Paul Hasleby

Grand Final Day Events and Timeline 2010

admincms — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:56:12 -0500

The following is the time line for the the Grand Final day events including key times for match and TV related activities.   All times are listed first in Australian AEST and then in US EDT. This is based on information from the AFL, AFANA, press reports and past history. :This story will be periodically updated with late information.

Time AEST/US EDT Event
11:40 AM / 9:40 PM Gillette AFL Grand Final Sprint heats
12:10 AM / 10:10 PM AIS Academy Squad / TAC Cup presentation and photo
12:55 PM / 10:55 PM Delivery of match footballs to Umpires
1.00 PM / 11:00 PM On-field pre-match set up
1.10 PM – 1.25 PM / 11:10 PM – 11:25 PM Preliminary on-field warm-up opportunity for competing clubs
1:25 PM / 11:25 PM Stage and sound set in centre square
1:30 PM -- 2:00 PM / 11:30 PM --12:00 MN Pre-match entertainment featuring INXS. Welcome to country by Wurundjeri elder Joy Murphy Wandin.
1:30 PM / 11:30 PM International TV feed begins including coverage on ESPN Classic, TSN2, and ESPN3.com. The host broadcaster is Channel 7 and the announcers will be lead by Bruce McAvaney and Dennis Cometti.
1:31 PM / 11:31 PM Team highlights on screen and on banners
1:35 PM / 11:35 PM INXS performs.
1:46 PM / 11:46 PM Legends, retiring players, medallists, and greats introduced (time approximate)
1:51 PM / 11:51 PM Performance of team songs by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
2.00 PM / 12:00 MN Pre-match entertainment concludes
2:00 PM – 2:08 PM / 12:00 MN – 12:08 AM Arena cleared and reset
2:08 PM / 12:08 AM TBA
2:10 PM / 12:10 AM Qantas A380 fly-over
2:12 PM / 12:12 AM Cheer squads and banners set
2.15 PM / 12:15 AM Umpires enter the arena on cue (Brett Rosebury, Ray Chamberlain, and Shaun Ryan)
2.16 PM / 12:16 AM St Kilda enters the arena on cue / team photo
2.19 PM / 12:19 AM Collingwood enters the arena on cue / team photo
2.27 PM / 12:27 AM Australian National Anthem ("Advance Australia Fair") sung by Cameron and Taylor Henderson
2.28 PM / 12:28 AM Two sirens sound and Toss of Coin
2.30 PM / 12:30 AM 2010 Toyota AFL Grand Final commences
3:00 PM / 1:00 AM Coverage on ESPN2 begins, all other coverage continues.
3.40 PM / 1:40 AM approx Half-time (22 mins) – Gillette AFL Grand Final Sprint; NAB AFL Auskick kids perform; Gillette promotion
5:15 PM / 3:15 AM approx End of match; AFL Grand Final presentations
Peter Matera (1992 Norm Smith medalist) presents Norm Smith Medal to Best on Ground player; David Parkin presents Jock McHale medal to winning coach
Runners-up team captain to dais; Norm Smith Medallist to dais; Winning team captain to dais, Premiership medallions presented by NAB AFL Auskick competitors. Premiership Cup presented by either Kevin Neale (if St Kilda) or Peter McKenna (if Collingwood) to winning team; and team photo.
5:30 PM / 3:30 AM Coverage on TSN2 concludes, ESPN continues
6:00 PM / 4:00 AM Post match events and television coverage concludes including on ESPN Classic, ESPN2, ESPN3, and TSN2.
6:00 PM / 4:00 AM After Match Concert begins at Federation Square featuring McKenna, INXS
6:10 PM / 4:10 AM Media Conference - Runners Up
6:25 PM / 4:25 AM Media Conference - Premiers
7:30 PM / 5:30 AM Premiers depart MCG for presentation at Federation Square (if St Kilda) or Sidney Myer Music Bowl (if Collingwood; a few Collingwood players make brief appearance at Federation Square)
8:00 PM / 6:00 AM Presentation of Winning Team at Federation Square or Myer Music Bowl

HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES, RETIRING GREATS, MEDALLISTS, and AWARDS

Hall of Fame
Kevin Murray

Retiring Greats
Matthew Richardson
Max Hudghton
Nick Stevens
Trent Croad
Ben Cousins
Jason Akermanis
Brad Johnson
Shane O’Bree
Nathan Eagleton
Brett Kirk
Simon Goodwin
Tom Harley
Tyson Edwards
Josh Carr
Warren Tredrea
Brett Burton
Andrew McLeod
Paul Hasleby
Mathew James – Umpire
Scott McLaren – Umpire

Coleman Medallist
Jack Riewoldt

Brownlow Medallist
Chris Judd

Rising Star
Daniel Hannebery

More Woes For Crows

Lisa Albergo — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 07:16:25 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Adelaide champion Andrew McLeod announced his immediate retirement due to his inability to overcome a knee injury. McLeod, 34, would like to have played a farewell game in the final round but admitted that his knee would not withstand the stress. McLeod had knee surgery earlier in the season and has not recovered as well as expected. He said he was stepping aside to give a younger player an opportunity even though it is the last round and the Crows have no chance for of a Finals appearance.

