Irish Athlete Tries Footy
18 year old Irish athlete Marin Clark, from County Down, will travel to Australia next month for a 5 week training trial with Collingwood. Clarke was just one of a number of juniors who attended an AFL training camp in the southern Irish county of Limerick last year.
Charges Laid:
If Mick had his way, there would be rugby and Gaelic style rules introduced which would penalize players who are on the ground going for the ball and penalize any player who touches an opposition player who has gone to ground. If a player has the ball and goes to ground, he would be required to dispose of it immediately. Malthouse believes that the introduction of such rules, while not eliminating legal bumps and tackles, would go a long way to preventing accidental collisions such as the one which sent Caracella to the hospital.
Story Source: afl.com.au
150 games and 100 club games: Jess Sinclair (KANG)
100 club games coached: Chris Connolly (FRE) became the first coach in the history of the club to reach 100 games, since Fremantle entered the competition in 1995.
50 games: David Johnson & Charlie Gardiner (GEEL)
TEAM NEWS
Injury Update:
Ablett began his career at Hawthorn but was there for just one season in 1982 as he could not adjust to city life. He then spent a year with Myrtleford (about 200 km NE of Melbourne and 60 km south of the NSW border). While there, he was spotted by Geelong recruiters and the rest, as they say, is history.
Peter Riccardi, calf, 1-2 weeks
Charlie Gardiner, ankle ligament strain, 1-2 weeks
Tim Sheringham, hamstring, 2-3 weeks
Tom Harley, AC joint, 1-2 weeks
The club has elevated Ben McGlynn to replace Beau Muston (knee) who is on the long-term injury list.
Leppitsch was recruited to the then Brisbane Bears from Springvale in his final year of high school, making his debut in 1993. He played the first half of his career as a key forward but was moved to defense in 1999 and quickly established himself at CHB, winning the club's B&F award as well as All-Australian selection that year.
Debuted 1993; 227 games, 194 goals; 2001-03 premierships; 1999 B&F (tied with Jason Akermanis); All-Australian 1999, 2002, 2003; Lions vice-captain 2000-2004; leading goal kicker 1997, 1998; Victorian state-of-origin representative 1999; International Rules 1999, 2000
Chris Johnson, groin, 1 week
Pat Garner, Anthony Corrie,Joel Macdonald, Richard Hadley, knee reconstruction, season
Daniel Merrett, fractured elbow, 5 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, long term injury list, indefinite
Nigel Lappin, ankle, 4-5 weeks
The Lions had no answer for forward duo of Tony Modra and Barry Standfield, who kicked 12 goals between them. Mark Ricciuto and Brett James were unstoppable in the midfield with 36 and 33 possessions respectively. New co-captains Alastair Lynch and Michael Voss kicked three goals each, while Marcus Ashcroft was best afield for Brisbane and Danny Dickfos was also impressive.
The Eagles are investigating the possibility of holding a week long training camp in South Africa during the next preseason. They have already approached the AFL about a trip to Potchefstroom, 150km southwest of Johannesburg in the Northwest Province.
Blake Caracella's season may be over after scans showed he had suffered a fracture to the C5 vertebrae in his neck and some bruising to his spinal cord. The latter has resolved itself, although Caracella was still suffering weakness and tingling in his arms for several days. He remained in the hospital and immobilized while swelling around the cord subsided.
Richard Cole, & James Hird, hamstring, 2 weeks
Dean Rioli, knee, 8 weeks
Lachlan McKinnon & Aaron Henneman, shoulder reconstruction, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring surgery, season
Adam Hartlett, hamstring, 2 weeks
Jarrad Waite & Paul Bower, knee, 4-6 weeks
Brad Fisher, shoulder, 5-7
Troy Longmuir, shoulder, ongoing assessment
Justin Davies, back, indefinite
He played the first 3 games this year and had a promising start with 18 possessions against the Western Bulldogs in Round 1, but then struggled.
He had just 10 touches against the Saints in Round 2, and just 2 kicks against the Eagles in Round 3 and began suffering soreness in the leg, which he broke in Round 10 last year against Melbourne.
