by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
BRIS 0.1.1 1.3.6 2.7.7 2.12.12 (102)
WB 0.1.2 0.3.5 0.4.8 2.7.10 (70)
NINE POINT GOALS: BRIS: Copeland, Power; WB - Eagleton
GOALS: BRIS - Allan 3, Patfull 2, McGrath 2, Charman, Notting, Moody, Harding, Rischitelli; WB - Higgins 4, Eagleton, McDougall, Boyd
BEST: BRIS - Power, Rischitelli, Copeland, Black, Patfull; Rowe; WB - Higgins, Giansiracusa, Hargrave, Minson
REPORTS: BRIS - Charman for allegedly striking Hargrave
UMPIRES: Allen, Chamberlain, Margetts, Stevic
CROWD: 12,789 at Telstra Dome
Both sides started at a fast pace, but the young Lions were full of dash and daring and applied plenty of pressure to a Bulldog side missing Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy. On the flip side, Brisbane was without key forwards Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown. Jamie Charman was stationed at full forward instead, leaving Beau McDonald to shoulder the ruck load. Charman outmarked Harris and boomed in a long goal for Brisbane's first. Another big grab 50 meters (55 yards) out followed but Charman missed. It took until midway through the term for the Dogs to register their first goal through Higgins who got on the end of some good play from Minson and McDougall. Both sides missed several other chances as the Bulldogs went to 1/4 time with a one point lead.
McDougall took a strong mark and goaled early in the second term, and Higgins was again set up by Minson for his second soon after. The Dogs added just one more goal for the term to grab the lead, but a supergoal to Copeland and a six pointer to Allen gave the Lions a 4 point lead. Notting earned a free after a strong tackle on Harris and his goal gave the Lions a 10 point lead at 1/2 time.
Young Higgins bobbed up again early the third term to boot the Dogs into the lead, but Brisbane got up a head of steam to dominate the term with five unanswered goals,including a nine-pointer to Power to lead by a comfortable 35 points at 3/4 time.
The Lions carried that momentum into the early stages of the final term with three more unanswered goals to lead by as much as 52 points before the Bulldogs managed several consolation goals, including two supergoals to Eagleton.
Despite the win, Brisbane Coach was fuming at the post match press conference as he lashed out at the AFL for forcing the Lions into three consecutive weeks of travel, pointing out the Lions do have a second "home" in Carrara on the Gold Coast. Asked if he would officially complain, Matthews scoffed that you can't fight City Hall and stormed out of the press conference.
AFL communications manager Patrick Keane, who was at the press conference, explained that Port - whom the Lions play next week - and Geelong, will have only a six-day break after their Darwin trip this week was the reasoning behind the scheduling.
This is the first time since 2001 that Brisbane has progressed to a preseason semi-final. That year, they made it to the preseason Ansett Cup but were defeated by Port Adelaide. This is also the first time the Lions have defeated the Bulldogs since Round 15, 2004.
CARL 1.3.1 1.5.6 1.8.9 1.9.12 (75)
HAW 0.4.4 0.5.5 1.7.6 2.7.8 (68)
NINE POINT GOALS: CARL - Murphy; HAW - Crawford, Young
GOALS: CARL - Fevola 2, Ackland 2, Carrazzo 2, Fisher, Kennedy, Betts; HAW - Boyle 3, Franklin 3, Little
BEST: CARL - Stevens, Fevola, Murphy, Ackland, Scotland, Carrazzo; HAW - Mitchell, Crawford, Boyle, Lewis, Sewell
CROWD: approx. 5000 at Aurora Stadium, Tasmania
Two young sides, desperate and hungry for success. And it showed in a spirited and entertaining opening term. Hawthorn started out the better side and was full of run. They were first to the board through Franklin who outsmarted Waite and kicked a tight angle goal. Boyle followed with one of his own before Carlton hit back with 4 goals, including a supergoal to Murphy who first weaved his way through some heavy traffic and was then shepherded by Fevola. Hawthorn finished off the term the way they started it, with Waite falling victim to the new in the back rule gifting Franklin a goal and Boyle booting a late goal to level the scores at 1/4 time.
Carlton grabbed the lead with two goals to one in the second term. Much of latter part of the term was played in Carlton's forward line, but they failed to put the Hawks away and led by only 10 points at 1/2 time.
