by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
West Coast lost David Wirrpanda and Chad Fletcher to groin injuries this week. All three were late omissions from the team announced on Thursday.
Port regained speedster Danyle Pearce (appendix surgery).
Essendon regained Matthew Lloyd (suspension) and Brent Stanton and Paddy Ryder from injury.
Collingwood regained forward Anthony Rocca from suspension.
The Crows lost Jason Porplyzia to a hamstring injury, replaced by Richard Douglas.
Melbourne welcomed back Cameron Bruce from a hamstring injury.
The Lions lost Irishman Colm Begley with a shoulder injury, replaced by Ash McGrath.
Carlton recalled Brendan Fevola from his one week club-imposed suspension.
The Swans named defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson (foot) on their extended bench. It is his first game of the season.
Hawthorn regained forward Ben Dixon from a hamstring injury.
Chris Hyde returned from injury for the Tigers this week.
STK 2.3 6.8 9.13 11.16 (82)
ADE 5.2 6.5 9.8 12.8 (80)
GOALS: STK - Gehrig 4, Riewoldt 2, Birss 2, Milne 2, Koschitzke; ADE - Welsh 3, Burton 2, Ricciuto 2, Bock 2, McGregor, Maric, McLeod
BEST: STK - Riewoldt, Harvey, Hayes, Montagna, S. Fisher, Gram; ADE - Goodwin, McLeod, Thompson, Shirley, Knights, Reilly
INJURY: ADE - Rutten (calf), Ricciuto (ankle)
UMPIRES: McLaren, Ryan, Jeffery
CROWD: 32,210 at Telstra Dome
Although Milne booted the opening goal, the Saints started in sloppy fashion. They allowed midfielders Goodwin, Edwards and Thompson too much freedom. In defense, McLeod and Johncock constantly swept the ball away from danger to send the dominant Crows into attack. McLeod even found time to dash forward for Adelaide's first goal. From there, the Crow forwards took over, relishing the precise delivery from the midfield, with Bock, Burton, Welsh and McGregor piling on another three goals before the Saints could respond through Gehrig, Welsh kicked another for Adelaide to put the Crows 17 points ahead at 1/4 time.
After Bock's goal gave the Crows a 23 point lead at the start of the second term, the Saints lifted their workrate and tackling pressure to work themselves back into the game. Gram and Fisher were key in driving the ball out of defense, while Hayes, Harvey, Montagna, Birss, and Dal Santo worked hard through the midfield. Riewoldt, officially stationed at center half back, roamed far from the Saints' attacking zone to be a constant thorn in Adelaide's side and provide a target for teammates. First Dal Santo won the ball out of the middle and found Milne who evaded the Crow defense to kick a close range goal. Then Gehrig kicked two within a couple of minutes, the second following a brilliant tackle by Ball on Doughty. Montagna then ran down Reilly, who was penalized for holding the ball. He could finish off the hard work with his kick missing. Maguire's kick for goal was touched on the line by a Crow defender. The Crows were having their own problems in attack with Ricciuto missing a shot and Burton's kick hitting the post. The Saints gained the lead when Massie, who had been run ragged by Riewoldt, appeared to stumble out of bounds with the ball. He was penalized for deliberately taking the ball over the line and Riewoldt slammed through the goal and the Saints led by three points at 1/2 time.
The Saints continued to apply plenty of pressure against the Crows in the third term. They continued to win the ball and tackle fiercely but could not put the game out of Adelaide's reach. A Riewoldt goal gave the Saints a nine point lead before Ball missed at close range, Maric got a goal for the Crows after Maguire needlessly gave away a 50 meter (55 yards) to bring him into range. Welsh goaled to level the scores. Minutes later, he dropped a mark (catch of the ball) which was cleared by Gram. The ball eventually landed with Birss who slotted a goal to restore St. Kilda's lead. Gehrig's goal made it a 12 point lead for the Saints before Ricciuto goaled from a Harvey turnover to put the Crows within five points at 3/4 time.
The final term was a similar story, with Gehrig kicking an early goal to give the Saints an 11 point lead. It was quickly slashed, not only through the skill of Adelaide, but also mistakes by the Saints. Ricciuto crumbed a goal after Saint ruckman Justin Koschitzke spoiled his own teammate Rix in a marking contest, causing the ball to go to ground and a waiting Ricciuto. Koschitzke made amends by taking a big grab and kicking a goal to restore St. Kilda's 11 point lead. Then an errant Leigh Fisher handball in defense went into the path of Burton who goaled with a midair kick, cutting the Saint lead to a single point. Another Saint turnover handed the ball to Welsh. Instead of giving the Crows the lead, he kicked a point to level the scores. The Saints continued their desperate battle in the midfield and defense. They rushed a point late in the game to take a one point lead and Gehrig's kick after the siren handed them the two point win.
