by Lisa, reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Dome Surface Under Fire - Again
Although Telstra Dome management has already begun replacing sections of turf on the playing surface, the AFLPA still wants to meet with them to discuss long-term measures for improvement, with AFLPA operations manager Matt Finnis saying the majority of players still have concerns about the safety and suitability of the ground.
Earlier in the week, Brisbane's Michael Voss said he pulls up very sore after games at the Dome, more so than at any other AFL ground. He is only one among many who expressed dissatisfaction with the surface.
Over 500 players completed a survey last year with over 80% of them rating the surface as unsuitable. Only 15% considered it suitable while just 3% thought the surface was very good. AFLPA representative Peter Bell expressed concern over the possibility of a serious injury at the ground before the management got it right.
According former player and now a personal injury lawyer, Brian Sierakowskithe condition of the Telstra Dome surface is a lawsuit waiting to happen. He says that players who have already suffered a serious injury at the ground could have legal grounds to bring a suit against the AFL. He is of the opinion that the AFL could be viewed as not having done enough to address the problems and that an unprecedented number of players and clubs have complained about the slippery
and hard conditions.
Sierakowski, who played in St. Kilda's 1966 premiership and whose son David also played AFL football, said he "...cringed last week watching the Saints and West Coast players having their feet slip from under them..." He believes that the slippery surface was the cause of Saint Matt Maguire's broken leg because he couldn't stop to avoid the collision with Eagle Tyson Stenglein. Sierakowski was quoted in the Age, "From a legal perspective, there have been warnings (to the AFL), their actions haven't been apparent, a player may suffer an injury and is no longer able to earn $400,000 over the next six years, he has lost a career opportunity plus all the damages that flow from that and that's potentially a $1.5 million claim for one player."
One player, just recently, made reference to the fact that there is a parking garage underneath the surface, calling the ground "a car park painted green". And Michael Voss is not the only one who claims to pull up more sore after playing at the Dome. Port Adelaide's Domenic Cassisi, Magpie James Clement, and Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade were among those who said players suffered more after playing at Telstra Dome.
Dr Trevor Allen, a research fellow at Monash University's department of physiology, said it was possible muscles might be more susceptible to micro-damage and soreness if players were tentative in their movements because they were uncertain of their footing.
A spokesman for the AFL defended the Dome, saying turf replacements have been done over the past 3 weeks and such replacements were common over the course of the season and in the off-season.
Source: Melbourne Age
GENERAL NEWS
Guernsey Charity Auction
The AFLPA has obtained signed captains' guernseys from all 16 clubs and they are being auctioned off to raise money for the Gladstone Appeal, which assists victims and their families of the deadly factory explosion several months ago. Bidders can go to aflauctions to bid on the framed guernseys.
Damian Harris, Matthew Keeley, and Darren Millington, all actively involved with the Southern Flinders Football Club, were killed in the explosion at a munitions factory in Gladstone, a 600-person town about 200 kms north of Adelaide.
AFL commissioner Bob Hammond, who played a leading role in starting the appeal, said more than $440,000 had already been raised. The AFL, the SANFL, Port Adelaide, the Adelaide Crows, Australia Post, and Channel 7 all kicked in an initial $60,000 to start the appeal back in May.
Source: Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
Commentator Complaints
At last week's meeting between Andrew Demetriou and the 16 clubs, the biggest issue was the quality of some of the radio and television commentary. Many complained of negative,
self-indulgent and poorly prepared commentators. Channel Nine's Melbourne Sunday commentary team of Garry Lyon, Bryan Taylor, and James Brayshaw seem to be least popular with clubs saying they spend too much time talking about themselves and not about the game they are supposed to be calling.
It is believed the Sydney Swans are also unhappy with Channel Ten's team of Malcolm Blight and Tim Lane with the Swans accusing Blight and Lane of being too critical of the team's style of play. Coach Paul Roos said that such negativity could cause fans to switch off the game. Commentator Robert Walls, with whom Roos had a falling out last year, is another accused of being too critical of Sydney's playing style.
Demetriou said he would sit down with all the broadcasters to discuss these issues.
Source: Melbourne Age
Strugglers Sideline Stars
The AFL sees no problem with clubs out of finals contention putting their stars into mothballs and/or booking them for surgery at this time of the season. Several teams have already done so, with the Kangaroos set to have Adam Simpson, Daniel Pratt, and Shannon Grant scheduled for minor operations to clean up niggling problems which, were they in the finals, would not prevent them from playing. The idea is to have them fit and ready to go for pre-Christmas training. This week's game was Simpson's last for the year.
Several other clubs have previously put some of their best players on the shelf: Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea (knee) and Daniel Motlop (shoulder), Brisbane's Jonathan Brown (hip), Chris Johnson (OP), and Nigel Lappin (ankle), and Essendon's Matthew Lloyd (hamstring) are just a handful of players who would come under consideration for selection if their teams were heading for finals action.
But Sydney Coach Paul Roos believes the AFL should either change the draft rules or give bottom eight clubs some sort of financial incentive to finish better. He suggested the idea of a draft lottery, like that of the NBA here in the United States. It is not the first time such a draft system has been suggested and it is one option the AFL has discussed previously.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said he did not think the practice of taking players out early was damaging the sport and cited Collingwood's dramatic improvement this season as a positive example. League operations manager Adrian Anderson believes clubs are only looking our for the best interests of their players and themselves.
Not all clubs out of finals contention have decided to mothball stars. The notable exceptions are Carlton and Richmond.
No Finals Drama
With the finals this year certain to be divided equally between 4 Victorian and 4 interstate teams, as well as the AFL's new contractual deal with the MCC, all parties will be satisfied regarding the scheduling of finals. It will allow interstate teams to host both preliminary finals should they qualify - another near certainty with Adelaide and West Coast holding down the top two spots on the ladder and unlikely to be displaced.
The new deal stipulates that the AFL only has to stage 10 finals over the first two weeks of the finals at the MCG in any five year period, unlike previous years in which the MCC demanded at least one final per week, including a preliminary final regardless of the teams involved.
The only stumbling block this year will be whether the AFL can gain access to Sydney's Telstra Stadium in the event that the Swans earn the right to host a home final.The NRL also holds its finals in September. Last year, it forced the Swans to play their semi-final at the smaller capacity SCG.
The AFL Media Manager Patrick Keane said key factors in scheduling the finals will be:
if any non-Victorian team earns the right to host a preliminary final it will host it, meaning that if Adelaide and West Coast finish in the top two as expected and then both win their home qualifying finals in week one then both preliminary finals would be staged outside Melbourne for the first time.
if a Victorian team earns the right to host a preliminary final, that match would definitely be played at the MCG and both preliminary finals would be staged at the MCG if two Victorian clubs earned the right to host them - something that has not occurred since 2000.
10 finals must be played at the MCG over the first two weeks of the finals in any five year period.
and Telstra Stadium is the first choice venue for any final in Sydney.
With 10 finals needing to be staged at the MCG over the first two weeks of the finals in any five-year period, that means an average of two per year should be played at the ground during the elimination/qualifying final and semi-final weekends.
With Melbourne, St Kilda, Collingwood, the Bulldogs and possibly Geelong all likely to be involved in the finals this year, the league will almost certainly be able to meet its commitment this season, the first year of the new deal.
Source: afl.com
Footy Tops The List
An annual sports poll was released last week, and it indicated that while soccer is gaining ground in popularity as both a spectator and participation sport, footy still rules the roost for football codes. It is equal second with cricket while swimming topped the overall list.
The latest edition of the Sweeney sports report, compiled between October last year and March this year with 1000 people polled in the state captials, indicates that 50% of adult Australians are interested in soccer, the code's highest figure in the 20-year history of the report. It trails Australian rules by only 4%, the narrowest gap.
Interest in rugby league remains almost static at 42%, while rugby union is at 40%. Cricket and tennis, which both rated highly, have also slipped to 54% and 52% respectively.
The report calculates figures for participation, attendance, television and radio ratings, and print media.
This year's poll period included the Commonwealth Games and swimming rated highly on television; footy is still the most attended and watched sport. But participation,
despite rising numbers in Auskick and other levels of footy is only marginally higher
than soccer.
The sports that have lost most ground are golf (30%) and basketball (26) and television ratings for both are at an all-time low.
Source: Melbourne Age
TRIBUNAL
Charges Laid:
Kayne Pettifer (RICH), abusive language toward an umpire: a first offense incurs a
$1200 fine. Pettifer accepted to reduce the fine 25% to $900
Mark Ricciuto (ADE), striking Magpie James Clement: negligent conduct (1), medium contact (2), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 5 points, 125 demerits, a Level 2 offense, and a 1 game suspension. He has 82.81 residual demerits, increasing the penalty to 201.81 demerits and a 2 game suspension. He entered an early plea, reducing the demerits 25% to 155.86 and a 1 game suspension.
Brodie Holland (COL), wrestling Crow Graham Johncock: he accepted reducing the first offense fine of $1200 by 25% to $900.