Matthew Richardson, wrist, 1-2 weeks
Will Thursfield, knee, season
Andrew Ericksen, shoulder, 1 week
Nick Malceski, hamstring, 2 weeks
Luke Darcy, Robert Murphy, Tim Walsh, & Adam Morgan, knee reconstruction, season
Shane Birss, ankle, 5 weeks
Peter Bell, calf, 3 weeks
Paul Johnson, shoulder, 1-2 weeks
Nathan Brown, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Alistair Nicholson, foot, 2 weeks
Brock McLean, injured hamstring at training, 2-3 weeks
Injury Update:
Scott Welsh, quad, 1 week
Ben Hudson, knee rehab, possible late season return
Ben Hart, broken arm, 6 weeks
Ian Perrie, knee, 5 weeks
Richard Douglas, knee, 7 weeks
Nathan Bock & Darren Pfeiffer, back, 5 weeks
Story Source: Melbourne Age
GEEL 6.3 12.5 16.6 20.10 (130)
ESS 2.3 5.4 9.7 13.10 (88)
GOALS: GEEL - G. Ablett 4, S. Johnson 3, Mooney 3, Stokes 3, Enright 2, Chapman, Corey, Ling, Milburn, Ottens; ESS - Lucas 3, Monfries 2, Dempsey, Dyson, Hille, Johns, Laycock, Lovett-Murray, McPhee, Reynolds
BEST: GEEL - G. Ablett, Chapman, Corey, Scarlett, Bartel, Ling; ESS - Fletcher, J. Johnson, M. Johnson, Lucas, Monfries, Laycock
INJURY: ESS - Winderlich (leg)
CHANGES: ESS - Camporeale (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Dyson
UMPIRES: Allen, Wenn, Pannell
CROWD: 43,600 at Telstra Dome
If ever there were two sides desperate for a confidence boosting win, these two were it. Essendon, if for nothing else but to restore a bit of pride after the flogging they copped last week, and Geelong to keep its slender finals hopes flickering. Since Round 3, there has only been one win between these two teams - Geelong in Round 7. And, of course, someone had to lose this one. The questions were who and by how much.
From early in the first term, it looked like Geelong would be the one to finally break its losing streak when Gary Ablett booted the opening goal. But in an error filled match, it was 10 minutes before he got the next. Midway through the term, Mooney got into the action with 2 marks and goals in less than 10 minutes. Monfries and Laycock broke the run for the Bombers, but a late goal to young Cat Stokes gave the Cats a 4 goal lead at 1/4 time.
That margin was reduced to just 11 points when Hille and Lucas goaled in the first few minutes of the 2nd term. Steve Johnson got one back for Geelong before Reynolds bobbed up for Essendon. From there, it was all Geelong with goals to Enright, Ling, Enright, Stokes, and Corey blowing the lead out to 43 points at 1/2 time.
The Bombers worked a bit harder early in the 3rd term but it didn't last when a shocker of kick out of defense from Welsh was marked by Milburn who set up Ottens for a goal to give the Cats a 50 point lead. Last week, the Cats had the Eagles on toast with a similar margin, and most Cat fans could be forgiven a serious case of deja vu when the Bombers rallied with goals to Johns, Lucas, and McPhee to get the Bombers within 31 points. But instead of wilting under the pressure like last week, the Cats withstood the onslaught as Ablett created a bit of dad-like magic with 2 goals to steady the ship. First he wriggled his way out of the clutches of two Bombers after getting hold of a Cat miskick, with his kick skittering under Solomon's arm. A minute later, he took a one-handed mark on the goal line. Lovett-Murray and Chapman booted late goals, but Geelong was out to a 41 point lead at 3/4 time.
Monfries snapped a goal in the first minutes of the final term, but any hope of a comeback was quashed when Mooney and Johnson goaled to send the margin back out to 50 points midway through the term. The Bombers refused to roll over, however, and battled on with goals to Dyson, Lucas, and Dempsey before Stokes and Johnson finished the game off once and for all.
For the Cats, Gary Ablett (19) and Chapman (33/8) were excellent with an aggression that has been lacking of late in the team. Both proved a handful for the Bombers with Chapman not only dangerous around goal but roaming the midfield as well. Corey (30/7), Ling (23/10), and Bartel (27) tore through the midfield while Scarlett (20) marshaled the defense and kept a tight rein on Johns.
For Essendon, Jason Johnson (33/9) was back to his best while Mark Johnson (28/7) and McVeigh (22) lent support. Fletcher (20/7) was his usual solid self in defense as he cut Nathan Ablett out of the game, while Lucas (21/13) and Monfries (21) worked hard in attack and Laycock (16/5, 8 hitouts) battled in the ruck and around the ground coming off the bench.
RICH 3.2 7.5 13.8 15.12 (102)
KANG 3.6 4.9 8.10 9.13 (67)
GOALS: RICH - Pettifer 4, Brown 2, Meyer 2, P Bowden, Tivendale, Simmonds, Kellaway, Krakouer, Hyde, J. Bowden; KANG - Thompson 5, Co. Jones, Green, J. Rawlings, Harvey
BEST: RICH - P. Bowden, Simmonds, J. Bowden, Pettifer, Deledio, Raines, Tuck, Tivendale:
KANG - Thompson, Harris, Wells, Simpson, Pratt, Harvey
CHANGES: KANG - Firrito (leg) replaced in selected side by Thurley
REPORTS: KANG - Jade Rawlings for rough conduct against Richard Tambling
UMPIRES: Kamolins, Ryan, Nicholls
CROWD: 42,841 at the MCG
The Kangaroos, while attacking well and having better of the Tigers early in the first term, undid all their good work with too many skill errors, indirect play, and poor kicking for goal. Simpson and Harvey were particularly prominent early. Tiger defenders Patrick and Joel Bowden made the most of Kangaroo errors with plenty of marks and rebound out of the back line. And it was Patrick who rammed home the opening goal in the first minute. Green and Simmonds then traded goals and despite the Kangaroos' poor play, the lead changed several times before Thompson slotted two goals, giving the Roos a 10 point lead. Pettifer goaled late, leaving the Kangaroos just 4 points ahead at 1/4 time.