GEEL 4.3 7.5 9.10 11.14 (80)
COL 2.4 6.5 7.8 9.10 (64)
GOALS: GEEL - Ling 2, S. Johnson 2, Mooney, Stokes, Enright, Wojcinski, Selwood, Chapman, Bartel; COL - Cloke 4, Medhurst, Lockyer, Burns, Maxwell, Rocca
BEST: GEEL - Scarlett, G. Ablett, Chapman, Ling, S. Johnson, Harley, Mackie, Corey; COL - Cloke, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Licuria, Burns, Wakelin, Fraser
UMPIRES: Margetts, McBurney, Rosebury
CROWD: 85,497 at MCG
Despite a wildcat strike which delayed trains from Melbourne to Geelong for two hours, the stadium had a massive crowd and a finals like atmosphere. The crowd was the second-biggest of the season, behind only the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day game. It was also the biggest attendance for Geelong since the 1995 Grand Final loss to Carlton.
Collingwood began well with the opening two goals but it was the Cats who set the tone with the likes of Ling, Enright, Wojcinski, and Bartel running the Pie midfield ragged. Their hard running and constant attack netted them the next four goals for an 11 point lead at 1/4 time.
Steve Johnson nipped his way around first year Magpie Goldsack for the first goal of the second term. Collingwood got its own running game in gear to notch the next three goals, the last a long range bomb from Cloke which gave them the lead. Wojcinski restored Geelong's lead with a snap that bounced over the head of Irish recruit Clarke. Only one goal apiece for the remainder of the term meant the Pies outscored the Cats but they still trailed by six points at 1/2 time.
Chapman goaled from the first bounce of the third term and the Cats never looked back. It was a low scoring term, with just one more goal for each side. The Cats could have led by more if not for some wayward kicking. It didn't matter, as they held a handy 14 point lead at 3/4 time.
The final term was also low scoring with just two goals apiece. It was enough, with the Cats keeping their noses in front to record their 10th straight win for the season. It's the first time the Cats have won 10 in a row since 1966 and the first time any team has won 10 straight since the Crows in 2005.
PA 5.9 10.13 17.16 22.21 (153)
WCE 1.1 3.4 6.6 9.8 (62)
GOALS: PA - Motlop 4, Westhoff 4, C. Cornes 4, Tredrea 3, Thomson 2, Lonie, Ebert, Pearce, Lade, Rodan; WCE - Lynch 3, Cox, Seaby, McKinley, B. Jones, LeCras, Armstrong
BEST: PA - C. Cornes, Cassisi, Motlop, K. Cornes, Westhoff, P. Burgoyne, Rodan, Pearce; WCE - Embley, Lynch, R. Jones, Rosa
UKPIRES: Vozzo, Head, Avon
CROWD: 27,879 at AAMI Stadium
It was an Eagle outfit savaged by injury which trekked to Adelaide. So depleted was the team, they had only 26 players to choose from and Judd was clearly hampered by a groin injury which eventually sent him to the bench. While Port had winners all over the ground, the Eagles were a mere shadow of the 2006 premiership team. Where Port had multiple options in attack, the Eagles only had Lynch on whom depend for any sizeable score. Without Cousins, Judd at his best, Fletcher and Hansen (among others) the Eagle midfield was no match for Pearce, the Cornes brothers, Cassisi, and co. The Brogan/Lade ruck combination gave them a constant supply of the ball which they pumped forward with ease.
The Power had 14 scoring shots to two in the opening term and only poor kicking for goal kept the scoreline down. However, five goals to one was enough to give Port a 32 point lead at 1/4 time.
The second half scoreline says it all. Port simply romped to an easy win with 12 goals to six for the half. Again, the margin could have been even more embarrassing for the Eagles had Port kicked straighter. The final 91 point margin was still a massive percentage booster for Port.
Chad Cornes continued his stellar season with 31 possessions while his brother Kane gathered the ball 26 times. Cassisi was in there as well with 30 possessions. For the Eagles Embley and Jones tried but lacked support.
WB 4.4 9.8 12.9 20.11 (131)
ESS 4.5 5.10 9.12 14.14 (98)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 5, Cooney 3, Murphy 2, Eagleton 2, Gilbee, Akermanis, Everitt, Robbins, Harbrow, Ray, Higgins, Hahn; ESS - Lucas 4, Nash 2, Monfries 2, Ramanauskas, Lloyd, Michael, Stanton, Lovett-Murray, Lovett
BEST: WB - Cooney, Akermanis, Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Morris; ESS - Watson, J. Johnson, M. Johnson, Nash, Monfries
INJURY: Grant (groin) replaced in selected side by Addison, West (hip) replaced in selected side by Eagleton; ESS - Camporeale (knee)
UMPIRES: Donlon, Allen, Wenn
CROWD: 45,283 at Telstra Dome
Essendon Coach Kevin Sheedy surpassed Collingwood's Jock McHale for games coached (879) and Scott Camporeale finally notched game number 250. The Bulldogs spoiled the party. Essendon without Fletcher, Hird, McVeigh and Fletcher simply lacked the polish needed to keep up with the Bulldogs and their free running game. The 'Dogs smashed Essendon early, kicking the first four goals of the match for a 26 points midway through the first term. A poor kickout from Harris after a point handed Essendon their final goal for the term and a one point lead at 1/4 time.
