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Lions Turn Early Shootout To Rout Against Tired Demons

Troy Thompson — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:43:50 +0000

Lions Turn Early Shootout To Rout Against Tired Demons Troy Thompson Thu, 04/11/2024 - 22:43

A cool Thursday night greeted the visiting Lions, and they were a little slow out of the box. Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen got the scoring underway when he snapped on the outside of his boot from 40 meters out early in the first quarter. The Demons playing their fourth match in 20 days. The Lions quickly remembered their Fitzroy roots though, adjusted to the conditions and Hipwood evened the ledger at the Punt Rd end. Big Joe Daniher missed his first set shot, but with the aid of a 50-meter penalty a few minutes later he kicked the Lion's second. Bailey Fritsch marked strongly just inside the 50-meter arc for the Demons and kicked his first for the night. And already halfway through the quarter it looked like this could be a shootout.

Hipwood managed to lose May for a second time on the lead and from 25 meters straight in front kept up his end of the bargain and likewise Daniher was again able to beat Lever on the lead and kick his goal from 40 meters out giving the Lions a 14 point lead at quarter time. Brisbane winning the bulk of the center clearances and delivering the ball well to their big men up forward.

The Lions opened up the second quarter with another clearance and this time Fletcher chipped in for his first of the night. McCluggage opened the growing wound in Melbourne's side when he received a free kick for high contact in the forward pocked and goaled to take the margin to 26 points. Charlie Cameron had barely been sighted all night, but suddenly he too came to the party marking and kicking a goal from 20 meters out and helping his team to a 30 point lead at half time.

Kade Chandler made coach Simon Goodwin happy with his opening goal of the second half. The Lions continued to force turnovers and give their forwards opportunities while Cameron and Rayner could only kick minor scores. It seemed inevitable that the Lions would add more goals. With Loman, then McCluggage, and again Cameron kicking goals, the Lions won the quarter. It their first third quarter win this season and lead by a very healthy 43 points at the final break.

Ben Brown got the Demons off to the start they needed if they were to have any hope of a comeback. That was quickly snuffed out by goals to Bailey and later Cameron to maintain the commanding lead. Consolation goals to Max Gawn, Jacob van Rooyen, Bailey Fritsch, and lastly Jake Lever in the last ten minutes made the margin slightly less painful for Demons fans. Charlie Cameron was denied a goal from the score review which also softened the blow.

A final kick after the siren by Jacob Ran Rooyen that hit the post, saw the Lions with a win by 22 points, a slight fade out. They did more than enough to get the four points at the MCG, a location where they have struggled to win in recent years. A tired looking Melbourne will welcome the bye next week, while Brisbane hosts the Cats at the Gabba.

MELBOURNE: 2.0 2.4  3.7  8.12 (60)
BRISBANE:  4.2 7.4 10.8 12.10 (82)

GOALS
Melbourne: Fritsch 2, van Rooyen, Neal-Bullen, Lever, Gawn, Chandler, Brown
Brisbane:  Cameron 3, McCluggage 2, Hipwood 2, Daniher 2, Lohmann, Fletcher, Bailey

BEST
Melbourne: Gawn, Chandler, Viney, Rivers
Brisbane:  Rayner, McCluggage, Dunkley, Neale, Andrews, Bailey

INJURIES
Melbourne: Salem (hamstring)
Brisbane:  Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin (replaced Christian Salem in Q1)
Brisbane:  James Tunstill (unused)

Crowd: 43,098 at the MCG

AFANA's Who's Hot and Who's Not

Boris Kilpatrick — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:05:26 +0000

AFANA's Who's Hot and Who's Not Boris Kilpatrick Wed, 04/03/2024 - 10:05

Welcome to AFANA’s new column where we look around the league to check in on which players are dominating and who is struggling as the new season starts to take shape. With all teams heading to sunny South Australia for the AFL’s second iteration of “gather round”, these are the names you want to keep an eye on as they are currently the difference makers for your favorite teams.

HOT:

ISAAC HEENEY (Sydney Swans): They say adversity brings opportunity and you have to look no further than this man to see this adage confirmed. Early season injuries to midfielders Luke Parker and Callum Mills has been the catalyst for coach John Longmire sending regular forward Heeney into the middle, bringing amazing results for the Swans in the early going. In 2023 Heeeney averaged 15.5 disposals and 1.3 goals per game. His move to the midfield has seen him in dominant form, averaging a whopping 28.5 disposals while actually increasing his scoring output to 1.5 goals per game.

CALEB SERONG (Fremantle Dockers):
The Dockers have started their 2024 campaign with three wins on the trot thanks in part to a scintillating start from midfielder Caleb Serong. Coming off a solid campaign in 2023, Serong has raised the bar even higher in the early going racking up a league-high 36.3 disposals per game while also being among the league leaders in clearances won. Serong’s class around the contest is setting the table for what could be the Dockers best season since they made the Grand Final in 2013.