McLeod's last game was in Round 16, which was his first game back after missing a month due to knee surgery. After that game, the knee problems flared up again. McLeod will do a lap of honor with fellow retirees Brett Burton, Simon Goodwin, Trent Hentschel and Tyson Edwards prior to the Round 22 game.

ANDREW MCLEOD
DEBUT: 1995
GAMES: 340 (club games record holder)
GOALS: 275
HONORS: 1997-98 Premierships; club Best and Fairest 1997, 2001, 2007; All-Australian 1998, 2000, 2001, 2006, 2007 (captain); 1997-98 Norm Smith Medal (Grand Final best on ground), Indigenous Team of the Century, 2001 Brownlow Medal runner-up; International Rules series 2001, 2002, 2005 (co-Captain), 2001 AFL Players Association MVP, 2003 preseason Premiership, 2003 Michael Tuck Medal (preseason Grand Final best on ground)

Forward Trent Hentschel, currently sidelined with a back problem, has also retired. Hentschel, who has played just 71 games in nine injury-ravaged seasons, said his battered body could not withstand the rigors of AFL football. He debuted in 2003 and had his best season in 2006, booting 42 goals from 19 games. In Round 21, he suffered a horrific knee injury which required four operations. At the time his doctor compared the damage to that of a car accident victim.

Hentschel spent two years recovering and playing in the SANFL, with hamstring problems preventing his return to the AFL side until 2009. He played his first game late in 2009, but the knee problems flared up again the following week and required more surgery. He returned late in the season and performed so well in five games that the club gave him a one year contract extension. He played a further three games at the start of this season, but since then has been sidelined with hamstring, knee and back problems. He is still hoping for a chance to play for SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens in their Finals series.

Coach Neil Craig praised Hentschel for his perseverance, determination and character over the years to comeback from his injuries. Hentschel thanked the club and the medical staff for giving him his chance to play AFL football and for their support and help in his attempted recoveries.

Source: alf.com.au; David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release

Fremantle midfielder Paul Hasleby has announced his retirement. As of August 24, he is a slim chance to play his final game in Round 22. He was a late withdrawal the previous week due to knee swelling. Hasleby, 29, debuted in 2000 and has played 207 games with the Dockers. He was an instant star in his debut with a 30-possession game against Geelong in front of a home crowd at Subiaco.

Hasleby's 2008 season ended in a preseason game when a knee injury was found to require a knee reconstruction. He returned the following season, played all 22 games and was the club's leading ball winner. In announcing his retirement, he said there was so much talent at the club, all of whom had "... the eye of the tiger, ready to take on the challenge of an AFL career." He said it was that abundance of talent and youth which led him to his decision to retire.

Coach Mark Harvey remarked on how Hasleby came to the club as an 18 year old student and progressed to be a leader and tutor to the younger players who followed over the years. He also acknowledged Hasleby's will to overcome his knee injury.

PAUL HASLEBY
GAMES:297
GOALS: 131
HONORS: All-Australian 2003, International Rules Series 2003, Rising Star winner 2000, 2nd in Best and Fairest 2000 & 2004

Source: Luke Morfesse, Club Media Release

Brisbane has told Troy Selwood that he will be delisted at the end of the season. Selwood, who will miss the final round after suffering cracked ribs in Round 21, is the twin brother of Eagle Adam Selwood and younger brother of Geelong's Joel Selwood. A fourth brother Scott is on West Coast's list. Coach Michael Voss hoped Selwood would find another club to extend his six year career. Voss described Selwood as an outstanding person who was loved by his teammates. Selwood, 26, has played 26 games and kicked 11 goals for Brisbane since his debut in 2005. He was a Rising Star nominee in his debut season.

Source: afl.com.au

Melbourne has delisted forward Brad Miller and defender Daniel Bell. Bell debuted in 2004 and played 66 games. Miller, who refused a farewell game in Round 22 in favor of playing in the VFL Finals, has played 133 games since his debut in 2002. Bell already plans to nominate for the upcoming draft. Both thanked the club for the opportunity given to them and said they understood the direction the club was opting for with their focus on youth. Coach Dean Bailey issued the usual thanks to the duo for their service to the club and wished them the best for the future.