Bulldog Coach Rodney Eade was furious at the break. His first victim was Harris. Defender Gilbee and forward Robbins also earned some of Eade's wrath. The "bake" worked as the Dogs came out and outran, outclassed, and outkicked the Dons. Essendon had its chances, but kicked itself out of the match. One former senior coach once remarked that poor kicking is poor football. Essendon proved the point, kicking a woeful 1.5 for the term while the Dogs piled on five goals for a 22 point lead at 1/2 time.
Essendon rallied in the third term to outscore the Dogs four goals to three. It at least gave them a fighting chance as they trailed by only 15 points at 3/4 time.
The Bombers kicked the first goal of the final term to briefly challenge once more. The Bulldogs took over from there slamming on eight goals to four for a convincing win.
BRIS 6.5 7.12 14.14 18.18 (126)
MELB 1.0 3.4 5.8 12.10 (82)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 6, Copeland 3, Brennan 2, Drummond, Rischitelli, Notting, Power, Leuenberger, McGrath, Adcock; MELB - Davey 4, White 2, Brown, Robertson, Godfrey, Jones, Sylvia, McLean
BEST: BRIS - Brown, Power, Lappin, Copeland, Drummond; NELB - Davey, Brown, McLean, White, Wheatley
INJURY: BRIS - Begley (shoulder) replaced in selected side by McGrath; MELB - Bruce (hamstring)
REPORTS: BRIS - McDonald for wrestling Sylvia; MELB - Sylvia for wrestling McDonald
UMPIRES: Ellis, K. Nicholls, Pannell
CROWD: 22,708 at the Gabba
Technically, it was a home game for Melbourne, who has sold one game a year to Brisbane. The Lions were to wear their controversial mostly-white away colors. However, someone at Melbourne goofed and the team had only their white away shorts. To avoid a color clash, Brisbane was allowed to wear their normal colors, much to the delight of the Gabba crowd. The Demons came into the game full of confidence, having won three of their past five games. The Lions were equally confident after snapping a seven game losing streak with an impressive win over the Eagles last week.
Early on, it seemed Melbourne not only brought white shorts, but a white flag as well. Lion Jonathan Brown banged home the first goal within seconds of the start. The Lions proceeded to pound the Demons with the next four goals, three more to Brown, to take a 41 point lead. It wasn't until just before time that Melbourne's Nathan Brown registered the Demons' only score, leaving Brisbane with a 35 point lead at 1/4 time.
Neither side could make much of an impact in the second term. Brisbane had plenty of opportunity to blow Melbourne away, but could not kick accurately. They kicked just one goal for the term. Melbourne was equally wayward, squandering several chances to cut Brisbane's lead to a manageable margin. It left Brisbane in control with a more than comfortable 32 point lead at 1/2 time.
Brisbane blew the Demons away with a seven goal to two in the third term. At one stage, they kicked four in succession without reply from the Demons to set up the win. Their lead was a massive 78 points at 3/4 time.
Melbourne blitzed in the final term, outscoring the Lions seven goals to four. It was too little, too late, only adding some respectability to the scoreboard.
A quick note in light of the guernsey topic. The Lions received overwhelming support for the old Fitzroy jumpers they wore during their win over the Eagles in the Heritage Round. They are now considering wearing the old Fitzroy jumpers for all future away matches in Melbourne.
HAW 4.2 9.7 14.10 19.15 (129)
RICH 5.1 8.4 10.6 11.10 (76)
GOALS: HAW - Roughead 5, Franklin 4, McGlynn 2, Lewis, Ladson, Crawford, Hodge, Dixon, Brown, Thorpe, Campbell; RICH - Brown 2, Pettifer 2, Schulz 2, Edwards, Richardson, Johnson, Tuck, King
BEST: HAW - Mitchell, Crawford, Roughead, Smith, Croad, Bateman; RICH - Foley, Newman, Polak, Hyde, Brown, Tivendale
UMPIRES: Stevic, Grun, Goldspink
CROWD: 41,770 at the MCG
It was a relatively even contest in the first term. Bowden was keeping Franklin under wraps as the Tigers jumped the Hawks early. Polak and Newman were also doing the job in defense for the Tigers, who led by 5 points at 1/4 time.
The second term was a different story as Campbell and Taylor began to control the ruck for the Hawks. A tap of the ball from Taylor early in the term fell into Mitchell's path. He sent a long handball to Crawford who slotted a goal on the run. It was the start of a four goal run by the Hawks to take control and the lead.
The Tigers came back in the second half of the term with three goals but it was Hawthorn by nine points at 1/2 time.
The Hawks kept control in the third term as Franklin got away from Bowden and the midfield of Crawford, Hodge, and Mitchell constantly drove the Hawks into attack. They held the Tigers to just two goals for the term while kicking four of their own. The Tigers were also guilty of poor ball use and disposal, making life difficult for their forwards as the Hawks raced to a 24 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Hawks finished off the game strongly in the final term. They maintained control to restrict the Tigers to just one goal while booting five for a commanding win.