TOM GREEN (Greater Western Sydney Giants):
Green has been nothing sort of sensational for the Giants so far with the contested beast averaging 16 contested possessions per game while pacing the aforementioned Caleb Serong for disposals with a whopping 33.67 per match. With a solid supporting cast laced with stars such as Toby Greene and Josh Kelly, the Giants are poised for big things this season.

MATT ROWELL (Gold Coast Suns):
Speaking of contested beasts, Rowell has put some tough injuries behind him to lead the league to date with 20.3 contested ball wins a game, an equal third 7.7 tackles per game and a league leading 11.7 clearances per game. He is simply the best in the game right now at extracting the ball from a ruck contest, a trait that will no doubt be putting a huge grin on the face of new coach Damien Hardwick as he strives to put the Suns into the finals for the first time in history.

NOT:

TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide Crows):
“Tex” Walker enjoyed a sensational season in 2023 averaging 3.5 goals per game and turning back the clock to career best form. Whilst it is early days and you can give the great man some leeway given the poor form of his team, his disposal count is the lowest it has been since his injury riddled season of 2020 while he has produced just two goals in his first two contests of the year. Expect Walker to bounce back as the Crows hit better form, but for now, the jury on his future is well and truly out.

JAEGER O’MEARA (Fremantle Dockers):
Once a premier midfielder, O’Meara is a victim of a young talented team that is looking to the future. O’Meara has gone from one of the first picked to being names substitute in two of Fremantle’s three games to date. Starting the season just ticking over age 30, it’s not like he is super-old in footy terms, it is just that a combination of a battered body and a youth movement in Fremantle has left this talented footballer in no-man’s land moving forward.

JACK MACRAE (Western Bulldogs):
Seemingly on the outer with coach Luke Beveridge after suffering a hamstring injury in the pre-season, Macrae was banished to the VFL for two weeks (where he racked up a humungous 46 possessions against the Giants) before being recalled for last weekend’s match against the struggling West Coast Eagles. With young star Riley Sanders eating into the midfield mix, Macrae managed just 20 disposals, well under his career average of 28.5. While the talent is still there, it remains to be seen whether Macrae will once again reach the lofty heights of years gone by.

Milestone Man Hawkins Kicks Four on Easter Monday

Troy Thompson — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:45:43 +0000

Milestone Man Hawkins Kicks Four on Easter Monday Troy Thompson Mon, 04/01/2024 - 07:45

Overcast but warm conditions at the MCG greeted the teams after an earlier brief thunderstorm. Geelong produced the first goal of the day through Tyson Stengle deep in the forward pocket marked and goaled early. Cameron Mackenzie kicked the Hawks first for the match from 25 meters out straight in front receiving a quick handball and scrambling a kick over oncoming defenders.

In his 350th game, Tom Hawkins lead deep into the pocket marked, and in what is considered the wrong side for a right footer, calmly kicked the drop punt goal straight through the middle. Close received a free kick 30 meters out from goal (after being taken to the cleaners while disposing of the ball, and he snapped the goal around the body for the Cat's second. Hawkins repeated the earlier lead and mark, but his second shot from the pocket hit the post. Sicily took on Ollie Henry but couldn't get past the fierce tackling. Henry's next kick from that same pocket followed as Hawkins saw the Cats kick their third goal for the quarter. The Cats would make all the right moves and Cameron, Henry, and Hawkins, all helped themselves to goals against a meager resistance and took a 36 point lead to quarter time.

The Hawks did have an improved showing in the second term. Macdonald kicked the first for the quarter, but the Cats quickly hit back with a second goal to Cameron. McKenzie and then Chol benefited by improved midfield movement by the Hawks, and it looked like we might have a contest after all. Hawthorn fans were finally on their feet when Mitch Lewis flew high to mark and goal at the top of the goal square. Another goal to Chol roving the back of the pack and it was back to an 11 point lead to the Cats at halftime.

It was the Hawks who got out of the box quickest in the third term when the Hawks again went long to the top of the goal square for a Chol mark and goal, but the Cats responded and just moved to another gear. Toby Conway went first for the Cats at the city end and then Stengle and Henry both slotted home goals. When Hawkins kicked their fourth in a row, there would have been plenty of Hawthorn fans worried this was going to be a repeat of the smashing the Cats put on them in the second half in the Easter Monday game in 2023. This year at least there was resistance, with Worpel running into the forward 50, and kicking long for a goal. On review, it just cleared the Geelong defender's fingertips. The Cat's kept coming through, and goals from Duncan and Henry saw the Cats undo the Hawks good second term work, to again lead by 36 points.

