Port Adelaide Power

Troubled Didak Still A Pie

Scott Lockhart — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:48:15 -0500

Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Melbourne.

Alan Didak looks set to remain with Collingwood despite being essentially sacked for misconduct just two months ago.

One could be forgiven for being certain that Didak had worn the black and white for the final time after he was suspended by the club for a drink driving accident and his subsequent lies to the football club in August.

Yet just as trade week has arrived it appears that any negotiations of Didak's future with another club have been taken off the table and the former best and fairest winner looks set to remain a magpie to see out the remaining year of his contract.

Port Adelaide looked the most obvious choice for a new home for the native South Australian, but the club now says that Collingwood wont be making any moves at trade week in regards to Didak.

"He's contracted and all the way through his management and Collingwood have been adamant he's staying there and that's the way it's going to be," Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rhode said.

Didak was leading Collingwood's 2008 Best and fairest until his suspension.

Source: Fox Sports.

Round 20 Tribunal Results

Lisa Albergo — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 19:43:32 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:

Justin Westhoff (PA), wrestling Collingwood's Nick Maxwell: fined $1200 for a first offense. He accepted, reducing the fine 25% TO $900.

Nick Maxwell (COL), wrestling Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff: fined $1200 for a first offense. He accepted, reducing the fine 25% TO $900.

Peter Burgoyne (PA), rough conduct against Collingwood's Shane O'Bree: assessed as negligent conduct (one point), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points), equaling four points, in a Level One offense, 125 demerits and a one game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 93.75 demerits and a reprimand.

Luke Hodge (HAW), striking Richmond's Brett Deledio: assessed as reckless conduct (two points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points), equaling five points,. a Level Two offense, 125 demerits and a one game suspension. He has a previous record of one game suspended within the past year, increasing the penalty 10% to 137.50 demerits. He also has 91 demerits held over from the past year, further increasing the penalty to 228.50 demerits and a two game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 171.38 demerits and a one game suspension.

Simon Wiggins (CARL): charging North Melbourne's Leigh Harding: assessed as negligent conduct (one point), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point), equaling three points, a Level One offense, 126 demerits and a one game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 93.75 demerits and a reprimand.

The match day report against Richmond's Troy Simmonds for rough conduct against Hawthorn's Tom Murphy dismissed. The Match Review Panel (MRP) ruled that there was no bump or forceful contact.

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release

News From Around The AFL

Lisa Albergo — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:27:53 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting from AFANA from Chicago

Collingwood Dumps Three

A drunk driving incident after the Round 18 match has resulted in Heath Shaw and Alan Didak being suspended for the remainder of the season by the club. Shaw was driving under the influence when he hit a parked car. Neither Shaw nor his passenger Didak were injured in the incident. Shaw and Didak were not forthcoming with the truth about the incident and the club decided on the suspensions. Both players were also fined by the club with Shaw $10,000 and Didak $5,000. On the same weekend, Heath's brother Rhyce Shaw was also reported to have been out drinking against club rules and fined $5000 as well as incurring a two game suspension. While Heath, who is currently sidelined with a back injury, may have a chance to redeem himself, the club has decided that neither Didak, a serial offender, nor Rhyce will be with the club in 2009. Both will be put on the trade market at the end of the year.

Source: Nick Hulett, Club Media Release

Docker Champ Says Farewell

Shaun McManus retired after the Round 18 game against the West Coast Eagles. McManus leaves the game as the longest-serving Docker, having played 228 matches. He is the last of the inaugural Dockers, having joined the club in their maiden 1995 season. At the time of his announcement, in the week leading up to the game, Coach Mark Harvey and team captain praised McManus, complimenting his courage, passion, commitment, hard work and a resolve to overcome adversity. All those attributes helped him overcome two knee reconstructions in 1997 and 1998. A loss of form in 2005 saw him sent back to the WAFL, but he fought his way back into the seniors.

His best season was in 2006 when the team made it as far as a preliminary final. He went on to play all 22 games in 2007 and was the first Fremantle player to receive a testimonial tribute that year.

Pavlich said McManus was Fremantle and was quoted in a club media release, "When you think Shaun McManus, you think Fremantle.” Pavlich praised McManus for his professionalism and work ethic and said that McManus valued mateship, loyalty and integrity. He also praised McManus' leadership, determination and tenacity, describing his fightback from the knee injuries as inspirational.

Coach Mark Harvey was equally effusive about the hardworking midfielder, saying his desire to compete, tackling and ball-winning ability always impressed the selectors. Harvey said McManus was the type of player who never gave up on the field and helped build the club with his camaraderie and passion for the club.
Incoming CEO Steve Rosich echoed those sentiments, saying there wasn't anyone who had connected more with the club's members and supporters than Shaun.

SHAUN MCMANUS FACT FILE:
DOB: 2/.9/76
Nickname: Macca
Height: 181 cm
Weight: 81 kg
Games: 228 (including round 18)
Finals Games: 4
Goals for FFC: 95
Debut: 1995
Recruited From: East Fremantle
Playing Honors:AFL Rising Star nominee 1995; Fremantle Co-Captain 2000-01; WA State of Origin team 1995, 2003; Fremantle Best Clubman 2002

Source: Luke Morfesse, Club Media Release

Power Comeback Fails

Michael Wilson has been forced to retire due a degenerative knee which has already undergone two reconstructions. Wilson has endured nine surgeries in the past eight years, including the knee surgeries as well as two shoulder reconstructions. He was hoping he could make a comeback, but medical staff advised him that it was not possible.

Michael Wilson:
192 games, 51 goals, 1997–2008
Inaugural AFL Port Adelaide team
AFL Premiership 2004
SANFL Premiership 1995, 1996
Preseason premiership 2001
AFL Rising Star 1997
3rd Best and Fairest 1997 and 2004
Best Team Man 2004
Coach’s Award 2004
Vice captain 2005–2007
Fos Williams Award (players’ choice) 2004, 2005, 2007

Source: Daniel Norton, Club Media Release

Another Krakouer To Jail

Former Tiger Andrew Krakouer and his brother Tyrone have both been sentenced to jail for assault. The incident happened in 2006 in Fremantle. The pair were found guilty of assault on Justin Martin as part of a long-running feud between the two families. According to testimony, Andrew, 25, and Tyrone confronted Martin outside a nightclub and a brawl ensued.