The Hawks rallied in third term with an early nine-pointer from Crawford again leveling the scores after Carlton could manage just three points. The Blues regained the lead with two more goals, one from a free to Fisher. A late goal to Carrazzo gave them some breathing space as they led by nine points at 3/4 time.
Hawthorn poured on the pressure late, but Carlton stood firm to ensure a showdown with the winner of tomorrow's Kangaroos-Fremantle match in the semi-finals next weekend and a chance at their second pre-season flag in three years.
The Hawks again rallied to level the scores midway through the final term when Crawford booted a nine-pointer. Carlton tried but again failed to seal the win with Koutoufides, Houlihan, Fevola, and Thornton all missing before Carrazzo again saved the day just five minutes remaining on the clock. Young then gave his all as he tried for a supergoal which would have given the Hawks a one point lead, but the shot went wide and the Carlton defense held firm under pressure to repel Hawk attacks.
For the Blues, Stevens and Murphy led the way through the middle while Fevola provided plenty of support for his fellow forwards.
For the Hawks, Mitchell was outstanding with 31 possessions and Franklin always looked dangerous.
GEEL 0.1.2 0.4.4 0.7.6 0.9.6 (60)
PA 0.4.1 0.4.6 0.4.6 0.7.15 (57)
GOALS: GEEL - Mooney 4, Byrnes 2, Reynolds, Djerrkura, Bartel; PA - White 2, Cockshell 2, Lade, S. Burgoyne, Gray
BEST: GEEL - Bartel, Enright, Mooney, Byrnes, Scarlett, Stokes; PA - K. Cornes, White, Rodan, S. Burgoyne, Wilson, Cassisi
INJURY: GEEL - Callan (foot)
REPORTS: GEEL - Stokes for bumping umpire Camoline.
UMPIRES: McBurney, M. Nicholls, Kamolins, Ryan
CROWD: 4,804 at TIO Stadium, Darwin
The game was played in pouring rain but it was Port who handled the conditions better early on. After Mooney booted the opening goal for the Cats, Port dominated the term with the next four goals to lead by 17 points at 1/4 time. But with Mooney a difficult match up in the goal square and Byrnes alongside him, Ablett leading up the ground, and Bartel, Enright, and Hunt out of the middle, the Cats dominated the next two terms. They booted three goals in each of the second and third terms while the Scarlett led defense - and the atrocious weather - kept Port to just a handful of points to 3/4 time.
Northern Territorian Nathan Djerkurra, on debut for Geelong, produced one of the individual highlights of the match with a stunning pick-up and goal which put the Cats 17 points in front late in the third term.
Port hit back hard in the final term, kicking three goals, the third coming with less than five minutes remaining to first-gamer Adam Cockshell via a controversial free kick against Scarlett for holding the ball. A flying snap from Bartel two minutes later leveled the scores and sent the game into extra time - a 10 minute term with the sides changing ends after five minutes.
Port's only scoring chance in the first five minutes was wasted when Ebert played on after a mark in the goalsquare, but he was off-balance when he kicked and ball cannoned into the post to put Port just one point in front as the teams switched ends for the second five minute period. Enter bad boy Mooney, who set a record for the most suspensions in a season last year (four). This time, he was the hero of the day with a goal which gave the Cats a five point lead. A few minutes later, Chad Cornes had the chance to put Port back in front when he was awarded a 50 meter (55 yards) penalty after Corey knocked the ball from his hands. He blew his chance as the ball hit the post with just 32 seconds remaining on the clock. Port had one final chance, but Ebert dropped a simple chest mark just 20 meters (22 yards) out from goal in the final few seconds, allowing the Cats to hang on.
KANG 0.3.3 1.6.5 1.11.5 1.14.7 (100)
FRE 0.2.6 0.7.6 0.9.10 0.13.13 (91)
NINE POINT GOALS: KANG - Grant
GOALS: KANG - Brown 3, Campbell 3, Thompson 2, Hansen 2, Thomas 2, Whyman, Harvey; FRE - Farmer 3, Duffield 2, Murphy 2, Bell, Pavlich, Hasleby, Longmuir, J. Carr, Browne.
