Productive Talks Continue

G'Day Footy Fans -

AFL & MCC Close to Resolution
Different year, same story - but possibly a happy ending for all concerned this. time. The AFL has again been trying to hash out the finals problem with the MCC. And more specifically, the issue of the preliminary final.
Talks between the league and the MCC broke down several weeks ago when the AFL's bid to introduce commercial issues not related to football angered MCC officials. That was smoothed over by AFL chairman Ron Evans, who later spoke to MCC Trust chairman John Wylie. A 2 hour meeting between Evans and Wylie brought the 2 parties closer to resolving the matter. Evans and Wylie released a brief statement saying a resolution is close. The tentative agreement will be presented to their respective boards and another meeting to finalize details is set for next week.
It is believed the new agreement would give the MCG 45 games a year, including 10 of the best 12 season games, any preliminary final involving a Victorian side with the right to a home preliminary final, flexibility in the schedule to allow the MCG to host blockbusters from other codes, as well as more games during the warmer months.
The AFL also wanted the present "banking" of finals in the first two weeks of September to be extended from a rolling six games over three years to 10 games over five years.
The terms of the existing contract, in place until 2032, which require the AFL to reasonably try to deliver crowds of 2.1 million a year, would not be varied.
This final issue of whether the AFL uses its "best endeavors" or "reasonable endeavors" to achieve the 2.1 million crowd was a sticking point.
Any agreement will be welcomed by interstate clubs. The Brisbane Lions remain bitter that last year they were forced to travel to Melbourne to play Geelong in a preliminary final despite earning the right to host the game.
They were then scheduled to play the match on a Saturday night — 24 hours after Port Adelaide had hosted its preliminary final in Adelaide, so they were not only forced to travel but had to do so with 24 hours' less recovery.
At the start of this season, AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou nominated the preliminary final issue as one of the priorities of the year for his administration.

Richmond Coach Terry Wallace said it was ludicrous the problem had not been sorted out.
The talks came as Adelaide CEO Steven Trigg intensified pressure on the AFL to resolve the impasse. The club also wants a 7 day break between its Round 22 game and the first final.
Adelaide was not the only club calling for a resolution to the problem. Kangaroo chairman Allen Aylett, the former VFL president who began the league's interstate expansion, threw his support behind shifting preliminary finals away from the MCG but urged the AFL to be cautious about what it promised in return. Aylett said the competition had outgrown Victorian bias and it was time all clubs were rewarded for their efforts during the season.
Others joining in the chorus to fix the problem were Sydney Coach Paul Roos, Brisbane officials, and Port Adelaide officials. The Brisbane Lions remain bitter that last year they were forced to travel to Melbourne to play Geelong in a preliminary final despite earning the right to host the game. They were then scheduled to play the match on a Saturday night — 24 hours after Port had hosted its preliminary final in Adelaide, so they were not only forced to travel but had to do so with 24 hours' less recovery and preparation time for the Grand Final.
Richmond Coach Terry Wallace said it was ludicrous the problem had not been sorted out.

As for the finals themselves, it could be another September in which the MCG will be without finals for at least 2 weeks, 3 if the preliminary final agreement is accepted.
With West Coast and Adelaide currently entrenched in the top 4 and Sydney and Brisbane now hitting form and having a real chance to also finish in the top 4, there is a strong possibility that the MCG would be devoid of finals action between week one and the preliminary finals. An even more alarming scenario would be if 5 interstate sides finish in the top five - an albeit remote possibility should Fremantle or Port Adelaide sneak into fifth. That would see one final at the MCG in week one and then none in Melbourne until the GF.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said finals series ticket holders who paid up to $367 (for MCC membership) to watch four games at the MCG culminating in the grand final would be refunded for the missing games.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said finals series ticket holders who paid up to $367 (for MCC membership) to watch four games at the MCG culminating in the grand final would be refunded for the missing games.
All 16 clubs are allocated 1000 series tickets each and should no Victorian team make the top four 16,000 club and corporate supporters would be refunded up to $150 each for the missing semifinals and preliminary finals.

GENERAL NEWS

Tree Bark Treatment
Racehorses use it. The Brisbane Lions use it. Boxer Kostya Tszyu uses it. The Manly Sea Eagles stopped using it, went bad, and are using it again.
"It" is Lact-Away, a viscous liquid dietary supplement, developed in earlier forms in the US as a treatment for thoroughbreds. The supplement is designed to protect athletes against muscle fatigue by helping reduce lactic acid build-up, as well as cut recovery times. It comes from the bark of a French pine tree, has a foul taste, and costs $300 for a 940-milliliter bottle, but many swear by it, including Lions Jason Akermanis and Michael Voss.
The worldwide rights for Lact-Away are held by Sydney's Roger Davies, who took a gamble in selling his car-repair business to switch to fixing up athletes, and partner Vic Davidson, who first heard of the product while treating horses. Davies is trying to sell the product to the Chinese Sports Ministry and plans to introduce it into European soccer.
As with various other medical products, the supplement's active ingredient - pycnogenol - is extracted from the tree bark.
Former Swan Troy Luff is also convert to the supplement, using it to help him as playing coach in NSW.
Davies said the Lions used Lact-Away for a period last year, when they made the grand final, did not use it during their horror run through the first half of this season, but have been back on it for the past "six or seven weeks", during which they have had a resurgence.
The product "spread" when Lion player Aaron Shattock this year moved to Port Adelaide. It is soon to be tried by the Western Bulldogs. The poor form of premier Port this season, however, has resulted in only a tentative response at that club.

Junior Club Investigated for Abuse
Players and supporters of an Essendon Districts junior football club have been accused of screaming racist abuse at boys as young as 12. Parents from the Maribyrnong Park junior football club lodged a racial vilification complaint against their Roxburgh Park opponents.
One mother said she was considering taking the case to the Equal Opportunity Commission, saying it was the second time this year that Roxburgh Park players had hurled racial taunts at their opponents.
Maribyrnong Park officials reported that at least three boys with Sudanese and Sri Lankan backgrounds were called "black c----", and told to "get back to where you came from, you little f black bastards" in the last match of the season.
One spectator was sufficiently concerned at the under-16s match at Kensinagton's J. J. Holland Park to ring police. A police van drove past afterwards.
Maribyrnong Park's junior co-ordinator, Paul Madden, said he hoped the taunts would not deter the boys next year. He said the side included Eritrean, Sudanese, Sri Lankan, Vietnamese, East Timorese, Turkish, and Anglo-Saxon kids, many of whom were playing footy for the first time. While the team was getting flogged most games, he said there was a great comradeship among the team and they really loved playing.
In the under-14s match at Maribyrnong Park, one Sri Lankan boy was reportedly picked on with racist name-calling by at least two Roxburgh Park opponents and his coach had to talk him out of retaliating.
In the under-16s game in Kensington, about half a dozen adults repeatedly yelled abuse at two Sudanese Maribyrnong Park players, even when the boys posed later for a team photo.
Roxburgh Park club president Ewan Wright condemned the slurs, ringing Mr Madden to apologize and offer his support for a league probe. The mother of one Maribyrnong Park under-16s player, said racism was a problem the last time the two clubs met. She said it was so bad several months ago that two boys were in tears over the racial abuse.

International Cup
The 2nd international tournament has been set for next weekend at Port Melbourne. Eleven nations – Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Japan, Samoa, South Africa, Spain and USA – will participate with the Grand Final to be played as a curtain raiser to the Round 20 Carlton/Collingwood game at the MCG.

