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Moore's Four Leads Hawks to First Win This Season

Troy Thompson — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:11:52 +0000

Moore's Four Leads Hawks to First Win This Season Troy Thompson Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:11

The bottom of the ladder clash rounded out this footy weekend. Both teams winless, with the Hawks in 17^th and the Kangaroos in 18^th position. Fans from both teams arrived today hoping to see their club's first win for the season. The Kangaroos were quick out of the blocks and a long kick to the goal square saw Eddie Ford rove at the back of the pack and snap it home from a tight angle to open the scoring. The Roos backed it up when again the long kick in traveled over the top of the pack and was scooped up by the quick running Jy Simpkin who ran into goal to score from point blank range.

Hawthorn finally found some composure and Macdonald's kick over the top to find Gunston deep in the pocket, making for an easy set shot around the body for the veteran. A minute later he marked at the top of the 50 meter line and dished off to Amon who was running past and easily cleared the goal line to put the Hawks in front for the first time today. The Hawks began to dominate around the ground, but their kicking was letting them down a bit. A nice hit up of Moore 30 meters out straight in front though, saw them kick their 3rd goal and take a seven point lead to the first break.

The Hawks had won the first quarter for the first time this year and they took that momentum into the second quarter. Mackenzie's set shot outside 50 grazed the post and it took the video review to clarify and deny the goal. Then Gunston's long shot from deep in the pocket drifted to the right of the goal post and the Hawks were starting to look wasteful. A high snap around the body under pressure by Ginnivan also had to be reviewed and was concluded to be a goal improving the Hawks accuracy a little.

McKenzie marked a scrambled kick at the top of the 50 meter arc and again dished off the handball to the runner, this time the runner was Weddle, and his long high checkside kick also had to be reviewed for a maximum return for the Hawks. Out of the middle, Newcombe hit Moore on the lead and his kick did not require review as it went between the big posts. If this reads like North Melbourne weren't having much input into the game so far in the second quarter, you'd be right. Morrison, Macdonald and Ginnivan lined up to kick consecutive goals for the Hawks.

North finally kicked their first major of the quarter when Blake Drury got a quick handball receive 15 meters out from goal and dribbled the ball home. After offering little for much of this quarter North now went on a run, a missed shot by Curtis and then Zuurhar before they added a second goal when Curtis marked 40 meters out. Meek kicked a long goal from inside the centre square when his long kick cleared the leading pack and shepherded through after it bounced by Gunston. The ball traveled over 70 meters. Moore kicked his second goal after he marked just 15 meters out from the goal line. Larkey, who might have been hoping for a big day out, made his first mark on the board with a late goal. He marked 20 meters out with seconds on the clock and despite this late goal, the Hawks still took a 37 point lead into the half time break.

North fought hard to hold the Hawks after the long break and it took until halfway through the third quarter before the first goal came, this time through Chol. He marked a long kick from Meek at center halfback and played on from outside 50 to clear the defender on the line. The teams would trade goals all quarter. Darcy Tucker returned fire for the Roos at the other end of a sharp pass from Fisher and kicking the set shot goal from 50 meters out.

The Hawks kept coming though, and this time they got the ball on the quick turnover down to Gunston who unselfishly gave the ball off to Dylan Moore for his fourth goal of the match. Larkey became North's first multiple goal scorer of the day when he ran inside 50 and his long shot at goal was successful. Chol was presenting regularly in the forward 50 and he was rewarded by a nice pass from Ginnivan. He made no mistake from 30 out straight in front. Then it was the Roos turn again when Curtis kicked his second for the day when he marked 25 meters out on a slight angle. Chol marked just before the siren but missed the shot after the siren to see his Hawks with a 38 point lead at three quarter time.

Curtis got the Roos off to a good start in the final quarter when he kicked his third goal early in the term after Frost took him high 20 meters out from goal. The Hawks looked for an avenue to goal and eventually it came through Amon who kicked his second goal for the day roving the ball deep in the forward line. Maginness broke the chain of alternate team goals when he marked and goalled from 25 meters out. Some smart work from the Roos again caught the Hawks on the turnover. Larkey was able to get close to the square on the lead, mark and goal for his third. At the other end, in the final minute, Meek found himself marking in the open and calmly lobbing a drop punt successfully toward goal for his second major and the final score of the day.