BEST: KANG - Sinclair, Gibson, Brown, Wells, Campbell, Simpson, Archer; FRE - Bell, Sandilands, J. Carr, Duffield, Hasleby, Hayden
INJURY: KANG - Jones (corked knee)
REPORTS: FRE - Solomon for allegedly striking Harvey
UMPIRES: Grun, Vozzo, Bandy, Fila
CROWD: 9191 at Telstra Dome
A hard preseason reaped benefits for the Kangaroos as did a restructured forward line which featured Leigh Brown and less reliance on Nathan Thompson. Their attack was well served with a midfield which went long and more direct with indigenous quartet Matt Campbell, Djaran Whyman, Eddie Sansbury, and Lindsay Thomas providing plenty of dash and flair. The Dockers were equally aggressive in their attack and it was only some wayward kicking for goal which had them trailing by 3 points at 1/4 time.
The second term was equally tight, but the Dockers rammed home 5 goals to three to grab a narrow lead. However, Grant produced a nine-pointer on the run to give the Kangaroos a two point lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos took control in the third term with five straight goals to give themselves a handy lead. One of those came courtesy of the Cup rules when the Dockers tried to concede a three-point rushed behind, but the ball ricocheted off the goal post and back into play. Rookie Matt Campbell reacted quickly to soccer the ball through for the goal. The Dockers got two late goals. The first came from Murphy after a Simpson turnover, then Farmer threaded the eye of a needle from the boundary. It was enough to cut the Kangaroo lead to 17 points at 3/4 time.
The Kangaroos stretched that lead to 27 points before the Dockers roared back into contention, reducing the margin to just eight points. They were heading into attack again with Farmer in the thick of it when the siren sounded.
COL 4.1 8.5 12.9 15.10 (100)
STK 2.1 3.4 7.5 7.10 (52)
GOALS: COL - Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O'Bree, Burns. St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones
BEST: COL - H. Shaw, Cloke, Fraser; STK - Ball, S. Fisher, Armitage
INJURY: COL - Medhurst (foot)
UMPIRES: Ellis, Pannell, Armstrong, Ryan
CROWD: About 4000 at MC Labour Park
Medhurst started well for his new club, kicking the opening goal, but limped off the ground minutes later, not to return. Draftee Brad Dick missed the second half after a colliding with Saint Steven Baker just before half time.
The Magpies were missing Anthony Rocca, Sean Rusling, Rhyce Shaw and Nathan Buckley, but their absence was hardly missed with Fraser playing four solid quarters and kicking four goals to help the Pies to a comprehensive win. The Saints were also severely undermanned without Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke, Lenny Hayes, Matt Maguire, Max Hudghton, Leigh Montagna, and all three Clarkes. It left the Saints in defense where second year player James Gwilt was forced to play on Collingwood's tall timber.
The Magpie ruck duo of Bryan and Richards looked sharp. Should they click in 2007, it will allow Fraser more time in attack. Also looking impressive were Ben Reid, Shannon Cox, Ryan Cook, Daniel Nicholls, and Allan Toovey.
For the Saints, David Armitage looked sharp in the middle alongside Robert Harvey and Luke Ball. Jarryd Allen, James Wall, former Lion Jayden Attard, Luke van Rheesen, and Clint Jones also impressed, although van Rheesen will need to work on his kicking skills a bit.
ESS 2.4 7.6 8.9 15.10 (100)
WCE 2.5 3.7 5.11 5.12 (42)
GOALS: ESS - Lloyd 3, Monfries 3, Jetta 3, Johns 2, Winderlich, Lovett, Davey, Houli; WCE - Le Cras, Brown, Priddis, Lynch, Hansen
BEST: ESS - Lovett, Lloyd, Monfries, Jetta, Fletcher; WCE - Wirrpanda, Rosa, Priddis, Glass, Chick
INJURY: ESS - Johns (hip)
UMPIRES: James, Hendry, Donlon, Keating
CROWD: 11,012 at Subiaco Oval
Both sides entered the match missing a host of stars. Chris Judd, Andrew Embley, Ben Cousins, Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, and Michael Braun were among the big names rested for West Coast, while Essendon was without the likes of James Hird, Scott Lucas, Scott Camporeale, Jason Johnson, and Adam McPhee. But it didn't stop the two sides from putting a very competitive opening term. One stand-out for the term was young Bomber Courtney Johns who showed plenty of skill and aggression. He flew for a spectacular mark in the goal square, kicked two goals, crunched Eagle defender David Wirrpanda, and got into a stoush with Eagle Chad Jones. But it was the Eagles who were on top by a point at 1/4 time.