U16s,Scores

NSW/ACT 9.11 (65) QLD 15.26 (106)
TAS 9.7 (61) NT 7.5 (47)

QLD 16.6 (102) NSW/ACT 17.15 (117)
TAS 6.10 (46) NT 7.12 (54)

VIC METRO 16.13 (109) SA 19.16 (130)
VIC COUNTRY 8.7 (55) WA 13.9 (87)

FINAL STANDINGS
DIVISION 1 DIVISION 2
Vic Metro 8 QLD 12
SA 8 NSW/ACT 8
WA 4 TAS 4
Vic Country 4 NT 0

SA Clubs To The Rescue
A June tornado hit the small town of Karoonda, 175 miles east of Adelaide. The twister caused massive damage to the local footy oval and netball courts The club facilities had its roof blown off and light towers around the oval were knocked over. There was also severe water damage. The club and its facilities is a major community center for the small town, with over 80 junior footballers and netballers. And so the Crows, Port, and the SANFL clubs all pitched in to raise money to help Karoonda rebuild. Karoonda officials were presented with a check for $12,000 last week. Should either the Crows or Port host a home final, the AFL has offered to auction 10 seats at the game day luncheon and the match itself to provide further financial assistance. SA radio station 5AA would assist the AFL with the auction.

TRIBUNAL
The match day charge against Hawthorn's Luke Brennan was dismissed by the MRP. It was the view of the panel that Brennan made contact with Carlton's Heath Scotland from a side-on position. It was seen as a legitimate attempt to bump and the bounce of the ball caused Brennan to take Heath Scotland high.

MILESTONES
250 games: Brad Johnson (WB) played his 250th game this week, 11 years and 7 days after his debut on July 23, 1994. This makes him the second quickest player in history to reach 250 games, behind only Wayne Schimmelbusch (KANG), who reached the milestone in 10 years, 113 days. The other leading players in history behind Schimmelbusch are Adelaide's Ben Hart (11 years, 7 days), Carlton's Craig Bradley (11 years, 27 days), Adelaide's Mark Ricciuto (11 years, 29 days) and Melbourne's Jim Stynes (11 years, 36 days)
250 games: Nathan Buckley (COL)
150 games: James McDonald (MELB), Luke Power (BRIS)
100 games: Daniel Ward & Phil Read (MELB)
100 club games: Leigh Colbert (KANG)
100 games at two clubs: Leigh Colbert became the 24th player in the history of the game to record 100 games at two separate clubs, having played 105 games with Geelong. The full list is Bernie Quinlan 366 games (177 Western Bulldogs, 189 Fitzroy), John Blakey 354 games (135 Fitzroy, 219 Kangaroos), David Cloke 333 games (219 Richmond, 114 Collingwood), Gary Dempsey 329 games (207 Western Bulldogs, 122 Kangaroos), Barry Round 328 games (135 Western Bulldogs, 193 Sydney), Paul Salmon 318 games (218 Essendon, 100 Hawthorn), Roger Merrett 313 games (149 Essendon, 164 Brisbane), Alastair Lynch 306 games (120 Fitzroy, 186 Brisbane), Russell Greene 304 games (120 St Kilda, 184 Hawthorn), Gavin Wanganeen 292 games (127 Essendon, 165 Port Adelaide), Greg Williams 250 games (34 Geelong, 107 Sydney, 109 Carlton), Robert Scott 245 games (132 Geelong, 113 Kangaroos), Paul Hudson 245 games (134 Hawthorn, 107 Western Bulldogs, Four Richmond), Stephen Paxman 240 games (102 Fitzroy, 138 Port Adelaide), Dean Rice 234 games (116 St Kilda, 118 Carlton), Anthony Daniher 233 games (115 Sydney, 118 Essendon), Darren Jarman 230 games (109 Hawthorn, 121 Adelaide), Peter Bell 224 games (123 Kangaroos, 101 Fremantle), Ian Hampshire 224 games (113 Geelong, 111 Western Bulldogs), Tony McGuinness 222 games (109 Western Bulldogs, 113 Adelaide), Darryl Wakelin 219 games (115 St Kilda, 104 Port Adelaide), Tim Pekin 219 games (107 Fitzroy, 112 St Kilda), Earl Spalding 211 games (109 Melbourne, 102 Carlton), Leigh Colbert 205 games (105 Geelong, 100 Kangaroos).
100 games umpired: Darren Morris

TEAM NEWS

COLLINGWOOD
Coach Michael Malthouse has nothing but praise for this week's debutant Heriter (Harry) O'Brien for the way he has approached his football and life in general. Harry, born in Brazil, moved with his family to Melbourne when he was very young, but he grew up in WA. There he played U18 football and was vice-captain of the 2004 U18 side. When he was overlooked in the National Draft, he rang Collingwood and offered to come to Melbourne at his own expense to train with the club. His persistence paid off as the club then took him in the Rookie draft. Although just 18 and still learning the ropes at the elite level, he still finds time to devote himself to charity work.
He joins Travis Cloke, Chris Egan, Sean Rusling, David Fanning, Adam Iacobucci, Heath Shaw, Ben Davies, and Brent Hall as Magpies to make their AFL debut in 2005.

BRISBANE
Assistant coach John Blakey coached the side this week as Leigh Matthews was with family in Melbourne following the death of his mother, Lorna, several days ago.

Midfielder Luke Power last week signaled his intention to stay in Brisbane and reject big-money offers from Melbourne-based clubs.
The Lion vice-captain, who was linked with Collingwood in May - after the Magpies failed to lure Jonathan Brown - said there was work to be done on his new contract but he was "really keen" to be part of the club's future.
He said he had felt no pressure from his teammates and took no offence from comments by Coach Leigh Matthews in May when he said it would be "like bailing out when things get tough" if Power quit the club.
Power, 25, rejected a huge offer from Carlton in 2002 and stayed with the Lions but is conscious that the next contract he signs may be the biggest of his career and will probably determine where he finishes.
Always close to his Melbourne-based family, Power admitted he had discussed the prospect of playing with brother Sam, who is in his fourth year at the Dogs, but said it wasn't the primary consideration.

Injury Update:
Richard Hadley, knee, was a chance for a late return but now officially ruled out for season
Justin Leppitsch, nerve problem in back, 1-3 weeks
Robert Copeland, dislocated elbow, 2-3 weeks
Beau McDonald, knee, resumed running six weeks ago, slim chance for reserves, indefinite
Travis Baird (rookie), shoulder A/C joint, 1-2 weeks
Jason Akermanis, back-related hamstring, 1-2 weeks

PORT ADELAIDE
The AFL is investigating whether Brett Ebert was wrongly allowed to be drafted by Port in 2002 under the father-son rule.
Ebert is the son of former Port Adelaide legend Russell Ebert, who played 392 games in the SANFL and won 4 Magarey Medals, but it has been brought to the AFL's attention that Dad may not have played the required matches prior to 1997, the year Port entered the AFL. The AFL is now assessing the information it was provided by the SANFL in 2002 to see whether Ebert was really eligible.
The Ebert inquiry is part of the AFL's request that the SANFL and the WAFL provide further information to clarify the status of current and future father-son recruits. The inquiry follows last week's ruling that young gun Bryce Gibbs in ineligible to be drafted by Adelaide as his father did not play enough games within the required time frame. In a strange twist, it was Port Adelaide which alerted the AFL to the fact that Gibbs might be ineligible, leading to question marks regarding Brett Ebert.
Russell played for Port Adelaide between 1977 and 1985 but that was interrupted in 1979 when he had a brief stint with North Melbourne.
The father-son rule allows states that a player is eligible only if his father played 200 games in the SANFL between 1977-97. Adelaide's "window is 1970-90 as the Crows joined the AFL in 1991.
One of the key issues is whether SANFL clubs counted preseason games, night games or state games - not simply premiership matches - as part of the father's total games.

Out of form Byron Pickett was dropped this week and Brett Ebert missed with a calf injury.

KANGAROOS
The club will end its affiliation with VFL side Port Melbourne at the end of the season.
It is believed that disagreement over selection between Port Melbourne and the Kangaroos was one of the main reasons for the split, with Port telling the Kangaroos that they no longer want to continue the partnership, which began in 2000 when the old reserves system was abandoned in favor of the affiliation plan.
The Kangaroos are not sure how they will proceed next year but do have 3 options under the current scheme: form a partnership with another VFL side, enter a stand-alone side in the VFL, or have their players not selected for senior games scattered among the non-affiliated VFL sides. The first two options due require AFL clubs to pay a licence fee, with a stand-alone team option being the most expensive.

