Doctors Want A Say
The AFL Medical Officers Association has formed a committee to study serious neck and head injuries and how they occur, then make recommendations to the league if there are options for rule changes to better protect players from such serious injury. The committee - comprised of Geelong doctor Hugh Seward, , St Kilda's Ian Stone, Melbourne's Andrew Daff, and Peter Larkins - will base their study on the parameters used to study knee injuries to ruckmen, which led to the new ruck rules introduced several years ago.
The AFL Medical Officers Association has formed a committee to study serious neck and head injuries and how they occur, then make recommendations to the league if there are options for rule changes to better protect players from such serious injury. The committee - comprised of Geelong doctor Hugh Seward, , St Kilda's Ian Stone, Melbourne's Andrew Daff, and Peter Larkins - will base their study on the parameters used to study knee injuries to ruckmen, which led to the new ruck rules introduced several years ago.
Seward was quoted in the Melbourne Age, "There's been a lot of conjecture about what might improve, protect the players more effectively and we believe that if any rule change has to be considered, then it should be done in a careful and well-constructed way. There's a lot of conjecture about the speed of the game and these sort of issues and altering the nature of the game might protect the players from injuries. We'd prefer to come at it from the other way...look at how the serious injuries have been happening and then make suggestions." Two incidents which the committee will focus on are the ones involving Collingwood's Blake Caracella and Saint Justin Koschitzke. In related news, MRP chairman Peter Schwab has asked for better clarification of what will and won't be tolerated. He even admitted that the MRP may have erred in giving Eagle Beau Waters just a one match suspension for his hit on Lion Robert Copeland.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
GENERAL NEWS
Gieschen Orders More 50s
At the start of the preseason, umpires were told to crack down on players who scragged opponents and holding them up after a mark or free kick, but said there had been a recent slackening in the awarding of 50 meter penalties., with a number of penalties being missed in Round 11. While he believes the stricter interpretations have been maintained for the most part, he said the umpires need to continue enforcing the stricter policy.
At the start of the preseason, umpires were told to crack down on players who scragged opponents and holding them up after a mark or free kick, but said there had been a recent slackening in the awarding of 50 meter penalties., with a number of penalties being missed in Round 11. While he believes the stricter interpretations have been maintained for the most part, he said the umpires need to continue enforcing the stricter policy.
Gieschen also lauded the clubs and players for adapting well to the rules.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Round 2 U-18 Scores
NT 16. 9 (105)
TAS 5.5 (35)
QLD 13.14 (92)
NSW/ACT 9.4 (58)
Story Source: Michele Clyne, AFL Media Release
Attendance Record
At the conclusion of Round 11, the season's attendance reached 3,144,462, the second best attendance to this stage in the game's history. The best tally through Round 11 came last year with an aggregate of 3,203,356. The only previous years in the game's history to have reached three million or more spectators were in 1997 (3,001,019) and 1998 (3,027,394).
Story Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
Barassi Walks Kokoda
Ron Barassi was due in Canberra for the Barassi International Youth Tournament late last week and decided to take the long way in getting there - a 90 km, 9 day hike along the Kokoda Trail. When he finished, he flew from Papua New Guinea to Canberra.
Barassi, who turned 70 earlier this year, was was recently named Victoria's Healthy Ageing Citizen of the Year.
Barassi was quoted in the Canberra Times, "I decided to do something that will undoubtedly be difficult, and to give my 70-year-old body a wake-up call."
Barassi's father, Ron senior, was killed in action in World War II and the young Barassi was mentored by legendary Melbourne coach Norm Smith.
He played with the Demons from 1953-1964, collecting six premierships, two as captain (1960 and 1964) and was named best on ground in two others (1956 and 1957). He was then lured to Carlton with the offer of being captain/coach in 1965 and took the Blues to a premiership in 1968, their first in 21 years. He coached Carlton in the now-legendary comeback GF against Collingwood in 1970, then took over as coach at North Melbourne in 1972 and coached them to their very first premiership in 1975 and again in 1977 (this one replayed after the first square off against Collingwood ended in a draw)
The dinner kicks off the U-16 games which were formally known as the Jim Stynes Cup and commenced in 1998.
Story Source: Canberra Times
TRIBUNAL
Source for charges: Patrick Keane, AFL Media
Charges Laid:
Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), rough conduct against Bomber Damien Peverill: reckless conduct (2), low impact (1), in play (0), and high contact (2) for a total of 5 points, a Level 2 offense, 125 demerits, and a 1 game suspension. He has 2 games suspended in the past 3 years, increasing the penalty 10% to 137.5 demerits still a one game suspension with 37.5 demerits held over toward his future record.
Bartel took his case to the Tribunal and successfully had the charge downgraded from reckless to negligent.
His advocate Iain Findlay argued that the contact made was shoulder to shoulder and used video footage to show that Bartel had stopped and braced himself when he knew contact was inevitable while Peverill kept moving.
Bartel testified in his defense of an incident last year in which he was knocked unconscious and said he does not want to put another player through what happened to him. He admitted that contact was high, but that he deliberately turned to protect himself and Peverill.
Despite argument from AFL counsel that Bartel's attention was fixed on Peverill instead of the ball, the jury ruled in favor of Bartel with the downgrade reducing the demerits to 61.87 for a reprimand.
Story Source: afl.com.au
Jade Rawlings (KANG) rough conduct against Tiger Richard Tambling: reckless conduct (2), medium impact (2), in play (0), and high contact (2) equaling 6 points, a Level 3 offense, 225 demerits, and a 2 game suspension. His good record sees this reduced 25% to 168.75 points and a 1 game suspension.
Jade Rawlings took his case to the Tribunal in an effort to have the charge downgraded to negligent rather than reckless.
Rawlings advocate, Iain Findlay, argued that Rawlings attempted to stop his forward movement and turned his body when he realized contact would be inevitable. Rawlings even showed the bruise on his hip from where contact with Tambling had been made.
The club called reporting umpire Shaun Ryan, who reported Tambling on the day. Ryan testified that he believed Rawlings was guilty of rough conduct because Tambling "had his head down and over the ball" and was left a bit dazed after the hit.
The club used photographs to show that the ball was loose and that Rawlings had his eyes on the ball as Tambling fumbled.
The club also compared their case to that of Geelong's Jimmy Bartel, which was heard ahead of this one.
AFL counsel Will Houghton successfully argued that Rawlings had enough space and time to change course before making contact with Tambling and the panel upheld the original finding of the MRP.
