by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
ADE 7.1 8.5 11.10 14.15 (99)
RICH 3.3 8.3 9.3 14.6 (90)
GOALS: ADE - Welsh 5, Griffin 2, Bock 2, Thompson, Bassett, Knights, Goodwin, Douglas; RICH - Richardson 3, Meyer 2, Howat 2, Deledio, King, Polak, Polo, Pettifer, Foley, Jackson
BEST: ADE - Welsh, Griffin, Goodwin, Thompson, Bock; RICH - Foley, Pattison, Richardson, J. Bowden, Deledio
INJURY: RICH - Richardson (fractured eye socket), Polo (dislocated shoulder), Hyde (back) replaced in selected side by Krakouer
Richardson will miss at least one month with the injury.
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Sully, Ryan
CROWD: 40,742 at AAMI Stadium
When Thompson, Welsh, and Griffin kicked the first three goals in the opening minutes of the game it looked like the Tigers would be in for another belting. They couldn't get their hands on the ball or get past the stingy Adelaide defense. It took 10 minutes before they even got on the board and that was only a point to Richardson. He followed up a minute later with a goal, only for the Crows to kick three more through Bassett, Griffin, and van Berlo. Foley and Pettifer added two more for the Tigers but so did Knights and Goodwin for the Crows, taking Adelaide to a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
It would have been even uglier had Goodwin and Griffin not missed two shots at the start of the second term. Welsh goaled to give the Crows a 30 point lead early in the term. However, Tiger cubs King, Foley, Edwards, Howat, and Deledio took over. Employing a bit of daring, a bit of dash, risk-taking, and giving better support to teammates, Richmond got right back into the game. Goals to Richardson, Polo, King, and Meyer slashed Adelaide's lead to just one goal halfway through the term. Thompson kicked a point for the Crows and in the context of what would follow would still prove vital. Howat goaled for the Tigers, bringing them to within one point. Burton's late kick on goal also missed, leaving the Crows with a narrow two point lead at 1/2 time.
The points continued to plague the Crows in the third term. Some were of their own making with inaccuracy, others were rushed through by the Tiger defense which was making valiant effort to keep Richmond in the game. In between, Bock managed an early goal for the Crows. That combined with five points gave Adelaide a 13 point lead until Jackson goaled for the the Tigers, bringing them within 7 points. Adelaide again responded with late goals to Welsh and Douglas to hold a 19 point lead at 3/4 time.
Light rain began falling at the start of the final term but it didn't dampen the endeavor of either side. Pettifer opened the scoring for Richmond with a point. after which goalsquare scramble ended when Richo volleyed a goal out of mid-air on the goal line. He followed that up with one of his requisite misses. Deledio made no such mistake from a free kick, reducing Adelaide's lead to just five points. It was one straight goal when the Tigers rushed another point. Moments later another scramble for the ball ended with Richo off under the blood rule after copping an accidental kick to the face from teammate Krakouer. More points followed to Jackson and Perrie, maintaining the status quo, but Howat goaled for the Tigers to level the scores midway through the term.Bock goaled to restore Adelaide's lead as did Welsh after a miss from Jericho. The Tigers rushed another point to Adelaide from getting further ahead, and cut Adelaide's lead even further with a goal to Meyer via a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). Polo added a late goal to bring the Tigers within nine points but s final surge was ended by the siren.
HAW 2.3 2.6 4.9 10.12 (72)
STK 1.2 2.4 3.5 6.8 (44)
GOALS: HAW - Roughead 3, Boyle 2, Bateman, Dixon, McGlynn, Franklin, Campbell; STK - Gehrig 2, Riewoldt 2, Fiora, Blake
BEST: HAW - Mitchell, McGlynn, Roughead, Croad, Lewis, Crawford, Sewell; STK- Harvey, Riewoldt, Ball
INJURY: STK - X. Clarke and Gram (virus) replaced in selected side by Howard and Sweeney
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Grun, Ellis
CROWD: 36,063 at the MCG
Late changes meant the Saints were forced to play three debutants. While Armitage had already been named as a late replacement for Matthew Clarke, Sweeney and Howard were virtually last minute inclusions for Xavier Clarke and Gram.
The Saints, with so many players out injured including their best defenders, had little choice but to start two extra players in the backline. It led to an overly defensive first term in which only three goals were kicked. Hawthorn came out the better to lead by seven points at 1/4 time.
The mercifully short second term was even more uneventful with the Hawks held goalless for the term while Saints could only bring up one goal of their own to be within two points of the Hawks at 1/2 time.
