by Tim Murphy
At Docklands:
Footscray 8.2 13.5 18.9 22.15.147
Essendon 2.3 10.9 14.14 18.17.125
The Bulldogs went into their first finals series in six years with a high-scoring win over Essadun. Not fully convincing but at least no one got injured. Thus ended Essadun’s worst season since 1931 and Sheedy’s worst in his 26 years in charge. The Dons were full of their usual confidence after downing premiers Sydney in round one but Lloydy, who booted 9 in that game, ripped his hamstring to shreds two weeks later and losses began to pile up. You’d think the Dons were rebuilding after last year, the previous-worst under Sheedy, but they went out and got over-30 Scott Camporeale and mid-career plodders Chris Heffernan and Richie Cole, none of whom’s done much. Now Sheeds wants to give away a second-round pick for Akermanis, allegedly. Sheedy-type rebuilding. A fit Courtney Johns and sharp improvement from Jobe Watson were the best signs for the Dons’ future, Courtenay Dempsey and Paddy Ryder showed he might be good, Lovett, Monfries, Stanton and Lovett-Murray confirmed their ability. In selection here rookie Bulldog Dylan Addison replaced injured Shane Birss (foot) while the Dons had Jason Johnson back from suspension and called up junior Andrew Lee, replacing retired Dean Rioli and dropped Joel Reynolds.
This weekend marks the end of Channel Nine’s 5-year spell of covering footy. The blokey in-jokery and off-topic bantering of the Noine commentary style has come in for criticism recently, but thinking back to the likes of Sandy Roberts and Ian ‘Robbo’ Robertson, I know who I’d rather listen to. Eddie McGuire’s hefty Pie bias was annoying ‘til he sidelined himself, but Ed is a good caller. Plus the technical standard of Nine’s coverage has been very good, light-years ahead of what Seven used to serve up. Friday Night Football has been a huge ratings-winner for Nine, and deservedly so. Anyway, by halfway through the second quarter here the Dogs appeared headed for a big win. The opening minutes were tight before Bulldog Cameron Wight booted a running goal, his first-ever, from Scott West’s handpass. In rapid succession Rohan Smith majored, found by a good pass from Sam Power, and Adam Cooney roved a pack and handballed for Brad Johnson to snap truly. Dogs by 16 points before Bomma Dean Solomon snapped accurately from a ball-up to get the Dons’ first goal, but most of the Bommaz seemed pretty uninterested, not bothering to chase the hard-running Doggies. An Essadun win here would’ve cost ‘em a priority draft pick, the key factor governing their performance so folks thought. Don Ricky Dyson prevented a certain Puppy goal with a great diving smother, but soon Brett Montgomery was booting a goal for the Dogs, found by a smart pass from Power. Brad Johnson free-kicked a goal after being held back by opponent Mark McVeigh and Footyscray led by 22 points. Scott Lucas booted a goal for the Dons, with a very good pack-mark of Stanton’s long kick. The Dogs replied quickly, Matty Robbins led wide to gather the ball and handpass inside for running Power to hook it through. Soon Power, having a good quarter, repaid the set-up by passing for leading Robbins to mark and convert. A diving spoil from Daniel Cross led to an easy major for Daniel ‘Guido’ Giansiracusa and the Bullpups led by 35 points at the first break.
Early in the second term Brad Johnson marked on a long lead and dished off to Power, his pass created a second goal for Montgomery. “I reckon two or maybe three Bombers are actually having a dip,” opined commentator Brereton as the Dogs went to a 41-point lead. It was 46 points after Brad Johnson booted his third major, coming from Giansiracusa’s good grab. Lucas stopped the rot for the Dons with consecutive goals, the first gifted by an illegal spoil and subsequent display of petulance from opponent Ryan Hargrave, adding a 50m penalty to the free-kick. The second was from a good, low mark. Great play from West and Johnson wasn’t rewarded fully when Cooney’s shot hit the post, but a minute later Lovett-Murray fumbled and Johnson created another shot for Cooney, he drilled it. Big ruckman Will Minson hooked it through after marking on the point-line and the Dogs led by 46 again. Now the Dons began to get interested, aided by Bulldog coach Eade benching some of his prime-movers and swapping some defenders about. A great running, handballing move from Essadun ended with Jason Johnson spearing a running sausage, Lucas thumped a free-kick 55m for full points and the Dons trailed by 34 points. The Dogs cleared the restart and Giansiracusa slotted a running goal, but the Bommers had the bit between the teeth now. Hargrave sliced a kick-in directly to Chris Heffernan, he converted. Bullie Ryan Griffen planted a tackle on Jason Johnson - except Johnson didn’t have the ball, and he free-kicked a major. J. Johnson made it consecutive majors after maneuvering in front of Chris Grant to mark Hille’s helicopter kick. Courtney Johns converted after marking Lucas’s pass and the Dons had cut their deficit to 13 points, Bulldog Johnson hit the post before half-time.
Essadun carried the momentum into the third stanza. Early on Bulldog Hargrave, not having a good night, spilled a mark and James Hird pounced to dribbly-snap a goal. Within a minute or so Hird marked strongly on the 50m line from Jason Johnson’s pass and tested his hammys by roosting it through for full points. The Dons trailed by 2 points now. Brad Johnson came up with consecutive behinds, from the kick-in of the second the Dons advanced and McVeigh’s long punt spilled from the pack, Lucas roved and snapped it through - Dons in front, by 2 points. The game was afoot now. The Bullies cleared the restart after that, Cross kicked long and Brad Johnson reeled in a one-handed mark and hooked it through from a tight angle. Bommer McVeigh, playing in midfield now, missed a set shot before a strong attack on the ball from Doggy Brian Harris led to a goal for Giansiracusa. Rohan Smith got the ball at the subsequent centre-bounce and booted long, Johnson marked and passed back for oncoming Smith to grab and boot truly. Running Lindsay Gilbee passed for leading Robbins to mark and major, the Dogs had booted four unanswered goals and led by 19 points. The Dons managed a goal from the next centre-bounce, Dempsey’s good handpass sending busy Jason Johnson in again. But before the final change Doggy defender Dale Morris completed a surging 3-bounce run with a pass to leading Brad Johnson, mark-encroachment by Mark Johnson advanced the Bulldog Johnson by 50m and gave him a simple goal-square conversion. Junior Bulldog Wight was roughed-up by some Dons and jumper-punched by Solomon as tempers frayed a little. Nevertheless, the Bullies had recovered to lead by 20 points at the final break. Contrary to popular wisdom Essadun weren’t lying down, Lucas collected Solomon’s pass and punted his sixth goal on the night, and first of the final Mario. Dogs 13 points ahead and their veterans Smith and Johnson missed shots. Eventually Cooney sped through the centre and a coupla handballs later Giansiracusa was curling a superb, hooked snap for a goal. Montgomery bagged another sausage, set up by Robbins, and the Bullies led by 26 points, looking home now. Bummer Lucas booted another goal, being allowed to shove Morris meatily in the back before marking. The Dons trailed by 21 points but Lovett-Murray and Peverill missed shots, so did some Doggies as time ebbed. With 4:30 remaining Jason Johnson slotted a running major. A minute later Bulldog Power was caught in possession by Solomon and a very late advantage call by the ump allowed Lucas to boot yet another running goal. The Doggy lead was down to 10 points and they drained the clock a bit before goals from Robbins and Jordan McMahon put a seal on it.