Despite excellent character references from current Richmond players, Andrew was sentenced to 32 months in jail with the possibility of parole after 16 months. His brother received an eight month sentence. Their father, Jimmy, a former North Melbourne player who also did jail time for drug smuggling, was present. Andrew played 102 games for Richmond 2000-2007. He managed only 9 games in 2007 and was delisted at the end of the season.

Source: theaustralian.com.au

Pair Guitly For Records Theft

In August of last year, medical records were stolen from a Melbourne rehab clinic and sold to Channel Seven. The station used the confidential records for a story which implicated several players at an AFL club. It sparked a storm of controversy and station officials were initially told someone had found the documents in the street outside the locked clinic.

Extensive investigations led to a man and woman being questioned and eventually charged with stealing the files. Robert Crouch and Catherine Mitchell, both residents of a Melbourne suburb, will plead guilty to theft charges when they appear in Magistrates Court at the end of this month.

Source: news.com.au

Three Sign With Expansion Team

Several months ago, the AFL put in place plans for two new expansion teams. One will be on the Gold Coast in Queensland and the other will play out of western Sydney. The Gold Coast effort has been proceeding at pace, with a group of investors already in place and the hunt for a senior coach. Both teams are scheduled to debut in 2011 or 2012.. The GC17, as it is currently known until a team name is chosen, has already signed several Queensland players for their inaugural squad. Charlie Dixon from Cairns, Jesee Haberfield and Jack Stanlake from the Gold Coast are all 17 years of age. The trio are the first of 20 Queensland players promised by the AFL to the new team. Those 20 will be drafted to the team in 2009 and 2010 should the GC 17 plan be acceptable to the AFL and a license granted. Any and all players tentatively signed will play in the TAC Cup junior competition or the VFL until they are drafted. If the AFL's criteria is not met, any and all contracts signed by potential Gold Coast players would be void and they would then be eligible for the AFL Draft.

Source: Michelle Morgan, AFL Qld Media Release

Young Man Goes West

I t was previously reported that former Eagle Ben Cousins would play with VFL team Port Melbourne. Cousins recently met with senior coach Gary Ayres. However, last week, Cousins decided not to sign with Port Melbourne, preferring to continue training with WAFL clubs Perth and East Fremantle. Recent reports are that Cousins, who is still hoping he can resurrect his AFL career, will play for WAFL club Perth. While in Melbourne, he also had a series of meetings to discuss a self-produced documentary about his battle with drug addiction.

Source: afl.com.au

Port Power Puts Paid To Dockers Season

janetl — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 02:18:40 -0500

Janet Linn, reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth

Mental toughness has been the top talking point among Western Australian football followers in the past few weeks. With both local teams flailing at the bottom of the AFL Ladder and each failing to deliver consistent and winning performances, fans have been turning to an examination of the psychological components of the game to find answers. The Fremantle Dockers in particular have promised much in recent seasons and were widely tipped to be a Final Eight prospect this year under new coach Mark Harvey. Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide was a make or break moment for the Dockers coming off six straight losses with only one win on the scoreboard. Port were in a slightly better situation with three wins from eight encounters but needed the four points to have any chance of seeing Finals action in September.

The first quarter was an entertaining affair. Fremantle tackled strongly and had winners in Sandilands, Tarrant, Pavlich and McPharlin. For Port, Rodan had a big impact, teaming well with pacy midfielders Motlop and Pearce. The lead changed several times during the quarter and while the skill level wasn’t great with lots of mistakes on both sides, the contest was tight and fast. Scores were level at the 18 minute mark but Fremantle lifted and converted every attempt on goal to lead by 18 points at quarter time. Port’s forward line looked out of sorts with many of their scores coming from poor defensive work by the Dockers.

Port began the second quarter looking flat but a brilliant individual effort by Daniel Motlop turned the tide of the game. His long goal against the general run of play inspired six Port goals in a row with Fremantle held goalless for the quarter. Rodan, Tredrea, Westoff, Pearce and Salopek were dominant and Fremantle had no answers in a hard fought 32 point turnaround by Port. The margin was 14 points in the visitors’ favor at the long break.

A third quarter revival by Fremantle kept the game competitive. Grover opened the tab for the Dockers and Pearce replied with a miracle goal for Port Adelaide. Pavlich was everywhere and team mates Ibbotson, Farmer and Black had a lot of the play. There was some exciting end to end football with both teams strong in defense and on the ball but struggling to find consistent targets in their forward lines. Eventually Rodan broke through to give Port a 19 point buffer only to see McPharlin score a desperately needed goal for the Dockers. A free kick to Thornton in front of the sticks reduced the margin to one clear goal and minutes later an inspirational six pointer from Crowley saw scores tied with four minutes remaining. It was Port’s turn to show some mental strain as they mishandled the ball and showed signs of panic. Fremantle took a narrow two point lead into the final break after Pavlich and Farmer scored points in the closing minutes of the quarter.

There was no doubt that every Dockers’ fan had the mental toughness question on their mind as the whistle blew to start the final quarter. Port took the initiative immediately. After a fantastic play by Rodan, Motlop kicked a Goal of the Year contender to give Port the lead. Ibbotson snapped a brilliant goal off a marking pack and it was Fremantle in front. McPharlin had an opportunity to increase the lead but wasted it. An easy clearance by Port resulted in a downfield chance to Westoff. He nailed it and Port were ahead again. Fremantle began to make mistakes, getting caught holding the ball, missing tackles and becoming tentative in defense. Port’s supremacy was obvious when, with two players lying on the ground injured and effectively out of the game, Port moved the ball forward to Gray in the forward 50 and scored a goal. With seven minutes to go to full time, Port had a 16 point lead. Pavlich was awarded a free kick for an arm chop but hit the post, wasting a final chance for Fremantle to get back into contention. In contrast, Port took the ball out of defense and retained possession to give Westoff another opportunity on goal. He capitalised as did Motlop minutes later and Port ran out comfortable 28 point winners.

While Port Adelaide supporters rejoiced at the resurrection of their season, Fremantle Dockers’ fans wept tears of frustration at the thought of what could have been - indeed should have been - in season 2008. There can be no excuses for Fremantle. They had plenty of the ball and lots of opportunities but Port Adelaide were deserving winners. They showed more endeavor and fought hard to come from behind for the win. The Dockers were no match for Port’s persistence or toughness when it counted. Where Port were resolute and convincing, Fremantle were inconsistent and brittle. To rub salt into the wound, the Dockers earned a dubious honor. They are the first team in AFL history to be defeated on five separate occasions after leading games at three quarter time. This will no doubt fuel further debate on the reasons behind the Dockers’ inability to finish off games.