Chairman Allen Aylett looks set to step down at the end of the year and has indicated the club already has his successor in place.
Aylett has spent more than 50 years in football - the vast majority with North Melbourne as a player and administrator - and was also president of the old VFL between 1977 and 1984.
Aylett, who returned to the Roos as chairman in 2001, said that the planned succession would be smooth. While not committing to standing down at the end of the season, he gave the strongest indication yet he would not stay on as chairman.
Graham Duff, the chairman of Racing Victoria Ltd, who joined the board last year, is rumored to be Aylett's successor. That scenario was reinforced with Aylett saying his successor was already on the board.

2003 draftee David Trotter debuted this week. Trotter, a halfback/flanker had an interrupted preseason this year but has been playing well in the VFL for the past 5-6 weeks, according to Coach Dean Laidley.

FREMANTLE
Former assistant coach Stan Magro has won a settlement of just over $43,000 from the Dockers for an alleged breach of contract, which he claims tanked his coaching career. Magro's suit was not against the current club administration per se, but against 3 former directors - David Hatt, Gerard McNeil, and Ross Kelly. Magro claimed he was lured from Melbourne to WA with a 3 year offer but then was sacked in 1998, less than a year after he had taken the job.
Magro accused the directors of deceptive and misleading behavior under the Trade Practices Act. He contended he was offered a three-year, $100,000 a year deal to relocate to Fremantle as an assistant coach, and that he would never have exposed his wife and children to a traumatic interstate move for a 12-month contract.
He also claimed Docker officials promised him an interview for the senior coaching job if the position became available, to find alternative employment for his wife Anna, and to cover his relocation expenses. Magro told a WA Supreme Court that he was never interviewed for the senior coaching position, no job was found for Anna, and some moving expenses were never paid. The officials denied offering Magro a 3 year contract.
Supreme Court Justice Peter Blaxell ruled in Magro's favor, saying Hatt, McNeill, and Kelly were liable for the breach. Although the 3 no longer work for the club, they are still insured under the club's Directors and Officers Liability Insurance.
Magro, who worked for a time as an assistant at Collingwood, currently is an administration manager for a Perth soft drink company.

Youngster Ryley Dunn has agreed to a terms for a new 3 year contract.
A product of the Murray Bushrangers in country Victoria he was twice named All-Australian at under-18 level and was the club’s first selection in the 2003 Draft at number 10. He debuted in Round 1, 2004 and has played 4 games in 2 years due to an unlucky run of injuries.

Key position player Michael Johnson has also agreed to terms for a new 2 year contract.
Johnson arrived at Fremantle via the 2004 Pre-Season Draft (selection number 8) and spent that year honing his skills in the WAFL with Perth. He debuted in Round 4 this year and has played 11 games.
Standing 195cm Johnson’s versatility has seen him play in a variety of positions for the club and has impressed coaching staff with his enthusiasm and desire to learn.

WEST COAST
Ben Cousins, a hot favorite for the Brownlow this year, will almost certainly decline an AFL offer of charter flights to and from Melbourne for the award dinner if the Eagles make it through the Grand Final. Club CEO Trevor Nisbett said the decision would be left up to Cousins.
Nisbett agreed with Lion CEO Michael Bowers that the fact that the AFL was still trying to pressure players into attending the Brownlow function indicated it did not fully understand the effects of interstate air travel on players. The Lions have twice presented Brownlows at their own function in Queensland because they were playing in grand finals.
Brisbane's past two winners, Jason Akermanis (2001) and Simon Black (2002), did not attend, nor did Port candidate Warren Tredrea attend last year.
Cousins is also a hot favorite for several media awards which could net him cars, cash, electrical goods, a holiday package, and various various medals and trophies including a crystal football.
Cousins is leading most awards around the country. He is among the top vote-getters at five radio stations and is in front in the major metropolitan daily newspaper awards. He is at the head of The West Australian Footballer of the Year, and with 99 votes looks over the line in The Age award. He also leads the Channel Seven/AFL coaches award.

Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Andrew Embley, foot, 4 weeks
Beau Waters, groin, 3 weeks
Jeremy Humm, ankle, 2 weeks
Josh Wooden, shoulder, 1 week
Ashley Hansen, thigh, 1 week

ESSENDON
Coach Kevin Sheedy has suggested the not-so-new idea of Grand Final playoffs which would see the two teams play a best of three series.
He said TV rights would boom, interstate sides could be given the finals they deserved, and the AFL could use one of the finals to boost the code in states dominated by other codes. sports. He pointed to American baseball and basketball championships as well as gridiron's one-off Superbowl.
However, the concept is far from new and has been considered in the past by the AFL. In the earliest days of footy, the premier was decided by a round-robin series between the best 4 teams. Divisional round-robins were also tried with the top 4 in one division and the bottom 4 in the other. And here was the "right of challenge" whereby the minor premier could play a rematch - i.e., a Grand Final, if they lost the round-robin series. This format was maintained with various changes until 1931, when the McIntyre system was introduced.
Sheedy's plan was endorsed by Channel 10 head of football David Barham, who said stations would jump at the chance to cover more finals football, which would in turn bring in more advertising revenue.
Former AFL CEO Ross Oakley (1986-96)said the league had discussed the idea but felt the logistics would be too complex. There was also the toll on players to be considered.
Nor was Oakley's successor Wayne Jackson in favor of the idea, believing a best of three series would dilute the concept of the Grand Final.

Injury Update:
Matthew Allan & Adam Ramanauskas, knee, season
Courtney Johns, hamstring, 3-4 weeks
Jason Laycock, calf strain, 2 weeks
Joel Reynolds, stress fracture in foot, 2 weeks
Andrew Lee, OP, season

Regained James Hird, Dean Rioli, and Justin Murphy this week.

ADELAIDE
Injury Update:
Josh Krueger, back/knee, 1 week
Matthew Bode & James Begley, shoulder, season
Matthew Smith, hamstring, 1 week
Fergus Watts, ankle, 3 weeks
John Meesen, knee, 4 weeks
John Griffen, adductor strain, 2 weeks
Jason Torney, back soreness, 1 week

Graham Johncock (broken leg) returned to the seniors this week. He has been playing in the SANFL for the past few weeks.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Out of favor forward Jade Rawlings must play at least 10 and as many as 15 more senior games for the Bulldogs before the end of next season to receive the full amount of his four-year, $400,000-a-season contract.
Rawlings, who has played only 10 games this season and looks likely to finish the year in the VFL, has a clause in his contract that specifies a minimum number of games he must play over the second and third years of his deal to earn the full amount of his final year. It is believed that the figure is between 20 and 25 matches and the amount involved as much as $200,000.
Should Rawlings play fewer than 10 matches next year, he will be entitled to approximately half of his fee in 2007, which would reduce a potential pay-out at the end of this year to $600,000 rather than $800,000.
The clause and the improbability of Rawlings being able to earn his full contractual sum adds weight to the increasing speculation of a retirement decision from the 27-year-old, who had arthroscopic knee surgery on his troublesome knees during the mid-season break.
Coach Rodney Eade said he had not spoken to Rawlings about his future and would not do so until the end of the year unless Rawlings himself broached the subject. Rawlings' manager Liam Pickering denied that a settlement or retirement was imminent.
Pickering added that the midseason surgery was nothing new for Rawlings, who has had midseason scopes in the past and is working hard to get back in the side to honor his contract. While Pickering described the knees "as fine", it is believed that the doctor told Rawlings he has knees more akin to a 60 year old and that future knee replacements would almost be a certainty.
Rawlings missed the last 3 games of 2004 due to knee problems, but played all of the practice matches and the first six matches of this season before the first of two stints in the VFL. His last senior game was Round 14, but he has struggled to train and regain form since the surgery.

ST KILDA
Has secured Justin Koschitzke and Max Hudghton, both of whom have signed new deals for the next 2 years. Both players have settled for substantially less that they could have received in the open market.
The Koschitzke deal came as a massive relief for the Saints as both Carlton and Sydney had made significant offers for him. It is believed Carlton was prepared to offer him a 5 year contract worth more than $3 million and Sydney had a 3 year, $700,000 offer on the table.
St Kilda CEO Jim Watts praised both players for their commitment to the club, saying their re-signings "sent the message of solidarity to their teammates, our staff, directors, members and our corporate partners."

