AFL Round 1
by Tim Murphy
Graaab yoooouuurrr
Coat and your rug
And your thermos and mug
Let it rain, let it shine
Tho’ your team’s far behind
Because it’s football season
And that’s the reason
It’s the time of the year that we lurrrvve.
Yes, we’re back. Eventually. The arrogant brinkmen at the TV networks finally worked out their issues a month ago and Foxtel secured the rights to even more footy than before! A great deal for me and other Foxtel subscribers. Not so good if you’re one of the 70% of TV viewers who don’t have cable. The AFL haven’t looked after you at all, especially if you live in Perth or Adelaide. So we’re off in a brand new season, one new rule which makes it illegal to place your hands, in any way, on the back of an opponent. The idea was to promote contested marks but as the rule allows shoving or ‘position holding’ with hips, elbows, shoulders or even clenched fists, it may not be very successful. Leo Barry thinks it’s targeted at him.
At the MCG:
Melbourne 4.3 6.3 6.5 9.8.62
St. Kilda 2.7 7.7 11.12 13.15.93
The season opened with the, er, traditional elimination final replay as the Deez and Stainers met. Melbun coach Neale Daniher, an all-round good bloke, is entering his tenth season in charge and his team have made the finals the last three years, but haven’t reached the final four let alone played off for the flag. They’re overdue to take the next step, a point apparently made to those senior players who disappear every September. Started 6 months early here. The Deez were missing defenders Jared Rivers and Ryan Ferguson, sniper Byron Pickett and junior forward Lynden Dunn but had tough runner Brent Moloney back from injury. No new players for Melbun. The Saints experienced upheaval last year with coach Grant Thomas sacked after the Dees beat ‘em in the final, the reason remaining a mystery. His replacement is Ross Lyon, a smart player with Fitzroy and later Brisbane who’d been assistant to Paul Roos with the Swans. Lyon’s first move was to recruit broken-down boozer Michael Gardiner from the Eagles, which hardly endeared him to Sainter supporters. Thomas’s Saints were supposedly on the verge of premiership glory and mealy-mouthed Sinkilda president Rod ‘Mattress’ Butterss, who’s sacked two coaches now, will be in the sights if the Saints slip back under Lyon. Gardiner was unavailable here, surprise, along with another crock in Aaron Hamill, while key forward Nick Riewoldt (hamstring), full-back Max Hudghton and backman Raphael Clarke were also absent. But they did have Lenny Hayes, Matt ‘Goose’ Maguire and accident-prone Justin Koschitzke back from serious injuries, plus new players in aged ruckman Matthew ‘Doc’ Clarke, at his third club, and ex-Brisbane defender Jay Attard.
The Sainters were very comfortable after quarter-time, the Dees were pretty awful. Melbourne did start last season poorly, losing to eventual spooners Carlton in round one. Time will tell. The Sainters have embraced the alternative guernsey idea and showed up here in an all-white number with subtle black-and-red piping. The game marked Channel Seven’s official return to covering the footy following a 5-year hiatus and station stalwart Bruce ‘Special’ McAvaney had a good line early: “I didn’t think I’d be calling (Robert) Harvey again.” Early highlight was a heavy, nasty clash of heads between Saint Luke Ball and Demun defender Matthew Whelan as the latter applied a shepherd. Ball returned later but Whelan’s night was over very early, shoulder damage. Dee skipper and full-forward David Neitz booted the season’s first goal, leading to mark Daniel Ward’s long kick into space. Melbun looked good early as Sinkilda turned over possession and struggled in attack. A bit later Dee ruckman Jeff White jabbed a short pass for leading Brad Green to accept and thump home from 50m. Stinkilda spearhead Fraser ‘G-Train’ Gehrig hit the post for the second time before Russ Robertson booted the Dees’ third goal, following a clever grab over opponent Leigh Fisher. Melbun led by 17 points. The battling Saints contrived to miss a few shots before they won a lucky holding-the-bawl decision against Ben Holland, who’d dropped a mark. Steven Baker kicked a goal. Robertson scrambled a left-foot snap for full points after he roved a throw-in and the Dees led by 14, but late in the term the busy Xavier Clarke ran from defence and kicked for Brendon Goddard to hold a good mark. Goddard majored and the Saints were 8 points down at the first break. The Dees managed the opening goal of the second term, Robertson held a tough with-the-flight mark, protected by Neitz, and kicked backwards for White to accept and convert. Melbun by 14 again. Sinkilda dominated thereon, Lyon appears to have brought Sydney’s ferocious tackling ethic to Moorabbin and he pushed some players forward to help Gehrig and Stephen Milne. The Demons wilted under fierce physical pressure. Stainer Sam Fisher’s smart gather and kick found unattended Xavier Clarke for an easy mark and major. ‘X-Factor’ was involved again as his wobbly, mongrelled shot was marked strongly by Koschitzke and punted for full points. A bit later an upfield Gehrig combined with Harvey to find Andrew McQualter for a mark and major and the Saints led, by 4 points. Baker extended it to 10, set up by his mate Milne. The Dees began to flood back heavily but the excellent pressure applied by the Sinkilda forwards trapped the Dees in their own half. The officials helped the Saints out, Dee man Clint Bartram was punished stupidly for ‘bawl’, karma-ically (?) Aaron Fiora shanked the resulting shot on-the-full. But a bit later Gehrig majored from a very soft free for holding against opponent Nathan Carroll, who must’ve been the model for The Cougar. Saints by 16 points with 5 unanswered goals at this point. Melbun suffered further as rugged rover Brock McLean departed with an ankle or foot problem, but Robertson gave ‘em a lifeline with a miraculous goal dribbled through while lying on his back. Saints by 10 points at the long break.
Little change in the pattern after half-time. Neitz missed an early shot for the Dees before more terrific Sinkilder tackling forced a turnover, three Melbin defenders leapt to oppose tiny Milne and Gehrig stayed down to rove the loose ball and grubber it through. A bit later Gehrig postered with a difficult set-shot, but as the Dees tried to run the ball out from the kick-in another vice-like tackle, Andrew Thompson on Green, led to a goal for Robert Harvey, aged 57. Frustrated Dee speedster Aaron Davey, who’d been tagged closely by Jay Attard, donged Baker leading to a downfield free-kick and goal for Gehrig. When Koschitzke majored from a weak free-kick the Saints were cruising with a 34-point lead. Melbun were rabble-like and Davey was benched after giving up three frees in as many minutes. A woeful hospital handpass from Ward set up junior Dee Chris Johnson to be creamed in a tackle, but Xavier Clarke behinded with the resulting free-kick as the siren gave the Dees a merciful rest. “We’ve got to switch flanks coming from defence and find some space. We’ll keep running into a wall of tacklers otherwise,” said Daniher as he departed the ground after the break. Indeed. Melbourne’s Moloney cleared the opening bounce of the final stanza and Neitz dived for a good mark, he punted truly at last. Predictably another exemplary tackle, Jason Blake on Ward, caused the Sinkilda reply as Gehrig marked on-the-lead and was handed a 50m penalty after Adem Yze (awful in this game) mouthed off at the umpire. But the Saints, 36 points ahead, either tired or eased up at this point. Neitz doubled back to collect a pass which’d sailed over his head, and snap a good goal. Then a rare Deemon tackle, Brad Miller on Luke Ball, forced a turnover and led to a mark and six-pointer for Cameron Bruce. The Dees hovered a vaguely-threatening 24 points behind. Neitz juggled a very good mark under pressure but his shot faded wide, and any wisp of a chance they had disappeared. Fiora booted a late major to put a seal on it.
In an even Sainter effort wingman Leigh Montagna (24 disposals) was their most prolific ball-winner while Xavier Clarke (20 touches, 7 marks, a goal) was very good at both ends. Fraser ‘G-Train’ Gehrig manufactured 4 goals from 10 marks and 16 kicks, he did well in Riewoldt’s absence. Brendon Goddard (22 touches, 13 marks, a goal) roamed effectively from half-forward. Midfielders Nick Dal Santo (19 possessions) and clobber-magnet Luke Ball(14 disposals) played well, even Aaron ‘Fiona’ (22 handlings, 13 marks, a goal) did something. There were some key tagging efforts, Jay Attard on Aaron Davey and Steven Baker (17 touches, 2 goals) on Travis Johnstone. Justin Koschitzke kicked 2 goals in a welcome return. Few good performers for the Deez, Brent Moloney (22 disposals) was their most effective midfielder and as the game went on Cameron Bruce (18 handlings, a goal) began to get a few touches. A sleeker, fitter Nathan Jones (18 possies) was alright. Fanta-pants wingman Matthew Bate (19 touches) tried hard and their two important forwards, Russ Robertson (5 marks, 10 kicks, 3 goals) and David Neitz (4 marks, 9 kicks, 3 goals), had reasonable returns. But the Dees were totally outplayed. "Our ball use by foot has been a really positive aspect of our play (at the MCG), but blokes weren't willing to kick the ball," said Daniher. “They wanted to pass that responsibility to someone else and we ended up being tackling targets because blokes were clear and not willing to go through our forwards. We lost our way and that's why we lost the game tonight. I thought we played very dumb football in those second and third quarters." All smiles for new boy Ross Lyon, straight into the cliches. "It is nice to get it out of the way to be honest and pleasing to get a win, I won't deny that," Lyon said. "It gives you a bit of confidence going forward that you are on the right track and that the players are willing to listen and apply certain things. That's what gives you confidence more than the result even though it was obviously good. Look, it's Round 1, it's a marathon and plenty of teams win Round 1 and then go on and do nothing." He wasn’t so happy about comparisons with his previous job. "I thought there was a lot of St Kilda in St Kilda tonight, I didn't see one Sydney Swans player out there."