The lead went back to the Tigers when Meyer goaled, but Thompson again restored it for the Kangaroos. The Tigers, through the midfield efforts of Coughlan, Foley, Johnson, and Tuck, began to get on top. With Deledio, Raines, Krakouer, Meyer, Tivendale, and Tambling also chiming in, the Tigers took control of the game. A goal to Hyde midway through the term gave the lead back to Richmond and further goals to Brown and Kellaway gave them a 14 point lead at 1/2 time.
Tivendale made it a 20 point margin early in the 3rd term, but Thompson and Corey Jones goaled to bring the margin back to just 8 points. Again the Tigers took control with 2 goals to Pettifer. Krakouer goaled just before the siren and Richmond headed into 3/4 time with a 28 point lead.
The win broke a 4 game losing streak against the Kangaroos, going back to Round 21, 2001. It is also just the 3rd Tiger win over the Kangaroos out of 11 matches. Since 1987, the Kangaroos have won 23 out of 32 games between the two clubs. But the Tigers have now won 6 of their past 8 against the Kangaroos.
For the Kangaroos, it was their 9th loss of the season and their 5th in a row, their worst start to a season since 1984 when they won only 2 out of the first 16 games.
For the Tigers, Tuck (22), Tivendale (197), Deledio (25/11), and Raines (20/6) were excellent in the center and scooting forward. Simmonds (21/10) had just 12 hitouts but was more than handy around the ground, while Patrick Bowden (26/10) and Joel Bowden (26/9) were superb in attack and defense while Pettifer (22/12) continued the fine form he has shown recently.
Nathan Brown did well with 14 possessions and 2 goals despite a lack of match fitness.
For the Kangaroos, Thompson (12 kicks, 8 marks) played a lone hand up forward despite hitting the post 3 times in the final term. Harris (21), Wells (17), and Simpson (24) tried to spark the side out of the center, while Pratt (16/4) battled in defense as did Harvey (27) from a forward pocket.
ADE 0.4 3.7 7.13 10.15 (75)
BRIS 3.3 4.8 5.11 8.12 (60)GOALS: ADE - Hentschel 3, McGregor, Reilly, Ricciuto, Burton, McLeod, Johncock, Thompson; BRIS - Akermanis 3, Power, Moody, Rischitelli, Bradshaw, Roe
BEST: ADE - Bassett, Edwards, Hentschel, Stevens, Doughty, Johncock, McLeod, Massie; BRIS - Power, Akermanis, Black, Notting, Voss, Copeland, Sherman
INJURY: ADE - Ricciuto (groin strain), McGregor (ankle); Van Berlo (broken collarbone)
While Ricciuto and McGregor are a chance to play next week providing they can prove their fitness, Van Berlo will miss the next 2 months
CHANGES: BRIS - Brown (hip) replaced in selected side by Pask
UMPIRES: McLaren, Quigley, Head
CROWD: 27,516 at the Gabba
Heavy rain not only put a literal damper on Justin Leppitsch's retirement lap of honor, but also saw the Lions revel in the conditions with Power slamming through a goal from the first bounce less than a minute after the start. It was the Lions of old - well, at least going back 3-4 years anyway - as they came out full of running and stopped the Crows in their tracks. While the rain was heavy, it wasn't enough to create a flood, but it didn't need to as the Lions did plenty of that on their own, forcing the Crows to chip the ball around everywhere and anywhere accept into attack. But the Crows at least managed to defend stoutly to hold Brisbane to just 2 more goals for a 17 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Crows lifted in the 2nd term and were aided by the wet conditions, which made kicking goals more difficult. While it was Adelaide which adapted better for the term, Brisbane seemed to flounder in front of the big sticks, missing a number of chances to extend their lead. Goals to McGregor and Reilly went some way to atone for the temporary loss of Ricciuto to a minor groin strain. They also adjusted their game plan, setting their running players loose to run in tandem and back each other to propel themselves into attack. Then it was time for a bit of Akermanis flair. From a boundary throw in deep in Brisbane's forward zone, Akermanis, who surely must have been inspired by the current World Cup Soccer, was at the fall of the ball hard up against the boundary near the point post. He lashed out with his left foot and somehow soccered the ball through from the most acutely impossible angle imaginable. But Ricciuto was back on to help out his mates and Hentschel kicked his first for the match, but the Lions still had their noses in front by 7 points at 1/2 time.
The rain kept coming in the 3rd term as the two sides slogged it out. Akermanis opened the scoring with a point, but then followed up with a goal soon after to keep Adelaide at bay. The Crows attacked strongly again and Hentschel spun out of a tackle to goal to put the Crows within striking distance. When Ricciuto goaled minutes later, the Crows had cut the deficit to a single point. Rischitelli wasted a chance to give the Lions some breathing room when hit the post and Hentschel gave Adelaide the lead with another goal. In the wet conditions, neither side could gain a clear advantage with both squandering opportunities in front of goal before Burton goaled to stretch Adelaide's lead. More misses and several rushed points followed, leaving the Crows 14 points clear at 3/4 time.