Welcomed back Nick Riewoldt (shoulder), Luke Penny, Robert Harvey (hamstring), and finally Aaron Hamill (ankle ligament) this week. Out of the side this week due to injury were Xavier Clarke (hamstring), Raphael Clarke, and Brendan Goddard.

MELBOURNE
All contract negotiations including those for David Neitz, Jeff White, and Adem Yze -have been put on hold until the end of the season as the club concentrates on reviving the team's faltering onfield fortunes. President Paul Gardner said contract negotiations were a distraction and he wanted all players focused on their football.

Jared Rivers is out for the season with a broken wrist. It is at least a 4 week injury, if not more. If the Demons make the finals and progress to the semifinals, he might be a chance to return. Nathan Brown was out this week with a virus.

SYDNEY
51 year old David Wade has supported the Swans since long before their flight North. He followed them when he and they were in Melbourne and still follows them as he works in the pokie industry in Sydney. However, Wade was diagnosed with a rare carcinoid cancer and has only 6 months to live. His dreams are to see the Swans win a flag and to be part of the club culture. Although playing well recently, the Swans are still a long shot for the 2005 premiership, but Wade has been granted one of his wishes. He dragged himself out of bed one day and turned up to training where he had a chance to speak with Coach Paul Roos. He told Roos of his condition and his wish to be a part of the club. At first Roos told him to ring the club, but then changed his mind and invited Wade down to the rooms prior to the game and to sit in the coach's box on game day. The first time out, Wade watched from the box as the Swans went down to the Crows. But what he thought was a once in a lifetime experience became more. Roos rang him before the next home game to extend another invitation. Ever since, Wade has been part of the scenery in the box and in the rooms. And he has turned out to be somewhat of a good luck charm as the Swans have won their past 7 home games.
Wade has also helped establish a website about carcinoid cancer. Through the website www.carcinoid.tblog.com, he has told two Australian sufferers about the drug Sandostatin and referred them to his specialist at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. He also has applied for a government grant to continue the site.

The injured Stuart Maxfield, sidelined since Round 6 with a knee injury, could begin full training next week, giving him a chance to play finals this year. He began running several weeks ago, and once deemed fit enough, could have a run in the reserves to regain match fitness and give himself a chance for senior selection.
Maxfield experienced knee soreness in his last match, with scans later revealing a stress fracture in his left knee which required surgery.
Coach Paul Roos said he did not know what, if any, decision Maxfield had made about next year, although the pair have been keeping close company. Maxfield has remained involved in selection meetings and has joined his coach in the box on match days.

HAWTHORN
With president Ian Dicker set to step down at the end of the year, the club has narrowed its shortlist of candidates to 2 - either former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett or corporate high-flyer Martin Ralston who has strong connections to the Liberal Party and the racing industry.
The Hawks are understood to be close to making their decision, having eliminated a number of candidates, including fallen media entrepreneur Steve Vizard, who removed himself from consideration because of his legal issues.
The Hawks have chosen to go outside their own board in their search for the next president. Board member and multimillionaire Flight Center founder Geoff Harris, once mooted as a potential president, has thrown his support behind Kennett, who has other strong backers at board level. Others at Hawthorn are concerned that Kennett's management style could cause unnecessary confrontation.
The club's first choice - favored by both Dicker and his board - Martin Jolly is now based in Hong Kong and could not be considered.
Ralston, a one-time high-flyer at management company Accenture (formerly Andersen Consulting) and treasurer of the Moonee Valley Racing Club, is a wealthy member of Hawthorn's elite coterie "the inner sanctum", whose members contribute tens of thousands of dollars annually. He also belongs to the oldest Hawk supporter group, the Confreres.
In another odd twist, Ralston is the brother of Victorian Liberal senator Judith Troeth, who is an unabashed supporter of the Kennett forces within the Victorian Liberal Party.

GEELONG
Brad Ottens (groin) returned this week, but played only about half the game.

GENERAL SILLINESS
One local club came up with an interesting fundraiser this past weekend. 50 ewes were put up for sale to any individual or organization who wished to purchase and name one. Then the 50 females were led onto the ground prior to the game. The 3 "winners" were then chosen by 3 rams which were brought onto the field.
One group which purchased a ewe was the Triple M Radio commentary boys James Brayshaw and Brian Taylor. They then named their animal Sam Eweman - in honor (?) of fellow caller and Footy Show star Sam Newman.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire hosted a charity auction last weekend. One of the items to go under the hammer was a package which included being Eddie's guest at a Collingwood match day luncheon and then getting to sit in the coach's box during the game. The twist here is that Eddie's good mate, Col DeLutis, bought the package for $16,000. The irony is that DeLutis is such a mad Carlton fan he was once groomed to succeed John Elliott as Carlton president!

And at the same auction, St. Kilda president Ron Butterss spent $20,000 to host a dinner table for 10 alongside Australian pop icons Jimmy Barnes and Michael Gudinski at a swanky Melbourne restaurant. After thanking Eddie for selling it to him, he invited Eddie and Eddie's wife Carla to be in the dining group.

Essendon and Geelong decided to use this week's game to get themselves and fans into the Guinness Record Book for the most people brushing their teeth at the same time in the same place. As fans arrived at the Telstra Dome, Oral-B officials handed them free Oral-B Brush-Ups and a postcard. The teeth-brushing event was hosted by former Cat Billy Brownless. Afterward, all fans had to do was fill out and sign their postcards and hand them in to the Oral-B people to get themselves in the record books. The previous record was 10,240 people.

Most current league players began their long trek to AFL level as teenagers, playing with junior comps and working their way up to the draft. Of course, part of the process even as teens includes training, listening to coaches, and a proper diet. Once drafted, most then turn their spare time attentions to continuing their education. Not so for emerging Adelaide ruckman Ben Hudson. He kinda sorta did it backwards, playing footy as a side while earning his physical therapy degree at the University of Queensland. For him, footy was not the be-all and end-all. It was more about having a kick and a beer with mates.
According to Hudson, team structure had nothing to do with match day selections, it was about who got served first at the bar. And the game plan had nothing to do with the coach's whiteboard. It was about keeping track of who was to pay for the next round of drinks. Speaking of which, said Hudson, no one wanted to get injured during a match. Not because it would rule them out of the next game, but it meant they would miss the post-match pub party.

On to the scores:

ESS 3.2 7.5 13.7 16.11 (107)
GEEL 4.4 8.7 11.12 13.16 (94)
GOALS: ESS - Lucas 6, Lloyd 3, Hird 2, Dyson, Richards, Stanton, M. Johnson, Hille;
GEEL - Kingsley 3, Ablett 2, Kelly 2, Bartel, S Johnson, Ottens, Chapman, Riccardi, Milburn
BEST: ESS - Lucas, Fletcher, Lovett-Murray, Hird, Peverill, Stanton; GEEL - Corey, Chapman, Tenace, Milburn, Ling, King