In Round 11 Port Adelaide (now in equal 10th place on the Ladder) will host Carlton at AAMI Stadium in Adelaide. Fremantle (equal bottom) will travel to the Gabba to meet the in form Brisbane Lions in front of their home crowd.

Scoreboard
Port Adelaide 2.1 8.3 10.5 16.7  (103)
Fremantle     5.1 5.7 9.13 10.15 (75)

Goals
Port Adelaide Motlop 5, Tredrea 3, Westoff 2,Roden 2, Lade, 
              Salopek, Pearce, Gray
Fremantle     Sandilands 2, Pavlich, Farmer, Black, Grover, 
              Thornton, Ibbotson, McPharlin, Crowley

Best
Port Adelaide Motlop, Rodan, Salopek, Pearce, Westoff, 
              K Cornes, C Cornes
Fremantle     Crowley, Sandilands, Palmer, Ibbotson, 
              McPharlin, Pavlich

News from around the AFL

Lisa Albergo — Tue, 13 May 2008 19:38:54 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Fame Game Benefits Charities

This weekend's Hall Of Fame Tribute match benefited several charitable organizations with all players involved donating their $5000 match payments to three organizations. The AFLPA Hardship Fund will receive $100,000. The Past Player Hardship Fund was set up several years ago to assist past players with medical expenses and to date has distributed over $80,000. The Fund is run by the AFLPA Past Players Advisory Board, chaired by AFLPA Executive Committee Member Simon Madden.

The organization Ladder will also receive $100,000. Ladder is an initiative which targets youth homelessness and provides housing, employment, education and mentoring for homeless youth. The program is currently working to set up facilities in Melbourne and Adelaide and is hoping to go national. AFL players will also be involved, receiving training to help mentor those in the program.

RedLink will receive $50,000. Redlink is a non-profit organization which works to set up sports and recreation for the disadvantaged. They currently sponsor almost 30 teams in remote Victorian and the Northern Territory communities. RedLink is looking to expand services to central Australia.

Source: Jason Murnane, AFLPA Media Release

Carey To Court

Wayne Carey will appear in a Melbourne court later this month to face a number of charges stemming from his arrest in January after a party at his Port Melbourne apartment. He is facing six counts of assaulting police officers and resisting arrest.

The Miami court date is set for late July and Carey could face up to 15 years in jail. His attorney said Carey is maintaining his innocence. Both he and his lawyer have refused a plea deal of one year in jail. Should he fail to appear, he would be subject to immediate arrest if he enters the USA in the future.

Carey, 36, played 272 games for the Kangaroos and Adelaide Crows. He was forced to resign from the Kangaroos at the start of the 2002 season after his affair with vice-captain Anthony Stevens' wife was revealed. He remained on the Kangaroos' list for the season for salary cap and trade reasons, but did not play. He joined the Crows in 2003 but managed just 28 games in two injury-riddled seasons.

Source: Melbourne Age & author notes

Lloyd Costs Bombers $5000

Essendon has been fined $5000 for Matthew Lloyd's approach to the umpires during Essendon's match against Port Adelaide. Lloyd was instructed by Coach Matthew Knights to ask the umpires why several tackles by his team were not rewarded with free kicks.

AFL rules prohibit any player from approaching the umpires during breaks or when they are leaving or entering the ground.

Source: Herald Sun

Grand Final Terrorist Target?

A dozen men are currently on trial in Melbourne for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in Melbourne. One of the targets was to be the MCG during the 2005 Grand Final between West Coast and Sydney. The alleged leader of the planned attacks, Abdul Nacer Benbrika, told key witness Izzydeen Atik of the planned attacks.

According to Atik, the MCG attack was canceled after raids by Australian Security Intelligence resulted in funds being seized. Atik testified that Benbrika and his group also planned attacks during the 2006 AFL NAB Preseason Cup and Melbourne Grand Prix.

Source: Sydney Morning Herald

Tigers Membership Record

Richmond has broken their all-time club membership. As of early May, the club recorded 30,070 members. That figure betters the club's 2006 official tally of 30,044 members. The club still has 3500 members who have yet to renew.

While fans can continue to sign up as members throughout the season, the official AFL cut-off date for recording club memberships is June 30.

Source: Judith Donnelly, Club Media Release & author notes

Gehrig Battles Arthritis

Coach Ross Lyon revealed last week that full forward Fraser Gehrig has arthritis in his hands. According to Lyon, numerous broken fingers and dislocations are partly the cause. In warm weather, his hands are OK, but in the cold and wet weather of the football season, the arthritis is more bothersome. Although Gehrig can still catch the ball, he has trouble handling it at ground level.

Lyon described Gehrig's attitude regarding the arthritis as "stoic" and said Gehrig does not like to talk about his injuries and has played while hurt in the past. In 2007, he played half the season with a broken bone in his hand. Several years ago, he played with a planter fascia tear (foot injury) for several weeks.

Gehrig played 115 games with West Coast before being traded to the Saints in 2000.

NOTE: If the arthritis is only in his hands due to numerous injuries, it is probably osteoarthritis, which only affects joints which have been severely traumatized by injury. It does not spread to other joints in the body or become increasingly debilitating as is the case with rheumatoid arthritis - ed.

Source: The Australian

Power Surge Destroys Eagles

Scott Lockhart — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 04:23:45 -0500

Scott Lockhart reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval, Perth.

Port Adelaide has claimed their first victory for the 2008 season, dispensing of the Eagles by 24 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday evening.

Despite starting the match underdogs at Subiaco Oval for the first time in many seasons, the Eagles started with intensity and run that has been missing over the last month and they were rewarded for this after Ben McKinley opened the scoring with a strong mark and goal. Yet the Eagles were unable to fully capitalize on their early opportunities with Port Adelaide slowly building momentum as their skills began to shine in a tough, tight and ugly contest.

Port’s new found form shone through as they kicked successive goals from Daniel Motlop and Adam Thomson, but were wasteful as they dominated the Inside 50’s for very little reward. as they continued to struggle to kick truly and were ineffective with their forward line disposal. A second goal to McKinley put the Eagles back in front of the scoreboard as they found themselves, somewhat undeservedly, leading by 2 points at the first change.

