by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
New Pay Deal
While some of the finer points of the new CBA have yet to be finalized, the biggest hurdle has been overcome with the AFL and AFLPA finally coming to an agreement over player payments for the next five years. Players will now earn an average of $200,000 per year, And it is not just the superstars of the game who will benefit, but the "lower level" players as well as first and second year players.
Over the next five years, player wages will increase by 25% and the AFL is poised to ensure that the clubs receive about $1 million each a year over that agreement - roughly $500,000 above the increase the clubs will have to fork out, although details are not complete.
While the figures released show that AFL players will have rises of 7.3% next year and 7% in 2008, that total will actually be 10.5% when retirement funds, marketing contracts, health and education funds, prize money and other "extras" are added in. That will jump by another 5.6% in 2008.
This year, the average total amount paid to a player on a list is about $192,000 and that amount becomes about $219,000 if a player has played one game or more of senior football (the salary cap average figure is only $162,000). When all the extras are included, those figures will rise to an average of $212,830 a player in 2007 (no games) and a staggering $242,400 next year if a player has played one or more games, although some of this money goes in retirement funds and other areas.
The players are still negotiating other terms of the collective bargaining agreement, and according to players' union CEO Brendon Gale, they want the player market freed up, perhaps even with a limited form of free agency.
KEY POINTS OF DEAL
- The players will receive a one-third share of every extra dollar the AFL earns in excess of its revenue forecast. Last year, the league exceeded its forecast by about $10 million.
- Rookies and first-year players are the major beneficiaries of the pay increase, with the minimum wage for first and second-year players rising by 10% in 2007. Rookies will receive a 15% increase next year.
- The premiership team will receive $1 million - four times the current prize money with $600,000 going to the players themselves. All other finalists will see their prize money more than doubled and the Grand Final runner-up will receive $500,000.
- The No. 1 draft pick will receive an extra $10,000 as recognition of his status and responsibilities, with other top-five picks also receiving extra money.
- $35 million will be paid into the players' union retirement account over the five years, with another $2 million given to a past-player fund for those with health-related difficulties.
- $25 million to help players in areas of education, training, health and welfare.
- Next year's salary cap will be $6.94 million, rising to $7.43 million in 2008 - meaning players who fall out of contract this year and next will fare exceedingly well.
- Total player payments increase from $103.8 million this year to $131.6 million in 2011 - a 26.7% rise.
- Total payments per club rise from $6.5 million this year to $8.2 million in 2011.
- The AFL is set to allow recruitment of rookie-list players older than the current maximum age of 23.
A major focus of the new pay deal is improved payments to the game's youngsters - such as first year draftees and rookie list players. A first round draft pick who plays at least 18 games next season will earn $100,000 next year, up from $91,500 this year, while the minimum base contract for a rookie will be $30,000 - up 16% on this year's figure.
And for the first time the AFL will make a special payment to the top five draft picks - $10,000 to the first pick, $5000 to picks two and three and $2500 to picks four and five - to recognize the amount of promotional work those young players do once they are drafted. Those payments will be in addition to the contractual and match day payments.
Both Andrew Demetriou and Brendon Gale said they were delighted with the deal, with Gale saying the agreement was not just focused on the superstars of the game. He also indicated there would soon be a deal with a major health insurance firm to provide coverage for all players. Demetriou said the deal would make the game more attractive to prospective players as a result and would go a long way toward enhancing the game in the face of the challenge from the ever increasing popularity of soccer.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com
Blake Caracella Retires
Blake Caracella, who suffered fractured vertebrae and spinal cord bruising in a collision with Lion Tim Notting, has been advised by specialists to retire or risk even more serious damage or even paralysis.
In a way, the injury may have been serendipitous in that the intense monitoring and extensive scans, which would not be done under more relatively normal circumstances, revealed an abnormally narrow spinal canal. It is this canal which houses the spinal cord and is surrounded by the protective vertebrae of the spine. Had he not been required to undergo such extensive tests, the abnormality may never have been detected.
According to the specialists, it is something that Caracella has always had, and is a 1 in 1000 occurrence. It was also, according to the doctors, an accident waiting to happen with a greater risk that the next time it could be a lot more serious.
With this information and advice, Caracella decided to hang up the boots. While disappointed at not being able to go out on his own terms, Caracella was pragmatic saying, "....if you look on the bright side...I've had a good career and played under three of the best coaches going around (ed. note - Kevin Sheedy, Leigh Matthews, Mick Malthouse).....and with a young family now and being 30 next year, I've had a career already, so I guess it's a pretty easy decision to make now. It would have been a lot harder if I had been 21 with my whole career in front of me."
Caracella wore a neck brace for six weeks following the incident and while he still has sore nerves in his fingers, he is expected to make a full recovery with only some minor periodic tingling in his fingers remaining. Caracella will now turn his attention to a coaching career.
CARACELLA FILE
AGE 29
RECRUITED FROM St Mary's/Northern U18s
AFL DEBUT 1997
GAMES 182 (Essendon 126, 1997-2002; Brisbane Lions 34, 2003-2004; Collingwood 22, 2005-2006)
HONORS: Essendon premiership side 2000; Brisbane Lions premiership 2003; Essendon preseason premiership 2000; International rules series 2000-2001; 3rd Essendon best and fairest 2000; Rising Star nominee 1997.
GENERAL NEWS
AFL Injury Report
The league released its 14th annual Injury Report, which compiled injury statistics from 2005 and showed that 2005 had the second lowest incident of injury behind 2003 and were lower than 2004. The report was compiled by Dr. John Orchard and AFL Medical Officers President Dr. Hugh Seward.
All 16 clubs again cooperated fully with the production of the injury survey and the 2005 season revealed no ruck-related knee posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries, following the alteration at the start of last season to the rules relating to center bounces.
Hamstring strains remain the most common and prevalent injury, although there was a slight reduction over the long-term last year as well as a lower recurrence rate. Since 1997, the incidence has dropped from almost seven to just over five, the prevalence remains at around 23 games per club per season and the recurrence, while down from almost 40% in 1997, is still at 27%.
In 2003, 13.5% of the players suffered injury each week, 2004 reported 14.9% per week, while 2005 had 14.7% of the players sidelined per week. Once again, groin injuries and ACL knee injuries were the most prevalent after hamstring injuries. The report also showed that these 3 injuries most often occurred in non-contact situations, indicating that the safety of playing the game still remains high.
The report stated clubs could expect to lose an average of 125 senior games in a season, due to injury, down from 131 games in season 2004. And clubs could expect an average of 6 injuries per week, down from 7-8 in 2004.
There is also some evidence that shoulder injuries are on the rise, which would be in line with studies suggesting there is much more "collision football" being played. The incidence of shoulder sprains and dislocations was up marginally. AC joint injuries and collarbone fractures are both down, however, and Dr John Orchard said it was still unclear whether this was what he referred to as a "statistical blip" or a trend, which will have to be monitored over the next several seasons.
AFL Football Operations Manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL would continue to commit to the annual injury survey and ongoing research projects as club medical officers believed the twin approach had contributed to advances in injury prevention and/or management.
According to Anderson, the annual report also helps the league's Research Board in the assignment of funding. Another focus of the ongoing studies and research is ensuring the safety of the game not only for the elite AFL players, but for junior players as well.
Contributing factors to the overall reduction rates are better training and conditioning methods better rehabilitation and treatment programs, and prevention methods. In the osteitis pubis, and groin injuries generally, there is earlier diagnosis and better management programs.
In a related story, Monash University Professor of Physiology Dr. Uwe Proske has been conducting a study of sensory aspects of body positioning and has discovered that subjects have less control over positioning limbs with increased fatigue. He said his research has shown that overstriding by athletes during running could be caused by fatigue and be a potential cause of hamstring injury. This is one point on which Dr. John Orchard agrees, saying that overstriding is more likely to occur late in games when players are tired.
One experiment showed that when subjects were asked to position a fatigued arm beside their other unfatigued arm there were significant errors in positioning if the subject was not allowed to see the limbs during the test.
Proske said fatigue could also make players more vulnerable to injuries during physical clashes such as bumping, tackling or diving for the ball because the player has less control over where his limbs are.
According to Proske, injuries such as hamstring strains and tears are caused during "eccentric exercise", when the muscle is extended while it is being contracted. This happens particularly during sprinting and kicking. Eccentric exercise causes microscopic damage and this can sometimes lead to a more major muscle tear. His research has also shown that mild eccentric exercise would condition the muscles so they would adapt and be less prone to fatigue related injury.
Proske and his group have tried to contact clubs to get them to introduce such a program, but have been unsuccessful in getting clubs and players to do so.
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release & Melbourne Age
Stadium Deal Top-Ups
The AFL is considering extra cash payouts to clubs which have poor stadium deals and which do not attain a certain level of gate receipts. This would be in addition to money received from the special assistance fund.