Source: Ryan Larkin, Club Media Release

Fair Dinkum Dockers

janetl — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 05:02:26 -0500

Janet Linn reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

A dazzling four quarter display of precision teamwork by the Fremantle Dockers thrilled their fans and dished out a formidable football lesson to the down and out West Coast Eagles. So complete was Fremantle’s dominance that it is difficult to see how the Eagles can bounce back and challenge sufficiently in their last four games to climb off the bottom of the Ladder.

In perfect football conditions, the Dockers threw everything at their hometown rivals with memories of past Derbies, famous for their tough and sometimes brutal nature, in the news all week long. With Eagle Brad Ebert playing his 50th game, Luke McPharlin celebrating his 150th game for the Dockers, a spot in the Top Four in Fremantle’s sights and the Wooden Spoon beckoning West Coast for the first time in the club’s history, there was plenty on the line. The loss of Shannon Hurn before the game did not help West Coast’s prospects but games played at Subiaco Oval are unpredictable and fans’ hopes were set for a gripping spectacle.

A spectacle it was from start to finish as Fremantle turned on the skill and class from the first bouncedown. David Mundy was in spectacular touch and forward thrusts came quickly with the likes of Paul Hasleby, Roger Hayden, Nathan Fyfe and Matt De Boer throwing themselves at the contest in superb fashion. There were seven unanswered goals for the Dockers who were electric while the Eagles looked slow and disorganized, managing a mere three points for the quarter. In a highlight, newcomer Justin Bollenhagen scored his first goal in AFL football in his first game for the Dockers. There was bad news too when brilliant Fremantle defender Chris Tarrant injured his knee and took no further part in the game, his season and potentially his football career in doubt.

Mark LeCras finally got West Coast on the scoreboard but not before Mundy scored first for the Dockers. LeCras made the most of Tarrant’s departure to kick another two goals for the quarter but it was to no avail. Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands provided opportunity after opportunity to his on ball players who ran harder at the contest and were more desperate than the opposition. West Coast simply had no answer to the class and superior skills of Hayden Ballantyne, Matthew Pavlich and Stephen Hill and looked every bit the bottom team in the competition.

A more even third quarter gave the Eagles some self-respect but inflicted no damage on the scoreline. Again Fremantle’s pace made the Eagles look slow and they were continually caught holding the ball under the enormous pressure exerted on them all over the ground. Ballantyne was outstanding in his best quarter yet for the Dockers, proving himself as one of the recruits of the year. Mark LeCras scored another two goals for West Coast and Andrew Strijk and Nic Naitanui also came into the game and scored goals.

By the final quarter the only question was how big the winning margin would be. Fremantle kept the ante up and brilliant goals came from Hasleby, Ballantyne (three), Hill and Jesse Crichton. Fremantle’s endeavor was vastly superior to that shown by West Coast even late in the game. In the end, it was a 75 point thumping by Fremantle, their best winning margin ever.

Aaron Sandilands was awarded the Ross Glendinning Medal for the best player afield and Fremantle returned to the form which saw them in the Top Four for much of the early part of the season. Young Dockers Greg Broughton, Nathan Fyfe and Matt De Boer played their best games for the season. With a reasonable run home against North Melbourne (Etihad Stadium), Sydney (home), Hawthorn (Aurora Stadium in Tasmania) and Carlton (home) it is feasible for Fremantle to make the Top Four. West Coast play Brisbane in Round 19 in what will be billed as the battle for the Wooden Spoon.

Scoreboard
Fremantle:  7.6 13.8 18.12 24.16 (160)
West Coast: 0.3  4.4  9.5  13.7  (85)

Best
Fremantle: H Ballantyne, A Sandilands, M Pavlich, N Fyfe, M De Boer, N Suban, D Mundy
West Coast: M LeCras, B Waters, D Cox, M Priddis, A Strijk

Controversy After Round 17

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 14:16:42 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

A controversial interchange penalty against Hawthorn could well be responsible for denying the Hawks victory against St Kilda. Cyril Rioli had just kicked a goal with two minutes remaining in the final term to give Hawthorn a 13 point lead. However, the goal was disallowed due to Hawk Grant Birchall briefly putting a foot across the interchange line before a teammate had come off the ground. The emergency umpire signaled the infringement to the field umpire who then awarded a 50 meter penalty to the Saints. The Saints scored a crucial point to bring them within a goal. With just seconds remaining on the clock, the Saints cleared the ball from a stoppage and Ben McEvoy kicked a goal to tie the game.