St. Kilda took their only lead for the match when Riewoldt goaled at the start of the third term. Roughead replied within a minute and also kicked the next goal of the match more than 20 minutes later. It came as the result of a Koschitzke error. Kosi tried a kick for goal, but his kick was an errant one. In the ultra-defensive atmosphere of the game, Hawks Roughead and Young both tried to catch the ball and spoiled each other. However, the Hawks still managed to come out on top thanks to the second effort of Roughead who recovered quickly enough to soccer through the loose ball for a goal to give the Hawks a 10 point lead at 3/4 time.
The final term opened up for a bit more of free moving play and it went all Hawthorn's way with goals to Boyle, Dixon, and McGlynn, giving the Hawks a 27 point lead. The Hawks kicked another before the Saints managed two of their own through Gehrig. Gehrig limped off the ground after the second, after which both sides kicked two more for the term, leaving the Hawks well in front at the end.
Hawthorn and St Kilda played for the Blue Ribbon Cup this week. The Cup, struck in 1999, and game honor two police officers killed in the line of duty. The Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of police killed in the line of duty and also raises funds to help their families.
KANG 4.5 8.10 15.14 22.15 (147)
CARL 5.4 12.6 14.9 20.10 (130)
GOALS: KANG - Grant 5, Thomas 3, Brown 3, Harvey 3, Jones 2, Campbell 2, Edwards, Green, Harris, Petrie; CARL - Fevola 5, Fisher 3, Simpson 3, Whitnall 3, Lappin 2, Ackland, Bentick, Betts, Koutoufides
BEST: KANG - Jones, Grant, Thomas, Harvey, McIntosh; CARL - Fisher, Whitnall, Fevola, Simpson, Carrazzo
INJURY: CARL - Fevola (thigh), Betts (leg)
UMPIRES: McLaren, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 1,649 at Gold Coast Stadium, Carrara
Carlton turned in a spirited performance for much of the game which saw several lead changes. The Kangaroos had the better start, booting three of their first four goals from free kicks. The Blues kicked five for the term to lead by five points at 1/4 time.
The Kangaroos took back the lead in the first stages of the second term with four goals to Carlton's three. The Blues hit back hard late in the term with 4 consecutive goals in a seven minute burst to hold a 20 point lead at 1/2 time.
Fevola worked hard for the rest of the game, but was hampered by injury and the Kangaroos made the most of their chances with the first three goals to trail by only a point. Goals to Whitnall and young Kangaroo Campbell tied the scores. The Roos proceeded to kick four of the last five goals of the term to lead by 11 points at 3/4 time.
Once again, while competitive, Carlton faded in the final term. While they still put up a spirited fight, the Kangaroos finished the stronger with seven goals to six to hold off the Blues.
GEEL 6.0 9.5 11.9 14.10 (94)
FRE 3.2 4.6 5.7 10.9 (69)
GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 4, G. Ablett 2, Mooney, N. Ablett, Varcoe, Wojcinski, Ling, Ottens, Hunt, Stokes; FRE - Bell 3, Pavlich 3, Tarrant 2, Webster, Duffield
BEST: GEEL - Kelly, Bartel, G. Ablett, S. Johnson, Egan, Wojcinski, Tenace, Ling; FRE - J. Carr, Johnson, McPharlin, Bell, Sandilands, M. Carr
UMPIRES: James, Jeffery, Wenn
CROWD: 20,435 at Skilled Stadium
It was another windy day at the Cats' home ground and the result of the game was never in doubt after Geelong kicked six goals to three in the first term. They used the ball better and attacked harder than the Dockers to forge a 25 point lead at 1/4 time.
Their scoring went a bit astray in the wind in the second term, but still managed three goals to the Dockers' one. Egan kept Pavlich under control and the Cat defense ran the ball well to set up teammates further afield. It was enough to give Geelong a 29 point lead at 1/2 time.
Although scoring was minimal in the third term, the Cats continued their dominance, again restricting the Dockers to just one goal. Their two goals for the term was enough to set up a 38 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Dockers challenged with the first three goals of the final term, but the Cats saw off the challenge, thanks to several soft free kicks. Steve Johnson got the first for a slight push from McManus and goaled. Mooney was the beneficiary of a 50 meter penalty (55 yards) for the next goal. The Dockers kicked two more for the term, but so did Geelong to ensure the win.