The Dogs may have a few injuries but if Brad Johnson (27 disposals, 11 marks, 5 goals) gets hurt, they’re finished. Johnno’s booted a hefty 70 goals for the home-and-away season, finishing second in the Coleman Medal. Scott West racked up the usual 36 touches but Puppy fans would be most pleased with the form of Daniel Giansiracusa (25 touches, 10 marks, 4 goals). Adam Cooney (25 handlings, a goal) and Lindsay Gilbee (28 touches) were solid. Ryan Griffen ran off half-back for 23 possessions and Brett Montgomery proved a useful forward with 3 goals from 8 marks and 11 kicks. Matty Robbins kicked 3 goals and Rohan Smith 2 goals. The Bommers had two standout performers, Scott Lucas booted another career-best 8 goals (8.2) from 6 marks and 14 kicks, could be a club B&F and All-Australian CHF guernsey coming. Jason Johnson, who started the season very slowly, had 24 disposals and 5 goals. Damien Peverill (33 possies) had plenty of it again and Brent Stanton (26 disposals), Jobe Watson (29 handlings) and Nathan Lovett-Murray (16 touches) were all good. Ricky Dyson (18 possies) tried hard, Jim Hird (21 touches) kicked 2 goals. On the season Sheeds had this to say in the ‘little paper’: “This was our second poor year in a row, but in introducing a lot of kids and giving ourselves a chance to draft and trade well in the coming months, we are bullish about next year's prospects. The last thing we wanted this year was to be uncompetitive and lose a lot of games, there is no excuse for that. But now we need look back and think about the gains we have made, despite finishing near the bottom of the ladder . . . Players such as Lovett-Murray and Stanton pushed past 50 (games) and developed as players. The next lot, including Bradley, Reynolds, Dyson, Lovett, Monfries, Watson, Winderlich and Laycock, are all close. Others got a sniff, too, Dempsey, Slattery, Johns, Cartledge and Lee . . . We lost about eight or nine games by between one and three goals and that hurts. But we have also allowed some massive starts to sides such as the Bulldogs and Hawthorn in recent weeks. This is just not good enough, so we don't kid ourselves about how much work we have to do . . . We would like to get Jason Akermanis, but not at any price.” ‘Rocket’ Eade said "There's a few among the media that think we're just there (in the finals) to make up the numbers. We want to make an impact. It will be a great experience for our boys. I think the players will go out and enjoy it but they'll be pumped up. Last year when we played on the MCG, we didn't play well. Now, we've won the last two there. We think the MCG will suit us. Playing in front of 80,000, it's going to be a great experience for our boys, hopefully there'll be a few neutral supporters that get behind the red, white and blue."
At the MCG:
Richmond 1.1 2.6 7.8 12.13.85
West Coast 5.8 10.12 21.13 26.17.173
Clearly the Wiggles weren’t proud of being thumped in the derby, coming out to hammer the Toigers at the MCG. The Eagles secured top spot and head into September full-strength with Nicoski, Hansen, Wirrpanda, Kerr and Embley all expected to be available next week. In pole position for the flag. The result indicated how far the improving Tigers are behind the top sides, three hundred-point losses to teams in the eight and hefty defeats from Melbourne and now the Weegs too. Despite those results and including a poor run with injury the Tigers are fairly pleased with the way this season’s gone, the (planned) introduction of plenty of young players had Wallace and football manager Greg Miller talking down prospects last summer. But some of those kids turned out terrifically well, notably Andrew Raines and Dean Polo, while Matthew White and Cameron Howat also look good. Patrick Bowden proved a better recruit than most could’ve hoped. All whetting the appetite for next year. Final appearances here for Tigers Greg Stafford and Mark Chaffey, ruckman Stafford played in the Swans’ 1996 Grand Final side and flagged his retirement prior to his 200th game four weeks ago. Chaffey’s decision was a bit more of a surprise, only 29 and 166 games but he’s frustrated by being injured, apparently. Rumours abound that the Tiges are going to dump Darren Gaspar and Andrew Kellaway - getting rid of Kellaway would not be popular. In selection here the Tiggers called up juniors Tom Roach and Luke McGuane to replace suspended Ray Hall and injured Andrew Krakouer (ankle). The Eegs replaced Embley (shoulder), David Wirrpanda (hamstring) and the dropped Ashley Sampi with Steven Armstrong, Matt Rosa and Mark LeCras - LeCras had kicked 7 and 8 goals in his previous two ‘Waffle’ outings.
The start was indicative. After 5 minutes the Wiggles had 40 disposals to the Tiges’ 12 and had been inside attacking 50 six times to nought. In that time LeCras kicked the opening goal from a mark on-the-lead, Chad Fletcher missed a couple of shots before LeCras majored again, a good mark over retiring Chaffey. Big Quinten Lynch sliced his first shot on-the-full and the Toigs advanced from the free-kick, Dean Polo’s long punt was marked behind the pack by diving Kayne Pettifer. He converted - one inside-50 for one goal - huzzah! The Weegs led by 9 points but their midfield, led by Ben Cousins and Tyson Stenglein, were absolutely dominating. Tigger icon Matty Richardson was finding Darren Glass a tougher opponent than Bummer Bradley, poor delivery wasn’t helping Richo. But it was all about Waffle star LeCras early, he missed after marking on-the-lead again. A good kick from Mark Seaby allowed Fletcher to boot a goal at last. Lynch launched a high snap from a throw-in which was marked too easily by Matt Rosa, a mystery 50m penalty abolished the tricky angle so Rosa could major. Lynch marked on the wing and kicked long for Seaby to mark and convert, the Tiges all at sea in matching-up defensively. The Wiggles led by 31 points at the first break and it coulda been more if they’d kicked straight. Burgeoning LeCras marked strongly on-the-lead to start the second term and kicked quickly for unmarked Steven Armstrong to mark and major. A bit later Armstrong converted from a weak of-ball free-kick for holding and the Weegs led by 43 points. The Tiges raised their intensity a bit here, a long run from Matthew White set up a goal for Tigger captain Kane Johnson, Troy Simmonds and Richard Tambling missed shots and Richo hooked woefully from his first attempt. The Weevils missed a few shots in this period too, before a late barrage. Lumbering Lynch, of all people, booted consecutive running goals, the second created by Judd’s tackle on Johnson. Armstrong won a free-kick for high contact and a 50m penalty when Polo whinged about it, Armstrong majored. Weegs by 55 points at the long break.
The Wiggle procession continued into the third term. Sam Butler roved a pack to snap an early goal. A bit later Brent Staker and Cam Howat collided, Staker was assisted off semi-conscious and didn’t return. The Weegs reckon he’s okay. Judd had been subdued in the first half, tagged by Kane Johnson, but with the game gorn Wallace removed the tag and Judd cut loose. He booted a running sausage to extend the Weeg lead to 66 points. A minute later Judd had a high snap which dropped short, Judd himself attacked the dropping ball, won it and handballed to Rowan Jones, onto Butler to snap another goal. Noice second-effort. Richmun were still out there, apparently, and began to do some scorin’. Patrick Bowden’s intercept set up a running goal for Chris Hyde before LeCras booted another major, found alone by Chick. Tambling roved a pack and booted a good long goal for the Toigs, LeCras responded with his fourth goal set up by classy Judd. Tigger Nathan Foley cleared the restart and Richo tapped on smartly for Greg Stafford to boot a goal. They were tumbling through now. Big Cox booted one for the Weegs, Tige defender Joel Bowden ran down the field to punt one, LeCras slotted his fifth with an advantage decision. Lynch hammered a set-shot through from 55m. Tiger fans began to chant ‘Freo’ as the Eegs led by 78 points, at the restart Cox tapped perfectly to Judd, he sped clear, had a bounce and rammed it through. Simplicity. Tiger Howat bagged a goal, Richo missed again before six-pointers from Weegs Judd and Adam Hunter ended the 16-goal quarter, the Coasters leading by 89 points. Could the Tigers start and end the season with 100-point losses? They came close. The final term opened with a casual, even arrogant goal-line soccer-volley from Butler, poking through Lynch’s high snap as it dropped. Richo finally got on the scoresheet with consecutive goals, from marks. After a goal each, Cousins booted a superb running goal and, egged-on by the pro-Weevil crowd elements, Lynch smashed a set-shot home from 65m. Them sausage-rolls put the Weegs 95 points ahead. A shudder of fear went through the Wiggle camp as Judd limped off clutching his groin (muscle), but it was just cramp apparently. Armstrong snapped a goal to have the Weevils 99 points ahead, but two late goals for ol’ Golden Staf averted the triple-figure defeat for the Toigers. Hurray!