Hawk Coach Alistair Clarkson said the club accepted what had happened and would move on, but expressed disappointment at the penalty for what was a minor infraction. However, the club is now considering speaking with the AFL regarding the severity of the penalty. The AFL introduced the interchange rule in 2008 after a Sydney game in which the Swans inadvertently had 19 players on the field for several minutes in a drawn game against North Melbourne. Hawk football manager Mark Evans would like to get an explanation from umpire boss Jeff Gieschen and the umpires who may have seen what really happened. There is no clear video footage. According to Evans, the cameras catch Birchall only from the waist up. He conceded that it appeared that Birchall did take a step towards the field of play but then returned to the bench. It is unclear whether or not he actually stepped over the line.

Former Richmond coach Danny Frawley, who now heads up the Coaches Association, said that broadcasters were supposed to have cameras focused on the interchange area, but AFL Media spokesman Patrick Keane said he was unaware of this rule. He further stated that it was the job of the interchange stewards to watch and monitor changes. AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan was interviewed on SEN Radio and said the penalty was fair. He further stated " ... it was an infringement. Is it too harsh...? ... in the old days you used to lose all your points ... it just happened he (Rioli) was shooting for goal ... The timing was unfortunate." Prior to the introduction of the interchange rule, a club captain could call for a head count. If an extra player was discovered to be on the ground, the offending team would lose all the points scored to that point of the match.

This was not the only issue to arise from the match. Saints' Coach Ross Lyon was also unhappy with an umpiring decision which denied Justin Koschitzke a shot for goal in the third term. Koschitzke had just marked the ball but had the ball taken away by the umpire who ruled that a St Kilda runner was too close to the play. Lyon questioned his team being penalized for their own runner's infraction.

On top of all of this, the condition of the playing surface came under fire as there were numerous incidents of players slipping over with parts of the ground shifting under their feet. The surface condition has been heavily criticized by Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett in recent weeks. Kennett believes artificial turf should be used. He said that rock concerts should not be held there during footy season and that December should be a cut-off date to allow the ground to be better prepared for footy games. Several games of the recent juniors' TAC Cup championships were also relocated to other venues.

Commentators Matthew Lloyd and Dermott Brereton were highly critical of the surface during the game and talk-back radio was full of fans saying the surface was a disgrace. Lloyd said during the commentary that it sometimes didn't matter what type of boot studs players wore because of the different conditions in different parts of the ground. Hawk Sam Mitchell echoed Lloyd's comments after the game and former Demon turned commentator Garry Lyon likened the surface to an ice-skating rink and called it a "joke". Mitchell went on to say that the ground was unfit and unsafe for finals. He said he slipped several times and saw the same thing happen to Hawk Cyril Rioli whom he said he had " ... never seen slip over ...". Saint Brendon Goddard agreed with Mitchell, saying he found areas of the surface quite slippery. During the game, Leigh Montagna appeared to hurt his groin in a splits-like fall. Teammate Clinton Young was seen limping to the bench after falling over. Hawk Jarryd Roughead said the condition of the surface was worse than when the Hawks played there in Round Nine. Bulldog Shaun Higgins missed several weeks recently due to an injury suffered at Etihad.

Hawthorn general manager Mark Evans said that while the appearance of the ground looked fine, inspections needed to be more than just visual. He said there should be experts telling clubs what they should be looking for. Carlton's Chris Judd met with league officials in June to discuss the problem and Carlton also filed a formal complaint.

The problems with the surface are twofold. First, the playing area is built on top of the underground parking lot and is therefore built on top of concrete with a sandy layer underneath the soil and grass. Second, there are sections of the grass which do not get direct sunlight due to the design of the roof and its infrastructure. These factors have been ongoing problems since the stadium opened in 2000. The AFL has little control over the ground and the events scheduled there as it is privately owned. Former AFL official and current ground manager Ian Collins has continually defended the ground.

