by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago
Chris Grant (hamstring), Scott West (groin), and Daniel Cross (knee) all returned from injury for the Bulldogs.
Justin Koschitzke was back for the Saints this week after a one game suspension.
Daniel Wells (knee) returned for the Kangaroos this week. Glenn Archer missed due to illness.
Josh Drummond missed for Brisbane this week with knee soreness.
Geelong named former captain Steven King for the first time since Round Six. King has played three games in the VFL after returning from injury.
Richmond debuted ruckman Angus Graham this week and also welcomed back Brett Deledio (broken hand).
Adelaide brought in Richard Douglas, Jason Porplyzia and Robert Shirley to replace injured trio Brent Reilly, Bryce Campbell and Michael Doughty.
Michael Jamison debuted for the Blues this week.
Collingwood named midfielder Ryan Cook for his debut this week. Collingwood also regained defender James Clement (leg).
Byron Pickett (shoulder) returned from injury this week for Melbourne.
Docker Des Headland was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury
WB 4.5 6.9 7.11 12.13 (85)
STK 3.3 8.4 10.10 12.13 (85)
GOALS: WB - Giansiracusa 4, Skipper 2, Akermanis, Boyd, Cooney, Everitt, Grant, Johnson; STK -Riewoldt 3, Gram 2, Koschitzke 2, Blake, X. Clarke, Fiora, Milne, Montagna
BEST: WB - West, Murphy, Power, Cooney, Giansiracusa, Harris; STK - Riewoldt, Gram, Dal Santo, Fiora, X. Clarke
INJURY: STK - Ball (adductor tightness) replaced in selected side by Jones
UMPIRES: Donlon, Vozzo, Rosebury
CROWD: 33,600 at Telstra Dome
Two sides desperate to keep their finals hopes alive went at hammer and tong. Until the third term, there was barely a two goal difference and the lead changed several times throughout the first half. While the Bulldog defense contained Gehrig, their forward line enjoyed good delivery of the ball from the midfield to get an early jump on the Saints. St. Kilda missed several shots on goal which, in the end, proved the difference. A four goal to three first term had the Dogs seven points in front at 1/4 time.
The Saints jumped the Bulldogs in the second term, restricting them to just two goals while slamming through five of their own. While Harris contained Gehrig, Riewoldt was getting away from the Bulldog defenders. Although Power was doing the stopping job on Harvey and Ray tagged Dal Santo out of the game, The Saints still had enough to lead by 3 points at 1/2 time.
Murphy was placed on dangerous Saint forward Milne in the first half and stayed there, restricting Milne. Grant was also in the Bulldog defense. The tactic worked well enough to keep the Saints down to just two goals for the term, but the Dogs were also stymied up forward, kicking just one goal for the term, leaving the Saints 17 points in front at 3/4 time.
When Fiora goaled for the Saints in the opening minute of the final term, the game looked over for the Bulldogs. The Saints were in front by 23 points. Four minutes later, Cooney kicked a long goal to further reduce the Saints' lead. A bad error in attack by Johnson turned the ball over to the Saints and they raced it the other way where Riewoldt goaled to keep the Dogs at bay. However, the Dogs again fought back with West prominent in the midfield. Giansiracusa goaled midway through the term. Then Boyd nailed one from 50 meters (55 yards) and it was game on. The Dogs lifted and began running harder, putting pressure on the Saints. Akermanis, who had been dangerous throughout the game in the middle and up forward, won the ball and kicked long to the goalsquare. Young Everitt marked just 15 meters (16 yards) out and goaled to put the Bulldogs within four points with four minutes remaining. Koschitzke had a chance to ice the game with two minutes remaining but sprayed his kick for goal. It left the Saints with a five point lead and the Bulldogs a chance to win it. The Bulldogs won the ball again and kicked long once more. Skipper was there to take the catch and his goal put the Bulldogs one point in front with 90 seconds remaining. The ball came back to the center for the bounce. The Dogs won the bounce and headed for goal but the attack was foiled when Saint defender Gram picked off the ball and ran it out of defense. He unleashed a monster kick which Riewoldt caught. However, Riewoldt was 50 meters from goal on an angle. He kicked with 10 seconds on the clock but the ball fell on the goal line. Koschitzke saw it coming in and tried to catch it. He bobbled the catch at first. By the time he had a firm grip of the ball, he had crossed the goal line, making the score a single point, leaving the scores level at the siren.
COL 4.0 8.7 10.10 18.12 (120)
CARL 4.4 7.6 11.10 14.12 (96)
GOALS: COL - Rocca 5, Cloke 4, Davis 2, Thomas 2, Lockyer 2, H. Shaw, Burns, Didak; CARL - Fevola 6, Fisher 2, Waite 2, Russell, Simpson, O'hAilpin, Saddington
BEST: COL - Cloke, Burns, Rocca, Clement, Swan; CARL - Scotland, Fisher, Carrazzo, Fevola, Thornton
INJURY: COL - Clement (mild concussion), Wakelin (back) replaced in selected side by Cox, Richards (illness) replaced in selected side by R. Shaw, O'Bree (knee) replaced in selected side by Medhurst
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stevic, Avon
CROWD: 56,341 at the MCG
Carlton once again put on spirited contest and looked like winning the game early. Waite and Fevola were providing a one-two punch up forward. The midfield was looking more like the midfield of old. And why not? Coach Brett Ratten was a midfield maestro himself. Scotland was leading the charge, with plenty of support from Walker and Carrazzo. In defense, Saddington kept Rocca under control for most of the game but Lockyer and Cloke were proving a handful for the Carlton defense. The first part of the game was goal for goal until the Pies added two midway through the opening term. Carlton added another as did the Magpies. Carlton would have been further in front as they had more shots on goal but led by just four points at 1/4 time.
