by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Young Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt, who debuted in Round Nine, earned a recall from the VFL this week. He comes in for Chris Hyde who missed this week after injuring a knee at training.
Simon Buckley debuted for Melbourne this week.
Barry Hall (groin) returned for Sydney this week. Tadhg Kennelly (knee) also returned, being named to the interchange bench.
Fremantle regained forward Chris Tarrant (suspension) and ruckman Aaron Sandilands (groin) this week.
Shaun Grigg debuted for Carlton this week.
Andrejs Everitt, half-brother to Sydney's Peter, debuted for the Bulldogs this week.
GEEL 4.3 7.9 12.14 19.19 (133)
ESS 3.4 6.9 11.10 12.11 (83)
GOALS: GEEL - Ling 3, Chapman 3, Mooney 3, Ottens 2, Enright 2, Stokes 2, S. Johnson, Milburn, G. Ablett, Hawkins; ESS - Lucas 3, Welsh 2, Watson 2, Hislop, Ryder, Ramanauskas, Slattery, Lovett
BEST: GEEL - G. Ablett, Chapman, Selwood, Ling, Corey, Enright, Milburn, Ottens; ESS - Watson, J. Johnson, Peverill, McVeigh, Fletcher, Welsh, McPhee
INJURY: GEEL - S. Johnson (ankle); ESS - Davey (broken arm), Hird (calf tear), Ryder (Achilles)
REPORTS: ESS - Fletcher for striking Tenace; McVeigh for striking G. Ablett
UMPIRES: McBurney, McInerney, Vozzo
CROWD: 51,156 at Telstra Dome
It was supposed to be a celebration for the Bombers in Hird's 250th career game and the return of Adam Ramanauskas after a two year battle with cancer. Geelong spoiled the party to record their ninth straight win in a spirited and entertaining contest which remained tight for the first three quarters. By the final term, Ryder and Hislop were on the bench nursing injuries, leaving the Dons with just one fit interchange player. Hird and Davey were off before half time. The Cats also had more tall players in their forward line than the Bombers. Mooney, Hawkins, and Ottens gave the Cats plenty of options when surging forward while the Bombers had a relatively small forward set up with Lucas the only tall player and he was often double teamed by the Cat defense.
Chapman, who had stints in attack and defense, kicked the opening goal for the Cats. In between misses from both sides, it was goal for goal until midway through the term when Watson and Welsh kicked two in row for the Bombers to take the lead. Late goals to Milburn and Ottens gave Geelong a five point lead at 1/4 time.
Lucas put the Bombers with an early goal in the second term but the Cats leveled the scores when Ottens kicked a point. The lead seesawed with goals to first Ling then Hislop before a Lucas goal put the Bombers six points in front. Neither side could break clear of the other until late in the term with both teams guilty of some wayward kicking for goal. Ottens goaled, cutting Essendon's lead to just two points. Mackie and Mooney registered points to again level the scores. Fletcher then had the kickout duties, but kicked the ball out of bounds. From the free kick, Steve Johnson passed to Gary Ablett whose goal gave the Cats a six point lead at 1/2 time.
Enright goaled at the start of the third term to put the Cats two goals in front, but Essendon hung tough with a goal to Ryder. Once more, the Cats and Bombers went goal for goal until late in the term. After Chapman kicked another for the Cats to give Geelong an eight point lead, Essendon kicked consecutive goals. The first came from Ramanauskas and his teammates mobbed him afterward before getting on with the business at hand. Lucas goaled from a free kick, reverting the lead to Essendon. Hawkins' goal put the lead back Geelong's way. When Mooney goaled just before the siren, the Cats had a 10 point lead going into 3/4 time.
It was a weary and depleted Essendon which came out in the final term. The spirit may have been willing, but the bodies were just too tired as the Cats romped away full of running. They started with two early goals to extend their lead before Slattery kicked Essendon's only goal for the term. The Cats proceeded to bury the Bombers in the end with the last five goals for an emphatic win.
Comeback kid Adam Ramanauskas had a modest game with just 7 kicks and five handballs, but Coach Kevin Sheedy believes its only the beginning for Adam. Adam himself said he felt he was getting fitter and stronger with every game.
COL 4.5 8.9 8.11 12.17 (89)
STK 3.3 6.7 11.8 12.8 (80)
GOALS: COL - Thomas 2, Fraser 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Didak, O'Bree, Licuria, Johnson, Swan; STK - Gehrig 4, Milne 2, X. Clarke, Hayes, R. Clarke, Fiora, Gilbert, Koschitzke
BEST: COL - Swan, Thomas, O'Bree, Fraser, Licuria, H. Shaw; STK - Dal Santo, Gram, S. Fisher, X. Clarke, Hayes, Harvey
UMPIRES: Donlon, McLaren, Chamberlain
CROWD: 57,247 at the MCG
Constant rain made for difficult conditions. Goals came from opposition errors and dubious umpire calls as often as they did from player skills. The game seesawed, but it was Collingwood which had the better of the first term, kicking 4 goals to three for an eight pint lead at 1/4 time.
The Saints got the first two goals of the second term to take the lead, but the Pies restored their lead soon after. They seized control from there, kicking three of the last four goals. Two came from free kicks and one from a St. Kilda defensive error and the Pies led by 14 points at 1/2 time.
The Saints lifted in the third term, attacking the ball fiercely to slam on five goals while the Pies managed just two points for the term. They were also aided by some lucky umpiring decisions. The surge gave the Saints a 15 point lead at 3/4 time.