A free to Bode early in the opening term was wasted with Ricciuto managing only a point, and McLeod fared no better in the wet.
McLeod's goal a minute later was disallowed because of a free paid to Roe. The Lions headed into attack and Rischitelli goaled as the Lions mounted a fightback. Akermanis, dangerous throughout, had his kick for goal spoiled by Burton. Bradshaw was then shifted from defense to the forward line with almost immediate results. After Hentschel missed from 30 meters, Bradshaw marked and goaled to get the Lions within 3 points. But McLeod goaled to give the Crows a 9 point lead. But Roe bobbed up for a mark and 40 meter goal and it was back to a 3 point margin with 5 minutes remaining. The Crows lifted again, pressured the Lions, and had numbers at the ball, forcing Voss into an uncharacteristic error. Then Akermanis fumbled and the Crows cleared. McLeod got on the end of it and found Johncock for a goal to restore Adelaide's 9 point lead. The game was safely in Adelaide's keeping when Thompson was given a free kick 50 meters out and goaled.
For the Crows, Johncock (21/8), Bassett (24/10) and Doughty (23/6) were excellent in defense while Edwards (24), McLeod (19/7), drove the midfield which was well served by Biglands (22 hitouts) and Maric (16 hitouts). Stevens (21) was creative across half forward.
For the Lions, McDonald (20 hitouts) and Wood (14 hitouts) broke even against the Crow rucks, while Black (28), Voss (27), Power (34), Copeland (20), Notting (22/5), and Sherman - aka the Shermanator - never stopped running. Akermanis (29) was an absolute menace in a forward pocket with his flair and skills unhampered by the wet. Patfull, in just his 4th game, was superb against veteran Crow Ricciuto while Selwood restricted Goodwin to just 16 touches.
STK 2.3 5.5 7.6 7.10 (52)
SYD 0.1 3.3 5.5 7.8 (50)
GOALS: SYD -Schneider 3, Hall, Roberts-Thomson, McVeigh, Kirk; StK - Gehrig 3, Rix, Goddard, Blake, Montagna
BEST: StK - S. Fisher, Maguire, Riewoldt, Ball, Goddard; SYD - Goodes, Kirk, J. Bolton, Schneider
INJURY: StK - Ball (concussion)
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Schmitt, Ellis
CROWD: 31,146 at SCG
Like Brisbane, Sydney was hit with heavy rain for much of this game but it was the Saints who handled the conditions better, starting with debutant Rix goaling with his first league kick from 50 meters out. Gehrig grabbed the next one, while Maguire outbustled Bustling Barry at the other end, in their first meeting since their preliminary final stoush. The result was Sydney going goalless for the term and leaving the Saints 14 points clear at 1/4 time.
It was the first time Sydney has been unable to score a goal since the 3rd term of last year's GF.
Hall goaled from the first bounce of the 2nd term, but the Saints responded to keep their 2 goal advantage through Goddard and Gehrig. Roberts-Thompson slipped forward from the half forward line to boot one for the Swans, but Gehrig answered with another one for the Saints. McVeigh ended the term with another Sydney goal, but the Saints still led by 14 points at 1/2 time.
The rain turned the center of the SCG into a mudpit (shades of 1996 Sydney vs Kangaroos - Lisa). Some of the Auskickers who were there for the canceled curtain-raiser finally made it out onto the ground, but instead of having a kick, enjoyed themselves with chest slides on the soggy, saturated ground.
The Saints extended their lead early in the 3rd term with both goals coming courtesy of Leo Barry stuff ups. He gave away a free to Blake for one goal. Schneider goaled twice in succession for Sydney, but Barry then had a shocker, with his handball going straight to Montagna, who obliged with a goal to give the Saints a 13 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Swans pushed hard in the final term, and surged when Ball had to be stretchered off after a collision with teammate Maguire. Both sides were fierce in their attack with Voss also having come off after copping one in the nose as he dived for a pack mark. He was back on soon after and the Swans kept coming with a goal to Kirk closing the gap and giving Sydney a chance. Schneider goaled late to have the Swans within a kick and they continued to attack strongly. One last gasp effort in the dying seconds was foiled by a game saving contested mark in the goal square from Riewoldt.
In a strange twist of fate, this time it was St. Kilda's turn to end Sydney's winning streak, just as Sydney ended the Saints' 10 game winning streak in 2004 - also at the SCG.
Some of the match ups and individual duels would have been worth the price of admission on their own: Barry vs Gehrig, Kirk cutting Dal Santo out of the match, Craig Bolton's battle with Riewoldt, Blake tagging the irrepressible Goodes.
For the Saints, Maguire (16 kicks, 4 marks) was magnificent in holding Hall to just 5 kicks and 5 marks, Riewoldt (23/7) dominated half forward with support from Voss (20) in a forward pocket and Goddard 12/4). Gehrig ( 8 kicks, 8 marks) did well to make the most of his chances in game not suited for players of his ilk, while Ball was key in the middle before going off.