Just minutes into the second term, Johns was off the ground after a heavy bump from Eagle ruckman Mark Seaby. Luckily, the knock was to his right hip, not his left hip which kept him from playing for almost two years. He took no further part in the game, but he didn't need to as Lloyd was back to his damaging best with three goals in nine minutes to break the game open. The Bombers booted two more for the term to one from the Eagles for a 23 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Bombers booted another to start the third term for a 30 point lead before Lynch and Hansen goaled to get the Eagles within 16 points at 3/4 time.
But any chance of a comeback was quickly snuffed out in the final term as the Bombers piled on 6 goals to one point for an easy win.
For the Bombers, Jetta and Monfries partnered well up forward with Lloyd while Watson (29 possessions), Lovett (27 possessions), and Stanton (27 touches) were strong in the midfield. Jetta provided a highlight of his own when he shrugged off a tackle and threaded an amazing goal from a tight angle.
For the Eagles, Wirrpanda was resolute in a defense under siege, while Fletcher, Stenglein, Rosa, and Armstrong looked good in the middle.
SYD 5.2 8.3 11.5 13.7 (85)
RICH 2.1 4.3 6.6 10.6 (66)
GOALS: SYD - Phillips 3, Fosdike 2, Shaw, Goodes, Simpkin, Jack, Vogels, O'Loughlin, Buchanan, White; RICH - Johnson 2, Graham 2, Howat 2, Pattison, Hartigan, Schulz, Krakouer
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Fosdike, Phillips, Buchanan, O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, Everitt; RICH - Tambling, Johnson, Schulz, Howat, Krakouer
INJURY: SYD - Kennelly (bruised shoulder)
REPORTS: SYD - Fosdike (Syd) striking White
UMPIRES: McLaren, K. Nicholls, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 3,365 at Manuka Oval
If this game is anything to go by, the Swans should have no ruck worries with new recruit Peter Everitt showing plenty as he combined with Jolly. A late season ankle injury in 2006 meant he was a bit rusty in his first game, but should sharpen up in time for Sydney's Round One match against the Eagles.
Goodes dominated the opening half for the Swans while small forward Simon Phillips was lively in attack.
For the Tigers, Kane Johnson was at his typical best leading the midfield while midfielder Cameron Howat showed a bit of class as did Graham up forward.
ADE 0.1 3.11 9.15 14.16 (100)
MELB 3.1 3.2 5.4 6.8 (44)
GOALS: ADE - Burton 4, Knights 2, Bode, 2, Mattner, Thompson, Welsh, Hudson, Stevens, Sellar;
MELB - Green, Bate, Jamar, Bruce, Davey, Miller
BEST: ADE - McLeod, Burton, Knights, Hudson; MELB - Davey, Jamar, Dunn, Ferguson
INJURY: MELB - Holland (corked hip,) Warnock (ankle), Hughes (virus)
CROWD: Approx 5,000 at South Gambier
The Crows were off to a slow and inauspicious start, being held goalless in the opening term while the Demons booted the first via a Green free kick followed by two more to Bate and Davey . It left the Demons 18 points clear at 1/4 time.
The Crows revved up in the second term with three goals of their own to be right back in the game. And they could have broken the game open had it been for an inaccurate 3.10 for the term. Instead, they led by just nine points at 1/2 time.
The Crows lifted in the third term with Burton on fire up forward with three of Adelaide's six goals. The Demons could manage just two for the term and Adelaide took a handy 35 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Crows kept it up in the final term with five unanswered goals in the final term with Demons able to soccer through their solitary goal just before the final siren.