Tarkyn Lockyer (COL), fined $1200 for wrestling Crow Graham Johncock. He accepted, reducing the fine to $900.
Graham Johncock (ADE), fined $1200 for wrestling Tarkyn Lockyer. He accepted to reduce the fine to $900.
Alan Didak (COL), tripping Crow Michael Doughty: negligent contact (1), low impact (1),
in play (0), and body contact (1), equaling 3 points, 75 demerits, and a Level 1 offense. He has a record of 2 games suspended in the past 3 years, increasing the penalty
10% to 82.50 demerits.
Collingwood attempted to have Didak's charge overturned, but reporting field umpire Darren Goldspink testified that he believed Didak deliberately "stuck his leg out" as he tried to stop Doughty. The panel agreed and upheld the original charge with the 82.5 demerits held over toward Didak's future record.
Jimmy Bartel (GEEL), rough conduct against Brisbane's Troy Selwood: reckless
conduct (2), medium impact (2), in play (0), and high contact (2), equaling 6 points,
225 demerits, a Level 3 offense, and a 2 game suspension. He has a record of 2
games suspended within the past 3 years, increasing the penalty 10% to 247.5 demerits. He also has 61.87 residual demerits, bringing the total to 309.37 demerits
and a 3 game suspension. Had he accepted, the penalty would have been reduced 25% to 232.02 demerits and a 2 game suspension.
The club took Bartel's case to the Tribunal to challenge the classification of reckless.
The Cats showed extensive video footage to prove that Bartel had eyes on the ball when he collided with Selwood. Player advocate Peter Murdoch argued that Bartel had been intending to block for teammate Joel Corey while Bartel himself said he had turned his back on Selwood once he knew contact was inevitable. Bartel told the panel he saw Selwood stumble and the ball bounce away. It was then he said he turned to block for Corey with his sole intention to stop Selwood by making contact to his shoulder.
The jury agreed to downgrade the classification from reckless to negligent. With Bartel pleading guilty, he was still allowed the 25% discount which reduced his demerits to 149.53 and just a 1 game suspension.
Brett Kirk was cleared of the rough conduct against Bomber Ricky Dyson. The Match Review Panel ruled that Kirk made contact to Dyson’s shoulder and neck area but the nature of the contact was not a reportable action.
Hawk John Barker, playing for Box Hill last week, was suspended for 1 game by the VFL Tribunal for rough conduct. He was also charged with striking Carlton's Luke Livingston, who was playing for Carlton's affiliate Northern Bullants, but that charge was dismissed.
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release
MILESTONES
Guernsey Games Record: Anthony Koutoufides (CARL) broke the record for the number of games played in the #43 guernsey. The previous record of 263 games was set by David McKay (Carlton, 1969-81)
200 games: Brett Montgomery (WB)
100 games: Corey Jones (KANG), Paul Wheatley (MELB), Paul Medhurst (FRE)
50 games: Charlie Gardiner (GEEL), Mark McGough (STK), Ted Richards (SYD)
50 club games: David Teague (CARL), Ben Holland (MELB)
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
TEAM NEWS
KANGAROOS
Club chairman Graham Duff, CEO Geoff Walsh, and the board of directors are currently discussing a massive restructure which would restore voting rights to a large percentage of the club's members.
Under the current structure, the club is controlled by a small group of shareholders who hold the voting rights and basically "own" the club. The restructure could see at least 2 directors removed and members allowed to again vote for directors and a nine-member board would be restored, with 1/3 of them being elected by members.
Duff, who took over from Allen Aylett last year, has conceded that presiding over the financially struggling club had been far tougher than he expected, but said if the members wanted him to continue in the role, he would relish the opportunity to do so.
Another major issue is finances with the club expected to again record a loss this year. Under the current structure, there are two entities - the North Melbourne Football Club, Ltd. which is an unlisted entity and the North Melbourne Kangaroos. However, the board is currently working with the Tax Office to merge the two for tax purposes.
The Kangaroos' biggest shareholder is director Peter de Rauch. Director John McGowan is another big shareholder, along with fellow director and former president Andrew Carter, former social club director Robert Smith, former player Kerry Good and his partner Peter Johnstone.
They are the primary shareholders and there is also a class of secondary shareholders whose shares are worth 75 votes each. These shareholders include former club chief an current player agent Ron Joseph, dual Brownlow medallist Keith Greig, former chairman Bob Ansett and Richmond director and former Kangaroo CEO Greg Miller.
In 1987, then-chairman Ansett initiated the $3 million public share float with companies he headed, and he borrowed heavily from a merchant bank to buy a large block of the stock. Ansett's business empire collapsed in 1989 and the shares reverted to the bank (which itself later failed). A group of investors, including Good, Smith, Johnstone and de Rauch, then took over the share packages, committing a reported $2 million of their own money.
Eddie Sansbury came in for the injured Shannon Grant, while Daniel McConnell debuted this week in his first game against his former club.
Injury Update:
Tim Hutchison, groin, season
Jesse Smith, ankle, season
Blake Grima, hamstring, 3 weeks
Djaran Whyman, hamstring, 2 weeks
Cameron Thurley, shoulder, ongoing assessment
Source: Melbourne Age & Matt Harrington, Club Media Release
PORT ADELAIDE
Chad Cornes signed a new contract last week, while the club also announced new two year deals for Brad Symes, Adam Thomson, and Fabian Deluca which were signed 3 weeks ago.
Nathan Lonie in out for the season after suffering a dislocated shoulder at a training session last week.
Greg Bentley debuted this week.
Injury Update:
Peter Burgoyne, hamstring, season
Josh Francou, knee, ongoing assessment
Daniel Motlop, shoulder, season
Warren Tredrea, knee, season
Source: afl.com & Daniel Bryant, Club Media Release
MELBOURNE
Injury Update:
Aaron Davey, hamstring, 1-2 weeks
Byron Pickett, hamstring, 2-3 weeks
Paul Johnson & Andre Gianfagna, shoulder, season
Also out this week at least were Russell Robertson (shoulder), Colin Sylvia (calf) and Matthew Whelan (calf). Aaron Davey (hamstring), Travis Johnstone (hamstring) and Russell Robertson (shoulder) are all due to return next week.
Source:afl.com & Leigh Newton, Club Media Release
HAWTHORN
It may not win too many more games this year, or get the Hawks into the finals next year, but Coach Alistair Clarkson will persist with the youth policy to, as he put it, "pump as many games into the kids as possible".
He used St. Kilda as an example, reminding everyone how the Saints struggled 2001-2003, but were playing their talented draftees and hopes the Hawk youngsters can develop just as quickly.
Two of those youngsters who have impressed for Box Hill this year are ruckman Max Bailey and forward Beau Dowler, who wasn't even expected to play this year after suffering severe pelvic fractures in a car crash last year. The two debuted last weekend and combined for a total of 8 possessions. Perth recruit Bailey started on the bench, but ended the game with 3 touches, 1 mark, and 7 hitouts in front of family and friends. Dowler managed 5 disposals and 3 tackles.
According to Clarkson, Bailey has pretty much carried the ruck load at Box Hill and deserved his chance at senior level and his presence is a timely one with Peter Everitt ruled out for the rest of the season. Dowler, against all expectations, has played 12 games for Box Hill.
Jordan Lewis was in court last week as a defendant, facing a charge of assault and brawling for an incident at a party 3 years ago. According to the witness, one James Brunt, Lewis was one of a number of people who crashed a party and got involved in a fight in which at least 15 others ganged up to punch another man. Crown prosecutor Andrew Moore told the jury that two of the main combatants, Phil Emeny and Travis Graham had been involved in an ongoing personal dispute.
Brunt told the court that he had driven Graham to the party, then saw him approach Emeny. A punch was thrown, and it was then that Emeny was attacked by approximately 15 people. Prosecutor Moore told the court that Lewis was one of those attackers, but told police he only entered the fray to help the victim. Moore also said the prosecution's case was based on a statement Brunt made to police, which would indicate that Lewis had lied to authorities. Brunt also told the court he tackled Lewis and pulled him out of the fight.
Lewis' attorney Dermott Dann refuted the prosecution's version of events, saying Lewis had done nothing wrong and was only trying to help Mr Emeny. He also attacked the credibility and of Brunt, saying he was "...not a witness of truth, accuracy, reliability or consistency."
Brunt admitted to prior court appearances but denied he made a police statement the day after Lewis was drafted by Hawthorn because he was jealous. The case will continue at a later date.
Injury Update:
Peter Everitt, ankle, season
Danny Jacobs, hamstring, season
Michael Osborne, foot, season
Luke Brennan, knee, season
Tim Clarke (foot) played his first game since Round 14 while Stephen Gilham debuted, and Joel Smith (hamstring) also returned from injury.
Source: Fox Sports website, Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Sarah Kalaja, Club Media Release
CARLTON
Club president Graham Smorgon and his father Sam, the club's #1 ticketholder, are believed to have made a 6 figure donation to assist the club's ailing finances and the redevelopment of the club's facilities.
The donation was actually made before Smorgon took over from Ian Collins as president and was made through the Australian Sports Foundation, making it tax deductible.