Ben Cousins (30 disposals, a goal) was terrific again and had some help this week, Mark LeCras (10 marks, 14 kicks, 5 goals) gave Worsfold a handy selection dilemma and Tyson Stenglein (29 handlings) played well. Matt Rosa (27 touches, 14 marks, a goal) was another handy ‘in’. Chris Judd (24 touches, 3 goals) fired brilliantly for a quarter and Chad Fletcher (32 touches, a goal) was good, as were Steven Armstrong (20 touches, 4 goals) and Sam Butler (25 handlings, 3 goals). Quinten Lynch rumbled about for 10 marks, 21 handlings and 4 goals, he exploited Richmun’s undersized backline. The Toigs’ best was Andrew Raines (26 disposals), who may win Richmond’s B&F in what’s effectively been his first season. Joel Bowden (20 touches, 8 marks, 2 goals) was good if too small for Lynch, the speed of Matthew White (15 possies) was promising. Brett Deledio (25 handlings) and Kane Johnson (15 touches, a goal) were alright. Greg Stafford kicked 3 goals in his final game, Matthew Richardson booted 2 goals. "I learned that we've still got a long way to go, but I also learned that we were fairly inexperienced out there," Wallace said afterwards. "We've played some really good footy over the last few weeks and we wanted to see whether it would stack up against one of the better sides in the competition and clearly . . . we just couldn't get our hands on the footy early in the game - they were just too fierce and too strong around the football. I think it was 13 scoring shots to two in the first quarter and the damage could have been a lot worse; they sort of left us in the game there for probably the first 15 minutes where they just missed goal opportunities. We were hoping that at some stage we might be able to get our own game going, but they obviously came here on a mission and were very hungry and very determined to get the job done." Worsfold talked flag. "The most important thing about losing a grand final and then playing in one a year later (are they in it already?) is that you actually get another 20-odd games under your belt, plus you've had that finals game," he said. "So you're a year older and more experienced, and that was a big part of those (Eagles) teams in the early 90's. In 1990 and 1991 we were a very young side, and from 1990 to the grand final in 1992 most of those players had close to another 50 games under their belt. Any loss makes you hungrier in any game (but) you can't use that for motivation until you actually get into the similar game. If you make the grand final you can think back to the previous year. We've tinkered a fair bit with the way we've played but not based around just the grand final. We worked on a lot of things and some of those things might mean a difference of three of four points on average per game, but that's a fair bit in this competition."
At Football Park:
Adelaide 7.3 12.8 17.10 23.14.142
Melbourne 4.3 9.3 13.6 14.10.94
Reports of the Camrys’ death etc. The Cows may have a few decent players missing but there’s still a few there with ability, and those blokes roused themselves to see off the Dees. This was the key game of the weekend, the Deez loss opened up the top four with the teams immediately below them, Siddey, Collywood and Stinkilda, all facing easy games. All three of them won, so the Demons tumbled to seventh after being positioned in the top four most of the year. Two wins and a draw in the last seven for the Deez, their usual late-season slump. The Camrys face a big game against the Dockers next week, who beat ‘em at Foopall Park a few weeks ago. In selection here the Camrys’ troubles were plain, with Andrew McLeod (infected foot) and Trent Hentschel (dislocated knee) gorn for the season while Ben Hart (strained achilles) and Chris Knights (thigh strain) were also out. Turns out Mark Ricciuto has a rare virus known as ‘Slapped Cheek Disease’ which may also keep him out for the duration of the finals - odd name, usually ‘Fractured Cheekbone Disease’ is associated with Ricciuto. Corolla replacements were Kris Massie, Jason Porplyzia, Scott Stevens and Jason Torney. Ian Perrie played his 100th game. The Demuns welcomed David Neitz and Matthew Bate back into the side and Shannon Motlop came in as a late replacement for Ben Holland (thigh). The Deez lost some running power with hamstring trouble for Matthew Whelan and Byron Pickett.
A pattern of high-scoring games was developing in round 22. The Dees had a goal in the first minute, Aaron Davey roving Neitz’s contest to snap it through. But the Camrys had arrived determined to exert tough midfield pressure and run furiously, their trademark. Team leaders Simon Goodwin and Tyson Edwards were important and Scott Thompson played well. Thompson roved a throw-in, gathering Matty Clarke’s tap, and bounced a shot home. Neitz kicked a long goal but the Dees lost some more run as junior Clint Bartram rolled an ankle, his day was over. Neitz and Perrie swapped goals but in the unaccustomed shoot-out for the Camrys they moved clear towards the end of the term, consecutive goals from Nathan Van Berlo and Jason Porplyzia having ‘em 18 points clear at the first break. The Cows’ forward line of Nathan Bock, Porplyzia, Perrie and Scott Welsh was working alright, Bock snapped a great goal to open the second term. Dee man Russell Robertson snapped a terrific major in reply, but Porplyzia set up a running slot for Brent Reilly and a terrific handpass from Edwards sent Thompson in for a major, the Corollas led by 32 points. The Demuns fought back, kicking four of the next six goals to half-time. As part of this run Colin Sylvia, who’d been off the ground with ankle trouble too, booted terrific running goal. Davey took advantage of an advantage decision to bag one as the Deez closed the gap to 23 points at the long break.
Melbun launched a challenge after the long break. Cam Bruce and Travis Johnstone were playing well and Neitz set himself. Big Neita kicked the first two goals of the third term, both from strong leads and marks. The Dees trailed by 11 points. Controversy as the Cows steadied with two goals from free-kicks. Melbun got one to make it 17 points the diff but the Camrys stretched the margin again. Edwards passed for leading Welsh to mark and convert and the Camrys’ attitude was shown when Johncock ran down Bruce with a great tackle, Clarke booted a goal from it and inspired the Cow crowd. Second-gamer Richard Douglas launched a long shot which bounced through and the Cressidas led by 34 points, but Melbun clung on as Neitz converted a free-kick late in the term. Sylvia booted the opening major of the final term and the Dees were still there-abouts, 22 points behind. Some end-to-end footy followed as the Dees went all-out, but they couldn’t score. Perrie and Johncock combined to set up a goal for Bock and the Camrys led by 28 points again. Welsh converted a mark on-the-lead, Bock with the pass. Tony Modra (or someone) got one and the Cows led by 40 points as the Dees folded. Melbun soon had more worries as Brock McLean was reported for clattering into Scott Stevens, who was crouched over the ball. The sort of hit which routinely earns weeks these days, although McLean protested the collision was with Stevens’s shoulder, rather than head. He may have a case. Stevens free-kicked a goal from that incident and a moment later a woeful, mongrel Biglands kick wobbled past several players and sat up for Welsh to collect and boot a goal. Welsh bagged his third of the final quarter after roving a pack and the Camrys could celebrate a win important for their morale.