The clubs most likely to receive this extra funding are MCG tenants Hawthorn, Richmond, and Melbourne, Telstra Dome tenant St. Kilda, and possibly Port Adelaide. For Hawthorn and St. Kilda, poorly attended games in Tasmania would also be factored in.
The idea was first floated to the AFL by Richmond, which stated that stadium deals can be more closely tied to the annual special distribution, and that the league should provide assistance to clubs that fall below certain financial levels in terms of match day revenue. Match day revenue includes gate receipts, membership, reserve seating, signage, and corporate hospitality. Match day expenses are deducted from the overall revenue, with some clubs losing money on poorly attended games, especially at Telstra Dome, where expenses have traditionally been higher than at the MCG.
Source: Melbourne Age
Fitness Unity
Australia's leading sports - Netball Australia, Cricket Australia, and the AFL - have announced they will join with Medibank Private to improve the health and well-being of Australian children.
There have been concerns recently with the increasing rate of overweight and obese children and the joint initiative will focus on promoting healthy behavior to reduce the rate of overweight youngsters and obesity.
The program for Australian girls and boys encourages at least one hour of moderate to vigorous participation exercise every day and healthy eating, including seven servings of fruit and vegetables (two fruit and five vegetables). The basic message is to 'Move More, Eat Well'.
The number of children who are overweight or obese has jumped dramatically in the past few decades, and problems such as poor body image, low self-esteem, and disordered eating are frequent in these children. The program will be introduced into schools and will include health related classroom curriculum and practical physical activities to develop key movement and motor skills with resources made available to teachers and parents.
The program will create strong community awareness and links to existing introductory sports programs offered by the three sports, with the aim to establish sporting habits and healthy lifestyle values for children to keep them active throughout their lives.
The program will also involve visits to schools by elite athletes from all three sports. The ambassadors are netball co-captain Sharelle McMahon, Australian Test batsman Mike Hussey, Australian women's cricket captain Karen Rolton and St Kilda champion Robert Harvey.
Source: afl.com
Indiscretion Concern
The rising number of boys behaving badly this season (see Collingwood and Carlton news below) has the AFL seeking stiffer penalties and they will meet with the AFLPA to review the Code of Conduct at the end of the season.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said players had to accept responsibility for their behavior and he has not ruled out the league stepping in to penalize players under its own "conduct unbecoming" law.
Source: ABC Online
South Africa Report
AFL South Africa CEO Jean Verster and coach Mtutuzeli Hlomela were in Australia last week to discuss the growth of the game in their country. There are currently approximately 3000 participants n Africa and that figure is expected to rise to 20,000 in 4 years' time. There are plans to set up SAKICK, a South African version of Auskick for children of all ages to learn the game.
Following the success of this year's Indigenous tour of South Africa, a South African Under 18 team will play an Australian Indigenous team in Darwin and Perth. That team will also compete in the Ron Barassi Tournament in Canberra in October. Other teams to compete will be Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Nauru, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
AFL General Manager of Game Development David Matthews said Australian football’s presence in South Africa can help deliver positive heath and education messages as well as providing a fun sporting alternative.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Alcohol Survey
With a number of off field indiscretions making headlines this year, and at the suggestion of 2 football managers, the AFLPA and AFL have come up with an anonymous survey which asks players questions about their drinking habits during the season and off season. With so much emphasis and education on the use of drugs, some feel that alcohol needs more of a focus. The results, which will be analyzed by a Melbourne university group, will be presented to the league at the end of the season and will help shape education programs about the use and abuse of alcohol. Several clubs have already completed the 30 minute survey with others to follow over the coming weeks.
Melbourne football manager Chris Fagan said any problems which have occurred at the club and with Demon players has been alcohol related while his Kangaroo counterpart Tim Harrington said the issue of alcohol use sometimes got "breezed over" with the focus on drug use.
First and second-year players complete compulsory induction camps run by the players' association at the beginning of every AFL season, where such topics are covered. And the AFLPA also offers workshops to each club on any number of welfare matters. Ninety-five such workshops have been conducted so far this year.
Titans ask AFL For Truce
Gold Coast rugby team the Titans were reportedly unhappy with the idea of the Kangaroos invading their territory, which upset their plans to have the Carrara Stadium oval redeveloped to accommodate more fans. They have now called on the AFL to work out scheduling compromise. The biggest issue was the AFL's blocking of a plan for the Titans to erect temporary seating on the ground's surface, which the AFL claimed would damage the surface for AFL football.
The Gold Coast city council administration, headed by CEO Dale Dixon, met with Titans CEO Michael Searle last week and Searle was confident a resolution could be reached by said it was up to the AFL to work out a solution with Dixon and the Gold Coast council.
Source: The Border Mail
TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:
Greg Stafford (RICH), rough conduct against Saint Brendan Goddard: negligent conduct (1), high impact (3), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 6 points, a Level 3 offense, 225 demerits and a 2 game suspension. He has a total of 5 matches suspended within the last 3 years, increasing the penalty 40% to 315 demerits and a 3 game suspension. Had he entered an early plea, it would have reduced the penalty 25% to 236.25 demerits and a 2 game suspension.
Stafford took his case to the Tribunal, pleading not guilty to the
rough conduct charge, arguing that his collision with Saint Brendon Goddard was accidental.
The Tigers argued Stafford saw the ball and ran in to collect it, but once he realized he couldn't get to it he looked up and saw Goddard charging towards him. He realized contact was imminent and instinctively turned his body in preparation for the bump with his shoulder, connecting with Goddard's jaw.
Stafford's advocate Michael Tovey argued there was less than one second between the time Stafford raised his eyes after realizing a Matthew Richardson handpass was going to fall short of him and colliding with Goddard. He had not been aware of Goddard's presence before taking his eyes off the ball and looking up. Stafford said the decision was either to protect himself or not, and was quoted at the hearing, "We're taught right through from the time we're kids to protect yourself and go hard. It was "pure self-preservation".
The panel ruled in his favor in finding him not guilty and throwing out the charge.
Prior to the hearing, Coach Terry Wallace said the club was seeking clarification from the AFL regarding a player's options when confronted with an imminent collision such as Stafford's. He said that despite the video the AFL sends to clubs showing what is and isn't acceptable, there is no clear indication of what a player can do in such circumstances. He believes had Stafford not acted in turning sideways before the collision, both players could have been seriously injured.
Steven Baker (STK), attempting to strike Tiger Greg Stafford: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), behind play (1), and high contact (2), equaling 7 points, a Level 4 offense, 175 demerits, and a 1 game suspension. He has a total of 4 matches suspended within the last 3 years, increasing the penalty 30% to 227.50 points and a 2 game suspension. Had he accepted, the penalty would have been reduced 25% to 170.63 and a 1 game suspension.
Steven Baker took his case to the Tribunal, pleading not guilty to striking Tiger Greg Stafford.
He admitted to making contact and remonstrating with Stafford after Stafford had collided with Saint Brendon Goddard, an action which saw Stafford himself charged.
Baker said he and Stafford grabbed each other's guernseys and were involved in some "push and shove" and a verbal altercation. Baker admitted to giving Stafford a forceful push across the chest with his forearm, an action which, given the force, could have been construed as a strike. His advocate Sean Carroll pointed out the huge height difference between the 179cm Baker and the 204cm Stafford, saying it was virtually impossible for Baker to have been able to throw a punch at Stafford while holding his jumper with his other hand. However, the panel disagreed and upheld the original finding of the MRP, leaving Baker with a 2 game suspension.
The Saints appealed the Tribunal verdict, claiming the first hearing was skewed because of a lack of proper questioning by Will Houghton, QC for the AFL. Baker's advocate Paul Ehrlich told the appeals board that although Baker admitted to making contact with Stafford, he was not asked if he had intention of making high contact, with the omission amounting to an error in law. Ehrlich, a Melbourne barrister, said it was "remarkable" that Baker had been charged with intending to make contact with Stafford's head, when the actual contact was with his
chest. However, another attorney, Andrew Tinney, said the details of the charge were very clear and that had Houghton asked the missing question, Baker would have said no and the question would not have changed the outcome.
The appeals panel of Peter O'Callaghan QC, Brian Collis QC, and John Schultz dismissed the appeal, saying there had been no procedural error, leaving Baker to serve the 2 game suspension imposed by the Tribunal.
Afterward, Saint Coach Grant Thomas echoed Tiger Coach Terry Wallace, in calling for clarification on the rules governing "jumper punching". He was also in agreement with Wallace that the DVD issued by the AFL at the start of the season needed to be more specific in some areas. Grant said until the league made the parameters clearer, players would continue to push the boundaries.
Andrew Raines (RICH), tripping Saint Aaron Fiora: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), in play (0), and body contact (1), equaling 5 points, a Level 2 offense, 125 demerits, and a 1 game suspension. He has no applicable good or bad record and, had he accepted, the penalty would have been reduced by 25% 93.75 demerits and a reprimand, with the demerits held over toward his future record.