At board level, the club may have to amend its constitution to allow club legend Stephen Kernahan to remain as vice-president and on the board after his term expires next year. The constitution was altered after Ian Collins and his group took over from John Elliott to limit terms of office to 4 terms, as the new administration felt that some directors, such as Elliott, had stayed too long and wanted to limit tenure to 12 years.
However, Kernahan, who joined the board shortly after his retirement in 1997, is immensely popular with both players and supporters. The club is seeking legal advice to see if they can pass a special resolution at this year's AGM so Kernahan could remain on the board.
The club, still struggling financially, is believed to once again ask Anthony Koutoufides to take a massive pay cut. Kouta, along with several other senior players, took pay cuts several years ago when the club was on the brink. This time, it is believed he is being asked to take a cut of about $900,000, which would bring his salary down to about $200,000.
While Coach Denis Pagan would like to see him play on this year, Kouta will now wait until the end of the season before sitting down and considering everything. His manager David Allison is not happy with the situation and said that 60-70% of what Kouta is being this year is money owed him from the previous 4 years.
Rookie Jesse Smith has been elevated to the senior list and debuted this week, being named to the interchange bench. He replaces the injured Justin Davies.
Injury Update:
Troy Longmuir, shoulder, 3 weeks
Ian Prendergast, knee, 4 weeks
Josh Kennedy, partially collapsed lung, 4-6 weeks
Justin Davies, back, season
Craig Flint, fractured tibia, season
Marc Murphy, shoulder, season
Jason Saddington, knee, season
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & Stephen Wilson, Club Media Release
WEST COAST
It may not be enough to save his career at the Eagles, but Michael Gardiner returned to play last week for Claremont in the WAFL for the first time since his well-publicized car crash. He booted 7 goals, had 19 possessions, and took 10 marks in a match winning best on ground effort in the northern WA coastal town of Broome. The game between Claremont and Swans District was played in the remote community as part of the WAFL's efforts to promote the game in rural areas.
Gardiner told a Perth reporter he was glad to be out of the Perth fishbowl and get back to the country, but admitted he needs to work on his fitness, something he plans to do over Claremont's two week break. According to Claremont coach Ashley Prescott, Gardiner will also travel to Kununurra in the remote Kimberley area in northeastern WA to conduct footy clinics with the local children to put something back into the game.
As for the aftermath of the crash, Gardiner was fined $800 and had his license suspended for 4 months.
To celebrate its 20th year in the competition, the Eagles announced a "Team 20" at a function last weekend. The team selected comprised the best players from the club's first 20 years in the AFL:
B: David Wirrpanda Ashley McIntosh Michael Brennan
HB: Guy McKenna Glen Jakovich John Worsfold (captain)
C: Chris Mainwaring Dean Kemp Peter Matera
HF: Brett Heady Mitchell White Chris Lewis
F: Tony Evans Peter Sumich Phillip Matera
R: Dean Cox Chris Judd Ben Cousins (vice-captain)
I/C: Chris Waterman, Drew Banfield, Don Pyke, Dwayne Lamb
Coach: Michael Malthouse
Dean Cox (broken collarbone) made a welcome return to the seniors this week.
Injury Update:
Brad Smith, knee, season
Damien Adkins, broken leg, season
Mark Nicoski, ankle, 3 weeks
Adam Hunter, knee, 2 weeks
Travis Gaspar, foot, 2 weeks
Matthew Spangher, groin, 2 weeks
Source: ninemsn.com.au, abcsport.com, & Steve Lavell, Club Media Release
ESSENDON
Coach Kevin Sheedy has proposed a radical idea to bring out the fans for the game against Richmond in Round 21. He has suggested that rock music be played after each goal.
The proposal has drawn the support of Richmond and the MCG, which said it had the capacity to play music clips on its scoreboard should it be given AFL approval. He pointed out that fans of both teams who grew up in the 60s and 70s loved the rock n' roll of the time, and, as a player, so did he. He said players of today were no different in the love of what he called "hot music". AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson said the league was always open to marketing suggestions.
Next weekend the Bombers will celebrate the career of champion James Hird, who has yet to decide if he will play on again next season. On the night of the game there will be a unique photo opportunity with all young Bomber fans wearing a #5 guernsey will join Hird in the middle of the Telstra Dome for a picture.
Matthew Lloyd will begin training with the main group next week and the Bombers were considering the possibility that he could yet play a game or two this season. However, Lloyd ruled himself out of playing again in 2007, preferring to concentrate on a complete recovery ahead of preseason training.
Lloyd was ruled out for the season after tearing the hamstring from the bone in Round 3, but has been training well during his rehab. While on holiday in Queensland last week, he was running hills and has worked on his strength is able to kick the ball 50 meters at near full strength.
Asked what the point of having Lloyd return to full team training was, if there was no intention of playing him this year, fitness coach John Quinn said was meant to get Lloyd involved again and show that he will be fully fit for the 2007 preseason.
Injury Update:
Patrick Ryder, ankle, 2-3 weeks
Jason Winderlich, fracture fibula, 2 weeks
Andrew Lovett, fractured bone in hand, season
Henry Slattery, quad, season
Jay Neagle, fractured ankle, season
Tim O’Keefe, shoulder, season
Jason Laycock, Lachlan McKinnon, & Aaron Henneman,
shoulder reconstruction, season
Heath Hocking, foot, season
Matthew Lloyd, hamstring, season
Adam Ramanauskas, cancer, indefinite
Source: Essendon website, Melbourne Age, & Emma Robinson, Club Media Release
ADELAIDE
Andrew McLeod resumed training last week and was rushed back into the side this week, while Jason Torney (back/neck) and Ben Hudson (knee) both played in the SANFL as they make their way back from injury.
Also back in this week were Nathan Bock (back), Scott Welsh (foot stress fracture), and Ian Perrie (knee).
Injury Update:
Brett Burton, Ben Hart, hamstring, to be assessed
Andrew McLeod, foot, 1 week
Bernie Vince, knee, 2 weeks
Luke Jericho, shoulder, season
Source: afl.com & David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release
ST KILDA
Allan Murray and Koori Education Officer Isaac Haddock have won the Aboriginal Young Achievers for 2006. Both received study bursaries worth $5000 with the award being presented by Aboriginal Affairs Minister Gavin Jennings, who said the two were leaders in their communities and showed a strong commitment to young Indigenous people.
Allan Murray co-founded the Unity Foundation, which supports Indigenous and non-Indigenous athletes to deliver a healthy lifestyle messages to young people throughout Melbourne as well as highlighting aspects of Indigenous culture. The club holds a weekly Unity Foundation breakfast which hosts approximately 15 youngsters who receive a healthy breakfast and take part in a life skills program which also promotes physical activity and aspects of indigenous culture. Unity also conducts life skills programs in secondary schools in Melbourne’s northern, southern and eastern suburbs.
In 2003, Murray and teammate Xavier Clarke co-founded the Indigenous Lighthouse which provides long-term accommodation and support for homeless indigenous youth. Murray and the foundation have also raised $230,000 with the money going to purchase land on which to build another home.
Allan, who is a Wiradjuri man originally from Lavington NSW and was drafted by Port in 2000 and crossed to St. Kilda in 2003, is completing a Diploma in Community Development at RMIT Melbourne.
Isaac Haddock is an active member of the Morwell community in Gippsland (approx. 140 km southeast of Melbourne). He is a dedicated Koori Education Officer at Morwell Primary School, working to improving outcomes for Indigenous youth. Isaac says he like to work with primary aged kids, before they are exposed to racial prejudices.
Isaac, 25, is a member of the Victorian Youth Advisory Council which aims to bring together high achieving Indigenous youth to network and identify issues of importance. VIYAC works to ensure that the opinions of Indigenous youth are heard.
Since leaving high school in year 11 Isaac has acquired a Division II accreditation in Mental Health Nursing and a certificate III in Aboriginal Health Work. Isaac is currently completing a Bachelor of Education (Primary) through the Institution for Koori Education at Deakin University, Geelong, as well as completing Diplomas in both Community Services and Community Education through RMIT, Melbourne.
Since 2001 Isaac has been the director and treasurer of BNYM Indigenous Inc. This Aboriginal arts business works to revive local cultural customs and artistic practices. Jennings said Isaac Haddock was a strong role model for Morwell youth, who worked above and beyond his role as an education officer.
In presenting the awards, Jennings was quoted, “Both Allan and Isaac have taken on significant roles within their communities and have indicated they want to make a difference. This award recognizes the contribution they have made to date and aims to support them into the future so they can maximize their potential as leaders.”
The $5000 award will assist with education expenses and is named for Ricci Marks who made a strong contribution in the areas of culture and sports. Ricci, who exemplified the optimism and talent of Young Aboriginal Victorians, died tragically in 2004.
Xavier and Raphael Clarke were back in the team this week, while Justin Koschitzke
has finally been given the all clear to play.
Injury Update:
Aaron Hamill, knee 1 week
Lenny Hayes, knee, season
Justin Koschitzke, fractured skull, ongoing assessment
Matt Maguire, fractured leg, season
Troy Schwarze, hamstring, to be assessed.