KANG 5.0 7.5 10.6 12.10 (82)
FRE 4.4 6.6 9.9 11.12 (78)
GOALS: KANG - Jones 2, Hale 2, Harvey 2, Archer 2, McIntosh, Harris, Lower, McMahon; FRE - Headland 2, Bell 2, Pavlich 2, Tarrant 2, Murphy, Dodd, Crowley
BEST: KANG - Harvey, Grant, Archer, McIntosh, Hale; FRE - Johnson, Bell, Tarrant, Sandilands, Headland
INJURY: KANG - Wells (knee), McMahon (cork thigh)
UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Hendrie, McInerney
CROWD: 37,002 at Subiaco Oval
The Dockers' finals hopes could be in tatters and Chris Connolly's job now hangs by a thread as the Kangaroos were just too strong Fremantle. The midfield was led by Grant (24 possessions), Harvey (25), and skipper Simpson (33). The Dockers had more scoring chances in the first term, but the Kangaroos were more accurate, kicking 5 straight goals while Freo missed four which would have given them the lead. Instead, it was the Kangaroos by 10 points at 1/4 time.
The Dockers hung in and fought back in the second term. This time it was the Kangaroos who wasted scoring chances and an opportunity to seal the game early. Both sides kicked just two goals each. The five points kicked by the Kangaroos gave them that much of a lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos looked to have the match won when they kicked three goals in the first 10 minutes of the third term. Defender Archer's goal, just his second for the season, gave them a 23 point lead before the Dockers staged a revival. Bell, Pavlich and Tarrant were prominent as the Dockers began to move the ball faster and more efficiently. They nailed the next three goals, with Tarrant's getting them within 3 points at 34 time.
While both sides managed two goals each in the final term, it was the points kicked which made the difference. Midway through the term, a goal to Crowley gave the Dockers the lead for the first time since the first term. Archer then goaled from a free kick to restore the Kangaroo lead. Thornton had a chance to be the hero with a minute to go but missed a set shot on goal, leaving the Kangaroos in front.
SYD 3.3 11.7 17.9 25.12 (162)
CARL 5.3 7.4 12.9 15.10 (100)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 4, Everitt 4, Davis 3, Schneider 3, Kirk 2, McVeigh 2, Malceski 2, O'Loughlin 2, Fosdike, Jolly, Goodes; CARL - Fisher 3, Lappin 3, Fevola 2, Houlihan, Bannister, S. O'hAilpin, Betts, Simpson, Scotland, Koutoufides
BEST: SYD - Everitt, J. Bolton, Malceski, Kirk, Schneider, Fosdike; CARL - Simpson, Scotland, Fisher, Carrazzo
INJURY: CARL - Gibbs (ankle), Kennedy (calf), Hartlett (hamstring)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 24,858 at the SCG
Carlton started the better of the two sides with Simpson, Scotland, and defender Waite working hard. The Blues jumped the Swans with five goals to three for a 12 point lead at 1/4 time.
After the first break, Sydney seized control. Everitt dominated the ruck, winning 30 hitouts to feed the midfield, led by Kirk and Jude Bolton. They in turn provided a constant supply of the ball into a potent forward line. Sydney belted Carlton with eight goals to two for the term for a 27 point lead at 1/2 time.
Carlton did better in the third term, matching the Swans and staying close on the scoreboard. Sydney booted six goals to Carlton's five. However, the win had been set up in the second term as Sydney still held a huge five goal lead at 3/4 time.
Sydney finished all over the Blues in the final term, piling on eight goals to three. The final score was Sydney's highest ever against Carlton, bettering their 23.13 (151) in 1934.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 12 3 0 1658 1090 152.11 48
HAW 10 5 0 1412 1210 116.69 40
KANG 10 5 0 1398 1379 101.38 40
WCE 9 6 0 1321 1230 107.40 36
PA 9 6 0 1505 1430 105.24 36
COL 9 6 0 1360 1298 104.78 36
WB 9 6 0 1572 1544 101.81 36
SYD 8 7 0 1319 1152 114.50 32
ADE 8 7 0 1245 1093 113.91 32
ESS 8 7 0 1507 1549 97.29 32
STK 7 8 0 1192 1301 91.62 28
BRIS 6 8 1 1280 1334 95.95 26
FRE 6 9 0 1467 1455 100.82 24
CARL 4 11 0 1536 1983 77.46 16
MELB 3 12 0 1267 1597 79.34 12
RICH 1 13 1 1304 1698 76.80 6
GOALS
Johnson (WB) 49
Lucas (ESS) 48
Pavlich (FRE) 45
Franklin (HAW) 44
Fevola (CARL 41
Brown (BRIS) 40
Richardson (RICH) 37
Lloyd (ESS) 36
Mooney (GEEL) 36
Welsh (ADE) 34
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Kangaroo Scott McMahon is the Round 14 Rising Star nominee.
Playing in his fifth AFL match, Scott’s two goals, 18 possessions, eight marks and four tackles across half-forward and in the midfield was pivotal in the win over the Tigers. His performance in that game followed the two goals he kicked against the Bulldogs the previous week.
Scott spent two years on the rookie list, playing mainly VFL. He won the 2005 reserves best and fairest award at Port Melbourne and played with Tasmania in 2006. He was elevated to the senior list last year and debuted in Round Eight against Carlton.
Scott represented South Australia in the 2004 Under 18 Championships and is the Kangaroos' second Rising Star nominee this season following Jesse Smith in Round Seven.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
West Coast lost David Wirrpanda and Chad Fletcher to groin injuries this week. All three were late omissions from the team announced on Thursday.
