by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
KANG 4.0 8.5 14.8 18.9 (117)
ESS 2.9 5.11 8.14 13.17 (95)
GOALS: KANG - Brown 4, Grant 3, Edwards 2, Co Jones 2, Hale, Harvey, McIntosh, Petrie, Smith, Swallow, Sinclair; ESS - Lucas 5, Davey 2, Stanton 2, Houli, Laycock, Monfries, Johns
BEST: KANG - Harris, Swallow, McIntosh, Firrito, Brown, Harvey, Grant, Rawlings; ESS - Lucas, Hird, Stanton, Lovett, Watson, Monfries
INJURY: KANG - Wells (medial knee ligament tear) -Wells will miss 4-6 weeks
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Margetts, Chamberlain
CROWD: 42,730 at Telstra Dome
A number of so-called experts wrote off the Kangaroos when full forward Nathan Thompson went down with his season-ending knee injury. Even the Kangaroos may have worried a bit about who would fill the void left the club's 2006 leading goalkicker. But they needn't have worried based on this week's performance with the likes of Brown and former Eagle Edwards stepping up to be key targets for their long-kicking teammates.
Their direct attack was just the opposite of the Bombers who seemed to prefer - or were pressured into - short passes across the ground. The Bombers combined wasteful kicking with foolish play with McPhee giving away a free kick at the first bounce for a high push on Brown, who promptly kicked the first goal from point blank range. There next goal came through sheer skill and dash when a Monfries kick was picked off by Archer. He passed to Smith who took off unchecked by any opponent and drilled a goal from 50 meters (55 yards). While Essendon controlled much of the general play, they failed to convert their chances with a wasteful one goal, seven points while the Kangaroos added two more goals. The Bombers finished the term with a woeful 2 goals, nine points, leaving the Kangaroos with a three point lead at 1/4 time.
The Bombers persisted in the second term and were able to contain the Kangaroos to a degree. Their kicking improved somewhat, but not enough, as the Kangaroos increased their lead with four goals to three for the term to be front by goals at 1/2 time.
Davey and Stanton goaled early in the third term, but the Kangaroos replied soon after through Petrie via a free kick and Brown from a Bomber turnover. Debutant Houli got a goal soon after coming onto the ground. Then Grant had a burst, kicking three goals for the term after being well held through the first half by McVeigh. One could well be a contender for goal of the year. Watson missed for the Bombers and Grant got a hold of it and kicked a tough angle goal on the run. Hale goaled and the Kangaroos went to a 30 point lead at 3/4 time.
Petrie and Brown virtually sealed the game with the first two goals of the final term. The Bombers rallied to kick five of the last seven goals, but it wasn't near enough.
After the game, veterans James Hird and Glenn Archer gave older fans a memory of times gone by when they swapped guernseys, a long-gone tradition usually reserved for Grand Final Day.
COL 1.6 4.11 11.15 17.11 (119)
CARL 5.2 8.6 12.8 14.11 (95)
GOALS: COL - Didak 4, T. Cloke 3, Rocca 2, Fraser 2, Pendlebury, Thomas, Wakelin, Lockyer, Toovey, Swan;.
CARL - Fevola 4, Lappin 2, Kennedy, Simpson, Betts, Waite, Young, Carrazzo, Russell, Fisher
BEST: COL - Swan, Pendlebury, Didak, Fraser, Lockyer, Shaw; CARL - Scotland, Murphy, Carrazzo, Houlihan, Fevola, Simpson
UMPIRES: McBurney, Wenn, K. Nicholls
CROWD: 77,321 at the MCG
As expected from these two bitter rivals, the fireworks started before the ball was bounced and the umpires were kept busy breaking up scuffles all over the ground throughout the match. The Magpies started better than the Blues, but couldn't put the score on the board. Cloke was one of the biggest offenders, with Rocca ,Thomas, and O'Bree also missing gettable shots on goal. Murphy was starring in the middle for Carlton while Fevola was on fire up forward. It all added up to five goals and 20 point lead at 1/4 time.
As the teams were leaving the ground at the break, Fevola charged into Didak, sparking a bench-emptying all-in brawl. Fevola ended up with a cut head and Fraser was left dazed on the ground. While no reports were laid at the time, plenty of players may find themselves lighter in the wallet after the Match Review Panel has a look.