Source: afl.com; Media Release, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs & Georgie Fidge, Club Media Release
WESTERN BULLDOGS
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, 2-3 weeks
Daniel Giansiracusa, hamstring, 1 week
Source: Shaun Anderson, Club Media Release
SYDNEY
The Swans have brought in Stephen Doyle, who has not played a senior game all year, as their #2 ruckman. And Nick Davis, dropped several weeks ago, was named an emergency. Davis has been performing well in the Sydney reserves and has been working hard on his fitness levels.
Injury Update:
Jarred Moore, thumb, season
Source: afl.com & Stephen Brassel, Club Media Release
RICHMOND
Young gun Andrew Raines has agreed to terms for a new 3 year deal with the Tigers. Raines, who is one of the main contenders for the Rising Star award this year and has become a cornerstone of Richmond's defense, is likely to earn between $750,000 and $800,000 under the new deal. The club's willingness to offer such a long term deal is an indication of just how quickly Raines has developed as a player since being drafted in 2003. He played just 7 games last year, but has not missed a game all season this year and has impressed one and all as a smooth-moving, long kicking rebounding defender. His style resembles that of his father, Geoff, who played in the Tigers' last premiership in 1980.
Injury Update:
Darren Gaspar, Mark Coughlan, & Will Thursfield, knee, season
Nathan Brown, hamstring, 1 week
Andrew Kellaway, hamstring, 2 weeks
Danny Meyer, foot, season
Chris Newman, broken leg, season
Brent Hartigan, foot, 3 weeks
Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, fractured collarbone, season
Source: Glynis Smalley, Club Media Release
GEELONG
The club has taken legal action against former fitness coach Loris Bertolacci, accusing him of leaking player information to other clubs. According to CEO Brian Cook, Bertoloacci offered information to rival clubs about the fitness levels and abilities of Geelong players. Bertolacci, dismissed from the club last April after a falling out with Coach Mark Thompson and other club officials, has filed his own claim against the Cats for unlawful dismissal.
Port Adelaide Coach Mark Williams confirmed Bertolacci had offered the Power information about Geelong but said the information was already something which was well-known and would not have increased Port's knowledge about the Cats.
Peter Riccardi, whom the club was hellbent on helping to 300 games before he retired at the end of the year, has had his injury-riddled season ended prematurely due to a hamstring injury suffered in the opening minutes of this week's game against St. Kilda. He only just returned a few weeks ago after battling a calf injury and managed just 6 games this year.
Riccardi, who at his peak was one of the best wingmen in the AFL and is the last member of the Cats 1992 Grand Final appearance, ends his career as the Cats' third longest serving player but just short of becoming only the third Geelong player behind Ian Nankervis (325 games) and John "Sammy" Newman (300 games) to reach the treasured 300 game mark. Riccardi ends his career with 288 games and 286 goals to his credit.
Coach Mark Thompson admitted it was a tough way for Riccardi to end his career, particularly as he played in three losing grand finals (1992, 1994 and 1995) early in his career without ever tasting premiership success.
Geelong was boosted this week by the return of Gary Ablett, Jarrad Rooke, and Cameron Mooney. Ablett and Rooke have been injured while Mooney returns from suspension.
Source: Melbourne Age & afl.com
BRISBANE
Brad Scott has announced he will retire at the end of season. Scott said he had decided about a month ago to call it a day, explaining that he was unable to train hard enough to get the best out of himself. He also said he would have stayed on, but believes the defense is in good hands with all the younger players coming throughScott has played 164 matches since making his debut with Hawthorn in 1997. He made 22 appearances with the Hawks in 1997, before crossing to the Lions.
Scott has played 142 matches for the Lions, including 14 this season.
An AFL Rising Star nominee with Hawthorn in 1997, Scott finished equal third in the Lions' best-and-fairest award in 2002. He also represented Australia in the International Rules series in 2001-02. He played in the Lions' first 2 premierships and the losing Grand Final against Port Adelaide in 2004. He missed the 2003 GF due to injury.
While paying tribute to the hard working Brad Scott, Coach Leigh Matthews also delivered a stern edict to the players, saying put in 100% or clear out. The warning came after Mal Michael reportedly asked for a modified training program next year and requested more time away from the club to devote to his outside business interests. Michael said in an interview last week that he would be forced to retire if he had to commit to a 7 day training and meeting schedule at the club.
Matthews dismissed the notion that the schedule was too demanding and said players had to accept the conditions to play and compete at AFL level. Matthews was quoted at a press conference, "Let's get this clear, if you're not prepared to prepare to be a league footballer, don't be one." Matthews said.
Daniel Bradshaw passed the 50 goal mark for the second time in his career when he booted his 3rd goal against the Cats last week. Bradshaw booted a career best 56 goals in 2000, the same year that Alastair Lynch and Luke Power also both passed 50. Bradshaw, who won the club goalkicking for the first time last year with 42, has kicked 355 career goals from 177 games.
Irish recruit Colm Begley has been elevated from the rookie list to the seniors. With a massive injury list, and the retirement of Justin Leppitsch, the club had a vacancy on its senior list. Begley, who made an appearance in the NAB preseason cup, has been playing in the AFLQ with the Suncoast Lions and has been impressive throughout the season, mostly playing on a half back flank.
Michael Voss ruled himself out of the game against the Tigers, mainly due to the fact the game was at the Telstra Dome, which he says wreaks havoc on his already wonky knee.
Marcus Allan, son of the club's football manager Graham Allan, debuted this week.
Injury Update:
Mitch Clark, OP, season,
Chris Johnson, OP, played in the reserves last week, 1-2 weeks
Ash McGrath, hamstring tear, 1 week
Richard Hadley, Anthony Corey, Joel Macdonald, & Pat Garner, knee, season
Jonathan Brown, hip fracture, indefinite
Jamie Charman, shoulder, season
Chris Scott, hip, long term injury list, season
Josh Drummond, hamstring tightness, 1 week
Beau McDonald, hamstring related knee soreness, indefinite
Nigel Lappin, ankle, long term injury list, season
Lenny Clark, corked thigh, 1-2 weeks
Michael Rischitelli, shoulder, 1-2 weeks
10 Years Ago
The Brisbane Lions took on the Richmond Tigers in Round 14, 1997 at the Gabba and should have won by a lot more than 18 points as they kicked an extraordinarilyinaccurate 7.26 (68) to the Tigers' 7.8 (50). The 3/4 time scoreline was a remarkable 4.21 to 5.7. Danny Dickfos, Craig Lambert, and Nigel Lappin were the stars for the Lions, while Tiger Matthew Richardson was the only multiple goalscorer on the ground with four, and Wayne Campbell collected 25 possessions.
Source: worldfootynews.com, afl.com, Melbourne Age, & Julie Rackstraw, Club Media Release
COLLINGWOOD
While former coach Tony Shaw refuses to back down from criticizing players for off field indiscretions, he has offered to make peace with president Eddie McGuire in order to prevent any destabilization at the club as it concentrates on making the finals.
McGuire again reiterated his belief Collingwood had improved its disciplinary culture during his seven-year presidency despite a series of off-field troubles this year, while Shaw continued to defend his efforts in getting rid of troublemakers during his stint as coach and still wants an apology from McGuire for referring to the club as "rat-infested" when he took over as president in 1999.
Shaw promised he would keep criticizing players if they misbehaved off the field, including his nephews Rhyce and Heath. But McGuire said Shaw had been too critical publicly of Tarrant's attitude and impact as a forward.
And the issues of discipline and Chris Tarrant were commented upon by several others. Former Magpie player Gavin Crosisca, now a coach himself, said both McGuire and Shaw should just keep quiet so as not to disrupt the club.
Former Carlton bad boy Brendon Fevola believes Tarrant can turn things around for himself with the support of the people around him and even suggested that perhaps Taz should give up the drink, as Fevola has done this year.
The club unveiled a memorial statue of club legend Bob Rose, who died in 2003. The statue is outside the club's training facilities at the Lexus Center. Collingwood CEO Mr Greg Swann, the Minister for the Arts and Sport Senator Rod Kemp and Elsie Rose, the widow of Bob Rose, unveiled the statue.
Collingwood CEO Greg Swann said, “This statue is a wonderful tribute to one of the true legends of Collingwood and one of the greatest footballers to have played the game. The Bob Rose Memorial Statue is part of our on-going commitment to honour our history and the players of the past who have contributed so much to our great club.
It is an appropriate link to our history at Victoria Park and provides a powerful presence for Collingwood at our new home in the heart of the Olympic Park Precinct, one of the biggest sports and entertainment precincts in the world.
We are delighted to be able to commemorate the enormous contribution that Bob Rose made to Collingwood. Bob epitomized all that is good about Collingwood and about football. He was a true Collingwood champion in every sense and demonstrated what all our players must strive for – he was courageous, highly skilled and always showed exemplary sportsmanship under the most difficult circumstances.