Andrew took his case to the Tribunal in an effort to have the charge downgraded from intentional to reckless. He and his advocate Michael Tovey successfully argued that Raines, in an effort to hold him up to keep him from running away, had a hold of him, but that his hands slipped and clipped Fiora's ankle. Raines said he had no intention of tripping Fiora or making him fall.
The panel agreed which reduced the original demerits from 125 to 75. Raines then pleaded guilty to a reckless trip, reducing the 75 demerits by 25% to 56.25 demerits and a reprimand, leaving him eligible for this year's Rising Star Award.
Troy Simmonds (RICH), striking Saint Nick Riewoldt: intentional conduct (3), low impact (1), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 6 points, a Level 3 offense, 225 demerits, and a 2 game suspension. He has no applicable good or bad record and accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 168.75 points and a 1 game suspension.
Cameron Mooney (GEEL), charging Kangaroo Daniel Pratt: reckless conduct (2), medium impact (2), in play (0), and body contact (1), equaling 5 points, a Level 2 offense, 125 demerits, and a 1 game suspension. He has a total of 3 games suspended within the last 3 years, increasing his penalty 20% to 150 demerits. He also has 50 residual points from within the past year, increasing the penalty to 200 demerits and a 2 game suspension. He accepted, reducing the penalty 25% to 150 demerits and a 1 game suspension.
Byron Schammer (FRE) and Andrew Walker (CARL) were both fined $1200 for a first wrestling offense. Both accepted, reducing the fine 25% to $900.
Source: Melbourne Age, alf.com, & Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
MILESTONES
Club Record Games: Chris Grant (WB) played his 330th game this week since his debut in 1990, breaking the previous mark of 329 games established by Doug Hawkins
150 games as captain: David Neitz (MELB)
100 consecutive games: Brett Kirk (SYD)
100 games: Daniel Giansiracusa (WB), Shaun Burgoyne (PA), Paul Medhurst (FRE)
100 games umpired: Scott Jeffery
50 games: Henry Playfair & Charlie Gardiner (GEEL), Brett Ebert (PA), Robert Campbell (HAW), Cain Ackland & Mark McGough (STK), Roger Hayden (FRE)
50 club games: David Teague (CARL)
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
GEELONG
Gary Ablett was cleared of any serious damage to his AC shoulder joint, but will still miss 1-3 weeks with a grade one strain.
Source Sarah Birch, Club Media Release
KANGAROOS
Sav Rocca, 32, could follow in the footsteps of Darren Bennett and, more recently, Ben Graham, to become yet one more Aussie punter in the NFL. Rocca, 32, has been practicing for several months with an American football and made a video tape last week of his punting, which will be submitted to NFL talent scouts.
While he managed several punts beyond 70 yards, he admitted to needing more work on consistency but his average "hang time" was about 4.5 seconds, numbers comparable with NFL standards.
Victorian Eagles gridiron team head coach Brendan Bowe, ironically a disgruntled Geelong supporter when Graham left the Cats, says Rocca and others can follow. Bowe said Rocca had the leg to make it in the NFL and Rocca said he has already had "a couple of nibbles".
Injury Update:
Tim Hutchison, groin, season
Jesse Smith, ankle, season
Blake Grima, hamstring, 4 weeks
Djaran Whyman, hamstring, 3 weeks
Source: Herald Sun & Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
ESSENDON
Injury Update:
Jay Neagle, fractured ankle, season
Dean Rioli, knee, 3 weeks
Tim O’Keefe, shoulder, 3 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fractured fibula, 3 weeks
Jason Laycock, Lachlan McKinnon, & Aaron Henneman, shoulder reconstruction, season
Heath Hocking, foot, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Adam Ramanauskas, cancer, indefinite
Source: Emma Robinson, Club Media Release
WEST COAST
Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Mark Nicoski, ankle, 3 weeks
Adam Hunter, knee, 3 weeks
Travis Gaspar, foot, 3 weeks
Matthew Spangher, groin, 2 weeks
Source: Gary Stocks, Club Media Release
ST KILDA
Injury Update:
Xavier Clark, hip, 1 week
Aaron Hamill, knee, 1-2 weeks
Lenny Hayes, knee reconstruction, season
Justin Koschitzke, fractured skull, ongoing assessment
Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Coach Rodney Eade, at his post-match press conference last week, took a swipe at several umpiring interpretations during the game, Eade believed several kicks that were marked by Bulldog players traveled the required 15 meters but were not paid. The result was that the player thought he had marked, but the umpire called "play-on" leaving the player open to opposition pressure. Eade was clearly frustrated after the game and said he would speak with Umpire Director Jeff Gieschen. He even rang umpire coach Rowan Sawers on his cell phone on the way home from the game
Injury Update:
Luke Darcy, Robert Murphy, Tim Walsh, Adam Morgan, Mitch Hahn, knee, season
Tom Williams, ankle, season
Shaun Higgins, elbow, 2-4 weeks
Brett Montgomery, calf, 2-4 weeks
Daniel Giansiracusa, hamstring, 2 weeks
Source: Melbourne Age & Shaun Anderson, Club Media Release
CARLTON
Former St. Kilda CEO and director Jim Watts has been appointed as a consultant to the AFL and will work part time assisting Carlton. Watts served as director, VP, and CEO at St. Kilda from 2000 until July of this year and played a huge role in turning around the fortunes of the club.
Before working at St Kilda, Watts, who has an Honors Degree in Economics and post-graduate degrees in Mathematics and Physical Education, founded a human resource consulting firm, Hamilton Watts International in London in 1984. He drove the expansion of the company into a multi-national organization with offices in Europe, Indonesia, Singapore, Canada, Hong Kong, New Zealand, USA and Australia before selling the company to global listed company, Cendant Corporation in 2000. He also worked in the United States managing a series of health clubs and also worked as European Sales Manager for a UK-based telecommunications company.
He is widely respected for both his football and business expertise and will work closely with Carlton president Graham Smorgon and CEO Michael Malouf.
A magistrate's court heard last week that Heath Scotland, who was not present, had slapped a woman outside a night club in May of last year.
The court was told that a verbal altercation between Scotland and the woman began inside the nightclub sometime between 1.30am and 2.30am. Police allege Scotland flicked his drink at the woman but when she tried to push him away, he hit the right side of her face with the back of his hand.
Scotland's lawyer, Bernie Balmer, earlier told the court his client, who has not yet entered a plea, disputed the police version of events. Balmer told the court that Scotland had some history with the woman, and the pair met in the men's room of the club.
The plaintiff then told the court she would be satisfied with an apology from Scotland, who could escape serious penalty under Australian law which allows such misdemeanors to be dealt with under a "diversion program". Under the program, a first time offender can plead guilty and be given community service, an order to apologize, and any other conditions the court sees fit to impose. If the defendant complies, no conviction will be recorded.
The case will resume in mid-September.
Matthew Lappin earned a recall from the VFL, where he has spent the past 2 weeks.
Injury Update:
Justin Davies, back, season
Jason Saddington, knee, season
Marc Murphy, shoulder, season
Craig Flint, fractured tibia,6-8 weeks
Troy Longmuir, shoulder, 3-4 weeks
Ian Prendergast, knee, 5-6 weeks
Aisake O'hAilpin, groin, 1-2 weeks
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release; Melbourne Age & Stephen Wilson, Club Media Release
FREMANTLE
This week's game was the annual "Purple Haze" match, which was initiated in 2003 and so far has raised over $80,000 for the Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Docker officials have again been disappointed by being denied a training run at Telstra Dome in the lead up to last week's game. Club CEO Cameron Schwab said it gave the side a clear disadvantage and pointed to the injury suffered by debutant Marcus Drum after he slipped on a sponsor's logo on the ground's outer wing just before three-quarter-time. Although Schwab stopped short of blaming the slippery surface for the injury, he said if Drum had been allowed to train on the surface, he may have been better prepared for twisting and turning on the ground during the game.
Schwab said he again would raise the issue with Telstra Dome management and the AFL. He said because the Dome surface is different to other grounds, players needed a run to get used to the surface and often had to change boots several times during a game because of not having a chance to check out the surface ahead of time.
Eagle chairman Trevor Nisbett was in agreement with Schwab and said interstate teams coming to Melbourne should be afforded the same courtesy as those visiting Perth and allowed a training run at Subiaco. He was quoted in the Age, "The issue is the different texture of the surface and the slipping and sliding of the players" and believes training runs for visiting teams at the game day grounds should be mandatory.
The AFL and Telstra Dome officials have maintained that because of the fragile nature of the grass, which often has a closed roof over the top and struggles to grow, teams should not train on the ground. But exceptions have been made for some Melbourne teams. The Kangaroos, for instance, have been allowed to train at the ground since the player rooms at their Arden Street training base were burnt in a fire.
Key defender Michael Johnson has signed a new 3 year deal. Both club and player are delighted. Johnson has played every game this year, after making his debut last season.
Paul Hasleby (abdominal strain) and Justin Longmuir (knee) returned from injury this week.