INJURY: ESS - McPhee (groin) replaced in selected side by Winderlich

UMPIRES: Stevic, McInerney, Goldspink

ATTENDANCE: 47,122 at Telstra Dome

Sweet revenge. Last year, it was Geelong who knocked the Bombers out finals action. Then in Round 4, this year when the Cats were flying and the Bombers bombing out, Geelong belted them by 56 points. Well, the tables have turned with Sheedy's gamble of giving the kids more ground time paying off. They were led admirably by the old guard of Hird, Lloyd, Lucas, and Fletcher.
Both sides had everything to play for in this game with Geelong needing the win to stay in the top 8 and push its claims for a top 4 spot. Essendon needed the win to keep its faint finals hopes alive. Last week, Geelong Coach Mark Thompson blasted the team for not showing enough respect to the opposition. This time they did and it showed with some intense, tough, man on man, accountable football with fierce pressure and tackling from both sides. After Hird sprayed a set shot early, Bartel nailed Geelong's first. Then Kelly got on the end of a slashing run from Tenace for another Cat goal. But the Cats missed several shots and Essendon bounced back with Lloyd fending off Scarlett to mark and goal. Then Dyson slotted another and the Bombers were within 3 points. Essendon grabbed the advantage from the next center bounce as Hird found Lucas to put the Bombers 3 points in front. Then Mooney conceded a point in a goal square scramble before Hille kicked a long point. The Cats regained the lead when Ablett goaled from a Rioli turnover and Kingsley also took advantage of a Rioli error to close out the term with a goal, giving Geelong an 8 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Cats looked to have some momentum going into the 2nd term, but Kingsley kick was smothered by Mark Johnson as the Bombers conceded a point before Richards got the ball on the boundary, ran around to improve the angle and booted a goal to put Essendon within 3 points. Fletcher, a stalwart in defence throughout, then gave away an undisciplined free to Kingsley in the goalsquare, gifting him a goal and the Cats had their biggest lead of the game. And for the shortest time. From the next 3 center clearances, the Bombers rattled on 3 goals. First, Hird set up Stanton for a running goal, then a free kick at the bounce to Bradley saw the ball go wide to Lucas for another 50 meter shot, and a third clearance got the ball to Matthew Lloyd for the next to put the Bombers in front. But just as quickly, the pendulum swung the other way to favor Geelong. First it was Fletcher again giving away a free to Kingsley for a high tackle. Kingsley followed up with a point before Steve Johnson and Kelly booted 2 more for the Cats. Jason Johnson could have made the margin much tighter but missed, leaving the Bombers 8 points down at 1/2 time.
As the two teams left the field, some harsh words were exchanged and McVeigh appeared to hit Steve Johnson, sparking a brief push-and-shove which will certainly result in a few fines.
Within a minute of the restart, Hille pushed forward from the bounce as Lloyd and Hird combined to get the ball to the square where Hille then soccered it through. Fletcher was again the villain early as he conceded a 50 meter penalty to Ablett resulting in a goal to Chapman. While Fletcher found himself cooling his heels on the bench and probably getting his ears burned by Coach Sheedy, Ottens goaled to give the Cats their biggest lead yet -14 points. But it was again short lived when Lucas fired one in form 50, followed by one to Mark Johnson, putting the Bombers within 2 points. Corey could have made it 8 but sprayed the shot. The Bombers again rebounded from the kickout, finding Lucas 65 meters out. After weighing up his options, Lucas gave the ball a mighty roost but it was touched by a desperate lunge from Scarlett. The Bombers weren't having much better luck than the Cats to gain an advantage as Richards was awarded a free and a 50 meter penalty when Milburn was pinged for holding him after a mark. He missed a golden chance as his kick hit the post.
The Cats attacked again only to be repelled again by Fletcher, who reached over Kingsley to belt the ball out of bounds. The Bombers cleared and went forward again and again it was Lucas out on a long lead to give Essendon a 4 point lead. Moments later, Lucas did it again after a Mooney fumble was recovered by Lovett-Murray who quickly swept the ball from halfback. Scarlett was finally shifted away from Lloyd and onto Lucas. It mattered little, as the Cats just could not find a clear path to goal with Fletcher blanketing Kingsley and Ling and Ablett both missing crucial shots. Lucas got away from Scarlett for one last hurrah, this time from inside the center square. With Scarlett far from the goal line, there was no one this time to make that desperate lunging attempt and the ball sailed through cleanly, giving Essendon a 14 point lead. After Chapman missed, Riccardi slotted one late goal, but it was Essendon by 7 points at 3/4 time.
At the start of the final term, Hird was in the thick of the action as the Bombers attacked again. Henneman's kick was smothered and there was a ball up in the goal square. With players clustered around, it made for a mad scramble. Somehow, Hird managed to get boot to ball amidst the tangle of legs to skitter the ball through. Jason Johnson and Lovett both missed to leave the door open for Geelong. McVeigh was pinged for holding the ball with the kick going Kelly's way but again Fletcher stopped the Cats in their tracks when a solid bump on Mooney spilled the ball and the Bombers cleared it to Hird 45 meters out and it was a 20 point lead midway through the term. Try as they might, the Cats just could not break the Bomber defence as McVeigh stepped in for another excellent save, a diving rushed behind just in front of Kingsley. Ditto Lovett-Murray. The Bombers were away again with Lloyd giving them a 26 point lead. Kingsley missed again, leaving it to Ablett to finally get a goal for the Cats with just a few minutes remaining. Misses from both sides were then followed by one last gasp from the Cats as Milburn managed one final goal just seconds before the siren.
For the Bombers, Hille had 22 hitouts but the evenness of the midfield was indicative by the possession count. Peverill led the way with 20 and 7 marks, with Jason Johnson ((16/6), Mark Johnson (18), and Hird close behind. Lucas was the star of show with 17 touches and 9 marks, while Fletcher (18) and Lovett-Murray (20) all but impassable in defence. So dominant was the Essendon defence, Kingsley had just one kick after half time.
For the Cats, King had 30 hitouts and 14 possessions. Corey (36/11), Ling (27), Bartel (19), Tenace (20) battled hard in the middle but had no focal point up forward.

STK 8.3 13.6 23.12 27.14 (176)
MELB 5.3 7.6 11.6 13.10 (88)
GOALS: StK - Gehrig 7, Dal Santo 5, Montagna 3, Koschitzke 2, Guerra 2, Hamill, Hayes, Riewoldt, Voss, Ball, Powell, Maguire, Milne;
MELB - Robertson 6, Yze 3, Miller 2, Moloney, Wheatley
BEST: StK - Dal Santo, Hayes, Hamill, Gehrig, Harvey, Riewoldt; MELB - Robertson, Moloney, Yze, White, Wheatley, McDonald

INJURY: MELB - Bruce & Neitz (knee), McDonald (shoulder), Whelan (finger), Carroll (concussion; STK - Thompson (broken nose)
Bruce will miss the rest of the season with a medial ligament strain, while Neitz suffered a jarred knee

