on the agenda which came as a surprise to Knights was that a number of key senior players, including veteran defender Dustin Fletcher had lost faith in him.

Chairman David Evans and CEO Ian Robson expressed disappointment that information had been leaked to the media. Club officials are also concerned that irate anti-Knights supporters could cause a split among board members. Knights' manager said anyone interested in the job of senior coach should be cautious because of the influence of former players and supporter groups, whom he believed helped bring about Knights being fired. Richardson was quoted as saying "... this club's got a major issue ..." with "... a board with a direct line to the media ..." and "... past players and coterie members who think they are running the club ...". He expressed his sympathy for Evans and Robson in dealing with such an unstable situation.

In making the announcement, Evans acknowledged Knights' efforts to rebuild the team list and thanked him for his contribution to the Bombers, but said the lack of progress was the reason for letting Knights go. He denied that outside pressure from supporters had influenced the board's decision. He stated his admiration for Knights by saying that Knights had "... conducted himself ... with the utmost passion, commitment and courage, and ... has shown grace under considerable pressure." He also acknowledged the fact that Knights had taken over from Kevin Sheedy, the longest serving and most successful coach in the club's history.

Knights played 279 games for the Richmond Tigers from 1988 to 2002. He then coached SANFL team Port Adelaide and Essendon's VFL affiliate Bendigo before being appointed as Sheedy's replacement.

Several candidates are already lining up for the job. Among them are former Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams who views the job as "... a refreshing change of scenery ..." and a challenge. Williams, who served as an assistant to Sheedy before crossing to Port Adelaide, described Essendon as a sleeping giant with potential. He was sounded out as a potential replacement for Sheedy in 2007. Other potential candidates are assistant coach Alan Richardson and former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley, now an assistant at Port Adelaide. Laidley wants to return to Melbourne for personal reasons.

Source: Cara Pelchen, Club Media Release; theage.com.au