ESS 3.6 7.10 13.15 18.19 (127)
BRIS 2.4 5.8 5.10 8.15 (63)
GOALS: ESS - Lloyd 4, Hird 2, Monfries 2, McVeigh 2, Houli 2, Watson, J. Johnson, Hille, Stanton, Lucas, Davey; BRIS - Selwood 2, Notting, McGrath, Brown, Patfull, Drummond, Begley
BEST: ESS - Hird, Watson, Fletcher, Hille, McVeigh, Monfries; BRIS - Black, Selwood, Hadley, Lappin, Brown, Adcock
INJURY: ESS - Lovett (knee) replaced in selected side by Dyson; BRIS - Stiller (ankle)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, K. Nicholls, Pannell
CROWD: 35,034 at Telstra Dome
While the Bombers had plenty of contributors all over the ground, it was champion James Hird who turned back the clock with a vintage effort. Hird started the game up forward where he helped set up two of Essendon's first term goals. At the other end, Brown was constantly double-teamed by Fletcher and Michael as the Bombers took an eight point lead at 1/4 time.
Essendon edged further ahead in the second term and were helped along the way with several bad errors from the Lions. Power gave away a free kick to Hird in the midfield, then argued the decision a bit too vehemently with the umpire. The resultant 50 meter penalty (55 yards) took Hird into scoring range. Brisbane kicked three of the next five, but another error undid their good work. Merrett marked (caught) the ball in the midfield. Instead of taking his kick, he tried to baulk around Lloyd, was tackled and dispossessed of the ball. The Bombers swooped and rushed it forward for Houli to kick a goal and five the Essendon a 14 point lead at 1/2 time.
After the main break, Hird was moved from the forward line to the center where he led the Bombers in a dominant display. In an attempt to quell Hird, Brown was moved from full forward to the center and onto Hird. The Bomber onslaught continued and with Brown out of attack, Essendon piled on six goals while holding the Lions to just two points for the term to lead by 53 points at 3/4 time.
The final term was a mere formality as the Bombers added five goals to Brisbane's three for an emphatic win.
WB 5.3 8.8 15.12 20.15 (135)
COL 5.3 11.7 13.13 14.18 (102)
GOALS: WB - Higgins 4, Cooney 4, Boyd 2, Akermanis 2, Darcy 2, Johnson, Hahn, Gilbee, Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Hargrave; COL - Rocca 3, Davis 2, Didak 2, Fraser 2, Cloke 2, Pendlebury, Burns, Dick
BEST: WB - West, Boyd, Cross, Higgins, Hargrave, Harris; COL - Burns, Pendlebury, Fraser, O'Brien, O'Bree L Davis
UMPIRES: Margetts, Chamberlain, McInerney
CROWD: 46,990 at Telstra Dome
Both teams looked impressive at the start, but it was the Pies who controlled the proceedings early. Fraser was doing well in the ruck and feeding the ball to the likes of O'Bree,Swan, Burns and Lockyer. The Dogs had their own renowned running game going and the scores were tied at 1/4 time.
The Magpies took over in late in the second term after the Dogs had kicked three goals. Collingwood then surged, slamming on 6 goals in a withering burst to lead by 17 points at 1/2 time.
Fraser and Rocca kicked two of the first three goals of the third term and were out to a 25 point lead midway through the term. After that, the Magpies' accuracy in shooting for goal deserted them. Rocca kicked the ball out of bounds from just 25 meters (38 yards), Shaw missed another from even closer, Cloke was another offender, and an Akermanis chase and tackle on Ben Johnson forced another errant kick. Then the Dogs really took over, piling on the next six goals for an 11 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Bulldogs finished the game strongly against the wayward Pies, kicking 5 goals to Collingwood's one in the final term. It wasn't for lack chances either, as the Pies had a further five scoring shots for only 5 points.
SYD 6.4 10.9 13.14 17.16 (118)
PA 3.1 6.3 8.6 13.9 (87)
GOALS: SYD - O'Loughlin 4, B Hall 2, Ablett 2, McVeigh 2, Davis, Malceski, Everitt, Jolly, Buchanan, Goodes, Schneider;
PA - Ebert 4, Salopek 2, Motlop 2, Pearce, S. Burgoyne, K. Cornes, Thomas, Bentley
BEST: SYD - Ablett, J. Bolton, O'Loughlin, Kennelly, Malceski, Barry, Buchanan; PA - Ebert, K. Cornes, P. Burgoyne, Bentley, Wakelin
UMPIRES: Donlon, Stevic, Allen
CROWD: 25,423 at the SCG
The Swans were at their suffocating best and in what has become their trademark style, put a stranglehold on Port's running game. They also found plenty of ways to kick goals without depending on Hall, who was well-held until the final term. The grunt and desperation earned them a six goal to three first term and a 21 point lead at 1/4 time.