Also after Round 17, North Melbourne Coach Brad Scott was unhappy after the Kangaroos lost by three points to Essendon. He was furious with the AFL's strict enforcement of the emergency player and team list rules. The drama unfolded 90 minutes before the game when Nathan Grima (quad) and Daniel Pratt (hamstring) were late withdrawals from the team. Emergency players Ben Speight and Leigh Harding were quickly added to the team list, which was then submitted under the rules. However chaos ensued when Daniel Wells strained a quad muscle during the warm-up. David Hale, who had arrived at the ground to watch the game after playing in the VFL earlier in the day, had been named as the third emergency. Scott desperately tried to get an answer from the AFL about adding a fresh Nathan O'Keefe instead and was told that if he did, the club would be fined $20,000. The game was already underway by the time the answer arrived. The cash-strapped Kangaroos had no choice but to include Hale who finally made it onto the ground late in the first term. Scott said the addition of ruckman Hale instead of midfielder O'Keefe left the Kangaroos short of run through the middle and said no player should have to play eight quarters in one day. He further stated that the extenuating circumstances should have allowed him more flexibility. He also pointed out what he called a "farcical situation" of the VFL operating on a schedule different to that of the AFL and said it was impractical for clubs to hold all three emergency players inactive. Although Hale was named as an emergency, along with Harding and Speight, the club did not want three of their players idle on the weekend and so let Hale have a run in the VFL, not expecting the events which developed just minutes before their own game was due to start.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said that the league had recently reiterated to all club managers that in order to allow a player from outside the named 25-man squad (18 players plus four interchange and three emergencies) there had to be a "compelling medical case''. He basically accused North of not making it public that Grima and Pratt would probably not play and not withdrawing them from the officially named team on Thursday. He said that had the club done that, they could have named extra emergencies under the rules. Because they did not do that, according to Keane, they were bound by the rules to play their third emergency in Hale or face a heavy fine.

Kangaroos' chairman James Brayshaw was not surprised at the AFL's response. On the Sunday Footy Show, he said, ''The AFL will probably ... say the rules are pretty clear ... play one of your three stated emergencies otherwise you are fined.'' He also said he was surprised that it took so long for the AFL to get a reply back to the ground. Keane countered that it "took time to clarify the situation". League officials who were present at the ground were unable to provide an answer to the Kangaroos before the game got underway.

Several days later, Fremantle Coach Mark Harvey declared his support for Scott in demanding a rule change to cover such extenuating circumstances. Harvey and the Dockers were close to being in a similar situation as Scott and the Kangaroos when Docker midfielder David Mundy withdrew shortly before the Round 17 match against the Bulldogs. Unlike the Kangaroos, who faced the prospect of being short one player, the Dockers had Paul Hasleby as an emergency to call upon. However, Harvey said he could sympathize with Scott's dilemma. Harvey concurred with Scott's query regarding how many emergencies a team leaves idle on the slim chance they might be needed. He said the pressure was on the clubs with 25-minute warm-ups and incidents of players injuring themselves during the warm-ups. He went so far as to hint a suggestion of team sheets being submitted 90 minutes prior to the game to give teams more time. Hasleby was originally ruled out of the match but was, according to Harvey, the only emergency who traveled with the team due to his experience and the fact that his local Perth team had the bye.

Source: theage.com.au, sen.com.au, heraldsun.com.au, alf.com.au, shh.com.au, author notes

Demons Scare Dockers

rickb — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 08:36:44 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

With the business end of the season approaching, the fight for a spot in the top four is tightening. Finishing top four is important because it means a double chance in the finals. Fremantle has a battle ahead to maintain its current position in fourth place after losing to Richmond in an upset in Round 15. The shock loss of Michael Barlow with a broken tibia and fibula has changed the dynamic of the team.

Melbourne traveled west sitting three places out of the top eight and looking forward to taking the game up to their opponents. Fans hoped they may have learnt from their Punt Road neighbors Richmond that tough tackling and a strong will to win can often carry the day against classier and more experienced opponents.

Fremantle was out of the blocks quickly after sloppy play by Melbourne gave David Mundy a chance to kick the first goal. Some precise kicking to Paul Hasleby saw the second Docker goal on the board within a few minutes. When Nathan Fyfe scored their third after a free kick, the game looked in danger of getting away from the Demons. Paul Johnson steadied the ship with Melbourne's first goal but poor discipline in tackling and demonstrative behavior towards the umpires gifted the Dockers the next three goals. The extreme pressure and chasing the Dockers applied had them well in control of the game and with a lead of 31 points at the first break.

Sensing that things were not working as planned, Coach Dean Bailey had the Demons switch to man-on-man coverage for the second quarter. Jamie Bennell scored a goal early but the new game plan fell apart quickly. Hayden Ballantyne intercepted a kick in by Cameron Bruce and had the easiest of conversions from 15 meters out. Ballantyne went on to kick two more goals, one from a 50 meter penalty. A poor movement out of the back line by Michael Johnson gave Bennell his second major but the Demons trailed by 34 points as the half ended.