Just as it looked like the last quarter would start, not so fast friends. The AFL decided that with the storm present since late in the third quarter, there was danger to the players with lightning near the ground, and the players went to the rooms for about 46 minutes before the ball would finally be bounced. Just as the teams warmed up to restart, the rain teemed down again. Play started anyway at 6:11 PM. The Hawks won the first clearance and Worpel went long to the square, where Ginnivan marked, and played on around the body to kick the goal.

Wet weather footy kicked in. An entertaining slog by both teams. It was the 13-minute mark when Watson finally kicked the next goal to bring the margin to 20 points. With Henry marking a long lead on the chest, he went back to goal from 25 meters out to keep the Hawks at bay. Geelong added another to the milestone man Hawkins, with Cameron marking at the top of the square and dishing off a quick handball to his fellow forward to boot it home from point blank range. If the nail wasn't already in the coffin Miers nailed it shut with his set shot goal from 40 meters out.

The 36 point lead carried through to the final margin. The Hawks will need to sort out their first quarter starts if they are to win some games this season. The Cats did all they needed to do today and sent off their 350 game hero Tom Hawkins with the win and go 3-0 for the season.

HAWTHORN: 1.1 6.3  8.4 10.10 (70)
GEELONG:  7.1 8.2 14.4 17.4 (106)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Chol 3, Mackenzie 2, Worpel, Watson, Macdonald, Lewis, Ginnivan
Geelong:  O. Henry 4, Hawkins 4, Stengle 2, Cameron 2, Miers, Holmes, Duncan, Conway, Close

BEST
Hawthorn: Worpel, Nash, Chol, Meek, Newcombe
Geelong:  Duncan, O. Henry, Bruhn, Holmes, Stewart, Hawkins

SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Morrison (replaced Hustwaite in the third quarter)
Geelong:  Bowes (replaced Atkins at three-quarter time)

Crowd: 67,020 at the MCG

AFL Drugs Cover-Up?

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 31 Mar 2024 16:10:18 +0000

AFL Drugs Cover-Up? Lisa Albergo Sun, 03/31/2024 - 12:10

Shortly after Round Two concluded, Andrew Wilke (Australian Member of Parliament, Independent) dropped a bombshell statement regarding Australian rules players and clubs. The allegations, denied by the league, doctors, and the AFL Players Association (AFLPA), state that club doctors would test players midweek. If any player tested positive for an illicit substance, that player was instructed to fake an injury to be ruled out of the upcoming game to avoid match day testing and subsequent ramifications. The allegations also claim that the midweek tests were "off the books". The tests allegedly took place at a clinic away from the clubs with former AFL chief medical officer Peter Harcourt helping to facilitate the tests. Wilkie said the information was given to him by Melbourne Demons president Glen Bartlett, club doctor Zeeshan Arain, and Shaun Smith, the father of a player accused of drug trafficking. (Ed. note: we have been critical in our editorial view on this matter for many years, as far back as the Essendon scandal of a decade ago: AFL Drug Policy, Essendon, and Predictable Outcomes)

In responding to Wilkie's comments, the AFL said it was "unapologetic" about doctors taking steps to prevent players from participating in training or competition if they tested positive to drugs. An AFL statement said in part, "... Because having illicit substances in your system on match-day may be deemed performance-enhancing and a breach of the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code (depending on the substance involved)," The statement. also made it clear that player monitoring was highly confidential. It did not address the allegation of players being told to fake injuries. Melbourne Coach Simon Goodwin told reporters on Wednesday he had no "line of sight" over the AFL's drug testing and said the club would be seeking more information, "I think every club is interested now to find out more information.:"

The The AFL announced last month the Illicit Drugs Policy (IDP) was under review with updates expected later in the year. The AFLPA said in a statement it supported the AFL's position and was committed to reviewing the "The Illicit Drugs Policy is ... a medical model and is focused on identifying, educating, and rehabilitating."

A number of players have been suspended for cocaine use or possession, including two Sydney AFLW players being caught by police. Melbourne's Joel Smith, whose father Shaun was cited in the allegations against the AFL, has been provisionally suspended since October following a positive test for cocaine after a match last season. The most high-profile case was former West Coast Eagle player Ben Cousins, whose meth addiction has been well-documented (see Ben Cousins stories). Another case was in the late 1990's, when Richmond's Justin Charles admitted to using steroids to recover from a hip injury.
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AFL CEO Andrew Dillion said the welfare of players was the main consideration for the league, "The private medical information of the players is private medical information ... and it’s that player’s decision to disclose or not.” Dillon said the tests Wilkie was referring to related to a “small handful of the 1,300 athletes” involved in the AFL and AFLW. Dillon denied there was a drug problem, saying it involved a very small handful of players each year. He did concede that doctors would occasionally keep players off the field if they suspected they had used drugs, "We are unapologetic about club and AFL doctors taking the correct steps to ensure that any player who they believe has an illicit substance in their system does not take part in any AFL match." Dillon also requested that Wilke pass along the documentation he has to Sports Integrity Australia (SIA).