Port continued to test the new look Eagles side after the break, with Daniel Motlop kicking his second shortly into the term to hand the lead back to last years Grand Finalists. This lead was extended to beyond two goals when Thomson again showed his strong presence up forward to kick his second for the match. The Eagles, who are now without former stars Chris Judd and Ben Cousins, continue to appear to be a shadow of their former selves with weak tackles, and a lack of pressure and commitment from a number of players epitomizing their year this far and throughout this second term.

A five goal haul in the space of ten minutes, including two stunning kicks from Shaun Burgoyne, had Port Adelaide leading by what appeared to be an insurmountable six goals, shortly before the half time break. Veteran Port forward Warren Tredrea began to assert himself for the Power, kicking two quick goals, as the Eagles defense continued to be undermanned and outclassed by their much larger opponents. Port Adelaide looking clear winners at Half time, leading by 37 points.

Any hopes of an Eagles revival appeared to be exterminated when Motlop and Westhoff goaled in quick succession shortly after the main break to extend the visiting sides lead to 49 points in what continued to be an extremely impressive performance. In a much needed spark to the match, West Coast lifted their intensity and began to take the contest up to Port Adelaide. Goals to Chad Jones, Lynch and Wirrapanda had the lead to within five goals half way through the third term, but Port Adelaide were able to maintain their comfortable lead and wrestle back the momentum each time the Eagles seemed to be pressing forward. Despite their improved performance, the Eagles found themselves further behind after late goals to Ebert and Cassisi as Port surged to a seven goal lead with a term to play.

Brett Ebert was the star of the final quarter as his early three consecutive goals stretched the lead out to 62 points as Port Adelaide showed no mercy to their undermanned and underperforming opponents. The Power simply too good as they dominated possession, out-marked and outplayed West Coast in a performance that will send warnings to the rest of the competition. Late goals to Selwood, Kerr, McKinley and Lynch added respectibility to the scoreboard but were nothing but consolations in a sobering performance for the once mighty Eagles.

Next week West Coast travel to Melbourne for a clash with the Western Bulldogs, while the Power return to Adelaide for a crucial Saturday night clash with St. KIlda at AAMI Stadium.

Final Score:
WCE:  3.3  5.4   9.5  16.8  (104)
Port: 2.7 10.11 15.11 19.14 (128)
Best
WCE: McKinley Wirrapanda, Cox
Port: Thomson, Rodan, S Burgoyne, Motlop
Goals
WCE: McKinley 5, Wirrapanda Selwood Lynch 2, Jones Cox Spangher Armstrong 1.
Port: Motlop Ebert 4, S Burgoyne 3, Tredrea Thomson 2, Lade Westhoff Cassisi Rodan 1.
Injuries: Thomson (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Ryan, Wenn, Nicholls
Crowd: 38,302

AFL Weekly Review Grand Final 2007

Seamus Rua — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:22:32 -0500

by Tim Murphy

The Cats completed their brilliant season with a massive win in the big one, thoroughly deserved. A good article by Jake Niall in The Age last week detailed the Catters’ progress to this point since 1999, when the final remnants of the teams who’d lost four Grand Finals between 1989 and 1995 were discarded and Mark Thompson replaced the goose Gary Ayres as coach. Geelong were heavily in debt at the time and the roles of president Frank Costa and renowned CEO Brian Cook, who both arrived at Kardinia Park that year, in repairing the financial situation and redeveloping the Cats’ home were given credit. So good on ‘em. Port were hopeless and in retrospect, lucky to make the Grand Final. They have improved sharply since last season, but one thing’s become obvious in recent years - a team needs to be finals-seasoned before they can win the flag. Teams don’t come from nowhere to win it; the Cats may’ve finished 10th last year but they played in the previous two finals series. Port’ll have another chance if they’re good enough, but like everyone else they’ll have to queue behind the Cats; the Jeelong players are mostly in their early- or mid-careers and the club set-up should ensure a few years of success.

The Cats ended up winning everything. Their Jimmy Bartel (29 votes) won the Brownlow Medal last Monday - did you take the $10 as I suggested? No-one thanked me…Bartel’s victory over his more favoured team-mate Gary Ablett (fifth with 20 votes) showed the umps place a higher value on winning the contested ball than flair in using it, although that’s no slight on Gablett who does plenty of both and won the AFL Player’s Association MVP a coupla nights later. The unexpectedly good performance of Lyin’ Simon Black (equal second, 22 votes) is further evidence of the value of being a ball-winner. Brent Harvey and Daniel Kerr both collected 22 votes too, Kerr was ineligible due to suspension. It was his third top-three finish and if Kerr can get through a year without being hurt or whacking someone he must surely win it. There was some criticism of the Brownlow now being the ‘midfielder’s medal’ and there being no recognition of key-position players like Darren Glass or Matthew Scarlett, but it’s fair enough. Possession is the law in footy. Worryingly, the Great Helmsman Demetriou wants to ‘re-examine’ the system of Brownlow voting.

Essadun finally appointed a coach last week, er, if you’re a Bomma best sit down and steady yourself. It’s former Richmond skipper Matthew Knights. No joke. The Dons had believed Mark Thompson would give them a hearing following the Grand Final, but after waiting two months the Dons gave up three days before the window opened, for reasons unknown. One-time favourites including Neale Daniher, Weegle assistant Peter Sumich and Damien Hardwick were passed over for Knights, coach of the Dons’ VFL affiliate Bendigo. The Essadun board faces a challenge from a seemingly small group of supporters angry over Sheeds’ sacking, but Knighta’s appointment might swell their numbers. The Dons’ stated reason for hiring Knights, he’s good at working with young players, does make some sense as the Dons have plenty of rebuilding and, probably, losing ahead. Knights could have a tough time. A couple more retirements last week, Hawk Joel Smith after 230 games (172 for Horforn) and Sainter Aaron Hamill finally succumbed to chronic knee problems, he played 180-odd.