Melbourne players must have had the blow torch treatment from their coach during the break. There was better energy and their tackling pressure increased. In a remarkable third quarter display that proved just how electric Australian football is, the game turned around and the Demons proceeded to tear the Dockers apart. Aaron Davey and Liam Jurrah had hardly been sighted up to this point but they popped up when the situation demanded it and kicked a goal each. Melbourne were delivering the ball low and hard to their leading forwards who started to play in front of their opponents. In the backline Demon Nathan Jones was having the game of his life, turning the Dockers back time after time to give his team a solid base from which to mount their offense.

By this point the Dockers had not scored a second half goal and Melbourne had kicked the last three to give a sniff of an upset. The Demons' kamikaze approach to the ball and opposition ball carriers was in stark contrast to their first half. When Colin Sylvia scored another six pointer, followed quickly by Davey and Jurrah, the Demons had kicked six in a row and were only seven points behind. Jones found himself in the forward line to kick the seventh goal and Melbourne was tailing by a solitary point. The only sound at Subiaco Oval was the screaming of a small number of Melbourne supports urging their team on. Ryan Crowley kicked a steadying goal for Fremantle at the end of the quarter and they went into the final break only eight points ahead.

Both teams played at a frenetic pace to start the final term. Given that they had spent a lot of gas tickets in the third quarter, there were many skill errors and players were simply running out of puff. Brad Green brought the visitors within a point with the first goal. From there on in it was hard, slogging football. Fremantle had numerous opportunities to seal the game but were wasteful, missing four relatively easy shots on goal. Melbourne had their chances too but missed a couple of opportunities to take the lead. In the end, it was a superb left foot kick on goal from Ballantyne in the pocket that won it for the home side.

Fremantle retained fourth position and will play the fifth-placed Western Bulldogs next week in the game of the round in Melbourne. The Demons must rue the fact that they played only one half of football with the intensity and skill required at this level. However they are playing at a much better standard than they have done for a couple of years and the future looks bright for them after their tenacity in this game. Melbourne remains three games out of the top eight and out of contention for the Finals.


Scoreboard
Fremantle 6.3 9.8 10.10 11.16 (82) 
Melbourne 1.2 3.5  9.8  10.11 (71) 

Best players
Fremantle H Ballantyne, D Mundy, P Duffield, A McPhee, R Crowley 
Melbourne N Jones, J Frawley, T Scully, J Bennell, C Sylvia

Pies Catch Fire

rickb — Tue, 18 May 2010 07:01:16 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

A clash between the two top teams in any sport is guaranteed to get the fans out and the hype up. The Collingwood Magpies had the sit on top spot while their challengers, the Fremantle Dockers, were looking to take it away from them. In their 16 year history as a club the Dockers have never been on the top of the table, and this round was their best chance to change that statistic in front of 42,000 fans at Subiaco Oval.

John Anthony, back for the Magpies after a month, got the visitors off to a perfect start with a goal coming from a midfield turnover by the Dockers. The Pies were manning up and were very crisp with their disposals. At close quarters they were accurate, finishing off their kicks by hitting a target every time and scoring goals easily. In contrast the young Dockers seemed overawed by the big occasion and were tentative with their handballs and kicking. Collingwood were fierce in their tackles as were the Dockers. Reece Shaw was caught holding the ball by Matt De Boer and the resulting pass saw Paul Hasleby score a major for the Dockers. Travis Cloke and Scott Pendlebury chipped in with two goals each, while Garrick Ibbotson snagged a late one for the Dockers. It was one-way traffic for much of the first term with the Pies kicking out to a healthy 23 point lead.

Fremantle were quick out of the blocks in the second quarter. Ryan Crowley’s two goals and an inspiring Captain's goal to Matthew Pavlich put the Dockers only five points behind. From then on it was goal for goal. The game opened up and was more free flowing with the wide open spaces of Subiaco suiting the young Fremantle midfielders. Cloke was dangerous up forward, marking everything that came his way in a return to form that had his team mates working hard to get him the ball at every opportunity. Crowley ended up with three goals for the quarter and the Dockers clawed their way back to be trailing by ten points at the long break.

Injuries started to mount for Fremantle with key defender Luke McPharlin and the hard running David Mundy sidelined. Collingwood stuck to their game plan of possession and accurate ball movement, and after both teams traded goals initially, the Pies split the game open. Collingwood have a knack of turning their opponents around with long and accurate kicks over the defenders' heads into the forward line. Exploiting the lack of height in the Dockers’ defense, Dane Swan, Cloke and Alan “Dead Eye” Dikak, took it right up to the Dockers by kicking the next four goals in a row. Fremantle were on the ropes with knees buckling at this stage of the game. They took the standing eight count when the siren sounded to end the third quarter and were 41 points behind as they regrouped to finish the game.