CHANGES: STK - Ackland replaced in selected side by Montagna

UMPIRES: Vozzo, Davis, McLaren

ATTENDANCE: 39,584 at MCG

The Demons came out fired up and immediately tried to intimidate the Saints with scuffles breaking out before the first bounce. Riewoldt was an early target as several Demons decided to test his shoulder. But the Saints put their concentration where it mattered most - on the ball and continually won it out of the middle. The Demons gifted the Saints the first 2 goals, giving away two undisciplined free kicks. By the middle of the term, the Saints had 5 goals on the board and a 22 point lead. The Demons fought back, primarily through Robertson who kicked 3 early goals with Yze and Wheatley chiming in. But Dal Santo, who had 3 goals for the entire year, had 3 to his name early in the term. It remained close until late in the term when Bruce marked but had his kick intercepted by Voss. The Dees got it back when Riewoldt did the same on a wing but again the Demons turned it over and Dal Santo kicked his 4th for the term, giving the Saints a 3 goal lead at 1/4 time and their best ever opening term against Melbourne.
Neitz set up Miller for a goal to start the 2nd term, but two dubious umpire decisions handed the Saints the next 2. The first was a doubtful mark paid to Hamill, then a dreadful deliberate out of bounds decision was paid against Wheatley which led to a goal to Koschitzke, following a pass from Harvey. Robertson pulled one back for the Demons, his 50th for the season but Neitz followed with a miss then gave away a free to his minder Hudghton as the Saints cleared again. Maguire got the ball, took off for a run, and goaled from 50. Koschitzke and Thompson both missed shots which would have blown the game open, but the Saints kept up the pressure as Carroll dropped an easy mark in defence. Baker grabbed it and found Gehrig in the square. Gehrig was busy for the next few minutes with a miss and another goal, giving the Saints a 6 goal lead at 1/2 time.
The Saints buried the Demons early in the 3rd term, kicking 3 goals within a minute. All 3 came from the center bounces as the Demons couldn't get near the ball. First it was Ball recovering his own spoil on Ferguson. Then Riewoldt kicked the second from the next bounce. Ball was in the thick of it again from the middle, finding Montagna 35 meters out in space and the Saints were into triple digits. The Demons finally got into it when Johnstone smothered a Montagna kick and the Demons went forward where Robertson slotted one. Milne then joined in the Saint avalanche, marking outside 50, baulking around Johnstone and booting one on the run from 40.
The Demons again found a spark through the hardworking Moloney who marked 55 meters out and kicked another long goal from 55 meters on the run. The Saints quickly replied with Guerra making the most of a free kick. Then play was stopped for a few minutes as Carroll had to be stretchered off after getting crunched as tried to mark in a pack. When play restarted, it was all the Saints with Guerra again chiming in, then Gehrig booted 2 in the space of a minute. Moloney and Yze gave a belated yelp for the Demons with 2 late goals but the Saints finished off the term with another to Montagna and virtually ended the match as a contest, They had 150 points and a 13 goal lead at 3/4 time.
By the start of the final term, the out of form and goalless Neitz was sent to defence in an effort to stop Gehrig. Holland was also sent to defence. Whether the ploy worked or the Saints were just slowing a bit, it didn't matter even when Powell goaled from a free and Yze followed with one a few minutes later. After Moloney hit the post, Riewoldt, Harvey, and Hamill all came off for a well deserved rest. More disaster hit the Demons when Neitz hobbled off injured. Robertson kicked one final goal for the Demons, but as was the case the entire match, the Saints replied in style with goals to Dal Santo and Gehrig.
The 88 point win is the Saints' biggest winning margin against the Demons, bettering the 86 point margin in 1997.
The Saints had winners everywhere. Hayes (26/9), Powell (26), Dal Santo (25), Harvey (23), and Riewoldt (20/10) ruled the midfield. Koschitzke (13 hitouts) and Baker (10) conceded the center battle to White, but Kosi worked hard around the ground again with 18 possessions and 7 marks. Riewoldt was also prominent on the wing while Hamill (17, 7 tackles) was a force across half forward. Baker kept Davey out of action.
White was again superb in the ruck with 33 hitouts, 23 possessions, and 10 marks, but the midfield failed to fire with Johnstone (17) and Moloney (24) lacking support. Robertson at full forward can hold his head up as his accuracy from just 7 kicks and 4 marks was the only effort keeping the Demons alive in the first half. Read (20) tried hard in defence but was overwhelmed.

WCE 3.8 7.11 8.15 12.25 (97)
HAW 1.4 3.5 6.6 7.7 (49)
GOALS: WCE - Matera 3, Cox 2, Nicoski 2, Staker, McDougall, Sampi, Cousins, Selwood;
HAW - Williams 2, Young, Lonie, Franklin, Jacobs, Dixon
BEST: WCE - Cox, Cousins, Kerr, Fletcher, Judd, Glass; HAW - Hodge, Smith, Crawford, Jacobs, Clarke

INJURY: HAW - Ladson (broken arm)

REPORTS: WCE - Sampi reported by field umpire Hendrie for rough conduct against Lewis

UMPIRES: Schmitt, Hendrie, Woodcock

ATTENDANCE: 39,412 at Subiaco Oval

With 1st vs 15th, one could reasonably expect a blowout of massive proportions but the plucky Hawks defended admirably in the early stages of the opening term, restricting the inaccurate Eagles to just 4 points. It wasn't until halfway through the term that the Eagles finally broke the drought with Staker booted the first goal from 50 meters. McDougall followed up 5 minutes later. Young got the first for the Hawks - as well as his first career goal. Both sides were equally wasteful from then on before Matera booted a late goal to give the Eagles a 16 point lead at 1/4 time.
Williams had the Hawks within 5 points with two quick goals to start the 2nd term. The Eagles failed to fire until late in the term. Nicoski started the mini-run when he got the ball, evaded several tackles, and slotted the goal from 40 meters. Then Cox chased down a Hawk player, earned the free and put one through from 50 meters. Sampi crumbed off a pack and Nicoski fired in another to give the Eagles a 30 point lead at 1/2 time.
Hawthorn closed the gap with two early goals in the 3rd term after the Eagles hit the post twice. Cox snapped a beauty from 30 to hold off the Hawks but a late goal to Jacobs had the Hawks within 21 points at 3/4 time.
The Eagles ran away with the game in the final term with 4 goals to 1.
Cox dominated the ruck with 23 hitouts and added another dimension to the star-studded midfield with 18 possessions and 6 marks. The usual suspects of Cousins (29/10), Kerr (27), Braun (21/7), Judd (26/6), and Stenglein (18/7) ran rampant while Glass (16/7) starred in defence where Nicoski and Wirrpunda also provided plenty of rebound.
Everitt did well with 16 hitouts while Crawford (25), Hodge (35), Lonie (20), Roughead (19/9) battled hard in the middle. Smith (28) was his usual cool self across halfback with Jacobs also working overtime against the odds.

ADE 1.0 3.2 8.4 8.6 (54)
SYD 2.1 4.4 5.5 6.11 (47)
GOALS: ADEW - Welsh 3, McGregor, Ricciuto, Burton, Goodwin, Johncock; SYD - O'Loughlin 2, Mathews, Buchanan, Davis, Goodes
BEST: ADE - Bock, Hart, Edwards, Johncock, Rutten, Burton, McLeod, Doughty; SYD - Goodes, Kirk, Buchanan, Mathews, O'Keefe

UMPIRES: Kennedy, Head, Wenn

CROWD: 45,629 at AAMI Stadium

The low-scoring first term was the result of both sides manning up in a close-checking encounter. Matthews had Mattner's measure on the wing and Bassett kept tight reign on O'Loughlin. Barry kept Walsh out of the contest for half the match and Rutten shut down Hall. It wasn't until midway through the term that Matthews and O'Loughlin broke clear for two goals to the Swans. McGregor answered for the Crows late in the term. Ball was doing well in the ruck and the Swans were winning at the stoppages. They were also winning the free kick count, much to the chagrin of the parochial home crowd. The dominance showed little return in a tight tussle with Syndey holding a narrow 7 point lead at 1/4 time.
Buchanan missed a set shot from close range to start the second. Kirk also missed before Buchanan made amends with a goal to give Sydney a 15 point lead 10 minutes into the 2nd term. Adelaide's second scoring shot - a behind to Welsh - followed soon after. The Crows finally found some accuracy with successive goals. The first was a massive 70 meter torpedo from the unusually quiet Ricciuto. Then Burton snapped one from a tight angle and it was game on. Davis kicked a late goal to give Sydney an 8 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Crows seized control and opened up the game in the 3rd term. Consecutive goals to Welsh, Goodwin, and Welsh again from consecutive center bounces had the Crows 4 points in front. It was a goal the difference when Welsh hit the post and Perrie missed. But Johncock and Welsh goaled within minutes of each other and Adelaide was out to a 24 point lead. Hall then missed a crucial shot, but O'Loughlin goaled to have the Swans within 17 points at 3/4 time.
The final term was a dour struggle as Syndey began flooding and held the Crows to just two points. But the Crows put up a stiff defence with first Mattner smothering a Kirk kick and forcing a point. Goodes broke free to kick a goal from 55 meters to slash the margin. Hall had a chance to get the Swans even closer but gave up a 50 meter penalty to Biglands. But the Crows could not make any further inroads on the board. The Swans had 3 more chances to steal the game but missed all three as Kennelly kicked a 55 meter point, then O'Keefe and Davis also missed with less than a minute remaining as the Crows hung on to record their 6th straight win for the first time in their history. Their previous best was 5 on the trot in 1992, 1997, and 2002. They have also won 9 of their past 10 matches. It also gives them a 16-9 winning edge over Sydney overall and an 8-4 record at AAMI Stadium.
Biglands (16 hitouts) and Hudson (17) broke even with Ball 21) and Jolly (11) in the ruck. Edwards ((21), McLeod (21), Thompson (16/11), and Burton (16) did well in the middle while Bock (20/8) and Mattner (19) were excellent in defence.
For Sydney, Goodes (33/7) dominated the center with support from Kirk (27), Matthews (20), and Buchanan (19). Up forward Davis (16/8) and O'Keefe (20/9) battled hard.