The AFL statement continued that player welfare and education around drug use is a key element of the league's illicit drugs policy, and that it is "imperative that no doctor or club official should ever allow or encourage a player to take the field knowing they have recently taken an illicit substance that may be harmful to their health and/or may be deemed performance-enhancing ... should a player test positive for an illicit drug, then a doctor can "take steps to prevent a player from taking part in either training and/or an AFL match."

As well as being a signatory to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code via the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code, the AFL IDP, in place since 2005, is claimed to have at the core of the policy, a commitment to player well-being and welfare ... The IDP... specifically deals with the use of illicit substances out of competition and is focused on player health and well-being. The policy seeks to reduce substance use and drug-related harms for AFL players and aims to inform and rehabilitate players through education and intervention. "It exists alongside and in addition to the Australian Football Anti-Doping Code ... Urine tests conducted by doctors to determine if a player has used illicit substances are part of the AFL's Illicit Drug Policy medical model and have been for some time. Doctors may use those urine tests to obtain an immediate result to determine whether any illicit substance remains in a player's system. This is normally conducted at the club or in the doctors consulting rooms ... We support the WADA code ... The AFL observes that AFL players are not immune to the societal issues faced by young people with respect to illicit substances ... "..

The AFL Doctors Association also issued a statement saying the IDP was based on a medical model to provide supportive care for players and that reports remain confidential It stated that the health and wellbeing of the players was the prime responsibility of club doctors. It also stated that the allegations were "... disappointing, and represent a distortion of a process aimed at supporting player welfare." It concluded by saying the Association supports the IDP to provide education and treatment for the players and that any substance use is managed with "... discretion and in accordance with medical ethics, the AFL's guidelines, and WADA's code."

Sources: reuters.com, france24.com, Lisa Kyle, AFLPA Media Release, zerohangerzerohanger.com, Jay Allen, AFL Media Release

AFL Responds to Coroner's Report on Tuck: More Protocols

Lisa Albergo — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 23:28:52 +0000

AFL Responds to Coroner's Report on Tuck: More Protocols Lisa Albergo Fri, 03/29/2024 - 19:28

In late March, the Victorian State Coroner's office, after an inquest concerning the death of former player Shane Tuck, made recommendations for the health and safety of players, mainly with regard to concussion protocols The AFL replied in an official statement and will implement the recommendations as part of the ongoing process of the prevention and management of concussion and other head trauma in Australian Football. (Ed. note: left unsaid is that the AFL, like many professional sports leagues, would really rather not talk about the long-term health effects of the sport or the numerous results of post-mortem exams which show even players from recent decades with significant long term brain damage.)

The recommendations are:

Spotters have the authority to remove any AFL or AFLW player suspected of suffering a concussion from the field for a thorough medical assessment.
Further limitation to contact training. Currently, any player in recovery has limited contact training. The league is considering further limitation and will include on-going collection, compilation, and review of training data and obtaining input from the AFLPA (AFL Players Association), the AFLCA (AFL Coaches Association), and the clubs.
The appointment of independent doctors to attend all AFL and AFLW games to assist club doctors in the assessment of injured players. The AFL has said it is currently in discussions with contact sports globally and considering other matters to identify best practice for the role to be played by an independent doctor in collaboration with club doctors. (Ed. note: In other words, we're seeking cover by responding in kind with the AFL, EPL, IOC, etc.)

The AFL will also implement the coroner's recommendations regarding concussion education, noting that they "continue to work with the AFLPA to further develop and review educational material to improve the education of players and team staff". They also stated that they continue to review, develop, update, disseminate, and make available various, and "easy to understand, educational materials and other information" for everyone involved at all levels of the game. This also reportedly includes continued investigation into ways all the information can best be made available to the football community.

AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said, “The AFL continues to invest in, and support, research into concussion and repeated head trauma, including supporting the use of instrumented mouthguards by players, encouraging brain donation, and investing in the AFL Brain Health Initiative longitudinal research program. On behalf of the AFL, we reiterate our deepest sympathies to the Tuck family on Shane’s untimely passing in 2020 and their immense contribution to research into concussion and head trauma in Australian Football.”

Source: Jay Allen, AFL Media Release

Dockers Keep Crows Winless

chris kowald — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 14:50:18 +0000

Dockers Keep Crows Winless chris kowald Fri, 03/29/2024 - 10:50

The Fremantle Dockers defeated the desperate Adelaide Crows in a Good Friday game that was anything but good for the struggling Crows. The Crows, who were robbed of a place in the finals last year by a goal umpiring error that could not be corrected, are now winless from three starts. In contrast, the Dockers have made their best start in nine years. The game was a tense struggle for three-and-a-bit quarters before Fremantle broke free of the Adelaide pressure, to hammer home four final-quarter goals to the delight of the record non-derby crowd of fifty-one thousand raucous fans. (Ed. note: "Derby" games against the other local team, the West Coast Eagles, are usually close to a sell-out.)