For the Swans, Goodes (20/8) had a mountain of the ball across half forward, while Kirk (25/10) drove the midfield, Jude Bolton (22 kicks) and Kennelly (18) launched plenty of attacks from defense, and Schneider (14) worked hard in defense and attack.
PA 8.2 15.4 18.10 22.13 (145)
HAW 2.1 2.4 5.5 7.7 (49)
GOALS: PA - Tredrea 3, Pettigrew 3, Dew 2, Ebert 2, Salopek 2, Pearce 2, Lonie, Wilson, Thurstans, C. Cornes, Lade, Surjan, Thompson, Mahoney; HAW - Barker 2, Williams, Clarke, Lewis, Campbell, Dixon
BEST: PA - Tredrea, Lade, Salopek, C. Cornes, Surjan, K. Cornes, Pearce, Wakelin; HAW - Clarke, Hodge, Bateman, Brown
INJURY PA - Thurstans (ankle), Ezard (corked thigh), Bishop (hamstring tightness); HAW - Everitt (ankle)
UMPIRES: Donlon, Davis, McInerney
CROWD: 24,511 at AAMI Stadium
Less than midway through the opening term, the Hawks were out to a 7 point lead with goals to Barker and Williams wrapped around one to Dew. Port took over after that as they slammed on 7 unanswered goals to lead by 37 points at 1/4 time.
If the first term was bad for the Hawks, the 2nd was a nightmare with Port players practically lining up to kick a succession of goals. The only scoring shot Hawthorn had came late in the 2nd term for a point. The other two behinds the Hawks accumulated didn't even come off their own boots, they were rushed by Port, who led by a very comfortable 78 points at 1/2 time.
The lead was out to 86 points when Lade booted one early in the 3rd term. The Hawks finally showed a bit midway through the term with goals to Clarke and Lewis, which brought ironic cheers from the home crowd. Surjan broke any hope of a Hawk revival before Barker bobbed up again. It was all for naught as Pearce's goal gave Port an 83 point lead at 3/4 time.
WB 4.4 10.6 14.7 15.10 (100)
FRE 5.3 7.5 9.9 12.14 (86)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 3, Boyd 2, Cooney 2, Robbins 2, Eagleton, Higgins, McMahon, Ray, Skipper, Smith; FRE - Pavlich 3, McPharlin 2, Black, Farmer, Hasleby, Headland, Medhurst, Peake, Sandilands
BEST: WB - Cooney, West, Gilbee, Johnson, Boyd, McMahon; FRE - Pavlich, Mundy, J. Carr, Hasleby, Headland, Medhurst
INJURY: WB - Grant (knee); FRE - Gilmore (knee), Grover (shoulder), Polak (adductor)
CHANGES: WB - Giansiracusa (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Power
UMPIRES: Grun, Woodcock, Goldspink
CROWD: 23,805 at Telstra Dome
After Medhurst opened the scoring with a point, the Dogs, with the pacy, attacking midfield which has become their stock in trade, rattled on 3 goals through McMahon, Boyd, and Cooney to grab an early lead. All 3 were long-range efforts, Cooney's being a classy 3 bounce run and kick out of the middle. McPharlin sparked a Docker surge with 2 goals midway through the term. Pavlich and Hasleby followed up before Johnson pulled one back for the Dogs before Peake swooped on a Skipper error for a goal to ensure a 5 point Docker lead at 1/4 time.
Pavlich kicked another at the start of the 2nd term, but the Dogs wasted no time in reasserting themselves, first with a Cross handball to Eagleton for a goal to bring the margin back to less than a kick. A Higgins bomb from 50 and a goal to Robbins gave the lead back to the Dogs. Medhurst had the Dockers within 2 points before Johnson outmuscled Grover to mark and goal. Cooney and Smith sent through late goals to give the Dogs a 19 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Dockers kept coming early in the 3rd but had little to show for their efforts with Pavlich the only goal scorer after Ray put one through for the Dogs. Johnson and Boyd replied to hold the advantage. Then Grant hobbled off favoring his knee after he and Robbins collided. While he saw no more action, Bulldog fans breathed a sigh of relief at the sight of Grant jogging along the boundary during the final term. It didn't slow the Dogs down much as Skipper soccered through a goal. Sandilands was awarded a free kick as well as a 50 meter penalty late in the term and goaled for the Dockers, then earned another free at the center bounce for an infringement. Pavlich marked on the lead but hit the post from 40 meters and it was the Dogs by 28 points at 3/4 time.
Headland gave away a free kick to Robbins early in the final term and he appeared to seal the win for the Dogs, but the Dockers surged and attacked relentlessly. Again, their efforts were wasted when Matthew Carr missed from 48 meters. While Farmer goaled to give the Dockers a slim chance, Walker managed just a point on the run, as did Farmer who put it out on the full. The Dockers won the ball back and found Headland for a goal before Medhurst goaled to put a scare into the Dogs who cleared again only for the Dockers to get it back once more. Medhurst couldn't buy a goal as he sprayed another shot. At the other end, Montgomery hit the post instead of easing the pressure on the Dogs. Medhurst's kick to Pavlich missed the mark and dribbled through for a point before Black's goal put the Dockers within striking distance. Griffen had a chance via a free kick from 50 but also missed, but the Dogs regained possession and held their nerve to hang on.