When Gehrig goaled in the opening minute of the final term, the Saints' lead was 21 points. It would be their only score for the term as the Pies rallied and constantly pushed into attack. A Swan goal from a free kick put them within three points midway through the term. They then scored four consecutive points, three of which were rushed through by the Saint defense. Late in the term, livewire Magpie Thomas was denied a chance at goal of the year. He got hold of the ball, evaded two Saint defenders and kicked an amazing shot from the boundary line but the umpire had called out of bounds. Television replays were inconclusive as to the correctness of the decision. Collingwood proceeded to kick another three goals and it was Thomas who kicked the sealer from a soft free kick against Saint defender Maguire.
WB 4.4 6.9 12.11 20.13 (133)
PA 5.3 8.5 11.7 17.11 (113)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 5, Akermanis 3, Robbins 3, Boyd 2, Murphy, Grant, Hahn, Street, Giansiracusa, Cooney, Harbrow; PA - Tredrea 4, Motlop 2, S. Burgoyne 2, Rodan 2, Cassisi 2, Ebert 2, Lade, P. Burgoyne, Westhoff
BEST: WB - Grant, Boyd, Akermanis, Johnson, Harris, Cooney, Darcy; PA - Cassisi, S. Burgoyne, Lade, C. Cornes
INJURY: WB - West (hip/groin), Grant (hamstring), Addison (illness) replaced in selected side by Robbins; PA - Wilson (shoulder), Ebert (ankle)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Woodcock, Pannell
CROWD: 22,691 at Telstra Dome
Port made the better start, with early goals to Ebert and Daniel Motlop. The opening got a bit physical with young Bulldog Higgins copping several heavy hits and seeing stars. Bulldog Darcy started the game on the bench, but once he came onto the ground, a transformation came over the Dogs as they moved the ball better to set up Grant for a goal. Johnson booted two for the term as well but Port was still on top, adding three more goals to two for a five point lead at 1/4 time.
The physicality continued in the second term as did Port's determination. West was the next to fall victim to injury, leaving his minder Chad Cornes relatively free. Tredrea, who was well held by Harris for much of the game got the opening goal of the second term, but the Dogs refused to go away. Both sides added two more goals each, but it was Port by eight points at 1/2 time.
After the break, Grant went into defense and half back Gilbee was shifted to the forward line. The changes worked for the Bulldogs who seized the momentum. Johnson kicked two quick goals early in the term to give the Dogs the lead and they grabbed two more to extend the lead. Port finished off the term with three of the last five goals. Despite the best efforts of Cornes, Burgoyne, Tredrea, and others, Port trailed the Bulldogs by 10 points at 3/4 time.
The Bulldogs looked to have sealed the game with two goals in the first few minutes of the final term for a 22 point lead. Port hit back with three goals to reduce the margin to just three points. Enter Akermanis who can do the impossible. He booted two great running goals which looked to have sealed the game. Tredrea then got away from Harris to kick two in two minutes to keep Port in the match. The Bulldogs then sealed the win with four of the last five goals of the game.
BRIS 2.1 5.7 10.9 13.13 (91)
WCE 3.5 6.8 8.10 9.10 (64)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 4, Brennan 4, Copeland 3, Black, Notting; WCE - Le Cras 4, Kerr, Embley, Cox, Hurn, Seaby
BEST: BRIS - Lappin, Drummond, Brennan, Copeland, Notting; WCE - Judd, Kerr, Cox, LeCras, Glass
UMPIRES: Farmer, Allen, Meredith
CROWD: 40,763 at Subiaco Oval
Before the game, fallen Eagle Ben Cousins drew one of the biggest cheers as he walked across the ground before joining Coach John Worsfold in the coaches' box. WA's inaugural state of origin team, which beat Victoria in October 1977, also got a big cheer during their lap of honor as part of the Heritage Round which paid tribute to the 1970s.
Brisbane is very much in a rebuilding stage. They also had a very long injury list last season, which gave kids such as Patfull, Roe, and others plenty of opportunity and experience. Led by veterans Black and Lappin, the combination of youth and experience gave the Lions more and more confidence as the game wore on. In an ironic twist, it was Black (who comes from WA) who won the ball from the first bounce and goaled on the run. The Eagles hit back with a goal to LeCras and then repelled the next several forward thrusts by the Lions and forced Brisbane into turning over the ball. The young Lions did the same, forcing the Eagles into turning over the ball. One of those led to a Brennan goal to give Brisbane the lead. The Eagles peppered the goals with little reward until Kerr put one through to take back the lead. A late goal to LeCras gave the Eagles a 10 point lead at 1/4 time.
With Glass shutting down Brown and LeCras kicking the opening goal of the second term, a typical Eagle rout looked to be in the making. However, the Lions continued to work hard with intense tackling and hard running. Copeland goaled to keep the Lions in the game before Brisbane got a case of the goal yips. Mills, Brennan and Hooper all missed gettable shots which would have given Brisbane the lead. Embley and Copeland traded goals in between more misses from Brennan and Seaby. A late flurry of goals from Copeland, Cox for the Eagles, and Brennan kept the Lions within 10 points. They again could have stolen the lead but Brennan, Lappin, and Brennan again all missed, leaving the Eagles with a 7 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Eagles were unable to press home their advantage at the start of the third term with Jones and Lynch both kicking points. Waters and Brown clashed heads, with Waters come off the worse and Brown kicking a goal to cut West Coast's lead to just 3 points. From there on, both sides attacked relentlessly as the lead changed from one minute to the next. Brennan's goal put the Lions 3 points clear, but Hurn goaled to restore the lead to the Eagles. Brennan's point made it a 2 point margin before LeCras goaled. A Priddis turnover allowed Notting to goal before Black's point cut the margin to a single point. Wirrpanda also turned the ball over in defense and Brennan pounced, kicking the goal which gave Brisbane the lead. Brown goaled to give the Lions an 11 point lead at 3/4 time.