Hopes were up for a home team resurgence when a free kick to Alex Silvagni saw him score Fremantle’s first goal to start the last quarter. Aaron Sandilands was not having his usual easy game in the ruck, with the Pies winning the center clearances with regularity. When Collingwood scored the next three goals the game was as good as over. Coach Mark Harvey virtually conceded when he took his king pin Sandilands off the board and benched him. While a couple of late goals to the mercurial Hayden Ballantyne gave the Dockers some pride, the game was effectively won in the third quarter when Collingwood put their collective foot down and cruised into top gear.

This game was a tale of young guns taking on a more mature and seasoned side. Collingwood are now one game clear on the top of the ladder. Fremantle, although not humbled, were given a lesson they will learn from and will only be stronger for their next encounter on the big stage. Collingwood are on fire and look to be red hot favorites for the Finals and perhaps the Premiership Cup come September.

Scoreboard
Fremantle   3.3  9.5 11.5  15.7  (97)
Collingwood 7.3 10.9 17.10 20.13 (133)

Best
Fremantle   R Crowley, P Duffield, P Hasleby, A Sandilands,                                                                    
            H Ballantyne, M Pavlich
Collingwood T Cloke, D Swan, D Beams, C Daws, A Didak, C Wood

Dockers Honor Diggers

rickb — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 06:48:55 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

Anzac Day football has a special meaning for Australians. The traditional playing of the Last Post in front of 38,000 silent people will raise goose-bumps on the arms of anyone who is fortunate enough to be present. The winless Richmond came into this game with a good record against Fremantle, having won their last four encounters. Last year Fremantle were humbled by their opponents on most occasions. This season so far their attitude and skill levels have improved and they appear capable of beating any team in the League. The Tigers arrived in Perth at the bottom of the Ladder but who knows what any team is capable of when the blood is up and the ANZAC battle cry is ringing in its ears.

Robin Nahas got the visitors away to a quick start with a goal and from this point on it was one-way traffic. Fremantle squandered opportunities in front of goal and seemed to panic as the Tigers dominated the quarter. There were turnovers and costly skill errors on both sides but Richmond’s work rate was up and they were prepared to chase and tackle with vigor. Accurate passing and courage at the ball saw Alex Rance with two goals. A late mark and conversion to Jack Riewoldt had the Richmond Tigers with their tails in the air and a commanding lead of 26 points at the first change.

As he has done in the past, Docker Captain Matthew Pavlich decided that enough was enough and within 2 minutes of the start of the second quarter he kicked a goal. This gave his teammates some heart and they began to work their way back into the game. Richmond’s aggressiveness and skill level fell away and the standard of the game deteriorated to a scrambling and uninspiring spectacle. With large packs and frequent stoppages, there was little chance for Fremantle to settle into the style of play that has set them on their winning streak. Some dogged forward movements saw Pavlich and Ryan Crowley score the next goals as the quarter fizzled out. Richmond rarely made it into their forward 50 meter arc and managed to score a paltry three points in 30 minutes of play. When the siren sounded there was a melee in the center of the ground with every player and the umpires involved. It was the most action the crowd had seen in the match so far. However it was largely a waste of energy as there were no real punches thrown.

Fremantle came out with renewed intent in the second half, and when Paul Duffield converted from in front of the big sticks, they had the lead for the first time in the game. Rookie Nathan Fyfe took a high-flying mark in the forward pocket and scored his first goal in AFL football. When Aaron Sandilands followed up with a goal of his own, the floodgates opened. Hayden Ballantyne had been fairly quiet in his attacking game but stronger in his offensive role and kicked two quick goals. The Dockers had by then scored the last eight goals in a row. A late rally by the Tigers saw them score three of the last four goals giving their supporters hope for a late charge.

Shane Tuck’s goal early in the last quarter had the Tigers within 14 points and looking dangerous. The game was going goal for goal but it was clear that the Tigers had run out of gas. With help from new kid on the block Ballantyne, the old firm of Pavlich and Paul Hasleby kicked the last four goals to put the game out of Richmond's reach. In the end the scoreline flattered the visitors because if Fremantle had kicked straighter, the game would have been decided much earlier.

Fremantle now find themselves comfortably placed in the top eight. Richmond languishes on the bottom of the Ladder. In spite of small signs that all is not lost for them, it seems that the other sides in the competition have all the answers when the Tigers come to town.