Story Source: alf.com.au
Ryan Houlihan (CARL), rough conduct against Eagle Matt Rosa: negligent conduct (1), high impact (3), in play (0), and high contact (2) for a total of 6 points, a Level 3 offense, 225 demerits, and a 2 match suspension. His good record reduces this 25% to 168.75 demerits and a 1 game suspension.
Houlihan and the club have decided to contest the charge, but with the split round coming up, the hearing has been deferred to next week.
Story Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
Steven Baker (StK) and Jude Bolton (SYD) were both charged with wrestling each other. Both entered early pleas with Baker accepting an $1800 fine for a second offense and Bolton accepting a $900 fine for a first offense.
MILESTONES
Automatic AFL Life Membership: Michael Voss (BRIS) qualified for automatic life membership with his 300th official match, comprising 279 premiership matches, 17 pre-season matches and three State of Origin matches since his debut in 1992.
250 games: Peter Everitt (HAW)
150 games: Dean Solomon (ESS) & Matthew Scarlett (GEEL)
250 games: Peter Everitt (HAW)
150 games: Dean Solomon (ESS) & Matthew Scarlett (GEEL)
150 games coached: Mark Thompson (GEEL)
150 club games coached: Michael Malthouse (COL)
150 club games coached: Michael Malthouse (COL)
100 games: Aaron Fiora (STK), Robert Copeland (BRIS), & Matthew Carr (FRE)
50 games: Mark McGough (STK), David Johnson & Charlie Gardiner (GEEL)
50 games: Mark McGough (STK), David Johnson & Charlie Gardiner (GEEL)
Story Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
HAWTHORN
The club has given Coach Alastair Clarkson a 2 year contract extension after a recommendation from a coaching sub-committee was unanimously approved by the board.
Clarkson's original contract was due to expire at the end of this year.
The subcommittee, chaired by club director Jason Dunstall, said the committee believed they had the right man for the job of rebuilding the club and had the full support of president Jeff Kennett who was quoted in the Age, "Without retaining Alastair for the next two years we were going to deny ourselves, as a club, the opportunity of seeing that work (the rebuilding) completed," Kennett said.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
ESSENDON
James Hird and Scott Camporeale both returned from injury this week.
Injury Update:
Jason Laycock, knee, 6-8 weeks
Dean Rioli, knee, 8 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fractured fibula, 6-8 weeks
Lachlan McKinnon, Aaron Henneman, shoulder, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Jason Laycock, knee, 6-8 weeks
Dean Rioli, knee, 8 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fractured fibula, 6-8 weeks
Lachlan McKinnon, Aaron Henneman, shoulder, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Adam Ramanauskas, cancer, long-term injury list; Ben Jolley has been elevated from the rookie list to replace Adam
Membership: 36,004 as of 6/12
Story Source: Emma Robinson, Club Media Release
GEELONG
Geelong regained Steven King (calf strain), but have lost Steve Johnson for a month due to knee surgery.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
CARLTON
Troy Longmuir has been placed on the long-term injury list, but the club has opted not to name a replacement yet.
And the Blues have suffered another blow with the news that Anthony Koutoufides will miss 5 weeks with a fractured hand, suffered in the game last week.
Story Source: Stephen Wilson, Club Media Release
FREMANTLE
Graham Polak (groin), Antoni Grover (shoulder), and Daniel Gilmore (knee) all missed this week.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
RICHMOND
Injury Update:
Injury Update:
Matthew Richardson, wrist, 1-2 weeks
Will Thursfield, knee, season
Membership: 29,188 as of 6/12
Story Source: Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
WEST COAST
Chris Judd has called for the resumption of State of Origin footy, and Docker Matthew Pavlich
agrees. Judd, in weekly newspaper column and in a radio interview, believes the concept could be done again and would like to see it played in the preseason.
AFL Operations manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL was considering state of origin games as part of the league's 150th anniversary celebrations in 2008.
NOTE: For those of you new to footy, State of Origin games were played through 1999. The teams were Victorian, WA, SA, and the Allies. Teams were comprised of players whose footy careers began in those states, regardless of which AFL club drafted them. The Allies included players from states other than Victoria, SA, WA, and SA.
For example, Eagle Chris Judd and Lion Jonathan Brown would play for Victoria, while James Hird and Shane Crawford would play for the Allies as both come from NSW.
The games were played mid-season. Each state had a committee which selected players for the teams. There would be 2 state games midseason and each year the teams rotated opponents, so one year it might be Victoria vs SA, then Victoria vs WA or the Allies the next year.
The concept began to lose popularity and, despite players saying they liked the idea, many star players would pull out of the games and coaches began to dislike the idea because of the potential for serious injury. The AFL discontinued the games after 1999 - Lisa
Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Matthew Spangher, groin, 2 weeks
Chris Judd, hamstring, 1 week
Story Sources: Melbourne Age & Gary Stocks, Club Media Release
ADELAIDE
Jason Torney (quad) returned to the seniors this week for his first game of the season after spending the past month in the SANFL.
Injury Update:
Luke Jericho, shoulder, 1 week
Scott Welsh, quad, 1 week
Matthew Clarke, achilles/ankle, 1 week
Richard Douglas & Ian Perrie, knee, 4 weeks
Nathan Bock & Darren Pfeiffer, back, 4 weeks
Ben Hart, broken arm, 5 weeks
Nathan Van Berlo, broken collarbone, 8 weeks
Ben Hudson, knee rehab, possible late season return
Story Source: David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release
BRISBANE
Jason Akermanis rang Coach Leigh Matthews last week with an apology for another gaffe. However, this time it was not Jason who caused the problem, it was his brother Rory. Rory, who managed Jason's website, responded to an email from a soccer fan by referring to Matthews as a "f---wit" who "can't coach". That reply was then posted in a soccer chat room. The email was about to be published in a Brisbane newspaper and Jason rang Matthews ahead of its publication to explain what happened and apology in advance for his brother.
Matthews was unaware of the offending message until Jason's call. When asked about his relationship with Akers, he was quoted as saying, "Jason's fine. But Rory will never be drafted by this club, I guarantee you."
Jason also sacked his brother from administering the website.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Injury Update:
Chris Johnson, groin strain, 1 week
Jed Adcock, quad, 1-3 weeks
Richard Hadley, Anthony Corrie, Joel Macdonald, Pat Garner, knee reco, season
Daniel Merrett, fractured elbow, 4 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, long term injury list, indefinite
Nigel Lappin, ankle, on long term injury list, 4-6 weeks
Jed Adcock, quad, 1-3 weeks
Richard Hadley, Anthony Corrie, Joel Macdonald, Pat Garner, knee reco, season
Daniel Merrett, fractured elbow, 4 weeks
Chris Scott, hip, long term injury list, indefinite
Nigel Lappin, ankle, on long term injury list, 4-6 weeks
10 Years Ago
The Lions played the newly renamed Western Bulldogs (nee Footscray) in Round 15 at Optus Oval in 1997.
