It wasn't as spectacular as their fightback against the Roos, but it was no less exciting....

G'Day Footy Fans -

BOMBERS DO IT AGAIN
Essendon without Hird, Rioli, Mark Johnson, Barnes, and Blumfield again staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Sydney by 2 points after trailing by 22 points midway through the final term. Full match details below.

GENERAL NEWS

Inaugural Auskick Legends Game
Former AFL players and their children played in the first Auskick game at halftime of the Kangaroo/Geelong match. Retired players taking part included Greg Williams (CARL), Gerard Healy (SYD), Chris Langford and Robert DiPierdomenico (HAW), Billy Brownless and Paul Couch (GEEL), and Garry Lyon (MELB), and Terry Wallace (HAW). Former league coaches Parkin and John Kennedy came out of their own retirements to coach the two teams. Auskick, formerly sponsored by McDonald's and now Ansett Airlines, is the AFL's junior skills program. There are 1600 Auskick centers around Australia with more than 92,000 kids enrolled. The enters also depend heavily on volunteers (usually parents of participants) to help out. Many of today's current AFL stars learned their basic skills at Auskick clinics.
The Teams:

Parkin's Platoon
Color: Red
1) Paul Roos (38); 2) Greg Williams (37); 3) Garry Lyon (33); 5) Ryan Taylor (12);
6) Georgia Wallace (8); 7) Doug Hawkins (41); 8) Tyler Roos (5); 9) Brian Taylor (39);
10) Samantha Williams (8); 11) Charlie Williams (6); 12) Adrian Gleeson (34);
14) Mitchell Gleeson (5); 15) Ben Lyon (7); 16) Terry Wallace (42); 17) Dylan Roos (7); 18) William Langford (9); 19) Jordan Taylor (9); 20) Cameron Wallace (7);
21) Brent Wallace (9); 24) Chris Langford (38); 25) Ricky Hawkins (10); 37) Ryan
Harris (10); 38) Leon Harris (42)

Kennedy's Commandos
Color: Blue

1) Michael Conlan (43); 2) Stuart Conlan (12); 3) Gerard Healy (40); 4) Gary Pert (36); 5) Thomas Couch (13); 6) Annabel Healy (6); 7) Paul Couch (37); 8) Lucy Brownless (5); 9) Robert DiPierdomenico (43); 10) Amber Shaw (10); 11) Joe Couch (6); 12) Todd Viney (35); 14) Mitchell Pert (6); 15) Jack Viney (7); 16) Bill Brownless (34); 17) Lachlan DiPierdomenico (7); 18) Callum DiPierdomenico (11); 20) Jessie
Couch (11); 23) Tony Shaw (41); 30) Benjamin Kennedy (11); 32) Xavier Kennedy (9);
33) Joshua Kennedy (13); 34) John Kennedy Jnr (41)

Parkin's return to the coaches box underlies the significance of the match. "I'll be breaking a bet with a lot of people because I said I'd never coach again. The arms and legs will be moving as well as ever to get my players revved up. A lot of the former players in my team are very child-like so if I explain things in kiddy terms, the parents and their children should be able to understand equally well," he said.

The teams share more than 4000 VFL/AFL games worth of experience, more than 3500 goals, five Brownlow Medals, 25 club best and fairests as well as seven new front teeth, three pony tails, several very good report cards and one grazed knee (with band-aid) after falling off a skateboard.

Former field umpire Rowan Sawers has also agreed to come out of retirement and will umpire the match with his son Aaron, while St Kilda Brownlow Medallist Ross Smith will be a goal umpire.

TRIBUNAL
Adelaide's Mark Bickley was cleared of charging and described the report as a joke. The reporting umpire testified that Bickley had collided with Port's Josh Carr with unnecessary force during a marking contest. Bickley defended himself by stating that he was the only Crow in the vicinity and rushed in to attempt a mark or spoil, but realized he would arrive too late and braced himself for impact as teammates converged on the area. The panel ruled it was not unreasonable force.

Essendon's Matt Lloyd was suspended for 2 games after pleading guilty to striking Simon Fletcher. He said he was trying to smother when the ball took a high bounce before Fletcher got off a handpass. He said he then moved forward to block Fletcher from taking another handpass, slipped, and fell into Fletcher from the momentum. He said he realized he had made high contact with Fletcher's shoulder and neck.

