AFLTips.com Round 13 Review

[Appleyard]

AFLTIPS.COM REVIEW
ROUND 13

Brought to you in conjunction with www.BigFooty.com.

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Adrian's Tipping Record: Round 1 - 7; Round 2 - 5; Round 3 - 4; Round 4 - 6, Round 5 - 2; Round 6 - 5; Round 7 - 2; Round 8 - 6; Round 9 - 7; Round 10 - 6; Round 11 - 4; Round 12 - 5; Round 13 - 7Total: 65/104

Not too many surprises this week, so a good score. Still doing barely better than tossing a coin though.

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TIM SPEAKS

Welcome back after the pointless bye-week. Since state-of-origin footy was euthanased a coupla years ago, the space in the fixture had been occupied by a normal round split over two weeks. But for some unexplained reason (hearsay evidence suggests squabbling amongst the TV networks) everyone had the same weekend off this year, the first time in forty years there'd been a footy-free weekend in the middle of the season. My local video shop was packed on Friday night (my own first visit there since March), then we caught a mild infection called 'rugby fever' for about 12 hours. Sunday was spent watching lame mid-season reviews on TV and laughing at Melbourne (the football club). Hopefully there'll be no repeat next season.

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FRIDAY 27th June

ESSENDON vs GEELONG
Telstra Dome 7:40 PM AEST


Essendon 8.3 13.5 16.6 20.9.129
Geelong 4.0 8.1 12.2 15.3.93


Comfortable if unspectacular win for the Dons over a side they really should be beating, if the Dons are any good. Geelong tried very hard but lacked the top-drawer players to worry Essadun. And there was post-Perth syndrome again, it clearly carries across a fortnight. In selection the Dons gave Jobe Watson his long-awaited debut, announcing the fact last Monday just to pressure the bloke a bit. Jobe is the son of champion Bommer player Tim Watson. James Hird returned, finally, from his calf injury and Joel Reynolds was also called up, they replaced the axed Steven Alessio, Mark Mercuri and suspended Dean Rioli. The first time Mercuri had been dropped, apparently, while Rioli was caught on video whacking Roo Adam Simpson behind play and copped three weeks. The promotion of youngsters Watson and Reynolds at the expense of Mercuri and Alessio was interpreted as the Bommers turning to youth at last. The Cats have nothing but youth, they came in without Cameron Mooney (suspended), Aaron Lord (back injury), Darren Milburn (gastro), David Johnson and James Kelly (both dropped) from the side beaten by Fremantle. Replacements were David Clarke, Will Slade, Steve Johnson, James Rahilly and James Bartel.

A decent crowd of 48,374 turned up, supporting the theory that a week off had refreshed fans as well as players. Geelong started well and booted the first two goals, Paul Chapman burst a coupla tackles and slipped a handpass for Gary Ablett to snap truly, then spearhead Kent Kingsley led onto the wing and, via Matt McCarthy, set up an easy sausage for rover David Spriggs. Chapman sustained a cork thigh about now and his night ended early. The Dons awoke with some strong attacking off half-back, led by Dustin Fletcher and Hird, while Adam McPhee and Mark Johnson were good too. Good play from Jason Johnson set up their first for Mark McVeigh, then Mark Bolton held a strong grab and passed for unattended ruckman David Hille to mark and convert. Hille copped a heavy knee in the breadbasket courtesy Cat Steven King at the next centre-bounce, but Damian Cupido's clever kick sent Scott Lucas away for a running sausage. Next Mark Johnson's floating torpedo-punt dropped into the arms of Bolton, he converted and the Dons led by 13 points with four consecutive goals. The Cats scored a goal from a throw-in, made by Ablett for Steve Johnson, but the Dons were running slickly through the middle now and had a Road Map to their goal far more effective than that of the Bush administration. Joel Reynolds picked out leading Mark Johnson for a mark and major, Cupido snapped a great tight-angle left-footer, Joe Misiti gathered Lucas's handpass and slotted one to have the Dons 25 points ahead. The Bommers effectively won the game in this period, and all without help from Docklands specialist Matty Lloyd, swamped by Matthew Scarlett leading a posse of Cat defenders. Still, it created chances for the other Bummer forwards. Geelong's Johnson scored a needed goal for them before Cupido marked and smacked a long goal after the quarter-time siren, to have the Bombouts 27 points ahead at the first change. For the remainder of the game goals alternated more-or-less, the Cats never looked likely to create the kind of run-on they needed. The busy Mark Bolton marked and booted the first goal of quartier du to have the Dons 33 points up, but Cat James Bartel managed a pair of centre-clearances leading to goals for Kent Kingsley and David Clarke. The Essadun lead was reduced to 21 points, goals followed to Bommer Lucas and Cat youngster McCarthy (a strong grab), Don centreman Jason Johnson (good pass from Cupido) and Cat rover David Spriggs. Still Dons by 21, before the steadily improving James Hird won a centre-clearance leading to a snapped goal for the handy Damian Cupido, another Don clearance followed and Scott Lucas converted from a mark. Dons by 33 at the long break.