Adelaide’s superior ball-use won the day, led by Scott Thompson (24 disposals, 3 goals), Simon Goodwin (22 touches) and Graham Johncock (23 possessions, 9 marks), back to form after some quiet weeks. The forwards worked well, Nathan Bock motored around half-forward for 6 marks, 16 disposals and 3 goals, Jason Porplyzia was great with 25 handlings, 9 marks and a goal and Scott Welsh finished with 5 goals from 12 kicks, 7 marks. Tyson Edwards (20 touches, a goal) and Martin Mattner (21 disposals) were both good. Ian Perrie and Scott Stevens kicked 2 goals each. Melbun had classy midfielders Cameron Bruce (33 disposals, 11 marks) and Travis Johnstone (28 handlings) play well and David Neitz (5 marks, 6 kicks, 5 goals) was the forward key again. What’s happened to Russ Robberson? Daniel Bell collected 24 disposals off half-back, although Daniher was critical of the Dees’ general ball-use coming from defence. Brad Green (29 touches, 10 marks) and James McDonald (23 handlings, a goal) were alright and Colin Sylvia (14 possies, 2 goals) was handy. Aaron Davey kicked 2 goals. The Dees have limped into the finals again and have departed in the first week for each of the last two years. But Daniher was upbeat, again, responding to a barb from Sinkilda coach Thomas that the Dees would be under the greater pressure in their clash on Friday night. "The pressure is on in the finals and all clubs have got to deal with that pressure and playing with pressure and we look forward to taking that on," he said. "If you want to avoid pressure then don't make the finals, don't make a prelim final and don't make a grand final, but we can't wait for Friday night." Neil Craig compared this Cressida side to last year’s model. "Our playing squad is vastly different for the obvious reasons," he said. "But I know our team play is better, I know our structures are better ingrained - still not to the level we want - and the players are much more confident in the system. I think they're much more confident in each other to be able to produce efforts like you saw (today). For all those reasons, we go into the game very positive and we go in with a mindset that we actually want to take them on.”
At the Gabba:
Brisbane 3.4 4.7 7.14 7.15.57
St. Kilda 4.1 10.5 13.6 16.12.108
The Sainters arrived looking for a percentage boost, to move above the Magpiss and claim fifth spot (or fourth, if the Blues could do ‘em a favour the next day and defeat the Bloods. Which they didn’t. But anyway.) The fact the Saints had just one win from twelve games at the Gabbatoir was deemed irrelevant, showing the current positions of the sides. Lyin’ talk in the build-up was dominated by the future of Michael Voss, the Lyin’ legend is still undecided about playing on next year. Vossy has a heavily back-ended contract which may get the Brians into salary cap trouble if they pay out this year - and has them handcuffed next year. Voss played very well in this game. Overall the rebuilding Lyin’s were going alright until the behemoth Jonathan Brown went down with a hip injury mid-season, they struggled thereafter. The unhappy end to Jason Akermanis’s Brisbun career didn’t help and didn’t reflect well on anyone involved, although the club seemed to be chief instigators. Besides that some decent players emerged, like Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiller, Scott Harding and Rhan Hooper. Blokes like Justin Sherman, Josh Drummond and Michael Rischitelli confirmed they have ability. Brad Scott was the only confirmed Lyin’ retiree here, 167 games (he started with Horforn) and two flags for the tough defender - Scott missed the 2003 flag with injury. Scott’s performance on James Hird was a big factor in the 2001 triumph. Twin Chris Scott is determined to play on. Justin Leppitsch retired earlier in the year but the future of Nigel Lappin, his season ruined by ankle trouble, isn’t clear. Now I’m rambling. In selection Brisbun called up Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Rob Copeland and Rhan Hooper to replace Jason Roe (knee injury), Troy Selwood (back), Josh Drummond (hamstring) and axed Irishman Colm Begley. The Stainers sprang a surprise by selecting forgotten ruckman Barry Brooks for his first game in 18 months, along with Andrew Thompson and Jason Blake. They replaced injured men Stephen Powell (knee) and Justin Peckett (groin) and a rested Max Hudghton.
The Lyin’s started well, Voss had a terrific first term with 13 disposals. The Saints tinkered with their line-up, with Brooks and Blake called in to the side they had a welter of big men. Fraser Gehrig started at CHF to run Mal Michael around and Nick Riewoldt was alongside Justin Koschitzke in the goal-square. Nick Dal Santo and Luke Ball ran off half-back with Stephen Milne and Jason Gram given a turn on-the-ball. It didn’t work too well as Dal Santo and Ball were carved up by Sherman and Voss early. Lisbon Brians Jed Adcock and Voss missed early shots before the Saints goaled against the run of play, Leigh Montagna carried a kick-in forward and passed for Rob Harvey to mark and major. Soon Raphael Clarke extracted the ball from a pack and Montagna set up a second goal for Harvey, Stainers by 10 points. R. Clarke also set up the Brians’ first goal, his weak soccer-kick from defence went straight to Stiller, he handballed for Sherman to boot a running goal. A terrific handpass from Simon Black at the restart led to another running slot for The Shermanator and Brisbun led by 2 points. Hooper missed poorly and Bradshaw’s first shot hit the post as the Lyin’s went okay. Before Gehrig led to mark on 50m and kick towards Riewoldt - Barbie won a free against opponent Dan Merrett and dobbed it. Sherman soon bagged his third goal, a great long snap from 40m. But the Saints worked some short-passes and Brendon Goddard thumped it through from 55m, the Satiners led by 3 points at the first break. Thomas put blokes in their normal positions to start the second stanza, Ball and Dal Santo on-the-ball, Gram in defence. Gehrig held a strong one-handed mark against Michael and booted an early goal, but then Sherman snapped his and Brisbun’s fourth major to cut the Stainers’ lead back to 3 points. But the Saints kicked clear now with the introduction of wild card Barry Brooks to replace Koschitzke. Brooks lumbered out to mark on 50m and thumped it home, possibly the first kick he’s had in his 4-year career or whatever it is. A minute later Steven Baker went looking for Brooks again, he couldn’t mark but roving Milne scooped the Sherrin and snapped truly. Brooks did mark his next opportunity and booted truly again and as confidence grew Brooks spoiled Riewoldt, going for the same mark, collected the ball and popped it through again. The Sainters strolled to a Brooks-powered 34-point lead at half-time.
The Lyin’s more than held their own in a wayward third-term in which they scored 3.7. Koschitzke booted the first goal of the stanza but the Stainers began to dither about in that worrying way of theirs. Bradshaw kicked a major for Brisbun and Chris Johnson got one, as did Jed Adcock who had to prove his worth, apparently. The Sainters got a couple more but their lead was reduced to 28 points at the final change. Stinkilda needed percentage to overtake Collywood on the ladder and they added some, but not much, with three goals to none in the last quarter. I’d fallen asleep by this stage, you may have guessed.