Injury Update:
Marcus Drum, hamstring, 3 weeks
Antoni Grover, shoulder, 2 weeks
Robert Haddrill, knee, season
Daniel Haines, achilles, season
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Mark White, Club Media Release
HAWTHORN
Peter Everitt's season is over due to scheduled surgery on his ankle next week. Everitt has struggled with an ankle injury since Round 10 and missed Rounds 12-13 with the injury. He returned the following week, but the injury was worsened when accidentally stepped on in the Round 15 game against the Crows, forcing him out the following week. Last week, Everitt’s ankle injury limited his performance against Collingwood. It has also limited his training over the past 6-7 weeks, causing a drop in fitness.
Richard Vandenberg (virus) returned this week while Beau Dowler and ruckman Max Bailey both debuted.
Injury Update:
Luke Brennan, knee, season
Luke Brennan underwent surgery last week on his left patella tendon which has been causing him discomfort for most of the season.
Tim Clarke, foot, 1 week
Danny Jacobs, hamstring, season
Michael Osborne, foot, season
Peter Everitt, ankle, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Kristi High, Club Media Release
COLLINGWOOD
Chris Tarrant and Ben Johnson were each fined $5000 for their involvement in a brawl outside a Port Melbourne brawl in the wee hours last Sunday night. Police are still trying to determine exactly what happened and may use security video to determine the facts as several versions of the events have emerged.
One version is that Tarrant was outside the club about 3:30 AM and had been waiting for more than 30 minutes for a cab. The fight apparently started when he asked a couple of men for a lift in their car. A verbal argument led to the fight with other bystanders becoming involved and one running back inside to alert teammate Ben Johnson. Johnson and a friend, who does not play in the AFL, ran outside and became involved in the brawl, which left one man unconscious and taken to the hospital for treatment.
Another source says the brawl started when Tarrant and Johnson left the club together and were taunted by several men in a passing car which stopped. The men then left the car and confronted Tarrant. Johnson and his friend then entered the fray to help Tarrant as others joined in the brawl. Tarrant and Johnson are believed to have told the club they were eventually outnumbered in the fight, six to three.
Tarrant's night out started on Saturday night when he attended a charity fashion parade in which teammate Brodie Holland was participating. From there, he apparently headed for another party, then moved on to a popular nightspot for footballers. Somewhere in the course of his ramblings, he met up with Johnson and his pal.
Collingwood CEO Greg Swann described as "embarrassing" and "disappointing". But with their finals hopes in the balance, the match committee decided not to drop them this week with Coach Mick Malthouse saying there were other ways to discipline them without penalizing the team.
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire was angry with the players and was quoted in the Age saying "We're playing for the finals and they owe us. They're not getting the night off, you don't get a day off when you're playing the top side in a big game. They owe their supporters and they owe their teammates and they'd better get a kick."
It is not the first time the pair have been in hot water. Both were involved in pub fight after the 2003 Grand Final loss when taunted by another patron about the loss. And Tarrant was involved in another altercation with Bomber Mark Johnson at a nightclub 2 years ago.
Former Collingwood Coach Tony Shaw was not so sympathetic and said Tarrant should have been traded to Brisbane in 2000 and described Tarrant as a "protected species" who was allowed to get away with such indiscretions for fear he would walk out on the club as he did briefly in 2002.
Those comments by Shaw angered McGuire who fired back, saying that under Shaw the club had the worst culture in the competition, describing it as "rat-infested". He said it was that appalling environment into which Tarrant walked as a 17 year old kid.
A furious Shaw later called McGuire and told the Melbourne Age that he could accept McGuire's comments that the club had a losing culture, but denied McGuire's claim that discipline was poor under his coaching and pointed out that he unloaded several miscreants including Trent Hotton and Aaron James for their misbehavior and disregard for team rules. (ed. note - Hotton was once accused of stealing the team playbook and giving it to an opposition club).
Coach Mick Malthouse, while not disputing either McGuire or Shaw, said he doubted stricter discipline early on would have changed Tarrant's behavior. He used an extreme analogy saying that Jack the Ripper wouldn't have stopped his murderous spree with a spanking, then pointed to his own coaching record in dealing with larrikins such Doug Hawkins at Footscray and Chris Mainwaring at West Coast.
Sam Iles, a midfielder from Tasmania, debuted this week
Source: Melbourne Age & alf.com
BRISBANE
The Lions are facing a financial loss for the first time since 2001 - and it looms as a doozy. A drop in membership, attendances, and a 16% drop in television ratings has the club facing a loss of $1 million or more, its biggest loss since the merger with Fitzroy in 1996. The Lions lost $800,000 in 2001, its first premiership year, but have since recorded multimillion-dollar profits.
While club CEO Michael Bowers and president Tony Kelly refused to speculate on a figure, the current estimate is a $1.3 million loss but both are hopeful that non-football related investments will help lower the loss.
Kelly said he had not yet considered the prospect of requesting compensation for the breaking of the Melbourne-Brisbane-Gabba contract but did not rule it out, saying the club faced a loss of $1.5 million over the next 3 years, the duration of the Melbourne deal, should the AFL take away those games. The Lions have written to the AFL pleading their case for an "away" game against Melbourne at the Gabba each year until 2009, and AFL Queensland is about to request dramatically increased funding next season.
And the club is also facing some significant back-ended player contracts - Michael Voss, for example, will earn well over $1 million.
Although Chris Johnson has been playing in the reserves, he may not see any senior action this year. The enforced layoff due to OP has caused his running ability and fitness to drop and he may not be back to full fitness before the season ends.
And Jonathan Brown began running several weeks ago, but also may miss the rest of the year after experiencing some discomfort last week. Coach Leigh Matthews believes it wouldn't be worth risking Brown so late in the year if he is not fully fit.
Injury Update:
Mitch Clark, OP, indefinite
Chris Johnson, OP, season
Jonathan Brown, back/hip, season
Ash McGrath, hamstring tear, 2 weeks
Richard Hadley, Anthony Corrie, Joel Macdonald, & Pat Garner, knee, season
Jamie Charman, dislocated shoulder, ongoing assessment
Chris Scott, hip, on long term injury list, season
Beau McDonald, hamstring tear, 2-3 weeks
Nigel Lappin, ankle, 2-3 weeks
Colm Begley, thigh, 1 week
Lenny Clark, corked thigh, 2-3 weeks
10 Years Ago
The Brisbane Lions took on Geelong in Round 9, 1997 under a cloud of criticism after a Round 8 loss to Fremantle. Stung by that criticism, the Lions dominated the 2nd placed Cats to win 19.12 (126) to 15.8 (98) at the Gabba. The Lions led by 60 points 10 minutes into the 3rd term, but the Cats fought back to trail by just 3 points before the Lions broke clear again. A young Daniel Bradshaw kicked 6 goals in just his fifth game for the club and Craig McRae booted 4, while Michael Voss collected 30 possessions and Tristan Lynch 29. Ronnie Burns kicked 5 goals for the Cats.
Source: Melbourne Age; afl.com & Julie Rackstraw, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
Injury Update:
Aaron Davey, hamstring, 3 weeks
Byron Pickett, hamstring, 3-4 weeks
Paul Johnson & Andre Gianfagna, shoulder, season
Brad Green (suspended) and Paul Wheatley came in for injured duo Byron Pickett and Aaron Davey.
Source: Melbourne Age & Leigh Newton, Club Media Release
RICHMOND
Injury Update:
Nathan Brown & Andrew Kellaway, hamstring, 2 weeks
Will Thursfield & Mark Coughlan, knee, season
Chris Newman, broken leg, season
Brent Hartigan, foot, 4 weeks
Defender Darren Gaspar will undergo arthroscopic surgery for cartilage damage in his knee next week and is likely to miss the rest of the season. Should the Tigers make the finals and if all goes well for Gaspar, he would be a slight chance to return in September.
Midfielder Cameron Howat debuted this week, while Andrew Krakouer returned from injury.
Source: Melbourne Age & Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
ADELAIDE
The Crows have ensured great stability for the next few years with the signing of a number of senior and younger players. While the club has a policy of offering only one year deals to players who are 30 or older, they made an exception in the case of McLeod, who signed for 2 years. Other signings were Graham Johncock (3 years), Mark Ricciuto (one year), Simon Goodwin (two years), Brett Burton (two years), Nathan Bassett (two years), and Jason Porplyzia, Ivan Maric, Chris Knights and Martin Mattner all signed new one year deals.
Injury Update:
Jason Torney, neck, 1 week
Bernie Vince, knee, 1 week
Chris Knights, quad, 1 week
Andrew McLeod, foot, 3 weeks
Source: David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release
PORT ADELAIDE
Injury Update:
Peter Burgoyne, hamstring,
Fabian Deluca, broken hand, 1-2 weeks
Josh Francou, knee, ongoing assessment
Adam Kingsley, calf, 1 week
Daniel Motlop, shoulder, season
Steven Salopek, shoulder, 1-2 weeks
Warren Tredrea, knee, season
Source: Daniel Bryant, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
Amon Buchanan missed this week after being hospitalized for a staff infection he contracted in a cut shoulder. He was injured in last week's game and the infection set in several days later. He will miss 2-3 weeks.