More of the same after half-time. Kingsley copped a graphic knee in the nads early in the third stanza, provoking the Nine commentary team into a series of obvious jokes. Cat Steve Johnson snapped a nice goal and Geelong played well for a bit, but failed to capitalise. Typical was an overdone series of handpasses ending with Kingsley spraying a shot on-the-full. Eventually Bommer Adam Ramanauskas thumped a 60m torpedo for a goal, having them 35 points ahead. Still the Cats came on, Kingsley marked Pete Riccardi's long kick and booted a six-pointer, then a series of short passes ended with Catter Joel Corey booting a long sausage and the Don lead was down to 22 points. Cat fans were provoked into a Rusedski-like rage a moment later when Corey was strangled in a tackle from Mark Johnson, but the ump signalled a ball-up. Sure enough the Dons got a goal from the incident, to Joe Misiti. Carrot-head Cat Cameron Ling snapped the deficit down to 22 points again, but just before the final break some excellent Bommer running and handball ended with Matty Lloyd out-marking Scarlett and booting his first goal. Umpire Hayden Kennedy blew for three-korter time a second or so early, mistaking the horn of a passing train for the siren. Another thing wrong with Docklands! Still Dons by 28 points at three-korter time. Early in the final term Don Paul Barnard converted from a rubbish free-kick. The Cats had momentary hope when Riccardi's tough roving brought him a goal, the margin back to 29 points the Dons' way. The Bummers cleared the following centre-bounce, Lloyd marked on the lead but missed the shot. Handily for them, Damian Cupido intercepted Brenton Sanderson's telegraphed kick-in and returned it for a goal. That sealed it, Essadun led by 36 points against the league's weakest attack. Before it was over Cats Riccardi and Bartel majored from free-kicks, Bomber Cupido added a fifth goal to his tally and David Hille booted a terrific long goal from the boundary-line. If only he'd scored with that sitter against North a fortnight ago.

A workmanlike performance from the Bommers was typified by some workmanlike players, ruck-rover Damien Peverill had 32 disposals and took 11 marks in his best game for some time while backman Danny Jacobs took 10 marks and had 27 possies, he also played well. James Hird (25 disposals) started on a half-back flank and ended running all over the place to be quite handy and muscular Mark Johnson (21 touches, a goal) was very good early when the Dons set up their win. Damian Cupido was the best forward on the ground, not only booting 5 goals from his 6 marks and 14 kicks but creating another three or four. Centreman Jason Johnson (15 disposals, a goal) played alright and Scott Lucas (8 marks, 12 kicks, 3 goals) was good, the performances of Joel Reynolds and Marc Bullen (13 touches each) supported the 'yoof' policy. Jobe Watson made a forgettable two-handpass debut, although he did show some nice humour when presented with the signed match-ball afterwards (a Bomber tradition, apparently). "Good, now I might get a touch of it," he said. Mark Bolton, David Hille and Joe Misiti kicked 2 goals each. The Cats' best was probably full-back Matthew Scarlett, limiting Lloyd to one goal. They had some good performances in the midfield from Joel Corey (24 disposals, a goal), Corey Enright (20 touches), David Spriggs (20 handlings, 2 goals) and Cameron Ling (31 touches, a goal). Back-pocket Brenton Sanderson (18 touches, 7 marks) was quite good apart from his clanger at the end and forward Steve Johnson was okay with 3 goals from 16 touches. Kent Kingsley and Peter Riccardi kicked 2 goals each.