The trend was reversed in the second term. Although the lead changes several times, the Pies got on top of Carlton to kick four goals. Carlton stayed in the game with three of their own. This time it was the Magpies who wasted several chances be further ahead than seven points at 1/2 time.
Carlton's defense again came to the fore in the third term to hold off the Magpies. Collingwood kicked the first goal of the term to cut Carlton's lead. After the Pies kicked one more, Carlton fired with four successive goals to lead by six at 3/4 time.
The final started as an arm-wrestle with Thomas leveling the scores and Rocca's goal giving Collingwood the lead. Saddington was moved forward and kicked a goal to level the scores again. Another Magpie goal restored their lead. Then Bower spun away from two Magpies and kicked the ball to Fevola. His goal leveled the scores a third time. Collingwood then fired in five more goals to seal the win.
BRIS 3.5 5.10 7.14 10.17 (77)
KANG 0.1 2.6 4.7 5.10 (40)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 6, Mills 2, MacDonald, Brennan; KANG - Edwards, Grant, Sansbury, McMahon, Wells
BEST: BRIS - Charman, Mills, Adcock, Brown, Brennan; KANG - Harvey, Wells, Rawlings, Green
INJURY: BRIS - Selwood (shoulder), McGrath (arm)
UMPIRES: Allen, Wenn, Woodcock
CROWD: 29,233 at the Gabba
Both these teams were written off at the start of the season. No one game them a snowball's chance in you know where to even get close to the top eight. Both have defied their critics with the Roos in second place and Brisbane pushing for a finals berth. Charman was in control of the ruck contests in the center and around the ground. He had the better of his younger opponent McIntosh. Michael Voss may no longer be part of what was known as "the Fab Four" midfield, but Adcock has certainly stepped in nicely. He, Black, Lappin and Power were control of the midfield. Then there is Brown up forward. The formidable combination jumped the Kangaroos from the first bounce but missed several gettable shots on goal. However, their three goals were more than enough as the Lions denied the Kangaroos at every turn with Patfull holding Jones and Petrie not up to his recent excellent form. He was the only Kangaroo to register a score in the first term, but it was only a point and Brisbane held a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Kangaroos began to control the flow of play in the second term, slowing things up a bit. Early goals to Edwards and Grant had them back in the contest, which descended into an error-filled affair. Both teams were guilty and there were turnovers aplenty from both sides. The errors were also occurring up forward with the Kangaroos missing four shots on goal. The Lions were marginally better, with Brown kicking their only two goals for the term. Even he was guilty of the odd error, hitting the post with his final kick of the term to restore Brisbane's 22 point lead at 1/2 time.
Both sides again missed golden opportunities early in the third term, but the Lions found an unlikely goalkicker in Mills. An awkward kick on goal somehow went through to extend Brisbane's lead to 30 points. option in Wayde Mills, an awkward kick who booted his second after a pack mark in the square. The Kangaroos kicked two for the term but Brown kicked another for Brisbane to give the Lions a 25 point lead at 3/4 time.
Three goals to one in the final term ensured the Brisbane win. The final score was a new record low for the Kangaroos against Brisbane. Their previous low of 7.12 (54) was in 1990.
ADE 0.3 3.10 5.15 9.19 (73)
PA 3.1 6.2 9.3 10.5 (65)
GOALS: ADE - Torney 2, Burton 2, Goodwin, McLeod, Welsh, Edwards, Gill; PA - Ebert 4, Westhoff 3, Motlop, S. Burgoyne, Thomson
BEST: ADE - Goodwin, Torney, Burton, Edwards, van Berlo, Hudson; PA - Ebert, Rodan, Pearce, Lade, Westhoff
INJURY: ADE - McGregor (corked thigh), Bock (groin) replaced in selected side by Doughty; PA - Wilson (hamstring), Brogan (back) replaced in selected side by Bentley
UMPIRES: McBurney, McLaren, McInerney
CROWD: 42,335 at AAMI Stadium
This was a game of contrasting tactics when the weather permitted. As much as Port wanted to run free, Adelaide was just as determined to bottle up the game. Then there was the rain which pelted down though much of the match. The Crows started well enough to restrict Port, but let themselves down with poor kicking around the ground and in front of goal. Port handled the slippery conditions much better with Shaun Burgoyne, Ebert and Westhoff posting Port's first term goals, giving the Power a 15 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Crows attacked man and ball hard in the second term and again dominated general play, but just couldn't put enough of a score on the board. They didn't lack for opportunity, but again poor finishing let them down. Although they kicked three goals, errors and turnovers handed Port three goals. Welsh turned the ball over twice, then Motlop goaled from a free kick, leaving Port 10 points clear at 1/2 time.
The third term was more of the same. Adelaide tried but Port was cleaner in their use of the ball in the wet and cold conditions. Burton and Welsh managed to slip through Port's defense to add a pair of goals, but Ebert replied at the other end. Port added a third goal to be eight points in front at 3/4 time.
The final term was just a few minutes old when Gill marked the ball and goaled to cut Port's lead. Minutes later, Edwards slipped through the lines and goaled to give Adelaide the lead for the first time in the match. Then Goodwin got the ball and goaled to put the game beyond Port's reach midway through the term. The Crows added a forth before Port was able to kick their solitary goal for the term. Try as they might, Port was unable to penetrate the Adelaide defense before time ran out.