At Docklands:
North Melbourne 3.4 7.10 8.15 10.19.79
Collingwood 2.1 5.5 5.8 12.10.82
With a coupla minutes to go Roo Shannon Grant contrived to hit the post from about 15m, probably costing Norf a first-up win in an exciting finish. But he should’ve been right in front, an umpire error the other main talking point. The rebuilding Ruse are expected to struggle this season, they’re the popular pick for the spoon. And that was before full-forward Nathan Thompson went down with a busted knee a fortnight ago - out for the season, appalling luck. The Kangaroos’ mooted relocation to the Gold Coast moved a step closer last month as a pro-GC committee was voted in, new president Graham Duff (Duffworld!) along with new members the Brayshaw brothers, professional football administrator Mark and Footy Show host James. Thompson was the only key Kanger missing here but they had four new players, teenagers making their AFL debuts: mop-haired defender Matt Riggio from the Peel Thunder, a tall kid in no. 3 draft pick Lachlan Hansen from Nar Nar Goon and speedy Aboriginal small forwards Lindsay Thomas (Port Adelaide Magpies) and Matt Campbell (Pioneers in the Territory), both of whom played very well in the NAB Cup. Collywood - their fans are very confident of course. Outwardly. A few weeks ago Mick Malthouse agreed to extend his contract to the end of 2008, news received with lukewarm joy by Poi supporters I know. Last summer Mick off-loaded Chris Tarrant to the Dockers, surprising given the way Malthouse defended Tazza’s poor form last year. In return the Pies received a first-round draft pick and, um, Paul Medhurst (or “steak knives” as one Pie fan referred to him). The Magpoise surprised themselves by making the finals last year but have set the standard now. Aged captain Nathan Buckley didn’t play here, his annual hamstring injury, along with Alan Didak, still recovering from a knee reconstruction (he’s not far away) and promising young forward Sean Rusling will miss the bulk of the season with a damaged shoulder. Chris Egan was absent too. Medhurst was their only new player here and played his 100th AFL game.
Despite being the home team the Kangas wore a ‘change’ guernsey, royal blue with a white vee. They battled admirably for the first three quarters but it’s fair to say the Poise were very ordinary in the same period. Moving the ball with glacial speed, committing multiple clangers and turnovers with aimless bombs into the forward-line, it took ‘em a long time to get moving. North were good early, hard tackling and some strong pressure caused a Pie turnover to create the first goal, Grant finding ruckman and makeshift forward David Hale on the lead, he converted. ‘Neon’ Leon Davis got the Poise on the board, speeding onto a loose ball from a throw-in and whipping it through. New Roo Lindsay Thomas had missed a couple of shots but soon Brent Harvey booted a goal, created by Corey Jones’s skilful gather in traffic and smart pass. ‘Megastar’ Medhurst made his first intervention, marking and missing from 30m. Standard. But Pie rover Shane O’Bree intercepted the kick-in and passed it back to Medhurst, he goaled this time. North missed a couple more shots before good crumbing and a slick handpass from captain Adam Simpson allowed David Trotter to drill a good kick for full points. North led by 9 points at the first break. The Kangers were determined to move the ball quickly and played on at every opportunity. The Magpiss were the opposite, but North struggled to put their general superiority on the board. Leigh Brown kicked an early goal for the Roos, Poi Travis ‘The Only’ Cloke responded with a good snap for a major. Tight for a bit before Anthony Rocca held a big grab 70m out and launched a long bomb, but it was touched through. A good spoil by Norf ruckman Hamish McIntosh led to Grant passing for an easy mark and major to Jones, the Ruse led by 17 points. Grant and Harvey missed poorly, at the other end Rocca postered. The busy McIntosh created the next Roo goal, a good centering kick which spilled from the pack and Grant was on hand to snap it through. The Ruse by 24 points. The Pies hung in, Paul Licuria missed with a snap but the kick-in returned to junior Poi Scott Pendlebury who booted a cool running goal. Stand-in Pie skipper James Clement pushed forward to aid the outnumbered Rocca, Clement clutched an emphatic mark of Guy Richards’s kick and booted a sausage roll. Norf’s lead cut to 11 points but they managed a late goal, Pie man Davis appeared to be whacked in the head when he spilled the ball but he acted up a bit, the Ruse rebounded rapidly and their youngster Thomas shepherded well for Harvey to mark and goal on-the-run. Norf by 17 points amidst a chorus of Pie displeasure.
A tight and tedious third term ensued. The Pies were winning plenty of the ball but chipped slow, sideways passes about and had no running play or forward target apart from Rocca. The Ruse missed more shots early - inaccuracy is their chief problem if you listen to coach Dean Laidley. It certainly was here. Debutant Lindsay Thomas in particular was having great trouble raising the twin calicoes. Half the quarter was gone before Thomas marked on a wide lead and centered the ball smartly for Jones to grab and convert. The Ruse led by 26 points at this stage. Both sides fell down terribly across half-forward for a while. Heath Shaw missed a long shot, late in the term Davis marked on a tricky angle and kicked to Heath Shaw in the goal-square, who fumbled and allowed Hale to push the ball through for a point. The Kangas led by 25 points at the final change. Collywould were winning enough of the ball to come back, but had to move it faster and get some forward action happening. Both occurred in the final Mario Lanza. The goal-drought was broken early as the Pies’ Dale Thomas caught Roo Daniel Wells in possession and free-kicked a major. Simpson won the ball at the following centre-bounce and punted the Kangas forward, Grant roved and hooked an answering goal. Norf by 25 points still. The Pies pressed on as Cloke booted long, Roo Drew Petrie affected a good spoil on Rocca but Pie Tarkyn Lockyer gathered the crumb and snapped truly. Lockyer carried the ball away from the restart and found Rocca on-the-lead, ‘Pebbles’ attempted a low percentage kick to Dane Swan in a pocket. To his credit, Swan collected the ball and set up a goal-square tap-through for Licuria. Pie fans excited as their blokes trailed by 13 points. A bit later lumbering Poi backman Simon Prestigiacomo tapped-on smartly for Davis to run clear and punt into attack, Maxwell plucked an excellent grab over two Ruse and booted a major. Only 7 points down, the Pies. Norf held them up for a bit and eventually Harvey marked 55m out, used his speed to play on around Prestitooslow on the mark and spear a great sausage. Norf were 14 points ahead again. The Scragpies pressed on, Fraser’s long kick cleared a bustling Rocca-centered pack allowing Medhurst to mark at the back, play-on and dribble it through. Pies attacked again and Petrie, being tackled, soccered a panicky kick on-the-full. Ben Johnson banana-ed the free kick for a goal, reducing the Roo lead to 2 points. Norf won a centre-clearance but managed a rushed behind only, the Poise went forward again and Kanger backman Daniel Pratt dived onto Scott Burns’s head in pack. Burns converted the resulting free and the Poise led for the first time, by 3 points. Medhurst began to get a lot of the ball, he had two long shots which were rushed through. From the second one the Ruse managed a rebound, Hansen passed for Shannon Grant to mark on the 50m line. Heath Shaw followed through way past the mark, clinging onto Grant. A clear 50m penalty, but the umpire only advanced Grant about 35m. Still should’ve been an easy goal but Grant raced in and slammed his kick into the post. Arrgghh! There was time for Lindsay Thomas to soccer his fifth behind of the day before the siren - Medhurst kicked a point after it.