After being restored to the midfield Nick Dal Santo (33 disposals) played pretty well, as did Luke Ball (29 touches), while evergreen Robert Harvey bagged 3 goals to garnish his 21 touches. Barry Brooks ended with 15 disposals, 7 marks and 3 goals - the theory is he was being advertised for the trade period. Jason Gram (19 disposals, a goal) and Brendon Goddard (27 handlings, 12 marks, a goal) were handy. Fraser ‘G-Train’ Gehrig booted 3 goals to finish with 67 for the season, equal-third in the Coleman Medal with Scott Lucas. Stephen Milne booted 2 goals. The Brians had a vintage game from Michael Voss (34 disposals, 9 marks), perhaps his last. Jed Adcock (29 touches, 8 marks, a goal) may have done enough and Justin Sherman (21 touches, 4 goals) showed he has some ability. Simon Black (25 disposals) is waiting for help, Scott Harding (24 handlings) provided some. Daniel Merrett (16 touches, 7 marks) did well on Riewoldt. Leigh Matthews reached for the injury and other-factor excuse. "Scoreboards always tends to overwhelm endeavour. If you go back to the raw statistics, it's 28 scoring shots to 22 so it wasn't too bad. They are a better side than us at this point in time, so all we can really do is hang in there. You have to take your chances to build morale. We didn't take our chances so the scoreboard just gradually blew out. It (the season) has been disappointing - very poor. We've won seven out of our 22 games. It can only be rated as poor. But I guess we never found out what we were capable of because we were never able to get our team together to find out. So the consolation prize of having a really poor this year is I feel we are a little better placed for the future." Thomas talked up the Saints’ chances, despite finishing outside the top four. "We did enough but we were helped by Brisbane's inaccurate kicking. I think the conditions caught both sides out a bit with the slippery ball and it did not enable the skills to be a highlight but we did enough to win and won rather convincingly. It's great to get in there (finals) again - excited about the challenge and it is a huge opportunity for us. Our form is not super but it is pretty good and if we can produce 100 percent effort from all our players we can make some inroads . . . I think the premiership side is always the side that works as a team together and wants to do it the most. If we want to do it I've got no doubt we can do it.''
At Subiaco:
Fremantle 6.6 11.9 18.11 23.13.151
Port Adelaide 3.1 4.7 5.14 9.18.72
The Docker juggernaut steamed into September by crushing an uninterested Flower side. All sandgropers can talk about is a Weevils/Shockers Grand Final. It could happen, although it should be remembered the Dockulaters have never won a final. Foopall Park is difficult place to open your account. Port were mentally on holiday, they played their Grand Final last week. The Flowers were erratic in the early season and lowered their ambition - Choco never disguised the fact - once Warren Tredrea and Peter Burgoyne went down with injury and finals were off the agenda. But they’ve found decent young players in Danyle Pearce, Matt Thomas, Jacob Surjan and Greg Bentley. Shaun Burgoyne improved spectacularly and Brett Ebert was better. Freo had a player retire last week, Jarrad Schofield who played hardly at all for the Dockers but quite a bit for the Weegles and for Port, including the Pooer’s 2004 premiership side. The Dokkers made one late selection change, big man Graeme Polak in for Paul Hasleby who has continued abdominal problems. Port called up Peter Walsh to replace injured Damon White (back).
Port were competitive for the first few minutes. The Cornes and Carr brothers engaged in some handbaggery before the Pooey kicked the first two goals. A good handpass from Ebert released Pearce, who slotted a great kick from the boundary-line. Ruckman Dean Brogan and Kane Cornes combined to create a running goal for Matt Thomas and the visitors led by 11 points. The Dockers kicked the next 6 goals. From the centre-bounce after the Thomas goal Dokka Des Headland steamed forward, fumbled his own bounce and lobbed a panicky kick, which was marked and punted through by Justin ‘J-Lo’ Longmuir. Troy Cook won the following centre-clearance for the Dokkers, Ryan Crowley chipped a pass for Headland to mark and convert. Freo led by a point. Brett Peake sped forward and mongrelled a kick, which dropped handily for Crowley to mark and he majored. Jeff ‘Wiz’ Farmer missed his first shot but Matty Pavlich marked the kick-in and a couple passes later Peake thumped it home from 50m. Shaun McManus was equal to a ridiculous hospital pass from Headland, clutching a great with-the-flight mark. Rove’s cousin majored. Cook burst through a pack and handballed to Farmer, Wiz shrugged a tackle and hooked a terrific sausage. The Shockers led by 27 points before a poor defensive turnover allowed Toby Thurstans to boot a goal for the Power before korter-time. But the Freo benefit night continued into the second term, Pavlich outmarked Darryl Wakelin for a goal and a minute later Pav kicked for Byron Schammer to take a backward-somersault ‘mark’ over Tom Logan. I say ‘mark’ as it was very similar to that one Gary Ablett took over Gary Pert, Schammer didn’t really hold the grab but the spectacular effort was rewarded, you felt. Schammer kicked a goal. Freo were starting to lairize now, some arrogant play led to Farmer dobbing a running goal and they led by 39 points. Pavlich led to mark on the 50m line, then Port blubber-man Stu Dew ran in to give the ump an earful - Dew was certain he’d caught Matthew Carr in possession in the build-up. Dew’s reward was a 50m penalty and easy goal for Pavlich. Commentators were amazed Dew stayed on the ground. Schammer booted another sausage to have Freo 49 points up, before Port showed a bit - Josh Mahoney planted a good tackle on Cook, Mahoney gave the ball to Lade whose long kick was marked one-handed by Thurstans, he majored.
After a slowish start to the third term, Farmer dummied around a few Flowers and snapped a fantastic left-foot goal to set the scoreboard ticking again. Peter Bell bagged a rover’s goal and Freo were 56 points ahead. Started to lose interest now, as Port had done already. Flicked onto SBS’s ‘Rockwiz’. I can’t decide whether Julia Zemiro is attractive or annoying. Perhaps both. She really patronized that Irish woman. But I digress. They’d kicked one more goal each before a three-goal burst from the Dokkas expanded the margin again. Peake had shot from 40m which dropped short but Pavlich marked on the goal-line and popped it through. Direct from the restart Peake speared one through and a minute later Headland converted from a big pack ‘mark’, like Schammer’s he seemed to drop it half-way down. Perhaps, because most umpires are vertically challenged, they can’t see into the bottom of packs. Port had installed strongly-built junior Ryan Willits at full-forward, he’d proved good at getting the ball but not too accurate, with three behinds in the quarter. Farmer led to mark Schammer’s pass and convert after the three-korter-time siren, Freo led by 75 points at the break. The Powermen scored the first two goals of the final term, Brett Ebert the second. He’d tried hard. Schammer took a gutsy mark under a high ball as Port backman Bishop thundered in late. Farmer bagged another, from a with-the-flight mark and decided to taunt a few Flowermen, he was benched immediately joining J-Lo and McManus. Mahoney converted with a good kick for the Pooer before Crowley sausaged for the Dockers with a pack-mark - the Shockers took a lot of them. Big Willits finally majored for Port, his career-first goal coming after the final siren of the season.
Anuge night for many Freo men. Matthew Pavlich (21 disposals, 11 marks, 5 goals) tuned up nicely and Jeff Farmer had 12 disposals, the second-least of any Dokka (Polak had 9) but Wiz bagged 6 goals. Brett Peake (29 touches, 2 goals) was terrific and Ryan Crowley (35 possies, 11 marks, 2 goals) has improved outta sight this year. Roger Hayden (18 touches, a goal) rebounded well and on-ball men Josh Carr (22 disposals) and Peter Bell (24 handlings, a goal) produced their usual solid efforts. Des Headland and Justin Longmuir kicked 2 goals each. On the Port side Kane Cornes (35 disposals) tried hard as usual and Steven Salopek (25 handlings) completed a decent season. Dom Cassisi (24 handlings) and Shaun Burgoyne (20 possies, 0.3) were alright and Toby Thurstans (6 marks, 5 kicks, 2 goals) was the only decent forward. Brendon Lade (17 touches, 8 marks) might be an All-Australian. Like all coaches finishing outside the eight, Williams talked up next year but he was quite magnanimous towards Freo. "I think Port Adelaide (is) pretty happy that the season is finished. We can get on with what we've been planning on doing and preparing ourselves for next year. We congratulate Fremantle, for the second time in their history to make the finals. They'd be very pleased and proud and (they are) certainly in great form. They played particularly well tonight. I suppose it was a pretty physical game and they handled it brilliantly. I thought they applied a lot of pressure to us (and) I was really disappointed we didn't make much of a game of it." Freo genius Connolly said "We want to practice attacking and taking the game on and taking risks so we can carry that attitude into our first final. Whilst it was a bit messy at times, our work ethic underpinned the game and created opportunities. The players have put themselves in a good position but it's uncharted waters for Fremantle and we are looking forward to seeing exactly where we are at. What we do know is we have a lot of confidence from the preparation in terms of the tough games we've played and more importantly the players' ability to maintain their work ethic through four quarters."