GEEL 5.3 9.6 13.10 21.13 (139)
RICH 2.1 5.2 7.3 11.3 (69)
GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 5, Stokes 3, Kelly 2, Mooney 2, Blake 2, Wojcinski 2, Corey, Byrnes, N. Ablett, G. Ablett, Milburn; RICH - Richardson 4, Brown 3, Tivendale 2, Deledio, Tuck
BEST: GEEL - Scarlett, G. Ablett, S. Johnson, Milburn, Bartel, Corey; RICH - Foley, Richardson, Connors, Thursfield, Tuck, Raines
INJURY: GEEL - Ottens (virus) replaced in selected side by Varcoe; RICH - Tivendale (concussion)
UMPIRES: Farmer, Hendrie, Goldspink
CROWD: 21,951 at Skilled Stadium
Considering the triple digit shellacking Geelong gave Richmond earlier this season, the result of this match was inevitable. The Tigers did well to stick with the Cats for the first part of the opening term, but from the time the Cats kicked the first goal, it was over. The Tigers kicked two of the next three goals, but the Cats booted the final three for the term to lead by 20 points at 1/4 time.
In spite of windy conditions, the Cats continued to dominate. Steve Johnson, Nathan Ablett and Cameron Mooney provided plenty of options in attack, while Ling, Kelly, and Corey ran amok in the midfield. Four of Johnson's five goals came in the first half. Kelly kicked a long goal in the term, and Johnson's snap gave the Cats four goals to the Tigers three and a 28 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Cats just had too many winners as they continued on their merry way in the third term. Scarlett and Wojcinski continued to repel Tiger attacks while King and Blake had the better of the ruck duels. Foley replaced Deledio on Ling but the Cats still had too many guns firing. Four goals to two for third term gave them a decisive 43 point lead at 3/4 time.
Another massive pounding looked imminent when the Cats kicked eight goals to two until late in the final term. One of those goals came in spectacular and somewhat humorous circumstances. The Cats had the ball and kicked long to the goalsquare. King was there and, with eyes only for the ball, soared high to take the catch. However, his forward airborne trajectory took him right above the goal umpire. King had the ball, but both he and the umpire were sprawled on the ground. Whether or not he is fined for umpire contact will be up to the Match Review Panel. The umpire was unhurt. Deledio kicked the final two goals of the game to make the scoreline less embarrassing for the Tigers.
HAW 4.4 7.9 11.11 17.17 (119)
ESS 0.6 3.8 7.12 7.14 (56)
GOALS: HAW - Franklin 4, Roughead 3, Dixon 2, Ladson 2, Crawford 2, Boyle, Gilham, Bateman, Vandenberg; ESS - Lloyd 2, Monfries, Peverill, Slattery, Lucas, Fletcher
BEST: HAW - Lewis, Mitchell, Ladson, Brown, Hodge, Birchall, Bateman, Young; ESS - Fletcher, Stanton, Ryder, Watson, Lovett, Laycock
INJURY: ESS - Gumbleton replaced in selected side by Monfries; Laycock (cut eye), Peverill (corked thigh)
UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Ellis, K. Nicholls
CROWD: 55,019 at the MCG
The Bombers bombed out big time in this game. They were slaughtered by a younger, faster, more determined Hawk outfit. Essendon began by kicking the first four points of the match, but was then smashed everywhere on the ground. Mitchell, Lewis, Hodge and Crawford constantly won the ball in the middle to drive the Hawks into attack. Franklin, opposed to Ryder, threatened to blow the game apart in the first term alone. Alongside, Roughead and Dixon chimed in as well to kick four goals, giving the Hawks a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
Essendon did not score a goal until midway through the second term. The Hawks kicked three themselves. Essendon's first goal came when Fletcher was awarded a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). Lucas snagged a tight angle goal, then Lloyd won a holding the ball decision against Guerra for Essendon's third just before the siren. The Hawks led by 25 points at 1/2 time.
The Bombers managed to outscore the Hawks by 2 points in the third term. They could have been much closer but for some poor decision making. Twice in the term, Lloyd took the wrong option when he had the ball. Instead of improving a chance for goal by kicking to the goalsquare while near the boundary, he attempted low-odds kicks and missed. The Hawks had no such problems, kicking four goals for the term, as did the Bombers. Peverill's goal just before the siren cut the Hawk lead to 23 points at 3/4 time.
The Hawks had the game won when they drilled three goals in as many minutes at the start of the final term.
In a textbook center-bounce play, ruckman Campbell deftly palmed the ball out to Mitchell, who weaved his way through the center and kicked to a waiting Roughead. His goal from 50 meters blew the margin out to seven goals. Midway through the term, Mitchell was there again to win the ball, this time getting to Crawford, who passed to Smith, who passed to a running Croad. Croad just kept on going and kicked to Franklin for the first of the next three Hawk goals while Essendon could manage just two points for the term.
SYD 5.1 10.5 14.9 17.10 (112)
MELB 0.2 3.4 5.5 9.10 (64)
GOALS: SYD - Jolly 2, J. Bolton 2, Buchanan 2, Schneider 2, O'Keefe 2, Hall, O'Loughlin, Malceski, Davis, Goodes, Ablett, Grundy; MELB - Holland 3, Davey 2, Neitz, Miller, Newton, Jamar
BEST: SYD - Buchanan, Goodes, C. Bolton, Schneider, Everitt, Bevan; MELB - Carroll, Holland, Jones, Brown
INJURY: SYD - Kirk (head), Jolly (corked thigh);
MELB - Robertson (back), Frawley (foot) replaced in selected side by Buckley, Jamar & Bate (corked thigh).
UMPIRES: James, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 11,266 at Manuka Oval
Pickett, in his long-awaited 200th game after recovering from a shoulder injury, was given the honor of calling the coin toss. Melbourne won the toss but that was all they won. They were in trouble when Pickett picked the wrong end to which to kick. His choice had the Demons kicking into a stiff breeze. Sydney, kicking with the wind, piled on five goals to zip for the term to lead by 29 points at 1/4 time.