Next week, it will be:
Brisbane vs. Geelong at Telstra Dome on Friday night
Carlton vs. the Kangaroos at Carrara on Saturday night
The practice games will be:
Adelaide vs. West Coast in Alice Springs on Friday night
Sydney vs. Collingwood in Narrandera, Friday night
Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium, Saturday afternoon
Melbourne vs. Richmond at MC Labour Park, Saturday afternoon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn at Subiaco, Saturday night
Port Adelaide vs. St. Kilda at AAMI Stadium, Saturday night
Source: Melbourne Age & afl.com
BRIS 0.1.1 1.3.6 2.7.7 2.12.12 (102)
WB 0.1.2 0.3.5 0.4.8 2.7.10 (70)
NINE POINT GOALS: BRIS: Copeland, Power; WB - Eagleton
GOALS: BRIS - Allan 3, Patfull 2, McGrath 2, Charman, Notting, Moody, Harding, Rischitelli; WB - Higgins 4, Eagleton, McDougall, Boyd
BEST: BRIS - Power, Rischitelli, Copeland, Black, Patfull; Rowe; WB - Higgins, Giansiracusa, Hargrave, Minson
REPORTS: BRIS - Charman for allegedly striking Hargrave
UMPIRES: Allen, Chamberlain, Margetts, Stevic
CROWD: 12,789 at Telstra Dome
Both sides started at a fast pace, but the young Lions were full of dash and daring and applied plenty of pressure to a Bulldog side missing Brad Johnson, Chris Grant, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney and Robert Murphy. On the flip side, Brisbane was without key forwards Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown. Jamie Charman was stationed at full forward instead, leaving Beau McDonald to shoulder the ruck load. Charman outmarked Harris and boomed in a long goal for Brisbane's first. Another big grab 50 meters (55 yards) out followed but Charman missed. It took until midway through the term for the Dogs to register their first goal through Higgins who got on the end of some good play from Minson and McDougall. Both sides missed several other chances as the Bulldogs went to 1/4 time with a one point lead.
McDougall took a strong mark and goaled early in the second term, and Higgins was again set up by Minson for his second soon after. The Dogs added just one more goal for the term to grab the lead, but a supergoal to Copeland and a six pointer to Allen gave the Lions a 4 point lead. Notting earned a free after a strong tackle on Harris and his goal gave the Lions a 10 point lead at 1/2 time.
Young Higgins bobbed up again early the third term to boot the Dogs into the lead, but Brisbane got up a head of steam to dominate the term with five unanswered goals,including a nine-pointer to Power to lead by a comfortable 35 points at 3/4 time.
The Lions carried that momentum into the early stages of the final term with three more unanswered goals to lead by as much as 52 points before the Bulldogs managed several consolation goals, including two supergoals to Eagleton.
Despite the win, Brisbane Coach was fuming at the post match press conference as he lashed out at the AFL for forcing the Lions into three consecutive weeks of travel, pointing out the Lions do have a second "home" in Carrara on the Gold Coast. Asked if he would officially complain, Matthews scoffed that you can't fight City Hall and stormed out of the press conference.
AFL communications manager Patrick Keane, who was at the press conference, explained that Port - whom the Lions play next week - and Geelong, will have only a six-day break after their Darwin trip this week was the reasoning behind the scheduling.
This is the first time since 2001 that Brisbane has progressed to a preseason semi-final. That year, they made it to the preseason Ansett Cup but were defeated by Port Adelaide. This is also the first time the Lions have defeated the Bulldogs since Round 15, 2004.
CARL 1.3.1 1.5.6 1.8.9 1.9.12 (75)
HAW 0.4.4 0.5.5 1.7.6 2.7.8 (68)
NINE POINT GOALS: CARL - Murphy; HAW - Crawford, Young
GOALS: CARL - Fevola 2, Ackland 2, Carrazzo 2, Fisher, Kennedy, Betts; HAW - Boyle 3, Franklin 3, Little
BEST: CARL - Stevens, Fevola, Murphy, Ackland, Scotland, Carrazzo; HAW - Mitchell, Crawford, Boyle, Lewis, Sewell
CROWD: approx. 5000 at Aurora Stadium, Tasmania
Two young sides, desperate and hungry for success. And it showed in a spirited and entertaining opening term. Hawthorn started out the better side and was full of run. They were first to the board through Franklin who outsmarted Waite and kicked a tight angle goal. Boyle followed with one of his own before Carlton hit back with 4 goals, including a supergoal to Murphy who first weaved his way through some heavy traffic and was then shepherded by Fevola. Hawthorn finished off the term the way they started it, with Waite falling victim to the new in the back rule gifting Franklin a goal and Boyle booting a late goal to level the scores at 1/4 time.
Carlton grabbed the lead with two goals to one in the second term. Much of latter part of the term was played in Carlton's forward line, but they failed to put the Hawks away and led by only 10 points at 1/2 time.
The Hawks rallied in third term with an early nine-pointer from Crawford again leveling the scores after Carlton could manage just three points. The Blues regained the lead with two more goals, one from a free to Fisher. A late goal to Carrazzo gave them some breathing space as they led by nine points at 3/4 time.