Nic Fosdike (calf) returned to the side this week.
Injury Update:
Ben Mathews, calf, 1 week
Jarred Moore, thumb, long term injury list, season
Source: Melbourne Age & Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
GERNERAL SILLINESS
Swan Adam Goodes says he would like to be stuck in an elevator with Homer Simpson.
Source: AFL Record
At the pre-game press conference, Bomber Coach Kevin Sheedy was at his cheeky best in talking about how the Bombers might stop Adam Goodes: "We will get him reported early, and then lasso him to a goal post, tie him up somehow...."
Source: The Australian
On to the scores:
WCE 2.5 4.9 7.11 14.14 (98)
STK 1.2 3.4 5.10 8.11 (59)
GOALS: WCE - Judd 3, Kerr 2, Sampi 2, Armstrong,
Fletcher, Hansen, Lynch, Staker, Stenglein, Wirrpanda;
STK - Riewoldt 4, Fiora, Gehrig, Gram, Montagna
BEST: WCE - Kerr, Cousins, Judd, Waters, Stenglein,
R. Jones, Selwood, Fletcher, Glass, Sampi; STK - Gram,
Riewoldt, Dal Santo, S. Fisher, L. Fisher, Harvey, Fiora
INJURY: STK - Maguire (broken leg), Ball (shoulder),
Gram (bruised foot)
CHANGES: WCE - Banfield replaced in selected side by B.
Jones
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Allen, Ryan
CROWD: 40,177 at Telstra Dome
These two teams came to play in a big way and put an absolute show for their fans. It fast, intense, furious, and pressure filled from go to whoa, so much so, that by the first break, the boys looked totally stuffed. But the intensity never let up for a single minute. The Saints were first to the board, but it was only a point - the first of many which would come back to haunt them in the end. The Eagles had their share of misses as well in the opening term, but not before Kerr set up Lynch for a goal. Kerr and Embley both missed shots on goal which would have given them a handy break and Rowan Jones hit the post before Kerr nailed one on the run to give the Eagles a 14 point lead. The Saints' only goal for the term came after the siren from a free to Gehrig, leaving the Eagles 9 points ahead at 1/4 time. And to give an idea of the pressure cooker atmosphere, 40 tackles were laid between the two teams in the term.
The 14 point buffer was restored inside the first minute of the 2nd term when Seaby won the tap out to allow Judd and Cousins to combine and find Sampi who marked on a lead from 40 meters. Kerr earned a free at a throw in, but the Saints regained the ball in the continued pressure. The Eagles won the ball back once more only for Cousins to hit the poster on the fly and Sampi missed moments later. The Saints headed into attack where Riewoldt marked but he was 45 meters out and on a very tight angle. The ball hit the fell short and the Eagles cleared it out of the danger zone once more. Another chance for the Eagles went begging when they wasted a 50 meter penalty against Milne but the Saints were equally unlucky when Ball's kick flew over Gehrig's head and was marked by Glass who again cleared the ball and Armstrong goaled. The Saints replied a moment later when Fiora took a screamer in the goalsquare. From the bounce, the Saints pushed forward once more, with Gehrig getting away from Glass long enough to find the ball at center half forward and get the ball to Riewoldt. He was a long way out and missed, and did it again a moment later. Butler fared little better at the other end before Gram took a run downfield from defense to kick a great running goal, to put the Saints within 11 points at 1/2 time.
Young Saint James Gwilt, who impressed during the preseason, was on the bench now nursing a sore ankle. Judd, who was running Peckett and Thompson ragged, was now being minded by Harvey. But it was all for naught with Judd kicking a goal after misses from Sampi and Milne. Riewoldt marked, but looking somewhat bereft of confidence, dished off to Gram who promptly missed. Montagna had no such trouble after Voss won the throw in. Then it was Seaby's turn to miss and a free to Ackland had the Saints on the move again with Riewoldt also earning a free. He must have found his kicking boots at the break as he finally popped through his first goal from 25 meters in front to put the Saints within 5 points midway through the term. The Saints couldn't make any inroads from there as both Gehrig - twice - and Harvey missed. Ditto Riewoldt again a minute later. The Eagles then pulled away from the Saints when Sampi crumbed a goal and Staker marked and goaled from the next bounce to give the Eagles a 13 point lead at 3/4 time.
Kerr got the all-important first goal of the final term, then Wirrpanda dashed off half back to mark 25 meters out for a rare defender's goal. Riewoldt got one back for the Saints after Fiora missed, but Hansen and Fletcher added two in quick time for the Eagles. Even with Kerr's poster midway through the term, the Eagles looked home. Even more so when Stenglein answered a Riewoldt goal with one of his own. Braun then set up Judd for goal, only to have Riewoldt grab one final goal for the Saints. Kerr and Lynch missed but it didn't matter as Seaby tapped the ball out to Judd who iced the win. It was in the dying minutes of the game that Maguire suffered a broken leg when he ran back with the flight of the ball and collided with Stenglein who fell across his leg.
Once again, it was the usual suspects of Kerr (26/6), Judd (28/5), Fletcher (21/9), and Braun (18) in the midfield while Waters (34/11) combined well with the running Wirrpanda (22/7) to drive the Eagles into attack from defense. They were well supported by Selwood (24/8). Stenglein (27/6) and Rowan Jones (23/8) were key links between midfield and attack as they worked hard to open up space across half forward while Sampi (9) always looked dangerous despite limited touches. Glass did the hard yards to restrict Gehrig and be a constant thorn in the G-Train's side.
For the Saints, Dal Santo (22/9), Harvey (19/5), Ball (17) until injured, and Goddard (17/5) never stopped trying against the classiest midfield going around, while Gram (25/10), Leigh Fisher (19/10), and Sam Fisher (17/5) battled in defense. Fiora (16/7) lent support up forward off the bench while Riewoldt (11 kicks, 11 marks) finally sparked in the second half.
WB 5.2 9.4 13.9 15.10 (100)
RICH 0.6 4.10 6.14 10.18 (78)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 3, Grant 2, Smith 2, Cooney 2,
Baird 2, Gilbee, Eagleton, Faulkner, Robbins;
RICH - Schulz 2, Tambling 2, Richardson 2, Pettifer,
Stafford, Krakouer, Howat
BEST: WB - Gilbee, Cross, Eagleton, Grant, Harris;
RICH - J. Bowden, Raines, Tambling, Johnson, Howat INJURY: RICH - Oakley-Nicholls (fractured collarbone) CHANGES: RICH - Meyer (stress fracture in foot) replaced
in selected side by White REPORTS: RICH - Pettifer for using abusive language towards
an umpire UMPIRES: Kennedy, Meredith, Chamberlain CROWD: 36,339 at MCG
Prior to the start of the game, Bulldog players and support staff formed an honor guard for Grant when he ran onto the ground, carrying daughters Isabella and Sascha. After running through the banner, Grant then accepted a symbolic handball from Ted Whitten Jnr and Doug Hawkins. That was in honour of 1994, when Hawkins broke Whitten Snr's club games record for the Dogs. Also in that honor guard was Tiger Coach Terry Wallace, who coached the Bulldogs 1996-2002.
The Bulldogs then proceeded to tear the Tigers apart. They ran hard. They tackled and ran. They kicked long and ran. They won the contested ball and ran. They won the loose ball and ran. They pressured and ran. And then ran some more, leaving the indirect Tigers in their wake. Fittingly, it was Grant who took the first mark of the game from the first bounce and got it to Johnson for the first goal. The Tigers had more attacking forays and more scoring shots than the Bulldogs, but they wasted chance after chance with Richardson the first offender. Grant then posted the next Bulldog goal. Deledio and Foley then missed consecutive shots on goal before a free to Cooney brought up another Bulldog goal. Robbins spoiled the Dog run with a point but it didn't matter as Patrick Bowden continued the Tigers' poor kicking with 2 shots on goal and two misses. A third miss followed quick goals to Smith and Robbins as the Dogs took a 26 point break into 1/4 time.
The rot continued for the Tigers with Bowden missing yet one more shot on goal at the start of the 2nd term, then the Tigers turned the ball over and Cooney was again the beneficiary - twice no less - with his second goal coming after Pettifer missed everything to put the ball out on the full. The bad run by the Tigers was finally ended when Krakouer goaled 6 minutes into the term. Smith was moved from attack to defense a few minutes later to mind Krakouer who grabbed a rare ball in attack for the Tigers and found Richardson for a goal. Smith came off and was replaced on Krakouer by Griffen. After a rare miss from the Dogs, and another from Schulz, it was goal for goal late in the term with both sides notching 2 each, but it was still the Bulldogs by 24 points at 1/2 time.