During the second term, the Demons showed a glimpse of some decent play. Davey had roamed out to the middle of the ground, won the ball and took off. He evaded a tackle, dished off a handball to Miller who set up Jamar for a goal. It was the only Demon goal of their first five not scored from a free kick. With Goodes in sparkling form, seeing off four different opponents, Buchanan and Schneider running amok, and Everitt being everywhere, Sydney continued to outclass the Demons with five goals to three in the term to lead by 43 points at 1/2 time.
Hall was kept in check by Carroll but the Swans didn't need to rely on him for goals. They had plenty of others doing the damage. Jude Bolton, O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, Davis and Buchanan all contributed as the Swans increased their lead in the third term. Their four goals to two left them 58 points in front at 3/4 time.
The Demons again outscored the Swans in the final term, four goals to three. However, Sydney had the game well and truly won long before that.
FRE 5.3 9.4 13.7 19.10 (124)
WCE 2.4 6.7 11.8 14.13 (97)
GOALS: FRE - J. Carr 3, Farmer 3, Pavlich 2, Bell 2, Grover, Murphy, M. Carr, Peake, Tarrant, Crowley, Hasleby, Black, Gilmore; WCE - LeCras 4, Wirrpanda 2, Staker 2, Lynch, Hansen, Seaby, R. Jones, Hunter, Selwood
BEST: FRE - J. Carr, McPharlin, Tarrant, Grover, Solomon;
WCE - Cox, Wirrpanda, LeCras, Selwood, Glass
ROSS GLENDINNING MEDAL: Josh Carr
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Jeffery
CROWD: 43,096 at Subiaco Oval
Josh Carr might well be described as an irritating tagger and serial pest. From the outset, he was booed by the mostly pro-Eagle crowd when he tangled with Cousins before the first bounce. It was the first of a number of scraps he got into during the game and he was continually booed. The Eagles were hot favorites to win the game but the Dockers had the better start. A solid defense repelled Eagle attacks and the run set up goals for Grover, Murphy, Matthew Carr, and Farmer before the Eagles responded. Lynch and Staker kicked two for the Eagles late in the term to cut Freo's lead to 10 points. Peake goaled to give the Dockers a 17 point lead at 1/4 time.
The lead was trimmed to 11 points early in the second term when Hansen goaled. As the Dockers and Eagles fought for the ball in the middle, Josh Carr was gong head to head with Kerr in the Docker forward line. The ball came in and Carr soccered through a goal for the Dockers. Then Tarrant broke clear to mark the ball (catch) just 20 meters out (22 yards) and the Docker lead was out to 23 points. Crowley and Pavlich goaled and the margin blew out to 34 points before the Eagles replied. Thornton coughed up the ball in defense and LeCras goaled to spark the Eagles. Further goals to Seaby and Rowan Jones brought the Eagles within 14 points. A Docker behind gave Fremantle a 15 point lead at 1/2 time.
Farmer and Pavlich goaled at the start of the third term to stretch Fremantle's lead. Then Josh Carr sparked a mini-brawl when he again tangled with Cousins. Cousins had a hold of not only Josh's guernsey, but brother Matthew's as well. After a brief push and shove, West Coast won the free kick. Then Carr crashed into Kerr near the boundary. Chick came in to remonstrate before the two sides got back to playing. LeCras and Wirrpanda kicked two goals apiece, with Wirrpanda's second cutting Fremantle's lead to four points. Carr was the thick of the action once more at the end of the term. He marked the ball, but was then pushed by Cousins. The undisciplined act earned Carr a 50 meter penalty, taking him close to goal. His kick after the siren restored Fremantle's eleven point lead at 3/4 time.
West Coast refused to die but in the end Fremantle had more run. They sealed the game with a six goal to three final term.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 15 3 0 2075 1294 160.36 60
KANG 12 6 0 1672 1589 105.22 48
HAW 11 7 0 1680 1469 114.36 44
PA 11 7 0 1888 1677 112.58 44
WCE 11 7 0 1688 1525 110.69 44
COL 11 7 0 1658 1636 101.34 44
SYD 10 8 0 1669 1400 119.21 40
BRIS 9 8 1 1669 1476 113.08 38
STK 9 8 1 1483 1565 94.76 38
WB 9 8 1 1791 1925 93.04 38
ADE 9 9 0 1524 1401 108.78 36
ESS 9 9 0 1773 1895 93.56 36
FRE 8 10 0 1789 1793 99.78 32
CARL 4 14 0 1779 2377 74.84 16
MELB 3 15 0 1467 1998 73.42 12
RICH 1 16 1 1545 2130 72.54 6
GOALS
Brown (BRIS) 59
Pavlich (FRE) 56
Fevola (CARL) 55
Johnson (WB) 53
Franklin (HAW) 53
Lucas (ESS) 51
Lloyd (ESS) 46
Richardson (RICH) 45
Ebert (PA) 45
Source: Herald Sun & Melbourne Age
Melbourne's Nathan Jones is the Round 17 Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old has had played every game in 2007 and established himself as regular in the midfield. His 25 ball possessions against Port was impressive. He has averaged 15 possessions and four tackles per game so far this season. According to Coach Mark Riley, he works very hard at training, is a willing learner and throws himself into the contests.
Jones played with the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and was drafted by Melbourne in 2005. He debuted in Round 17 last year and played in the Demons' two finals matches. He also won a Rising Star nomination in Round 20 last season for his 25 possessions against the Kangaroos and was named best on ground in that match. He ended the season as a member of Sandringham's (Melbourne VFL affiliate) premiership. He is Melbourne’s second Rising Star nominee this season following Ricky Petterd in Round Six.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Chris Grant (hamstring), Scott West (groin), and Daniel Cross (knee) all returned from injury for the Bulldogs.
Justin Koschitzke was back for the Saints this week after a one game suspension.
Daniel Wells (knee) returned for the Kangaroos this week. Glenn Archer missed due to illness.