Poi captain James Clement (23 disposals, 12 marks) was terrific down back and sneaking forward for a goal. The midfield worked hard and ground down the Ruse, led by Tarkyn Lockyer (19 possies, a goal), Heath Shaw (27 possies, 12 marks), Rhyce Shaw (19 disposals) and the busy Dale Thomas (20 touches, a goal), very good in the first half. Shane O’Bree (18 disposals, 8 marks) wasn’t bad and Paul Medhurst (11 kicks, 7 marks, 2 goals) actually contributed, how ‘bout that? He was their only multiple goal-kicker. For the Kangers Shannon Grant (19 handlings, 2 goals) may’ve cost ‘em the game, but was pretty good otherwise. Fellow veterans Brent Harvey (23 disposals, 3 goals) and Adam Simpson (29 possessions) were very good. Ruckman Hamish McIntosh (18 disposals, 14 hit-outs) showed great improvement and Michael Firrito played well at full-back, Drew Petrie did a decent job on Rocca. Of the new boys Lindsay Thomas (11 touches, 0.5) showed he could get the ball, which is important. Riggio and Hansen showed ability. Daniel Pratt was okay, Corey Jones kicked 2 goals. Kanga coach Dean Laidley blamed the umpires’ errant 50m penalty, of course. "What happened there with Shannon Grant's kick on goal?" he said. "I am positive he marked it inside the forward 50 (he did) and I think when you get awarded a 50-metre penalty it should be on the goal line (it should - the ump got it wrong) . . . I haven't spoken to Shannon about the kick. He is professional enough. I am more interested in speaking to the umpires. I am sure we will get the phone call from (umpires boss) Jeff Gieschen apologising or however he goes about it, but we would rather the four points." On the game, Laidley said "We had 54 inside-50s which is a real positive, and in the last quarter we probably didn't have the (forward) anchor that we needed. David Hale was very good down there, but we needed him in the ruck." Laidley was then forced to fend off questions concerning recent criticism of his performance by Wayne Carey. Mick Malthouse agreed the Pies had committed ‘daylight robbery’. "I think we had poor players - good players that were playing poorly. When you have good players playing poorly there's always the window open for them to be good players again," Malthouse said. "I won't name them, but four or five of those players lifted and as a consequence were able to drag in six or seven others. And that's on top of some of the blokes that were playing quite well. I think once you get your senior players going, you've got some chance."
At Subiaco:
Fremantle 8.1 10.4 14.5 16.9.105
Port Adelaide 3.4 6.6 16.7 19.7.121
An amazing third-quarter burst propelled the Pooey to an upset round-one win. The Dockerators are everyone’s pick as the team to beat this year, although if you can be taken apart by David Rodan, that’s not a good sign. Freo themselves seem to be self-conscious concerning their toughness. They recruited Dean Solomon, a coupla alleged knucklemen from rural WA and, er, Chris Tarrant. It backfired a bit in the pre-season when Michael Johnson copped a 4-game suspension, the first victim of a crackdown on head-high contact, and Jeff Farmer got 6 games for eye-gouging Norf’s Daniel Pratt, an incident caught clearly on TV. The latter is Farmer being his usual stupid self, really. Neither played here of course, full-back Robert Haddrill was missing too. Freo had two new players, former Bomber Solomon and ex-Poi Tarrant. Several pundits are tipping a good year for Port, finals even. This result didn’t hurt their case. The theory is based around the return of Warren Tredrea from injury and the emergence of some good youngsters last year, headed by Rising Star Danyle Pearce. Backline has an old and fragile look, though. Port were missing Tredrea here as it happened, along with Peter Burgoyne. The Flowers had three new players, ex-Richmond rover Rodan and two leeg debutants, Nathan Krakouer from Claremont, the livewire cousin of Richmond’s Andrew, and powerfully built Norwood forward Adam Cockshell. It’s pronounced ‘Co-shell’, apparently.
Port’s last game in 2006 saw them thumped by Freo to the tune of 13 goals. Might’ve provided motivation. Not early though as Freo held sway, amongst a plethora of free-kicks. The umps were whistle-happy this opening round. Seven of the eleven goals in the first quarter came from free-kicks, for Port Daniel Motlop was especially busy with all of the Pooey’s first-term majors against battlin’ Steven Dodd. The Dokkas kicked clear late driven by the rucking dominance of lighthouse Aaron Sandilands. New bloke Dean Solomon bagged a coupla goals, both from frees, and earlier Tarrant curled a nice shot home on his left boot after receiving a handpass from Ryan Crowley. Port went defensive in the second stanza, dropping Shaun Burgoyne behind the ball. Freo lost some drive with captain Peter Bell departing with a calf injury, but the Power lost their only attacking weapon in Motlop, a rolled ankle. Nevertheless the Flowers did creep closer, Jacob Surjan, Brendon Lade and Danyle Pearce all bagged goals but a late one for Freo star Matty Pavlich kept ‘em 22 points ahead at the long break. Freo appeared to be cruising away early in the third Mario with sausages from Paul Hasleby and Paul Duffield, leading by 34 points. Then Port bagged seven in-a-row. They were very good at hammering goals from long distance. Damon White roosted a set shot from 60m, then Brett Ebert got one from a downfield free-kick against Duffield. Much of it was driven by Dean Brogan getting the ruck whip-hand and the roving of David Rodan. White and Ebert slotted goals from tight angles, Ebert after a good grab, and Lade scored with a remarkable torpedo from 70m on the flank - didn’t even line it up, just mark, two steps back and bang. Freo supporters may have suspected God was against them at this point. Even David Rodan, who never kicked the Sherrin more than 30m for the Tiges, kicked a goal from 50m. New Shocker Solomon missed a shot from 25m to end the quarter as Port led by 14 points. The Dockerators managed the first goal of the final term, a nice running effort from Crowley, but Rodan slotted a brace of goals not long after to effectively seal it.
Terrific first-up effort from new Port rover David Rodan (16 disposals, 3 goals), he and Dean Brogan (19 possies, 14 hit-outs) tipped the balance in the Flowers’ favour. Steven Salopek (24 touches, 11 marks) was very good in the midfield and there was a multi-pronged attack with Daniel Motlop (5 kicks, 3 goals) contributing early and later Damon White (8 marks, 13 kicks, 3 goals) and Brett Ebert (6 marks, 9 kicks, 3 goals) joining in. Brendon Lade kicked 2 goals. Freo’s best were ex-Port man Josh Carr (26 disposals, a goal) and running backman Roger Hayden (17 touches, a goal). Matty Pavlich (12 marks, 18 disposals, 5 goals) was great up forward but was reported for striking Darryl Wakelin in a Chris Grant-Nick Holland-type clash in a marking contest. Must get off. Dean Solomon (12 touches, 2 goals) played well on debut, Aaron Sandilands (21 touches, 8 marks, 26 hit-outs, a goal) was good early until he ran outta steam, maybe. Chris Tarrant and Paul Duffield kicked 2 goals each. "It was an extraordinary game in terms of outcome but that's what football throws at you," Dokka coach Chris Connolly said. "We had got out to lead . . . and if a team gets a roll on of three goals it is always a danger, but all of a sudden it rolled out to seven, and that was the difference. There has probably only been half a dozen teams kick 100 points (against us) really, and it was disappointing. Seven unanswered goals is unacceptable." Port nuffy Mark Williams was kinda happy. "It is right up there (with the club’s best wins). It was a great effort from us to come back from where we were, I thought our fitness was outstanding . . . we had to guts it out. It is huge, but it is only one game - we get realistic with it. There is a lot of us who have been around for a while and we will enjoy the five minutes, s**k it in and s**k in the atmosphere. But right now the players are onto next week, and as much as you want to write us up, we know we are playing against a side (the Kangaroos) that beats us every time we play."
At Stadium Australia:
Sydney 3.4 3.8 6.11 10.13.73
West Coast 6.0 10.2 10.6 11.8.74
Yawn. Ho-hum. Another tense, tough, low-scoring one-pointer between the Eegs and Swans. Or a triumph of “evil over good”, to paraphrase mad Robert Walls. This in reference to the Eagles’ troubles with drugs, a story which dominated the entire AFL pre-season period. It kicked off when Eagles icon Ben Cousins was suspended indefinitely by the club because of drug addiction - ‘ice’ and/or cocaine. The Eegs have since admitted to discovering eight players using recreational drugs. It’s clear the Weegles ignored the evidence for several years, simply because things were going perfectly well on the field - as well as being premiership-winners last year, Cousins and fellow drug-abuser Daniel Kerr nearly won the Brownlow. The AFL’s drug policy came in for a battering, particularly the apparent infrequency of testing. Unlike their recreational substances, this Weevil side was far from full-strength. In addition to Cousins, Dean ‘Big’ Cox (thigh strain), Norm Smith Medallist Andrew Embley (groin), rover Chad Fletcher (knee) and forward Ashley Hansen were absent. The Weegs had one new player, AFL debutant and 18-going-on-25-year-old Mitchell Brown, a tall, strong lad from Ballarat. The Swans had a low-key summer, the main points being a protracted but ultimately unremarkable deal to bring ageing ruckman Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt to the club and Barry Hall’s ‘vow of silence’, following his terrible Grand Final performance. Coach Paul Roos weighed in on the Weegs’ problems by stating “stop calling these drugs ‘recreational drugs’ or ‘party drugs’. They’re drugs of death.” Okay then. The Bloods were missing Jared Crouch, Adam Schneider with a bad hamstring injury and defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson. Everitt was their only new player here.