"I'm more disappointed by that loss than any of the ones we've had this year. I didn't think we played well," began 'Bomber' Thompson. "I was disappointed in the first half, the way we used the ball and our lack of poise. We didn't show any maturity and experience." Sheeds said "We're not a settled side yet, probably far from it. Certainly we need to put another couple of players into that team from the VFL side. But when you start to get players like Fletcher and Hird back, it means you're capable of playing some very good football."

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SATURDAY 28th JUNE

MELBOURNE vs ST KILDA
MCG 2:10 PM AEST



Melbourne 4.3 8.6 17.7 21.10.136
St. Kilda 4.2 8.6 10.8 14.10.94


The Dees emerged from a fortnight of turmoil to record a much-needed win against the disappointing Saints. Leading the way was David Neitz, he was involved in a drink-related 'incident' outside the casino last Friday night, but given a helping hand by some friendly umpires 'Neita' bagged 7 goals here. Last week Demon leader Gabriel Szondy announced he was a "reluctant president" and was willing to step aside should an "outstanding candidate" present themselves. Rumours abounded concerning playing legend and current meedya performer Garry Lyon. Neita wasn't alone in over-indulging on his school holidays, a quartet of Stakilda players including Fraser Gehrig and Steven Lawrence also crept into the papers as a result of some alleged alcohol-related activities over the break, although the club were keen to keep it very quiet. In selection the embattled Dees made four changes, Peter Vardy was out with a groin strain and Luke Williams missed with an infected boil - yecch. Chris Lamb and Mark Jamar were dropped as the Dees welcomed back some decent players in Jeff White, Nathan Brown and Daniel Ward along with junior defender Ryan Ferguson. The Sainters were also strengthened with ruckman Trent Knobel, defender Max Hudghton, promising big-man Justin Koschitzke and experienced Andrew Thompson all returning to the side, out went juniors Matthew Ferguson and Chris Oliver along with Jason Blake and Brett 'Snipper' Moyle.

Sainter big man Koschitzke kicked the first goal from a strong pack-mark, but the Dees were soon doing the scoring. Ruckman Jeff White galumphed forward and booted a running goal, then Daniel Ward grubbed a snap through for full points. Ward and the unreliable Travis Johnstone were going well for the Dees and Brad Miller, used as a key defender for most of his nascent career, did well at CHF. Then fortune smiled upon Neitz as he was awarded successive, highly technical free-kicks for holding against the battling Max Hudghton and converted both for goals. The Dees led by 20 points before the Stains got moving. Koschitzke booted a second and Stephen Powell also converted from a mark. Nick Riewoldt was marking everything across half-forward and soon he was involved in a fourth Sainter goal, for Heath Black, to even things up at the first break. The second term followed a similar pattern. Melbourne got the early goals with Travis Johnstone and Brad Green converting from marks. Green's came after Saint spearhead Fraser Gehrig spilled a mark on the lead, causing Saint fans around us much anguish. Neitz led, marked and smacked a superb goal from in front of the Members' and soon enough he goaled again from another free-kick - this one against Gehrig who'd replaced Hudghton. Melbun have made several representations to umpires' boss Jeff Gieschen regarding Neitz and his lack of free-kicks this season, it appeared they were paying off. Again the Stains stormed back late in the term, Riewoldt bagged one, Koschitzke booted his third and Powell snapped another, scores were level by the long break. Saint fans ruminated on the Neitz free-kick situation.