The Tigers began to get a bit more purpose into their game in the 2nd half, and used the ball better rather than playing the low percentage chipping game they used in the first half. But early on, once more, all their good work over the ground was undone with poor kicking for goal. But the tiring Dogs were also missing a few shots as Grant missed before Tambling registered a goal for the Tigers. McMahon then blazed away from 55 meters before Faulkner marked and goaled from 35 meters. Once more, it was a brief goal for goal match up with Grant the veteran booting one, then Tiger debutant Howat getting his first career goal. Tambling could have had the Tigers within 20 points but sprayed his shot before Smith and Baird finished off the term, which saw the Dogs lead by 37 points at 34 time.
The Tigers finally hit some goalkicking form in the final term with Baird, Schulz twice, and Pettifer all finding the big sticks to get within 17 points. But a late goal to Johnson put the result beyond doubt and the Dogs mobbed Chris Grant afterward.
For the Bulldogs, it was the midfield dominance of West (26), Baird (27/5), Eagleton (18/7), and Cross (31/9) which made the difference although Kane Johnson was able to curb West somewhat. Gilbee (28/8), Harris (8 kicks, 7 marks), and McMahon (25/6) were again superb in defense while Grant (16 kicks, 10 marks), Smith (14/5), Boyd (27/5), and Johnson (16/8) provided plenty of options in attack.
For the Tigers, Joel Bowden (34/6) continued his stellar season opposed to Bulldog champ Grant, while Raines (22/4) was excellent in shutting down dangerous goalsneak Robbins. Johnson (21/8) again led the midfield with Tuck (24/7) and Howat (22/5) in support. Richardson (16 kicks, 12 marks) was again impressive off a wing but wasteful with 2.3 while Tambling (7 kicks) was lively up forward.
CARL 4.1 7.5 9.7 12.8 (80)
MELB 1.5 4.8 7.10 10.13 (73)
GOALS: CARL - Fevola 4, Fisher 3, Waite 2, Lappin,
Houlihan, Simpson; MELB - Neitz 2, White 2, Jones, Bate,
McDonald, Rivers, Jamar, Whelan
BEST: CARL - Walker, Carrazzo, Lappin, McGrath, Whitnall,
Waite, Fevola, Fisher, Houlihan; MELB - McDonald, Bate,
Whelan, Green, Carroll, Jones, Bruce, Godfrey INJURY: Robertson (shoulder) CHANGES: MELB - Johnstone replaced in selected side by Bell UMPIRES: Quigley, M. Nicholls, Wenn CROWD: 24,113 at Telstra Dome
The Demons have been on a roll in recent weeks, winning 10 of their past 12, but could such intensity be taking a toll? They looked tired and flat for much of this game, and had trouble on the slippery surface of the Dome. The only time they led in the match was when Bate kicked the opening goal. Bryan and French double-teamed White in the ruck and while the Demon midfield may have taken the honors, it was in defense and attack where the Blues dominated from the outset. With the young defense led by Whitnall quelling the likes of Robertson and Neitz and the multi-pronged attack of Fevola, Fisher, Waite, Houlihan, and Lappin finally clicking in unison, the Blues kicked 4 unanswered goals - two to the red-hot Fevola and one to the just recalled Lappin. And one of Fevola's goals demonstrated again just how much effort he is putting in opposed to last year. He fumbled a Betts handball but recovered it deep in a pocket, regained control and dribbled it through. Nothing was going right for the Demon attack as they missed a number of shots as Brown put one out on the full and Holland missed a very gettable shot. The end result was a wasteful 1.5 for the term, leaving the Blues with a 14 point lead at 1/4 time.
That lead blew out to 26 points early in the 2nd term via Fisher and Waite. It wasn't until halfway through the term that Jamar registered a goal for the Demons. Jones and McDonald fired in 2 more and it seemed the Demons might be on a roll. But Fevola ended their run with a goal to give Carlton a 15 point lead at 1/2 time. Fevola was in the thick of the action at the siren as he tangled with Demon defender Whelan, leading to some push and shove and a brief scuffle between the teams.
Fisher extended Carlton's lead to 22 points as the 3rd term got underway. Carrazzo took a great one handed mark against Green, but then sprayed the shot from 15 meters and the Dees then got right back into the game with 3 successive goals - two of them to Neitz - cutting the margin to just 3 points. Houlihan bobbed up late in the term to give the Blues a 9 point lead at 3/4 time. During the term, Robertson collided with Walker in a pack and was forced to the bench with a sore shoulder, but he was back on the ground in the final term.
A White hanger and subsequent goal early in the last term sparked the Dees into action as they matched the Blues goal for goal until the dying minutes when goals to Simpson and Waite ensured a badly needed Carlton win with White kicking one final consolation goal.
Despite winning 12 of their past 15 games, the loss continues Melbourne's poor showing at the Dome this year as their only win at the ground came over Essendon in Round 12.
For Carlton, Walker (22/8) was excellent in shutting down Robertson (8 kicks, 4 marks), while Thornton (17/6) was almost equally effective on Neitz (9 kicks, 4 marks) and Whitnall (18/10) was the general at center half back. Scotland (28/8) was dynamic running the ball out of defense while McGrath (18/8) kept Yze quiet. Lappin (27/10), Houlihan (23/7), Waite (11 kicks, 8 marks), and Fisher (10 kicks, 4 marks) were perfect foils and crumbers around Fevola (13 kicks, 5 marks).
For the Demons, McDonald (30/8), Green (21/6), Godfrey (20), and Jones (18) worked hard in the midfield while Carroll (21) had the unenviable task on Fevola. Whelan (23) battled away in a defense under siege while Bate (28/9) and Bruce (17/5) tried to spark the attack.
ADE 3.4 3.8 5.13 7.16 (58)
COL 3.1 4.3 5.7 7.12 (54)
GOALS: ADE - Hentschel 2, Edwards 2, McGregor, Reilly, Porplyzia;
COL - Didak 2, Lockyer 2, Lonie, Egan, H. Shaw
BEST: ADE - Edwards, Bassett, Goodwin, Johncock, Rutten Doughty,
Hentschel, Reilly, Stevens; COL - Swan, Clement, Licuria,
Prestigiacomo, Johnson, Fraser, Didak, Heath Shaw, LockyerINJURY: ADE - Hart (hamstring), Burton (hamstring);
COL- Thomas (concussion)
CHANGES: COL - Pendlebury replaced in the selected side by Licuria
REPORTS: Didak reported for tripping DoughtyUMPIRES: Stevic, Woodcock, Goldspink
CROWD: 45,658 at AAMI Stadium
As a spectacle, this game would not rate very highly, except perhaps among Crow fans. But even the most rabid Crow supporter would have to admit that this game was one ugly match. According to one radio commentator on Triple M-Adelaide, the Crows were trying to play Collingwood's game while Collingwood was trying to play Adelaide's game. The result was of the most dour, unattractive, and sometimes boring game of the year. If Andrew Demetriou thought the Swans played "ugly" last year, he'd think twice after this one. Both sides played man on man, accountable football and Collingwood flooded often to restrict the space the Crows dearly love while the Crows worked overtime to get around the Magpie pressure. Collingwood got off to the better start with goals to Didak and Lockyer. McGregor opened Adelaide's scoring, only for Egan to reply for the Pies. Then Edwards goaled twice in the space of two minutes to level the scores. All of that was within the first 10 minutes of the term. From there, neither side to get a clear break and the Crows wasted several chances to grab a decent lead. Heath Shaw missed at the other end before Clement rushed one last point, leaving the Crows with a narrow 3 point lead at 1/4 time.
The pressure and tackling continued in the 2nd term and it took 5 minutes before Heath Shaw grabbed the only goal of the term to give the Pies a 1 point lead. 15 minutes later, McGregor hit the post. Buckley also missed and Biglands contributed another poster. And the Pie defense must surely have studied Adelaide's miserly backline as thwarted several other Adelaide attacks, leaving them with several rushed behinds and giving themselves a 1 point lead at 1/2 time.
Scores were leveled again early in the 3rd term when Prestigiacomo rushed through another point. The missed chances from both sides continued for most of the term with Lockyer missing, Swan's kick touched, Bode missing, Travis Cloke hitting the post, and Bode missing again. Holland broke the string of points by kicking the ball out on the full and McGregor again leveled the scores with his missed kick. Finally, halfway through the term, Lonie goaled to put the Pies 6 points in front. The tackling, pressure, and possession game continued as the term came to a close. Buckley fired in a shot from 50, but managed just a point for a 7 point lead to Collingwood. That was cut to 1 point a minute later with a Reilly goal. Porplyzia goaled from a free kick 40 meters out to give the Crows a 5 point lead and Johncock's miss just before the siren gave the Crows a 6 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Crows got their biggest lead of the match when Hentschel goaled in the opening minute of the final term and it was out to 14 points when the Pies conceded another 2 points. Collingwood finally got a bit of a run on as Didak and Lockyer goaled halfway through the term to cut the deficit to 2 points. The misses and rushed behinds flew fast and furious and so did the players at the contests. Late in the term, young Pie Thomas flew for a mark, missed, and crashed to the ground headfirst. Play was held up briefly as he was stretchered off. When play resumed, another Buckley point leveled the scores again. The Pies hit the front again when Johncock punched through a Swan kick. But Hentschel goaled late in the term to put the Crows 5 points up and a Johncock point made it 6 points at 3/4 time.