Glass was back on at the start of the final term, and the Eagles rushed a point to make the margin two straight goals. However, a goal and a point to Copeland stretched Brisbane's lead even further. It should have been even greater by midway through the term but for more misses from Rischitelli and Hooper. Brown made no such mistake. Nor did Seaby at the other end, but it was the only Eagle goal for the term. Brennan's late goal ensured a Brisbane win, their first in eight weeks and first in Perth since 2001.
ADE 4.2 8.6 11.10 15.12 (102)
HAW 1.1 3.3 4.4 4.7 (31)
GOALS: ADE - Ricciuto 4, McGregor 2, Walsh 2, Bock 2, Maric 2, Goodwin, Reilly, Knights; HAW - McGlynn, Roughead, Franklin, Croad
BEST: ADE - Edwards, McLeod, Thomson, Massie, Knights, Torney, Doughty, Rutten; HAW - Ladson, Mitchell, Crawford, Birchall, Smith
INJURY: ADE - Porplyzia (hamstring); HAW - Jacobs (ankle), Bateman (knee)
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Nicholls
CROWD: 34,733 at AAMI Stadium
It was typical winter weather in Adelaide - cold, wet, and windy. It was also a typical hard-running, hard-tackling Adelaide which handled the conditions much better than the Hawks. The defense was back to its miserly best with Massie keeping a tight rein on Franklin and McLeod constantly sweeping the ball out of defense to feed it out to the midfield. When they weren't harassing the Hawks out of the ball, they were running it with precision into attack. The young Hawks wilted under the pressure as the Crows, kicking into the wind, piled on the first four goals of the game. The first came to Ricciuto in just his fourth game of the year. Playing at full forward, Roo led out from the goalsquare to constantly provide a target and had plenty of support with McGregor, Bock and Welsh alongside him. Adelaide was also smarter in judging the windy conditions. Try as they might, the Hawks continued to kick the ball too high in the wind, only to watch it land safely in the arms of Crow defenders. Hawthorn kicked just one goal for the term, giving the Crows a 19 point lead at 1/4 time.
Ricciuto's two goals early in the second term extended Adelaide's lead before Hawthorn lifted midway through the term. Crawford got away from Doughty, Mitchell broke clear of Shirley, and Hodge also did better, resulting in two Hawk goals. The Crows replied with two more of their own, the last coming when young ruckman Maric took a great diving, sliding catch. His goal gave the Crows a 33 point lead at 1/2 time.
Hawthorn had the breeze in the third term, but could not take advantage as the Crows slammed through three straight goals to lead by 55 points. Hawthorn's solitary goal for the term reduced the margin to 48 pints at 3/4 time.
Adelaide again defied the windy conditions in the final term to sink the Hawks for good. They kept the Hawks to just 3 points for the term while kicking another four of their own to run out comfortable winners. Hawthorn's final score was their lowest ever against Adelaide. It's little wonder the Hawks could do nothing as Crows Edwards, Thompson, McLeod, Knights, and Goodwin shared almost 200 ball possessions between them, denying the Hawks any sufficient use. Veteran Crawford gave a spirited display while Ladson, Lewis and McGlynn were other Hawks who battled gamely against the odds.
MELB 4.1 9.4 14.6 19.10 (124)
CARL 3.4 8.7 10.14 14.17 (101)
GOALS: MELB - Robertson 5, Newton 3, Bate 3, Wheatley 2, Johnson, Davey, Dunn, Ward, Godfrey, Sylvia; CARL - Murphy 2, S. O'hAilpin 2, Fisher 2, Simpson 2, Kennedy 2, Betts, Waite, Koutoufides, Gibbs
BEST: MELB - McDonald, White, Brown, Jones, Wheatley, Bate, Sylvia, Robertson; CARL - Simpson, S. O'hAilpin, Carrazzo, Walker, Koutoufides, Murphy, Houlihan
INJURY: MELB - Bruce (hamstring) replaced in the selected side by Dunn, Petterd (collapsed lung), Carroll (concussion); CARL - Lappin (concussion), Gibbs (ankle)
UMPIRES: Fila, Goldspink, Hendrie
CROWD: 33,085 at the MCG
It never fails. Sack the senior coach or he quits and the team goes out and wins. While the Blues were competitive and threatened to overrun the Demons several times, the Demons reeled them in with two goal bursts which proved the difference. Carlton had plenty of chances in the first term, but wasted them in front of goal, netting just three from seven scoring chances. Melbourne was more accurate with four goals to lead by 3 points at 1/4 time.
Melbourne jumped the Blues with four goals in as many minutes early in the second term. Carlton rallied with five of the next six goals to challenge the Demons. Their brief burst of goals kept them within three points at 1/2 time.
Melbourne's next burst of goals in the third term pretty much delivered the killer blow. Robertson was prominent with two goals as the Dees kicked three in four minutes. They added two more for the term as did the Blues. Once more, the accuracy of the Demons and Carlton's inaccuracy proved the difference. Carlton again didn't lack scoring opportunities but wasted too many chances and trailed by 16 points at 3/4 time.
The Blues fought hard in the final term and were within five points thanks to a goal from Kennedy. They could have gotten closer had Waite and Walker not missed. Simpson added another goal for Carlton but the Demons held sway. They outscored Carlton five goals to four to give caretaker coach Mark Riley a first up win.