Didak opened the scoring in the second term to cut Carlton's lead, but the Blues kept their noses in front with the next three goals. Didak kicked the last of the term as well, but Carlton was still holding a 19 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Magpies carried that momentum into the third term, kicking three goals in the opening eight minutes to level the scores. They took the lead through a thumping 60 meter goal ((66 yards) and Swan followed suit with a goal on the run from 55 meters (60 yards). Swan and Pendlebury were also busy in the midfield, helping to drive the Pies forward. Rocca and Didak kicked two apiece as the Pies nailed seven for the term. The Blues hung in with the final two goals of the term to trail by just one point at 3/4 time.
Collingwood maintained their form against a fading Carlton outfit in the final term and piled on six unanswered goals, four of those to the previously wayward Cloke to finish the stronger. Carlton booted two consolation goals.
Regarding the 1/4 time brawl, Rocca said the crowd erupted and that fans loved to see a "bit of biffo". He also described it as nothing more than a "bit of argy-bargy" with no malice. Didak agreed with Rocca that the crowd enjoyed it and said he was sure there would be fines and also ratted out Fevola as the culprit who started it. He also agreed with Rocca that there wasn't that much to the push and shove.
PA 5.4 10.10 14.16 16.19 (115)
RICH 3.2 3.9 5.12 10.15 (75)
GOALS: PA - Lade 3, White 2, Rodan 2, Motlop 2, Pearce 2, S. Burgoyne, P. Burgoyne, K. Cornes, Lonie, Tredrea;
RICH - Schulz 2, Pettifer 2, Richardson 2, Deledio 2, Polak, Tuck
BEST: PA - P. Burgoyne, C. Cornes, K. Cornes, White, Surjan, Cassisi. Richmond: Tivendale, Foley, Polo, J. Bowden, Howat, Deledio, Johnson
UMPIRES: Farmer, Rosebury, Grun
CROWD: 26,232 at AAMI Stadium
Perhaps the best way to describe the performance of Richmond in this match would be the old adage that the spirit was willing, but......Certainly the spirit was there as the Tigers came out fired up after copping a hiding in the media for their dismal efforts against the Cats last week. But Port just had too much depth, skill, experience, and class. What can be expected from 2nd vs. 16th? The Tigers didn't help their own cause by playing forward Matt Richardson in the ruck and as a midfielder, and Port used its bench very effectively. When the Burgoyne boys weren't in control, it was Pearce and Motlop. Then Kane Cornes, etc., etc.,etc.
Port got off to a good start despite some hard running from the Tigers. Lade goaled for Port from a dubious free kick. It was only some missed opportunities which kept the Tigers in the game in the first term as Port hit the post twice and missed several shots. The Tigers could count themselves lucky to be down by only 14 points at 1/4 time.
However, Port made amends in the second term. They pounced on every Tiger error and moved the ball with a ruthless efficiency which the Tigers could not counter. Veteran defender Wakelin showed he still had what it takes as Port powered away with five goals to zip in the term. It wasn't for lack of chances for Richmond but they kicked a paltry seven points for the term. And again, they could count themselves lucky not be completely blown away as Port was bit inaccurate. But they did enough to hold a 33 point lead at 12 time.
The Tigers battled valiantly through the third term, but Port still had too many options to counter whatever Richmond threw at them. Tredrea, while not kicking a bag of goals himself, got involved while Rodan also showed he could be dangerous as Port nailed four goals to two for the term. Once again, inaccuracy kept Port from blowing the Tigers off the paddock, but four goals to two for the term left them with a more than comfortable 58 point lead at 3/4 time.
It mattered little, except for maybe some confidence for Richmond, that the Tigers won the final term five goals to two.