MILESTONES
150 games -- Shannon Grant, Kangaroos
100 games -- Matthew Primus, Port Adelaide
50 games -- Mark Porter, Carlton
50 games -- James Walker, Fremantle
100 club games -- Paul Barnard, Essendon

TEAM NEWS

MELBOURNE
Player Stephen Powell, board member Bill Guest, and CEO John Anderson recently traveled to Cambodia and had a kick with some of the local kids. The visit was in conjunction with CARE Australia, an international humanitarian agency. The club sponsored a fundraising during this week's game against Hawthorn to raise money for a project called "Let The Children Play."

Club members are being sought out for contributions to Joe Gutnick's campaign to regain the presidency. Current president Gabriel Szondy has accused the faction of breaking the truce to the midseason battle which disrupted the club midseason. Szondy has already spoken to Gutnick supporters and Gutnick board member Givoni. He said this latest ploy has violated the agreement to wait until the end of the season for campaigning.

Despite wanting to wait until the end of the season to negotiate a new contract, livewire forward Jeff Farmer, who has been targeted by both Fremantle and the Eagles, says he wants to stay with the Demons and earn life membership to the club.

The Demons have begun talks with David Schwarz's management for a new contract for next year.

ADELAIDE
Lost Peter Vardy (groin) and ruckman Matthew Clarke (thigh) this week. Andrew Eccles, out for most of the year with chronic hamstrings, came in for his first senior game this week.

The Crows (and Port) are keen to lure Docker forward Matthew Pavlich back to SA. But the Dockers have said "no sale" for Pavlich who has one year left on a 3 year contract. However, there is hope, as Pavlich has rejected an extension to his contract out west.

SYDNEY
The club now wants to play an annual commemorative game for Kokoda. The idea stems from last December when a number of players went on a hiking excursion along the trail where Australians defended their land against the Japanese during WWII. The campaign began in July 1942 and lasted for 2 months.

Defender Leo Barry has made a faster than expected recovery from a quad injury and was back in the side this week. Andrew Schauble (hamstring, 9 weeks out) and Brad Seymour also returned from injury.

Dale Lewis is two away from a return from a back injury.

CARLTON
President John Elliott believes economics might force some clubs into considering matches at Optus Oval. He said that a club would only need about 15000 in attendance to break even financially, half of what is required at the MCG or Colonial. He believes matches involving interstate teams which have poor attendances could be profitable at Optus.

Craig Bradley played his 350th AFL game last week, but this week broke another game record: 467 senior games (97 SANFL, 351 AFL), set by Glenelg's Peter Carey. Carey retired in 1998 and cannot think of a more deserving player to take the record from him. Bradley, by now, would have easily surpassed Michael Tuck's and Kevin Bartlett's 400 plus games records by now had he not opted to stay in SA an extra year before crossing to Carlton.

Negotiations are in progress to re-sign Scott Camporeale, who is out of contract at the end of the year.

Forward Lance Whitnall has agreed to terms for a new two year deal.

Adam Pickering was elevated from the rookie list to replace the injured (knee) Murray Vance. Pickering made his debut this week against Adelaide.

Mike Mansfield missed this week with an abdominal strain, but Ben Nelson (concussion) returned to the side.

FREMANTLE
Has named former Richmond/Melbourne executive Cameron Schwab as their new CEO. Schwab, for the past several years, has run the AFL's website. Schwab has said the first priority is to find a senior coach but indicated that the club may be forced to look at the crop of assistant coaches rather than go after an experienced senior coach. Most on their wish list, such as Kevin Sheedy, Terry Wallace, Rodney Eade, and Neale Daniher are all contracted at their respective clubs and have already said no. Schwab also said he would not be interested in causing someone to breach a contract.

AFL boss Wayne Jackson and football manager Andrew Demetriou were in WA last week to meet with the Eagles, Fremantle, and the WA Commission. Both have expressed concern recently over the state of WA footy. They did indicate that they discussed with Fremantle the resources and operational expertise which were available.

HAWTHORN
Lost Daniel Chick for 2 weeks with a hamstring but regained Shane Crawford, Daniel Harford, and Jade Rawlings.

ESSENDON
Has agreed to an internet deal with Channel 7's I-7. The Bombers will provide exclusive content for the site.
Another internet problem has also arisen. The club is currently paying a 6-figure sum over 2 years for Matthew Lloyd's website. Initially, the AFL agreed to the deal, but now is concerned whether the deal breaches the salary cap. The Bombers say it is business and separate from the salary cap.