Bob showed us all what it was to be a man of integrity with the way he looked after his two boys, Peter and particularly Robert (ed. note, paralyzed in a car crash), and his wife Elsie. They left an indelible mark on our club and on the Melbourne community.”
Bob Rose’s son Peter, said, “My father would have been humbled to be commemorated in this way, and to be just a torpedo punt away from the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the statues of so many of his own sporting idols such as Sir Donald Bradman and Keith Miller.”
The bronze statue was sculpted by artist Mitch Mitchell, who specializes in bronze figurative pieces and has sculpted other statues, including one of Sir Donald Bradman, Ted Whitten, and Jack Dyer. The statue was funded by the Collingwood Foundation which raises funds for Collingwood’s many community programs, initiatives and special projects. The statue is surrounded by Collingwood Foundation Pavers carrying messages of support from Collingwood members and supporters. The Collingwood Archives Committee is also hosting a special exhibition of Bob Rose Memorabilia in the foyer of the Lexus Center over the next month.
The statue's plaque reads:
"One of Collingwood’s greatest players and one of the most revered figures in the
history of the game, Bob Rose was the heart of the Collingwood Football Club."
A great champion, four-time Copeland Trophy winner, star of the 1953 premiership side, long-serving coach and board member, he was tough, courageous and brilliantly skilled. Humble and proud in the good times, dignified and gracious through the bad, his strength and humility as a leader helped to make Collingwood what it is today.
In his love of his family and the way he cared for his son Robert Rose (who became a quadriplegic in a car accident), he demonstrated kindness and dignity in the harshest of circumstances and left an indelible mark on our club and on the Melbourne community.
A young boy once told Bob Rose that whenever he played football he wrote a message on his hand – Play tough, play brave, play like Bobby Rose! This has become a theme for all Collingwood players.
Bob Rose Career:
Played: 1946-55
Guernsey #22
Games: 152 day games, 15 interstate
Copeland Trophy: 1949, 51, 52, 53
Victoria:1949-54
All Australian 1953
Collingwood Coach 1964-71, 1985-86
Victorian Coach 1967
Collingwood vice-president: 1963-71, 1984-1999
Inducted Australian Football Hall of Fame: 1996
Collingwood Team of the Century: 1997
Source::Melbourne Age & Nicki Malady, Club Media Release
FREMANTLE
Went in this week without injured pair Paul Hasleby and Ryan Crowley.
Source: Melbourne Age
GENERAL SILLINESS
As much as it pains me personally, it is another amusing (to some) ad on Triple M for football broadcast sponsor Ray White Homes: this time 3M caller Brian Taylor is speaking with a Carlton supporter who says he is looking for a new home with a bigger kitchen. He is reluctant at first to say why, but is finally "cajoled" by Taylor to admit he needs the extra kitchen space to hold all the wooden spoons.
Source: Triple M Radio broadcast
On to the scores:
ESS 5.2 7.6 7.10 10.14 (74) COL 2.0 4.2 6.4 9.7 (61) GOALS: ESS - Johns 3, Camporeale, J. Johnson, M. Johnson, Lovett-Murray, Lucas, Monfries, Stanton; COL - Egan 2, Didak, Johnson, Licuria, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Swan, Tarrant BEST: ESS - Fletcher, Hird, McPhee, Stanton, Lucas, J. Johnson, Peverill, Johns, Heffernan, Watson; COL - Clement, Swan, Fraser, Didak,Johnson, Lockyer
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Woodcock, McInerney
CROWD: 62,940 at MCG
Blake Caracella, who started his career with Essendon and finished as a Magpie, was given a farewell lap of honor prior to the game. In the traditional leadup press conference between the opposing coaches, Mick Malthouse referred to his former Tiger teammate Kevin Sheedy as a "marvel" for his longevity in the game.
And the marvel proved it from beginning to end. From the outset he had his matchups spot on with Clement driving Hird to distraction. Fletcher completely shutting down Rocca, and Tarrant back to his ineffective worst to make McPhee's job that much easier. It left the Pies with few other options for scoring while the Bombers had no such trouble at the other end. And the midfield battle saw Essendon well on top as they applied plenty of pressure and had more than enough scoring power with Jason Johnson nailing Essendon's first within the first two minutes of the match. Hird got an early touch but missed.
The next Bomber goal came from another midfielder in Camporeale. The Pies' ineptness was apparent early when Rocca's kick slewed off his boot, only for Tarrant to recover the ball and promptly kick it out on the full. The Bombers wasted little time in rushing it the other way where Monfries goaled. A minute later, a leading Johns goaled and the Bombers were out to a handy lead just halfway through the term. The Pies finally had a successful forward foray when Egan marked 40 meters out and goaled. Stanton missed and the Pies again seemed to get a bit of run as Pendlebury put through one to keep things interesting. The Bombers again won the ball out of the center and Mark Johnson flew to take a hanger from a McVeigh kick. His goal after the siren gave the Bombers a 20 point lead at 1/4 time.
At the start of the second term, Travis Cloke was shifted forward and Lonie picked up Bradley, who was wreaking havoc in Bomber midfield. After Stanton missed for Essendon, Tarrant finally managed a rare touch for a goal. Then Essendon missed several chances to increase their lead, as Lucas sprayed a shot after a mark and Nash soccered the ball into the post. Lockyer then bobbed up for another Magpie goal. But Johns then showed why the Bombers kept faith with him despite a long rehab from a career threatening hip injury. The blond dread-locked colossus marked strongly on the lead and made no mistake from 45 meters. Peverill then sprayed another shot and the Pies cleared, but their attacks were quickly thwarted by the stalwart Bomber defense
and Johns got the ball again. Hird moved to the center to get away from Clement only for Licuria to pick him up and Clement headed over to annoy Lucas, as Rocca had a chance to close the gap but couldn't. His point left the Pies 22 points in front at 1/2 time.
Buckley picked up Jason Johnson at the start of the 3rd term as Egan kicked out on the full. He redeemed himself a few minutes later with a mark and goal after a Jolley turnover. He was in the thick of action again but again missed. Didak crumbed another Magpie goal with 10 seconds left on the clock to have the Pies within 11 points at 3/4 time.
A Jason Johnson point made it a 2 goal difference at the start of the final term, and a goal to Licuria goaled to have the Pies within a goal. Heffernan then went to cover Buckley, but O'Bree won the ball out of the center and found Swan whose goal leveled the scores as he ducked around Hird. But the Bombers, desperate to get off the bottom of the ladder, and so close to a win, were not about to let this game slip.
Lucas and Lovett-Murray steadied the team and swung the momentum their way with 2 quick
goals to restore their lead. Travis Cloke and Stanton both missed before Hird goaled in time on of the term. Lucas kicked one final point for the term and the Bombers were out to a 19 point lead. A miss from Tarrant and a goal a minute later whittled the margin back to just 2 goals with just minutes remaining on the clock. Essendon continued to control play and maintained possession to hang on for the win with Hille rubbing salt into the Magpie wounds with a point after the siren.
For Essendon, Hille (14 hitouts) broke even with Fraser in the ruck, but the midfield battle definitely was won by the likes of Watson, (26/10), Peverill (33/12), Stanton (25/9), and Heffernan (23/7) finding plenty of the ball. Hird (22/9), despite the close attention, was still at his damaging best across half forward and in the middle, while Fletcher (28/10) and McPhee (22/14) stood tall in defense. Up forward, Johns (7 kicks, 5 marks) was the most accurate forward on the ground with 3 straight goals and had support from Jason Johnson (26/11) as a linkman, while Lucas (16 kicks, 8 marks) made a reasonable contribution without being overly dominant.
For Collingwood, Lockyer (15/6), O'Bree (22/7), and Buckley (23/9) worked hard to lift their side, while Fraser (16 hitouts, 29/9) battled in the ruck and around the ground. Clement was excellent in blanketing Hird and Lucas, while Ben Johnson 19/5) tried to provide run from defense and Swan (31/12) was prolific across half forward.
SYD 4.2 8.4 11.6 14.11 (95) MELB 4.0 7.1 9.2 10.3 (63) GOALS: SYD - Hall 3, McVeigh 2, Grundy 2, Goodes 2, O'Loughlin 2, Ablett, Kirk, Fosdike; MELB - Neitz 4, Bruce, Godfrey, Bate, Jones, Ward, Brown BEST: SYD - Goodes, Kirk, McVeigh, Schneider, Hall, C. Bolton, Jolly, O'Keefe; MELB - Bruce, Neitz, Ward, Bate, McDonald, Green, Ferguson
INJURY: SYD - Fosdike (concussion); MELB - Ward (ankle), Ferguson (knee)
Ferguson could miss the rest of the season
REPORTS: SYD - Bevan for rough conduct against Johnson; MELB - Neitz for
charging Goodes
UMPIRES: James, Meredith, Goldspink
CROWD: 43,794 at the MCG
Melbourne looked set to continue its winning streak when Neitz and Ward booted the first 2 goals of the game, giving the Demons a quick 12 point lead. But the Swans quickly hit back with one to Grundy.From there, both sides went goal for goal, but the Demons had 2 more scoring shots for a narrow 2 point lead at 1/4 time.