For the Dogs, it was the class, skill, and pace of the midfield with West (29), Cooney (27), Eagleton (17/7), and Ray (21) which was on show. GIlbee (19) and Boyd (22/6) gave plenty of drive from defense while Harris (19/7) kept a close watch on Pavlich and Johnson (11/6) led the attack.
For the Dockers, Black (21/8), Josh Carr (26/7), Headland (21/10), and Hasleby (25/5) were prolific as ever in the middle, Mundy (19/10) battled hard in defense, especially when Grover (11 kicks, 4 marks) was off injured, and Pavlich (10 kicks, 10 marks) presented well up forward despite the close attention of Harris.
The win breaks a 4 game losing streak for the Dogs against the Dockers going back to 2002.
WCE 3.3 5.6 8.11 16.15 (111)
CARL 6.2 9.8 13.10 15.11 (101)
GOALS: WCE - Hunter 4, Lynch 3, Embley 2, Jones, Staker, Hansen, Nicoski, Wirrpanda, Chick, Cousins; CARL - Fevola 6, Betts 3, Wiggins, Scotland 2, Murphy, Stevens
BEST: WCE - Hunter, Rosa, Wirrpanda, Embley, Braun, Cousins; CARL - Fevola, Whitnall, Betts, Scotland, Murphy, Houlihan, Stevens
INJURY: WCE - Rosa (concussion)
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Margetts, Hendrie
CROWD: 40,090 at Subiaco Oval, Perth
West Coast entered the match as the shortest-priced favorites in recent betting history. TAB Sportsbet had them at $1.04 to win and when Staker opened proceedings, it looked like ot would be another cakewalk at Subiaco. But the Blues put on an absolute clinic from there with Wiggins and Fevola giving the lead to the Blues. Pagan had a game plan and it worked a treat as the Blues played man-on-man, accountable football, never leaving their opponents' sides. If an Eagle came off, so did his Carlton minder. Whitnall played deep in defense while Hansen had to roam further up the ground for the ball, allowing Whitnall to be the loose man down back.
At the other end, Fevola gave Glass a football lesson with hard leading and strong body work. Lynch kicked his first score - a point, and the Blues raced to the other end where Wiggins goaled. It was answered by Jones. Kennedy missed and from the kick-in, Chick turned the ball over for another goal to Fevola. Selwood missed before Fevola booted two in row. Lynch got one back for the Eagles, but enter Fevola yet again to give the Blues a 17 point lead at 1/4 time. Murphy (12) and Scotland (9) were pivotal in the term through the middle and across halfback, while Whitnall (10) was doing a stellar job in defense.
Walker's chance to extend that lead was spoiled by Wirrpanda and quick goals to Lynch and Hansen after a rushed point in Carlton's favor reduced the margin 7 points. It was back out to 13 points with a mark and goal to Betts. Carlton couldn't press their advantage much further over the next few minutes with Murphy missing from 50 and Koutoufides rushing his kick for another behind. At the other end, Whitnall was continuing his fine work with a great effort to get hands to Embley's long kick. The Eagles needed more up forward and Hunter was moved out of the backline into attack. Betts then crumbed a goal off a pack. Again, both sides continued the pressure and neither could make much of an impact with a free to Cox wasted when Rosa turned the ball over to McGrath, only for Houlihan to spray his shot on goal. Embley got a free but was spoiled yet again by Whitnall while Hansen and Selwood kicked behinds. Fevola again marked strongly, but this time was hard up on the boundary at an acute angle and was unable to convert. The Blues kept the ball in their forward arc and had numbers at the ball. Betts got hands to it, but fumbled. Fevola was in perfect position to soccer through an amazing contender for Goal of the Year literally right on the siren. The umpires had to confer before confirming Fev had gotten boot to ball just a millisecond before the siren and the Blues were 26 points in front at 1/2 time.
Worsfold, desperate to stem the tide, rang the changes in the 3rd term. Fletcher was moved forward and Stenglein was shifted onto Stevens, who had been running with Kerr and wreaking havoc of his own in the midfield. It didn't work as a free to Betts resulted in a goal at the start, then Scotland marked and roosted a 50 meter goal. Stevens was in the thick of it again at the bounce and found Fevola 55 meters out, but he hit the post. The Blues won the ball in the middle again and Stevens kicked long to a pack in the square and Murphy crumbed the Blues' 3rd straight goal for the term to give them a 44 point lead. The Carlton defense, often criticized in recent times, was standing firm as Lynch's kick was touched on the line. From the kick out, the Eagles took possession but in a bizarre and humorous incident, Braun kicked the ball towards Lynch again, but he had his back to the play and the ball bounced off his head and through for a point. A minute later, he was paying attention to take a grab and goal. Murphy got into trouble in the middle and was caught with the ball, a free to Hunter. His long kick found Chick in the square, but again the Blues' defenders spoiled the shot. The scenario repeated itself at the kick in, this time with Lappin caught, and Cox missing from the resultant free. Nicoski finally broke the run of outs with a goal, but Fevola replied with a mark and goal from 45 meters to put the lead back out to 34 points.