The third term commenced with Hudghton back on Neitz, but this time the Dee spearhead took two terrific grabs for two early goals, no doubt about them. The Saints scored an answering goal and much slog ensued, Steven Armstrong snaggled a goal for the Dees but Riewoldt replied for the Saints from a good grab. The Demuns led by 5 points at this stage, when Sainter ruckman Matt Maguire punched a throw-in back over the line for another throw-in. This is interpreted as 'deliberate' under the new rules and Demon Johnstone smacked the free-kick for an excellent goal. It precipitated a Melbun avalanche of five goals in six minutes, instigated by ruckman Darren Jolly's work at the centre-bounce. The Dees came streaming outta the centre, Matthew Whelan and Steven Armstrong scored direct from centre-clearances, Neitz led, marked and converted again, Peter Walsh snapped a beauty and Cameron Bruce snaggled one. When the three-quarter-time siren called a halt, the Saints had slipped to a 41-point deficit. The game appeared over then, although the Saints battled in the early final term and did kick the first two goals of the korter, to Riewoldt again and Rob Harvey, to draw within 30 points. Unfortunately for the Stains, them goals were 16 minutes in arriving and when Dee winger Chris Heffernan scored with a low, drilled punt the game was over.

The key Melbourne elements fired at last, David Neitz kicked 7.1 (excellent kicking by the way, none of his shots were easy) from 5 marks and 10 kicks - three for free. Travis Johnstone played well for a change, with 28 disposals (21 kicks) and 2 goals, while ruckman Darren Jolly was an important performer as he initiated the third-quarter surge. Brad Miller (8 marks, 14 disposals) may have found himself at CHF and tough defender Matthew Whelan (13 touches, a goal) kept Stephen Milne goal-less, the first time that's happened since Milney's debut game, I think. Wingman Chris Heffernan had 17 disposals and kicked 2 goals after spending the first term on the bench and Nathan Brown (18 possies) was good, as was James McDonald (18 touches). Simon Godfrey (12 touches) did a reasonable job on Harvey. Brad Green bagged 3 goals from 7 marks and 11 kicks, Steven Armstrong kicked 2 goals. Blonde hero Nick Riewoldt was the Saints' best easily, with 10 marks, 13 kicks and 4 goals. Riewoldt played mainly at CHF but also had runs in the ruck and in defence, very briefly. Hard-working Lenny Hayes (30 disposals) was good again and wingman Heath Black (22 disposals, a goal) played alright. Brendon Goddard (19 disposals) showed admirable maturity and poise in defence and Aussi Jones (24 touches, a goal) was good in the first half. Stephen Powell (20 touches, 2 goals) was handy. Justin Koschitzke kicked 3 first-half goals but was a bit quiet after the long break, he wasn't alone as far as the Saints were concerned.

"We were very poor around contests," began Grant Thomas. "They beat us in the clinches and that's something we've prided ourselves on in other games this year. When we won it (the ball), we were indecisive and gave it back to them far too easily." Embattled Neale Daniher said "A great response from our players. It's been a tough couple of weeks. I thought we had really good contributors all over the ground and it was really quite exciting for our supporters to see Brad Miller at centre half-forward and Darren Jolly grab the game by the scruff of the neck."



PORT ADELAIDE vs SYDNEY
AAMI Stadium 2:10 PM ACST


Port Adelaide 1.1 4.5 9.14 14.15.99
Sydney 1.5 2.9 4.10 8.12.60


Port continue to roll along nicely, staying top with this convincing victory over the hopelessly inaccurate Swans at a damp Foopall Park. In selection the Powder welcomed thunder-thighed goal-kicker Stuart Dew in for his first game since round 2, following a bout of osteitis pubis, along with gangling backman Matthew Bishop. Out went injured Che ****atoo-Collins (back) and dropped junior Steven Salopek. Just one change for the Bloods with important rover Paul Williams returning at the expense of Jarrad Sundqvist.