Hawthorn poured on the pressure late, but Carlton stood firm to ensure a showdown with the winner of tomorrow's Kangaroos-Fremantle match in the semi-finals next weekend and a chance at their second pre-season flag in three years.
The Hawks again rallied to level the scores midway through the final term when Crawford booted a nine-pointer. Carlton tried but again failed to seal the win with Koutoufides, Houlihan, Fevola, and Thornton all missing before Carrazzo again saved the day just five minutes remaining on the clock. Young then gave his all as he tried for a supergoal which would have given the Hawks a one point lead, but the shot went wide and the Carlton defense held firm under pressure to repel Hawk attacks.
For the Blues, Stevens and Murphy led the way through the middle while Fevola provided plenty of support for his fellow forwards.
For the Hawks, Mitchell was outstanding with 31 possessions and Franklin always looked dangerous.
GEEL 0.1.2 0.4.4 0.7.6 0.9.6 (60)
PA 0.4.1 0.4.6 0.4.6 0.7.15 (57)
GOALS: GEEL - Mooney 4, Byrnes 2, Reynolds, Djerrkura, Bartel; PA - White 2, Cockshell 2, Lade, S. Burgoyne, Gray
BEST: GEEL - Bartel, Enright, Mooney, Byrnes, Scarlett, Stokes; PA - K. Cornes, White, Rodan, S. Burgoyne, Wilson, Cassisi
INJURY: GEEL - Callan (foot)
REPORTS: GEEL - Stokes for bumping umpire Camoline.
UMPIRES: McBurney, M. Nicholls, Kamolins, Ryan
CROWD: 4,804 at TIO Stadium, Darwin
The game was played in pouring rain but it was Port who handled the conditions better early on. After Mooney booted the opening goal for the Cats, Port dominated the term with the next four goals to lead by 17 points at 1/4 time. But with Mooney a difficult match up in the goal square and Byrnes alongside him, Ablett leading up the ground, and Bartel, Enright, and Hunt out of the middle, the Cats dominated the next two terms. They booted three goals in each of the second and third terms while the Scarlett led defense - and the atrocious weather - kept Port to just a handful of points to 3/4 time.
Northern Territorian Nathan Djerkurra, on debut for Geelong, produced one of the individual highlights of the match with a stunning pick-up and goal which put the Cats 17 points in front late in the third term.
Port hit back hard in the final term, kicking three goals, the third coming with less than five minutes remaining to first-gamer Adam Cockshell via a controversial free kick against Scarlett for holding the ball. A flying snap from Bartel two minutes later leveled the scores and sent the game into extra time - a 10 minute term with the sides changing ends after five minutes.
Port's only scoring chance in the first five minutes was wasted when Ebert played on after a mark in the goalsquare, but he was off-balance when he kicked and ball cannoned into the post to put Port just one point in front as the teams switched ends for the second five minute period. Enter bad boy Mooney, who set a record for the most suspensions in a season last year (four). This time, he was the hero of the day with a goal which gave the Cats a five point lead. A few minutes later, Chad Cornes had the chance to put Port back in front when he was awarded a 50 meter (55 yards) penalty after Corey knocked the ball from his hands. He blew his chance as the ball hit the post with just 32 seconds remaining on the clock. Port had one final chance, but Ebert dropped a simple chest mark just 20 meters (22 yards) out from goal in the final few seconds, allowing the Cats to hang on.
KANG 0.3.3 1.6.5 1.11.5 1.14.7 (100)
FRE 0.2.6 0.7.6 0.9.10 0.13.13 (91)
NINE POINT GOALS: KANG - Grant
GOALS: KANG - Brown 3, Campbell 3, Thompson 2, Hansen 2, Thomas 2, Whyman, Harvey; FRE - Farmer 3, Duffield 2, Murphy 2, Bell, Pavlich, Hasleby, Longmuir, J. Carr, Browne.