Port pulled themselves together and got their running game going early in the second term to kick three goals and be within just a few points of the Swans. Malceski then bombed in a great running goal from 50 meters (55 yards) to send Sydney on their way. The Swans kicked another three goals to lead by 30 points at 1/2 time.
Ebert goaled early in the third term for Port, but crucial errors gifted the Swans two goals. First it was Port's defense which failed to counter Jolly in the midfield allowing the big man to run in for a goal. A collision between Port teammates White and Symes allowed Sydney to clear the ball, find McVeigh for the next goal, Port got two of the next three goals, but Sydney still held a 38 point lead at 3/4 time.
Port rallied in the final term, kicking five of the first six goals, but a late goal to O'Loughlin put the result beyond Port's reach even though they outscored the Swans five goals to four for the term.
WCE 5.8 8.14 13.18 19.23 (137)
MELB 1.0 3.3 7.4 9.6 (60)
GOALS: WCE - Lynch 5, Wirrpanda 3, Morton 3, Judd 3, Hansen, Kerr, Staker, Stenglein, Hurn; MELB - Sylvia 3, Johnstone 2, Neitz, McDonald, Petterd, White
BEST: WCE - Judd, Hansen, Kerr, Lynch, Stenglein, Staker. Melbourne: Johnstone, McDonald, Sylvia, Green
INJURY: MELB - Ferguson (broken thumb)
REPORTS: WCE - Kerr for alleged forceful contact to the head of Bruce
UMPIRES: McBurney, Head, Hendrie
CROWD: 40,068 at Subiaco Oval
The injury ravaged Demons had a game plan. That was to impede, scrag, and tussle to stop Judd, Kerr, and co. from running rampant. It failed miserably with Demons penalized for holding the man on numerous occasions. The game was virtually over within the first five minutes when Hansen kicked the opening goal and the Eagles beat the blundering Demons all over the ground. It was only some errant kicking for goal which prevented a complete annihilation in the first term. The Eagles shook off tackles, Lynch kicked two goals, Kerr nailed one, and Wirrpanda joined the party to give the Eagles a 32 point lead at 1/4 time.
The slaughter would have been even worse in the second term had the Eagles kicked straighter, but against the Demons, it didn't really matter as three goals to one was more than enough. A late goal to McDonald reduced the Eagle lead to 41 points at 1/2 time.
For the first half of the third term, Melbourne finally found some cohesion to put up a brief challenge with a goal to Petterd and two to Sylvia. It reduced West Coast's lead to 25 points. That challenge evaporated when a poor tackle attempt led to a Morton goal and a four goal burst from the Eagles for a 50 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Eagles continued the barrage in the final term, kicking five goals to three against a dispirited Melbourne. The win puts the Eagles back on top and consigned the Demons to their worst start of any season since 1974 when they lost their first nine games.
STANDINGS
W L FOR AGST % PTS
WCE 7 1 745 564 132.09 28
PA 6 2 764 669 114.20 24
GEEL 5 3 963 652 147.70 20
ADE 5 3 650 587 110.73 20
HAW 5 3 703 651 107.99 20
KANG 5 3 833 780 106.79 20
COL 5 3 740 711 104.08 20
WB 5 3 802 797 100.63 20
SYD 4 4 694 631 109.98 16
ESS 4 4 845 785 107.64 16
BRIS 4 4 691 703 98.29 16
STK 4 4 636 650 97.85 16
FRE 3 5 722 787 91.74 12
CARL 2 6 794 1009 78.69 8
MELB 0 8 602 889 67.72 0
RICH 0 8 666 985 67.61 0
GOALS
Fevola (CARL) 30
Franklin (HAW) 25
Lucas (ESS) 25
Pavlich (FRE) 24
Johnson (WB) 22
Lloyd (ESS) 21
Hall (SYD) 20
Mooney (GEEL) 19
Welsh (ADE) 19
Ebert (PA) 19
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Kangaroo Jess Smith is the Round Seven Rising Star nominee. Playing just his eighth game last week, Smith was impressive in defense with 27 possessions and even found time to get forward for a goal. He debuted in 2005 and played six games, but a preseason ankle injury kept him either sidelined or playing in the VFL.
Jesse came to the Kangaroos under the father/son rule, as his father Ross also played for the Kangaroos.