WB 4.6 13.7 14.10 23.13 (151)
BRIS 3.5 7.9 12.12 18.15 (123)
GOALS: WB - Robbins 5, Johnson 5, Grant 4, Giansiracusa 2, Eagleton 2, Hargrave, Hahn, Skipper, Minson, Ray; BRIS - Black 3, Rischitelli 2, Notting 2, White 2, McGrath 2, Lappin, Voss, Adcock, Corrie, Bradshaw, Charman, Sherman
BEST: WB - Johnson, Giansiracusa, Cross, Harris, Robbins, Hahn, Eagleton; BRIS - Lappin, Black, Power, Notting, White

INJURY: WB - R. Murphy (elbow)

CHANGES: BRIS - Akermanis (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Logan

UMPIRES: Allen, Nicholls, Pannell

CROWD: 29,200 at Telstra Dome

Who says you need tall timber in the forward line to win games? Bulldog Coach Rodney Eade conceded last week that while it would be nice, he has done quite well with the small setup he has at his disposal. Of course, it doesn't hurt having midfielders who can kick goals as well.
Early in the opening term, both sides played wary football, with neither kicking to contests. Both sides also missed some early chances to gain an advantage. With Harris restricting Lion behemoth Brown to just 2 touches in the term, the early shootout ended when the Dogs kicked 3 straight goals to have a 7 point lead at 1/4 time.
The usual Brisbane onslaught appeared to be on the cards when Rischitelli snapped a goal within 30 seconds. But it was the Dogs who poured it on with hard running and taking risks. The young pups ran the experienced Lions off their legs. The end result was 8 unanswered goals in a stunning 20 minute display. Even defender Hargrave, assigned to mind Bradshaw, left him to stream downfield to kick a goal. He later went for another run to set up Grant for another. After that one, Bradshaw was benched. Voss, appearing to carry hamstring injury, couldn't keep up with Giansiracusa. The blitz was capped off by Robbins taking a contender for mark of the year when he soared above teammate Giansiracusa for a spectacular one-handed grab. The downside was Robert Murphy injuring his shoulder when he dived for a mark and landed heavily. During this time, Brown missed two shots, one a very gettable sitter. But the Lions rallied with 3 of last 4 goals of the term to trail by 34 points at 1/2 time.
The match changed dramatically in the 3rd term as the Dogs seemed to slow to a walk, allowing Brisbane to slowly reel them in. Black and Lappin dominated proceedings during the term as the Lions gained control in the middle and Johnson went to full forward and Brisbane booted 5 goals to 1, cutting the Bulldog lead just 10 points at 3/4 time.
A huge turnaround seemed likely at the start of the final term when goals to Notting and Sherman gave Brisbane the lead after Bradshaw hit the post and Johnson missed. But the Dogs again surged. Robbins and Black traded goals and the lead, then West shook Selwood for another and the Dogs were away. Brad Johnson kicked a goal, then Minson chimed in. Eagleton took advantage of an error in the Brisbane defence before Grant sealed the win with a dodge around two defenders. Brisbane fought it out well to kick the last 4 of the game, but the Dogs just had too great a lead to be overcome.
For the Dogs, Minson (23 hitouts) and Street excelled in the ruck against Charman (14), giving the midfielders plenty of the ball. Johnson celebrated his milestone game with 27 possessions and 12 marks while Boyd (25/6), Cooney (20), Cross (28), Giansiracusa (27/7), Hahn (21), West (31/6) dominated their more fancied opponents.
For the Lions Black (32/6), Lappin (31), Power (23), and Voss (19) put in their usual solid efforts while Drummond (18/5) worked hard in defence. Although Brown had 15 possessions and 6 marks, he managed just 2 behinds. Bradshaw was even less effective with just 3 kicks, 3 handballs, and 3 marks.

CARL 7.0 12.4 18.6 22.9 (141)
RICH 3.5 8.8 11.8 16.10 (106)
GOALS: CARL: Stevens 4, Fevola 4, Fisher 3, Waite 3, Morrell 2, Longmuir 2, Koutoufides 2, Bryan, Scotland; RICH - Simmonds 3, Deledio 2, Stafford 2, Tambling 2, Moore 2, Pettifer 2, Coughlan 2, Hilton
BEST: CARL - Stevens, Koutoufides, Scotland, Whitnall, Fisher, Waite; RICH - Campbell, Pettifer, Hartigan, Tuck, Hilton, Coughlan

INJURY: RICH - Richardson (concussion), Tivendale (hip)

CHANGES: CARL - Sporn replaced in selected side by Bryan; RICH - Gaspar (hamstring) replaced by Moore, Chaffey (groin) replaced by Hartigan

UMPIRES: Quigley, Ellis, K. Nicholls

ATTENDANCE: 34,925 at Telstra Dome

Carlton finally ended its longest losing streak (11 games) since 1901 and just may have put paid to Richmond's slim finals hopes. The Tigers went into this game without key defenders Darren Gaspar and Andrew Kellaway, then lost Richardson late in the first term when he backed into a marking contest and was crunched in the pack. With a strong forward line composed of Fevola, Waite, Fisher, and Longmuir and defender Thornton still missing in action, Whitnall was relegated to defence where he performed with aplomb to read the play, and provide constant rebound out of the backline.
Despite Simmonds and Knobel having a slight edge in the ruck, the Carlton onballers still won plenty of the ball out of the middle and used it better. With the likes of Kouta, Camporeale, Stevens, and Scotland racking up possessions and running the lines, Carlton jumped the Tigers early with 7 straight goals. The Tigers had one more scoring shot, but wasted most of them, with Simmonds missing 2 set shots. Fisher, Longmuir, and Waite did most of the damage in the term, kicking 2 goals apiece, helping the Blues to a 19 point lead at 1/4 time.
The goal barrage continued in the 2nd term, with Carlton's first 6 shots on goal resulting in 5 goals. Although the Tigers fought back with 5 goals of their own, it was still Carlton by 19 points at 1/2 time.
The dominance continued in the 3rd term as Carlton just kept running the lines, repelling Tiger attacks, and tackling hard to blow the Tigers away with 6 goals to 3 to establish a commanding 44 point lead at 3/4 time.
Richmond tried hard in the final term to reel in the Blues, with Tambling and Deledio battling away in the middle and up forward. Bowden, who had started across halfback, was thrown into the middle in an effort to halt Carlton's run. But whenever the Tigers challenged, the Blues responded. The Tigers won the final term 5 goals to 4, but it was not enough to overcome the Blues. Carlton's score was the first time they managed 100 points or more since Round 4.
The Tigers still have a chance to make the finals, but have to win 3 of their next 4 games against Fremantle, the Bulldogs, Hawthorn, and Geelong.
Carlton has a slim chance of getting off the bottom if they can win just one more game and Hawthorn loses its last 4. Carlton's draw with Port earlier in the season would make the difference.
For Carlton, French and Bryan were effective in the ruck with 16 and 6 hitouts but it was the midfield which shone. Stevens (23), Camporeale (24/6), Carrazzo (22/7), and Scotland (28/9) dominated while Koutoufides (31/8) put in a vintage performance, reminding one and all just how dominant he can be when on song. Whitnall (22/10) dominated a depleted Tiger forward line. Waite (14/8) was terrific up forward. While Fevola didn't have a lot of stats with just 7 kicks and 4 marks, he made them count.
For Richmond, Knobel (17 hitouts) and Simmonds (15) tried valiantly in the ruck, while Tuck (22), Campbell (20), Deledio (18), and Johnson (18) tried to lift in the middle. Up forward, Tambling (18/7) and Pettifer (19/7) battled to keep their side in it.