The Bulldogs were in first place going into the match but were comprehensively beaten by the Lions 21.11 (137) to 11.7 (73) in the most dynamic performance Brisbane's season.
The Lions played the newly renamed Western Bulldogs (nee Footscray) in Round 15 at Optus Oval in 1997.
The Bulldogs were in first place going into the match but were comprehensively beaten by the Lions 21.11 (137) to 11.7 (73) in the most dynamic performance Brisbane's season.
Craig McRae celebrated his 50th game with 5 goals, while Steven Lawrence made a triumphant return after two knee reconstructions and two years out of action. Matthew Clarke outpointed former Brownlow Medallist Scott Wynd in the ruck, while Adrian Fletcher amassed 34 possessions. Scott West and Jose Romero were best for the Dogs.
Story Source: Ron McDonald, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
Soccer may be the main sport in Africa, but 20-30 young refugees from Somalia, Sudan, and the Congo will get their first taste of footy next week when they attend the Sydney-Collingwood game at Telstra Stadium.
It is all part of the "Law of the Land" project, headed by Minister for Youth, Reba Meagher.
The 14-20 year olds were guests at a training session last week and got to meet Coach Paul Roos and several of the players.
Story Source: Sydney Daily Telegraph
Injury Update:
Ben Mathews, calf, 1 week
Nick Malceski, hamstring, 1 week
Andrew Ericksen, shoulder, 1 week
Story Source: Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
Coach Neale Daniher has taken steps to ensure his players know what to do and what not to do regarding bumps on opposition players. Last week, he showed video footage of the Jade Rawlings and Jimmy Bartel collisions and emphasized the need to be careful on the field and that, with increased scrutiny since Blake Caracella's injury, "...it's...not a good period to be going up (before the MRP/Tribunal) on these incidents."
Daniher admitted confusion over what is or is not a legal bump, pointing out the MRP's inconsistency with the penalties to Eagle Beau Waters this year and Byron Pickett and Brent Moloney last season.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Injury Update:
Brent Moloney, groin, 1 week
Brock McLean, hamstring, 1 week
Paul Johnson, shoulder, 1 week
Alistair Nicholson, foot, 1-2 weeks
Paul Johnson, shoulder, 1 week
Alistair Nicholson, foot, 1-2 weeks
Story Source: Leigh Newton, Club Media Release
ST KILDA
Businessman Archie Fraser has been appointed CEO, replacing Jim Watts who has served in the position for the past 6 years. Over those 6 years, he also held roles as Director, Vice President, and Chief Executive Officer .Fraser joined the club in 2005 as General Manager Commercial Operations and he will be phased into the CEO role over the course of the 2006 season.
Archie Fraser Profile
Born and educated in Scotland, Archie has lived in Australia since 1980, moving to Brisbane initially to play professional soccer. He and his family have lived in Melbourne since 1992.
Over the past 18 years he has worked with major companies in General Management or CEO roles having national and or international responsibilities with Inchcape PLC, Fuji Xerox, Adecco, Lee Hecht Harrison, Cendant Mobility.
He has been directly involved in leading, establishing, growing and branding businesses across Australia and the Asian region. His exposure to businesses and brands in different markets has provided a depth of experience.
From 1996 to 1999 he worked with the global recruitment giant Adecco, holding the role as CEO for Australia & New Zealand for the Adecco brand.
In 1999 Archie was appointed a partner and CEO of a Melbourne based HR Consulting firm Hamilton Watts International (HWI) with operations in: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and UK. In July 2000 the global NYSE listed Cendant Corporation (annual net revenue in excess of US$20 billion) acquired HWI. Following the acquisition, he joined Cendant Mobility as Managing Director Asia Pacific reporting to the US parent and was appointed as the company’s Australian director.
In 1999 Archie was appointed a partner and CEO of a Melbourne based HR Consulting firm Hamilton Watts International (HWI) with operations in: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and UK. In July 2000 the global NYSE listed Cendant Corporation (annual net revenue in excess of US$20 billion) acquired HWI. Following the acquisition, he joined Cendant Mobility as Managing Director Asia Pacific reporting to the US parent and was appointed as the company’s Australian director.
The Saints regained Xavier Clarke (hip) this week, while his brother Raphael (hamstring) and James Gwilt (ankle) resumed in the VFL.
Good news for the Saints as Justin Koschitzke returned to training last week, just 6 weeks after fracturing his skull.
Football manager Matt Rendell said Koschitzke still had to get an all-clear from the doctors to play and said Justin was "...keen to go", but that it would probably be 2-3 weeks after the break before he sees any action.
Koschitzke's manager, Liam Pickering, said even his hearing was much better, but no one was putting any time frame on his return.
There was a bit of a scare over the weekend when Justin Koschitzke was being interviewed on TV and suddenly fainted and had to be rushed to the hospital. After being thoroughly checked out, he was released. Doctors said the spell had nothing to do with any after effects of his fractured skull. Koschitzke has apparently being under the weather with a virus for a week or so and didn't eat breakfast before appearing on the show.
Former Demon David Schwarze, who now works in the media, was interviewing him at the time and later assured viewers that Kosi was OK.
Injury Update:
Aaron Hamill, right PCL sprain, 3 weeks
Lenny Hayes, knee reconstruction, season
Justin Koschitzke, fractured skull, indefinite
Andrew Thompson, fractured vertebra, 3 weeks
Fergus Watts, fractured ankle, indefinite
Jason Blake, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Membership: 32,152 as of 6/12
Story Sources: Melbourne Age, alf.com.au, & Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
KANGAROOS
Defender Jonathan Hay, already dropped to the VFL for poor form (since Round 9), has been fined $5000 and suspended for one match for drinking the night before the Tassie Devils' match against Werribee.
Hay and a number of his Tassie teammates were in the casino of a Hobart hotel where they were staying on the eve of the game.
Hay and a number of his Tassie teammates were in the casino of a Hobart hotel where they were staying on the eve of the game.
Hay was the only player drinking while other players were gambling. They were later reprimanded by the Tasmanian club. Both the Kangaroos and the Devils expressed disappointment saying Hay and the others behaved inappropriately in preparation for a match and representing the clubs.
Werribee defeated the Tassie Devils by 73 points.
Injury Update:
Sav Rocca, hamstring, 2 weeks
Membership: 23,037 6/12
Story Source: Melbourne Age & Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Daniel Giansiracusa (hamstring/illness remained sidelined this week, but should return after the midseason break.