The shootout continued in the 2nd term as the lead see-sawed until Hall booted his second midway through the term. Goodes and Fosdike followed up minutes later and the Swans raced to a 14 point lead, before Jones brought the margin back to 9 points at 1/2 time.
Ferguson could have made it a 3 point difference, but missed and the Swans proceeded to kick 3 successive goals to lead by 28 points. Neitz booted two late goals in the term to keep the Demons in it as the Swans led by 16 points at 3/4 time.
The final term turned into an arm-wrestle with the Swans clogging up play and keeping the pressure on to stop Melbourne's run. It wasn't until late in the term that McVeigh kicked 2 to virtually seal the win. Bate added one consolation goal for the Dees, only for Hall to reply shortly before time.
For the Swans, Goodes (29/12) and Kirk (25, 12 tackles) ruled the midfield with support from McVeigh (17/5) as they feasted on Jolly's (37 hitouts) ruck dominance over White and Jamar. Up forward, Schneider (17/4), O'Keefe (16 kicks, 9 marks), O'Loughlin (8 kicks, 5 marks) and Hall (12/10) combined to run the Dee defense ragged while Craig Bolton provided plenty of dash out of defense.
For the Demons, Bruce (23/7) and Neitz (4 kicks, 3 marks) were the only effective forwards, while Green (16), Bate (19/8), Ferguson (11/4), and McDonald (15,14 tackles) battled in the midfield and Ward (19/7) tried hard in a defense under siege.
The win was the Swans' 5th in succession at the MCG and ended the Demons' 9
game winning streak at the ground.
WCE 7.5 8.7 12.14 14.23 (107) KANG 4.3 8.6 11.7 12.9 (81) GOALS: WCE - Lynch 4, A. Embley 3, Cox, Sampi, Kerr, Staker, Fletcher, Cousins, Seaby; KANG - Jones 3, Thompson 3, Rocca 2, Harvey 2, Harding, Pratt BEST: WCE - Cousins, Kerr, Lynch, Judd, Chick; KANG - Jones, Harris, Sinclair, Harvey, Thompson, Brown
UMPIRES: Sully, Ellis, Jeffery
CROWD: 40,067 at Subiaco Oval
The Eagles had the advantage of a strong breeze at the start, but suffered a huge blow two minutes when Hansen limping off with a calf strain. But the loss didn't faze the Eagles as they slammed through the first 3 goals - one a massive 70 meter bomb from Lynch. Not to be outdone, Rocca got the Roos on the board with one of his trademark belters before Sampi replied for the Eagles. Corey Jones booted 2 in a row to have the Kangaroos within a goal. Embley restored the 12 point buffer, only for Rocca to unleash again. The Kangaroos then tried to slow the game down and hold off the Eagles for the remainder of the term. The tactic backfired as Kerr and Embley kicked the next 2, giving the Eagles a 20 point lead at 1/4 time.
Lynch's third goal of the match just 50 seconds into the 2nd term stretched the Eagle lead to 26 points and another Eagle blowout looked imminent. But the Kangaroos clawed their way back into the game and lifted their intensity and went in hard. The first casualty was Lynch who came off second best in a head clash with Swallow. Then Sinclair collided with Chick and was forced off with a cut head. And the Roos were also inflicting some serious scoreboard damage as Thompson twice, Jones, and Harding goaled to level the scores. It was only Selwood's point after the siren which gave the Eagles a 1 point lead at 1/2 time.
After the Kangaroos pinched lead through a fine running effort from Harvey, the Eagles kicked into gear with 4 of the next 5 goals to snatch back the lead and stretch it out to 16 points. However, an undisciplined free-kick and 50-meter penalty against Chick in time-on gifted Thompson a goal from point-blank range, reducing the Eagle lead to 13 points at 3/4 time.
Goals to Cousins and Seaby against the breeze early in the final term effectively sealed the match as fatigue began to take a toll in the form of silly errors from both sides, with the Kangaroos managing just one late goal to Harvey late in the term.
For the Eagles, Kerr (35), Judd (33), and Cousins (29) were at the damaging best through the middle while Lynch (9 kicks, 3 marks) and Stenglein 27/6) across half forward were tireless. Waters (17/11) rebounded well from defense while Chick (19) tried to be a one man wrecking crew with his fierce attack on the ball.
For the Kangaroos, Simpson (24) and Harris (22) did well to win the ball through the middle while Harvey (21/5) swooped across half forward and Thompson (6 kicks, 3 marks) and Jones (19) did best in attack. Sinclair (25/7) battled in defense and Brown (15/9) worked hard off the bench.
One more win will guarantee the Eagles 2nd place and 2 home finals.
PA 5.3 8.5 9.11 14.21 (105) WB 3.3 6.6 12.10 13.13 (91) GOALS: PA - Pettigrew 3, Thurstans 2, S Burgoyne, Cassisi, Salopek, Surjan, Brogan, Bentley, Ebert, White, Logan; WB - Johnson 4, Robbins 3, Birss 2, Minson 2, Cross, Grant BEST: PA - S. Burgoyne, Lade, K. Cornes, C. Cornes, Cassisi, Pearce, Pettigrew, Thurstans; WB - Cross, Gilbee, West, Griffen, Johnson, McMahon, Ray, Boyd, Birss
INJURY: PA - Wilson (hamstring); WB - Eagleton (hamstring)
CHANGES: PA - Wakelin replaced in selected side by Lower;
WB - Baird (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Birss
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stevic, Avon
CROWD: 14,100 at TIO Stadium
In steamy conditions, Port was able to match the run of the Bulldogs and got off to a flyer as Salopek's opening goal was followed by 2 to Thurstans who twice capitalized on Harris errors. The Bulldogs missed several gettable shots and Surjan pounced on a poor Bulldog kick-in before Johnson booted two in succession. But Port came again with Shaun Burgoyne slipping the ball through a goal square scramble. Birss nabbed one after the siren, but it was Port by 12 points at 1/4 time.
The Dogs, after more misses to Robbins and Johnson, cut the Port margin even further 5 minutes into the 2nd term when Robbins roved a pack for a goal. Eagleton appeared to strain a hamstring, robbing the Dogs of some run, but it didn't stop them from grabbing the lead when Cross goaled from a free kick halfway through the term. Robbins then outbodied the much bigger Pettigrew to snag another. However, Port was not done yet. Debutant Bentley goaled with his first league kick and when Ebert followed up a minute later, Port was back in front. Cassisi's late goal gave Port an 11 point lead at 1/2 time.
After Gilbee missed to start the 3rd term, Grant booted one to cut the margin to 3 points, but Brogan pulled it back from the next center bounce. Goals to Birss and Minson midway through the term had the Dogs back in front once more. Both Cassisi and Griffen sprayed subsequent shots and it was left to Robbins to set the Doggies on their way. His goal began a run of 3 with Johnson and Minson booting 2 in two minutes to give the Dogs a 17 point lead at 3/4 time.
Young Lower was moved onto Johnson and did well to keep the veteran Dog quiet for the remainder of the game. Points and a single goal to Pettigrew whittled the Dog lead down to just 3 points early in the final term. Port More misses from Port cut the lead to just 1 point but they rushed a behind to double that narrow Bulldog lead, before a goal to Logan gave Port a 4 point lead. Johnson got away from Lower long enough to boot one final goal for himself after Dew missed and the Dogs were back in front. Pearce then missed to level the scores.
Salopek's kick was touched on the line to hand the lead back to Port, but then Minson missed to again level them. Pearce's missed again and again the lead was just 1 point Port's way. Port grabbed the lead once and for all when Hargrave's kick in resulted in a turnover and Pettigrew marked hard up on the boundary and kicked a tight angle goal with just 2 minutes remaining to ensure Port's win. The Dogs had no answers and seemed out of run as Pettigrew took a goal square hanger and goaled once more to end Port's 6 game losing streak.
For Port, Shaun Burgoyne (25), Chad (31) and Kane (34) Cornes, and Pearce (24) ruled the midfield,while Lade (19 hitouts, 22/12) was tireless in the ruck and around the ground. Cassisi (24) was busy across half forward, while Pettigrew (7 kicks, 4 marks) and Thurstans (13/8) provided targets in attack.
For the Dogs, Cross (27/6), Griffen (20/6), West (33/7), and Ray (21/7) were solid as always in the midfield, while McMahon (20/6) and Gilbee (29/7) did best in defense, as did Johnson (15/10) and Birss (8 kicks, 4 marks) in attack.