Jesse starred in the 2004 Under-18 championships and won the Larke Medal as the best and fairest Division One player. He was also named an U-18 All-Australian and was named to the halfback line in the TAC Cup 2004 team. During his time with TAC Cup team Calder Cannons, the Cannons won the 2003 and 2004 TAC premierships.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
ADE 7.1 8.5 11.10 14.15 (99)
RICH 3.3 8.3 9.3 14.6 (90)
GOALS: ADE - Welsh 5, Griffin 2, Bock 2, Thompson, Bassett, Knights, Goodwin, Douglas; RICH - Richardson 3, Meyer 2, Howat 2, Deledio, King, Polak, Polo, Pettifer, Foley, Jackson
BEST: ADE - Welsh, Griffin, Goodwin, Thompson, Bock; RICH - Foley, Pattison, Richardson, J. Bowden, Deledio
INJURY: RICH - Richardson (fractured eye socket), Polo (dislocated shoulder), Hyde (back) replaced in selected side by Krakouer
Richardson will miss at least one month with the injury.
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Sully, Ryan
CROWD: 40,742 at AAMI Stadium
When Thompson, Welsh, and Griffin kicked the first three goals in the opening minutes of the game it looked like the Tigers would be in for another belting. They couldn't get their hands on the ball or get past the stingy Adelaide defense. It took 10 minutes before they even got on the board and that was only a point to Richardson. He followed up a minute later with a goal, only for the Crows to kick three more through Bassett, Griffin, and van Berlo. Foley and Pettifer added two more for the Tigers but so did Knights and Goodwin for the Crows, taking Adelaide to a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
It would have been even uglier had Goodwin and Griffin not missed two shots at the start of the second term. Welsh goaled to give the Crows a 30 point lead early in the term. However, Tiger cubs King, Foley, Edwards, Howat, and Deledio took over. Employing a bit of daring, a bit of dash, risk-taking, and giving better support to teammates, Richmond got right back into the game. Goals to Richardson, Polo, King, and Meyer slashed Adelaide's lead to just one goal halfway through the term. Thompson kicked a point for the Crows and in the context of what would follow would still prove vital. Howat goaled for the Tigers, bringing them to within one point. Burton's late kick on goal also missed, leaving the Crows with a narrow two point lead at 1/2 time.
The points continued to plague the Crows in the third term. Some were of their own making with inaccuracy, others were rushed through by the Tiger defense which was making valiant effort to keep Richmond in the game. In between, Bock managed an early goal for the Crows. That combined with five points gave Adelaide a 13 point lead until Jackson goaled for the the Tigers, bringing them within 7 points. Adelaide again responded with late goals to Welsh and Douglas to hold a 19 point lead at 3/4 time.
Light rain began falling at the start of the final term but it didn't dampen the endeavor of either side. Pettifer opened the scoring for Richmond with a point. after which goalsquare scramble ended when Richo volleyed a goal out of mid-air on the goal line. He followed that up with one of his requisite misses. Deledio made no such mistake from a free kick, reducing Adelaide's lead to just five points. It was one straight goal when the Tigers rushed another point. Moments later another scramble for the ball ended with Richo off under the blood rule after copping an accidental kick to the face from teammate Krakouer. More points followed to Jackson and Perrie, maintaining the status quo, but Howat goaled for the Tigers to level the scores midway through the term.Bock goaled to restore Adelaide's lead as did Welsh after a miss from Jericho. The Tigers rushed another point to Adelaide from getting further ahead, and cut Adelaide's lead even further with a goal to Meyer via a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). Polo added a late goal to bring the Tigers within nine points but s final surge was ended by the siren.
HAW 2.3 2.6 4.9 10.12 (72)
STK 1.2 2.4 3.5 6.8 (44)
GOALS: HAW - Roughead 3, Boyle 2, Bateman, Dixon, McGlynn, Franklin, Campbell; STK - Gehrig 2, Riewoldt 2, Fiora, Blake
BEST: HAW - Mitchell, McGlynn, Roughead, Croad, Lewis, Crawford, Sewell; STK- Harvey, Riewoldt, Ball
INJURY: STK - X. Clarke and Gram (virus) replaced in selected side by Howard and Sweeney
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Grun, Ellis
CROWD: 36,063 at the MCG
Late changes meant the Saints were forced to play three debutants. While Armitage had already been named as a late replacement for Matthew Clarke, Sweeney and Howard were virtually last minute inclusions for Xavier Clarke and Gram.
The Saints, with so many players out injured including their best defenders, had little choice but to start two extra players in the backline. It led to an overly defensive first term in which only three goals were kicked. Hawthorn came out the better to lead by seven points at 1/4 time.
The mercifully short second term was even more uneventful with the Hawks held goalless for the term while Saints could only bring up one goal of their own to be within two points of the Hawks at 1/2 time.