SYD 1.6 4.11 8.17 11.23 (89)
FRE 1.3 5.3 6.6 9.7 (61)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 3, O'Loughlin 2, O'Keefe 2, Schneider, Kirk, Schmidt, J. Bolton; FRE - McManus 2, Pavlich 2, Farmer 2, Thornton, Headland, Tarrant
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Kirk, J. Bolton, Schneider, Fosdike, C. Bolton, Hall, Mathews; FRE - Headland, Solomon, Black
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 25,943 at the SCG
The Dockers are more accustomed to the dry and expansive Subiaco while the Swans know how to play the comparatively claustrophobic SCG. A soggy ground also suited the Swans better with their in close, choking style of play. That's exactly what they did to Fremantle, whom they starved of the ball in the midfield. O'Loughlin, playing his 250th match to break the club record, bobbed up to open the scoring with a goal early in the first term. It would only one of two goals for the term as Sydney failed to put the Dockers away, leading by just three points at 1/4 time.
Farmer's goal early in the second term gave the Dockers the lead before Sydney fought back, but again their inaccuracy allowed the Dockers to stay close. Instead of shooting out to a big lead, the Swans were outscored five goals to five for the term. They also kicked five points, leaving themselves with a narrow 2 point lead at 1/2 time.
Another goal to Farmer again gave the Dockers the lead early in the third term, but the game then turned into a slog in the sodden conditions. Neither side was able to break free until errant McPharlin kick handed Kirk the first of four goals in the last 10 minutes of the term. The last goal came from O'Loughlin after the siren. He was promptly swamped by teammates and the Swans were out to a 23 point lead at 3/4 time.
Hall booted the Swans out a 32 point lead before the Dockers sprung to life with three goals in five minutes to reduce the margin to three straight kicks. Hall stemmed the tide, kicking his and Sydney's third for the term to seal the win and keep Sydney's finals hopes alive.
KANG 4.4 6.6 11.12 14.20 (104)
RICH 1.1 5.5 8.9 11.13 (79)
GOALS: KANG - Petrie 6, Jones 3, McMahon 2, Wells, Sinclair, Brown; RICH - Richardson 4, Pettifer 3, Pattison, Tambling, Tivendale, Howat
BEST: KANG - Harvey, Petrie, Grant, McIntosh, Pratt, Smith, Jones, Rawlings; RICH - Richardson, Howat, Edwards, Jackson
INJURY: KANG - Campbell (ankle); RICH - Deledio (broken hand)
UMPIRES: Stevic, Sully, Ellis
CROWD: 33,583 at Telstra Dome
The Kangaroos had the better of the Tigers for much of the game, but the Tigers did not give up without a fight. Things looked bleak for Richmond when the Kangaroos rattled on the first three goals and ended the term with four to Richmond's one. The Tigers got plenty of the ball, but failed to capitalize as the Kangaroos shot to a 21 point lead at 1/4 time.
It was a 27 point lead when the Kangaroos kicked the first goal of the second term but the Tigers challenged. Richardson earned a free kick and a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). It sparked a three goal run by Richmond, slashing the Kangaroo lead to just four points. A brilliant snap goal from Corey Jones gave the Kangaroos a seven point lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos blasted through five goals, three of them to Petrie, in the first half of the third term. Their 36 point lead was the biggest of the game. Compounding Richmond's problems, Deledio suffered his broken thumb early in the third term when Shannon Grant's soccer kick missed the ball and caught Deledio's hand instead. Richmond rallied with the last three goals of the term, the third a brilliant pick-up and shot on the run from Howat. It reduced the Kangaroo lead to 21 points at 3/4 time.
Richmond kicked the first goal of the last term to keep the contest alive, reducing the deficit to 14 points. McMahon and Petrie added a pair of goals for a 28 point lead. Richmond challenged again with the next two, but it wasn't enough as Petrie's sixth sealed the win.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 11 3 0 1578 1026 153.80 44
WCE 9 5 0 1259 1077 116.90 36
HAW 9 5 0 1283 1134 113.14 36
COL 9 5 0 1296 1218 106.40 36
KANG 9 5 0 1316 1301 101.15 36
ADE 8 6 0 1165 1011 115.23 32
WB 8 6 0 1441 1446 99.65 32
ESS 8 6 0 1409 1418 99.37 32
PA 8 6 0 1352 1368 98.83 32
SYD 7 7 0 1157 1052 109.98 28
FRE 6 8 0 1389 1373 101.17 24
STK 6 8 0 1110 1221 90.91 24
BRIS 5 8 1 1154 1252 92.17 22
CARL 4 10 0 1436 1821 78.86 16
MELB 3 11 0 1185 1471 80.56 12
RICH 1 12 1 1228 1569 78.27 6
GOALS
Johnson (WB) 44
Pavlich (FRE) 43
Lucas (ESS) 42
Franklin (HAW) 40
Fevola (CARL) 39
Richardson (RICH) 36
Lloyd (ESS) 35
Mooney (GEEL) 35
Brown (BRIS) 34
Welsh (ADE) 31
Gehrig 31
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Collingwood's Martin Clarke is the Round 13 Rising Star nominee.
The nomination, incredibly, comes after just two games for the Irish recruit and is testimony to his rapid development after less than a year's experience playing footy.
Since arriving in Melbourne last September, Martin has worked hard on his fitness and skills. His first competitive Australian football match was a preseason practice match against the Swans at North Sydney Oval in February, where he impressed across halfback after just six months training.
Clarke, 19, hails from County Down where he played Gaelic Football. He debuted in Round 12, again against Sydney, and gathered 20 ball possessions in defense. He was named one of Collingwood's best last week with 19 possessions and kicked three goals.
Martin was invited to train with Collingwood for four weeks in July, 2006 after recruiters saw him playing for his school team in Belfast in 2005. He was then offered a two-year international rookie contract by the Magpies.
His progress continued with Collingwood’s VFL affiliate Williamstown where he averaged over 20 possessions a game. He also kicked five goals in one reserves match for Williamstown. He has since been elevated to the senior list as a replacement for John Anthony (neck) who is on the long term injury list.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Young Tiger forward Jack Riewoldt, who debuted in Round Nine, earned a recall from the VFL this week. He comes in for Chris Hyde who missed this week after injuring a knee at training.