In near perfect conditions the game started at a cracking pace. Adelaide was the first to score a goal (worth six points) after bringing the ball deep from defense, using a quick transition to the running Ben Keays. Both teams missed gettable shots on goal in the first quarter, which set the pattern for the rest of the night. Michael Walters benefitted from a quick transition from a kick in when Nat Fyfe and Hayden Young combined to move the ball to Walters who kicked truly. Two minutes later, Ned McHenry was tackled high in the right forward pocket. His free kick gave the Crows their second goal. A similar free kick to Matt Taberner at the other end gave the Dockers their second goal. The quarter was notable for the end-to-end transitions by both teams, as the defenders thrived in the pressure. The quarter finished with frenetic defense by the Crows as they successfully held out the Dockers in the last line.

Alex Pearce (file photo/AFANA)

In the second quarter the Dockers had the ball in their half for nearly two thirds of the time. However, their poor kicking turned the ball over to the Crows too easily. When the Crows did go forward, they were stopped by the resolute defense of Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce. Pearce dominated the Crows' spearhead Taylor (Tex) Walker, who had a poor day and finished with only one behind from seven disposals. Adelaide was well-served in the middle with Matt Crouch, Jordan Dawson, and Rory Laird giving plenty of drive. Rory O'Brien was too big in the ruck for the Docker combination of Luke Jackson and Josh Treacy. However, the Dockers broke even on clearances, courtesy the strong body work of Hayden Young and Nat Fyfe. Chris Burgess scored an early goal for the Crows and Walters and Jye Amiss got one each at the end of the quarter for the Dockers. Amiss's goal resulted from strong work by Hayden Young at a wing throw-in. Young is now establishing himself as a classy midfielder with a searing kick. The pressure from both teams was solid but the defensive and offensive tackling from the Dockers shifted to another level.

The torrid struggle continued in the third quarter. Neither side took a backward step. It took nine minutes for the first goal to be scored. Adelaide's Lachlan Sholl vindicated his return to the team with a classy snap under pressure. A few minutes later Jye Amiss scored a similar Docker goal as the Crow defenders applied pressure. There were no easy kicks in the forward lines as players pushed around the ball. Big Irish born player Mark Keane, playing just his eleventh game, was strong in the air for the Crows and finished with eleven marks (catches) for the match. The Dockers switched play across the ground in an attempt to work forward. Adelaide opted for the more direct route whenever they attacked. Neither method worked particularly well, as tall defenders ruled the air and small defenders were always at the fall of the ball.

The Dockers scored a major in the fourth quarter with thirteen minutes of the match left. Michael Frederick stood-up in a tackle to break free and handpass to Bailey Banfield, who booted a valuable goal. Five minutes later, Treacy marked a Young kick and slotted a ripper from fifty meters, to hold off the Crows. Taberner marked and kicked the sealer with five minutes left.

Tex Walker (file photo/AFANA)

The Crows stopped running and the contest was nearly over. Salt was added to injury for the Crows when a defensive kick by young defender Max Michalanney traveled twenty meters to Docker livewire Michael Frederick, who marked and goaled from close range.

Next week both teams travel to Adelaide for the Gather Round. The Crows will battle the Melbourne Demons in a blockbuster at Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Another loss for Crows would be a disaster. The undefeated Dockers will meet the undefeated Carlton Blues at the same venue on Saturday, in a match that will test both teams.

Scores
Fremantle Dockers: 2.2 4.7 5.12 9.15 (69)
Adelaide Crows:    2.5 3.5 4.8  4.10 (34)

Best
Fremantle Dockers: Young, Pearce, Ryan, Serong, Clark
Adelaide Crows:    Laird, Dawson, Crouch, Keane, Smith

Carlton Hall Of Fame Inductees

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 22:17:05 +0000

Carlton Hall Of Fame Inductees Lisa Albergo Sun, 03/24/2024 - 18:17

In mid-March, Carlton announced three new inductees into their Hall of Fame: the late Jack Carney, Neil Chandler, and Brendan Fevola. The club's Hall of Fame was established in 1987 to recognize contributions made to the club by the individual honoree, which can be in the form of records, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, and character.

THE INDUCTEES

JACK CARNEY

Playing 84 games and was well respected at both Geelong and Carlton for his passion for the game he loved. The speedy winger was a member of Carlton's drought-breaking 1938 premiership, a 15-point win over old enemy Collingwood. Despite his short stature of just 5'3", he had excellent passing skills and courage. In 1941, Carney joined the RAF, serving throughout the Second World War as an aircraft mechanic, before returning to Carlton in an administration role. He served as team manager, reserves coach and as a liaison for the players, and continued to support the club for four decades after his retirement. Carney passed away in October 1981 at the age of 72.