FRE 4.3 7.3 10.5 15.8 (98)
COL 2.4 5.8 9.11 12.13 (85)
GOALS: FRE - Pavlich 5, Medhurst 3, J. Carr 2, Black, Grover, Headland, McPharlin, Sandilands; COL - Licuria 4, Tarrant 3, Buckley 2, Holland, O'Bree, Swan
BEST: FRE - Pavlich, J. Carr, Grover, Mundy, Bell, Longmuir; COL - Licuria, Holland, Buckley, Swan, Woewodin

INJURY: FRE - Pavlich (bruised hip); COL - Lonie (knee)

REPORTS: COL - Tarrant for striking M. Carr

UMPIRES: James, Grun, Kamolins

ATTENDANCE: 25,586 at MCG

The Dockers, accustomed to the wide open spaces of Subiaco, began with plenty of run before the Magpies cottoned on to play a more close-checking game. Before they could barely blink, Freo was on the board with two goals to Medhurst. He could have two more but missed both. Buckley was getting off to a slow start and also sprayed a shot before Sandilands roamed forward to extend Freo's lead to 19 points. Finally, O'Bree and Licuria notched goals for the Magpies late in the term. Pavlich, well-held for most of the term, booted the next goal to give Fremantle an 11 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Pies played more accountable football in the 2nd term as they attempted to restrict Fremantle's space. It worked for a time with Buckley and Licuria kicking the first two goals to give Collingwood the lead. But Pavlich began to exert his considerable influence and strength, as he roamed up the ground to be a target and then headed forward to kick 3 goals for the Dockers. Swan nailed one for the Pies late, but Freo held a 7 point lead at 1/2 time.
Buckley narrowed the gap at the start of the 3rd term, but Pavlich goaled from a set shot after Lonie was stretchered off. Grover's goal gave the Dockers a 13 point lead before Holland bounced one through from a long way out. McPharlin then took a contender for goal of the week with a sensational pack mark and goaled. But Tarrant bobbed up for one, then Licuria goaled after the siren to level the scores at 3/4 time.
Pavlich's influence diminished when he injured his hip in the 3rd term, but Josh Carr and Headland goaled to extend Freo's lead. Then Pavlich effected a great smother on Clement, allowing Medhurst to crumb the goal. But the Pies refused to lie down with goals to Licuria and Tarrant slashing the margin to just 7 points. Carr's late goal sealed victory for Freo.
For the Dockers, Sandilands again proved too tall and mobile in the ruck and around the ground with 21 hitouts, 12 possessions, and 8 marks. He was ably assisted by Longmuir (9/13/6) as the duo were too experienced for their Magpie counterparts Cloke (6) and Fanning (8). Bell (38/8) again put in a sterling captain's game, followed by Josh Carr (27), Mundy (20), and Haselby (19). Grover (20/10) and Thornton (20/6) were stalwarts in defence while Pavlich (13 kicks, 6 marks) was too strong.
For the Magpies, Buckley (24/9), Licuria, (22/8), Lockyer (20/7), Holland (22) worked hard in the middle while Wakelin (19/6) and Swan (19) worked hard in defence. Up forward, Tarrant, despite injury, had 10 kicks and 5 marks.

KANG 1.2 3.3 10.7 15.10 (100)
PA 4.3 9.7 11.11 14.12 (96)
GOALS: KANG - Corey Jones 5, Rocca 2, Archer, Baird, Firrito, Grant, Harding, Makepeace, Petrie, Wells; PA - Tredrea 4, K. Cornes 2, Pearce 2, Pettigrew 2, Brogan, Kingsley, Lade, Mahoney
BEST: KANG - Corey Jones, Wells, Colbert, Sinclair, Archer; PA - P. Burgoyne, Tredrea, S. Burgoyne, C. Cornes, K. Cornes

CHANGES: KANG - Simpson (foot) replaced in selected side by Baird; PA - Primus (back soreness) replaced in selected side by Pettigrew, Walsh (virus) replaced in selected side by Gilham

UMPIRES: McBurney, Ryan, Jeffery

ATTENDANCE: 10,431 at Manuka Oval

Port looked to be back to its premiership best as they rammed on 4 goals to nil to be 25 points clear late in the first term. Dew and Shaun Burgoyne were instrumental through the center during the period, but Archer got forward late in the term to post the Kangaroos' only goal reducing Port's lead to 19 points at 1/4 time.
The Kangaroos cut the margin to 13 points to start the 2nd term, but Port replied. And again the Roos responded. When debutant Pearce booted a banana goal from a pocket - his first league goal - it started a run of 4 to Port, giving them a 40 point lead at 1/2 time.
The sides traded goals early in the 3rd and Port still led by 40 points, but a goal to Jones began a Kangaroo avalanche as they slammed through 6 unanswered goals, with Jones booting the last to have the Kangaroos within 4 points. But a Wells infringement handed a free to Brogan, who goaled to give Port a 10 point lead at 3/4 time.
Port started the last term with two in succession, jumping back out to a handy 22-point lead. But the Kangaroos again rallied with Jones and Rocca booting 2 each to give the Roos a narrow lead. Kane Cornes restored Port's lead lead with just minutes remaining. But Makepeace sent through a beauty from 50 meters on the run and under pressure to seal victory. Port had one last chance but Wilson's running shot bounced through on the wrong side of the posts, leaving Port agonizingly short and all but crushing their finals chances.
The Kangaroos have now won 11 of their 13 games against Port since 1997.
For the Kangaroos, Petrie (12) and Hale (5) combined well in the ruck while Wells (21), Harris (18), Archer (19), Sinclair (23/7), Jones (21/12) and Colbert (16/10) in defence, starred.
Lade (23 hitouts, 13/6) and Brogan (13) dominated the ruck. Shaun Burgoyne (23/5), Peter Burgoyne (22), Kane Cornes (23/6), and Chad Cornes (21/6) were busy for Port. Up forward, Tredrea (14/8) stood tall.

STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
WCE 16 2 0 1929 1413 136.52 64
ADE 13 5 0 1649 1275 129.33 52
STK 11 7 0 1942 1539 126.19 44
SYD 11 7 0 1502 1419 105.85 44
KANG 11 7 0 1687 1679 100.48 44
GEEL 10 8 0 1802 1609 112.00 40
BRIS 9 9 0 1880 1693 111.05 36
FRE 9 9 0 1713 1649 103.88 36

MELB 9 9 0 1821 1877 97.02 36
RICH 9 9 0 1644 1776 92.57 36
PA 8 9 1 1623 1743 93.12 34
WB 8 10 0 1880 1938 97.01 32
ESS 7 11 0 1649 1889 87.29 28
COL 5 13 0 1551 1900 81.63 20
HAW 4 14 0 1499 1826 82.09 16
CARL 3 14 1 1612 2158 74.70 14

GOALS
Gehrig (StK) 64
Williams (HAW) 63
Tredrea (PA) 53
Hall (SYD) 53
Robertson (MELB) 52
Richardson (RICH) 51
Pavlich (FRE) 50
Kingsley (GEEL) 49
Lucas (ESS) 47
Milne (StK) 46

A match-winning three-goal last quarter has helped lively Brisbane forward Anthony Corrie to claim the Round 17 NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.
Corrie finished with four goals against Essendon in the Lions’ 13-point win, taking his season tally to 20 goals from 14 games.
Corrie played all of his junior football at the Southern Districts club in Darwin and was selected by the Lions at No.44 in the 2002 Draft after Corrie had won the Harrison Medal for best player in Division 2 at the Under 18 Championships.
He played most of his junior football at full-back or on a half-back flank, and made his senior debut in defence against West Coast in Round 4 last year, where he collected 16 possessions and was one of the Lions’ best.
Corrie finished with eight games in 2004, included a memorable effort against Essendon where he inspired his team with a courageous act that resulted in a broken jaw following a collision with Dustin Fletcher.
Corrie has put his defensive skills to good use at half-forward this season, pressuring opponents but still kicking three goals against Carlton in Round 12 and another three against Melbourne in Round 14, before his career-high four-goal effort on the weekend. He also collected a season and career high 19 possessions against Fremantle in Round 11.
Corrie has persisted admirably to claim to a permanent spot in the Lions team after a tough start to his career in 2003. An unfortunate finger injury robbed him of the middle three months of his debut season, although he showed some promising glimpses at the end of the year in the reserves.

And that's it for this week.

GO BLUES!