Simon Buckley debuted for Melbourne this week.
Barry Hall (groin) returned for Sydney this week. Tadhg Kennelly (knee) also returned, being named to the interchange bench.
Fremantle regained forward Chris Tarrant (suspension) and ruckman Aaron Sandilands (groin) this week.
Shaun Grigg debuted for Carlton this week.
Andrejs Everitt, half-brother to Sydney's Peter, debuted for the Bulldogs this week.
GEEL 4.3 7.9 12.14 19.19 (133)
ESS 3.4 6.9 11.10 12.11 (83)
GOALS: GEEL - Ling 3, Chapman 3, Mooney 3, Ottens 2, Enright 2, Stokes 2, S. Johnson, Milburn, G. Ablett, Hawkins; ESS - Lucas 3, Welsh 2, Watson 2, Hislop, Ryder, Ramanauskas, Slattery, Lovett
BEST: GEEL - G. Ablett, Chapman, Selwood, Ling, Corey, Enright, Milburn, Ottens; ESS - Watson, J. Johnson, Peverill, McVeigh, Fletcher, Welsh, McPhee
INJURY: GEEL - S. Johnson (ankle); ESS - Davey (broken arm), Hird (calf tear), Ryder (Achilles)
REPORTS: ESS - Fletcher for striking Tenace; McVeigh for striking G. Ablett
UMPIRES: McBurney, McInerney, Vozzo
CROWD: 51,156 at Telstra Dome
It was supposed to be a celebration for the Bombers in Hird's 250th career game and the return of Adam Ramanauskas after a two year battle with cancer. Geelong spoiled the party to record their ninth straight win in a spirited and entertaining contest which remained tight for the first three quarters. By the final term, Ryder and Hislop were on the bench nursing injuries, leaving the Dons with just one fit interchange player. Hird and Davey were off before half time. The Cats also had more tall players in their forward line than the Bombers. Mooney, Hawkins, and Ottens gave the Cats plenty of options when surging forward while the Bombers had a relatively small forward set up with Lucas the only tall player and he was often double teamed by the Cat defense.
Chapman, who had stints in attack and defense, kicked the opening goal for the Cats. In between misses from both sides, it was goal for goal until midway through the term when Watson and Welsh kicked two in row for the Bombers to take the lead. Late goals to Milburn and Ottens gave Geelong a five point lead at 1/4 time.
Lucas put the Bombers with an early goal in the second term but the Cats leveled the scores when Ottens kicked a point. The lead seesawed with goals to first Ling then Hislop before a Lucas goal put the Bombers six points in front. Neither side could break clear of the other until late in the term with both teams guilty of some wayward kicking for goal. Ottens goaled, cutting Essendon's lead to just two points. Mackie and Mooney registered points to again level the scores. Fletcher then had the kickout duties, but kicked the ball out of bounds. From the free kick, Steve Johnson passed to Gary Ablett whose goal gave the Cats a six point lead at 1/2 time.
Enright goaled at the start of the third term to put the Cats two goals in front, but Essendon hung tough with a goal to Ryder. Once more, the Cats and Bombers went goal for goal until late in the term. After Chapman kicked another for the Cats to give Geelong an eight point lead, Essendon kicked consecutive goals. The first came from Ramanauskas and his teammates mobbed him afterward before getting on with the business at hand. Lucas goaled from a free kick, reverting the lead to Essendon. Hawkins' goal put the lead back Geelong's way. When Mooney goaled just before the siren, the Cats had a 10 point lead going into 3/4 time.
It was a weary and depleted Essendon which came out in the final term. The spirit may have been willing, but the bodies were just too tired as the Cats romped away full of running. They started with two early goals to extend their lead before Slattery kicked Essendon's only goal for the term. The Cats proceeded to bury the Bombers in the end with the last five goals for an emphatic win.
Comeback kid Adam Ramanauskas had a modest game with just 7 kicks and five handballs, but Coach Kevin Sheedy believes its only the beginning for Adam. Adam himself said he felt he was getting fitter and stronger with every game.
COL 4.5 8.9 8.11 12.17 (89)
STK 3.3 6.7 11.8 12.8 (80)
GOALS: COL - Thomas 2, Fraser 2, Cloke 2, Davis, Didak, O'Bree, Licuria, Johnson, Swan; STK - Gehrig 4, Milne 2, X. Clarke, Hayes, R. Clarke, Fiora, Gilbert, Koschitzke
BEST: COL - Swan, Thomas, O'Bree, Fraser, Licuria, H. Shaw; STK - Dal Santo, Gram, S. Fisher, X. Clarke, Hayes, Harvey
UMPIRES: Donlon, McLaren, Chamberlain
CROWD: 57,247 at the MCG
Constant rain made for difficult conditions. Goals came from opposition errors and dubious umpire calls as often as they did from player skills. The game seesawed, but it was Collingwood which had the better of the first term, kicking 4 goals to three for an eight pint lead at 1/4 time.
The Saints got the first two goals of the second term to take the lead, but the Pies restored their lead soon after. They seized control from there, kicking three of the last four goals. Two came from free kicks and one from a St. Kilda defensive error and the Pies led by 14 points at 1/2 time.
The Saints lifted in the third term, attacking the ball fiercely to slam on five goals while the Pies managed just two points for the term. They were also aided by some lucky umpiring decisions. The surge gave the Saints a 15 point lead at 3/4 time.