A big crowd of 62,500 packed into the Olympic Stadium for the ‘revenge’ game. Dominated by Swan supporters of course, but I sought out Weagle fans holding drinks, to enquire about their preference for ice. They thought it was hilarious, too. Siddey won the ball away from the opening bounce, Nic Fosdike had a fairly straightforward shot for goal but he missed. Story of their night. Barry Hall, determined to atone for his poor GF game, had too much adrenaline early. Collecting the ball on the bounce, Hall tried to barge thought any obstacle like a crazed wildebeest and was coat-hangered by Wiggle skipper Chris Judd – a free kick for Bazza but it was reversed when team-mate Jarrad McVeigh retaliated on his behalf. The ball went to Weeg Adam Hunter, who’d started in attack this time, and he passed for leading Quinten Lynch to mark and thump a great shot home from 50m on the flank. The Eegs were very good at converting opportunities. Hall went mad again, holding a good mark then playing on for no reason into a wall of Weagles. Bazza might’ve been tripped, but play went on and Hunter free-kicked a goal, his arms chopped in a marking contest by Craig Bolton. Eegs by 11 but soon the Swans were on the board, Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes scooped the ball classily at a throw-in and passed for Nick Davis to mark and convert. The Swans won the ball at the restart, Ryan O’Keefe punted ‘em forward and Michael O’Loughlin eased opponent Dan Chick under the ball, collected and drilled it through for a very good goal. The Swans led by 2 points. The Eegs continued to convert, from a ball-up Lynch had a chance to gather, fumbled like an arthritic Frankenstein but still paddled the ball to Michael Braun, who showed strength to hold off tacklers and snap truly. Prominent debutant Mitchell Brown passed for leading big man Jaymie Graham, he kicked for Hunter to hold a good mark over Bolton and kick another. Eegs by 10 points. The Swans managed a reply, good play from Luke Ablett and O’Loughlin got the ball to leading Hall, who’d calmed down. He converted. But the efficient Eegs scored two late sausages, ruckman Mark Seaby marked and received a 50m penalty against clinging-on Everitt, he stabbed it through. The Eegs had a free-kick at the restart and a smart kick from Kerr found Shannon Hurn in space, he blasted a running goal home from 55m. Weegs by 14 points at the first break.
They moved clear in the second quarter as the sides appeared to have swapped game-plans. Sydney moved the ball too slowly and struggled against their opponents’ flooded defence. The Weegs rebounded quickly to one-on-one forwards. Chris Judd was very good. He free-kicked an early goal after opponent McVeigh ploughed him into the ground with a tackle. A minute later Kerr and Judd combined at a throw-in to set up a snapped sausage for Brent Staker. The Weegs led by 26 points and had scored eight goals from eight shots. Swan runner Amon Buchanan was flattened by team-mate Ablett in a marking contest and staggered off with a cut mouth. Lynch booted the Weegs’ first behind but more misses mounted up at the other end, McVeigh, Hall and O’Loughlin all kicking points. McVeigh’s was the worst miss. Sure enough the Eegs punished ‘em eventually, Seaby kicked long to Lynch on the wing, his big roost found Chick marking in front of his man and booting a goal. A bit later Judd speared a running sausage, released by Brown’s handpass, and the Weegs were cruising with a 36-point lead.
As we’ve come to expect, the balance shifted after half-time. Goodes replaced McVeigh as Judd’s opponent and O’Keefe, Tadhg Kennelly and Ablett provided more run. O’Keefe was twice involved in an early move which set up a shot for O’Loughlin. Mick sliced on-the-full. A minute later Swan leader Brett ‘Captain’ Kirk was ploughed into the turf by Judd and free-kicked the Bloods’ first goal in close to two quarters. Soon Buchanan, back on, was steaming into an open goal but opted for a risky pass to Hall. He couldn’t mark under pressure but fought hard to get the ball to Davis, who snapped it through. Swan fans found voice as their mob trailed by 25 points. Tight for a while, Lynch missed a shot for the Weevils before Swan man Ted Richards, playing well in defence, kicked for Luke Vogels to hold a strong pack-mark. Vogels converted. McVeigh missed poorly again before the final change but the Swans had a clear sniff, trailing by 19 points. The final stanza commenced in tough, pack-bound fashion with the Eegs defending in large numbers. Eventually Goodes, shifted forward now, found space to snap a good goal and reduce the gap to 13 points. The Weegs replied with their first goal of the second half, Hurn booted a long, well-placed punt for Seaby to seize a good mark over direct opponent Darren Jolly. Seaby majored, Weegs by 19. Jude Bolton had played the game out of a forward pocket, for fitness reasons I suppose, he now marked on-the-lead but missed. The game entered another tight phase with the Eegs flooding heavily to hold out the Bloods. Into time-on West Ghost were still 19 points ahead and hope waned for the big crowd. Four minutes remained when McVeigh was flattened by Chick, McVeigh dished off a handpass to running Sean Dempster whose thumping 55m punt was shepherded through by Buchanan. Shortly afterwards great work from Goodes and snappy handpasses from McVeigh and Simon Phillips allowed Everitt to thump it through from the goalsquare, suddenly the Bloods were only 7 points in arrears. The Swans had a free-kick at the restart, Kennelly drove the ball in. The agget spilled from the pack, Kerr gathered and fended off a tackle from the diminutive Phillips - too high the fend! Little Phillips free-kicked a goal and the Swans were a point down. Kerr made amends with a great run-down and tackle on McVeigh which probably saved ‘em, as the siren went moments later.
Weeg skipper and clean-cut guy Chris Judd (27 disposals, 2 goals) is very much the leader and public face of the Weegs now, he responded with a very good performance. Ruckman Mark Seaby (13 touches, 23 hit-outs, 2 goals) outplayed Siddey pair Jolly and Everitt, in the midfield Daniel Kerr (28 disposals) was superb and Michael Braun (16 touches, a goal) and Adam Selwood (21 possies) were very good, running more effectively than the Swans. Kerr is a ‘reformed character’ according the Weegs, despite being charged with two incidents of assault as recently as January. Embarrassingly, just as the Cousins story broke the ABC uncovered telephone conversions taped by the police from 2005 of Kerr discussing his drug-fuelled adventures with his dealer, a man since imprisoned. David Wirrpanda (20 disposals) won a lot of the ball in defence, although his kick-first-think-later policy could use some analysis. New kid Mitchell Brown (14 possessions) was very promising. Adam Hunter kicked 2 first-quarter goals. The Swans’ Kellyesque leader Brett Kirk (29 possies, a goal) was instrumental in dragging them back into it, along with the great defensive play of Craig Bolton (17 kicks, 8 marks), who shut Hunter down after quarter-time, and Ted Richards (20 disposals, 6 marks). Tadhg Kennelly (26 touches, 13 marks) and Ryan O’Keefe (21 touches) provided the running off half-back. Nick Davis kicked 2 goals, their only multiple scorer. Everitt (9 possies, 15 hit-outs, 1.2) was modest in a his first game. Both coaches were asked about the extraordinary sequence of close results between the teams. Paul Roos said "Both teams get up to play the other side. That's all I can think of, because it keeps happening and happening." On the game, Kennelly summed it up. "We were just unaccountable, I think. They had free men running everywhere, and it's just un-Sydney-like. It's not the end of the world - it's only round one - but we've missed an opportunity to get four points, and you don't want to get to round 22 and it costs you. I think Roosy had the same conversation with us after round one last year (beaten by Essadun) and the year before, so it's something we're not happy about but I'm sure we'll turn it around. We have in the past, and I'm sure we will again.” Jolly John Worsfold could bring out all the backs-to-the-wall stuff, given the pressure the club’s been under. "Our player group are very close-knit, and they've made a lot of commitments to each other," he said. "A lot of that was shown in the way they played the game today. There's no doubt there was a lot of pressure on them to perform going into the game today. They performed for each other." On the close results with the Swans? "It's two teams who never give up," said Worsfold. "That's obviously a key part of it. It's match-ups, the style of football, all those things. It all just seems to pan out."
Roos said he had become accustomed to heart-stoppers. "Both teams get up to play the other side. That's all I can think of, because it keeps happening and happening," he said.
Sydney kicked the last three goals of the game and the Swans may have been about to overhaul West Coast late in the last quarter until Daniel Kerr laid a match-saving tackle on Jarrad McVeigh as the Sydney midfielder surged inside the 50-metre zone. Kerr was best afield, drawing high praise from Roos. "He's an elite player. If you took a midfielder from anyone in the competition, you'd have to take (Chris) Judd first and then split Ben (Cousins) and Daniel. That's how good they are. With Ben going through what he's going through, one and two in the competition would be Judd and Kerr."