While the Hawks won big today and will no doubt celebrate appropriately, other than the second quarter the match was very even on the scoreboard. They may take some confidence from the win but have plenty of areas to work on before they become a serious threat to team higher up the ladder week to week. For North and Alastair Clarkson, it becomes another long hard season where nobody can see where their first win will come from.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.2  5.5  8.6 10.8   (68)
HAWTHORN:        3.3 11.6 14.8 17.11 (113)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Curtis 3, Larkey 3, Ford, Simpkin, Drury, Tucker
Hawthorn:        Moore 4, Ginnivan 2, Chol 2, Amon 2, Meek 2, Gunston, Weddle, Morrison, Macdonald, Maginness

BEST
North Melbourne: Sheezel, Xerri, Curtis, Davies-Uniacke
Hawthorn:        Newcombe, Nash, Macdonald, Morrison, Impey 

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Ford (hip)
Hawthorn:        Nil

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Charlie Lazzaro (replaced Eddie Ford in the third quarter)
Hawthorn:        Henry Hustwaite (replaced Massimo D'Ambrosio in the third quarter)

Crowd:30,648 at Marvel Stadium

Concussion Claims 2023 Premiership Player

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 21:13:42 +0000

Concussion Claims 2023 Premiership Player Lisa Albergo Sun, 04/21/2024 - 17:13

2023 Collingwood premiership player Nathan Murphy succumbed to the after-effects of concussions (including his 10^th in the 2023 Grand Final) and announced his retirement. He is only 24 years old. Earlier in the year, he stepped away from the club in an attempt to recover and return to play. However, on advice from the medical concussion panel, he has decided to retire. In making the announcement, he said, “I feel it is the right time and the right decision for me to hang up my footy boots. I love my football, but my priority is on my future and ensuring I live a full and healthy life. I’d like to thank the Club, coaches, teammates, staff, and the Magpie Army for all their support throughout my playing career and for allowing me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL. To my family and friends, I couldn’t have gone through this journey without your continued love and support which I am so grateful for. It is not lost on me how fortunate I am to have been able to experience premiership success ... I hope I did the jumper proud and thank the many people and supporters who helped me along the way. I will forever cherish the memories and friends I’ve made ...”.

An all-round talent, Murphy was a promising cricketer, representing Australia at junior level before focusing on footy. Murphy was drafted by Collingwood in 2017 and played 57 games for the Pies. He battled injuries in 2019 but bounced back strongly in 2020, winning the VFL best and fairest that year. The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Murphy play 15 and 16 games, respectively, before solidifying his role in the senior side in 2023, a campaign which saw him play 24 AFL matches including the 2023 Grand Final. Across his footy career, he reportedly had 10 concussions. His retirement is yet another reminder at the toll concussions are taking on Aussie rules players. The AFL and AFLPA have not commented on the situation.

General Manager Brendon Bolton thanked Murphy for his contribution to Collingwood, “... we thank Nathan for his contribution ... and commend him on the maturity he has shown ... Nathan will be remembered as a player who showed sheer courage on the field. His one-on-one efforts and ability to intercept and spoil were second to none. In the backline, Murph had an outstanding ability to read the game, lead, and direct teammates ... A fun and light-hearted character, Nathan also showed great generosity which is what made him a much-loved member of our club. Away from the field, he made significant contributions within the community space from community coaching to the working in his café ... a credit goes to Nathan’s resilience and perseverance to come back and perform to a high standard on many occasions ...".

Source: Tash Lewis, Collingwood Media Release

Concussion

Eagles Shock Dockers

chris kowald — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:59:37 +0000

Eagles Shock Dockers chris kowald Sat, 04/20/2024 - 12:59

The West Coast Eagles shocked an out-of-sorts Fremantle Dockers. They defeated the match favorites by applying pressure at the ball and using direct attacks into a well-organized forward line. The Dockers appeared jaded after two games on the road where they lost narrowly to Carlton and Port Adelaide. The Eagles built on last week's comprehensive victory over the wounded Richmond Tigers to record consecutive victories for the first time since 2021. The addition of number 1 draft pick Harley Reid, combined with an injury-free and resurgent Elliot Yeo, has provided the Eagles with the midfield strength they have lacked for three years. Their clean delivery into the forward line enabled Jack Darling to feature more prominently; however, it is the re-emergence of full-forward Jake Waterman that is the big story of their forward line. The Dockers were due to have a poor game after playing intense pressure football for the first five weeks of the season. However, nobody expected such a sudden drop in form.