NEIL CHANDLER

Joining Carlton in 1967, Chandler played 76 games at the Blues over 8 seasons under the tutelage of Ron Barassi and then John Nicholls. He was a member of three premiership teams in his first 50 games, in 1968, 1970, and 1972. Chandler was a versatile player who could play as a tagger, on a half-back flank or as a winger. He was a great teammate, respected by his on-field peers. Chandler passed away in 2022.

BRENDAN FEVOLA

Brendan Fevola played for 11 seasons starting in 1999 and is considered one of the game’s greatest full forwards, Fevola played 187 games for Carlton after being drafted in 1998. Fevola was an excitement machine and a quick-thinking player, the definition of a "human highlight reel". Admired by many for his showmanship, the bigger the crowd, the better Fevola played and didn't the Blues fans love it! Fevola kicked 575 goals in his time at Carlton, earning the Coleman Medal in 2006 and 2009, as well as being the club’s leading goalkicker 2003 to 2009. He was an excellent kick for goal, both in terms of distance and accuracy, and equally so an opportunist, who could fashion a goal out of nothing.

Carlton president Luke Sayers acknowledged the profound impact each player had during their respective careers, "Jack, Neil and Brendan each wrote their own unique story, permanently etched into the history of Carlton. Jack and Neil will always be remembered as pioneers at Carlton. Each was well-respected by their teammates and the staff, and to have their legacy continue to live on to this day tells you all you need to know about what kind of Carlton people they were. Brendan is such a figurehead of the sport. The way he played with such showmanship, skill and excitement was something that drew so many people, not only to the club, but to follow him even as opposition supporters ... ".

Source: Matisse Shields, Carlton Media Release

Giants Step Over Eagles

chris kowald — Sun, 24 Mar 2024 12:50:22 +0000

Giants Step Over Eagles chris kowald Sun, 03/24/2024 - 08:50

It wasn't a giant leap for the Greater Western Sydney Giants, but it was a small step towards their first Premiership flag. For the first time in their history, the Giants have started a season with three wins. Their opponents, the Eagles, have landed with a thud. After a boost in optimism, having drafted the number one draft pick, Harley Reid, the Eagles have been brought back to Earth. The Giants were expected to win this game, they did what they had to, without really breaking stride. For a large part of the match the Eagles impersonated traffic cones as the Giants weaved towards repeated goals. Both teams were evenly matched in terms of games played and player age, but that is where the comparisons end. The Giants are loaded with talent and the Eagles have a few good men who try hard but can't carry a playing list that had been neglected while the club relied on its aging stars.

In the first quarter the Eagles put up a fight. Sure, the Giants got a quick goal courtesy of Toby Greene, but the Eagles made the Giants work for the ball. Jack Petruccelle was doing some good things up forward, and it wasn't long before the class of Tim Kelly rose to the surface, when he put the Eagles in front at the five-minute mark. They didn't hold the lead for long. A midfield turnover resulted in the Giants pushing the ball forward to the 2022 top draft pick, Aaron Cadman, who kicked truly. Five minutes later youngster Harvey Thomas, playing his third game, booted the Giants third goal. The Eagles kept pushing the Giants. Elliot Yeo was strong at stoppages winning five clearances and having eight possessions for the quarter. At the thirteen-minute mark Jake Waterman took a strong contested mark (catch) and kicked truly for the home side. From there it was all Giants. They got serious and won most contested possessions. Ruckman Kieran Briggs, Tom Green, and Stephen Coniglio swamped Yeo and won nine clearances to keep the ball in the Giants half for the majority of the quarter.

Coniglio handballs (file photo/AFANA)

The second quarter was notable as both teams applied pressure around the ball. It wasn't pretty football to watch as players struggled to find space and time to kick accurately. Sam Taylor led the Giants defense by taking well-judged intercept marks. At the other end Jeremy McGovern tried hard in defense for the Eagles but was mostly overwhelmed in the air. The Giants' big forward Jesse Hogan booted a couple of behinds (worth a point each) before he kicked the Giants first goal for the quarter, at the eighteen-minute mark. The Giants kept the ball in their forward half for most of the last part of the quarter. They added two more goals to have a handy lead by the main break. Lachie Whitfield and Tom Green were instrumental in moving the ball for the Giants, with Briggs dominating in the ruck and Connor Idun and Coniglio touching plenty of leather. Elliot was the leading possession getter for the Eagles, with Liam Duggan and Jeremy McGovern working hard but unable to make an impression.