Not much rain during this game but it was very soft and muddy underfoot. The Swans took to it like - er - Swans maybe, but wasted the good start with some terrible kicking for goal. Michael O'Loughlin, Barry Hall and the normally deadly Nick Davis were the chief culprits as the Bloods kicked away the upfield efforts of Jason Ball, Adam Goodes, Daryn Cresswell, Nic Fosdike and the like. In fact, Fosdike wasn't too accurate either. The Bloods led 1.5 to nothing before Port tagger Kane Cornes booted their only goal of the first term, but soon he was off with a broken hand. The Swans sputtered along to 1.7 in the second stanza before they muffed a kick-in and Port's Shaun Burgoyne snapped a goal. Ben Mathews replied with a free-kick for the Bloods but further Port goals saw them to a narrow lead at the long break. Port really decided the game in the second half, Dean Brogan took charge in the ruck and Nick Stevens started to pump the ball forward along with Peter Burgoyne, Jarrad Schofield and Josh Carr. Gav Wanganeen slipped forward to bag a coupla goals, Brendon Lade marked and converted, Chad Cornes also ran afield to take lots of marks on the wing, as he does. Port led by 34 points at the final change and it could've been more following their 5.9 for the third. Port scored the first goal of the ultimate stanza, a free kick to Warren Tredrea after Leo Barry climbed him like a tree (the analogy's apt, really) to lead by 41, before the Swans finally got on target and managed three goals in five minutes including two for excited Adam Schneider. But Port steadied and cruised to the line.

The form of ruckmen Brogan and Lade is giving Mark Williams a pleasant dilemma with Matthew Primus due back soon, here Dean Brogan was excellent in the hit-outs and had 15 disposals (11 distributing handpasses) to boot. Brendon Lade played as a forward mainly but contributed 15 touches and 2 goals. The Power had the edge midfield where Peter Burgoyne (28 disposals, a goal), Jarrad Schofield (23 possies) and Josh Carr (21 touches, a goal) were all good, while Nick Stevens (20 disposals) initiated the third-quarter surge. Chad Cornes covered plenty of territory again for 9 marks, 21 handlings and a goal while Warren Tredrea battled hard to kick 2.3. Gavin 'Brownlow' Wanganeen booted 3 goals from 13 kicks, defender Stuart Cochrane did a good job on Mick O'Loughlin. Siddey had some decent efforts from evergreen Daryn Cresswell (34 disposals) and tough youngster Jude Bolton (25 disposals) while veteran runners Stuart Maxfield (14 kicks) and Paul Williams (19 disposals) weren't bad. Barry Hall did reasonably in the conditions to take 7 marks and boot 2.2, Adam Schneider fired late to boot 2 goals, he had 12 possies overall.

Paul Roos said "When you are playing a good team away from home and you get a good start like that, you've got to put scoreboard pressure on... I think in terms of where we set ourselves in developing the young players, we're a fair way ahead of perhaps where we thought we would be." Hmm. Roos went on to defend the Swans against yet another attack from Magpie president Eddy McGuire, who called Sydney "the bullsh*t capital" last Friday. Mark Williams said "We were under the pump early in the first quarter and I thought the way our players persisted we certainly didn't underestimate the Swans. We knew they were a terrific side, but by the end of the day they hadn't kicked a winning score and we certainly had. We need to be able to play against all the different tactics that come against us. Every opportunity, wet weather, windy weather, flooding tactics, we've still got to manage our way through. We didn't lose concentration, didn't get too jumpy on the whole thing and just thought our way through the game."