Josh Drummond missed for Brisbane this week with knee soreness.
Geelong named former captain Steven King for the first time since Round Six. King has played three games in the VFL after returning from injury.
Richmond debuted ruckman Angus Graham this week and also welcomed back Brett Deledio (broken hand).
Adelaide brought in Richard Douglas, Jason Porplyzia and Robert Shirley to replace injured trio Brent Reilly, Bryce Campbell and Michael Doughty.
Michael Jamison debuted for the Blues this week.
Collingwood named midfielder Ryan Cook for his debut this week. Collingwood also regained defender James Clement (leg).
Byron Pickett (shoulder) returned from injury this week for Melbourne.
Docker Des Headland was a late withdrawal due to a hamstring injury
WB 4.5 6.9 7.11 12.13 (85)
STK 3.3 8.4 10.10 12.13 (85)
GOALS: WB - Giansiracusa 4, Skipper 2, Akermanis, Boyd, Cooney, Everitt, Grant, Johnson; STK -Riewoldt 3, Gram 2, Koschitzke 2, Blake, X. Clarke, Fiora, Milne, Montagna
BEST: WB - West, Murphy, Power, Cooney, Giansiracusa, Harris; STK - Riewoldt, Gram, Dal Santo, Fiora, X. Clarke
INJURY: STK - Ball (adductor tightness) replaced in selected side by Jones
UMPIRES: Donlon, Vozzo, Rosebury
CROWD: 33,600 at Telstra Dome
Two sides desperate to keep their finals hopes alive went at hammer and tong. Until the third term, there was barely a two goal difference and the lead changed several times throughout the first half. While the Bulldog defense contained Gehrig, their forward line enjoyed good delivery of the ball from the midfield to get an early jump on the Saints. St. Kilda missed several shots on goal which, in the end, proved the difference. A four goal to three first term had the Dogs seven points in front at 1/4 time.
The Saints jumped the Bulldogs in the second term, restricting them to just two goals while slamming through five of their own. While Harris contained Gehrig, Riewoldt was getting away from the Bulldog defenders. Although Power was doing the stopping job on Harvey and Ray tagged Dal Santo out of the game, The Saints still had enough to lead by 3 points at 1/2 time.
Murphy was placed on dangerous Saint forward Milne in the first half and stayed there, restricting Milne. Grant was also in the Bulldog defense. The tactic worked well enough to keep the Saints down to just two goals for the term, but the Dogs were also stymied up forward, kicking just one goal for the term, leaving the Saints 17 points in front at 3/4 time.
When Fiora goaled for the Saints in the opening minute of the final term, the game looked over for the Bulldogs. The Saints were in front by 23 points. Four minutes later, Cooney kicked a long goal to further reduce the Saints' lead. A bad error in attack by Johnson turned the ball over to the Saints and they raced it the other way where Riewoldt goaled to keep the Dogs at bay. However, the Dogs again fought back with West prominent in the midfield. Giansiracusa goaled midway through the term. Then Boyd nailed one from 50 meters (55 yards) and it was game on. The Dogs lifted and began running harder, putting pressure on the Saints. Akermanis, who had been dangerous throughout the game in the middle and up forward, won the ball and kicked long to the goalsquare. Young Everitt marked just 15 meters (16 yards) out and goaled to put the Bulldogs within four points with four minutes remaining. Koschitzke had a chance to ice the game with two minutes remaining but sprayed his kick for goal. It left the Saints with a five point lead and the Bulldogs a chance to win it. The Bulldogs won the ball again and kicked long once more. Skipper was there to take the catch and his goal put the Bulldogs one point in front with 90 seconds remaining. The ball came back to the center for the bounce. The Dogs won the bounce and headed for goal but the attack was foiled when Saint defender Gram picked off the ball and ran it out of defense. He unleashed a monster kick which Riewoldt caught. However, Riewoldt was 50 meters from goal on an angle. He kicked with 10 seconds on the clock but the ball fell on the goal line. Koschitzke saw it coming in and tried to catch it. He bobbled the catch at first. By the time he had a firm grip of the ball, he had crossed the goal line, making the score a single point, leaving the scores level at the siren.
COL 4.0 8.7 10.10 18.12 (120)
CARL 4.4 7.6 11.10 14.12 (96)
GOALS: COL - Rocca 5, Cloke 4, Davis 2, Thomas 2, Lockyer 2, H. Shaw, Burns, Didak; CARL - Fevola 6, Fisher 2, Waite 2, Russell, Simpson, O'hAilpin, Saddington
BEST: COL - Cloke, Burns, Rocca, Clement, Swan; CARL - Scotland, Fisher, Carrazzo, Fevola, Thornton
INJURY: COL - Clement (mild concussion), Wakelin (back) replaced in selected side by Cox, Richards (illness) replaced in selected side by R. Shaw, O'Bree (knee) replaced in selected side by Medhurst
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stevic, Avon
CROWD: 56,341 at the MCG
Carlton once again put on spirited contest and looked like winning the game early. Waite and Fevola were providing a one-two punch up forward. The midfield was looking more like the midfield of old. And why not? Coach Brett Ratten was a midfield maestro himself. Scotland was leading the charge, with plenty of support from Walker and Carrazzo. In defense, Saddington kept Rocca under control for most of the game but Lockyer and Cloke were proving a handful for the Carlton defense. The first part of the game was goal for goal until the Pies added two midway through the opening term. Carlton added another as did the Magpies. Carlton would have been further in front as they had more shots on goal but led by just four points at 1/4 time.
The trend was reversed in the second term. Although the lead changes several times, the Pies got on top of Carlton to kick four goals. Carlton stayed in the game with three of their own. This time it was the Magpies who wasted several chances be further ahead than seven points at 1/2 time.