Worsfold said Kerr, who also has been under the cloud of drugs inquiries, was motivated by simple matters. "I don't think he knows any other way. I don't think he cares about reasons to play well. I think he just loves it, he loves the contest."
The Swans, who travel to the MCG to meet Richmond in round two, may have forward Adam Schneider back from a torn hamstring after he completed a reserves game yesterday.
At the Gabba:
Brisbane 2.5 5.10 6.13 9.15.69
Hawthorn 1.0 2.3 2.6 6.8.44
By some way, the worst game of the weekend. If you’d ever wondered about the importance of the pre-season competition, consider Brisbane. A few years ago, when contending for the real flag, they couldn’t have cared less about it. This year, coming off a poor season, the Brians reached the NAB Cup final and Matthews complained endlessly concerning the Lyin’s lack of home games in the tournament. His recruiters appear to have done well in recent years but it’ll take time for the kids to develop. Juggernaut forward Jonathan Brown was back here, but unfortunately spearhead Daniel Bradshaw damaged knee ligaments in training last week and he’ll miss the season. Jamie Charman was also absent. Brown was one of five co-captains named by the Lions, the papers making the point it’s taken five men to replace retired skipper and all-round legend Michael Voss. Probably the best player of the last ten years. The Lyin’s also had veteran wingman Nigel Lappin return following 18 months of ankle problems, no new players here though. Horforn were supposedly a coupla years ahead of Lisbon in the rebuilding phase. They’ll be looking to be more competitive against the top sides this year - they tended to cop a hiding from ‘em last season. Skipper Richie Vandenberg was absent with hamstring trouble, Shane Crawford was suspended, having spent the entire pre-season whacking people, and Joel Smith wasn’t available either. On the plus side defender Danny Jacobs returned from a knee injury. One new player for the Hawks, first-gamer and the no.3 draft pick from 2005, Xavier Ellis.
This game was error-riddled, very defensive and featured lots of lateral chip-about and absolutely no kicking to contests, from the Orcs especially. The dew of the late-summer humidity in Brisbane made it slippery, but that’s a minor excuse. Hawker fans queued up on talkback radio on Sunday to lambaste Clarkson and his men. Afterwards Hork rover and stand-in skipper Sam Mitchell apologized - "Hopefully you won't see that sort of game from us, hopefully ever again. It was very, very ordinary.” Lyin’ Jonathan Brown was double-teamed by Horks Trent Croad and Stephen Gilham, making things difficult for him. The Horks turned over a lot early but Brisbun missed a few early shots, eventually mercurial Hawk junior Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin bagged the opening goal courtesy a 50m penalty. It was a rare foray however, the Lyin’s finally got some goals late in the term with Tim Notting booting a long, running major and Brown recovered from a contest and fired a handpass for Ash McGrath to drill it from close range. The Lisbon Brians by 11 points at the first break. Franklin booted a second goal to open quartier du, outmarking equally erratic opponent Jared Brennan. Some awful footy followed as the Lyin’s crawled along to 2.10, with 3 minutes remaining in the half ol’ Nige Lappin, playing well, was allowed a very late ‘advantage’ call to snap a sausage. McGrath followed up with a goal and Hawk Jordan Lewis was reported, harshly, for tripping over Cheynee Stiller - a free-kick and 50m penalty for Stiller brought an easy major and the Lyin’s led by 25 points at the long break. The third term was tight, the only goal from Jonathan Brown marking Lappin’s pass. The Hawks struggled in attack with Mark Williams held by Jed Adcock and Jarryd Roughead quelled by another rough head in Daniel Merrett. Only Franklin seemed likely, but it was another goal-less stanza for the Orcs. They produced many last year. Into the final term and the Horks broke through, Tim Boyle marked Campbell Brown’s pass and steered it through. The Lyin’s replied direct from the restart, Simon Black (very good here) sped clear and speared the ball onto leading McGrath’s chest, he converted. The Hawks went on to produce a three-goal burst and raise a bit of hope, Timmy Clarke booted one and then Franklin marked on-the-lead to Chance Bateman’s pass and slotted. When Boyle soccered a major after spilling a goal-square grab the Horks were only 13 points down, but immediately Michael Rischitelli stabbed a great running goal to effectively seal it, a chain of handballs from Black to Chris Johnson to Justin ‘The Shermanator’ Sherman allowed Sherman to add icing.
Brisbun veterans Simon Black (a mammoth 39 disposals, 7 marks) and Nigel Lappin (21 touches, a goal) were very good, and Jared Brennan (27 touches, 13 marks) won plenty of the ball in his battle with Franklin. Midfielders Luke Power (31 disposals) and Justin Sherman (16 touches, a goal) also played well. Ash McGrath fed off Brown’s scraps for 3 goals from 6 kicks. Lance Franklin (5 marks, 15 disposals, 3 goals) was probably the Horks’ best and left-footed runner Clint Young (30 disposals, 15 in the first quarter, 12 marks) had a mountain of the ball early. Danny Jacobs (33 disposals, 20 marks) collected plenty of uncontested ball in defence - indicative of the way the Hawks played. Jordan Lewis (28 possessions) was okay and Trent Croad (21 touches, 9 marks) deserves some credit for his game on Brown, even if he had help. Tim Boyle kicked 2 goals. Coach Alastair Clarkson said "I can't work out whether Brisbane played really well or we played really badly - but I suspect it was the latter. We weren't on our game by a long way. Our transition of the ball from the back half to the middle of the ground was the problem - we have to regroup." More Sam Mitchell: "After 10 minutes we were like, 'What's happening?' because there was nothing in the pre-season that would have led us to think we would play that sort of footy. Hopefully, you won't see that sort of game from us, hopefully, ever again, because it was very, very ordinary. It's hard to know what happened. . . 'Clarko' wants us to play that hard running, exciting footy that supporters and fans are going to want to watch." Indeed, Clarko. Leigh Matthews was asked about the double-teaming of Brown. "It was pretty hard (for Brown). He had two blokes on him. But what that did do was enable us to have a player further up field. Any team that double teams Jonathan Brown makes it hard for Jonathan Brown but that doesn't necessarily mean they are going to win the game.
At Football Park:
Adelaide 3.4 5.9 7.14 10.14.74
Essendon 5.1 8.3 12.8 16.9.105
Probably the biggest upset of the opening round, given the Camrys had thrashed the Bummers by 24 goals the last time Essadun visited Foopall Park. Amazing how a hammering can steal the resolve. The Corollas were flag favourites for a long time last year, before a series of very untimely injuries to key players hobbled their campaign. And an inability to beat the Eagles. Not enough ice. Neil Craig is a very good coach and the core of the Camry side, while ageing, is still capable. They should be challenging again. Captain Mark Ricciuto was absent here with a back or neck problem, it’s not clear which, while knee-victims Trent Hentschel and ruckman Rhett Biglands will be missing for while. On the positive, ruckman Ben Hudson returned from his knee reconstruction. Worried about the rucking division, the Cows debuted tap-man Jonathon Griffin, a skinny lad from East Fremantle. As ever the Bombers are confident, predicting a finals appearance. Immoveable coach Kevin Sheedy is coming off the two worst seasons of his 382 in charge and is in the final year of his current contract, making for a fairly interesting year ahead. The Dons have attempted to counter their clear lack of pace by recruiting a bunch of speedy teenagers, two of whom made their AFL debuts here in Leroy Jetta from South Fremantle and speedy South Adelaide goal-poacher Alwyn Davey, brother of Melbourne’s Aaron. Their other new player was veteran Brisbane full-back Mal Michael. Plus captain Matthew Lloyd is back after missing virtually all of last year and James Hird was fit to go. Jason Johnson was absent with leg trouble.
The Dons bounced out with three quick goals before the Camrys could swallow their pie floaters. Playing high possession footy and running hard, the Dons looked good. Mark Johnson played very well early and Scotty Lucas was great in attack. Nathan Bock got the Cows going with a goal but then there were a couple for Lucas I saw, a dribbly-snap from 25m and a lead-and-mark followed good lead-up play by Jobe Watson. Scott Welsh majored from a mark on-the-lead for the Coronas to end the first term, the Dons leading by 9 points. The Cows had lost key player Simon Goodwin at this stage was a badly corked thigh, a big loss for them. Stuck around to see Corolla forward Ian Perrie produce an absolutely shocking kick from 20m, right in front, early in the second stanza. He’s the same, then. The Dons booted the first three goals of the second stanza too, the last Lucas’s fourth, having ‘em 28 points ahead. Crowd very quiet. Bock converted from a mark late in the term and then Brett ‘Birdman’ Burton added another to keep the Cressidas in touch at the long break. They attacked a bit early in the third Mario, but missed a few shots and helped the Dons get clear again. Full-back Ben Rutten turned over, allowing Don Adam McPhee to bag a major, speedy Bombout Andrew Lovett capped off a rebound move with a slotted sausage. New Don Leroy Jetta set up another goal for Lucas, then bagged a major himself from a free-kick against Nathan Bassett. The Dons were 24 points ahead at the final change. Addleaid closed within 12 points midway through the final term, but Matty Lloyd and Angus Monfries set up Lucas again, who thumped a superb kick from 55m in the pocket for a great goal. Bock bagged another from a free kick for the Camrys before big Don rucker David Hille and Jetta snaggled sealing majors.