The Eagles' pressure around the ball dropped off in the third quarter and the Giants capitalised with goals to Brent Daniels, Finn Callaghan, and Josh Kelly. When the Eagles did get the ball, they quickly turned it over and were punished by the Giants as the visitors moved with precision. The Giants tackling was a feature, denying the Eagles space. The Eagles could only manage two points for the quarter and the only interest left in the game was how much the Giants would win by.

The Giants appeared to take the foot off the pedal in the final quarter. The Eagles perhaps responded to a call from coach Adam Simpson to show more effort. Tim Kelly, Reuben Ginbey, Harley Reid, and Jayden Hunt picked up more possessions. Tom Cole stood strong in defense and Tom Barrass continued to keep a tight leash on the Giants' big forward Jesse Hogan.

Yeo Kicks (file photo/AFANA)

Early goals to Hunt and Jamie Cripps rewarded the effort of the Eagle midfielders. The Giants responded with successive goals to Josh Kelly and James Peatling. Elliot Yeo found some empty grass to launch a long gaol, but that was it for the Eagles. The Giants added three more 6 pointers with the last goal from a huge mark by Cadman which was kicked after the siren.

The Giants who now sit on top of the table, have a bye next week before meeting the Gold Coast Suns in neutral territory at the Gather Round in South Australia. The Eagles travel next week to meet the Western Bulldogs, who have just found their bite by ripping into the Gold Coast Suns. It will be a long season for the Eagles and their fans.

Scores
West Coast Eagles: 2.3 2.5  2.7   5.13  (43)
GWS Giants:        5.4 8.8 11.11 16.12 (108)

Best
West Coast Eagles: Yeo, Duggan, Kelly, McGovern, Hunt
GWS Giants:        Green, Whitfield, Coniglio, Briggs, Thomas

Wounded Dockers Control Lions

chris kowald — Sun, 17 Mar 2024 14:21:54 +0000

Wounded Dockers Control Lions chris kowald Sun, 03/17/2024 - 10:21

The Fremantle Dockers overwhelmed the Brisbane Lions to register a gutsy win against the shocked Brisbane Lions. The win comes at a cost of three injuries to the Dockers but fueled their self-belief as their undermanned team held off the Lions. The Lions started with a hot opening quarter and appeared determined to atone for their shock loss to Carlton in Brisbane. Forwards Eric Hipwood and Joe Daniher were mobile and flying for Brisbane early. Hipwood had a mark and goal within three minutes of the opening bounce. Their midfielders Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry, and Cam Rayner kept the ball alive with repeated entries into the Brisbane forward line. The flustered Dockers fumbled the ball early and brain fades gave away two easy goals to Brisbane, to send shivers through the partisan home crowd.

When Zac Bailey booted their fourth goal after a turnover from yet another wayward Docker kick, it looked very much a game between last year's second-best team against last year's fourteenth placed team. Alex Pearce and Luke Ryan became a steadying factor in the Dockers' defense and the Docker midfielders Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, and Nat Fyfe lifted their work rates to shut down the feed to the Brisbane forward line. Even though the midfield battle had evened, the Dockers continued to butcher their attacking entries through poor kicking. After twenty-seven minutes of inept play, the Dockers made a tentative foray from defense which resulted in Bailey Banfield gathering a ball in a pack and kicking truly. Two minutes later a perfect stoppage tap from Luke Jackson found Sam Switkowski who kicked the Dockers' second goal on the siren.

Jye Amiss (file photo / AFANA)

Brisbane was expected to re-assert themselves in the second quarter, but it didn't happen. The Dockers took control of the midfield as they booted five unanswered goals to hold Brisbane to just two points for the quarter. The big bodies of Nat Fyfe, Hayden Young, and Luke Jackson at stoppages kept the smaller Brisbane midfielders under pressure. Oscar McInerney rucked well for the Lions, but the Dockers through Serong and Brayshaw, dominated the clearances. Tall players Jackson and Josh Treacy troubled the Brisbane defenders. Although Harris Andrews took some good marks (catches) in the Brisbane defense, he was overwhelmed as Jackson, Treacy and Jye Amiss (two goals) presented strongly and kept the scoreboard ticking over. The Brisbane midfielders could not find space or time with the Dockers' relentless tackling and pressure around the ball.

The Dockers offered more of the same in the third quarter. Brisbane lacked composure and their ball delivery deteriorated under the relentless pressure around the ball applied by the Dockers. By the six-minute mark Brennan Cox had booted the Dockers eighth unanswered goal for the match. Finally, fifteen minutes into the quarter, a quick transition from defense resulted in a Daniher mark and a goal for Brisbane. Then disaster hit the Dockers with injuries to Karl Worner, Oscar McDonald, and Brennan Cox. The Docker dominance slowed until the 25-minute mark when emerging forward Jye Amiss added his third goal followed by two from a hard-working Josh Treacy.