BEST: KANG - Sinclair, Gibson, Brown, Wells, Campbell, Simpson, Archer; FRE - Bell, Sandilands, J. Carr, Duffield, Hasleby, Hayden
INJURY: KANG - Jones (corked knee)
REPORTS: FRE - Solomon for allegedly striking Harvey
UMPIRES: Grun, Vozzo, Bandy, Fila
CROWD: 9191 at Telstra Dome
A hard preseason reaped benefits for the Kangaroos as did a restructured forward line which featured Leigh Brown and less reliance on Nathan Thompson. Their attack was well served with a midfield which went long and more direct with indigenous quartet Matt Campbell, Djaran Whyman, Eddie Sansbury, and Lindsay Thomas providing plenty of dash and flair. The Dockers were equally aggressive in their attack and it was only some wayward kicking for goal which had them trailing by 3 points at 1/4 time.
The second term was equally tight, but the Dockers rammed home 5 goals to three to grab a narrow lead. However, Grant produced a nine-pointer on the run to give the Kangaroos a two point lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos took control in the third term with five straight goals to give themselves a handy lead. One of those came courtesy of the Cup rules when the Dockers tried to concede a three-point rushed behind, but the ball ricocheted off the goal post and back into play. Rookie Matt Campbell reacted quickly to soccer the ball through for the goal. The Dockers got two late goals. The first came from Murphy after a Simpson turnover, then Farmer threaded the eye of a needle from the boundary. It was enough to cut the Kangaroo lead to 17 points at 3/4 time.
The Kangaroos stretched that lead to 27 points before the Dockers roared back into contention, reducing the margin to just eight points. They were heading into attack again with Farmer in the thick of it when the siren sounded.
COL 4.1 8.5 12.9 15.10 (100)
STK 2.1 3.4 7.5 7.10 (52)
GOALS: COL - Fraser 4, Thomas 2, H Shaw 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Medhurst, Pendlebury, O'Bree, Burns. St Kilda: Milne 3, Gehrig, Birss, Brooks, Jones
BEST: COL - H. Shaw, Cloke, Fraser; STK - Ball, S. Fisher, Armitage
INJURY: COL - Medhurst (foot)
UMPIRES: Ellis, Pannell, Armstrong, Ryan
CROWD: About 4000 at MC Labour Park
Medhurst started well for his new club, kicking the opening goal, but limped off the ground minutes later, not to return. Draftee Brad Dick missed the second half after a colliding with Saint Steven Baker just before half time.
The Magpies were missing Anthony Rocca, Sean Rusling, Rhyce Shaw and Nathan Buckley, but their absence was hardly missed with Fraser playing four solid quarters and kicking four goals to help the Pies to a comprehensive win. The Saints were also severely undermanned without Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke, Lenny Hayes, Matt Maguire, Max Hudghton, Leigh Montagna, and all three Clarkes. It left the Saints in defense where second year player James Gwilt was forced to play on Collingwood's tall timber.
The Magpie ruck duo of Bryan and Richards looked sharp. Should they click in 2007, it will allow Fraser more time in attack. Also looking impressive were Ben Reid, Shannon Cox, Ryan Cook, Daniel Nicholls, and Allan Toovey.
For the Saints, David Armitage looked sharp in the middle alongside Robert Harvey and Luke Ball. Jarryd Allen, James Wall, former Lion Jayden Attard, Luke van Rheesen, and Clint Jones also impressed, although van Rheesen will need to work on his kicking skills a bit.
ESS 2.4 7.6 8.9 15.10 (100)
WCE 2.5 3.7 5.11 5.12 (42)
GOALS: ESS - Lloyd 3, Monfries 3, Jetta 3, Johns 2, Winderlich, Lovett, Davey, Houli; WCE - Le Cras, Brown, Priddis, Lynch, Hansen
BEST: ESS - Lovett, Lloyd, Monfries, Jetta, Fletcher; WCE - Wirrpanda, Rosa, Priddis, Glass, Chick
INJURY: ESS - Johns (hip)
UMPIRES: James, Hendry, Donlon, Keating
CROWD: 11,012 at Subiaco Oval
Both sides entered the match missing a host of stars. Chris Judd, Andrew Embley, Ben Cousins, Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, and Michael Braun were among the big names rested for West Coast, while Essendon was without the likes of James Hird, Scott Lucas, Scott Camporeale, Jason Johnson, and Adam McPhee. But it didn't stop the two sides from putting a very competitive opening term. One stand-out for the term was young Bomber Courtney Johns who showed plenty of skill and aggression. He flew for a spectacular mark in the goal square, kicked two goals, crunched Eagle defender David Wirrpanda, and got into a stoush with Eagle Chad Jones. But it was the Eagles who were on top by a point at 1/4 time.