Rosa was then crunched by Houlihan in a legitimate contest. Play went on as he was helped from the ground, looking a mite worse for the wear as Kennedy kicked a point. Hunter marked on the boundary deep in a pocket and threaded through a goal, reducing Carlton's lead to 29 points.
Could the Blues hang on or would the Eagles pull off another great escape like the one the previous week against Geelong? Commentators on 6PR Radio in Perth speculated that the herculean efforts of the previous week had taken too much out of the Eagles and that a Carlton upset would send a message to the other 14 teams that the Eagles were vulnerable.
Lappin became a loose man in defense as Carlton flooded back to protect its lead, now looking more and more fragile as the Eagle midfield kicked up another gear and Hunter goaled from the bounce and the margin was now just 23 points. Scotland and Stevens goaled on either side of an Embley point. Wirrpanda, the half back sweeper specialist was moved forward and goaled to bring the Eagles within 28 points midway through the term. The Eagles lifted and now became the ones to put the pressure on as Carlton seemed to simply run out of steam. Hunter finally got the better of Whitnall to mark and goal again before another series of points were either kicked or rushed. The Eagles attacked again through a soft free to Cox at a throw in as a pack gathered in the square. Chick was slung to the ground but somehow got boot to ball in the process for a miracle goal. The Eagles broke from the center, steaming past the leg weary Blues, who seemed suddenly helpless as Cousins roared into an open goal, and for the first time since the opening minutes of the game, the Eagles had the lead. educing the Carlton lead with less than 4 minutes remaining. Embley bobbed up again but managed just a point, leaving a small hope for Carlton fans. But Carlton's last chance was foiled as Glass cleared the ball and the Eagles raced into again where Embley goaled to give the Eagles one of their greatest comebacks of all time.
For the Eagles, Cox (28 hitouts, 22/5) was again the dominant big man, while Braun (21), Cousins (24/6), Fletcher (30), Rosa (18/7), and Jones (23/7) were prolific in the midfield. Wirrpanda (21/6) was at his rebounding best before going forward as was Hunter (18/7). Embley (17/6) was the undoubted hero up forward.
For the Blues, Whitnall (21/9) was the general in defense, with Scotland (24/6) rebounding well across halfback. Stevens (25/5) Murphy (27) led the midfield brigade, while Fevola (10 kicks, 6 marks) was the star in attack with support from Houlihan (21/7) and Betts (8 effective kicks) in the pockets.
Eagle Coach John Worsfold said the team took inspiration from last week's comeback win to not give up, back themselves, and believe in themselves to pull off the win.
A devastated Carlton Coach Denis Pagan compared the loss to a boxing match. From his post-match press conference, he was quoted, "They're going to learn a hell of a lot from that today....A lot of those young kids are really hurting - I've probably never seen them more distressed. They gave a supreme effort, (they) really (fought) out of their weight division to come over here, against one of the best sides if not maybe the best...To win the first 10 rounds of the fight and then to be punched out in the last couple of rounds by a real team of champions when their backs are against the wall to be able to kick eight goals to two, just shows you where they are in the competition."
NOTE: OK, I reported this match impartially, but, as a Blues supporter, I have to say something here, which I rarely do as you all know. I picked this game up early in the first term and was absolutely elated as the first 3 terms unfolded. Listening to the final term was pretty disheartening and I can only imagine the heartbreak felt by the players, especially the young blokes, as Coach Pagan said. It is small consolation, but the effort they did put in this week was a magnificent one and can only bode well for the future - Lisa
MELB 4.2 10.3 17.7 22.9 (141)
COL 2.5 5.7 9.8 14.10 (94)
GOALS: MELB - Yze 4, Davey 3, Neitz 3, Pickett 3, Rivers 2, Bruce 2, Robertson, Bate, Dunn, Johnstone, Jamar; COL - Davis 3, Didak 2, Thomas 2, Tarrant 2, Lockyer, Fraser, Pendlebury, Burns, Rocca
BEST: MELB - Johnstone, Bruce, Davey, Pickett, Yze, Holland, Carroll; COL - Clement, Didak, Fraser
INJURY: COL - Wakelin (thigh)
CHANGES: MELB - McLean (hamstring) replaced by Godfrey, Whelan (hip/buttock) replaced by Ward
UMPIRES - McBurney, James, Stevic
CROWD - 78,773 at the MCG
The Pies began smartly enough, with O'Bree clearing the ball at the opening bounce and kicking long to the square where opportunist Davis swooped on a pack spillage to snap a brilliant goal. Pickett had a chance to level the scores but missed - and it was less than two minutes into the game. Soon after, Neitz kicked a goal which gave the Demons a lead they would never relinquish as Pickett made amends for his earlier m*ff. Tarrant goaled, but Robertson replied in kind for the Demons. With just seconds remaining to the term, defender Heath Shaw was chased down by Davey as he attempted to clear the ball. Davey then goaled from outside 50 to hand the Dees a 9 point lead at 1/4 time.