Scott Lucas ‘emerged’ last year, although he’d always been pretty good, and carried on the form here with 7 goals from 13 marks and 16 kicks - 3 handballs too, one to give away a goal to Lovett. Matty Lloyd (17 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals) made a most welcome comeback, working hard up the ground, while ol’ reflex-tripper Dustin Fletcher (26 possies, 9 marks) was very good in defence, happy to have Mal Michael alongside. Adam McPhee (12 marks, 22 disposals, a goal) played well and midfielder Jason Winderlich (19 touches, 12 marks) looks to have had a big summer, he may blossom this year. Older plodders Damien Peverill (24 disposals) and Mark Johnson (20 touches, a goal) were good. Don fans were most excited about the speed and agility of Leroy Jetta (10 disposals, 2 goals) and Alwyn Davey (9 possies, although Davey was reported, too). Junior ruckman Paddy Ryder (13 disposals) picked up a Rising Star nomination. The same old folks put in for the Camrys, Andrew McLeod (20 possessions) off half-back and big rover Scott Thompson (26 possies, 2 goals), running man Graham ‘Stiffy’ Johncock (16 handlings). Of the younger players, Nathan Van Berlo (16 disposals, a goal) and Chris Knights (20 touches, a goal) played well, Brent Reilly (21 handlings) was good. Nathan Bock (6 marks, 13 kicks, 3 goals) made a handy forward, Brett Burton bagged 2 goals. But it was a let-down for your Corolla fans. Craigy blamed poor forward-play. "Our finishing on goal was substandard, so we need to recognise that," Craig said. "We need to fix that up very quickly, otherwise it'll cause a lot of people a lot of frustration, some of the positions we were in, and the results we got, that's not good enough. Some of our form in the NAB Cup wasn't that good, and we saw some of that flow over today, so clearly we've got a fair bit of work to do as a footy club, to get back to the standards of which we'd want to get back to. Up forward we haven't got a lot of flexibility up there, we haven't got a lot of options unless I start moving a (Ben) Rutten or a Bassett or Scott Stevens up forward." Kev Sheedy used the term ‘new era’. Of course. "This win is important for us, there's no doubt about that, and will inject a lot of confidence into the team," Sheedy said. "Obviously we've still got a long way to go but it was a step in the right direction for us. Our structure and balance is better and I think we will just get better as a team. Alwyn (Davey), (Leroy) Jetta and (Andrew) Lovett will be very good players for us as they learn the game, they've still got a long way to go, but we've got about four or five boys back in Melbourne who can add to that pace and run, so we're fairly buoyed by that. Some of our young players played pretty well and our senior boys got it together with them, so it was a pretty good blend. I don't think Adelaide expected us to play that well."
At Docklands:
Footscray 4.5 11.7 15.8 17.11.113
Geelong 5.3 7.9 8.13 13.15.93
Two sides with lofty ambitions. The Dogs reckon they’re primed for the top four after reaching the finals, and actually winning one, last year. Captain Luke Darcy returned following two years absence with knee reconstructions, Robert Murphy and promising midfielder Shaun Higgins were back too and the Dogs moved smartly to recruit disgruntled Lyin’ Jason Akermanis. Absentees challenged the Pups’ height resources again, here Chris Grant, full-back Brian Harris and ruckman Peter Street were missing, along with Mitch Hahn, still recovering from his own knee reco. The Bullies had two new players, Akermanis and ex-Weegle big man Andrew McDougall. The p*ssy Cats need to reach at least the finals or it’ll be the Night of the Long Handbags down at Sleepy Hollow. Their farcically poor 2006 season led to a hyped, portentous post-season review which, in the end, produced minor changes. Despite heavy speculation coach Mark ‘Bommer’ Thompson wasn’t sacked but was given a new football manager, Neil Balme who’d been doing the same job at Collingwood. Always-injured captain Steven King was replaced by Tom Harley. The only senior player to be moved on was redundant full-forward Kent Kingsley. But should the finals be missed this year, don’t expect the same tolerance. President Frank Costa has already indicated he’ll be stepping down at the end of this year. What does he know? Of course King didn’t play here, nor did James Kelly or Steve Johnson, who found more drink-related off-field trouble during the summer. The Cats had one new player, AFL debutant Joel Selwood, a talented midfielder and younger brother of twins Adam (a Weagle) and Troy (Lyin’).
Recent games between these two have been close, end-to-end stuff. It started that way. Cat full-back Matthew Scarlett lined up on Bulldog champion Brad Johnson. Goals alternated in an entertaining first term. Doggy Adam Cooney converted a mark for the opening major, found by Rob Murphy’s free-kick pass. Cat Corey Enright won the ball at the restart and passed to Gary Ablett Jnr., he chipped the ball for Charlie Gardiner to mark and convert. A typically rapid, if scrambly, Bulldog rebound ended with a goal for Daniel ‘Guido’ Giansiracusa and the Pups led by 5 points. The Pussies replied as a good handpass from Joel Corey sent Cameron Mooney in for a running slot. Mooney, who was suspended four times last season, has vowed he’s a changed man this year. Stocky baldy Paul Chapman sent the Cats forward from the next centre-bounce, speedy David Wojcinski was awarded rubbish free-kick for being held and booted a six-pointer. The Cats led by 6 points. Commentator Dennis Commetti was in fine form. A player was penalized under the new hands-in-the-back rule: “The AFL are trying to eliminate pushers, on and off the field.” A missed shot each before Bulldog champion Scott West’s centering kick was dropped poorly by young Cat ruckman Mark Blake and Lindsay Gilbee pounced to snap a major and level the scores. The Cats moved swiftly forward from a throw-in and Nathan Ablett seized an emphatic grab in front of Dog Ryan Griffen, he majored. Mooney extended the Cat lead to 10 points with a strong, bustling goal-square mark. The Dogs pulled one back before the first break, a good defensive grab by Gilbee initiated a quick move and as Brad Johnson entered a marking contest he was clattered head-on by Cat David Johnson. Free-kick and goal for the Bulldog Johnson, but it were the Cats by 5 points at the first break.
The Bulldogs’ high-speed, high-skill game clicked into gear in the second term and the Katz had no answer to it. They’re not alone. Brad Johnson gave them particular trouble. The Pups scored a few early behinds as the Catters flooded back. Commetti” “There were so many Cats down there, a Frenchman might say it was l’esprit d’gare!” Co-commentator Tim Watson: “Er, I don’t speak French.” The Cats were punished a few times by allowing the ball to spill over the back of packs, first Robert Murphy ran into an open goal. Busy Daniel Cross collected more spillage and found Brad Johnson on-the-lead, he converted. At the restart it were classic Bulldogs, West collected the ball and fired a handpass to Gilbee, his long kick bounced from a pack and Johnson, who’d stayed down, stabbed a major. The Bullies had jumped to a 16-point lead. Scarlett was shifted away from Brad Johnson, to the forward-line where he soon missed poorly with a simple shot. From the kick-in the Dogs sped afield and Nathan Eagleton delivered a timely handpass for Akermanis to slot a left-foot goal, his first for the Dogs. A minute later Brad Johnson out-muscled his new opponent, Cat skipper Tom Harley, for a goal-square mark and his fourth goal. The Cats cleared the restart but their Brent Prismall missed a set shot, a bit later so did Nathan Ablett. A shame, he took a very good pack-mark to create the chance. The Dogs attacked again, Giansiracusa was caught in possession and penalized but was pushed in the face afterwards by Enright - the ump reversed the decision and ‘Guido’ punted a sausage. Harsh. West, dominating around ruck contests, sent the Dogs forward again and as Brad Johnson crouched over the ball he was hit in the head by David Johnson. Poor discipline from the Cats, a free-kick and Johnno booted another goal, the Bulldawgs led by 36 points now. Seven unanswered goals in ten minutes. The Cats stemmed the bleeding as Chapman was moved onto the ball. After a few tight minutes new Cat Joel Selwood drilled a low pass for Mooney to hold a good mark and boot a needed major. Some rugged play on the wing released Wojcinski and he bombed a 55m sausage, the Cats had scrambled back to a 23-point deficit by the long break.