Carlton's defense again came to the fore in the third term to hold off the Magpies. Collingwood kicked the first goal of the term to cut Carlton's lead. After the Pies kicked one more, Carlton fired with four successive goals to lead by six at 3/4 time.
The final started as an arm-wrestle with Thomas leveling the scores and Rocca's goal giving Collingwood the lead. Saddington was moved forward and kicked a goal to level the scores again. Another Magpie goal restored their lead. Then Bower spun away from two Magpies and kicked the ball to Fevola. His goal leveled the scores a third time. Collingwood then fired in five more goals to seal the win.
BRIS 3.5 5.10 7.14 10.17 (77)
KANG 0.1 2.6 4.7 5.10 (40)
GOALS: BRIS - Brown 6, Mills 2, MacDonald, Brennan; KANG - Edwards, Grant, Sansbury, McMahon, Wells
BEST: BRIS - Charman, Mills, Adcock, Brown, Brennan; KANG - Harvey, Wells, Rawlings, Green
INJURY: BRIS - Selwood (shoulder), McGrath (arm)
UMPIRES: Allen, Wenn, Woodcock
CROWD: 29,233 at the Gabba
Both these teams were written off at the start of the season. No one game them a snowball's chance in you know where to even get close to the top eight. Both have defied their critics with the Roos in second place and Brisbane pushing for a finals berth. Charman was in control of the ruck contests in the center and around the ground. He had the better of his younger opponent McIntosh. Michael Voss may no longer be part of what was known as "the Fab Four" midfield, but Adcock has certainly stepped in nicely. He, Black, Lappin and Power were control of the midfield. Then there is Brown up forward. The formidable combination jumped the Kangaroos from the first bounce but missed several gettable shots on goal. However, their three goals were more than enough as the Lions denied the Kangaroos at every turn with Patfull holding Jones and Petrie not up to his recent excellent form. He was the only Kangaroo to register a score in the first term, but it was only a point and Brisbane held a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Kangaroos began to control the flow of play in the second term, slowing things up a bit. Early goals to Edwards and Grant had them back in the contest, which descended into an error-filled affair. Both teams were guilty and there were turnovers aplenty from both sides. The errors were also occurring up forward with the Kangaroos missing four shots on goal. The Lions were marginally better, with Brown kicking their only two goals for the term. Even he was guilty of the odd error, hitting the post with his final kick of the term to restore Brisbane's 22 point lead at 1/2 time.
Both sides again missed golden opportunities early in the third term, but the Lions found an unlikely goalkicker in Mills. An awkward kick on goal somehow went through to extend Brisbane's lead to 30 points. option in Wayde Mills, an awkward kick who booted his second after a pack mark in the square. The Kangaroos kicked two for the term but Brown kicked another for Brisbane to give the Lions a 25 point lead at 3/4 time.
Three goals to one in the final term ensured the Brisbane win. The final score was a new record low for the Kangaroos against Brisbane. Their previous low of 7.12 (54) was in 1990.
ADE 0.3 3.10 5.15 9.19 (73)
PA 3.1 6.2 9.3 10.5 (65)
GOALS: ADE - Torney 2, Burton 2, Goodwin, McLeod, Welsh, Edwards, Gill; PA - Ebert 4, Westhoff 3, Motlop, S. Burgoyne, Thomson
BEST: ADE - Goodwin, Torney, Burton, Edwards, van Berlo, Hudson; PA - Ebert, Rodan, Pearce, Lade, Westhoff
INJURY: ADE - McGregor (corked thigh), Bock (groin) replaced in selected side by Doughty; PA - Wilson (hamstring), Brogan (back) replaced in selected side by Bentley
UMPIRES: McBurney, McLaren, McInerney
CROWD: 42,335 at AAMI Stadium
This was a game of contrasting tactics when the weather permitted. As much as Port wanted to run free, Adelaide was just as determined to bottle up the game. Then there was the rain which pelted down though much of the match. The Crows started well enough to restrict Port, but let themselves down with poor kicking around the ground and in front of goal. Port handled the slippery conditions much better with Shaun Burgoyne, Ebert and Westhoff posting Port's first term goals, giving the Power a 15 point lead at 1/4 time.
The Crows attacked man and ball hard in the second term and again dominated general play, but just couldn't put enough of a score on the board. They didn't lack for opportunity, but again poor finishing let them down. Although they kicked three goals, errors and turnovers handed Port three goals. Welsh turned the ball over twice, then Motlop goaled from a free kick, leaving Port 10 points clear at 1/2 time.
The third term was more of the same. Adelaide tried but Port was cleaner in their use of the ball in the wet and cold conditions. Burton and Welsh managed to slip through Port's defense to add a pair of goals, but Ebert replied at the other end. Port added a third goal to be eight points in front at 3/4 time.
The final term was just a few minutes old when Gill marked the ball and goaled to cut Port's lead. Minutes later, Edwards slipped through the lines and goaled to give Adelaide the lead for the first time in the match. Then Goodwin got the ball and goaled to put the game beyond Port's reach midway through the term. The Crows added a forth before Port was able to kick their solitary goal for the term. Try as they might, Port was unable to penetrate the Adelaide defense before time ran out.
GEEL 5.3 9.6 13.10 21.13 (139)
RICH 2.1 5.2 7.3 11.3 (69)
GOALS: GEEL - S. Johnson 5, Stokes 3, Kelly 2, Mooney 2, Blake 2, Wojcinski 2, Corey, Byrnes, N. Ablett, G. Ablett, Milburn; RICH - Richardson 4, Brown 3, Tivendale 2, Deledio, Tuck
BEST: GEEL - Scarlett, G. Ablett, S. Johnson, Milburn, Bartel, Corey; RICH - Foley, Richardson, Connors, Thursfield, Tuck, Raines
INJURY: GEEL - Ottens (virus) replaced in selected side by Varcoe; RICH - Tivendale (concussion)
UMPIRES: Farmer, Hendrie, Goldspink
CROWD: 21,951 at Skilled Stadium
Considering the triple digit shellacking Geelong gave Richmond earlier this season, the result of this match was inevitable. The Tigers did well to stick with the Cats for the first part of the opening term, but from the time the Cats kicked the first goal, it was over. The Tigers kicked two of the next three goals, but the Cats booted the final three for the term to lead by 20 points at 1/4 time.