Joe Daniher (file photo AFANA)

The Lions roared early in the final stanza with successive goals to Hipwood and Lincoln McCarthy. Jackson had more in the tank than McInerney and dominated in the ruck against his taller opponent. Young, Serong, and Brayshaw dominated the clearances, leaving Rayner, McCluggage, Berry, and Jarryd Lyons non-plussed. The Lions couldn't get past Ryan and Pearce who dominated in the Dockers' defense. In addition, Jordan Clark with James Aish provided plenty of run from the backline. A fourth goal to Jye Amiss and an explosive fifty-five meter (60 yards) "roof high" kick from Michael Frederick shut the gate on the Lions. The Lions booted three goals in junk time to take advantage of the exhausted Dockers and bring some respectability to the scoreline, but the result was never in doubt.

The Lions have a bye next week to lick their wounds, before a Grand Final rematch against the Collingwood Magpies in round three at the MCG. The Magpies, like the Lions have lost two games, but face St Kilda next week, so may find their mojo before they meet the Lions. Either way, a clash between the two 2023 heavyweights will not be a match to be missed. The Dockers travel cross-country to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne to play the North Melbourne Kangaroos next week. The Dockers' injury list perhaps gives the struggling Kangaroos a realistic chance.

Scores
Fremantle Dockers: 2.2 7.5 11.9 14.9  (93)
Brisbane Lions:    4.3 4.5  5.7 10.10 (70)

Best
Fremantle Dockers: Serong, Ryan, Brayshaw, Jackson, Young
Brisbane Lions:    Dunkley, Daniher, Andres, McCluggage, Lyons

New Rules for Junior Footy

Lisa Albergo — Sat, 09 Mar 2024 23:09:14 +0000

New Rules for Junior Footy Lisa Albergo Sat, 03/09/2024 - 18:09

The AFL has also introduced new rules for junior leagues with purpose of retaining young players longer and assisting clubs across Australia. Attraction and retention in needed to as is boosting participation. The endeavor included input from community leagues, clubs, and key local football stakeholder groups and involved extensive research. The AFL says the rules are designed to maximize fun, increase involvement, support skill development, and help kids stay connected and love being a part of the game. The new rules will be gradually introduced over the next two seasons. The AFL also believes the new rules will give clarity to clubs and volunteers so there is consistency in terms of rules and formats for each age group.

Key updates and goals for the new age-appropriate rules include:

Team numbers will be reduced in junior age groups to ensure everyone gets a chance to play. Team numbers will increase progressively through the different age groups.
Ground size and zone recommendations which are suitable for the number of players for each particular age group, to ensure players are never far from the ball and to maximize available space. Multiple games can occur at the same time on a footy oval.
Progressive introduction to tackling with right rules for the right skill level. Contact will be gradually introduced to help kids learn and develop as they progress.
No scoring in the lowest age groups Scoreboards, standings, and finals to be introduced at older age groups.
These new rules will allow children to be in the game more, help to progressively develop skills, avoid 'kick-chasing' congestion, and instill a fun-first, team-oriented mindset.

AFL Executive General Manager of Game Development, Rob Auld, said updating the rules was an important step in growing the game and ensuring positive experiences for all players, "It is our responsibility to provide clear and consistent national guidelines for junior footy and we believe the changes ... will result in more children playing local footy and keep kids involved in clubs for longer. It will improve experiences for those already involved in our game as well as new participants ... We identified the need to rework the existing framework to ensure we’re delivering best practice, industry leading guidelines for our young players, and we strongly encourage all leagues, clubs and families around Australia to support the modifications. Research tells us that when boys and girls are playing age-appropriate rules it increases player involvement, creating a positive match experience and a fun, inclusive environment for all participants. This then leads to players being more likely to return each season, ensuring they stay connected to our game and their community, while developing their skills in a safe manner over time and increasing their chance to succeed as they progress through the pathways. More kids playing makes for stronger clubs and leagues ... There's been a lot of collaboration and thorough research analyzed during the process to ensure this is what's best for young players and the future of our game ... ".

Triple AFLW premiership player and dual AFLW best and fairest winner Erin Phillips said these rules will have a positive impact on junior footy and the players: "It's not meant to be all about winning in junior football, it's about making sure every player on the team is having fun and learning. By applying age-appropriate rules, it allows players to execute skills at their level, giving them a sense of accomplishment and ensures players who are new to the sport have a chance to get involved in an inclusive environment while also having fun."

Former Essendon great and Coleman medalist, Matthew Lloyd echoed Phillips sentiments and welcomed the changes: "The new AFL Junior Rules allow skills to be learnt at the right time developmentally for players and allows them to action those skills effectively in a suitable game situation, leading to a more exciting play and more importantly, players wanting to play the game for longer..."

Source: afl.com.au

Rob Auld

Footy Rules

play.afl