With the match in the balance, both sides went in hard in the final term, but, like the 3 previous terms, nothing but behinds - either from misses or rushed - were the norm rather than the exception. Tarrant had a chance to pinch the game late in the term when he marked just inside 50, but his kick was punched through after falling short and the Crows, despite the loss of defender Hart, defended strongly to hang on for the win.
For the Crows, Edwards (34/8) and Goodwin (31/6) were again prolific ballwinners through the middle, while Doughty (24) and Reilly (20/4) linked well across half forward and Hentschel (5 kicks, 5 marks) was creative in attack. Johncock (18/5) and Thompson (14/5) did their bit across half back while Rutten (21/15) and Bassett (31/33) starved the Pie attack.
For Collingwood, Fraser (12 hitouts, 21/6) matched Clarke in the ruck and was more mobile around the ground. Swan ((31/12) and Lockyer (17/6) tried hard in the midfield while Clement (26?5), Licuria (24/7), Heath Shaw (21/12), and Johnson (23/4) kept the Crow forwards in check. Tarrant playing off a wing had just 9 kicks, 8 marks, and little influence.
SYD 4.1 6.9 13.10 17.14 (116)
ESS 2.4 3.4 7.5 11.7 (73)
GOALS: SYD - Hall 6, Grundy 2, O'Loughlin 2, O'Keefe 2, Malceski,
Schneider, Ablett, McVeigh, J. Bolton Essendon: Lucas 4, Monfries 2,
Bolton, Lovett, Johnson, Lovett-Murray, Walsh
BEST: SYD - Ablett, Hall, Schneider, O'Keefe, Jolly, Kirk, C. Bolton,
Barry; ESS - Lucas, Watson, Bolton, Lovett-Murray, Lovett, Welsh
INJURY: ESS - Cole (concussion)
CHANGES: SYD Buchanan (infected shoulder) replaced in selected side by Phillips; ESS - McPhee (illness) replaced in selected side by Jolley
REPORTS: SYD - Kirk for rough conduct on Dyson
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Schmitt, Jeffery
CROWD: 25,465 at the SCG
Sydney was back at its premiership best in this one with the hardnosed midfield and Hall as imposing as ever. The opening minutes were scrappy, just the way the Swans like it, but it was Essendon who took the early scoreboard advantage when Lucas converted. The Bombers could have had a more than handy break midway through the term but for some wayward kicking, including two posters. Halfway through the term, first year player Grundy came on and wasted little time as he kicked an impressive goal after snaring a Jolly clearance. The goal put Sydney within 3 points. Five minutes later, Sydney hit the front when a forward pocket tussle led to some clever hand-balling by Michael O'Loughlin, Jarrad McVeigh and a successful snap by Malceski. The Bombers hit back through Monfries, but Grundy was in it again after a midfield tackle by Goodes spilled the ball and the kid marked strongly over Cole and popped it through. Essendon came again with a slick chain of handballs along a wing which eventually landed the ball with Monfries. Hall finished off the term with his first for the game to give Sydney a 9 point lead at 1/4 time.
Sydney's started the 2nd term started well enough until McVeigh's goal was negated and he was penalized for interfering with his opponent. But then Ablett was awarded a 50-meter penalty for being held back after taking a mark. Ablett hit Hall on the chest with the ball and Sydney was out to a 17 point lead. They were getting on top of Essendon in the midfield with Ablett and Kennelly providing plenty of drive. Watson was working hard for the Bombers and Lucas was always dangerous, but wasn't getting the delivery he needed. Hall got away from Solomon for another. Hird then got the ball but before he could fire to slash the margin he was wrapped up in a Swan tackle. The Bombers had several more opportunities but couldn't capitalize, until Lucas kicked a late goal to put the Bombers within 14 points. Schneider roved a pack for just the 3rd goal of the term to give the Swans a 23 point lead at 1/2 time.
A free kick for high contact on Malceski allowed O'Keefe the first goal of the 3rd term, but Lucas hit back for the Bombers. Sydney fired again as Jarrad McVeigh provided a contest to keep the ball in Sydney's forward zone and Hall swooped in for another Swan goal. Ablett got in on the action with s strong contested mark and a goal from a tricky angle to give the Swans a comfortable lead. The Bombers finally managed an attacking move with Hird finding Mark Bolton, then Lovett booted another to get the Bombers within 23 points. O'Loughlin, goalless last week, finally booted his 400th career goal to swing the game Sydney's way. Lucas and Hall traded goals as the rain started and O'Loughlin snagged another shortly after. Then Hall gave the Swans a 41 point lead at 3/4 time.
If the game wasn't out of reach for the Bombers at the start of the final term, it was when O'Keefe nailed another goal for Sydney. But Essendon wasn't done with yet, and gave one last gasp as they rallied to kick the next 4 goals to be within 24 points. Any doubt of the result was eradicated when a free against Monfries gifted Jarrad McVeigh a goal to put the result beyond Essendon's reach. Goals to Jude Bolton and Hall were icing on the cake.
Best for the Swans was power forward Hall (17 kicks, 12 marks) and he had plenty of support from O'Keefe (23 kicks, 9 marks), Schneider (21/7) and O'Loughlin (15/5). Jolly (44 hitouts) was simply awesome, while Ablett (28/5) and Kirk (23/6) reveled in the slippery conditions and Barry (11 kicks) and Craig Bolton (13/6) on Hird (9/3) restricted Essendon's forwards.
For Essendon, Watson (26/4) never stopped trying in the middle and Mark Bolton (7/5) sacrificed his own game to shut down Goodes. Lovett-Murray (22/7), Lovett (12/5), and Lucas (8 kicks, 4 marks) battled in a ball staved attack while Welsh (26/7) did the same across halfback.
GEEL 4.5 9.11 12.17 14.20 (104)
BRIS 4.0 8.1 11.5 13.9 (87)
GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 4, Riccardi 3, Chapman 2, King, Hunt,
Ling, Corey, Playfair; BRIS - Bradshaw 4, Merrett 2, Keating,
Harding, Power, Sherman, Patfull, Stiller, Hooper
BEST: GEEL - Bartel, Chapman, S. Johnson, D. Johnson, Hunt,
Egan, Prismall, Milburn; BRIS - Black, Drummond, Power, Stiller,
Bradshaw, Notting, Rischitelli
INJURY: BRIS - Drummond (hamstring), Bradshaw (dislocated fingers)
Drummond could miss 3-4 weeks
UMPIRES: Donlon, Grun, McInerney
CROWD: 28,055 at the Gabba
If the Collingwood vs Adelaide game was a bit of a sleeper, this was just the opposite, at least in the opening term which was an entertaining free for all shootout. Small forward Steve Johnson scored the first goal for the Cats, only for Bradshaw to reply at the other end. Keating goaled to put the Lions in front, but the Cats wrested back the lead with goals to Chapman and King. The Lions kicked 2 of the last 3 goals, but the Cats had a 5 point lead at 1/4 time, and lead which could have been greater but for some inaccurate kicking for goal.
The 2nd term proceeded like the first, with Ling getting in on the goal action, only for Patfull to boot one for the Lions. Steve Johnson bobbed up again. Power goaled to keep the Lions in touch, then Riccardi, who started on the bench, came on and promptly goaled. Sherman got it back for the Lions, but the Cats again finished off the term strongly with goals to Riccardi an Hunt. Steve Johnson and Byrnes then missed several chances to stretch that lead but missed before a Merrett goal cut the Cat lead to 16 points lead at 1/2 time.
After Kelly missed at the start of the 3rd term, the Lions mounted a brief challenge with Stiller and Bradshaw kicking two goals in as many minutes. Sherman and Rischitelli had chances to put Brisbane in front but couldn't, with Rischitelli's shot falling short and being tapped through for a point. The Lions managed to keep the ball in their forward zone and Bradshaw somehow managed to soccer through a goal after a scramble between himself and Scarlett, giving the Lions a 2 point lead. A free to Kelly in the middle handed the Cats another goal through Corey to hand the lead back to the Cats. The Cats then peppered goals over the next several minutes, but could not put the Lions away. A brilliant soccer goal from Riccardi stopped the Lion run and gave the Cats a 2 goal lead. When Playfair marked and kicked one right at the siren, the Cats held a 3 goal lead at 3/4 time.
The Lions will rue their missed opportunities in the final term as Drummond, Hooper, and Moody all missed shots which could have won the game. In between, Rischitelli got caught with the ball, and Steve Johnson goaled from the turnover. The Lions added late goals through Bradshaw and Hooper, but it was too little, too late.