The Pussies emerged with a new plan for the second half. Scarlett and Harley would double-team Brad Johnson. The Pups had lost a coupla players, Brett Montgomery with a damaged shoulder and Murphy with a corked hip. Andrew McDougall was introduced and immediately his slick handpass sent Griffen away, his smart pass found Luke Darcy leading into the pocket. Big ‘Darce’ steered a goal. Tough for a few minutes as the Catters battled away. Eventually a throw-in spilled to Nathan Ablett and he jabbed it through from close range, Geelagong were 23 points down. The Bullies replied as Brad Johnson marked 80m out and was shoved in the back by late-arriving Harley - 50m penalty and Johnno booted another. The Catters plugged away, they won the following centre-clearance but Blake kicked a point. Then there was a rushed behind. And another. Mooney had switched to defence now and Brad Ottens went to full-forward. He was good at failing to hold marks under pressure. Dogman Darcy won the ball at a throw-in and handpasses from he to Griffen to Cooney ended with a goal for Cooney, Dogs by 32 points. The Cwats burned more chances before Pup Matthew Boyd’s good spoil allowed ruckman Will Minson and Griffen to set up a major for marauding defender Ryan Hargrave. Dogs by 37 points at the last change and coach ‘Rocket’ Eade thought it might be enough. Jahlong scored the opening major of the ultimate Mario, Chapman kicked for Nathan Ablett to mark strongly in front of Gilbee and score the six points. The Pups responded with Braddy Johnson’s seventh goal, the first time he’d kicked seven in a game. A free-kick as worried Harley dragged him down on-the-lead. The Cats clung on with Gary Ablett Jnr. manufacturing a superb goal from a throw-in, but again the Bullies had the answer, sweeping downfield from a kick-in and Brad Johnson seized a tough pack-mark. Through went Johnno’s eighth and the Dogs led by 39 points. The Pussies provide some interest with two rapid goals, direct from the centre-bounce. Andrew Mackie tidied a scramble for the first and Jimmy Bartel bagged the second, benefitting from Ottens’s tap-on. A slight chance as they trailed by 27 points with about 9 minutes remaining. But everyone was tiring, Gary Ablett limped off with cramp. An Ottens mark on the half-back flank was greeted by ironical cheering. The Dogs switched to keepings-off mode. With just over a minute to go Chapman kicked a goal for the Cats, aided by a 50m penalty for umpire abuse by a Bulldog. The difference was 20 points now, but the siren sounded soon. Bruce McAvaney, with his, er, effete manner, described the Bulldogs as ‘seductive’. Akermanis did his usual kiss-the-ground-during-handstand routine after the siren.
Like a foine plonk, Brad Johnson gets better with age. Johnno bagged a career-best 8 goals here, from 7 marks and 22 disposals altogether. Apart from him the Bullies’ running brigade were all excellent, headed by rover Daniel Cross (37 disposals with 25 handballs) and relentless Ryan Griffen (20 disposals), Adam Cooney (29 touches, 2 goals) and Lindsay Gilbee (31 touches, a goal). Ryan Hargrave (16 touches, 7 marks, a goal) did a solid job in defence and Jordan McMahon (30 possies) was very good down there too, rebounding with occasional spells on-the-ball. Scott West (29 touches, 23 handpasses) worked hard about packs as usual. Jason Akermanis (13 disposals, a goal) was okay on debut. Daniel Giansiracusa kicked 2 goals. The Cats’ best periods were headed by Paul Chapman (27 touches, a goal) and half-back Corey Enright (30 possessions) played very well. Midfielders Jimmy Bartel (24 handlings, a goal) and Cameron Ling (24 disposals) played okay and tall forward Nathan Ablett (6 marks, 13 disposals, 3 goals) showed he’d developed significantly over the summer. Cam Mooney (6 marks, 11 handlings, 3 goals) drifted in and out of the game and David Wojcinski kicked 2 goals. ‘Bomber’ Thompson tried positive spin. "I thought towards the end we almost had a bit of a chance to win the game if we had have played smarter footy. (They are) good opposition, they were in pretty good form, we were a bit rusty, we were a bit, not flat, but they seemed to play smarter footy than us. We probably didn't get to play the footy that we expected to play today. But to lose by 20 points and still be in the game at the end after not playing that well, I think that's encouraging signs. We'll play a lot better next week I'm sure.” Rocket praised Johnno. "It's about talent, isn't it? You would think a guy (who is) at least six-foot-three (190cm - Scarlett and Harley) would be able to at least spoil on him," Eade said. "He's more than a good player, he's a great . . . he'd certainly be one of your first picked in my time because of what he can do at his size." On the Dogs’ perceived weaknesses: "Height, sometimes, is a bit of a folly . . . sometimes it comes down to the ability (of the player) rather than the physical attributes. It's like speed, I mean it's no good being quick in a team if you can't play. Scott West and (Daniel) Cross aren't quick but they're very good footballers. I think it's the same with height. You can get caught up . . . it's how you use that talent."
At the MCG:
Carlton 5.5 6.11 10.17 15.25.115
Richmond 5.2 10.4 13.7 15.8.98
Bah! I’d almost rather lose by 15 goals, which the Tiges usually do in round one. Two weeks ago the Bluies collected their second pre-season flag in the past three years. Every single article to note this fact has followed up by also observing that last time the Bluesers won the pre-season comp, they collected the wooden spoon in the real competition. Of course the ‘baggers have been at pains to state it’ll be different this time. The hopelessly divided and just plain hopeless committee of Graeme Smorgon was tipped out in February and the Bluies recruited billionaire Richard Pratt as their new prez. As one letter-writer quipped, “only a Pratt would want to be Carlton president at the moment.” Pratt recalled his mate and disgraced former leader John Elliott from the cold, to head a coterie group. And poached Collywood’s CEO, Greg Swann. But Dick’s been reticent on the future of coach Denis Pagan, winner of consecutive spoons with the Blooze. Pagan’s rival Barry Mitchell continues as his assistant, an unstable arrangement which Pratt intends to tackle. Denis does have some exciting youngsters to help his team, debuting here was alleged superstar and no.1 draft pick Bryce Gibbs from Glenelg. Marc Murphy was back from his shoulder injury and the Blooze were full-strength apart from veteran Anthony Koutoufides, who’ll miss the first 4-6 weeks with a finger injury. Carlton had two other new players besides Gibbs, ruckmen Cain Ackland from St. Kilda and Cameron Cloke of Collingwood. The Tiggers had a low-key build up and talked of making the finals, following last season’s traditional ninth. But last week coach Terry ‘Plough’ Wallace was very downbeat, stating the Tigers wouldn’t be in position to challenge for the flag “until 2011”. This statement was interpreted by some as Plough angling for a new contract, when he’s three years remaining on the current one. Coming after the callous axing of Andrew Kellaway and the pointless recruitment of Geelong struggler Kent Kingsley, Plough is burning up credit. Some suggested Plough’s words were a reaction to the latest injury setback for his pal, Nathan Brown, who didn’t play here, nor did either Tigger ruckman, Troy ‘Snake’ Simmonds (ankle) or Trent Knobel. Luckless midfielder Mark Coughlan will miss the season with a second consecutive knee reconstruction while Kingsley had a knee operation last month. The Toigs did have defender Chris Newman returning from a broken leg and one new player, tall ex-Freo man Graham Polak.
The AFL is determined to foist twilight football onto the public and this game kicked off at 5PM Sunday - the handy conjunction with school holidays and optimism amongst Bluies saw nearly 60,000 turn up. The game was entertaining if a bit error-strewn. Tiger captain Kane Johnson won the ball at the opening bounce and booted it forward - for Carlton, i.e. the wrong way. Prophetic. Erratic Bloo spearhead Brendan Fevola bagged the first goal, thundering a huge kick through from 70m after a turnover by busy Tige rover Nathan Foley. He and Blue centreman Nick Stevens had their own private contest in the first quarter. Ruckman Ackland missed narrowly with a snap and there was another rushed point as the Bluesers started well. The Tiges got on the board as Bloo rover Marc Murphy was caught in possession, Newman’s long kick was thumped clear of the pack but Kayne Pettifer roved and curled a snap through. The Blooze moved ahead, Eddie Betts hooked a free-kick from a very tough angle for a sausage and from the restart another free enabled running Andrew Carrazzo to ram one home from 50m. Carton led by 14 points. Young Toig backman Luke McGuane was reported for high contact on Murphy, he might be in trouble (McGuane, that is). Good work from Polak and Pettifer set up a mark and goal for Tiger Jay Schulz, but the Bloozers replied as Heath Scotland’s good kick was marked on-the-run and speared between the big sticks by Andrew Walker, a spectacular goal. Carlton by 15 points. At this stage the Tiges placed a hard tag on Stevens and their own running game emerged as the Blooze initial enthusiasm faded. Foley, with his 15th disposal for the quarter, kicked for Shane Tuck to mark in front of Jarrad Waite, whom the Blues hope to turn into a centre half-back. Tuck goaled. A minute later some smart play from Tige Andrew Krakouer released Cameron Howat for a long, weaving run and speared major. Tigger Greg Tivendale intercepted a Bloo pass in the middle of the ‘G, leading to a mark and goal for Pettifer and the Toigs were in front, by 3 points. At the restart strong tackling by Bloo Kade Simpson got the ball to Walker, he handballed for Bryce Gibbs to boot a goal with his first kick - so the gods ordained. Polak, who has a poor goal-scoring record, missed a fairly easy shot before the first break, at which point the Bluies led by 3 points.