STK 4.4 7.4 12.6 15.7 (97)
SYD 4.1 6.4 8.5 11.5 (71)
GOALS: STK - Gehrig 4, X. Clarke 2, Milne 2, Riewoldt, Dal Santo, Fiora, Koschitzke, Birss, Montagna, Voss; SYD - Hall 3, O’Keefe 2, Davis 2, C. Bolton, Everitt, Goodes, Schneider
BEST: STK - Riewoldt, Gehrig, Harvey, Montagna, Gwilt, S Fisher, Koschitzke, Ball; SYD - O’Keefe, Kirk, Davis, Malceski, Hall
INJURY: STK - Goddard (ruptured ACL-knee), Jones (collarbone); SYD - Barry (shoulder)
Scans confirmed that Goddard will require a knee reconstruction, ending his season
UMPIRES: James, Ryan, Avon
CROWD: 37, 816 at Telstra Dome
The Swans are known for their in-close, clogging style of play, but Saint Coach Ross Lyon knew all the tricks. After all, he was an assistant at Sydney until getting his current gig with the Saints. Hall, despite the close attention of two and sometimes three defenders, kicked the opening goal. Goodes got the next to give the Swans an early lead. A minute later, Gehrig got his first. Sydney's defense stopped the next Saint foray with a rushed point and the Saints could have stolen the lead several times after that, but missed the next 3 kicks for goal. Sydney held their lead with goals to Everitt and O'Loughlin on either side of Riewoldt's only goal for the game. Late goals to Milne and Gehrig gave the Saints a 4 point lead. Shortly after, Goddard was in trouble and off the ground. Hall got the ball just before the siren but missed, leaving the Saints with a three point lead at 1/4 time.
Clarke goaled in the opening minutes of the second term to extend St. Kilda's lead. O'Keefe missed the next shot for Sydney as the Saints flooded back to cram Sydney's forward zone. It forced the Swans to chip the ball around sideways before they reckoned enough was enough and fired the ball over the top of the Saint pack. It somehow found its way to Craig Bolton for a goal, cutting the Saint lead to two points. Dal Santo goaled to give the Saints some breathing space. The Saints kept the Swans at bay with a rushed point before Gehrig took a fingertip grab and goaled from 50 meters (55 yards) to give the Saints a 13 point lead. However, the Swans hit back late in the term with a goal to Hall and a point to Ablett, cutting the Saint lead to just 6 points at 1/2 time.
Gehrig missed an early chance at the start of the third term but Milne and Clarke combined for the opening goal to restore St. Kilda's 13 point lead. The margin was back to a point with goals to Davis and O'Keefe. When the Saints rushed a point a few later, scores were level. Fiora then goaled for the Saints and they rushed another point for a seven point lead midway through the term. Three late goals to Gehrig, Koschitzke, and Birss gave the Saints a 25 point lead at 3/4 time.
That lead was maintained in the final term with both sides kicking three goals each.
ADE 4.2 6.8 10.13 14.16 (100)
BRIS 3.6 5.8 6.12 9.15 (69)
GOALS: ADE - Thompson 3, Welsh, Goodwin, Knights,
Shirley, Perrie, Bock, Edwards, Griffin; BRIS - Notting 2, Brown, Charman, Johnson, McGrath, Harding,
Rischitelli
BEST: ADE - Goodwin, Edwards, Knights, Welsh, Thompson; BRIS - Black, Rischitelli, Brennan, Adcock
UMPIRES: Kamolins, Ellis, Jeffery
CROWD: 26,978 at the Gabba
While Leigh Matthews was notching his own massive milestone, (3rd club coached in 200 games) the Crows had a few players notching their own, not the least of which was acting captain Simon Goodwin in his 200th game. And what a game he had, inspiring his teammates all the way.
It didn't start that way, with Brisbane bursting out of the blocks to nail the first 13 points of the match. However, the Crows blasted back into the game, kicking four of the five next goals while Brisbane missed chance after chance, leaving the Crows with a two point lead at 1/4 time.
The Crows also missed a number of chances n the second term, but still managed two goals to one through the term. Brown kicked a late goal to the Lions within six points at 1/2 time.
Adelaide took total control in the third term. Perrie started a goal blitz inside the first minute. Goals to Thompson, Bock, and Griffin gave them a lead they would never relinquish. Brisbane managed just one, leaving the Crows with a 31 point lead at 3/4 time.
Adelaide added a fifth goal without reply from the Lions at the start of the final term. And while the Lions kicked three for the term, so did Adelaide to post just there second win in 12 months at the Gabba. Prior to that, the Crows had lost six straight in Brisbane 2002-2005.