Port regained speedster Danyle Pearce (appendix surgery).
Essendon regained Matthew Lloyd (suspension) and Brent Stanton and Paddy Ryder from injury.
Collingwood regained forward Anthony Rocca from suspension.
The Crows lost Jason Porplyzia to a hamstring injury, replaced by Richard Douglas.
Melbourne welcomed back Cameron Bruce from a hamstring injury.
The Lions lost Irishman Colm Begley with a shoulder injury, replaced by Ash McGrath.
Carlton recalled Brendan Fevola from his one week club-imposed suspension.
The Swans named defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson (foot) on their extended bench. It is his first game of the season.
Hawthorn regained forward Ben Dixon from a hamstring injury.
Chris Hyde returned from injury for the Tigers this week.
STK 2.3 6.8 9.13 11.16 (82)
ADE 5.2 6.5 9.8 12.8 (80)
GOALS: STK - Gehrig 4, Riewoldt 2, Birss 2, Milne 2, Koschitzke; ADE - Welsh 3, Burton 2, Ricciuto 2, Bock 2, McGregor, Maric, McLeod
BEST: STK - Riewoldt, Harvey, Hayes, Montagna, S. Fisher, Gram; ADE - Goodwin, McLeod, Thompson, Shirley, Knights, Reilly
INJURY: ADE - Rutten (calf), Ricciuto (ankle)
UMPIRES: McLaren, Ryan, Jeffery
CROWD: 32,210 at Telstra Dome
Although Milne booted the opening goal, the Saints started in sloppy fashion. They allowed midfielders Goodwin, Edwards and Thompson too much freedom. In defense, McLeod and Johncock constantly swept the ball away from danger to send the dominant Crows into attack. McLeod even found time to dash forward for Adelaide's first goal. From there, the Crow forwards took over, relishing the precise delivery from the midfield, with Bock, Burton, Welsh and McGregor piling on another three goals before the Saints could respond through Gehrig, Welsh kicked another for Adelaide to put the Crows 17 points ahead at 1/4 time.
After Bock's goal gave the Crows a 23 point lead at the start of the second term, the Saints lifted their workrate and tackling pressure to work themselves back into the game. Gram and Fisher were key in driving the ball out of defense, while Hayes, Harvey, Montagna, Birss, and Dal Santo worked hard through the midfield. Riewoldt, officially stationed at center half back, roamed far from the Saints' attacking zone to be a constant thorn in Adelaide's side and provide a target for teammates. First Dal Santo won the ball out of the middle and found Milne who evaded the Crow defense to kick a close range goal. Then Gehrig kicked two within a couple of minutes, the second following a brilliant tackle by Ball on Doughty. Montagna then ran down Reilly, who was penalized for holding the ball. He could finish off the hard work with his kick missing. Maguire's kick for goal was touched on the line by a Crow defender. The Crows were having their own problems in attack with Ricciuto missing a shot and Burton's kick hitting the post. The Saints gained the lead when Massie, who had been run ragged by Riewoldt, appeared to stumble out of bounds with the ball. He was penalized for deliberately taking the ball over the line and Riewoldt slammed through the goal and the Saints led by three points at 1/2 time.
The Saints continued to apply plenty of pressure against the Crows in the third term. They continued to win the ball and tackle fiercely but could not put the game out of Adelaide's reach. A Riewoldt goal gave the Saints a nine point lead before Ball missed at close range, Maric got a goal for the Crows after Maguire needlessly gave away a 50 meter (55 yards) to bring him into range. Welsh goaled to level the scores. Minutes later, he dropped a mark (catch of the ball) which was cleared by Gram. The ball eventually landed with Birss who slotted a goal to restore St. Kilda's lead. Gehrig's goal made it a 12 point lead for the Saints before Ricciuto goaled from a Harvey turnover to put the Crows within five points at 3/4 time.
The final term was a similar story, with Gehrig kicking an early goal to give the Saints an 11 point lead. It was quickly slashed, not only through the skill of Adelaide, but also mistakes by the Saints. Ricciuto crumbed a goal after Saint ruckman Justin Koschitzke spoiled his own teammate Rix in a marking contest, causing the ball to go to ground and a waiting Ricciuto. Koschitzke made amends by taking a big grab and kicking a goal to restore St. Kilda's 11 point lead. Then an errant Leigh Fisher handball in defense went into the path of Burton who goaled with a midair kick, cutting the Saint lead to a single point. Another Saint turnover handed the ball to Welsh. Instead of giving the Crows the lead, he kicked a point to level the scores. The Saints continued their desperate battle in the midfield and defense. They rushed a point late in the game to take a one point lead and Gehrig's kick after the siren handed them the two point win.