James Hird, after just a few days, discarded the crutches he was on for his injured ankle and is determined to be right for the finals, and possibly the last game or two. Hird suffered ligament damage but the club is hopeful he can resume light training as soon as next week. Justin Blumfield and Dean Rioli remained sidelined.
John Barnes missed this week with an achilles problem.

WEST COAST
Regained Peter Matera and Dave Wirrpunda from injury.

COLLINGWOOD
Coach Mick Malthouse has advised 19 year old ruckman Josh Fraser to enjoy his footy and not take the losses so seriously and not to put so much pressure on himself. While he admired his young star for the quality, he believes Fraser may be taking too much responsibility on his young shoulders. Mick said, "I want Josh to be a 19-year-old when he is 19 and not be carrying the weight of the side."

Scott Burns (hamstring) came in for just his 5th game for the season.

BRISBANE
Justin Leppitsch returned from his hamstring injury this week. He suffered a hamstring tear in Round 3 and managed just 15 minutes of senior play since then. He ha been in the reserves for the past 2 weeks.

GEELONG
Justin Murphy was back this week after 3 weeks out with a broken wrist.

Paul Chambers was elevated from the rookie list.

RICHMOND
Even though the last board member remaining from when he was sacked as coach has resigned, Kevin Bartlett has snubbed an offer to return to the club. Bartlett was axed in 1991 under less than amical terms and vowed not to return to the club until all those there at the time were gone.

KANGAROOS
Former president Allen Aylett could be the next club chairman. He was president of the club when it won its first premiership 26 years ago and returned in June as a board member. Interim chairman Andrew Carter, who took over when Ron Casey passed away, is expected to step down at the end of year. Aylett was also president of the VFL for a time.

The club will appeal a $20,000 fine imposed on it by the league for salary cap documents which were late in arrival at AFL headquarters.

Corey McKernan may have to take a pay cut to remain at the club. It is believed that he will be offered less money than his current contract, but he said friendships were more important than money and he wants to remain a Roo.

Leigh Colbert is out for the season after knee surgery for damaged cartilage suffered in Round 15 against the Eagles when he collided with a goal post.

David King (broken finger) returned this week.

GENERAL SILLINESS
Sam Newman was in the thick of things again on last week's Footy Show - but this time he was the innocent victim. He came out at the start of the show wearing a Fremantle uniform as a shot at Hawthorn's Shane Crawford (a regular panelist). Crawford knew he was going to be in for a grilling after the Hawks' loss to the Dockers last week and thought he would get one up on Sam early. He pulled down the shorts Newman was wearing and then pulled down Sam's underwear, revealing Sam's manhood on the airwaves. The station's switchboard logged almost 200 complaints. Crawford was somewhat apologetic, saying he, as a role model, probably shouldn't have done what he did. He also became a bit defensive saying viewers of the show had to be prepared for anything and if they didn't like it, they could change channels.

On to the scores:

KANG 6.3 14.4 17.4 21 5 (131)
GEEL 3.2 7.3 8.9 12.10 (82)
GOALS: KANG - Pickett 3, King 3, Motlop 3, Grant 2, Carey 2, Rocca 2, Harvey 2, McKernan 2, Rawlings, Makepeace; GEEL - Graham 3, Bizzell 2, Enright 2, Kilpatrick, Kingsley, White, Murphy, Scarlett
BEST: KANG - Simpson, Burton, Harvey, Grant, McCartney, Motlop; GEEL - Riccardi, Sanderson, King

INJURY: GEEL - Ling (ankle) replaced in selected side by D Wojcinski

REPORTS: GEEL - C. Mooney for striking Sinclair

UMPIRES: McLaren, Ellis, McBurney

ATTENDANCE: 30,918 at Colonial Stadium

The Roos more than made up for their dismal 3-goal outing against Sydney last week. The Cats dominated early and led by two goals midway through the first term, but the Kangaroos then slammed on 8 goals from midway in the first term to almost midway of the second to lead by 38 points. Goals to Bizzell and Kilpatrick put the Cats back within 26 points but the Roos then kicked 5 goals to 2 to lead by 43 points at 1/2 time. Again the Cats dominated play early in the 3rd term, but could muster only 3 points before Carey got his second goal for the Roos. The Cats again wasted shots with 3 more behinds before an errant Milburn pass was snapped up by Grant who then goaled for the Roos. The 49-point lead at 3/4 time put the game beyond doubt. The Roos couldn't muster any more percentage though as both sides managed 4.1 for the final term. The victory also maintained the Roos’ remarkable 8-year streak of not losing four matches in a row, something they have never done under coach Denis Pagan.