GEEL 4.4 6.8 11.12 16.13 (109)
WCE 4.2 5.5 5.9 10.10 (70)
GOALS: GEEL - Mooney 4, N. Ablett 3, Ottens 2, S. Johnson 2, G. Ablett 2, Bartel, Varcoe, Stokes; WCE - Hansen 3, Rosa 2, Judd, Braun, Priddis, Hurn, Hunter
BEST: GEEL - Bartel, G. Ablett, Ottens, Scarlett, Milburn, Corey, Enright, Ling; WCE - Judd, Rosa, Hansen, Glass, Waters,
Wirrpanda
INJURY: GEEL - Mackie (knee), Selwood (concussion)
UMPIRES: Stevic, Allen, M. Nicholls
CROWD: 22,014 at Skilled Stadium
After last year's downward spiral, many questions were asked about the Cats and their ability, talent, and toughness - or lack thereof. But after a record thrashing against Richmond last week and now knocking off the competition's best, Geelong's credibility has gone up several notches.
The Cat midfield was a key to the win with Gary Ablett shaking off Selwood, Corey working hard to restrict Judd, Ling stopping Kerr, and Bartel finding the ball almost at will. Nor did they lack targets in attack with Mooney, Nathan Ablett, and Steve Johnson all dangerous. But the Eagles matched their efforts early and trailed by just to points at 1/4 time.
The second term proved equally tight but the Cats continued the pressure and hard running to kick two goals and keep the Eagles to just one for a nine point lead at 1/2 time.
The Cats went then went on a five goal rampage in the third term while containing the Eagles and restricting them to just four points for the term to establish a 39 point lead at 3/4 time.
That lead became 45 points when Varcoe kicked a goal early in the final term. Last year, the Eagles came back from 54 points down in a third term to win by three points. But there would be no such comeback in this game, although they did give the Cats a scare when they kicked three straight goals to cut the lead to 21 points. But the Cats kicked four of the next six, including the last three of the match to knock the Eagles off their undefeated perch.
WB 4.1 10.5 12.12 16.16 (112)
MELB 6.1 7.6 10.9 16.10 (106)
GOALS: WB - Johnson 4, Hahn 2, Higgins, Cross, Gilbee,
Eagleton, Giansiracusa, Darcy, Cooney, Akermanis,
Hargrave; MELB - Sylvia 3, Davey 3, Yze 2, Green 2, Bate,
Neitz, Dunn, Johnstone, Bell, White
BEST: WB - Johnson, Cross, Gilbee, Harris,
Giansiracusa, Eagleton; MELB - Davey, Johnstone, Sylvia, White, Bruce, Yze
UMPIRES: McLaren, Sully, Head
CROWD: 24,584 at Telstra Dome
Melbourne has been so close, yet so far once or twice this year, including a gut-wrenching loss last week. Determined to make amends, they came out firing at the start of this game. Despite Neitz being held goalless for most of the game, the Demons still were on top of the Dogs with a six goal to four term to lead by 12 points at 1/4 time.
However, the Dogs, also keen to atone for their loss to the Eagles the previous week, fired in the second term, piling on six goals to one. The Demons didn't help themselves either, as they kicked five points alongside their solitary goal, leaving the Bulldogs with a 17 point lead at 1/2 time.
Melbourne fought its way back into the game in the third term, kicking three goals to two. This time, it was the Bulldogs who had trouble in front of the big sticks, with seven points. Had they kicked straighter, they could have had the match stitched up. Instead, it was just a 15 point margin at 3/4 time.
Melbourne booted several goals early in the final term, with one to Davey giving them the lead 10 minutes into the term. But Johnson set up Hargrave for a goal to restore the Bulldog lead a few minutes later. Neitz kicked his only goal late in the term, putting the Dees back in front. But Eagleton's running goal had the Dogs back in the lead. Once more, the Dees hit the front when Sylvia caught the ball in the midst of a pack of players and goaled.
Bulldogs' 200-gamer Nathan Eagleton capped a memorable milestone match with a long running goal in another switch of the lead. The Bulldogs again pushed forward from a free kick in the center. Johnson gathered the ball 50 meters out (55 yards), ran in and fired in a goal from 45 meters (49 yards) and it was the Bulldogs by five points with two minutes remaining. Akermanis made it a six point lead with a missed snap, before the Demons made one final forward thrust, but Neitz' opponent Harris marked the ball to deny the Demons one last chance as the Dogs held on.