GEEL 4.3 7.5 9.10 11.14 (80)
COL 2.4 6.5 7.8 9.10 (64)
GOALS: GEEL - Ling 2, S. Johnson 2, Mooney, Stokes, Enright, Wojcinski, Selwood, Chapman, Bartel; COL - Cloke 4, Medhurst, Lockyer, Burns, Maxwell, Rocca
BEST: GEEL - Scarlett, G. Ablett, Chapman, Ling, S. Johnson, Harley, Mackie, Corey; COL - Cloke, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Licuria, Burns, Wakelin, Fraser
UMPIRES: Margetts, McBurney, Rosebury
CROWD: 85,497 at MCG
Despite a wildcat strike which delayed trains from Melbourne to Geelong for two hours, the stadium had a massive crowd and a finals like atmosphere. The crowd was the second-biggest of the season, behind only the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day game. It was also the biggest attendance for Geelong since the 1995 Grand Final loss to Carlton.
Collingwood began well with the opening two goals but it was the Cats who set the tone with the likes of Ling, Enright, Wojcinski, and Bartel running the Pie midfield ragged. Their hard running and constant attack netted them the next four goals for an 11 point lead at 1/4 time.
Steve Johnson nipped his way around first year Magpie Goldsack for the first goal of the second term. Collingwood got its own running game in gear to notch the next three goals, the last a long range bomb from Cloke which gave them the lead. Wojcinski restored Geelong's lead with a snap that bounced over the head of Irish recruit Clarke. Only one goal apiece for the remainder of the term meant the Pies outscored the Cats but they still trailed by six points at 1/2 time.
Chapman goaled from the first bounce of the third term and the Cats never looked back. It was a low scoring term, with just one more goal for each side. The Cats could have led by more if not for some wayward kicking. It didn't matter, as they held a handy 14 point lead at 3/4 time.
The final term was also low scoring with just two goals apiece. It was enough, with the Cats keeping their noses in front to record their 10th straight win for the season. It's the first time the Cats have won 10 in a row since 1966 and the first time any team has won 10 straight since the Crows in 2005.
PA 5.9 10.13 17.16 22.21 (153)
WCE 1.1 3.4 6.6 9.8 (62)
GOALS: PA - Motlop 4, Westhoff 4, C. Cornes 4, Tredrea 3, Thomson 2, Lonie, Ebert, Pearce, Lade, Rodan; WCE - Lynch 3, Cox, Seaby, McKinley, B. Jones, LeCras, Armstrong
BEST: PA - C. Cornes, Cassisi, Motlop, K. Cornes, Westhoff, P. Burgoyne, Rodan, Pearce; WCE - Embley, Lynch, R. Jones, Rosa
UKPIRES: Vozzo, Head, Avon
CROWD: 27,879 at AAMI Stadium
It was an Eagle outfit savaged by injury which trekked to Adelaide. So depleted was the team, they had only 26 players to choose from and Judd was clearly hampered by a groin injury which eventually sent him to the bench. While Port had winners all over the ground, the Eagles were a mere shadow of the 2006 premiership team. Where Port had multiple options in attack, the Eagles only had Lynch on whom depend for any sizeable score. Without Cousins, Judd at his best, Fletcher and Hansen (among others) the Eagle midfield was no match for Pearce, the Cornes brothers, Cassisi, and co. The Brogan/Lade ruck combination gave them a constant supply of the ball which they pumped forward with ease.
The Power had 14 scoring shots to two in the opening term and only poor kicking for goal kept the scoreline down. However, five goals to one was enough to give Port a 32 point lead at 1/4 time.
The second half scoreline says it all. Port simply romped to an easy win with 12 goals to six for the half. Again, the margin could have been even more embarrassing for the Eagles had Port kicked straighter. The final 91 point margin was still a massive percentage booster for Port.
Chad Cornes continued his stellar season with 31 possessions while his brother Kane gathered the ball 26 times. Cassisi was in there as well with 30 possessions. For the Eagles Embley and Jones tried but lacked support.
WB 4.4 9.8 12.9 20.11 (131)
ESS 4.5 5.10 9.12 14.14 (98)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 5, Cooney 3, Murphy 2, Eagleton 2, Gilbee, Akermanis, Everitt, Robbins, Harbrow, Ray, Higgins, Hahn; ESS - Lucas 4, Nash 2, Monfries 2, Ramanauskas, Lloyd, Michael, Stanton, Lovett-Murray, Lovett
BEST: WB - Cooney, Akermanis, Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Morris; ESS - Watson, J. Johnson, M. Johnson, Nash, Monfries
INJURY: Grant (groin) replaced in selected side by Addison, West (hip) replaced in selected side by Eagleton; ESS - Camporeale (knee)
UMPIRES: Donlon, Allen, Wenn
CROWD: 45,283 at Telstra Dome
Essendon Coach Kevin Sheedy surpassed Collingwood's Jock McHale for games coached (879) and Scott Camporeale finally notched game number 250. The Bulldogs spoiled the party. Essendon without Fletcher, Hird, McVeigh and Fletcher simply lacked the polish needed to keep up with the Bulldogs and their free running game. The 'Dogs smashed Essendon early, kicking the first four goals of the match for a 26 points midway through the first term. A poor kickout from Harris after a point handed Essendon their final goal for the term and a one point lead at 1/4 time.
Bulldog Coach Rodney Eade was furious at the break. His first victim was Harris. Defender Gilbee and forward Robbins also earned some of Eade's wrath. The "bake" worked as the Dogs came out and outran, outclassed, and outkicked the Dons. Essendon had its chances, but kicked itself out of the match. One former senior coach once remarked that poor kicking is poor football. Essendon proved the point, kicking a woeful 1.5 for the term while the Dogs piled on five goals for a 22 point lead at 1/2 time.