St. Kilda took their only lead for the match when Riewoldt goaled at the start of the third term. Roughead replied within a minute and also kicked the next goal of the match more than 20 minutes later. It came as the result of a Koschitzke error. Kosi tried a kick for goal, but his kick was an errant one. In the ultra-defensive atmosphere of the game, Hawks Roughead and Young both tried to catch the ball and spoiled each other. However, the Hawks still managed to come out on top thanks to the second effort of Roughead who recovered quickly enough to soccer through the loose ball for a goal to give the Hawks a 10 point lead at 3/4 time.
The final term opened up for a bit more of free moving play and it went all Hawthorn's way with goals to Boyle, Dixon, and McGlynn, giving the Hawks a 27 point lead. The Hawks kicked another before the Saints managed two of their own through Gehrig. Gehrig limped off the ground after the second, after which both sides kicked two more for the term, leaving the Hawks well in front at the end.
Hawthorn and St Kilda played for the Blue Ribbon Cup this week. The Cup, struck in 1999, and game honor two police officers killed in the line of duty. The Blue Ribbon Foundation perpetuates the memory of police killed in the line of duty and also raises funds to help their families.
KANG 4.5 8.10 15.14 22.15 (147)
CARL 5.4 12.6 14.9 20.10 (130)
GOALS: KANG - Grant 5, Thomas 3, Brown 3, Harvey 3, Jones 2, Campbell 2, Edwards, Green, Harris, Petrie; CARL - Fevola 5, Fisher 3, Simpson 3, Whitnall 3, Lappin 2, Ackland, Bentick, Betts, Koutoufides
BEST: KANG - Jones, Grant, Thomas, Harvey, McIntosh; CARL - Fisher, Whitnall, Fevola, Simpson, Carrazzo
INJURY: CARL - Fevola (thigh), Betts (leg)
UMPIRES: McLaren, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 1,649 at Gold Coast Stadium, Carrara
Carlton turned in a spirited performance for much of the game which saw several lead changes. The Kangaroos had the better start, booting three of their first four goals from free kicks. The Blues kicked five for the term to lead by five points at 1/4 time.
The Kangaroos took back the lead in the first stages of the second term with four goals to Carlton's three. The Blues hit back hard late in the term with 4 consecutive goals in a seven minute burst to hold a 20 point lead at 1/2 time.
Fevola worked hard for the rest of the game, but was hampered by injury and the Kangaroos made the most of their chances with the first three goals to trail by only a point. Goals to Whitnall and young Kangaroo Campbell tied the scores. The Roos proceeded to kick four of the last five goals of the term to lead by 11 points at 3/4 time.
Once again, while competitive, Carlton faded in the final term. While they still put up a spirited fight, the Kangaroos finished the stronger with seven goals to six to hold off the Blues.
GEEL 6.0 9.5 11.9 14.10 (94)
FRE 3.2 4.6 5.7 10.9 (69)
GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 4, G. Ablett 2, Mooney, N. Ablett, Varcoe, Wojcinski, Ling, Ottens, Hunt, Stokes; FRE - Bell 3, Pavlich 3, Tarrant 2, Webster, Duffield
BEST: GEEL - Kelly, Bartel, G. Ablett, S. Johnson, Egan, Wojcinski, Tenace, Ling; FRE - J. Carr, Johnson, McPharlin, Bell, Sandilands, M. Carr
UMPIRES: James, Jeffery, Wenn
CROWD: 20,435 at Skilled Stadium
It was another windy day at the Cats' home ground and the result of the game was never in doubt after Geelong kicked six goals to three in the first term. They used the ball better and attacked harder than the Dockers to forge a 25 point lead at 1/4 time.
Their scoring went a bit astray in the wind in the second term, but still managed three goals to the Dockers' one. Egan kept Pavlich under control and the Cat defense ran the ball well to set up teammates further afield. It was enough to give Geelong a 29 point lead at 1/2 time.
Although scoring was minimal in the third term, the Cats continued their dominance, again restricting the Dockers to just one goal. Their two goals for the term was enough to set up a 38 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Dockers challenged with the first three goals of the final term, but the Cats saw off the challenge, thanks to several soft free kicks. Steve Johnson got the first for a slight push from McManus and goaled. Mooney was the beneficiary of a 50 meter penalty (55 yards) for the next goal. The Dockers kicked two more for the term, but so did Geelong to ensure the win.