PA 3.1 10.5 17. 8 19.11 (125)
STK 3.8 6.12 11.13 16.18 (114)
GOALS: PA - Francis 4, C Cornes 4, Tredrea 3, Cockatoo-Collins 2, Stevens 2, Primus, Schofield, Dew, James; StK - Milne 4, Hamill 3, Everitt 3, Plapp 2, Moyle 2, Hudghton, Callaghan
BEST: PA - C. Cornes, Stevens, Wanganeen, Francis, Tredrea, Cockatoo-Collins, James;
StK - Everitt, Milne, Thompson, Moyle, Hamill, Hudghton

INJURY: StK - Baker (corked calf)

UMPIRES: Coates, Woodcock, Fox

ATTENDANCE: 14,018 at Colonial Stadium

Port came thisclose to blowing it, but their better skills won out over a committed and attacking Saints outfit. The Saints may well rue their inaccuracy in the opening term. They held Port goalless until late in the term, but a wasteful 3.8 had them ahead by just 7 points at 1/4 time. Plapp and Hamill extended that lead to 19 points early in the second term but Port then blitzed them with 7 goals to 1 to lead by 17 points at 1/2 time. The 3rd term started with a Primus goal, after which the Saints fought back to within 7 points with goals to Hudghton, Milne, and Everitt. Then the Power stormed in with six of the next nine goals to lead by 31 points at 3/4 time.
The Saints, instead of fading, staged a strong fightback with goals to Milne, Everitt, Hamill, Moyle, and Milne again put them within two points. But that would be it for them as goals to Cockatoo-Collins and Francis gave Port the win.
Nick Stevens (25 possessions), Gavin Wanganeen (21 possessions) and Warren Tredrea (12 kicks, seven marks, three goals) were some of the stars for Port.
Ruckman Peter Everitt dominated for St Kilda and Andrew Thompson (33 possessions) and Brett Moyle (28) were among the side's best. Saint youngster Baker had the better of Francou in the first half, but his thigh injury put him on the bench in the second half, allowing Francou to roam free.

HAW 7.3 15.9 18.12 24.12 (156)
MELB 4.2 5.2 8.6 10.11 (71)
GOALS: HAW - Croad 5, Barlow 4, Dixon 4, Barker 3, Greene 2, Crawford 2, Thompson 2, Picioane, Lekkas; MELB - Schwarz 2, Yze 2, Farmer 2, Green, McDonald, Brown, Robertson
BEST: HAW - Crawford, Barlow, Croad, Lekkas, Smith, Harford, Tallis, Barker, Greene;
MELB - Yze, Schwarz, Funcke

INJURY: HAW - Rehn (calf), Dixon (hamstring); MELB - Schwarz (bruised arm)

UMPIRES: Nash, Head, Harvey

ATTENDANCE: 26,632 at MCG

The Hawks wasted no time restoring their credibility after last week's shameful loss to the previously winless Fremantle, while at the same time giving themselves a strong chance for a top 4 finish. As a contest this match was all over by halftime after the Hawks produced an eight goal to nil second term Melbourne simply refused to man up in the opening half and their lack of pressure allowed Hawthorn midfielders Shane Crawford, Daniel Harford and Angelo Lekkas to amass 36 possessions between them before halftime. This gave the Hawks forwards ample scoring opportunities in the first half and Ben Dixon and Trent Croad certainly made sure the hard work further up the field did not go to waste. The pair booted four goals each in the opening half and even though Dixon did not return after halftime, the Hawks forward line remained potent. While Croad managed only one goal after halftime to finish with five, the Hawks still had other avenues to goal through Barker, Barlow, Thompson, and Crawford. The Demons attack offered little other than for sporadic contributions from Jeff Farmer and David Schwarz.