Ruckman Will Minson (broken leg) played in the VFL last week and could also be back in the seniors after the break.
Story Source: Melbourne Age
PORT ADELAIDE
As a salute to Port Adelaide's 10th anniversary in the AFL, the South Australian Brewing Company have produced 15,000 West End Draught cartons featuring the club with a special 10-Year Power design’
Mark Haysman, Regional Director for The South Australian Brewing Company, which has supported the club from day one, said the brewery had wanted to do something special to mark the occasion.
Club CEO John James, Coach Mark Williams, captain Warren Tredrea and players Josh Mahoney and Brad Symes were all on hand as the cans rolled out. They also helped load some onto a pallet which then headed to the club.
Tredrea thanked The South Australian Brewing Company for their great support and was looking forward to getting his hand on a carton of the commemorative beer. Tredrea joked that some of the cans would go straight to his pool room.
Several players took part in last week's World Vision Global Leadership Conference, with the club providing tickets to the youngsters for the game as part of the league's "Welcome to the AFL’ themed game at AAMI Stadium.
The World Vision Global Leadership Conference is a conference focused on leadership and involves around 200 upper and lower primary school children.
The aim is to “build on the students’ skills and motivation so they can take the lead to change the world for the better”. Workshops focused on giving students both academic and practical activities and campaigns that really make a difference.
Port players Troy Chaplin and Brett Ebert joined in, having a lunch time kick with the students, then spoke about leadership from the perspective of a professional footballer and emerging leader at the club.
The club launched its community fitness campaign last week. Called the "Powerful Life Fitness Challenge”, it involves 4 media personalities who will spend the next month on a regimen to improve their health and fitness.
The 4 media people are Channel Nine's Troy Gray, the Advertiser’s Michelangelo Rucci and Rebekah Devlin, and Triple M’s Andrew ‘Cossie’ Costello.
The program is being supervised by Port's fitness head David Arnfield.
All four have undergone rigorous fitness and health assessments, “We’ve tested in a whole lot of areas, blood pressure, the full blood chemistry; we’ve looked at heart disease and risk factors involved in that, we’ve looked at their nutrition profile, cardiovascular level, their body composition, their body fat, their body mass and their body age. We’ve looked at the whole gamut of things and we’ve got some work to do,” Arnfield said.
The program will see the celebrities have two group training sessions a week, plus individual sessions, a special diet program and weekly weigh-ins.
According to Arnfield, the focus is to see the quartet lose a bit of weight and increase cardiovascular fitness.
The ‘winner’ will be decided by the percentage improvement of the cardiovascular fitness and weight loss, with progress reports released each week.
The winner will be announced at Vodaphone sponsored club function on July 14.
Arnfield also oversees Port's Powerful Life fitness program which is open to all comers at the Allan Scott Power Headquarters. The program includes a full physical assessment, written report detailing an individual's health and fitness, and an eight week fully personalized fitness program.
Story Source: Hitaf Rasheed, Club Media Release
Injury Update:
Peter Burgoyne, hamstring, 1 week
Josh Francou, knee, 2-3 weeks
Story Sources: Daniel Bryant & Hitaf Rasheed, Club Media Releases
GENERAL SILLINESS
At the announcement of his contract extension, Hawk Coach Alistair Clarkson quipped, "There are only 16 coaches in the competition - all of us lunatics I suppose....."
At the announcement of his contract extension, Hawk Coach Alistair Clarkson quipped, "There are only 16 coaches in the competition - all of us lunatics I suppose....."
Story Source: Melbourne Age
Asked about his relationship with Akermanis, Coach Leigh Matthews replied, to laughter, "Which one, Jason or Rory?"
Story Source: Melbourne Age
On to the scores:
ADE 5.3 10.7 13.12 18.15 (123)
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Meredith, McInerney
ATTENDANCE: 34,170 at Telstra Dome
CROWD - 34,236 at Subiaco Oval
INJURY WB - Hahn (knee); BRIS Selwood (concussion), McGrath (hamstring)
The worst was confirmed during the second half of the broadcast. A knee reconstruction will see Hahn miss the rest of the season
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 27,745 at the Gabba
If nothing else, this game could symbolize a changing of the guard. Two years ago, Brisbane was still the terror of the league, dishing out some brutally savage and ruthless poundings (including a 10 goal mauling of the Bulldogs) while the boys from Whitten Oval languished near the bottom of the ladder. While the Lions may have recaptured a bit of that old form recently, it was the Dogs this time who were slicker, quicker, and more accurate than the undermanned Lions.
INJURY: PA - Wilson (corked thigh), Tredrea (medial knee ligament)
CROWD: 28,125 at AAMI Stadium
INJURY: HAW - Barker (hand), Hodge (hand); RICH - Coughlan (knee - ACL)
CROWD: 20,971 at Aurora Stadium, Launceston (TAS)
CROWD - 35,019 at Telstra Dome
STK 2.1 3.7 5.10 8.12 (60)
GOALS: ADE - Hentschel 3, Thompson 2, McGregor 2, Ricciuto 2, Reilly 2, Biglands , Bode, Shirley, McLeod, Stevens, Goodwin;
GOALS: ADE - Hentschel 3, Thompson 2, McGregor 2, Ricciuto 2, Reilly 2, Biglands , Bode, Shirley, McLeod, Stevens, Goodwin;
StK - Riewoldt 2, Milne 2, Gehrig, Goddard, Ackland, McQualter
BEST: ADE - Goodwin, Thompson, Edwards, Biglands, McLeod, Stevens; StK - Goddard, S. Fisher, Baker, Ball, Milne, Montagna
BEST: ADE - Goodwin, Thompson, Edwards, Biglands, McLeod, Stevens; StK - Goddard, S. Fisher, Baker, Ball, Milne, Montagna
INJURY: STK - Harvey (hamstring), Hudghton (knee)
Robert Harvey will miss 2-3 weeks
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Meredith, McInerney
ATTENDANCE: 34,170 at Telstra Dome
There was a very interesting article at the in the Melbourne Age last week about how the Adelaide players are monitored at training sessions. Players' aerobic capacities are monitored as are the distances they are capable of running, along with other empirical data. All of this gives Coach Neil Craig a very strong insight regarding match day rotations and positional changes in the course of a game. And it showed from the outset of this match.
The Crows turned on an absolute clinic with hard running, clean delivery and disposal, pressure and tackling. They smashed the Saints in the middle, at clearances, and the stingiest defence in the AFL kept up its miserly ways. Hudghton forced Riewoldt to roam far afield for his possessions and Rutten never allowed an increasingly frustrated Gehrig any space.