ESS 3.6 7.10 13.15 18.19 (127)
BRIS 2.4 5.8 5.10 8.15 (63)
GOALS: ESS - Lloyd 4, Hird 2, Monfries 2, McVeigh 2, Houli 2, Watson, J. Johnson, Hille, Stanton, Lucas, Davey; BRIS - Selwood 2, Notting, McGrath, Brown, Patfull, Drummond, Begley
BEST: ESS - Hird, Watson, Fletcher, Hille, McVeigh, Monfries; BRIS - Black, Selwood, Hadley, Lappin, Brown, Adcock
INJURY: ESS - Lovett (knee) replaced in selected side by Dyson; BRIS - Stiller (ankle)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, K. Nicholls, Pannell
CROWD: 35,034 at Telstra Dome
While the Bombers had plenty of contributors all over the ground, it was champion James Hird who turned back the clock with a vintage effort. Hird started the game up forward where he helped set up two of Essendon's first term goals. At the other end, Brown was constantly double-teamed by Fletcher and Michael as the Bombers took an eight point lead at 1/4 time.
Essendon edged further ahead in the second term and were helped along the way with several bad errors from the Lions. Power gave away a free kick to Hird in the midfield, then argued the decision a bit too vehemently with the umpire. The resultant 50 meter penalty (55 yards) took Hird into scoring range. Brisbane kicked three of the next five, but another error undid their good work. Merrett marked (caught) the ball in the midfield. Instead of taking his kick, he tried to baulk around Lloyd, was tackled and dispossessed of the ball. The Bombers swooped and rushed it forward for Houli to kick a goal and five the Essendon a 14 point lead at 1/2 time.
After the main break, Hird was moved from the forward line to the center where he led the Bombers in a dominant display. In an attempt to quell Hird, Brown was moved from full forward to the center and onto Hird. The Bomber onslaught continued and with Brown out of attack, Essendon piled on six goals while holding the Lions to just two points for the term to lead by 53 points at 3/4 time.
The final term was a mere formality as the Bombers added five goals to Brisbane's three for an emphatic win.
WB 5.3 8.8 15.12 20.15 (135)
COL 5.3 11.7 13.13 14.18 (102)
GOALS: WB - Higgins 4, Cooney 4, Boyd 2, Akermanis 2, Darcy 2, Johnson, Hahn, Gilbee, Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Hargrave; COL - Rocca 3, Davis 2, Didak 2, Fraser 2, Cloke 2, Pendlebury, Burns, Dick
BEST: WB - West, Boyd, Cross, Higgins, Hargrave, Harris; COL - Burns, Pendlebury, Fraser, O'Brien, O'Bree L Davis
UMPIRES: Margetts, Chamberlain, McInerney
CROWD: 46,990 at Telstra Dome
Both teams looked impressive at the start, but it was the Pies who controlled the proceedings early. Fraser was doing well in the ruck and feeding the ball to the likes of O'Bree,Swan, Burns and Lockyer. The Dogs had their own renowned running game going and the scores were tied at 1/4 time.
The Magpies took over in late in the second term after the Dogs had kicked three goals. Collingwood then surged, slamming on 6 goals in a withering burst to lead by 17 points at 1/2 time.
Fraser and Rocca kicked two of the first three goals of the third term and were out to a 25 point lead midway through the term. After that, the Magpies' accuracy in shooting for goal deserted them. Rocca kicked the ball out of bounds from just 25 meters (38 yards), Shaw missed another from even closer, Cloke was another offender, and an Akermanis chase and tackle on Ben Johnson forced another errant kick. Then the Dogs really took over, piling on the next six goals for an 11 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Bulldogs finished the game strongly against the wayward Pies, kicking 5 goals to Collingwood's one in the final term. It wasn't for lack chances either, as the Pies had a further five scoring shots for only 5 points.
SYD 6.4 10.9 13.14 17.16 (118)
PA 3.1 6.3 8.6 13.9 (87)
GOALS: SYD - O'Loughlin 4, B Hall 2, Ablett 2, McVeigh 2, Davis, Malceski, Everitt, Jolly, Buchanan, Goodes, Schneider;
PA - Ebert 4, Salopek 2, Motlop 2, Pearce, S. Burgoyne, K. Cornes, Thomas, Bentley
BEST: SYD - Ablett, J. Bolton, O'Loughlin, Kennelly, Malceski, Barry, Buchanan; PA - Ebert, K. Cornes, P. Burgoyne, Bentley, Wakelin
UMPIRES: Donlon, Stevic, Allen
CROWD: 25,423 at the SCG
The Swans were at their suffocating best and in what has become their trademark style, put a stranglehold on Port's running game. They also found plenty of ways to kick goals without depending on Hall, who was well-held until the final term. The grunt and desperation earned them a six goal to three first term and a 21 point lead at 1/4 time.