ADE 4.1 8.5 11.10 16.10 (106)
CARL 2.2 2.3 6.4 8.5 (53)
GOALS: ADE - Jarman 4, Stevens 3, McLeod 3, Ricciuto 2, Perrie, Johnson, Hart, Byrne;
CARL - Lappin 2, Whitnall, Porter, Bradley, Prendergast, Pickering, Fletcher
BEST: ADE - McLeod, Biglands, Bickley, Hart, Smart, Goodwin; CARL - McKay, Houlihan, Lappin, Fletcher, Ratten, Hickmott

INJURY: ADE - Stenglein (concussion)

UMPIRES: Mitchell, Kelsey, Jeffery

ATTENDANCE: 44,542 at Football Park

Adelaide moved into the top eight and put a huge dent in Carlton's top four chances. Richmond Coach Danny Frawley, earlier in the season, commented that teams who play Essendon one week, seem to struggle and, more often than not, lose the following week. And so it was for the Blues as they couldn't match the physicality of the Crows and their usually skilled matchwinners such as Ratten, Camporeale, Koutoufides, and Bradley had little impact. Indeed, the ballwinning capabilities of that quartet were successfully quelled. Biglands controlled the ruck and the Crow midfield of McLeod, Goodwin, Bickley, and Ricciuto dominated. McLeod saw off 3 opponents in Bradley, Franchina, and Freeborn. Carlton trailed by just 11 points at 1/4 time, but were held to a solitary point in the second term and were down nearly 6 goals at 1/2 time. As flat as the Blues were, that pretty much ended the game as the Crows continued to do as they pleased and led by 36 points at 3/4 time and finished off the slaughter with 5 goals to 2 in the final term.
While there were no reports on the day, Lance Whitnall could come under video scrutiny for an incident which left Tyson Stenglein unconscious in the 3rd term. He had to be removed via the motorized medical cart and Crow fans let their feelings be known whenever Whitnall got near the ball after that.

WCE 2.4 5.5 10.9 14.14 (98)
FRE 0.3 2.4 5.7 9.10 (64)
GOALS: WCE - Merenda 4, Jones 2, Wilson 2, Wirrpunda, Ph. Matera, McIntosh, Cousins, Gardiner, Haynes; FRE - Carr 2, Fletcher, McManus, Fewster, Pavlich, Bell, Cook, Koops
BEST: WCE - Cousins, Pt. Matera, Jakovich, Jones, Kerr, Merenda; FRE - Cook, Fletcher, Bell, McPhee, Carr, Parker

INJURY: FRE - Kickett (hamstring), Grover (hamstring) WCE - Kerr (shoulder)

UMPIRES: Sheehan, Schmitt, Avon

ATTENDANCE: 41,285 at Subiaco

Their respective seasons are down the drain, so this game was played for naught but pride. Subiaco attracted the biggest crowd of the season to see who would claim the WA bragging rights for the year. The Eagles were in control all day. However, they had to weather a spirited Fremantle surge when the Dockers booted four unanswered goals to claw their way back from 39 points down to within 14 points. The Eagle veterans rose to the occasion with Glen Jakovich holding exciting Fremantle forward Matthew Pavlich to just one goal while Peter Matera was outstanding across half-back. The experience of Cook, Bell, and Fletcher in the Docker midfield was also telling. But it was the class of Cousins that once again proved the difference as he continued his outstanding season for West Coast.

COL 4.1 9.9 15.15 17.17 (119)
WB 2.4 5.5 7.8 11.11. (77)
GOALS: COL - L. Davis 4, Rocca 3, N. Davis 3, Lockyer 2, Molloy, Burns, Tarrant, Fraser, Lonie; WB - Hudson 3, Grant 2, Giansiracusa 2, Johnson 2, Eagleton, Cox BEST: COL - Rocca, Buckley, L. Davis, Lockyer, O'Bree, N. Davis, Kinnear, Lonie, Molloy; WB - Johnson, Harrison, Hunter

INJURY: COL - Steinfort (general soreness) replaced in selected side by Rintoul, Fraser (concussion); WB - Croft (bruised knee)

UMPIRES: Goldspink, McKenzie, Rowe

ATTENDANCE: 38,793 at MCG

Several weeks ago, Dermott Brereton suggested that the young Magpies were running out of steam as the season wore on. SO much for that theory as 20 year old Leon Davis starred in the win over the Dogs. The Pies fired early to lead by 9 points at 1/4 time. But Davis sparked the Magpie onslaught in the second quarter after starting on the bench. An amazing goal late in the second term broke the game open when he snapped truly from 20 metres after first slipping over and then breaking a tackle from giant Bulldogs ruckman Luke Darcy. His second goal came on the 1/2 time siren to give the Pies a 28 point lead. He followed it up with two more in the third term as the Pies piled on 6 goals to 2 for a comfortable 55 point lead at 3/4 time. Davis capped off the fine work further up the field of skipper Nathan Buckley and Tarkyn Lockyer and young defenders Ben Kinnear and Ryan Lonie while Anthony Rocca was a revelation in the ruck. With number one ruckman Josh Fraser off the ground with concussion for the second half, Rocca not only beat Darcy in the important centre bounce hit-outs but capped off a fine day with three goals.
The loss leaves the Bulldogs a game plus percentage outside the eight with three rounds remaining and with clashes against top four sides Port Adelaide and Hawthorn to come in the next two weeks.