Adelaide was the first into attack but the shot on goal was spoiled by Hudghton for a point. Five minutes later, Stevens, who had the job on Riewoldt, found time to dash out of defense and boom in a goal from 50 meters and Reilly followed suit a minute later. The Saints could find no avenue of attack and rarely got the ball past the center square as the Crows forced them into turnovers. Hentschel goaled to give the Crows a handy lead before Bode finally missed one from a tight angle 30 meters out. The Saints finally got on the board, albeit a point to Fiora, One of their rare attacking moves was wasted when Milne gave away a free to Johncock and the Crows raced the ball the other way to a waiting McGregor for another goal. Fiora managed another point for the Saints, but the Crows had no such problems as Hentschel booted another. Minutes later, Milne finally slipped the clutches of Johncock to get a badly needed goal for the Saints and Goddard got another late in the term as the Crows went to 1/4 time with a 20 point lead.
The Saints started the second term like the first with a point to Gehrig. Then McLeod produced a bit of sublime skill when he baulked and feinted around Ball, leaving him in the Telstra dust to kick goal on the run. Again, the Saints simply had no answer for the Crows who romped away with 3 more goals while Fiora missed yet again. Riewoldt's first touch of the game came through a free kick which he converted for the Saints' only goal of the term. That was followed by a rare Crow miss when Goodwin hit the post from long range, but it didn't matter as Maguire's kick-in was picked off by Edwards. The Saints started to get a bit of run late in the term, but couldn't translate it to the scoreboard as Goddard missed consecutive shots. McGregor posted one final goal for the term to give the Crows a 42 point lead at 1/2 time.
That lead was blown out to 54 points within the first 10 minutes of the 3rd term with goals to Ricciuto and Hentschel. The Saints finally found a bit of rhythm and purpose as they broke through the brick wall of Adelaide's defense. Riewoldt took a strong mark to goal, then Rix won a throw in close to St. Kilda's goals and got the ball to Milne who snapped a tight angle goal to slash the margin to 41 points midway through the term. The Saints went into attack again but muffed several chances. Rutten made an uncharacteristic error, turning the ball over to the Saints. But Gehrig's errant handball was fumbled by Milne and the Crows raced away again with McGregor finding Bode in space and he ran into an open goal. The Crows then missed several opportunities to blow the Saints away even more when Fisher rushed a point and Bode and Ricciuto missed several shots on goal. Hentschel made a rare clanger kick which was intercepted by Fisher, but Dal Santo passed straight to Edwards and the Crows held a commanding 50 point lead at 3/4 time.
Goals to Goodwin and Shirley had the Crows up by more than 10 goals early in the final term, but the Saints hit a brief purple patch with goals to Gehrig, McQualter, and Ackland, but the Crows finished the game as strongly as they had started with the final 3 goals.
For Adelaide, Goodwin ((23/6) and Edwards (25/5) tore through the midfield while Johncock (19/9) and McLeod (22/7) cleaned up across half back. Stevens (17/8) kept Riewoldt quiet, Thompson (23/6) worked well up forward while Massie (21/7) and Mattner also made handy contributions.
For the Saints, Goddard (33/13) presented well across half forward while Milne (6 kicks, 3 marks) made the most from limited chances. Ball (25) and Montagna (19) did all they could through midfield to keep the Saints in it, while Baker (21/10) and Fisher (21/11) battled hard in defense. Gehrig had a dirty day with just 7 kicks, 5 marks, and a scoreline of 1.3
GEEL 4.3 12.6 15.8 18.10 (118)
FRE 3.6 5.8 5.13 6.16 (52)
GOALS: GEEL - Ablett 6, Ottens 4, Stokes, Ling 2, Milburn, Enright, Chapman, Mooney; FRE - Crowley, Pavlich, Sandilands, Medhurst, Headland, Farmer
BEST: GEEL - Ablett, Mooney, Ottens, Ling, Corey, Enright, Scarlett; FRE - J. Carr, Headland, Mundy, Peake, M. Carr
BEST: GEEL - Ablett, Mooney, Ottens, Ling, Corey, Enright, Scarlett; FRE - J. Carr, Headland, Mundy, Peake, M. Carr
INJURY: FRE - McPharlin (right ankle), Haddrill (right knee)
CHANGES: GEEL - Mackie replaced in selected side by Kingsley
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Nicholls, Ryan
CHANGES: GEEL - Mackie replaced in selected side by Kingsley
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Nicholls, Ryan
CROWD - 34,236 at Subiaco Oval
Recent times have seen plenty of questions about the Cats - their commitment, toughness or lack thereof, whether or not Ottens was worth his pay packet, if Nathan Ablett has what it takes for AFL football, and more.
Against the Dockers, the Cats took steps to quell those questions. They went in hard, contested well, Ottens looked decidedly comfortable for a change, while Kingsley and Nathan Ablett - while not scoring any goals themselves - still posed extra danger up forward where Gary and Ottens starred.
Both sides were guilty of waywardness at the start of the game with 6 behinds registered - 4 of them to Freo - before Pavlich booted a goal, then set up Crowley for the next to give the Dockers a 14 point lead.
Mooney sparked the Cats into action with a goal, and also set up inspired his teammates into action, booting Geelong's first goal of the afternoon before setting up Enright. Stokes goaled a few minutes later as the Cats hit the front but Sandilands drifted forward to regain the lead for the Dockers before a goal after the siren to Gary Ablett gave Geelong a 3 point lead at 1/4 time.
Gary Ablett pulled the lead back for the Cats to open the 2nd term, but Medhurst replied with a with a beautiful 50 meter goal tucked away on the boundary line. Then the Cats broke the game open, slamming on 6 unanswered goals in 14 minutes to shoot out to a 41 point lead.
Headland finally broke Geelong's run with a running goal, but Chapman replied for the Cats and Geelong was 40 points clear at 1/2 time.
Geelong was simply more efficient in its use of the ball. They had only 2 more possessions than the Dockers, and the same number of marks at the half. Cat Coach Mark Thompson was also rotating his bench like a revolving door to ensure fresh legs on the wide expanse of Subiaco.
Fremantle needed a spark if they were going to have any chance of a revival, but any hope of a comeback was snuffed out when Mooney and Gary Ablett goaled in opening minutes of the 3rd term. Ottens scored the only other goal for the term just before time, but it was enough to have the Cats out to an unassailable 55 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Dockers were in trouble by the end of term, losing McPharlin halfway through and then Haddrill went down just before the siren.