The Dockers started the game as they had played in recent weeks. They dominated most of the first quarter by winning clearances and making sixteen forward entries to the Eagles' seven. The Docker forward line had to be restructured when full forward Jye Amiss was concussed in the first four minutes. With the loss of Amiss the forward line lost height and structure, to the extent they could only manage three behinds (worth a point each) from their numerous attacks. The Eagles on the other hand didn't dominate the ball early, but on the rare occasions they did transition from the Dockers half, they kicked goals. Yeo goaled with a good snap after gathering a ground ball early in the quarter. Reid (a strong mark and two goals) and Waterman (one goal) after a pass from Reid, punished the Dockers towards the end of the quarter. In the midfield the Dockers dominated in the ruck with Luke Jackson and a returning Sean Darcy having the better of Bailey Williams. The Docker midfielders through Caleb Serong and Nat Fyfe won clearances but opportunities were missed in attack. The last line marking (catching) defense of Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern also frustrated Docker efforts to score.

Jake Waterman (file photo/AFANA)

In the second quarter, the Eagles brought increased heat to midfield contest. The Dockers still won in the ruck and won clearances, but the pressure on the ball carriers and the tackling applied by the Eagles disrupted the Dockers' ball movement. Serong, Hayden Young, and Andrew Brashaw collected plenty of possessions, but the chase and tackling from the Eagles' Elliot Yeo, Reuben Ginbey, and Tim Kelly was exceptional. Harley Reid gained the ball twice at center bounces for the Eagles and his dashes from the middle were the highlight of the quarter. The Eagles added three early goals via youngsters Jack Williams and Noah Long; and then Waterman booted his second after gathering a ground ball and snapping truly. It was not until the fourteen-minute mark of the quarter that Luke Jackson snapped truly did the Dockers register their first goal. Waterman answered four minutes later with a mark and his third goal. The Dockers kicked two more goals via Sam Sturt and Tom Emmett to show some life; but then Waterman received a free kick for a good tackle to boot his fourth and complete a strong quarter for West Coast.

The third quarter was where the Eagles owned the game. The Dockers' Jeremy Sharp kicked a brilliant running goal from the boundary early in the quarter, but then it was all Eagles. They won more clearances through Reid, Yeo, and Ginbey and made sixteen forward entries to the Dockers five. The Eagles won contested possessions and had the Docker defense under repeated pressure. The Eagles added five goals to put the result beyond doubt. Alex Pearce was strong in the air for Fremantle taking ten defensive marks and gaining seventeen possessions for the match. He was well supported by Jordan Clark who gave plenty of run from defense, but Luke Ryan had a bad day and was unable to compete with either Waterman or Darling who both marked strongly. The highlight for the quarter was provided again by Reid. He took a screamer (spectacular high mark) in the goal square to the delight Eagles' home crowd.

Nat Fyfe (file photo/AFANA)

The Dockers mounted a belated fightback early in the final quarter, attacking directly through the center corridor with four quick goals via Josh Treacy (two), Michael Walters, and Sam Sturt . Waterman and Darling added two more for the Eagles to snuff any hope of a Docker recovery. Fremantle continued to run and West Coast eased the pressure around the ball. Michael Johnson and Luke Jackson booted the last two goals for Fremantle. The Dockers finished the game with more hitouts, clearances, and possessions but it was the Eagles' energy and dominance in contested possessions, their contested marking, and efficiency in attack that won the game.

Next week Fremantle remain at Optus Stadium to meet the revived Western Bulldogs. The Eagles fly to the People First Stadium in Queensland to meet the Gold Coast Suns. A highlight of that match will be the clash of the young guns, Harley Reid and the Suns' Matt Rowell. Has West Coast turned the corner after several awful seasons? To be determined.

Scores
West Coast Eagles: 4.1 9.4 14.9 16.9 (105)
Fremantle Dockers: 0.3 3.3  4.5 10.8  (68)

Best
West Coast Eagles: Yeo, Reid, Waterman, Kelly, McGovern
Fremantle Dockers: Serong, Clark, Brayshaw, Young, Fyfe

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