ESS 1.3 2.8 5.11 11.13 (79)
SYD 2.5 7.6 9.8 11.11 (77)
GOAL: ESS - Alessio 4, Mercuri, Ramanauskas, Barnard, Misiti, Lucas, Moorcroft, Caracella;
SYD - Nicks 3, Stafford, Williams, Maxfield, McPherson, O'Loughlin, Bolton, Ball, Goodes
BEST: ESS -Alessio, Hardwick, Fletcher, Misiti, J. Johnson, Mercuri; SYD - Ball, Williams, Kelly, Schwass, Seymour

INJURY: ESS - M. Johnson (shoulder) replaced in selected side by Bannister, Solomon (hip) replaced in selected side by Hille

UMPIRES: Dore, Kennedy, Wenn

ATTENDANCE: 45,057 at Colonial Stadium

Just all this Bomber side Houdini as they pulled off another miraculous and spectacular win after trailing all day. Former Swan defender and current defensive coach Paul Roos said earlier in the week that the team has studied Essendon's defensive tactics from last year and used that as an example of teamwork and creating play from the backlines. It almost worked. One might be forgiven for thinking "No Hird, No Bombers" throughout much of this match. Sydney's lead could have been greater than 9 points at 1/4 time if they had kicked straighter. The Bombers might have led but for their own missed shots at goal. Sydney broke the game open in the second term and looked set to hand the Bombers their 3rd straight loss for the first time in 3 years. Nicks started the roll with a goal early, then Johnson missed for the Bombers, after which a free to Stafford resulted in another Swan goal. Alessio's shot hit the post and Essendon trailed by 13 points midway through the term. Maxfield goaled and it was the Swans by 20 points. Another poster to Lucas was followed by Nicks' second goal for the term to boost Sydney's lead to 24 points.
Bolton stretched that lead to 30 points. The Bombers again missed two shots to trail by 28 points at 1/2 time. The 3rd term was an even affair until late. Kelly had a set shot to put Sydney 33 points clear at 3/4 time, but got too close to the man on the mark, who smothered, and the ball was whisked upfield for Adam Ramanauskas to goal for Essendon - making the three-quarter time deficit a manageable 21 points.
The final term was a torrid affair as Essendon slowly clawed its way back. The gap was still 22 points midway through the final quarter, when Moorcroft snapped a goal and Paul Barnard marked a mongrel Bolton pass to reduce the margin to nine points late in the term. From there it was sheer desperation on both sides, with Sydney trying to hang on to the lead and the Bombers blasting the ball forward at every opportunity. A least half a dozen out of bounds, out on the fulls, and ball-ups in the dying stages are testament to the ferocity of the contest. Alessio finally redeemed himself for the early misses when he converted a set shot to put the Bombers within four points, and the Swans reacted by putting numbers at the ball. Dunkley defended dourly as Seymour conceded a rushed behind to put the deficit at just 3 points. O'Loughlin's chance was stifled by a desperate tackle from Wellman, but Williams managed to get the ball but his shot on goal missed for a behind and it was again a 4 point lead. Lucas then marked and kicked long to Fletcher who snaffled the ball out of the pack and kicked to the forward line where Alessio took a strong pack mark 20 meters out with 4 seconds left. His aim was true to give the Bombers a thrilling 2 point win.
Often times, when two finalists or Grand Finalists from a given year meet up for the first time the next season, there is always talk of the revenge factor for the previous losers (i.e., Essendon/Carlton in 2000 after the Blues' 1999 1 point PF win). Well, it may have taken 5 years and while Essendon has beaten Sydney several times since, the Bombers could well look on this game as payback for the 1996 preliminary finals loss to Sydney when Lockett kicked a 50 meter shot after the siren to give the Swans a one point win and a GF berth.