Farmer gave the home crowd something to cheer about in the first few minutes of the final term, but they were heading for home when Ablett kicked his 5th minutes later. Those that remained then saw the Cats finish off well with a goal to Ottens and Ablett kick a miracle goal from deep in a pocket as he was being tackled.
For the Cats, Corey (22), Enright (20/6), and Ling (23/7) drove the midfield with Ling shutting down Hasleby, while Scarlett (22/8) and Mooney (22/13) in defense grabbed just about everything which came their way to halt the Docker attack. Ablett (14) and Ottens (20/7) were superb up forward with Ottens also winning 14 hitouts when spelling King in the ruck.
The Dockers had few winners. Headland (23/5) on a wing, Josh Carr (33/16) in the center, Matthew Carr (14) and Mundy ((22/7) in defense, and Peake (20) up forward can hold their heads up. Sandilands (33 hitouts, 13/7) was good in the ruck and around the ground.
WB 7.4 13.7 20.9 22.13 (145)
BRIS 4.5 7.10 12.12 14.19 (103)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 6, Grant 4, Boyd 2, Robbins 2, Street 2, West, Hahn, Hargrave, Cooney, Griffen, Montgomery; BRIS - Black 3, Moody 2, Rischitelli 2, Selwood, McGrath, Bradshaw, Brennan, Pask, Akermanis, Patfull
GOALS: WB - Johnson 6, Grant 4, Boyd 2, Robbins 2, Street 2, West, Hahn, Hargrave, Cooney, Griffen, Montgomery; BRIS - Black 3, Moody 2, Rischitelli 2, Selwood, McGrath, Bradshaw, Brennan, Pask, Akermanis, Patfull
BEST: BRIS - Power, Black, Rischitelli, Sherman, Akermanis, Brennan; WB - West, Johnson, Cooney, Grant, Boyd, Robbins, Harris, Street
INJURY WB - Hahn (knee); BRIS Selwood (concussion), McGrath (hamstring)
The worst was confirmed during the second half of the broadcast. A knee reconstruction will see Hahn miss the rest of the season
CHANGES: BRIS - Brown (hip inflammation) and Michael (ribs) replaced in selected side by Stiller and Harding, Drummond (shoulder) replaced by Pask
REPORTS: BRIS - Scott (Bris) for wrestling
REPORTS: BRIS - Scott (Bris) for wrestling
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 27,745 at the Gabba
If nothing else, this game could symbolize a changing of the guard. Two years ago, Brisbane was still the terror of the league, dishing out some brutally savage and ruthless poundings (including a 10 goal mauling of the Bulldogs) while the boys from Whitten Oval languished near the bottom of the ladder. While the Lions may have recaptured a bit of that old form recently, it was the Dogs this time who were slicker, quicker, and more accurate than the undermanned Lions.
And while the Dogs are stacked with a plethora of youth, it was the old heads of West in the middle and Brad Johnson and Chris Grant in attack who led the way.
The first half of the opening term was a virtual goal for goal shootout with Selwood and Black notching the first two for Brisbane, only to have the Dogs respond through Johnson and Grant. It then went goal for goal until Robbins and Boyd broke the trend to give the Dogs a 17 point lead at 1/4 time.
While the Lions peppered the goals in the second term, they just couldn't find the big sticks while the Dogs were had no such trouble. The Dogs opened up a massive lead with goals to Boyd, Hahn, and Johnson while Sherman and Scott sprayed gettable shots on the run. Bradshaw, Brennan, and Black finally broke through with goals to keep Brisbane in touch. But Hargrave answered and then Grant chimed in with two more. One indication that luck was definitely not on Brisbane's side was the normally reliable McGrath keeping the ball in play close to the boundary, then dashing to within 20 meters of goal only to have his kick land in the hands of a Bulldog player. In contrast, another passage of play saw Grant tap the ball out to a running Johnson who ran in for the easiest of goals. However, the Dogs suffered yet another knee casualty when Hahn had to be stretchered off. It is the 5th ACL injury the Dogs have suffered this season. Between the Dogs and Lions, there are no less than 9 players now out for the year due to knee reconstructions. It didn't dampen the Dogs' spirits too badly as they led by 33 points at 1/2 time.
The 3rd term was more of the same as the Lions kept slogging away but for little reward. Their ill fortune continued when Grant, who had dropped back to defense, rushed a point. Minutes later, Cooney booted a goal for the Dogs. The Lions attacked again only for McGrath to hit the post. To continue the pattern, Street pushed forward for a goal and minutes later, West won a center clearance which found its way to Johnson who could do no wrong with a tight angle goal from 35 meters. Johnson did it again after a Moody miss before Pask finally got one for the Lions midway through the term (his first career goal). Akermanis bobbed up with one of his customary flashy goals. Then for the first time since the first term, the Lions managed consecutive goals when Black chimed in . By now, Grant was back at CHF for a goal. A minute later, his next kick was touched on the line by Moody. Moody then scooted forward for a goal. He was still there just before time and marked shortly before the siren and converted after the siren but the Dogs still held a 45 advantage at 3/4 time.
In Round 16, 1995, the then Brisbane Bears were down by the same margin at the last break against Hawthorn and staged a remarkable come from behind win. Not this time, though it was not for a lack of trying on Brisbane's part. They just could not buy a goal and just about broke even with the Dogs with both sides each kicking 2 for the term.
For the Dogs, West (36/9) was tireless in the midfield as he constantly won the ball and helped launched numerous attacks. He had plenty of support from Cooney (26/6), Cross (22), Boyd (28/10) and Eagleton (20). Johnson (24/18) & Grant (8 kicks, 5 marks) were just too good, too experienced, and too strong for young defenders Patfull and Roe while Robbins (9/5) lent support from a forward pocket. Harris continued to enhance his reputation as an ace defender holding Bradshaw to just 7 kicks and 5 marks, while Street (14 hitouts) did well in the ruck and around the ground.
For the Lions, McDonald (13 hitouts) and Charman (23 hitouts) combined well in the ruck while Black (26) and Power (36/7) never stopped trying in the middle. Sherman (23/7) held the Michael-less defense together while Akermanis (21/5) and Brennan (18/8) provided the sparks in attack.