At the SCG:
Sydney 5.1 9.3 15.9 21.10.136
Carlton 2.3 2.6 2.7 6.8.44
Melbun’s defeat the previous day meant all the Swans had to do was jog to victory over the bedraggled Bluesers to claim fourth spot. Which they did, of course. The meedya wasn’t too interested in the game, more another Weegirls / Synney final next week and the fact the Blues are trying to knife Denis Pagan. Apparently the Carlton board aren’t happy with Pagan’s record of 11th, last and last again, moreso with just the three wins (and a draw) this season and lots of beltings. The Carlton board is an interesting creature, it’s had about 372 members since John Elliott and his men departed and leaks like sieve. There’s a debate to be had about Pagan’s performance but do the Bloo committeemen really think they’d be playing finals this year with Barry Mitchell (for example) in charge? Anyway. The Blooze had some good things happen this year, reformed spearhead Brendan Fevola won the Coleman Medal with 84 goals - the first time the wooden-spooners have had the leading goal-kicker since Hawk John Peck in 1960-something. No. 1 draft pick Marc Murphy turned out to be beauty, shame he damaged a shoulder halfway through the year. The other high draft-pick, Josh Kennedy, also has some ability. Kade Simpson and Andrew Walker took a step forward. I’ve reversed my earlier opinion, the big Irish lad O’hAilpin could be great. I dunno if the Blues are advancing “at a hundred miles an hour”, as Tiger coach Wallace asserted, but they’re going forward. They had a retirement here, ruckman Barnaby French hanging ‘em up. In selection the Bloods regained Luke Ablett and Lewis Roberts-Thomson and axed Paul Bevan and, just quietly, Heath Grundy. Carlton lost Jordan Bannister suspended for biffing Brodie Holland and dropped Jesse Smith, in came David Teague and debutant Ryan Jackson, a solidly-built midfielder elevated from the rookie list.
‘Twas a glorious early-spring day in Sydney and the Swans had a bit of that Sunday afternoon torpor. After Nick Malceski booted the opening goal the Blues replied, Lance Whitnall leading for a grab and goal. In the flesh, the Irish lad Setanta O’hAilpin is an impressive figure. 200cm tall, absurdly athletic and extremely quick, he’s learning the game quickly. O’hAilpin made mistakes, like the dropped mark which led to Amon Buchanan snapping the Swans’ second goal, but overall he was very impressive running from defence. From a kick-in Swan Nic Fosdike jabbed a pass too low, Bloo Brad Fisher snaffled the ball and snapped it home. The Swans began to wake up, with Buchanan and Brett ‘Captain’ Kirk making the play. Adam Schneider speared a good pass for Ryan O’Keefe to mark and convert and Barry Hall got one. Nick Davis was allowed to shove Teague meatily in the back, take a mark and boot a major to give the Swans a 16-point lead at korter-time. The Blues pressed a bit in the early second term. O’hAilpin and Matty Lappin shored up the backline but it’s in the midfield the Blooze have problems. Heath Scotland’s tremendous endurance allows him to collect a lot of the ball but he’s not especially quick, and his kicking is tres ordinaire. In fact none of the Bloo midfielders could deliver the ball well. Fevola had come out in bright yellow boots but he suffered from a combination of poor service, Leapin’ Leo Barry and his own inaccuracy. The Swans banged through some goals in the second half of the quarter, Hall got two and O’Keefe snapped a ripper from the boundary-line, Buchanan’s second had the Swans 39 points up at the long break.
Haven’t talked much about the Bloods so far. All their elements were working nicely, Adam Goodes pushing his name forward for Brownlow votes with some superb solo efforts. The highlight of the third quarter was Goodes collecting the ball on the flank, burning off Bret Thornton, speeding along the boundary-line and banana-snapping a great goal. Fosdike booted one from the boundary-line which may’ve gone out-of-bounds in flight, as a great groan of disappointment came from the crowd as it left Fosdike’s boot, changing to cheers as the ball dropped between the posts. Boundary-ump where? Tadhg Kennelly was very good coming from the back. Carlton were so feeble Fevola took himself down the backline, but after not winning a kick for five minutes and messing up a kick-in, he was benched for a bit and trotted back forward. Mick O’Loughlin maybe hastened the end of Teague’s career by out-marking the Bloo man a coupla times, he got a goal as did Ted Richards from a pack-mark. Siddey led by 86 points at the final change and galloped easily to a 100-point lead in the last term. O’Loughlin, Schneider and Hall got some easy goals as the Swans forged to a 113-point lead at one stage, before Carlton finished on with four late sausages. Waite broke the long drought and Fevola finally got one, from a mark. French capped his career with a very late goal
Adam Goodes (26 disposals, 9 marks, 4 goals) did his Medal chances no harm and Amon Buchanan (18 handlings, 2 goals) underlined his importance as a ball-winning, running midfielder. Jarrad McVeigh (10 touches, 7 marks, a goal) has cemented his place at last, Paul Williams’s retirement probably opening the spot. Tadhg Kennelly (25 handlings) was good and Ryan O’Keefe (19 disposals, 6 marks, 3 goals) is very good, Brett Kirk (29 touches) had a break from tackling to win some ball. Leo Barry (16 possies, 6 marks) kept the Coleman Medallist to one goal, so he deserves praise. Barry Hall cruised about for 3 goals and Michael O’Loughlin bagged 2 goals. The Bluies best probably was Setanta O’hAilpin (15 disposals, 9 marks). There ye go. Matty Lappin (23 touches) was good in defence too and Heath Scotland (33 disposals, 12 marks) certainly works hard. Brad Fisher (18 touches, 5 marks, a goal) was okay as was Trent Sporn (22 disposals, 10 marks). Fev kicked 1.3. Regarding on-field matters, Pagan got straight to the point. "Look at where Fremantle were three or four or five years ago. You look at St Kilda. There's only one way you're going to get forward. We've got to be able to support our senior players and young players alike with more talented footballers coming through the door. We went two years, we couldn't have a (draft) pick, it takes three years perhaps for your picks to come through. We haven't had many opportunities of getting players off the top of the deck. We picked up Murphy last year and Kennedy, they're pluses. This is a very good draft this year and we've got to do that." Indeed. Paul Roos said "We had to win (today) so that was the first thing we wanted to do, then that everyone was playing well and playing the way we wanted to play. Thirdly, which you never know, is rest some players in the last quarter and not get any injuries and we achieved all of those objectives." On another big clash with the Weegs, Leo Barry said “They play a very similar style to the way we play. They play very accountable one-on-one football. Both teams have pretty good defensive structures which limits the amount of scoring, which is why the last three have been pretty low-scoring affairs . . . We've done pretty well over there. But travelling back and forward on the Perth trip can take it out of you. They are always tough games."