FOOTSCRAY vs COLLINGWOOD
Telstra Dome 7:10 PM AEST


Footscray 0.3 2.8 9.11 12.13.85
Collingwood 6.2 10.8 14.14 18.20.128


Easy win for the Magpies over the wayward, undermanned Pups. The Northern Territory occupied both teams over the break, the Maggies made their annual goodwill/PR visit to Darwin and the football-obsessed islands. The Bulldogs want to play home games in Darwin and possibly Cairns as well next season. The folks up there can get used to 'em losing. In selection the Bulldogs regained Daniel Bandy and called up Kieran McGuinness to replace injured Steven Kretiuk (calf) and big man Wade Skipper, who suffered a punctured lung against Siddey a fortnight back. The Pies arrived without Andrew Williams (broken ribs), defender Simon Prestigiacomo (ankle) and axed pair Mark McGough and Heath Scotland. In came Richard Cole, Rupert Betheras, Ben Kinnear and debutant Dane Swan, son of Williamstown legend Bill Swan - Dane was also recruited from Willy.

Docklands was an anachronism in being roof-protected, dry and firm. The Bulldogs attempted to turn back the clock with some pre-bounce harassment of Pies Anthony Rocca and Chris Tarrant, which backfired a bit. Rocca, whose pitiful recent form had been well-documented in the meedya, charged in at the opening bounce and sent bodies flying. Rocca went on to clatter Bulldogs (especially Mitch Hahn), pluck a series of early grabs and be spat upon by a member of the Footscray Cheer Squad. This incident received TV exposure and I wouldn't want to be a Bulldog player or supporter the next time these teams meet. Whatever the conditions, wear a raincoat. And a helmet with tear-off visors, like the race car drivers have. Anyway, the equally bullish Jarrod Molloy was busy too, kicking two early goals for the Poise. Puppy coach Peter Rohde swapped his limited resources about, replacing Matt Croft with Daniel Bandy as Rocca's opponent. The Bulldogs were getting a bit of the ball, but their midget, Jerry-built forward-line struggled against Pies Jason Cloke, Shane Wakelin and James 'Arnaud' Clement. Rupert Betheras also booted two first-term goals as the Poise led handily at the first break. The Poise scored the first goal of quartier du and led by 40 points before Simon Garlick managed to open the Dogs' account, at which stage the Pups had entered their attacking 50m 18 times to the Pies' 15. But the lack of marking power forced the Dogs to shoot from distance and wide angles, contributing to their poor accuracy. A great smother from Cloke on Garlick didn't help the Pups either. Nathan Buckley and Shane O'Bree were very busy for the Poise, three more Maggie goals arrived before Jordan McMahon booted the Bullies' second late in the term. The Dogs managed to get something happening early in the third stanza, Daniel Giansiracusa, Brad Johnson and Kieran McGuinness bagged successive goals to reduce the Pups' deficit to 31 points. Nathan Brown had been switched into the centre to get some kicks. But the Pies steadied with Chris Tarrant getting into the game, he booted a couple of goals, Molloy kicked one after a fantastic grab over Ben Harrison and Betheras benefited from a dubious free-kick for 'blocking' against Luke Darcy. A seven-goal-to-four term wasn't bad for the Dogs. They weren't going to win though and early final-term goals to O'Bree and Tarrant confirmed the fact. Some off-target shooting from the Pies even spared the Pups a bit. There was a ridiculous decision when Bulldog Robert Murphy kicked the ball along the ground fully 40m before it rolled out of play. The umpire's verdict - deliberate.

Nathan Buckley, also under fire recently, was a clear BOG with 35 disposals (25 kicks), 8 marks and 2 goals. Jarrod Molloy's tough work in attack brought him 3 goals to complement his 6 marks and 10 touches, Chris Tarrant ended with 13 marks, 16 kicks and 3 goals after a tight, physical first half against Ryan Hargrave. In the middle Scott Burns was busy with 24 touches, 8 marks and a goal while Shane O'Bree bagged 4 goals from his 11 kicks. Anthony Rocca took 10 marks and had 24 disposals swapping about the ground, but maintained his goal-less form for a fifth consecutive game by booting 0.3. Defenders Jason Cloke (11 disposals, 5 marks) and 'Arnaud' Clement (15 touches) were handy, Rupert Betheras celebrated his return with 3 goals from 8 marks and 15 possies. The Bullies were best served by their old reliables in Scott West (32 disposals), Brad Johnson with 3 goals from 8 marks and 22 possessions and ruckman Luke Darcy (7 marks, 21 touches). Mitch Hahn (22 disposals, a goal) is a tough bloke with a dubious skill level. Nathan Brown finished with 24 disposals, 17 in the second half after being switched to the centre. It's where some Bulldog fans think he should stay. Half-backs Robert Murphy (17 disposals) and Rohan Smith (23 touches) weren't bad.