PA 2.4 5.11 10.15 13.19 (97)
WCE 3.2 4.6 6.7 8.12 (60)
WCE 3.2 4.6 6.7 8.12 (60)
GOALS: PA - Thomson 2, Tredrea 2, Mahoney 2, S. Burgoyne 2, C. Cornes, Lade, Wilson, Ware, Cassisi; WCE - Lynch 2, Staker 2, R. Jones, Chick, Fletcher, Nicoski
BEST: PA - S. Burgoyne, Lade, Pearce, K. Cornes, Brogan, Wakelin, C. Cornes; WCE - Nicoski, Braun, Fletcher, Waters, Graham, Embley, Lynch
BEST: PA - S. Burgoyne, Lade, Pearce, K. Cornes, Brogan, Wakelin, C. Cornes; WCE - Nicoski, Braun, Fletcher, Waters, Graham, Embley, Lynch
INJURY: PA - Wilson (corked thigh), Tredrea (medial knee ligament)
Tredrea will miss 3-4 weeks
UMPIRES: McLaren, Chamberlain, Donlon
UMPIRES: McLaren, Chamberlain, Donlon
CROWD: 28,125 at AAMI Stadium
The footy gods were smiling on Port who seemed to have everything fall their way for most of the game. They handled the dewy and slippery conditions better, the youth brigade was too busy and enthusiastic to be nervous, and an umpire's error went their way.
Early match-ups saw Kane Cornes pitted against Cousins, Chad Cornes running with Stenglein, Shaun Burgoyne on Adam Selwood, Hunter taking on Tredrea,and Graham opposed to Chaplin.
At the start, it looked like the Eagles would continue their winning ways and break their AAMI hoodoo - they haven't beaten Port there since 1998 - when Jones, Chick, and Lynch kicked 3 goals in the first half of the first term. Stenglein was tagging Cornes out of the game, Tredrea was running well up the ground for the ball, Port's delivery wasn't hitting the targets, players were dropping easy marks, and Brogan and Lonie missed shots on goal they would normally gobble up. Suddenly, their fortunes turned with the youngsters running the lines better and it was two of those kids who were involved in Port's first goal when first-gamer Elijah Ware kicked to fellow rookie Thomson for the goal. Late in the term, Chad Cornes marked behind Stenglein and was almost on the goal line. He took two toe pokes at the ball and missed both, but the ball still dribbled over the line. After a brief conference between the goal umpire and field ump Scott McLaren, it was erroneously ruled a goal. Port got of jail on that one, but still trailed by 4 points at 1/4 time.
Goals to Tredrea and Lade gave Port an 8 point lead early in the 2nd term. They could have blown the Eagles off the paddock had they kicked straighter. Perhaps that youthful exuberance was at fault as 3 players ran into open goal, only for all 3 to hit the post. But Port was controlling play and it wasn't until midway through the term that Fletcher got West Coast's only goal to trim the margin. Enter the youth factor again when Ebert set up Mahoney for a goal to give Port an 11 point lead at 1/2 time.
Port maintained the pressure and its run in the 3rd term with Wilson starting proceedings with an amazing goal on the run from just outside the center square. But the Eagles responded and it was goal for goal as the Eagles got within 13 points midway through the term before Port took control, starting from the half back line. Players found teammates seemingly unattended and goals to Ware, Tredrea, and Mahoney gave Port a 32 point lead at 3/4 time.
Considering the Eagles' incredible comebacks of recent weeks, Port was ready for the inevitable fightback, and kept the pressure on as Surjan kept Kerr quiet and Pearce continued the form which saw him earn a Rising Star nomination earlier in the season.
Danyle Pearce was another young gun leading Port's charge, while Jacob Surjan, who was keeping Daniel Kerr relatively quiet, was also excelling. And in another terrific effort, Kane Cornes had the better of Cousins and Port simply bottled up the game and made the Eagles work for every touch of the ball. Cassisi and Staker traded goals to start the final term. Against the Cats and Carlton this was where the Eagles turned it around, but when Wirrpanda missed a set shot from 35 meters and Kerr's soccer kick went the wrong way, it was pretty much over as their only other goal came to Nicoski, but that was after Shaun Burgoyne twice dashed off halfback to kick two for Port.
For Port, ruck duo (16 hitouts, 13) and Lade (12 hitouts, 17/7) won plenty of the ball in the center and proved a handful around the ground with Lade also having stints in attack. Kane Cornes (29/8) and Chad Cornes (21/11) led the midfield charge while Shaun Burgoyne (34/4) was brilliant across half back and Wakelin was steady at fullback, but had an easy day at the office. Pearce (31/7) was excellent through the center and across half forward.
Port Coach Mark Williams joked at his post-match press conference that a month ago he was thinking priority picks at the draft, but now needs to focus on winning more games.
HAW 2.3 7.6 12.7 16.9 (105)
RICH 1.4 3.9 5.11 8.16 (64)
GOALS: HAW - Franklin 6, Dixon 3, Brennan 2, Campbell, Clarke, Birchall, Lewis, Williams; RICH - Pettifer 3, Simmonds 2, Brown, Meyer, Tambling
BEST: HAW - Ladson, Franklin, Mitchell, Clarke, Dixon, Young, Lewis, Ries, Brown; RICH - Simmonds, Pettifer, P Bowden, Brown, Deledio
RICH 1.4 3.9 5.11 8.16 (64)
GOALS: HAW - Franklin 6, Dixon 3, Brennan 2, Campbell, Clarke, Birchall, Lewis, Williams; RICH - Pettifer 3, Simmonds 2, Brown, Meyer, Tambling
BEST: HAW - Ladson, Franklin, Mitchell, Clarke, Dixon, Young, Lewis, Ries, Brown; RICH - Simmonds, Pettifer, P Bowden, Brown, Deledio
INJURY: HAW - Barker (hand), Hodge (hand); RICH - Coughlan (knee - ACL)
UMPIRES: Sully, Quigley, Schmitt
CROWD: 20,971 at Aurora Stadium, Launceston (TAS)
The game got off to a scrappy, error-riddled start, but the Tigers had more to worry about when Coughlan hobbled off after just 3 minutes. He came back on late in the term, but was soon off again for good. The scrap continued until almost midway through the term when Birchall, in just his 6th game, slotted his first goal for the Hawks. Franklin, who was working hard up forward, bagged his first of the game to give the Hawks a 2 goal lead before the Tigers got on the board through Tambling, who swooped on a loose ball, but it was the Hawks by 5 points at 1/4 time.
Tivendale had a chance to grab the lead for the Tigers early in the 2nd term, but his blast from almost 50 missed everything and the Hawks delivered the ball to Dixon for another goal.
Tivendale had a chance to grab the lead for the Tigers early in the 2nd term, but his blast from almost 50 missed everything and the Hawks delivered the ball to Dixon for another goal.