In spite of windy conditions, the Cats continued to dominate. Steve Johnson, Nathan Ablett and Cameron Mooney provided plenty of options in attack, while Ling, Kelly, and Corey ran amok in the midfield. Four of Johnson's five goals came in the first half. Kelly kicked a long goal in the term, and Johnson's snap gave the Cats four goals to the Tigers three and a 28 point lead at 1/2 time.
The Cats just had too many winners as they continued on their merry way in the third term. Scarlett and Wojcinski continued to repel Tiger attacks while King and Blake had the better of the ruck duels. Foley replaced Deledio on Ling but the Cats still had too many guns firing. Four goals to two for third term gave them a decisive 43 point lead at 3/4 time.
Another massive pounding looked imminent when the Cats kicked eight goals to two until late in the final term. One of those goals came in spectacular and somewhat humorous circumstances. The Cats had the ball and kicked long to the goalsquare. King was there and, with eyes only for the ball, soared high to take the catch. However, his forward airborne trajectory took him right above the goal umpire. King had the ball, but both he and the umpire were sprawled on the ground. Whether or not he is fined for umpire contact will be up to the Match Review Panel. The umpire was unhurt. Deledio kicked the final two goals of the game to make the scoreline less embarrassing for the Tigers.
HAW 4.4 7.9 11.11 17.17 (119)
ESS 0.6 3.8 7.12 7.14 (56)
GOALS: HAW - Franklin 4, Roughead 3, Dixon 2, Ladson 2, Crawford 2, Boyle, Gilham, Bateman, Vandenberg; ESS - Lloyd 2, Monfries, Peverill, Slattery, Lucas, Fletcher
BEST: HAW - Lewis, Mitchell, Ladson, Brown, Hodge, Birchall, Bateman, Young; ESS - Fletcher, Stanton, Ryder, Watson, Lovett, Laycock
INJURY: ESS - Gumbleton replaced in selected side by Monfries; Laycock (cut eye), Peverill (corked thigh)
UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Ellis, K. Nicholls
CROWD: 55,019 at the MCG
The Bombers bombed out big time in this game. They were slaughtered by a younger, faster, more determined Hawk outfit. Essendon began by kicking the first four points of the match, but was then smashed everywhere on the ground. Mitchell, Lewis, Hodge and Crawford constantly won the ball in the middle to drive the Hawks into attack. Franklin, opposed to Ryder, threatened to blow the game apart in the first term alone. Alongside, Roughead and Dixon chimed in as well to kick four goals, giving the Hawks a 22 point lead at 1/4 time.
Essendon did not score a goal until midway through the second term. The Hawks kicked three themselves. Essendon's first goal came when Fletcher was awarded a 50 meter penalty (55 yards). Lucas snagged a tight angle goal, then Lloyd won a holding the ball decision against Guerra for Essendon's third just before the siren. The Hawks led by 25 points at 1/2 time.
The Bombers managed to outscore the Hawks by 2 points in the third term. They could have been much closer but for some poor decision making. Twice in the term, Lloyd took the wrong option when he had the ball. Instead of improving a chance for goal by kicking to the goalsquare while near the boundary, he attempted low-odds kicks and missed. The Hawks had no such problems, kicking four goals for the term, as did the Bombers. Peverill's goal just before the siren cut the Hawk lead to 23 points at 3/4 time.
The Hawks had the game won when they drilled three goals in as many minutes at the start of the final term.
In a textbook center-bounce play, ruckman Campbell deftly palmed the ball out to Mitchell, who weaved his way through the center and kicked to a waiting Roughead. His goal from 50 meters blew the margin out to seven goals. Midway through the term, Mitchell was there again to win the ball, this time getting to Crawford, who passed to Smith, who passed to a running Croad. Croad just kept on going and kicked to Franklin for the first of the next three Hawk goals while Essendon could manage just two points for the term.
SYD 5.1 10.5 14.9 17.10 (112)
MELB 0.2 3.4 5.5 9.10 (64)
GOALS: SYD - Jolly 2, J. Bolton 2, Buchanan 2, Schneider 2, O'Keefe 2, Hall, O'Loughlin, Malceski, Davis, Goodes, Ablett, Grundy; MELB - Holland 3, Davey 2, Neitz, Miller, Newton, Jamar
BEST: SYD - Buchanan, Goodes, C. Bolton, Schneider, Everitt, Bevan; MELB - Carroll, Holland, Jones, Brown
INJURY: SYD - Kirk (head), Jolly (corked thigh);
MELB - Robertson (back), Frawley (foot) replaced in selected side by Buckley, Jamar & Bate (corked thigh).
UMPIRES: James, Kamolins, Meredith
CROWD: 11,266 at Manuka Oval
Pickett, in his long-awaited 200th game after recovering from a shoulder injury, was given the honor of calling the coin toss. Melbourne won the toss but that was all they won. They were in trouble when Pickett picked the wrong end to which to kick. His choice had the Demons kicking into a stiff breeze. Sydney, kicking with the wind, piled on five goals to zip for the term to lead by 29 points at 1/4 time.