The Bulldogs simply don't have the resources to compete. "We could say we got some things going in the right direction and we could take some positives but the bottom line is the premiership ladder doesn't tell too many lies. Whilst I don't know whether we're the worst team in the competition, I can tell you we're not one of the best," said philosophical Peter Rohde. Ah well. They might be the best team in Darwin. Mick Malthouse reckons his mob will finish in the top four. "The test now is going to be whether we can win next week and have the same want, attitude and desire...We are a reasonably good tackling side and if we get that together, then it gives us the mental attitude to do other things." They have some handy advantages against the Roos, who not only have 'Perth hangover' to deal with but played in ankle-deep slush as well.



(continued... )

[Appleyard]

BRISBANE vs RICHMOND
Gabba 7:10 PM AEST


Brisbane 3.2 8.8 11.12 15.14.104
Richmond 3.3 6.3 8.3 9.7.61


The Lions bounced back from consecutive losses, winning and condemning the Tigers to a fifth straight defeat. In a game that was close and tight for much of the duration, Al Lynch once again made the difference. He's in rare form at the minute. In selection the Lyin's regained Michael Voss sooner than expected, along with ruckman Beau McDonald and forward Daniel Bradshaw. Midfielder Jason Gram was called up for his debut, replacing Darryl White ('flu). Blake Caracella was out with an ankle injury along with dropped pair Jared Brennan and Dylan McLaren. The Tigers made four changes. Ben Holland and Mark Dragicevic returned for their first games in 18 and 28 months respectively, following knee reconstructions (two for Dragicevic). Midfielder Kane Johnson also returned and Chris Hyde was called up, they replaced Duncan Kellaway (foot), Ray Hall (thigh strain) and axed pair Rory Hilton and Kayne Pettifer.

The Tigers had flown up the previous Wednesday for a special 'training camp' - nothing to do with the lovely sunshine available in Queensland, compared to the frigid Melbourne winter. It was indeed a warm and still night at the Gabbatoir and Tigers started keenly, led by an energetic Brad Ottens. He booted the game's first goal from a diving mark, after Matthew Richardson had missed his customary sitter in the opening minutes. Tiger flankers Greg Tivendale and Joel Bowden were going well, Kane Johnson soccered a somewhat flukey goal and when Tim Fleming slotted a running goal the Tigers led by 20 points. Their good work was undone late in the stanza though as Brisbun kicked three late goals, two for Al Lynch and the other a good snap from Craig McRae, set up by Lynch. Suitably aroused, the Lyin's played much better in the second term. Simon Black and Jason Akermanis started to win the ball often and Lynch continued to be a pain for the Toigs, kicking two more goals against hapless Ben Holland. Holland was soon replaced by the smaller but stronger Ty Zantuck. Black thundered a 55m sausage, McRae and Luke Power scored further majors as the Lyin's threatened to take charge. The Tiges hung in as Richardson snapped a miraculous (for him) left-foot goal. It was Richo's 500th career major. Tiger Greg 'Golden' Stafford converted from a mark. Lyin' Akermanis snapped truly from the impossible angle but the ball clipped the goal-umpire's flag on the way through, technically a poster. While Aker complained, the Tiges moved the kick-in swiftly for Tivendale to thump a running goal. Nevertheless, the Tigers appeared to have squandered their early momentum and trailed by 17 points at the long break.