RICH 7.4 14.7 17.11 21.16 (142) BRIS 1.1 1.5 2.12 8.12 (60) GOALS: RICH - Richardson 6, Krakouer 2, P. Bowden 2, Simmonds 2, Tambling 2, Stafford 2, Howat, Schulz, White, Deledio, Pattison; BRIS - Bradshaw 3, Roe, Sherman, Hooper, Power, Selwood BEST: RICH - P. Bowden, Simmonds, Richardson, Hyde, Tuck, Deledio, Johnson, Howat, J. Bowden; BRIS - Sherman, Adcock, Notting, Copeland, Scott
UMPIRES: McLaren, Grun, Pannell
CROWD: 27,211 at Telstra Dome
This is a tale of two teams, One, just a few years ago, was the terror of the league and seemed to take great delight in savagely pounding the opposition into submission with ruthless efficiency. The other often promised much at the start of any given year, but would then fall away badly. The first, Brisbane, is now barely a shadow of what they used to be. The Tigers, despite several massive hidings this year, have gone beyond expectation this year and still have a chance to make the finals.
Against a Brisbane team without the likes of Michael Voss, Jonathan Brown, Nigel Lappin, Chris Johnson, Jason Akermanis, Jamie Charman, and emerging youngster Michael Rischitelli, the Tigers were the ruthless ones and Richardson was at his devastating best.
Michael started on Richardson but was replaced in the first term by Merrett. Patrick Bowden opened the scoring avalanche for the Tigers with Richo getting his first soon after. Then Schulz stopped Scott in tracks, allowing Tambling to slip through for the next. Roe posted the only Lion goal for the entire half, but the Tigers finished the term as strongly as they had started with 2 goals to Krakouer and another to Richardson and went to 1/4 time with a 39 point lead.
Brisbane could have remained on the sidelines for all their effectiveness in the 2nd term, which was completely dominated by the Tigers, starting with Simmonds in the center and Richo on fire up forward as he contributed 2 of the Tigers' 7 goals for the term. Two of those goals came in strange circumstances late in the term. Lion rookie Jason Roe was slow in bringing the ball back into play after a point and the umpire called play-on. He then handballed the ball through for a rushed behind but the umpires instead ordered a bounce down in the goalsquare as Roe had not kicked the ball to himself before conceding the point.
From the resultant ball-up, second gamer Cameron Howat soccered the ball through for a goal, which was allowed even though the ball appeared to have come off Brisbane's Power. While the umpires discussed the matter, tempers flared and the fisticuffs resulted in a free kick to Patrick Bowden in the goal square. It gave the Tigers an 80 point lead at 1/2 time. Their halftime score was their biggest opening half since kicking 15.8 (98) against St Kilda in Round 3, 1985.
The Lions could have at least gotten back a bit of respectability, but for some dreadful kicking for goal in the 3rd term. While the Tigers piled on more misery in the form of 3 goals, Bradshaw fired the only shot for the Lions, who also kicked 7 behinds for the term, leaving the Tigers with a massive 95 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Lions got their act together in the final term, matching the Tigers goal for goal and the Tigers could have inflicted a 100 point plus loss on the Lions and beaten their previous record score of 24.11 (125) set in 1998 had they kicked a bit straighter. But it didn't matter as the Tigers still got a badly needed percentage booster as well as equaling their highest ever margin of 82 points against the Lions, set in 1990.
The Tigers had winners everywhere with Simmonds (27 hitouts, 18/8) dominating the ruck and being more than handy around the ground. Deledio (24) and Tuck (25) led the midfield charge while Joel Bowden (15), and Hyde (24/9) were superb in defense. Howat (19/8), Patrick Bowden (28/13), and Krakouer (13/3) crumbed whatever Richardson (15 kicks, 11 marks) didn't get his hands on.
For the Lions, Scott (25/10), Sherman (35/9), and Adcock (23/11) worked hard in the midfield but lacked support. Copeland (16/7) and Notting (19/6) tried but were overwhelmed in defense, while Bradshaw (8 kicks, 5 marks) made the most of limited chances in attack.
STK 3.1 7.5 12.7 15.13 (103) GEEL 2.5 6.7 8.11 11.14 (80) GOALS: STK - Gehrig 3, Koschitzke 2, Riewoldt 2, Fiora, Voss, Peckett, Dal Santo, S. Fisher, Montagna, R. Clarke, Milne; GEEL - Ling 2, S. Johnson 2, Mackie 2, Hunt, Mooney, Byrnes, Ottens, Enright BEST: STK - Dal Santo, Montagna, Riewoldt, S. Fisher, Gram, Goddard, Hudghton, Peckett, Harvey; GEEL - Mackie, Ling, Byrnes, Wojcinski, Corey, Milburn, Hunt, Chapman, Harley
INJURY: GEEL - Riccardi (hamstring)
UMPIRES: McBurney, Quigley, Schmitt
CROWD: 40,986 at Telstra Dome
With Melbourne, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs all having lost in this round, the Cats needed to win this one if they were to be any chance for the finals. But St. Kilda has dashed those hopes. And the Saints, who would have been just one win ahead of the Cats had they lost, appeared vulnerable following last week's loss to West Coast when they also lost key defender Matt Maguire for the rest of the season with a broken leg.
The Cats dominated the opening term, but could not put scoreboard pressure on the Saints, with poor kicking for goal their downfall. Byrnes was the first offender when he marked just 35 meters out, but opted to play on and handballed to Ablett. But Ablett was under immense pressure and sprayed the shot. The first half of the opening term was an arm wrestle and it took until halfway through for the first goal through Fiora for the Saints. Hunt nailed the next for the Cats, then a helmeted Koschitzke got the next. Mooney and Gehrig rounded out the term, which saw the Saints in front by 2 points at 1/4 time.
After several missed chances, goals to Steve Johnson, Byrnes, and Ottens in the opening minutes of the second term had the Cats in front by 14 points. They again were wasteful with Ottens missing from 40 meters out. Goals to Voss and Gehrig had the Saints within striking distance before Steve Johnson extended the Cat lead. Again the Saints hit back through Peckett and Dal Santo to lead by 4 points at 1/2 time.
The Saints then put on a devastating burst in the 3rd term, kicking 3 goals from 3 marks. Then Sam Fisher booted a contender for goal of the year when he spoiled Steve Johnson, grabbed the ball and cleared out of defense. He passed to a teammate, dashed forward to take the ball back, and kicked a team lifter on the run from 55 meters. Mackie and Ling added just 2 for the inaccurate Cats while Montagna kicked the Saints' fifth for the term to give them a 20 point lead at 3/4 time.
Raphael Clarke and Mackie traded goals in the first few minutes of the final term. Both sides now were guilty of spraying shots. It wasn't until halfway through that Milne bagged the next goal. Although the Cats kicked 2 of the last 3 goals for the match, it wasn't enough to catch the Saints.
The most pleasing aspect for the Saints was the return of Justin Koschitzke, who showed no hesitancy at throwing himself into packs and rotated between ruck and attack. He didn't have big stats with just 5 hitouts, 7 touches and 6 marks, but still gave another tall option in attack where Gehrig (11 kicks, 10 marks) was always a danger. Riewoldt (26/9) roamed far and wide as well as working hard in attack, while Peckett (18/8) kept a tight reign on Ablett. Dal Santo (28/9), Harvey (23/12), and Montagna (19/5) ran the lines through midfield, while Sam Fisher (22/7), Goddard (18/10), Gram (20/6), and Hudghton (1`4/6) starved the Cat attack.
For the Cats, Ling (26/7), Corey (21), and Wojcinski (11) were the best out of the center, while Mackie (25/9) and Chapman (21) tried to present in attack but lacked support. Milburn (23/9), Hunt (23/5), and Harley (24/7) tried to stem the Saint flow in defense. Byrnes (24/8) was handy off the bench.
FRE 3.6 8.10 10.11 13.17 (95) ADE 2.3 5.10 10.14 10.20 (80) GOALS: FRE - Farmer 3, Schammer 2, Pavlich 2, J. Carr, Peake, Longmuir, Bell, Murphy, M. Carr; ADE - Bode 4, Hentschel 3, Bock, Welsh, Van Berlo BEST: FRE - Black, Bell, Schammer, Peake, Cook, Dodd, Hayden, Pavlich, M. Carr; ADE - Edwards, Doughty, Bode, McLeod, Reilly Mattner, Thompson, Clarke
INJURY: ADE - Bassett (hip), McGregor (hamstring)
CHANGES: ADE - Biglands (hamstring) replaced in the selected side by Maric
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Allen, Ryan
CROWD: 43,127 at AAMI Stadium
Have the Crows hit a late season slump or have the Dockers finally come of age? Or is it a bit of both? The Dockers showed skill and cool under pressure and started the game with the aid of a strong breeze. The Dockers took the game right up to the Crows from the start, starting with some strong work from rebounding defenders Dodd, McPharlin, Hayden, Parker, Mundy, and Johnson. And the silver service work of the Bell, Black, Schammer, Peake, and Josh Carr ensured a steady supply to the forward line where Pavlich and Farmer lurked. Hentschel got the Crows off to a good start, but Farmer replied soon after at the other end. Bock sent one through for the Crows before Schammer and Farmer goaled to have the Dockers in front. They should have been further ahead, but kicked 6 points among their 3 goals to lead by just 9 points at 1/4 time.With the defense holding its own to keep the Crow attack in check, the Dockers continued their good form in the 2nd term, despite having to kick into the wind. The Crows challenged early through Welsh and then Bode got two after Josh Carr nailed one midway through the term. However, the Dockers defied the breeze to kick the last 4 of the term for an 18 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Crows again mounted a stiff challenge in the 3rd term as Van Berlo got the opening goal. But Farmer and Bell kicked a pair to keep Adelaide at bay. Much of the term then became a battle of the defenses as the goals dried up for a time. The Crows broke through late in the term with Bode and Hentschel kicking 2 each, giving the Crows a narrow 3 point lead at 3/4 time.