FRE 1.1 6.6 10.10 14.12 (96)
HAW 3.3 6.6 9.11 11.14 (80)
GOALS: FRE - Campbell 4, Headland 2, Tarrant 2, Walker 2, Hasleby, Crowley, Pavlich, J. Carr; HAW - Boyle 3, Croad 2, McGlynn 2, Lewis, Ladson, Franklin, Murphy
BEST: FRE - Tarrant, Crowley, McPharlin, Campbell, Black;
HAW - Brown, Mitchell, Hodge, Bateman, Boyle
REPORTS: FRE - Grover for wrestling Dixon: HAW - Dixon for wrestling Grover and for striking Grover
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Hendrie, McInerney
CROWD: 36,481 at Subiaco Oval
Although the Docker defense corralled Hawk gun Franklin, they themselves were corralled by the Hawk defense. However, with Freo's defense concentrating on Franklin, it afforded the other Hawk forwards more freedom and space as they kicked three goals without rely. The Dockers got one late in the term. The lead could have been greater, but for several misses by the Hawks. As it was, they still had a handy 14 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Hawks extended their lead early in the second term before the Dockers fought back with five goals for the term. Late goals to Ladson and Lewis leveled the scores at 1/2 time.
Upon instructions from Coach Connolly, the Dockers manned up better on their opponents in the third term. And the Dockers reaped the dividends with Campbell beginning the turnaround when he goaled from a free kick. The Dockers kept the pressure on the Hawks and their ball efficiency improved, moving it quickly into attack where Hasleby goaled to keep the momentum going. Headland, restricted to a solitary kick in the first term, added two goals in four minutes. The Hawks added three of their own to stay in the game and trail by only five points at 3/4 time.
The lead changed four times through the early stages of the final term. Walker goaled to give the Dockers a lead before goals to Boyle and McGlynn handed it back to Hawthorn. But the Dockers added two more, with Pavlich's solo goal for the game just minutes before the end sealing the win for the Dockers.
STANDINGS
W L FOR AGST % PTS
PA 6 1 677 551 122.87 24
WCE 6 1 608 504 120.63 24
COL 5 2 638 576 110.76 20
GEEL 4 3 869 583 149.06 16
ADE 4 3 551 497 110.87 16
BRIS 4 3 628 576 109.03 16
KANG 4 3 686 650 105.54 16
HAW 4 3 631 607 103.95 16
STK 4 3 592 578 102.42 16
WB 4 3 667 695 95.97 16
SYD 3 4 576 544 105.88 12
ESS 3 4 718 722 99.45 12
FRE 3 4 653 693 94.23 12
CARL 2 5 664 862 77.03 8
MELB 0 7 542 752 72.07 0
RICH 0 7 576 886 65.01 0
GOALS
Fevola (CARL) 25
Franklin (HAW) 24
Lucas (ESS) 24
Pavlich (FRE) 21
Johnson (WB) 21
Mooney (GEEL) 18
Hall (SYD) 18
Brown (BRIS) 17
Lloyd (ESS) 17
McGrath (BRIS) 17
Source: Melbourne Age & Herald Sun
Melbourne’s Ricky Petterd won the Round 6 Rising Star nomination.
A speedy and versatile player, Petterd was among the best players in the past two games, averaging 22 possessions per game. He played both matches across the half back line. His opponents last week against Port Adelaide were former Tiger Nathan Krakouer and the 2006 Rising Star winner Danyle Pearce.
Ricky was Melbourne’s second selection (30th overall) in the 2006 draft. At last year's Under-18s tournament, he was named Queensland MVP, won the Harrison Medal as best and fairest Division Two player, and won All-Australian selection. He was vice-captain of the team and averaged 24 possessions per game over the course of the tournament playing in defense. He was also a member of the 2005 AIS-AFL Academy squad.
Born in Hobart, he played junior football for the Broadbeach Cats on the Gold Coast. He was one of 11 Queenslanders to be drafted last year.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Thursday, May 17, 2007 - 10:49 AM EDT