Davey was again at his mercurial best as the 2nd term got underway when he tapped the ball to himself, then dished off to Neitz. Didak pulled it back for the Pies, but Davey was in it again when he handballed to youngster Matthew Bate for a goal. Less than a minute later, Davey slipped away from a Morrison tackle to goal himself. A few more Demons finally got in on the action with Yze potting one and Rivers scooting forward to kick a rare defender's goal. Enter Davey again, who set set up Bruce for a goal with a clever chip which evaded both Licuria and Pendlebury. Didak finished off the term with a goal for the Pies, but it was the Demons by 26 points at 1/2 time.
That man Davey was in the fray from the outset of 3rd term, with another goal before the Pies hit back with two goals - the first time they managed that feat for the game - to Davis and Fraser. But the Demons doubled that tally in quick succession through Yze, Pickett, Dunn, and Neitz. The last could perhaps sum up the entire game in which the Demons seemingly could do no wrong, while nothing seemed to go right for the Magpies. Neitz' goal came late in the term when a Morrison kick sailed over the head of a leading Tarrant and the Demons rebounded into attack with Neitz snapping a captain's goal from the boundary. Pendlebury bobbed up with a goal after Tarrant squandered another chance for the Pies. But the Demons were on a roll and Yze, 35 meters out, managed to get boot to ball. Normally, under such conditions, the kick would be odds-on to miss, but, in keeping with the Demons' sheer luck, it sailed through. He followed up shortly after with another before Burns finally got one more for the Pies, who trailed by 47 points at 3/4 time.
The Pies perhaps gave their best effort in the final term, matching the Demons goal for goal and point for point, but it wasn't enough.
The Demons had winners everywhere and smashed Collingwood in the midfield with Buckley ineffective while Johnstone (28/11), McDonald (24), Bate (23/6), and Green (28/10) dominated. Carroll (23/7) blanketed Tarrant (8 kicks, 4 marks) and Holland did the job on Rocca, who had just 3 touches and kicked his only goal in junk time of the final term. White (25 hitouts, 23/10)continued his stellar season in the ruck and around the ground, while Davey (16 kicks, 4 marks), Bruce (28/10) and Pickett (19) were influential up forward.
For the Pies, Clement (17/6) kept Robertson quiet, Didak (23/11) battled up forward, and Fraser (12 hitouts, 14/5) did all he could. Buckley, who looked less than 100%, appeared to struggle parked in forward pocket as Burns (29/10) and Lockyer (22/7) worked hard in the middle and Lonie (22/7) and Morrison lent support in defense.
STANDINGS
W L FOR AGST % PTS
WCE 10 1 1144 930 123.01 40
ADE 9 2 1175 730 160.96 36
COl 8 3 1299 990 131.21 32
SYD 7 4 1113 896 124.22 28
WB 7 4 1209 1075 112.47 28
MELB 7 4 1105 991 111.5 28
StK 6 5 987 868 113.71 24
FRE 6 5 940 1016 92.52 24
RICH 6 5 936 1155 81.04 24
PA 5 6 1086 1174 92.5 20
GEEL 4 7 1009 1009 100 16
BRIS 4 7 992 1057 93.85 16
HAW 4 7 876 1123 78.01 16
KANG 2 9 863 1124 76.78 8
CARL 2 9 861 1141 75.46 8
ESS 1 10 942 1258 74.88 4
GOALS
Brendan Fevola (CARL) 43
Barry Hall Sydney (SYD) 41
Jonathan Brown (BRIS) 35
Anthony Rocca (COL) 35
Mark Williams (HAW) 32
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 31
Nick Riewoldt (StK) 30
Brad Johnson (WB) 30
Mark Ricciuto (ADE) 28
David Neitz (MELB) 27
Standings and Goals information from afl.com.au
Eagle Matt Rosa is the Round 10 Rising Star nominee.
Rosa gathered 18 possessions, laid six tackles and kicked a goal opposed to Shannon Byrnes and James Kelly in the Eagles’ win over the Cats. The week before, he was opposed to Demon midfield ace Travis Johnstone.
Rosa spent most of 2005 with Peel Thunder in the WAFL, playing just 3 senior games. He worked hard over the preseason to add bulk to his lean, athletic frame and it has paid off. He was an emergency in Round 1 this year, then a late inclusion in Round 2 against the Crows and put in a fine display with 27 possessions. He hasn't missed a senior game since and has averaged 17 touches a game.
Rosa, 19, hails from Warracknabeal in NW Victoria and played Under 18 football for North Ballarat. He represented Vic Country in the U-18 Championships in 2004 and finished the year strongly as runner-up in North Ballarat's best and fairest and was named in the TAC Cup team of the year.
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 9:38 AM EDT