When Gehrig goaled in the opening minute of the final term, the Saints' lead was 21 points. It would be their only score for the term as the Pies rallied and constantly pushed into attack. A Swan goal from a free kick put them within three points midway through the term. They then scored four consecutive points, three of which were rushed through by the Saint defense. Late in the term, livewire Magpie Thomas was denied a chance at goal of the year. He got hold of the ball, evaded two Saint defenders and kicked an amazing shot from the boundary line but the umpire had called out of bounds. Television replays were inconclusive as to the correctness of the decision. Collingwood proceeded to kick another three goals and it was Thomas who kicked the sealer from a soft free kick against Saint defender Maguire.
WB 4.4 6.9 12.11 20.13 (133)
PA 5.3 8.5 11.7 17.11 (113)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 5, Akermanis 3, Robbins 3, Boyd 2, Murphy, Grant, Hahn, Street, Giansiracusa, Cooney, Harbrow; PA - Tredrea 4, Motlop 2, S. Burgoyne 2, Rodan 2, Cassisi 2, Ebert 2, Lade, P. Burgoyne, Westhoff
BEST: WB - Grant, Boyd, Akermanis, Johnson, Harris, Cooney, Darcy; PA - Cassisi, S. Burgoyne, Lade, C. Cornes
INJURY: WB - West (hip/groin), Grant (hamstring), Addison (illness) replaced in selected side by Robbins; PA - Wilson (shoulder), Ebert (ankle)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Woodcock, Pannell
CROWD: 22,691 at Telstra Dome
Port made the better start, with early goals to Ebert and Daniel Motlop. The opening got a bit physical with young Bulldog Higgins copping several heavy hits and seeing stars. Bulldog Darcy started the game on the bench, but once he came onto the ground, a transformation came over the Dogs as they moved the ball better to set up Grant for a goal. Johnson booted two for the term as well but Port was still on top, adding three more goals to two for a five point lead at 1/4 time.
The physicality continued in the second term as did Port's determination. West was the next to fall victim to injury, leaving his minder Chad Cornes relatively free. Tredrea, who was well held by Harris for much of the game got the opening goal of the second term, but the Dogs refused to go away. Both sides added two more goals each, but it was Port by eight points at 1/2 time.
After the break, Grant went into defense and half back Gilbee was shifted to the forward line. The changes worked for the Bulldogs who seized the momentum. Johnson kicked two quick goals early in the term to give the Dogs the lead and they grabbed two more to extend the lead. Port finished off the term with three of the last five goals. Despite the best efforts of Cornes, Burgoyne, Tredrea, and others, Port trailed the Bulldogs by 10 points at 3/4 time.
The Bulldogs looked to have sealed the game with two goals in the first few minutes of the final term for a 22 point lead. Port hit back with three goals to reduce the margin to just three points. Enter Akermanis who can do the impossible. He booted two great running goals which looked to have sealed the game. Tredrea then got away from Harris to kick two in two minutes to keep Port in the match. The Bulldogs then sealed the win with four of the last five goals of the game.
BRIS 2.1 5.7 10.9 13.13 (91)
WCE 3.5 6.8 8.10 9.10 (64)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 4, Brennan 4, Copeland 3, Black, Notting; WCE - Le Cras 4, Kerr, Embley, Cox, Hurn, Seaby
BEST: BRIS - Lappin, Drummond, Brennan, Copeland, Notting; WCE - Judd, Kerr, Cox, LeCras, Glass
UMPIRES: Farmer, Allen, Meredith
CROWD: 40,763 at Subiaco Oval
Before the game, fallen Eagle Ben Cousins drew one of the biggest cheers as he walked across the ground before joining Coach John Worsfold in the coaches' box. WA's inaugural state of origin team, which beat Victoria in October 1977, also got a big cheer during their lap of honor as part of the Heritage Round which paid tribute to the 1970s.
Brisbane is very much in a rebuilding stage. They also had a very long injury list last season, which gave kids such as Patfull, Roe, and others plenty of opportunity and experience. Led by veterans Black and Lappin, the combination of youth and experience gave the Lions more and more confidence as the game wore on. In an ironic twist, it was Black (who comes from WA) who won the ball from the first bounce and goaled on the run. The Eagles hit back with a goal to LeCras and then repelled the next several forward thrusts by the Lions and forced Brisbane into turning over the ball. The young Lions did the same, forcing the Eagles into turning over the ball. One of those led to a Brennan goal to give Brisbane the lead. The Eagles peppered the goals with little reward until Kerr put one through to take back the lead. A late goal to LeCras gave the Eagles a 10 point lead at 1/4 time.
With Glass shutting down Brown and LeCras kicking the opening goal of the second term, a typical Eagle rout looked to be in the making. However, the Lions continued to work hard with intense tackling and hard running. Copeland goaled to keep the Lions in the game before Brisbane got a case of the goal yips. Mills, Brennan and Hooper all missed gettable shots which would have given Brisbane the lead. Embley and Copeland traded goals in between more misses from Brennan and Seaby. A late flurry of goals from Copeland, Cox for the Eagles, and Brennan kept the Lions within 10 points. They again could have stolen the lead but Brennan, Lappin, and Brennan again all missed, leaving the Eagles with a 7 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Eagles were unable to press home their advantage at the start of the third term with Jones and Lynch both kicking points. Waters and Brown clashed heads, with Waters come off the worse and Brown kicking a goal to cut West Coast's lead to just 3 points. From there on, both sides attacked relentlessly as the lead changed from one minute to the next. Brennan's goal put the Lions 3 points clear, but Hurn goaled to restore the lead to the Eagles. Brennan's point made it a 2 point margin before LeCras goaled. A Priddis turnover allowed Notting to goal before Black's point cut the margin to a single point. Wirrpanda also turned the ball over in defense and Brennan pounced, kicking the goal which gave Brisbane the lead. Brown goaled to give the Lions an 11 point lead at 3/4 time.