Essendon rallied in the third term to outscore the Dogs four goals to three. It at least gave them a fighting chance as they trailed by only 15 points at 3/4 time.
The Bombers kicked the first goal of the final term to briefly challenge once more. The Bulldogs took over from there slamming on eight goals to four for a convincing win.
BRIS 6.5 7.12 14.14 18.18 (126)
MELB 1.0 3.4 5.8 12.10 (82)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 6, Copeland 3, Brennan 2, Drummond, Rischitelli, Notting, Power, Leuenberger, McGrath, Adcock; MELB - Davey 4, White 2, Brown, Robertson, Godfrey, Jones, Sylvia, McLean
BEST: BRIS - Brown, Power, Lappin, Copeland, Drummond; NELB - Davey, Brown, McLean, White, Wheatley
INJURY: BRIS - Begley (shoulder) replaced in selected side by McGrath; MELB - Bruce (hamstring)
REPORTS: BRIS - McDonald for wrestling Sylvia; MELB - Sylvia for wrestling McDonald
UMPIRES: Ellis, K. Nicholls, Pannell
CROWD: 22,708 at the Gabba
Technically, it was a home game for Melbourne, who has sold one game a year to Brisbane. The Lions were to wear their controversial mostly-white away colors. However, someone at Melbourne goofed and the team had only their white away shorts. To avoid a color clash, Brisbane was allowed to wear their normal colors, much to the delight of the Gabba crowd. The Demons came into the game full of confidence, having won three of their past five games. The Lions were equally confident after snapping a seven game losing streak with an impressive win over the Eagles last week.
Early on, it seemed Melbourne not only brought white shorts, but a white flag as well. Lion Jonathan Brown banged home the first goal within seconds of the start. The Lions proceeded to pound the Demons with the next four goals, three more to Brown, to take a 41 point lead. It wasn't until just before time that Melbourne's Nathan Brown registered the Demons' only score, leaving Brisbane with a 35 point lead at 1/4 time.
Neither side could make much of an impact in the second term. Brisbane had plenty of opportunity to blow Melbourne away, but could not kick accurately. They kicked just one goal for the term. Melbourne was equally wayward, squandering several chances to cut Brisbane's lead to a manageable margin. It left Brisbane in control with a more than comfortable 32 point lead at 1/2 time.
Brisbane blew the Demons away with a seven goal to two in the third term. At one stage, they kicked four in succession without reply from the Demons to set up the win. Their lead was a massive 78 points at 3/4 time.
Melbourne blitzed in the final term, outscoring the Lions seven goals to four. It was too little, too late, only adding some respectability to the scoreboard.
A quick note in light of the guernsey topic. The Lions received overwhelming support for the old Fitzroy jumpers they wore during their win over the Eagles in the Heritage Round. They are now considering wearing the old Fitzroy jumpers for all future away matches in Melbourne.
HAW 4.2 9.7 14.10 19.15 (129)
RICH 5.1 8.4 10.6 11.10 (76)
GOALS: HAW - Roughead 5, Franklin 4, McGlynn 2, Lewis, Ladson, Crawford, Hodge, Dixon, Brown, Thorpe, Campbell; RICH - Brown 2, Pettifer 2, Schulz 2, Edwards, Richardson, Johnson, Tuck, King
BEST: HAW - Mitchell, Crawford, Roughead, Smith, Croad, Bateman; RICH - Foley, Newman, Polak, Hyde, Brown, Tivendale
UMPIRES: Stevic, Grun, Goldspink
CROWD: 41,770 at the MCG
It was a relatively even contest in the first term. Bowden was keeping Franklin under wraps as the Tigers jumped the Hawks early. Polak and Newman were also doing the job in defense for the Tigers, who led by 5 points at 1/4 time.
The second term was a different story as Campbell and Taylor began to control the ruck for the Hawks. A tap of the ball from Taylor early in the term fell into Mitchell's path. He sent a long handball to Crawford who slotted a goal on the run. It was the start of a four goal run by the Hawks to take control and the lead.
The Tigers came back in the second half of the term with three goals but it was Hawthorn by nine points at 1/2 time.
The Hawks kept control in the third term as Franklin got away from Bowden and the midfield of Crawford, Hodge, and Mitchell constantly drove the Hawks into attack. They held the Tigers to just two goals for the term while kicking four of their own. The Tigers were also guilty of poor ball use and disposal, making life difficult for their forwards as the Hawks raced to a 24 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Hawks finished off the game strongly in the final term. They maintained control to restrict the Tigers to just one goal while booting five for a commanding win.