At Docklands:
Hawthorn 7.1 11.2 15.4 21.7.133
Geelong 2.2 6.4 7.8 10.12.72
The Team of the Future. Horforn, that is. Last week the Hawks inked their deal to play in Tasmania, twenty games over five years worth $15 million. They’ve a bunch of highly exciting kids, some whom haven’t even played yet like last year’s no. 3 draft pick Xavier Ellis and the injured Beaus, Dowler and Muston (well, Dowler played a coupla games). In addition to your Franklins and Rougheads, Hawk backroom manipulator Jason Dunstall identified Brad Sewell, ruckman Robert Campbell and Grant Birchall as the three big improvers this year. Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt won’t be part of the future, the 33-year-old ruckman knocked back a new deal yesterday. But I digress. Hawk fans were very excited when their side won four of the first five, then came a very poor run with one win in the next thirteen, before the Awks stormed home with four straight wins. A bit like the Tigers, Horforn were competitive and more against teams outside the eight, but tended to be thumped by the better sides, their collection of goal-less quarters against the top teams showing the physical development required to match it with the big boys. But they’re on track. Unlike Geelong. Said plenty about the Cats’ insipid year, absolutely no excuse. The papers are again full of stories about Mark ‘Bomber’ Thompson’s imminent sacking and where there’s smoke etc. We’ll see. They did win seven of the last eleven or something but this ‘effort’ was all too typical, and appropriate given it was a round 3 loss to the Horks at KP which started the slide. In selection here Hawthorn recalled retiring John Barker for a swansong, at the players’ request apparently. Ben Kane was dropped to make way and junior ruckman Max Bailey was a late withdrawal, replaced by Ben McGlynn. The Cats were without poor Tom Lonergan, who’s conscious now and progressing decently after losing a kidney last week. Kane Tenace and Kent Kingsley were dropped, Kingsley faces a battle to stay on the list, you’d think. Replacements were James Kelly, Andrew Mackie and first-gamer Ryan Gamble, a midfielder from Glenelg.
The Catters scored the opener from Nathan Ablett and within a few minutes the Hawks lost Trent Croad with a damaged shoulder. Not the ideal start for the Waverley men. But soon Horforn’s new Bulldogs-esque game of fast, furious running and ball-carrying began to mow down the Cats. Brad Sewell, who had a big first quarter, bagged the Hawks’ first goal and soon they were tumbling through for Horforn. Mark Williams converted from a mark on-the-lead and a minute later turned sharply and sped away from slipping Josh Hunt to slot one. Brent Guerra was surprised to dob one under no pressure. From the restart Lance Franklin chased a loose ball into the forward-pocket, burned off a diving Tom Harley, straightened towards goal with a bounce and banana-ed it through on the run. Excited the crowd, did that. Five-in-a-row for the Orcs and they led by 25 points. New Cat Gamble’s first touch was a handpass to Gary Ablett Jnr, who dummied nicely to boot a goal. But the Hawks cleared the centre-bounce again and Jarryd Roughead leaped ahead of the pack to pluck a one-handed mark and boot truly. Another Franklin goal had ‘em 29 points up at the first break. The margin expanded rapidly with three quick goals to start the second Mario. Sewell was heavily involved again, booting the first on-the-run and handballing for runnin’ Shane Crawford to dob the next. There was a serious disconnect between the Cat midfielders and forwards, James Kelly was trying hard (to save his career) but couldn’t find a target, at one stage Gary Ablett was caught in possession as he finessed about waiting for a forward to present, and leapt up from the tackle to berate dopey Ottens, Kinglsey and co. But the hard work of Gablett, Paul Chapman and Corey Enright dragged the Cats back into it. They scored four of the last five goals of the quarter, including a great long-distance snap from Chapman and a runner from Enright. Deep into time-on Steve Johnson tapped through from the goal-square and the Katz were back 28 points behind. A minute later Johnson marked on a tough angle and, where the always-confident Johnson would normally have a shot, he poked a pass towards Steven King which wobbled over his captain’s head.
Jeelong knuckled down a bit in the third term and no scoring was done for a while, but the Hawks moved clear again with some rapid goals towards the end of the term. Mark Williams was the key, he snapped truly from a pack and a minute later held a terrific pack-mark of Rick Ladson’s long punt, from which Willo converted. Ben McGlynn exchanged handpasses with Ben Dixon and snapped it home, Williams soon bagged his third of the quarter and fifth of the day from a conventional mark on-the-lead. Enright hooked a terrific goal from the boundary-line to score the Cats’ only major of the term, but the Hawks were in full command with a 44-point lead at the last change. It became a benefit as John Barker marked and goaled early in the final stanza, to the great delight of his team-mates. Williams gathered a loose ball and shrugged a tackle to snag another. Crawford booted a running goal to complete a superb move he started and which involved Grant Birchall and Richie Vandenberg - unlikely to remain captain, apparently. Williams kicked another two, taking his tally to 8 and it would’ve become 9 if he hadn’t attempted a pass to Barker, who wasn’t looking. Geelong got a few token goals, including one for Brent Prismall, the best young player they unearthed this year.
Mark Williams kicked 8 goals in the Hawks’ first game this season and got 8 in the last, eight straight in fact from 7 marks and 13 kicks. Sam Mitchell (33 disposals) and Shane Crawford (28 touches, 3 goals) were terrific on-the-ball and rangy backman Grant Birchall (36 handlings, 11 marks) finished his debut season very well. Brad Sewell was quiet after half-time but had 20 touches and kicked 2 goals, Luke Hodge (30 handlings, 12 marks), Chance Bateman (21 possies) and Joel Smith (24 touches, 9 marks) all played well. Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead kicked 2 goals each. The usual suspects for the Cats, Paul Chapman (35 disposals, 9 marks, 2 goals), Gary Ablett Jnr (27 possessions, 12 marks, a goal) and Corey Enright (22 handlings, 10 marks, 2 goals) all worked hard. Joel Corey (30 possies, 7 marks) was alright and Brent Prismall (21 disposals, 9 marks, a goal) was good as mentioned. Steve Johnson kicked 2 goals. The Cats have blamed a lack of fitness as part of their problem and they certainly looked unfit here. They were flying back in March though, so I dunno what happened. "It's not the worst (ever season in football), it's the worst as a coach because we had a lot of expectation. We clearly haven't lived up to it and that was disappointing," Thompson said. "But having said that you just know how quick it can turn around. We made some mistakes and we just have to rectify them and be a better football club. (We'll) just make the changes you make every year, and one thing I won't (do is) panic or I won't pick on people. I will just look at it realistically and I'll be patient and I'll just sit down and analyse things as if I normally would. Taking scalps is not the way to go." That may not be the club’s opinion. Hawk coach Alastair Clarkson said "We've finished the season on a good note and we actually don't want the season to finish to be honest, given that our form has been pretty good. It was just a real fitting way for our club to send off Johnny Barker in the right manner today. I thought the spirit of the playing group was outstanding and it was a really enjoyable day for all involved at Hawthorn." Why not let President Jeff sum up the season? “Well the football season for Hawthorn has ended with a total nine wins. When the season started I thought between eight and 10 wins would have been a satisfactory advance on last year’s five games, so to me, mid point is very respectable. The win against Geelong, had some moments of brilliance, and again we started well. We have seen our experienced players give leadership to those who have recently entered the team. More importantly we have seen the development of cohesion among our players that will stand us in good stead for next season. We must remember that until the average game played by the team exceeds 100 we will not be ready to play finals football in the last two weeks of the season. So we still have a way to go to achieve that experience. Although we have finished on a high in 2006, we must remember we start again at the bottom, like every other team in 2007. We have to earn the right to play finals football.”