The Blues, more specifically Fevola, had trouble converting in the second korter. Gibbs received a Newman clanger but missed to start the rot. The Tiges moved downfield quickly from the kick-in - for the only time on the evening - and very good vision from Krakouer set up a goal for Tivendale. Where’s Richo?, you ask. He made an impression now, leading wide to Dean Polo’s pass and then receiving a 50m penalty thanks to an off-ball altercation between Pettifer and Waite. Richardson thumped it through, the Tiges led by 7 points. Fevola had struggled since his early monster goal, he dropped a mark on-the-lead but Bloo man Jordan Russell roved and dribbled a goal. Fevola’s travails continued, twice in a minute he sliced set-shots from the right forward-pocket on-the-full. When opponent Joel Bowden clangered the free-kick from the second of those directly back to Fev, he did better - it scraped through for a behind. A series of chipped Tiger passes ended with Krakouer finding Chris Hyde all alone 20m from goal, Hyde majored to have the Tiges ahead by 5 points again. Good work from Kel Moore sent the Tigers forward from the restart, great team play ended with Tivendale roving Schulz’s contest and blasting it home from point-blank. Tiges by 11. Tiger Polak missed another set-shot and Bloo Adam Bentick, brought on to tag Foley, added to their behind tally. Fevola was apoplectic when he wasn’t paid a goal-square mark. The ball trickled into the post and from the kick-in the Tiges advanced swiftly - okay, they managed two effective kick-ins - and Tivendale kicked long to Richardson who won a free-kick against young Irish opponent Setanta O’hAilpin. Richo converted and the Tigers led by 16 points at half-time.
Tige speedster Brett Deledio won the ball at the opening bounce of the third term and kicked for Pettifer to mark and punt truly. The Tigers slowed the tempo of the game, chipping the ball about for no apparent reason but given subsequent events, they may have been tiring already. Pettifer booted another goal, from a free-kick for which he staged shamelessly. Offending Bloo Stevens was not happy at all. The Tigers led by a healthy 27 points following those two Pettifer goals, Wallace was to later claim it was a misleading margin as the Bluies had missed so many shots. But it was still the margin. Carton winger Ryan Houlihan worked very hard to make chance for himself, but missed. The Blues made a few changes, Waite switched to the forward-line and Cam Cloke to the ruck. Murphy won a free at a throw-in and kicked towards leading Fevola, Bowden spoiled but Brad Fisher was on hand to collect the ball and snaggle a needed Bluie goal. The Blooze advanced from the restart, good play but Waite missed. A bit later Walker marked on the wing and was held up by Polo, a 50m penalty enabling Walker to boot a major. The Blues were lifting led by Stevens, Murphy and Walker, and were 14 points down. Big youngster Josh Kennedy juggled a goal-square mark of Betts’s rainmaker and pumped it through, the Blues were 7 points down. Soon Gibbs’s classy handpass at a throw-in sent Waite in for an easy goal to level the scores. The Tiges reclaimed the lead late in the term, good work in general play from Richardson resulted in Richard Tambling holding a strong mark in a pack, he converted. Tiges by 8 points at the final turnabout. The Blues came on as the Tiges stopped to a walk, literally. The industrious running which had established their lead vanished. Fitness? What do they do all summer? Murphy cleared the ball from the bounce commencing the last quarter, Carrazzo marked but missed. A bit later Bentick honoured a Fevola lead, at last Fev held a mark and kicked truly. The Tigers lost an important running player in Deledio with a corked thigh. The Tigers were dreadful at kick-ins and rushed three consecutive behinds for Carlton as routines didn’t work, nudging the Bluies ahead by 2 points overall. Waite collected the ball from a throw-in and speared a classy goal from the boundary-line, the Bluebaggers led by 8. Fisher missed a shot and the Tiggers muffed the kick-in again, Betts sent the ball back and Fevola clutched an emphatic goal-square grab against Bowden. An easy slot for Fev and the Bluesers led by 15 points. At this stage Tambling kicked a behind for the Tiges, their first score of the quarter 11 minutes in. Soon Richardson marked on-the-lead but attempted a pass, intercepted by Bloo Simpson. Deledio limped back on, he and Pettifer got the ball to leading Schulz who booted a goal for the Tiges. But Murphy punted the Bluies forward from the restart, the ball cleared a large pack and Fisher lurked behind to score an easy goal. Blues by 16 points. The stationary Tiges appeared to have 10 men on the field, Schulz marked alone at CHF and launched a long kick towards Richardson, he marked in front of O’hAilpin, played on and thumped it through. The Tigers trailed by 11 points and needed two goals in about 3 minutes. They didn’t get ‘em, in fact Bloo Bentick applied the mercy bullet with a good, snapped goal.
Nick Stevens (30 disposals, 7 marks) was in great form in the NAB Cup and he carried that into round one, running himself to a standstill. Wingman Andrew Walker (19 possies, a goal) continues to improve and Andrew Carrazzo (20 touches, a goal) played well as a roaming half-forward. Adam Bentick (22 handlings, 2 goals) quelled Foley and gathered some handy touches himself, Jarrad Waite (11 touches, 2 goals) made an impact when shifted forward and Marc Murphy (12 disposals) was important after half-time. For the record, Bryce Gibbs’s first stats were 11 disposals, 4 marks and a goal. Brendan Fevola finished with 3.3 and two on-the-fulls from 6 marks and 10 kicks, Brad Fisher (13 kicks, 9 marks) chipped in with 2 goals. Eight of the 25 behinds were rushed by the Tiggers. Speaking of the Big Pussies, Nathan Foley (26 disposals) started brilliantly but faded when tagged by Bentick, half-forward Kayne Pettifer (4 marks, 9 disposals, 4 goals) was very good and Dean Polo (14 possies) did well on Murphy, initially. Backman Darren Gaspar forced new Bloo captain Lance Whitnall off the ground, Patrick Bowden (17 disposals, 8 marks) and Greg Tivendale (24 possies, 2 goals) played alright. Andrew Krakouer (16 possies) was terrific early, but disappeared. He had plenty of mates in that respect. Matthew Richardson (10 marks, 13 kicks) kicked 3 goals, Jay Schulz bagged 2 goals. Plough said "It was obviously disappointing. We started all right in the second half and kicked the first couple of goals and got ourselves to a position where we were 27 points in front. (But) I thought it was probably a fool's economy, the 27-point (margin). They had had real opportunities to capitalise and didn't do so early in the game and just missed goal opportunities. I thought the game was closer than the score suggested . . . I thought we (over-possessed) all night . . . we went into our shells and missed targets. We missed targets because we weren't prepared to pull the trigger early enough and we played a real stationary brand of football." Denis Pagan reckoned "We're pretty confident in our fitness, it's been proven several times. I know it's only the pre-season competition, but we've been proven that and came from behind two or three occasions. I'm just so proud of all the boys for the character and mental strength they displayed. I don't know what would have happened last year if we were 27 points down, but they really fought it out and were really strong."
Ladder after Round One
Pts. % Next Week
Brisbane 4 156.8 St. Kilda (Gabba, Thurs. night)
St. Kilda 4 150.0 Brisbane (Gabba, Thurs. night)
Essendon 4 141.9 Fremantle (Docklands, Sunday)
Footscray 4 121.5 Adelaide (MCG, Sunday)
Carlton 4 117.3 Geelong (Docklands, Sat. night)
Port Adelaide 4 115.2 North Melbourne (Football Park, Sunday)
Collingwood 4 103.8 West Coast (Subiaco, Sat. night)
West Coast 4 101.4 Collingwood (Subiaco, Sat. night)
---------------------------
Sydney 0 98.6 Richmond (MCG, Saturday)
North Melbourne 0 96.3 Port Adelaide (Football Park, Sunday)
Fremantle 0 86.8 Essendon (Docklands, Sunday)
Richmond 0 85.2 Sydney (MCG, Saturday)
Geelong 0 82.3 Carlton (Docklands, Sat. night)
Adelaide 0 70.5 Footscray (MCG, Sunday)
Melbourne 0 66.7 Hawthorn (MCG, Monday)
Hawthorn 0 63.8 Melbourne (MCG, Monday)
Cheers, Tim.
Article last changed on Tuesday, April 03, 2007 - 3:03 PM EDT