Meyer pulled it back for the Tigers with a classy right foot snap, but the Hawks blew the open with 4 unanswered goals to be 29 points clear late in the term. Once again the Tigers finished well, but wasted chances in front of goal. the quarter well, but were wasteful in front of goal. Pettifer managed a late long range goal, leaving the Hawks 21 points in front at 1/2 time.
The second half mirrored the opening as both sides struggled. It was almost 10 minutes in before any sort of score was registered and that was only a point to Tiger Nathan Brown. The Hawks were the first to exert any influence and were rewarded with a goal to Franklin. The Tigers finally managed consecutive goals for the first time in the match with Pettifer and Simmonds getting Richmond within 20 points, but that was as close as they would get as Campbell, Franklin, and Dixon finished off to give the Hawks a 38 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Tigers gave a bit of a yelp in the final term, but the Hawks kicked 4 goals to 3 to snap their 6 game losing streak.
For the Hawks, Mitchell (31/9), Clarke (27/13), Lewis (24/8), Ries (22/9), and Young (24/13) knocked up getting the ball in midfield while Franklin (16 kicks) and Dixon (18/8) had a day out in attack. Ladson (26/8) and Campbell Brown (18/11) stood out in defense.
For the Tigers, Patrick Bowden (16/6) battled in defense, Deledio (17/7) and Nathan Brown (16/10) worked hard in the middle and across half forward as did Pettifer (21/11).
MELB 2.3 5.7 12.10 16.15 (111)
ESS 2.8 4.12 7.13 10.15 (75)
GOALS: MELB - Robertson 4, Neitz 3, Bruce 2, Dunn 2, Bartram, Davey, Johnstone, Read, Sylvia; ESS - Lucas 2, Reynolds 2, Hille, M. Johnson, McPhee, Monfries, Ryder, Stanton
BEST: MELB - Johnstone, Bruce, Robertson, White, Holland, Carroll, McDonald, Green; ESS - McPhee, Bradley, Hird, Stanton, Slattery, Walsh
ESS 2.8 4.12 7.13 10.15 (75)
GOALS: MELB - Robertson 4, Neitz 3, Bruce 2, Dunn 2, Bartram, Davey, Johnstone, Read, Sylvia; ESS - Lucas 2, Reynolds 2, Hille, M. Johnson, McPhee, Monfries, Ryder, Stanton
BEST: MELB - Johnstone, Bruce, Robertson, White, Holland, Carroll, McDonald, Green; ESS - McPhee, Bradley, Hird, Stanton, Slattery, Walsh
INJURY: MELB - Sylvia (ankle); Pickett (corked hip); ESS - Hird (hamstring), Slattery (quadriceps)
CHANGES: ESS - Fletcher replaced in selected side by Watson.
UMPIRES: Kamolins, Hendrie, Ellis
CROWD - 35,019 at Telstra Dome
The Bombers did most of the attacking in the first term and with Solomon all over Neitz and Lovett-Murray quelling the dangerous Robertson, Melbourne's opportunities were limited.
But Essendon failed where it counted with Reynolds, Lucas, Stanton, and former Demon Heffernan all spraying shots. Reynolds finally found his kicking boots to bag a goal for Essendon. But Robertson and Bartram answered before Reynolds slotted a late goal to leave Essendon 5 points clear at 1/4 time. The anticipated battle between Hird and Bruce never eventuated with Hird apparently tweaking his hamstring early in the term and then restricted to handballs the rest of the game.
Lucas shook off Rivers early in the 2nd term to get the margin out to 12 points, but Robertson was getting on top of Lovett-Murray and Sylvia kicked another to keep Melbourne close. However, both sides were still spraying shots which would have given one or the other a definite edge. Robertson kicked a goal to give the Demons a narrow lead, but Monfries made it just a 1 point game at 1/2 time.
The 3rd term was also a bit sloppy, with Essendon also guilty of some undisciplined play. Neitz broke the 10 minute deadlock with a goal. Bruce followed up soon after before Hille finally got one for the Bombers. The Dees then hit back with 3 in a row to take a 21 point lead. Lucas and Dunn then traded goals before McPhee put the Bombers within striking distance late in the term, but Davey produced a bit of magic with a goal on the run just before the siren to leave the Dees 27 points clear at 3/4 time.
The margin blew out even further with goals to Dunn, Neitz, and Robertson early in the final term. The Bombers managed 3 of the last 4 goals to add a modicum of respectability to the scoreboard.
It was Melbourne's first win and Essendon's 5th loss at the Dome this season
For Melbourne, White (22, 18/13) dominated the hitouts and was influential around the ground, while McDonald (29/8), Johnstone (24/6), Green (23/10), and Bruce (17/7) controlled the midfield. Holland, Carroll ((19/5), and Rivers (16/5) made the Bomber attack work overtime for the ball.
For Essendon, McPhee (25), Slattery (17/6), Stanton (21/8), and Camporeale (23/6) won plenty of the ball in the middle. Welsh (26/10) and Bradley (23/11) tried to stem the tide in defense while Hird (23/7) soldiered on valiantly in attack despite his injury.
Since I forgot to properly format the goals and standing from last week, and Round 12 won't be complete until next week, here is the Round 11 information.
ROUND 11 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
David Neitz (MELB) 47
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
Match/Standings/Goals Sources: Melbourne Age, afl.com.au, author notes from live broadcasts
Jacob Surjan is the Round 11 Rising Star nominee.
Surjan was named best-on-ground against Hawthorn, providing plenty of run forward from half-back and led the Power with 26 disposals, seven marks and a goal.
Surjan (20) debuted in Round 1, 2004, but injury has kept him to just eight games over the past two years. This season he is finding consistency and has now played six matches in 2006 and is proving himself to be a versatile player who uses the ball well, chases hard and is a strong tackler.
He represented WA in the 2003 U-18 Championships and has joined WA teammates Farren Ray, Paul Duffield, Michael Pettigrew, Kepler Bradley and Chris Johnson in AFL ranks.
Surjan was Port Adelaide’s first selection (10th overall) in the 2004 Preseason Draft. His football career started aged 13 at South Coogee and continued in the WAFL for South Fremantle.
Surjan was Port Adelaide’s first selection (10th overall) in the 2004 Preseason Draft. His football career started aged 13 at South Coogee and continued in the WAFL for South Fremantle.
Surjan is Port Adelaide’s third nominee this season following Danyle Pearce (Round 3) and Brad Symes (Round 9). The last time Port Adelaide had three Rising Star nominations in one year was 1998. The Club’s highest tally was 4 in its first year in the AFL, 1997.
Story Source: Michele Clyne, AFL Media Release
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Tuesday, July 11, 2006 - 12:24 AM EDT