Port pulled themselves together and got their running game going early in the second term to kick three goals and be within just a few points of the Swans. Malceski then bombed in a great running goal from 50 meters (55 yards) to send Sydney on their way. The Swans kicked another three goals to lead by 30 points at 1/2 time.
Ebert goaled early in the third term for Port, but crucial errors gifted the Swans two goals. First it was Port's defense which failed to counter Jolly in the midfield allowing the big man to run in for a goal. A collision between Port teammates White and Symes allowed Sydney to clear the ball, find McVeigh for the next goal, Port got two of the next three goals, but Sydney still held a 38 point lead at 3/4 time.
Port rallied in the final term, kicking five of the first six goals, but a late goal to O'Loughlin put the result beyond Port's reach even though they outscored the Swans five goals to four for the term.
WCE 5.8 8.14 13.18 19.23 (137)
MELB 1.0 3.3 7.4 9.6 (60)
GOALS: WCE - Lynch 5, Wirrpanda 3, Morton 3, Judd 3, Hansen, Kerr, Staker, Stenglein, Hurn; MELB - Sylvia 3, Johnstone 2, Neitz, McDonald, Petterd, White
BEST: WCE - Judd, Hansen, Kerr, Lynch, Stenglein, Staker. Melbourne: Johnstone, McDonald, Sylvia, Green
INJURY: MELB - Ferguson (broken thumb)
REPORTS: WCE - Kerr for alleged forceful contact to the head of Bruce
UMPIRES: McBurney, Head, Hendrie
CROWD: 40,068 at Subiaco Oval
The injury ravaged Demons had a game plan. That was to impede, scrag, and tussle to stop Judd, Kerr, and co. from running rampant. It failed miserably with Demons penalized for holding the man on numerous occasions. The game was virtually over within the first five minutes when Hansen kicked the opening goal and the Eagles beat the blundering Demons all over the ground. It was only some errant kicking for goal which prevented a complete annihilation in the first term. The Eagles shook off tackles, Lynch kicked two goals, Kerr nailed one, and Wirrpanda joined the party to give the Eagles a 32 point lead at 1/4 time.
The slaughter would have been even worse in the second term had the Eagles kicked straighter, but against the Demons, it didn't really matter as three goals to one was more than enough. A late goal to McDonald reduced the Eagle lead to 41 points at 1/2 time.
For the first half of the third term, Melbourne finally found some cohesion to put up a brief challenge with a goal to Petterd and two to Sylvia. It reduced West Coast's lead to 25 points. That challenge evaporated when a poor tackle attempt led to a Morton goal and a four goal burst from the Eagles for a 50 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Eagles continued the barrage in the final term, kicking five goals to three against a dispirited Melbourne. The win puts the Eagles back on top and consigned the Demons to their worst start of any season since 1974 when they lost their first nine games.
STANDINGS
W L FOR AGST % PTS
WCE 7 1 745 564 132.09 28
PA 6 2 764 669 114.20 24
GEEL 5 3 963 652 147.70 20
ADE 5 3 650 587 110.73 20
HAW 5 3 703 651 107.99 20
KANG 5 3 833 780 106.79 20
COL 5 3 740 711 104.08 20
WB 5 3 802 797 100.63 20
SYD 4 4 694 631 109.98 16
ESS 4 4 845 785 107.64 16
BRIS 4 4 691 703 98.29 16
STK 4 4 636 650 97.85 16
FRE 3 5 722 787 91.74 12
CARL 2 6 794 1009 78.69 8
MELB 0 8 602 889 67.72 0
RICH 0 8 666 985 67.61 0
GOALS
Fevola (CARL) 30
Franklin (HAW) 25
Lucas (ESS) 25
Pavlich (FRE) 24
Johnson (WB) 22
Lloyd (ESS) 21
Hall (SYD) 20
Mooney (GEEL) 19
Welsh (ADE) 19
Ebert (PA) 19
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Kangaroo Jess Smith is the Round Seven Rising Star nominee. Playing just his eighth game last week, Smith was impressive in defense with 27 possessions and even found time to get forward for a goal. He debuted in 2005 and played six games, but a preseason ankle injury kept him either sidelined or playing in the VFL.
Jesse came to the Kangaroos under the father/son rule, as his father Ross also played for the Kangaroos.
Jesse starred in the 2004 Under-18 championships and won the Larke Medal as the best and fairest Division One player. He was also named an U-18 All-Australian and was named to the halfback line in the TAC Cup 2004 team. During his time with TAC Cup team Calder Cannons, the Cannons won the 2003 and 2004 TAC premierships.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 - 9:30 AM EDT