At the MCG:

Geelong        5.7   11.13   18.17   24.19.163
Port Adelaide  2.2    4.4     5.5      6.8.44

Geelong played like a team on mission to meet their destiny. Most Port players performed as though they didn’t believe they should be there, i.e. uselessly. The Cats have been the best team all season by a margin and produced the type of flowing, skilful, high-scoring football for which the club is traditionally known, combined with the new mental toughness instilled this year. The Catters’style was the complete opposite of low-scoring, defence-dominated footy of the Swans and Eagles and the record winning margin comfortably eclipsed Hawthorn’s previous 96 points in 1988, over the Dees. Jeelong had a fairly tense build-up with closed training sessions, a tough decision to drop regular no. 2 ruckman Mark Blake for former skipper Steven King and David Johnson charged with resisting arrest and assaulting police. Johnson wasn’t in the team, but still. Bartel’s Brownlow win offered some lightness and celebration. In contrast Port treated the week like a carnival, with plenty of Cat-baiting from Mark Williams and his players; the pressure was all on Geelong, they said; Williams’d already picked out a spot at Alberton for the premiership team-photo; Blake’s axing suggested panic; Darren Milburn wouldn’t play; the Cats had no GF experience (10 of Port’s 22 played in their 2004 win). The Powder’s attitude suggested desperation rather than confidence. Blake being dropped was harsh but fair, he didn’t play well against Collingwood last week and his thin frame may’ve been a liability against Port’s powerful Lade and Brogan. Blake’ll get another go. Port replaced injured Michael Wilson (torn achilles tendon) with young defender Brad Symes.

Maybe it was Brett Ebert’s fault, the Port forward failed with the game’s first two chances at goals. Following a rushed behind, Ebert intercepted Cat Josh Hunt’s kick-in but Ebert’s snap just missed. A minute later Ebert led to mark Kane Cornes’s pass, but his shot hooked wide and short. In between them chances, Cat small forward Mathew Stokes had fallen awkwardly from a marking contest and wrenched his knee, Stokes was carried off and the Catters hadn’t started well. But a quick rebound and Paul Chapman’s long kick saw Cameron Mooney mark on the goal-line, he booted the game’s first sausage. The same players were soon involved again, Chapman collected James Kelly’s tap-on and passed to leading Mooney, he jabbed a short, sideways pass to Steve Johnson, who played-on and majored. Cats by 11 points. King came on and immediately whacked Port man Dom Cassisi in the face. Cassisi was tagging Gary Ablett and Kane Cornes opposed Bartel, the Cats had their Cameron ‘Cling’ Ling on Shaun Burgoyne. All three taggers won their duels early but the Cats had others step up, like Chapman and Kelly. The Powder’s first goal came when overzealous Cat backman David Wojcinski clobbered Travis Boak, then Warren Tredrea, conceding frees both times. Tredrea majored from his. Port’s disposal was generally terrible though, whether under pressure or no. Their Jacob Surjan fumbled a handpass, Cat Johnson stole the ball but missed the shot. From the kick-in the Flowers’ Troy Chaplin telegraphed a pass, Gary Ablett intercepted and drilled a running goal. The Pooer advanced from the restart and had a throw-in in the forward pocket, Lade tapped for Shaun Burgoyne to collect the ball, speed clear and snap truly. The Cats led by 7 points, they nudged ahead again as Hunt charged onto a loose ball and centered a kick towards Brad Ottens. He couldn’t mark but Chapman collected the spillage and passed to Steve Johnson, all alone. Johnson played-on and goaled. As the pattern took hold Cats Joel Selwood, Ling and Stokes (back on and fine) all missed shots, there was a great bit of play when Ottens chased and caught pacy Power backman Michael Pettigrew. With one minute remaining in the term a Cat smother and what appeared a throw from Joel Corey set a chain of handballs in motion, capped by Bartel’s terrific left-foot snap for a major. Kelly narrowly missed a shot after the siren to have Geelong 23 points up at the first break.

Port’s situation went from serious to critical in the first ten minutes of the second stanza. In the first minute Hunt initiated a Cat rebound, Corey’s pass found Stokes, he handballed off for Steve Johnson to bag a running major, Johnson’s third. Ling’s tough effort to wear hits and win the ball set up another Jahlong goal, Ling’s handpass collected by Max Rooke who thumped it home. Lucky frees to Stokes and Chapman, both for high contact, saw Chapman free-kick a goal. Chappy’d done one of them bending shoulder-rolls out of a tackle which is little more than ducking. But anyway. A superb, slick rebound move saw Selwood kick long towards Nathan Ablett, he was bumped heavily by Toby Thurstans and Nablett free-kicked a goal. Also fortunate, that. At the following centre-bounce Ottens got the ball to Gary Ablett, he handballed to runnin’ Andrew Mackie, long kick again and Nathan Ablett reeled in a one-handed, with-the flight mark. N. Ablett majored again and the Cats led by 53 points now, having kicked 5 unanswered goals in about 10 minutes. Port won the next centre-clearance, a free-kick to Peter Burgoyne who’d been switched onto the ball. The Sherrin went to Brad Symes, he punted long and Chad Cornes seized a good pack-mark. Chadley majored. But Port had placed two extra men in defence now as they tried to halt Geelagong’s run-on. They succeeded, aided by a few behinds from the Cats including two misses from Ottens and a shocker from Rooke, following his crushing tackle on Thurstans to win the ball. A rare Geelong mistake brought a Powder goal. Darren Milburn fumbled in the centre and his opponent, Tredrea, gave the ball to Steven Salopek, whose long kick bounced and eluded Hunt allowing Tom Logan to boot an easy major. Consecutive goals for Port had them 44 points down, but Geelong surged again. Gary Ablett broke a tackle, sped downfield and was tackled again but got a handball away, maybe. The ball came to Kelly, he passed for Chapman to mark, play-on and slam it through. Steve Johnson missed two late shots as the Cats led by a hefty 52 points at half-time. Richmond’s Jake King won the half-time sprint, giving the Tiges consecutive victories in the event. Huzzah!