BRIS 4.5 10.6 14.10 19.14 (128)
RICH 1.1 4.4 10.5 15.7 (97)
GOALS: BRIS - Bradshaw 5, Copeland 3, Lynch 3, Voss, McRae, Power, Notting, Black, C. Scott, Hart, Lappin; RICH - Richardson 5, Rogers 3, Campbell 2, Bowden, Fiora, Cameron, Tivendale, A. Kellaway
BEST: BRIS - Bradshaw, Lappin, B. Scott, McDonald, Lynch, Johnson; RICH - Campbell, Knights, Chaffey, Sziller, Richardson

INJURY: BRIS - Akermanis (foot)

REPORTS: BRIS - C. Scott for abusive language

UMPIRES: Allen, Vozzo, McInerney

ATTENDANCE: 31,324 at the Gabba

The Brisbane Lions tightened their grip on an AFL home final fending off a Richmond fightback to win by 31 points. This was the Lions' 10th straight win, equaling their record run in 1999 and keeping them four points shy of top-placed Essendon and one game ahead of third-placed Port Adelaide. The Tigers were completely outplayed early by the Lions dominant midfield and potent forward line led by Daniel Bradshaw and Alastair Lynch. The Lions dominated possession, with skipper Michael Voss - despite spending some of the game on the bench with a groin strain - getting 28 disposals for the game. Onballers Nigel Lappin (27) and Simon Black (25) also completed their usual high work rate. Bradshaw roamed far and wide pulling down nine marks and 22 disposals while Lynch had 12 kicks and eight marks. The Lions could have done more damage in the opening term but for wayward kicking. But their defensive efforts restricted the Tigers to a solitary goal for a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
Six goals to three in the second term put the Lions in control with a 38 point lead at 1/2 time. This was stretched to 51 points early in the 3rd term, but with Richmond coach Danny Frawley making a number of astute moves to bring stars Wayne Campbell and Matthew Knights into the game the Tigers kicked nine of the next 11 goals to draw within 11 points halfway through the last term. Matthew Richardson, helped by a couple of frees, kicked five second half goals but the Tigers revival was snuffed out when Lions rookie Robert Copeland booted three goals in the final term.
The 20-year-old this week was told he would be eligible for the finals series when the Lions ruled Mick Martin could not be taken off the long-term injured list.
Richmond, already guaranteed a finals position will be playing for top four spot when it meets West Coast at Colonial Stadium next week.

W L FOR AGST % PTS
ESS 15 4 2222 1654 134.34 60
BRIS 14 5 2197 1773 123.91 56
PA 13 6 2061 1725 119.48 52
HAW 13 6 1930 1736 111.18 52
RICH 12 7 1789 1729 103.47 48
CARL 11 8 1936 1604 120.70 44
SYD 11 8 1819 1554 117.05 44
COL 10 9 1957 1768 110.69 40

ADE 10 9 1749 1753 99.77 40
GEEL 9 10 1763 1748 100.86 36
KANG 9 10 1890 1991 94.93 36
WB 9 10 1984 2096 94.66 36
MELB 7 12 1758 2064 85.17 28
WCE 5 14 1537 2153 71.39 20
StK 3 16 1669 2265 73.69 12
FRE 1 18 1508 2156 69.94 4

GOALS
Lloyd (ESS) 83
Lynch (BRIS) 48
Tarrant (COL) 45
Rocca (KANG) 43
Lappin (CARL) 39
Richardson (RICH) 38
Grant (WB) 38*
Hall (StK) 37
McKernan (KANG) 37
Tredrea (PA) 37
Johnson (WB) 36
Ottens (RICH) 36
Robertson (MELB) 36
Wanganeen (PA) 36
Green (MELB) 35

*The AFL site had Grant listed with 36 goals, but it should be 38 with the 2 he kicked this week.

And don't forget to send your footy fan stories to the AFL Record for their Round 21 edition:

AFL Record - Fan Edition FAX: 03 9643 1856
GPO Box 1449N or
Melbourne 3001 e-mail: michaell@afl.com.au
Australia

And be sure to send your stories to AFANA as well, so we can post a few to the website.

Next week's report may again be a bit late as I have a family committment on Sunday which will require me to stay at Mum''s house Sat. night. RATS!! She doesn't have a computer either which means I miss the Sat. night broadcast.
Oh, well....

And that's it for this week.

GO BLUES - PLEEEEAAASSSEEEE!!

Lisa