Glass was back on at the start of the final term, and the Eagles rushed a point to make the margin two straight goals. However, a goal and a point to Copeland stretched Brisbane's lead even further. It should have been even greater by midway through the term but for more misses from Rischitelli and Hooper. Brown made no such mistake. Nor did Seaby at the other end, but it was the only Eagle goal for the term. Brennan's late goal ensured a Brisbane win, their first in eight weeks and first in Perth since 2001.
ADE 4.2 8.6 11.10 15.12 (102)
HAW 1.1 3.3 4.4 4.7 (31)
GOALS: ADE - Ricciuto 4, McGregor 2, Walsh 2, Bock 2, Maric 2, Goodwin, Reilly, Knights; HAW - McGlynn, Roughead, Franklin, Croad
BEST: ADE - Edwards, McLeod, Thomson, Massie, Knights, Torney, Doughty, Rutten; HAW - Ladson, Mitchell, Crawford, Birchall, Smith
INJURY: ADE - Porplyzia (hamstring); HAW - Jacobs (ankle), Bateman (knee)
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Nicholls
CROWD: 34,733 at AAMI Stadium
It was typical winter weather in Adelaide - cold, wet, and windy. It was also a typical hard-running, hard-tackling Adelaide which handled the conditions much better than the Hawks. The defense was back to its miserly best with Massie keeping a tight rein on Franklin and McLeod constantly sweeping the ball out of defense to feed it out to the midfield. When they weren't harassing the Hawks out of the ball, they were running it with precision into attack. The young Hawks wilted under the pressure as the Crows, kicking into the wind, piled on the first four goals of the game. The first came to Ricciuto in just his fourth game of the year. Playing at full forward, Roo led out from the goalsquare to constantly provide a target and had plenty of support with McGregor, Bock and Welsh alongside him. Adelaide was also smarter in judging the windy conditions. Try as they might, the Hawks continued to kick the ball too high in the wind, only to watch it land safely in the arms of Crow defenders. Hawthorn kicked just one goal for the term, giving the Crows a 19 point lead at 1/4 time.
Ricciuto's two goals early in the second term extended Adelaide's lead before Hawthorn lifted midway through the term. Crawford got away from Doughty, Mitchell broke clear of Shirley, and Hodge also did better, resulting in two Hawk goals. The Crows replied with two more of their own, the last coming when young ruckman Maric took a great diving, sliding catch. His goal gave the Crows a 33 point lead at 1/2 time.
Hawthorn had the breeze in the third term, but could not take advantage as the Crows slammed through three straight goals to lead by 55 points. Hawthorn's solitary goal for the term reduced the margin to 48 pints at 3/4 time.
Adelaide again defied the windy conditions in the final term to sink the Hawks for good. They kept the Hawks to just 3 points for the term while kicking another four of their own to run out comfortable winners. Hawthorn's final score was their lowest ever against Adelaide. It's little wonder the Hawks could do nothing as Crows Edwards, Thompson, McLeod, Knights, and Goodwin shared almost 200 ball possessions between them, denying the Hawks any sufficient use. Veteran Crawford gave a spirited display while Ladson, Lewis and McGlynn were other Hawks who battled gamely against the odds.
MELB 4.1 9.4 14.6 19.10 (124)
CARL 3.4 8.7 10.14 14.17 (101)
GOALS: MELB - Robertson 5, Newton 3, Bate 3, Wheatley 2, Johnson, Davey, Dunn, Ward, Godfrey, Sylvia; CARL - Murphy 2, S. O'hAilpin 2, Fisher 2, Simpson 2, Kennedy 2, Betts, Waite, Koutoufides, Gibbs
BEST: MELB - McDonald, White, Brown, Jones, Wheatley, Bate, Sylvia, Robertson; CARL - Simpson, S. O'hAilpin, Carrazzo, Walker, Koutoufides, Murphy, Houlihan
INJURY: MELB - Bruce (hamstring) replaced in the selected side by Dunn, Petterd (collapsed lung), Carroll (concussion); CARL - Lappin (concussion), Gibbs (ankle)
UMPIRES: Fila, Goldspink, Hendrie
CROWD: 33,085 at the MCG
It never fails. Sack the senior coach or he quits and the team goes out and wins. While the Blues were competitive and threatened to overrun the Demons several times, the Demons reeled them in with two goal bursts which proved the difference. Carlton had plenty of chances in the first term, but wasted them in front of goal, netting just three from seven scoring chances. Melbourne was more accurate with four goals to lead by 3 points at 1/4 time.
Melbourne jumped the Blues with four goals in as many minutes early in the second term. Carlton rallied with five of the next six goals to challenge the Demons. Their brief burst of goals kept them within three points at 1/2 time.
Melbourne's next burst of goals in the third term pretty much delivered the killer blow. Robertson was prominent with two goals as the Dees kicked three in four minutes. They added two more for the term as did the Blues. Once more, the accuracy of the Demons and Carlton's inaccuracy proved the difference. Carlton again didn't lack scoring opportunities but wasted too many chances and trailed by 16 points at 3/4 time.
The Blues fought hard in the final term and were within five points thanks to a goal from Kennedy. They could have gotten closer had Waite and Walker not missed. Simpson added another goal for Carlton but the Demons held sway. They outscored Carlton five goals to four to give caretaker coach Mark Riley a first up win.