At the MCG:
Collingwood 3.3 6.7 10.13 20.19.139
North Melbourne 3.4 5.5 7.9 10.11.71
Late in the third quarter the Poise were 4 points ahead of the Kangers and behind the Saints on the ‘live’ ladder. The Poise proceeded to kick thirteen goals to three from that point. That Ed McGuire can stitch a deal together quickly. Thus the Maggies have gone from 5 wins and 15th in 2005 to 14 wins and 6th this year. All on the back of a fit Rocca and Bucks. Amazing. North have a had a terrible year and made poor decisions all the way through it. After this one coach Dean Laidley tried to blame the entire season on inaccurate goal-kicking. What? The recruitment of Jade Rawlings and Jonathan Hay (not to mention Cameron Thurley) proved disastrous, this week Hay announced he was suffering bipolar disorder and was given leave of absence. Sympathy for the bloke but the Ruse were criticized for not doing their homework in recruiting. Laidley talked up ‘six or seven’ young players coming through but from what I’ve seen only Andrew Swallow and maybe Josh Gibson look especially good. The occasion here was to farewell Sav Rocca, burly Sav played 257 games (156 for the Poise and 101 for Norf) and finishes with (about) 748 goals, twelfth-most in VFL/AFL history. Sav never kicked 100 in a season and played just 3 finals, perhaps diminishing his reputation. But most people like Sav, the heavy artillery in his right boot was always thrilling if not always accurate. He’s taking the boot to the NFL. Sav’s 9 goals in the first Essendon/Collingwood Anzac Day game in 1995 is one of the great spearhead performances, Rocca also won the Copeland Trophy that year. Pie man and ex-Wiggle Chad Morrison also announced his retirement during the week. In selection here the Pies recalled key trio Nathan Buckley, Chris Tarrant and Shane Wakelin, replacing injured Travis Cloke (shoulder) and Sam Iles (back) while Julian Rowe was axed. The Kangers brought in Sav Rocca, Ben Schwarze and Josh Gibson to replace axed pair Troy Makepeace and Ed Lower and luckless Leigh Harding, who tore knee ligaments at training and requires a reconstruction.
Despite the two club’s varying ambitions here, the game was close for three quarters. The Pies again looked listless and lacked run, something which may trouble ‘em in the final against the speedy Bulldogs. Stand-in Roo skipper Corey Jones snaggled the first goal here, running ahead of the play. The tactic of a leader. The Poise got goals with long punts from Ben Johnson and Ryan Lonie, before Sav Rocca excited the crowd with two strong leads and thumped goals. Hurray! Immediately Sav’s opponent, Simon Prestigiacomo, was replaced by no.1 Poi defender James ‘Arnaud’ Clement. Nathan Buckley booted a late goal for Collywood but they still trailed by a point at the first break. Slow kick-about continued into the second term, nine minute elapsing before Rhyce Shaw slipped forward to mark and convert for the Poise. Norf ended up reclaiming the lead as a rolling, bouncing Shannon Watt snap trickled through ahead of Nick Maxwell for a sausage. The Maggies crawled ahead late in the half thanks to two Chris Egan goals, the first was a superb slot from the boundary-line and the second a more conventional mark and accurate punt after the siren. More torpor into the third term as the players stood about kicking it to one-another, no thrilling running handball like the good sides do. Norf you could understand, hardly wanting to bust a gut, but the Maggies, it was harder to fathom their tactics given they needed percentage. Bucks had got into trouble with a clear jumper-punch on Daniel Harris, I think, and some other misdemeanors but miraculously Bucks wasn’t even charged. Amazing. Ten minutes into the third Chris Tarrant booted a major but a bit later Roomen Sav and Kasey Green bagged goals and late in the term the Poi lead was 4 points. Jones missed a shot and the Poise sparked into action with three goals in the next three minutes, from Paul Licuria, Tarkyn Lockyer and Alan Didak. A 22-point advantage at the final break then, and the Maggies rattled home with ten sausages in the final term. Licuria, having a purple patch, got three of ‘em and Tarrant two, Bucks and Dane Swan joined in. Simmering Roo hard man Glenn Archer was reported for biffing Lockyer in the stomach, although it was the lightest of taps and Lockyer’s acted-up reaction drew the book, you felt. Archer and the reporting ump, Kieron Nicholls, collided later on which prevented Archer tackling Swan in the lead-up to the latter’s goal. “GET OUT OF THE F*CKING WAY,” Arch suggested to Nicholls. Sound advice.
Plodding Pie midfielder Paul Licuria had a good day in the end, 4 goals to complement his 26 disposals. Older battlers Scott Burns (28 possies) and Shane O’Bree (27 touches) also did well and James Clement (18 kicks, 9 marks) silenced early danger from Rocca, after he threatened. Ben Johnson (26 handlings, a goal) and Josh Fraser (20 disposals, 11 marks) ran about industriously. Up front Chris Egan (20 handlings, 9 marks, 3 goals) provided some excitement and Chris Tarrant bagged 3 useful goals, Lockyer booted 2. North’s reliables plugged away, ball-magnet Jess Sinclair (31 disposals) and rugged Daniel Harris (26 possessions), Brent Harvey had 26 touches and kicked a goal and Daniel Wells (24 handlings, 9 marks) was alright. Wells has been criticized this year for not being the explosive match-winner he was last season. Drew Petrie (20 touches, 9 marks) did well on Anthony Rocca and Brady Rawlings (25 handlings) was alright on Buckley. Daniel McConnell (19 touches, 8 marks) was okay. Corey Jones and Sav Rocca kicked 3 goals each. Useful to the end. Laidley said "It's been the story of the year missing goals like that (of Jones’s late in the third), you win the football, you go inside forward 50 and you've got to finish off your work, it's as simple as that. We spoke about playing 'til (the end) - the season's not over until the final siren sounds and it didn't happen and the same guys let us down. We've got a lot of work to do over pre-season, we're going to have a very big pre-season." Mick Malthouse said "We had a lot of the football, didn't use it necessarily well early, I half suspect we were also less concerned about the (first) quarter as I would like and I don't think the players really would say that their full focus was on the role they were supposed to play. As a consequence, we struggled to score and allowed them to score, but by the end of the second quarter, we started to realise the best form you can take into the finals is good form through the last weeks of the year. This has given us the last three (wins) and I'd rather go into a finals series with some good form, some confidence, than going in there without it."
Ladder after Round Twenty Two
Pts. % Next Week
West Coast 68 120.4 Sydney (Subiaco, Sat. night)
Adelaide 64 142.1 Fremantle (Football Park, Saturday)
Fremantle 60 109.8 Adelaide (Football Park, Saturday)
Sydney 56 128.7 West Coast (Subiaco, Sat. night)
Collingwood 56 119.3 Footscray (MCG, Sunday)
St. Kilda 56 118.4 Melbourne (MCG, Fri. night)
Melbourne 54 109.7 St. Kilda (MCG, Fri. night)
Footscray 52 106.4 Collingwood (MCG, Sunday)
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Richmond 44 86.2
Geelong 42 99.0
Hawthorn 36 85.7
Port Adelaide 32 88.8
Brisbane 28 82.4
North Melbourne 28 80.9
Essendon 14 81.9
Carlton 14 74.2
Cheers, Tim.
Article last changed on Wednesday, September 06, 2006 - 11:01 PM EDT