Any thoughts of a Port comeback vanished in the first three minutes of the third Mario, the Cats bagging two goals. From the opening bounce Kane Cornes was caught in possession by Corey, the ball went to Stokes and he delivered to Mooney, leading into the pocket. Mooney goaled with a good kick. A minute later Mooney leaped to mark a Port kick-in, he steered a pass to leading Steve Johnson who played-on with a centering kick. Bartel marked in a pack and booted a close-range sausage roll. The Cyats led by 65 points now and could effectively start celebrating, although Mooney urged ‘em to press on. The Flowers’ only tactic was to flood and the scoring stopped for a while, the highlight of this period Chapman’s ride on and screamer over Tredrea. Cat fans jeered Tredrea, whose arrogant bow to home supporters last week was given excessive exposure and comment in the meedya. The Cats unleashed another barrage of goals towards the end of the quarter, great play from Stokes led to the first. His kick was spilled by Ottens but roving Johnson passed to Nathan Ablett, a handpass and Shannon Byrnes had a tap-through major. The Powder won the next centre-clearance, Danyle Pearce lobbed a kick forward and Daniel Motlop tapped-on for Tredrea to snap it through. Motlop’s only touch, almost. Cat Ottens missed a shot but King marked the Port kick-in, his returning punt was seized by Ottens on the goal-line and Ott couldn’t miss this time. King clutched the ball at the restart and handballed to Ling, his kick was gathered by Corey who handballed to Chapman, goal. Nathan Ablett benefitted from a soft free-kick to bag another, in-the-back against Pettigrew who had a shocker. Geelong’s next goal was a beauty, Chapman bobbed up in his defensive goal-square to affect a big spoil, Port’s Cassisi gathered but a fierce bump from Stokes forced the ball loose, a perfect kick from Bartel found running Selwood, pass to leading Mooney, mark and goal. The Cats led by 90 points after that. Mooney missed a simple shot and Port’s Ebert postered before the final break. More of the same in the final quarter. Chapman cantered through the centre with a bounce or two and kicked long, Mooney won a fortunate free kick as he slipped and was grabbed ‘round the head by Wakelin. Mooney majored. A Chapman punt also led to the next six-pointer, Ling roved the goal-square pack and snapped it through. That goal made Geelong’s lead 102 points. Corey Enright roved a ball-up and his kick was marked by Chapman over the hapless Pettigrew, Chappy punted another. Matthew Scarlett exchanged handpasses with Mackie and drove another long kick in, Steve Johnson marked at the back of the pack, played-on and dribbled it through. Mooney hooked his fifth after marking by the point-post and Mackie got on the score sheet courtesy a crude, ploughing tackle from Chad Cornes, plus a 50m penalty as Cornes didn’t return the ball. The Cats led by 128 points and finally put the cue in the rack. Port scored a few mangy points, including a poster from Justin Westhoff, before Shaun Burgoyne booted a decent running goal. But the cameras spent the closing minutes focusing on celebrity Geelong supporters like Steve Bracks and former players Barry Stoneham and Bill Brownless. Billy was crying, Gawd bless ‘im. After the siren Mark Williams shook hands with the Geelong players and had a few words with Bomber Thompson. “I apologized for all that stuff I said during the week,” said Williams. “I knew we were under the pump, I had to try something.”

Steve Johnson (23 disposals, 9 marks, 4 goals) won the Norm Smith Medal, for his terrific efforts when the game was notionally a contest in the first 40 minutes. A deserving winner although Paul Chapman or Matthew Scarlett would've been equally worthy medalists. Johnson’s ‘story’ may’ve swayed the meedya-employed voters, Johnson redeeming himself following early-season club suspension for drunkenness and a generally poor attitude. Chapman (21 touches, 7 marks, 4 goals) was a vital midfielder in the first quarter-and-a-bit as Bartel and Ablett were tagged, Scarlett (29 possies, 8 marks) not only thrashed Westhoff but marshalled the backline and did a mountain of rebounding. Cyat defenders Josh Hunt (15 disposals on Ebert) and Tom Harley (13 touches, 7 marks on Motlop) were great too and Corey Enright (29 disposals) was terrific against Danyle Pearce. James Kelly (20 possies) was a key Cat midfield presence early, Joel Corey (25 handlings) was good and Cameron Ling (25 touches, a goal) put Shaun Burgoyne out of it. Cameron Mooney (12 marks, 17 disposals, 5 goals) did the job at full-forward, granted plenty of supply. Brad Ottens and Steven King controlled the ruck. Let’s face it, they didn’t have a bad player. Nathan Ablett kicked 3 goals and Jimmy Bartel booted 2 majors. Port’s best was Kane Cornes (37 disposals, 10 marks), by the length of the Morphettville straight. Silenced Gary Ablett early and won a lot of the ball himself. Peter Burgoyne (36 possessions) battled hard from half-back and later in the midfield, Chad Cornes (32 touches, 6 marks, a goal) won plenty of the ball with limited impact. Those three had a third of Port’s disposals between them. Every other Powderman was absolutely useless, utterly disgraceful. Maybe Dom Cassisi (18 touches) was alright, for his game on Bartel. Warren Tredrea and Shaun Burgoyne kicked 2 goals each. Just a quick mention for Port’s retiring full-back Darryl Wakelin, 200-plus games and a 2004 premiership player and another Port retiree in Josh Mahoney, resurrected from a stalled career in the VFL to become a premiership player and a Port best-and-fairest winner. Great players and both are a credit to Williams.

Mark Williams had this to say: "Going into the game, we as a match committee thought Geelong were the best club by a long way in the competition. What we've seen today was what we expected from them. Last time we beat them, down at Geelong, four of them were out (injured) and we knew it was going to be a much different game. All credit to Geelong, I thought Mark (Thompson) and his group really did produce on the day . . . From last year to now we over-achieved, but I didn't see that particular result coming, that's for sure. We'll rejoice the efforts through the year and acknowledge we weren't good enough today . . . (on the margin) Ah well, we create records. That's what football's about, it doesn't hold us back. Port Adelaide have got the most premierships in football in Australia, that's the best record." Asked about his pre-game baiting of the Cats, Choco said "We were playing a card. We knew how good Geelong were and if we could spook them, we tried to, it was a card to play." Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson, facing the sack this time last year during an internal club review he later labeled ‘cr@p’, said “It’s been such a long time since we’ve won . . . there was this pressure to win and I think the players felt it and I think everyone that worked at the club felt it. I’m glad it’s gone, [now] we can just go ahead with our business . . . Early (in the game), I thought we were sharp, I thought we were very, very sharp . . . I love it when we put enormous pressure on opposition sides. The key to the day I suppose was to be able to sustain that for four quarters. I suppose it would have been a period in the third quarter [that I thought we had won it], which is rare. We hardly ever let ourselves relax, but I think even at three-quarter time we knew we were going to win. But the emphasis was on just being as professional as you can be and don’t lairise, just be workmanlike, just go out and play good, strong footy and finish the job.” On his un-contracted status, Thompson said re-signing with the Cats was “a formality”, and he’s looking forward. “Darren Milburn I think is our oldest player . . . he’s just turned 30,” he said. “You know, we’ve got so many good players who are 23, 24, 25, and we’ve got Tom Hawkins and we’ve got Travis Varcoe and Nathan Djerrkura, so there’s some really exciting talent coming through. Now they’ve got the pressure and the monkey off their back I think we can forge ahead.” Indeed.