For Geelong, Ling (27/5), Corey (21), Bartel (29/8), and Prismall (20) were on top in the midfield, while Egan (17/8) did well on Bradshaw as Milburn (28/11), David Johnson (19/5), and Hunt (30/9) gave Scarlett (16/10) and Harley (17/6) plenty of help in defense. Up forward, it was small forwards Steve Johnson (13) and Chapman (27/12) who gave the Lion defense plenty of trouble.
For the Lions, Black (22), Notting (15/4), Stiller (18/5), and Rischitelli (15/5) worked hard in the midfield, while Bradshaw (6 kicks, 3 marks made the most of limited chances with support from Drummond (17/5) before he was injured.
KANG 2.5 4.9 8.10 12.12 (84)
PA 2.2 3.5 6.10 9.11 (65)
GOALS: KANG - Rocca 4, Thompson 3, Firrito, Grant, Harding,
Simpson, Watt; PA - White 4, Cassisi, K. Cornes, Dew, Ebert,
Mahoney
BEST: KANG - Rocca, B. Rawlings, Harris, Pratt, Thompson,
Sinclair, Petrie, Watt; PA - Lade, White, K. Cornes, Lonie,
Pearce, Cassisi
CHANGES: KANG - Lower replaced in selected side by Brown
UMPIRES: Head, Kamolins, Ellis
CROWD: 14,815 at Telstra Dome
It was an even opening term but low-scoring, as much of the play occurred between the two 50 meter arcs and both sides were guilty of poor ball use and some poor kicking for goal, with the Kangaroos the worst offenders with Grant hitting the post twice. Rocca and Cassisi booted the first 2 goals in the first 2 minutes, but it wasn't until halfway through the term that White goaled for Port. The midfield battle continued for awhile until Thompson kicked one late to give the Kangaroos a 3 point lead at 1/4 time.
Thompson goaled within the first minute of the 2nd term, but again the Kangaroos could not capitalize, kicking 3 points in succession before Mahoney kicked a nice running goal from just inside 50. Dew and Ebert failed for Port as they hit the post before Grant goaled midway through the term. White's miss late in the term left the Kangaroos with a 10 point lead at 1/2 time.
Rocca kicked his 739th career goal early in the 3rd term to move past Carlton great Stephen Kernahan into twelfth spot on the AFL's all-time goalkickers' list. More importantly, it extended the Roos' lead over Port. Goals to Watt and Thompson appeared to ice the game, but Port rallied with a 3 goals burst - including 2 to White - to get Port within one straight kick. Rocca made it a two goal lead at 3/4 time.
Simpson and Rocca goaled early in the final term to again have the Kangaroos well in front, but again Port challenged with goals to White, Kane Cornes and Dew but late goals to Firrito and Harding put the result beyond doubt.
For the Kangaroos, Harris had a game high 30 touches out of the center, with support from Corey Jones (25/5), Brady Rawlings (22/6), and Swallow (21). Watt (10/6), Petrie (16/10), and Pratt (26/15) kept the Tredrea-less attack in check and Sinclair provided plenty of drive from defense while Thompson (8 kicks, 7 marks) and Rocca (13 kicks, 11 marks) were twin towers up forward. Rocca got a great round of cheers when he launched an 80 meter shot on goal, even though the kick fell short.
For Port, Lade (8 hitouts, 20/11) dominated out of the middle, giving Kane Cornes (28/8), Pearce (21/4), Lonie (24/6), and Cassisi (15) plenty of the ball. White (11 kicks, 9 marks) was excellent in attack.
FRE 6.4 8.11 11.14 14.20 (104)
HAW 1.2 5.3 7.6 7.9 (51)
GOALS: FRE - Farmer 4, Longmuir 4, Pavlich 2, Schammer, Cook,
Murphy, Peake; HAW - Williams 4, Dixon 2, Franklin
BEST: FRE - Bell, Mundy, Black, Farmer, Pavlich, Hayden, Longmuir,
M. Carr; HAW - Mitchell, Crawford, Brown, Guerra, Williams, Bateman
UMPIRES: Margetts, McLaren, Nicholls
CROWD: 35,017 at Subiaco Oval
The return Longmuir to lend support to Sandilands in the ruck and Hasleby to provide some midfield class in the absence of Josh Carr and Headland sparked the Dockers from the start.
They put plenty of pressure on the Hawks and slammed through 4 goals before the Hawks could notch one late in the term to Williams. Further goals to Cook and Pavlich gave the Dockers a 32 point lead at 1/4 time. Fremantle went inside its forward 50 zone 11 times for the term for an amazing return of 6.4, while Hawthorn went in 10 times for just 1.2.
Hawk Coach Alistair Clarkson made several changes at the start of the 2nd term, sending Croad from the forward line onto Pavlich and shifted Franklin into attack. The moves worked as after Dixon threaded one through from the first bounce, Franklin boomed one in from outside 50, then Williams marked on a lead and goaled from a tight angle. Meanwhile, the Dockers were nullifying their good work out of the middle with very poor kicking at goal, registering 7 points in a row, leaving the Hawks just 20 points adrift. Farmer gave the Dockers some breathing space, ending their run of outs with a mark and goal from point blank range. But Williams goaled shortly after to the Hawks in touch and the Hawks were getting their act together with some decent run and delivery out of defense. However, the Dockers received a lucky break late in the term when Hodge tackle on Johnson was ruled high by umpire Margetts, but umpire McLaren deemed it holding the ball. Margetts' call won out and the Dockers surged forward where an unchecked Longmuir goaled to give the Dockers a 26 point lead at 1/2 time.
A great lead, mark and goal to Williams reduced the margin back to 21 points 5 minutes into the 3rd term, but from the next bounce, Cook crashed into Brown, sparking a brief melee, resulting in a free kick to Farmer, The Wiz, slipped over, regained his feet, ducked an opponent and snapped the goal. The Docker defense held the Hawks to just 3 points for the term while Murphy and Longmuir snagged to late goals to give the Dockers a 34 point lead at 3/4 time.
The final term was almost a carbon copy of the 3rd with the Dockers again holding the Hawks to just 3 points while posting goals themselves for handy percentage boosting win, their first over the Hawks since 2002.
For the Dockers, Bell (29/6), Black (23), Matthew Carr (18/6) restricting Hodge (10), and Hasleby (20/6) led the midfield brigade, while Pavlich (15 kicks, 8 marks) was too strong for Brown and Murphy although his kicking (2/4) let him down. Mundy (21/6) mopped up well across half back with support from (22/8), while Farmer (11/5) was at his mercurial best and Longmuir (15/7) lurked dangerously in attack as well. Sandilands dominated with 22 hitouts, as well as 22 possessions and 7 marks around the ground.
For the Hawks, Mitchell (29/6) and Bateman (19/8) worked hard in the middle but lacked support, while Brown (25/8) and Guerra (22/4) battled valiantly in defense, and Williams 7 kicks, 4 marks) was lively and accurate up forward.
STANDINGS W L D FOR AGST % PTS
ADELAIDE 15 3 1920 1251 153.48 60
WEST COAST 14 4 1802 1538 117.17 56
MELBOURNE 12 6 1763 1534 114.93 48
SYDNEY 11 7 1707 1393 122.54 44
ST KILDA 11 7 1665 1409 118.17 44
COLLINGWOOD 11 7 1900 1621 117.21 44
WESTERN BULLDOGS 11 7 1876 1703 110.16 44
FREMANTLE 10 7 1497 1573 95.17 40
GEELONG 9 9 1646 1609 102.3 36
RICHMOND 8 10 1438 1804 79.71 32
BRISBANE 7 11 1635 1778 91.96 28
KANGAROOS 7 11 1484 1731 85.73 28
PORT ADELAIDE 6 12 1552 1739 89.25 24
HAWTHORN 5 12 1355 1732 78.23 20
CARLTON 3 14 1 1450 1870 77.54 14
ESSENDON 2 15 1 1603 2008 79.83 10
GOALS
Brendan Fevola (CARL) 69
Barry Hall (SYD) 59
Fraser Gehrig (STK) 52
Brad Johnson (WB) 52
Daniel Bradshaw (BRIS) 51
Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 51
Scott Lucas (ESS) 50
Nick Riewoldt (STK) 49
Nathan Thompson (KANG) 48
Anthony Rocca (COL) 47
Kangaroo Andrew Swallow is the Round 17 Rising Star nominee. Andrew’s performance against the Cats was the best outing in his 7 AFL games. He started each quarter in the center and finished with 25 possessions nd a goal. He debuted in his home town Perth against Fremantle in Round 8 and after a few games playing across half forward had run in the midfield. He picked up 14 touches against Brisbane and 13 against Adelaide.
Andrew was the Kangaroos’ second selection (43rd overall) in the 2005 Draft. He caught the eye of recruiters during the 2005 Draft Camp making the top 10 in agility, the vertical jump and the 20-meter sprint. Andrew captained WA in the 2005 Under 18 Championships and was later named All-Australian. He was also a member of the 2003 AIS-AFL Academy Squad. He played junior football for Rossmoyne and was in the East Fremantle seniors when drafted.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Sunday, August 13, 2006 - 9:13 PM EDT