During the second term, the Demons showed a glimpse of some decent play. Davey had roamed out to the middle of the ground, won the ball and took off. He evaded a tackle, dished off a handball to Miller who set up Jamar for a goal. It was the only Demon goal of their first five not scored from a free kick. With Goodes in sparkling form, seeing off four different opponents, Buchanan and Schneider running amok, and Everitt being everywhere, Sydney continued to outclass the Demons with five goals to three in the term to lead by 43 points at 1/2 time.
Hall was kept in check by Carroll but the Swans didn't need to rely on him for goals. They had plenty of others doing the damage. Jude Bolton, O'Keefe, O'Loughlin, Davis and Buchanan all contributed as the Swans increased their lead in the third term. Their four goals to two left them 58 points in front at 3/4 time.
The Demons again outscored the Swans in the final term, four goals to three. However, Sydney had the game well and truly won long before that.
FRE 5.3 9.4 13.7 19.10 (124)
WCE 2.4 6.7 11.8 14.13 (97)
GOALS: FRE - J. Carr 3, Farmer 3, Pavlich 2, Bell 2, Grover, Murphy, M. Carr, Peake, Tarrant, Crowley, Hasleby, Black, Gilmore; WCE - LeCras 4, Wirrpanda 2, Staker 2, Lynch, Hansen, Seaby, R. Jones, Hunter, Selwood
BEST: FRE - J. Carr, McPharlin, Tarrant, Grover, Solomon;
WCE - Cox, Wirrpanda, LeCras, Selwood, Glass
ROSS GLENDINNING MEDAL: Josh Carr
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Jeffery
CROWD: 43,096 at Subiaco Oval
Josh Carr might well be described as an irritating tagger and serial pest. From the outset, he was booed by the mostly pro-Eagle crowd when he tangled with Cousins before the first bounce. It was the first of a number of scraps he got into during the game and he was continually booed. The Eagles were hot favorites to win the game but the Dockers had the better start. A solid defense repelled Eagle attacks and the run set up goals for Grover, Murphy, Matthew Carr, and Farmer before the Eagles responded. Lynch and Staker kicked two for the Eagles late in the term to cut Freo's lead to 10 points. Peake goaled to give the Dockers a 17 point lead at 1/4 time.
The lead was trimmed to 11 points early in the second term when Hansen goaled. As the Dockers and Eagles fought for the ball in the middle, Josh Carr was gong head to head with Kerr in the Docker forward line. The ball came in and Carr soccered through a goal for the Dockers. Then Tarrant broke clear to mark the ball (catch) just 20 meters out (22 yards) and the Docker lead was out to 23 points. Crowley and Pavlich goaled and the margin blew out to 34 points before the Eagles replied. Thornton coughed up the ball in defense and LeCras goaled to spark the Eagles. Further goals to Seaby and Rowan Jones brought the Eagles within 14 points. A Docker behind gave Fremantle a 15 point lead at 1/2 time.
Farmer and Pavlich goaled at the start of the third term to stretch Fremantle's lead. Then Josh Carr sparked a mini-brawl when he again tangled with Cousins. Cousins had a hold of not only Josh's guernsey, but brother Matthew's as well. After a brief push and shove, West Coast won the free kick. Then Carr crashed into Kerr near the boundary. Chick came in to remonstrate before the two sides got back to playing. LeCras and Wirrpanda kicked two goals apiece, with Wirrpanda's second cutting Fremantle's lead to four points. Carr was the thick of the action once more at the end of the term. He marked the ball, but was then pushed by Cousins. The undisciplined act earned Carr a 50 meter penalty, taking him close to goal. His kick after the siren restored Fremantle's eleven point lead at 3/4 time.
West Coast refused to die but in the end Fremantle had more run. They sealed the game with a six goal to three final term.
STANDINGS
W L D FOR AGST % PTS
GEEL 15 3 0 2075 1294 160.36 60
KANG 12 6 0 1672 1589 105.22 48
HAW 11 7 0 1680 1469 114.36 44
PA 11 7 0 1888 1677 112.58 44
WCE 11 7 0 1688 1525 110.69 44
COL 11 7 0 1658 1636 101.34 44
SYD 10 8 0 1669 1400 119.21 40
BRIS 9 8 1 1669 1476 113.08 38
STK 9 8 1 1483 1565 94.76 38
WB 9 8 1 1791 1925 93.04 38
ADE 9 9 0 1524 1401 108.78 36
ESS 9 9 0 1773 1895 93.56 36
FRE 8 10 0 1789 1793 99.78 32
CARL 4 14 0 1779 2377 74.84 16
MELB 3 15 0 1467 1998 73.42 12
RICH 1 16 1 1545 2130 72.54 6
GOALS
Brown (BRIS) 59
Pavlich (FRE) 56
Fevola (CARL) 55
Johnson (WB) 53
Franklin (HAW) 53
Lucas (ESS) 51
Lloyd (ESS) 46
Richardson (RICH) 45
Ebert (PA) 45
Source: Herald Sun & Melbourne Age
Melbourne's Nathan Jones is the Round 17 Rising Star nominee.
The 19-year-old has had played every game in 2007 and established himself as regular in the midfield. His 25 ball possessions against Port was impressive. He has averaged 15 possessions and four tackles per game so far this season. According to Coach Mark Riley, he works very hard at training, is a willing learner and throws himself into the contests.
Jones played with the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup and was drafted by Melbourne in 2005. He debuted in Round 17 last year and played in the Demons' two finals matches. He also won a Rising Star nomination in Round 20 last season for his 25 possessions against the Kangaroos and was named best on ground in that match. He ended the season as a member of Sandringham's (Melbourne VFL affiliate) premiership. He is Melbourne’s second Rising Star nominee this season following Ricky Petterd in Round Six.
Source: Michelle Clyne, AFL Media Release
Article last changed on Tuesday, August 07, 2007 - 1:55 AM EDT