So that’s it for another year, thanks once again to David Layton and the crew at FTS, thanks to all the e-mailers and regulars out there for reading the blather and just like Bomber and the lads, I’m looking forward to next year. See you then!

Cheers, Tim.

Photos from 2007 AFL Grand Final Available

admincms — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 19:57:05 -0500

AFANA's photojournalists covered the Grand Final at the MCG in Melbourne. We have a great selection of photos from the match available in our photo gallery: Geelong v Port Adelaide.

2007 Grand Final Match Summary

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 21:28:36 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

GEELONG

BACKS: Tom Harley   Matthew Scarlett   Josh Hunt
HALF-BACKS: Andrew Mackie   Darren Milburn   David Wojcinski
CENTERS: Joel Corey   Jimmy Bartel Corey Enright
HALF FORWARDS: Steve Johnson Cameron Mooney   Joel Selwood
FORWARDS: Paul Chapman   Nathan Ablett   Matthew Stokes
RUCK: Brad Ottens
ROVERS: Cameron Ling   Gary Ablett 
INTERCHANGE: Steven King   Shannon Byrnes   James Kelly Max Rooke
EMERGENCY: Travis Varcoe   Martin Blake   Brent Prismall
IN: King
OUT: Blake

PORT ADELAIDE

BACKS: Michael Pettigrew   Toby Thurstans   Jacob Surjan
HALF-BACKS: Dominic Cassisi Troy Chaplin Peter Burgoyne
CENTERS: Steven Salopek   Kane Cornes   David Rodan
HALF-FORWARDS: Daniel Motlop   Warren Tredrea   Danyle Pearce
FORWARDS: Brendon Lade   Justin Westhoff   Brett Ebert
RUCK: Dean Brogan
ROVER: Shaun Burgoyne   Chad Cornes
INTERCHANGE: Travis Boak Brad Symes   Tom Logan Darryl Wakelin
EMERGENCY: Alipate Carlile   Greg Bentley Nathan Lonie
IN: Symes
OUT: Wilson (Achilles)

Brad Symes, 22, was selected to replace the injured Michael Wilson for the Grand Final. Symes, who has not played a senior game since Round 12 because of Port's strong list and lack of injury, won out over Nathan Lonie, Nick Lower and Robert Gray to fill the vacancy. Coach Mark Williams said Symes had earned his place in the Grand Final side because of his hard work in the SANFL. Symes played just six senior games this year but has averaged 20 possessions a game with Central District. He has played 19 senior games since his 2004 debut.

GEEL 5.7 11.13   18.17   24.19 (163)
PA    2.2   4.3     5.5     6.8   (44)

GOALS: GEEL - Mooney 5, Chapman 4, S. Johnson 4, N. Ablett 3, Bartel 2, Ottens, Byrnes, G, Ablett, Rooke, Ling, Mackie; PA - Tredrea 2, S. Burgoyne 2, C. Cornes, Logan

BEST: GEEL - S. Johnson, Chapman, Scarlett, King, Mooney, Corey, Enright; PA - C. Cornes, P. Burgoyne, K. Cornes

NORM SMITH MEDAL: S Johnson (Geelong)

UMPIRES: McBurney, McLaren, McInerney

CROWD: 97,302 at the MCG

It was the most lopsided Grand Final of all time and Geelong's winning margin bettered Hawthorn's 96 point win over Melbourne in 1988. The Cats played with purpose, kicked long, played on at all costs, ran through the corridor (center of the ground) and trusted each other. Both teams were intent on bottling each other up in the early stages and there were at least a half dozen ball ups in the first 10 minutes or so of play. It took several minutes for the first score to be registered, a point to the Cats. Port replied in kind at the other end before a rushed point gave the Cats a one point lead. Ten minutes into the game, Stokes flew for the ball over a Port player and came down heavily and awkwardly. He clutched his knee in pain and had to be helped from the ground as play continued. Chapman won the ball and kicked long for what looked to be a certain goal. However, Mooney saw it coming in, backtracked with the flight of the ball and took a great grab just in front of the goal line. First goal to the Cats. From the bounce, Mooney won the ball and kicked to Johnson who goaled from 40 meters (43 yards). Then it was Scarlett's turn to get involved as he ran out of defense and accepted a pass from Chapman. Like most defenders, he is not noted for kicking goals and missed. Meanwhile, Stokes emerged from the rooms and walked along the boundary with his knee strapped and wrapped. Port finally broke clear of Geelong's hard running and Tredrea marked (caught the ball) for Port's first goal. Two minutes later, Johnson tried on the run and missed. From the kick-in, Cassisi was the target, but Gary Ablett ran across his path, punched the ball clear, followed it, scooped it up and ran in to goal from close range. A minute later, Shaun Burgoyne registered Port's second goal of the game. Hunt was then in position to force a turnover and Chapman wins possession and kicks to Johnson for another Geelong goal. By this time, Stokes was back on the ground. Harley then spoiled Port's next chance to set up another Geelong attack, but Selwood missed a chance to extend Geelong's lead even further. It didn't matter as Ottens and King set up another forward foray. First, Ottens won a free kick in the center, then King smothered a Port kick which Gary Ablett cleared and his kick went to Bartel. Goal. Kelly marked just before the siren but his kick after the siren was only a point and the Cats were leading by 23 points at 1/4 time.

If Port wasn't in trouble at the first break, they were early in the second term when the Cats slammed through three goals in the space of a few minutes. First it was Rooke who was on the receiving end of a Ling pass. Then Chapman and Nathan Ablett goaled from free kicks. A minute later, Nathan Ablett marked and goaled again. Finally, midway through the term, Chad Cornes marked and goaled for Port. Geelong then missed several chances to stretch their lead even further and Logan gave Port some slim hope with another goal. Late in the term, the Cats added another when Ablett danced out of a pack of Port players to get the ball to Chapman. Young Boak got the ball just before half time, but his kick from almost 60 yards missed and the Cats had fans running for the record books with their 52 point lead at 1/2 time.

If the game wasn't over at half-time, it sure seemed over when Mooney and Bartel added two quick goals to start the third term. Port had no answers to counter Geelong and much of their play was summed up when Cassisi blew another opportunity when his kick on goal missed everything. Nathan Ablett took the free kick and the Cats added yet another goal through Byrnes. It was little consolation for Port when Tredrea kicked the next goal as it was Port's only goal for the term. The Cats continued the demolition with Ottens kicking two in two minutes, followed by another to Nathan Ablett from another free kick. Gary Ablett was off for a well-deserved rest and Mooney added another goal to the delight of Cat fans. Late in the term, Bartel smothered a Surjan kick, recovers the ball and finds Johnson again. He passed to Mooney who missed from close range. It didn't matter with the Cats leading by 90 points at 3/4 time.