Scoreboard
Fremantle 1.5 4.12 10.19 15.22 (112)
Richmond  6.1 6.4   9.5  11.7   (73)

Best
Fremantle M Pavlich, A Sandilands, L McPharlin, M Barlow,
          S Hill, H Ballantyne
Richmond  C Newman, B Deledio, T Cotchin, S Tuck, D Martin,
          N Foley

Dockers Celebrate Pavlich Milestone

janetl — Sun, 03 May 2009 07:40:11 -0500

Janet Linn reporting from Subiaco Oval, Perth, Western Australia

A bumper crowd of 41,654 watched Matthew Pavlich become one of only three Fremantle Docker players to reach the 200 game milestone, joining former team mates Shane Parker and Shaun McManus in the illustrious 200 club. In a Western Derby played in two starkly contrasting halves, Pavlich started slowly and had minimal influence until after half time. Moving into the center of the ground in the third quarter, the Captain imposed his strength and willingness to go in hard after the football and turned the tide of the game.

Since 2006 the Dockers have had the wood on the West Coast Eagles, winning five out of the previous six Derbies. West Coast went into the first 2009 Derby a firm favourite with a slightly more consistent start to the season and everything to play for. Chris Masten celebrated his 20th birthday with the opening goal for West Coast and Marc LeCras, Adam Hunter, Brent Staker and Ben McKinley were lively in the forward line. The Eagles' tackling pressure was intense and the Dockers were under the pump every time they went near the ball. Their ball handling was below par and their confidence looked down but goals from Scott Thornton, Stephen Hill and Ryan Crowley kept them within 10 points at the change.

Fremantle opened the scoring in the second quarter with a great intercept and long kick from Pavlich giving Michael Johnson the chance to goal. Unfortunately, this was to be the only goal scored by Fremantle in the quarter. Minutes later, LeCras scooped on a Fremantle defensive clanger to capitalize on goal. In a Groundhog Day moment, LeCras found himself on the end of another Docker turnover and he made the most of it, punishing the opposition with a fantastic long goal from deep in the forward pocket. West Coast's tackling and defensive pressure were ferocious with Matt Priddis and Daniel Kerr featuring prominently. West Coast looked dangerous at every forward entry while Fremantle had key players down on form and struggled to get past the center line. Although the half time statistics showed Fremantle with the ball almost as often as the Eagles, the Dockers consistently played themselves into trouble with a "play on at all costs" philosophy. With West Coast dictating the play with a brilliant defensive game, Fremantle were forced into a short, indirect style which their skills could not sustain without costly turnovers. The only good news for the Dockers was West Coast's wastage in front of goal leaving the door open for the Dockers to make inroads in the third quarter. The Eagles went into the major break with a 23 point lead.

After half time Fremantle returned to the oval with more zip and endeavor. West Coast were given less time to dispose of the ball and as a consequence they made more ball handling mistakes. With Pavlich, Hill, Garrick Ibbotson, Brett Peake and Paul Hasleby on top of their opponents, Fremantle got to within 10 points before senior Eagle Andrew Embley steadied the West Coast ship with two goals. Fremantle's young guns paid no heed and lifted their intensity even further. Newcomer Matthew De Boer snapped an excellent goal - his first in AFL football - and Aaron Sandilands put a late one through to show West Coast the Dockers meant business. At the end of an entertaining quarter of fierce, combative football it was one clear goal the difference at the final break. The scene was set for a classic Derby finale with Fremantle full of running and West Coast defending grimly.

Early in the final quarter, Shannon Hurn took advantage of a Docker turnover coming out of defense and loaded up an enormous 60 meter kick which sailed through the goalposts for an inspirational six pointer. Fremantle counter-attacked strongly. Scott Thornton marked and goaled and skipper Pavlich followed with an absolute ripper from outside 50 to make it one point the difference and game on. An undisciplined West Coast action resulted in a 50 meter penalty and Hill made no mistake to give the Dockers the lead for the first time in the match. The Eagles pushed forward several times but Hurn, Hansen, Cockie, Cox and Nicoski all wasted viable scoring opportunities. Peake and Sandilands made more of their attempts, kicking truly to give the Dockers a 14 point lead with two minutes remaining on the clock. The Eagles could only muster a rushed behind before the siren rang and the record books recorded another Western Derby win for the Fremantle Dockers. In the end, Fremantle made the most of their opportunities and West Coast were left to rue their inefficiency in front of goal.

The Ross Glendinning Medal for the best player afield was awarded to Paul Hasleby of the Fremantle Dockers. It is the fourth time Hasleby has won the prestigious medal.

Scoreboard
West Coast 4.6 6.13 8.13 9.20 (74)
Fremantle  3.2 4.2  8.7  13.9 (87)

Best
West Coast M Priddis, D Cox, S Hurn, D Kerr, M Rosa, D Glass
Fremantle  S Hill, P Hasleby, P Duffield, M Pavlich, G Ibbotson, A Sandilands, R Hayden