Just minutes into the second term, Johns was off the ground after a heavy bump from Eagle ruckman Mark Seaby. Luckily, the knock was to his right hip, not his left hip which kept him from playing for almost two years. He took no further part in the game, but he didn't need to as Lloyd was back to his damaging best with three goals in nine minutes to break the game open. The Bombers booted two more for the term to one from the Eagles for a 23 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Bombers booted another to start the third term for a 30 point lead before Lynch and Hansen goaled to get the Eagles within 16 points at 3/4 time.
But any chance of a comeback was quickly snuffed out in the final term as the Bombers piled on 6 goals to one point for an easy win.
For the Bombers, Jetta and Monfries partnered well up forward with Lloyd while Watson (29 possessions), Lovett (27 possessions), and Stanton (27 touches) were strong in the midfield. Jetta provided a highlight of his own when he shrugged off a tackle and threaded an amazing goal from a tight angle.
For the Eagles, Wirrpanda was resolute in a defense under siege, while Fletcher, Stenglein, Rosa, and Armstrong looked good in the middle.
SYD 5.2 8.3 11.5 13.7 (85)
RICH 2.1 4.3 6.6 10.6 (66)
GOALS: SYD - Phillips 3, Fosdike 2, Shaw, Goodes, Simpkin, Jack, Vogels, O'Loughlin, Buchanan, White; RICH - Johnson 2, Graham 2, Howat 2, Pattison, Hartigan, Schulz, Krakouer
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Fosdike, Phillips, Buchanan, O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, Everitt; RICH - Tambling, Johnson, Schulz, Howat, Krakouer
INJURY: SYD - Kennelly (bruised shoulder)
REPORTS: SYD - Fosdike (Syd) striking White
UMPIRES: McLaren, K. Nicholls, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 3,365 at Manuka Oval
If this game is anything to go by, the Swans should have no ruck worries with new recruit Peter Everitt showing plenty as he combined with Jolly. A late season ankle injury in 2006 meant he was a bit rusty in his first game, but should sharpen up in time for Sydney's Round One match against the Eagles.
Goodes dominated the opening half for the Swans while small forward Simon Phillips was lively in attack.
For the Tigers, Kane Johnson was at his typical best leading the midfield while midfielder Cameron Howat showed a bit of class as did Graham up forward.
ADE 0.1 3.11 9.15 14.16 (100)
MELB 3.1 3.2 5.4 6.8 (44)
GOALS: ADE - Burton 4, Knights 2, Bode, 2, Mattner, Thompson, Welsh, Hudson, Stevens, Sellar;
MELB - Green, Bate, Jamar, Bruce, Davey, Miller
BEST: ADE - McLeod, Burton, Knights, Hudson; MELB - Davey, Jamar, Dunn, Ferguson
INJURY: MELB - Holland (corked hip,) Warnock (ankle), Hughes (virus)
CROWD: Approx 5,000 at South Gambier
The Crows were off to a slow and inauspicious start, being held goalless in the opening term while the Demons booted the first via a Green free kick followed by two more to Bate and Davey . It left the Demons 18 points clear at 1/4 time.
The Crows revved up in the second term with three goals of their own to be right back in the game. And they could have broken the game open had it been for an inaccurate 3.10 for the term. Instead, they led by just nine points at 1/2 time.
The Crows lifted in the third term with Burton on fire up forward with three of Adelaide's six goals. The Demons could manage just two for the term and Adelaide took a handy 35 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Crows kept it up in the final term with five unanswered goals in the final term with Demons able to soccer through their solitary goal just before the final siren.
Next week, it will be:
Brisbane vs. Geelong at Telstra Dome on Friday night
Carlton vs. the Kangaroos at Carrara on Saturday night
The practice games will be:
Adelaide vs. West Coast in Alice Springs on Friday night
Sydney vs. Collingwood in Narrandera, Friday night
Essendon vs. Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium, Saturday afternoon
Melbourne vs. Richmond at MC Labour Park, Saturday afternoon
Fremantle vs. Hawthorn at Subiaco, Saturday night
Port Adelaide vs. St. Kilda at AAMI Stadium, Saturday night
Source: Melbourne Age & afl.com
Article last changed on Tuesday, March 06, 2007 - 10:34 PM EST