SYD 1.6 4.11 8.17 11.23 (89)
FRE 1.3 5.3 6.6 9.7 (61)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 3, O'Loughlin 2, O'Keefe 2, Schneider, Kirk, Schmidt, J. Bolton; FRE - McManus 2, Pavlich 2, Farmer 2, Thornton, Headland, Tarrant
BEST: SYD - Goodes, Kirk, J. Bolton, Schneider, Fosdike, C. Bolton, Hall, Mathews; FRE - Headland, Solomon, Black
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 25,943 at the SCG
The Dockers are more accustomed to the dry and expansive Subiaco while the Swans know how to play the comparatively claustrophobic SCG. A soggy ground also suited the Swans better with their in close, choking style of play. That's exactly what they did to Fremantle, whom they starved of the ball in the midfield. O'Loughlin, playing his 250th match to break the club record, bobbed up to open the scoring with a goal early in the first term. It would only one of two goals for the term as Sydney failed to put the Dockers away, leading by just three points at 1/4 time.
Farmer's goal early in the second term gave the Dockers the lead before Sydney fought back, but again their inaccuracy allowed the Dockers to stay close. Instead of shooting out to a big lead, the Swans were outscored five goals to five for the term. They also kicked five points, leaving themselves with a narrow 2 point lead at 1/2 time.
Another goal to Farmer again gave the Dockers the lead early in the third term, but the game then turned into a slog in the sodden conditions. Neither side was able to break free until errant McPharlin kick handed Kirk the first of four goals in the last 10 minutes of the term. The last goal came from O'Loughlin after the siren. He was promptly swamped by teammates and the Swans were out to a 23 point lead at 3/4 time.
Hall booted the Swans out a 32 point lead before the Dockers sprung to life with three goals in five minutes to reduce the margin to three straight kicks. Hall stemmed the tide, kicking his and Sydney's third for the term to seal the win and keep Sydney's finals hopes alive.
KANG 4.4 6.6 11.12 14.20 (104)
RICH 1.1 5.5 8.9 11.13 (79)
GOALS: KANG - Petrie 6, Jones 3, McMahon 2, Wells, Sinclair, Brown; RICH - Richardson 4, Pettifer 3, Pattison, Tambling, Tivendale, Howat
BEST: KANG - Harvey, Petrie, Grant, McIntosh, Pratt, Smith, Jones, Rawlings; RICH - Richardson, Howat, Edwards, Jackson
INJURY: KANG - Campbell (ankle); RICH - Deledio (broken hand)
UMPIRES: Stevic, Sully, Ellis
CROWD: 33,583 at Telstra Dome
The Kangaroos had the better of the Tigers for much of the game, but the Tigers did not give up without a fight. Things looked bleak for Richmond when the Kangaroos rattled on the first three goals and ended the term with four to Richmond's one. The Tigers got plenty of the ball, but failed to capitalize as the Kangaroos shot to a 21 point lead at 1/4 time.
It was a 27 point lead when the Kangaroos kicked the first goal of the second term but the Tigers challenged. Richardson earned a free kick and a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). It sparked a three goal run by Richmond, slashing the Kangaroo lead to just four points. A brilliant snap goal from Corey Jones gave the Kangaroos a seven point lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos blasted through five goals, three of them to Petrie, in the first half of the third term. Their 36 point lead was the biggest of the game. Compounding Richmond's problems, Deledio suffered his broken thumb early in the third term when Shannon Grant's soccer kick missed the ball and caught Deledio's hand instead. Richmond rallied with the last three goals of the term, the third a brilliant pick-up and shot on the run from Howat. It reduced the Kangaroo lead to 21 points at 3/4 time.
Richmond kicked the first goal of the last term to keep the contest alive, reducing the deficit to 14 points. McMahon and Petrie added a pair of goals for a 28 point lead. Richmond challenged again with the next two, but it wasn't enough as Petrie's sixth sealed the win.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 11 3 0 1578 1026 153.80 44
WCE 9 5 0 1259 1077 116.90 36
HAW 9 5 0 1283 1134 113.14 36
COL 9 5 0 1296 1218 106.40 36
KANG 9 5 0 1316 1301 101.15 36
ADE 8 6 0 1165 1011 115.23 32
WB 8 6 0 1441 1446 99.65 32
ESS 8 6 0 1409 1418 99.37 32
PA 8 6 0 1352 1368 98.83 32
SYD 7 7 0 1157 1052 109.98 28
FRE 6 8 0 1389 1373 101.17 24
STK 6 8 0 1110 1221 90.91 24
BRIS 5 8 1 1154 1252 92.17 22
CARL 4 10 0 1436 1821 78.86 16
MELB 3 11 0 1185 1471 80.56 12
RICH 1 12 1 1228 1569 78.27 6
GOALS
Johnson (WB) 44
Pavlich (FRE) 43
Lucas (ESS) 42
Franklin (HAW) 40
Fevola (CARL) 39
Richardson (RICH) 36
Lloyd (ESS) 35
Mooney (GEEL) 35
Brown (BRIS) 34
Welsh (ADE) 31
Gehrig 31
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Collingwood's Martin Clarke is the Round 13 Rising Star nominee.
The nomination, incredibly, comes after just two games for the Irish recruit and is testimony to his rapid development after less than a year's experience playing footy.
Since arriving in Melbourne last September, Martin has worked hard on his fitness and skills. His first competitive Australian football match was a preseason practice match against the Swans at North Sydney Oval in February, where he impressed across halfback after just six months training.
Clarke, 19, hails from County Down where he played Gaelic Football. He debuted in Round 12, again against Sydney, and gathered 20 ball possessions in defense. He was named one of Collingwood's best last week with 19 possessions and kicked three goals.
Martin was invited to train with Collingwood for four weeks in July, 2006 after recruiters saw him playing for his school team in Belfast in 2005. He was then offered a two-year international rookie contract by the Magpies.
His progress continued with Collingwood’s VFL affiliate Williamstown where he averaged over 20 possessions a game. He also kicked five goals in one reserves match for Williamstown. He has since been elevated to the senior list as a replacement for John Anthony (neck) who is on the long term injury list.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Monday, July 09, 2007 - 2:22 PM EDT