KANG 5.0 7.5 10.6 12.10 (82)
FRE 4.4 6.6 9.9 11.12 (78)
GOALS: KANG - Jones 2, Hale 2, Harvey 2, Archer 2, McIntosh, Harris, Lower, McMahon; FRE - Headland 2, Bell 2, Pavlich 2, Tarrant 2, Murphy, Dodd, Crowley
BEST: KANG - Harvey, Grant, Archer, McIntosh, Hale; FRE - Johnson, Bell, Tarrant, Sandilands, Headland
INJURY: KANG - Wells (knee), McMahon (cork thigh)
UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Hendrie, McInerney
CROWD: 37,002 at Subiaco Oval
The Dockers' finals hopes could be in tatters and Chris Connolly's job now hangs by a thread as the Kangaroos were just too strong Fremantle. The midfield was led by Grant (24 possessions), Harvey (25), and skipper Simpson (33). The Dockers had more scoring chances in the first term, but the Kangaroos were more accurate, kicking 5 straight goals while Freo missed four which would have given them the lead. Instead, it was the Kangaroos by 10 points at 1/4 time.
The Dockers hung in and fought back in the second term. This time it was the Kangaroos who wasted scoring chances and an opportunity to seal the game early. Both sides kicked just two goals each. The five points kicked by the Kangaroos gave them that much of a lead at 1/2 time.
The Kangaroos looked to have the match won when they kicked three goals in the first 10 minutes of the third term. Defender Archer's goal, just his second for the season, gave them a 23 point lead before the Dockers staged a revival. Bell, Pavlich and Tarrant were prominent as the Dockers began to move the ball faster and more efficiently. They nailed the next three goals, with Tarrant's getting them within 3 points at 34 time.
While both sides managed two goals each in the final term, it was the points kicked which made the difference. Midway through the term, a goal to Crowley gave the Dockers the lead for the first time since the first term. Archer then goaled from a free kick to restore the Kangaroo lead. Thornton had a chance to be the hero with a minute to go but missed a set shot on goal, leaving the Kangaroos in front.
SYD 3.3 11.7 17.9 25.12 (162)
CARL 5.3 7.4 12.9 15.10 (100)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 4, Everitt 4, Davis 3, Schneider 3, Kirk 2, McVeigh 2, Malceski 2, O'Loughlin 2, Fosdike, Jolly, Goodes; CARL - Fisher 3, Lappin 3, Fevola 2, Houlihan, Bannister, S. O'hAilpin, Betts, Simpson, Scotland, Koutoufides
BEST: SYD - Everitt, J. Bolton, Malceski, Kirk, Schneider, Fosdike; CARL - Simpson, Scotland, Fisher, Carrazzo
INJURY: CARL - Gibbs (ankle), Kennedy (calf), Hartlett (hamstring)
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 24,858 at the SCG
Carlton started the better of the two sides with Simpson, Scotland, and defender Waite working hard. The Blues jumped the Swans with five goals to three for a 12 point lead at 1/4 time.
After the first break, Sydney seized control. Everitt dominated the ruck, winning 30 hitouts to feed the midfield, led by Kirk and Jude Bolton. They in turn provided a constant supply of the ball into a potent forward line. Sydney belted Carlton with eight goals to two for the term for a 27 point lead at 1/2 time.
Carlton did better in the third term, matching the Swans and staying close on the scoreboard. Sydney booted six goals to Carlton's five. However, the win had been set up in the second term as Sydney still held a huge five goal lead at 3/4 time.
Sydney finished all over the Blues in the final term, piling on eight goals to three. The final score was Sydney's highest ever against Carlton, bettering their 23.13 (151) in 1934.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 12 3 0 1658 1090 152.11 48
HAW 10 5 0 1412 1210 116.69 40
KANG 10 5 0 1398 1379 101.38 40
WCE 9 6 0 1321 1230 107.40 36
PA 9 6 0 1505 1430 105.24 36
COL 9 6 0 1360 1298 104.78 36
WB 9 6 0 1572 1544 101.81 36
SYD 8 7 0 1319 1152 114.50 32
ADE 8 7 0 1245 1093 113.91 32
ESS 8 7 0 1507 1549 97.29 32
STK 7 8 0 1192 1301 91.62 28
BRIS 6 8 1 1280 1334 95.95 26
FRE 6 9 0 1467 1455 100.82 24
CARL 4 11 0 1536 1983 77.46 16
MELB 3 12 0 1267 1597 79.34 12
RICH 1 13 1 1304 1698 76.80 6
GOALS
Johnson (WB) 49
Lucas (ESS) 48
Pavlich (FRE) 45
Franklin (HAW) 44
Fevola (CARL 41
Brown (BRIS) 40
Richardson (RICH) 37
Lloyd (ESS) 36
Mooney (GEEL) 36
Welsh (ADE) 34
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Kangaroo Scott McMahon is the Round 14 Rising Star nominee.
Playing in his fifth AFL match, Scott’s two goals, 18 possessions, eight marks and four tackles across half-forward and in the midfield was pivotal in the win over the Tigers. His performance in that game followed the two goals he kicked against the Bulldogs the previous week.
Scott spent two years on the rookie list, playing mainly VFL. He won the 2005 reserves best and fairest award at Port Melbourne and played with Tasmania in 2006. He was elevated to the senior list last year and debuted in Round Eight against Carlton.
Scott represented South Australia in the 2004 Under 18 Championships and is the Kangaroos' second Rising Star nominee this season following Jesse Smith in Round Seven.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Friday, July 27, 2007 - 1:30 AM EDT