As the final term got underway, it was only a matter of Geelong by how much. Just minutes into the term, goals to Mooney and Ling blew the margin out to over 100 points. One might have forgiven the Cats had they eased up a bit, but they didn't as the goal barrage continued with Mooney, Chapman, and Johnson adding to Port's embarrassment. Mackie added another for Geelong. To this stage, Port's total score is the lowest in a Grand Final since Collingwood’s 2.2 (14) in 1960. By this time, Geelong Coach Mark Thompson was out of the coach's box on the sidelines with his charges. Westhoff at least saved Port from that dubious statistic when his kick for goal hit the post for a point. Burgoyne added one late goal for Port which took their scoreline past Essendon's low score of 5.11 (41) against Collingwood in 1990. The ball was kicked in one last time and Scarlett had the ball when the siren sounded to end Geelong's 44 year premiership drought. The Cats also became the first team in AFL history to win two finals in one season by more than 100 points.

The Cats had winners everywhere, starting with Scarlett's 29 possessions in defense which starved Tredrea and Westhoff. Enright, Mackie and Milburn had 73 disposals between them. Also winning plenty of the ball were Gary Ablett, Bartel and Ling. While most of the Cat players notched double digit (ball) possession tallies, it was left to Chad 18 kicks, 14 handballs, six marks) and Kane Cornes (16 kicks, 21 handballs, 10 marks) and Peter Burgoyne (21 kicks, 15 handballs, 5 marks) for Port. The three of them shared most of Port's possessions. There were few others to notch double digit tallies.

The final scoreline fell just 14 points short of Carlton's record score of 28.9 (177) over Richmond in 1972. However, the Cats did have two more goalkickers than Carlton did in that game. Geelong's potency can also be mentioned as they had 43 scoring shots to Port's 14.

For the record, it has been one amazing year for Geelong. They finished in first place, their VFL side won the VFL premiership, Bartel has a Brownlow, Gary Ablett has won a swag of awards. It is the first time since Jason Akermanis in 2001 and Simon Black in 2002 that the Brownlow Medal winner has also added a premiership medallion to his achievements. One has to go back all the way to 1993 for that double when Essendon's Gavin Wanganeen took out the honor a week before the Bombers belted Carlton in the Grand Final.

Source: Melbourne Age, Herald Sun, afl.com.au, AFL Record Season Guide 2007, & ed. notes

One final item before signing off for the season. Usually, the milestones are posted in the newsletter report, but most this week covered Grand Final marks:

MILESTONES
50 games: Danyle Pearce (PA)

Longest Premiership Drought: This was Geelong's first premiership since 1963, making it the sixth-longest wait by any club in the history of the game. The longest waits are Sydney/South Melbourne (72 years, 1933-2005), St Kilda (69 years, 1897-1966), Western Bulldogs / Footscray (53 years, 1954-current), Fitzroy (51 years, 1945-96) and North Melbourne (50 years, 1925-75).

Longest Premiership span, player then coach: Mark Thompson (GEEL). It's been 23 years since Thompson was part of a premiership team, playing in Essendon's 1984 flag side. It is the seventh-longest span in the history of the game, behind only Leigh Matthews (32 years, 1971-2002), Kevin Sheedy (31 years, 1969-2000), Frank Hughes (28 years, 1920-48), Jock McHale (26 years, 1910-36), Norm Smith (25 years, 1939-64) and David Parkin (24 years, 1971-95).

Captain and Coach of a Premiership: Mark Thompson is the seventh person in the history of the game to captain and then coach a premiership team, having captained Essendon's premiership team in 1993. He joins Percy Bentley (captain Richmond, coach Carlton), Reg Hickey (captain and then coach of Geelong), Ron Barassi (captain Melbourne and then coach Carlton and North Melbourne), David Parkin (captain Hawthorn and then coach Hawthorn and Carlton), Leigh Matthews (captain Hawthorn and then coach Collingwood and Brisbane Lions) and John Worsfold (captain and then coach of West Coast).

Longest Grand Final span, player then coach: Mark Williams (PA). This was Williams' first involvement in a Grand Final since he played in Collingwood's Grand Final team in 1981 (a loss to Carlton). This is the sixth-longest span in the history of the game, behind only David Parkin (36 years, 1963-99), Jock McHale (34 years, 1903-39), Leigh Matthews (33 years, 1971-2004), Kevin Sheedy (32 years, 1969-2001) and Frank Hughes (29 years, 1919-48).

Brothers in Premiership Teams: Gary & Nathan Ablett are the 19th set of brothers in the history of the game to play together in a premiership team, joining Jim and Mick Grace (Fitzroy), Arthur and Fred Leach (Collingwood), Ted and George Lockwood (Collingwood), Robert and George Weatherill (Richmond), Syd and Gordon Coventry (Collingwood), Frank and Len Murphy (Collingwood), Albert and Harry Collier (Collingwood), Les and Peter Hardiman (Geelong), Gordon and Doug Strang (Richmond), Dick and Tom Reynolds (Essendon), Harold and Chris Lambert (Essendon), Lou and Ron Richards (Collingwood), Sted and Phil Hay (Hawthorn), Alistair and Stewart Lord (Geelong), Leigh and Kelvin Matthews (Hawthorn), Chris and Brad Scott (Brisbane Lions), Peter and Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide) and Chad and Kane Cornes (Port Adelaide).

Brothers in Premiership Teams, twice: Chad & Kane Cornes & Peter & Shaun Burgoyne (PA). Had Port prevailed, Chad and Kane Cornes and Peter and Shaun Burgoyne would have been the ninth and tenth set of brothers in the history of the game to play in a premiership together on two separate occasions, having all played in the successful 2004 side. From the list above, the would join the Grace brothers (1898-99), Lockwood brothers (1902-03), Coventry brothers (1927-30), Murphy brothers (1928-30), Collier brothers (1927-30 and 1935-36), Hardiman brothers (1931 and 1937), Lambert brothers (1946 and 1950) and Scott brothers (2001-02).

Premierships with Different Clubs: Cameron Mooney (GEEL) is the 26th player in the history of the game to have played in premiership with two clubs, having been a member of the successful Kangaroos' side in 1999.

Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release; 2007 AFL Record Season Guide