The Crows went into the final term without ace defender Bassett, who spent the rest of the game on the bench injured. McGregor was also off with a hamstring injury, robbing the Crows of one tall attacking option. Fremantle capitalized, keeping the Crows goalless while booting 3 goals themselves to run out easy winners and boost their chances for a finals berth.
For the Dockers, Black (26/7), Cook (16/5), Matthew Carr (8/3), Schammer (22/6), Peake (23/6),and Josh Carr (19/7) were prolific in the midfield, while Dodd (20/5) and Hayden (15/8) ran the ball out of the back half to supply the middle. Pavlich (14 kicks, 9 marks) starred up forward.
For Adelaide, Clarke (24 hitouts) did well against Sandilands in the ruck, while Doughty (24) and Edwards (33/7) were big ballwinners through the middle but lacked support. McLeod (20) was steady as always in defense, while Bode (16/6), Reilly (21/7), and Thompson worked hard in attack.
HAW 7.3 12.6 14.10 17.11 (113) CARL 2.3 4.6 8.10 13.12 (90) GOALS: HAW - Franklin 6, Williams 4, Birchall, Campbell, Clarke, Crawford, Dixon, Murphy, Vandenberg; CARL - Fevola 8, Bannister, Betts, Bryan, Scotland, Waite BEST: HAW - Crawford, Mitchell, Bateman, Franklin, Sewell, Hodge, Williams, Campbell; CARL - Fevola, Lappin, Simpson, Fisher, Stevens, Scotland
INJURY: HAW - Dawson (virus) replaced in selected side by Gilham, Lewis (groin) replaced in selected side by Kane
UMPIRES: Head, Chamberlain, Wenn
CROWD: 36,817 at MCG
With Essendon pulling off the first upset win of the round, Carlton's fate was in its own hands to avoid its 3rd wooden spoon. And they failed miserably. For the first half nothing went right, not the match ups, not the disposal, not the attack, or the defense. Croad had the job on Fevola and Hodge, when he wasn't scorching the midfield was dropping back to help Croad. Williams once again proved that Walker belongs in the midfield and not defense. And Franklin was just too good for anyone who tried to take him on.
From the first bounce, Crawford won the ball and fired it into the forward line where Williams marked and goaled. Sewell and Vandenberg missed, but it didn't matter as the Hawks kept on attacking. The few times Carlton even looked like having half a chance to score, the Hawk defense took it away. Young Hawk Gilham was running with Koutoufides, who had a game he'd rather forget. Stevens was shifted onto Hodge in an effort to tie him up in the midfield and give Fevola a chance to getclear.
But the Hawks continued to apply the pressure, force turnovers, and attack relentlessly. The result was goals to Clarke, Murphy, and Williams again before a rushed behind handed the Blues their first score. Fevola, who was letting his frustration get the better of him and seemed not to care to chase or put in any second efforts, was dragged and was seen having a chat on the phone with Coach Pagan. It was left to Bannister, who came off the bench to post the first Carlton goal, a fine 55 meter effort on the run. A mark by Fisher was wasted when all he could manage was a point while Birchall gave the Hawks another goal. Fevola came back on and promptly earned a free kick after the first of several undisciplined acts from Croad. He couldn't manage more than a point either. Fevola's frustration again got the better of him as he got into a bit of a scuffle, giving away free kick and a 50 meter penalty.
Tempers on both sides flared briefly and the free kick was reversed. Minutes later, Scotland gave a free and it brought up another Hawk goal through Campbell. Kane won the ball at the next bounce, and found Franklin. Kane then kicked a point and from the kick-in, the Blues finally managed a successful attacking move when Fevola won a throw in and kicked a pearler from a very tight angle on the boundary and the Hawks were 30 points clear at 1/4 time.
The Hawk dominance continued in the 2nd term as Franklin really cut loose, starting with a 55 meter shot. He added two more in the next 5 minutes. Dixon got in on the goal action a few minutes later as the Hawks continued to smash the Blues at the clearances and in the midfield. Croad was it again when he gifted Fevola a goal through a 50 meter penalty for throwing the ball away. Lappin missed a shot on goal and Kouta turned the ball over which led to another goal to Williams. The Blues won a rare clearance and Carrazzo kicked long to Fevola. He marked and was then pushed over by Croad - another 50 and another goal to Fevola. He added one more late in the term, and were it not for Croad's indiscretions and Fevola's better efforts, the Hawks would have led by more than 48 points at 1/2 time.
It surely must have been a fearful spray from Pagan in the rooms at the break as the Blues came out fighting, but not before Crawford extended the Hawk lead to 55 points. Waite got that one back for the Blues then Fevola led the charge with 3 goals with Bryan also chipping in, but the Hawks were still 6 goals clear at 3/4 time.
Two goals to Fevola at the start of the final term cut the margin to 24 points, but Franklin nailed his 7th to hold off the challenge. Fevola and Betts brought the margin down to 17 points, but every time Carlton rallied the Hawks matched them with Williams, Betts, Vandenberg, and Scotland trading goals, leaving the Blues to rue a shocking first half.
For the Hawks, Franklin (9 kicks, 7 marks) stole the show with deadly accuracy, while Crawford 26/8), Mitchell (29), Bateman (28/10), and Hodge (22/6) cut a swath through the midfield. Williams 6 kicks, 5 marks) was also at his damaging best from a forward pocket. Campbell (18 hitouts, 17/4) matched Bryan and French in the ruck and was good around the ground, while Sewell (26/7) swept across half forward.
For Carlton, Lappin (36/10) and Fisher (20/10) were excellent at the feet of Fevola (11 kicks, 4 marks) while Simpson (22/6) and Scotland (24/6) tried to inspire from the center and Stevens (35/4) used his pace and ball winning ability across half back.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS ADELAIDE 15 4 2000 1346 148.59 60 WEST COAST 15 4 1909 1619 117.91 60 SYDNEY 12 7 1802 1456 123.76 48 ST KILDA 12 7 1768 1489 118.74 48 MELBOURNE 12 7 1826 1629 112.09 48 FREMANTLE 12 7 1696 1704 99.53 48 COLLINGWOOD 11 8 1961 1695 115.69 44 WESTERN BULLDOGS 11 8 1967 1808 108.79 44
GEELONG 9 10 1726 1712 100.82 36 RICHMOND 9 10 1580 1864 84.76 36 PORT ADELAIDE 7 12 1657 1830 90.55 28 BRISBANE 7 12 1695 1920 88.28 28 KANGAROOS 7 12 1565 1838 85.15 28 HAWTHORN 6 13 1519 1926 78.87 24 ESSENDON 3 15 1 1677 2069 81.05 14 CARLTON 3 15 1 1540 1983 77.66 14
GOALS Brendan Fevola (CARL) 77 Barry Hall (SYD) 62 Brad Johnson (WB) 56 Fraser Gehrig (StK) 55 Daniel Bradshaw (BRIS) 54 Matthew Pavlich (FRE) 53 Scott Lucas (ESS) 51 Nathan Thompson (KANG) 51 Nick Riewoldt (StK) 51 Mark Williams (HAW) 48
Source: Melbourne Age, afl.com, & author notes from live broadcasts
Melbourne's Matthew Bate is the Round 18 Rising Star Nominee. His versatility playing as a tall defender or forward has seen him settle into the Demons’ senior lineup this season.
He debuted in Round 5 against the Kangaroos and joined the exclusive list of players who have kicked a goal with their first league kick. The 19-year-old left footer has played nine matches since and is constantly improving. His 28 possessions and one goal against Carlton was his best match of the season.
Drafted as a 17-year-old, Matthew spent the 2005 season in the VFL and was a member of Sandringham’s premiership side. He won the Morrish Medal for the best player in the 2004 TAC Cup, was runner-up in the Eastern Ranges’ best and fairest award and played in the TAC Cup Grand Final in 2004.
The 191cm redhead also gained attention during the 2004 Draft Camp, recording a 14.1 beep test and 8.37 second agility run. From Croydon Football Club in Melbourne’s outer eastern suburbs, Matthew was Melbourne’s first selection (13th overall) in the 2004 Draft.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
From Marc Century in North Carolina: NC Tigers 3.2 5.6 5.13 7.16 (58) Boston Demons 1.1 3.2 7.3 8.5 (53) The Tigers finish the EAFL season at 3-1 and are a chance to qualify for Division 1 at this year's USAFL National tournament. The Tigers have played in Division 2 in the past 2 years and were Division 3 prior to that.
And that's it for this week.
GO BLUES!!
Lisa
AFANA
Chicago
Article last changed on Saturday, May 23, 2009 - 10:29 PM EDT