Stafford goaled early in the third Mario and the Tiges trailed by 13 points. There followed a lengthy goal-less period in which both sides defended stoutly. Lyin' full-back Mal Michael had control of Richardson while Zantuck was doing well on Lynch. The Tiges won the ball enough but often wasted forward thrusts with some poor turnovers and despite a pledge otherwise, were too Richocentric again. The Brians suffered the loss of Chris Johnson (hamstring) but they broke the scoring drought. Some excellent play from Lyin' veteran Martin Pike saw him delivering to leading Lynch for a mark and goal to put Brizzy 19 points up. From the restart Brisbun went forward and first-gamer Gram fired a handpass for Simon Black to collect and thump for a low sausage. The Tigres fought back as Mark Chaffey's good work led to a running goal for Mark Dragicevic, but once again Brisbane scored a crucial late major, Michael Voss passing for Daniel Bradshaw to mark and punt truly from 50m. Voss had been fairly quiet and spent much time on the bench but what he did was telling, as per usual. The locals started the final term with a 27-point lead. Again the Tigers started brightly, but Richardson missed a set-shot from 40m and a close-in snap a minute later. Lynch also missed a shot but a few minutes later Richo spilled a mark under pressure from Michael, the Lyin's rebounded and Dan Bradshaw's wobbly kick was marked by Lynch again, he goaled. Brisbane led by 32 points. The Tigers replied rapidly through Stafford mark, aided by a doubtful 50m penalty to Fleming, but the Brians cleared the restart and Akermanis delighted the crowd with a trademark running sausage. Youngster Luke Weller and ruckman Jamie Charman added icing for the Lyin's.

No doubt the goal-scoring ability of Alastair Lynch was the difference, Lynchy booted 6.4 from 7 marks and 12 kicks. Ruck-rover Simon Black was a little spasmodic - his third-stanza goal was his only touch for the quarter - but was still influential with 27 disposals and 2 goals overall. Jason Akermanis (20 disposals, a goal) played very well and Nigel Lappin (22 possessions) was reliable as ever. Ashley McGrath (13 disposals) turned in a good performance as the mop-up player in defence and Mal Michael (11 touches, 4 marks) limited Richardson to six marks and one goal. Luke Power (22 possies, a goal) did some nice things and Luke Weller (13 touches, a goal) showed some promise. Craig McRae kicked 2 goals. Tiger ruckmen Brad Ottens (7 marks, 20 disposals, a goal) and Greg Stafford (6 marks, 10 kicks, 3 goals) played well but it remains a mystery as to how the Tigers can be so poor at clearing the ball from stoppages. The fine season of half-back Greg Tivendale continued (22 disposals, a goal) and Mark Coughlan (20 disposals) battled hard as usual. Joel 'Captain Clanger' Bowden wasn't bad I suppose, he had 22 possessions. Tim Fleming (15 touches, a goal) showed signs that he might be able to play. Defender Andrew Kellaway (10 marks, 20 disposals) wasn't bad. Basically, the Tiges weren't good enough.

Dan Frawley said "At the start of the game we played some really good, attacking footy and had some terrific contests... and we were happy with that for most of the night. And then our intensity levels dropped off and we made the wrong decisions at times." Leigh Matthews reckoned "We actually played to a kind of level that allowed us to win by forty points. We had a lot more scoring shots, they were pretty effective with their accuracy and we were a bit sloppy, we're not finishing all that well." Long trip next week.



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SUNDAY 29th JUNE

HAWTHORN vs FREMANTLE
York Park 1:10 PM AEST


Hawthorn 5.2 12.4 14.7 15.8.98
Fremantle 3.2 7.2 9.5 10.8.68


Them Hawks are on a roll now, recording a third consecutive win in truly Antarctic conditions in Launceston. Freezing temperatures were complemented by steady rain for the entire second half, as in Freo's loss to Richmond at the 'G earlier in the season. As in that game, the Dokkas were already well behind before the weather turned ugly (or uglier, in this case). In picking the Horks made three compulsory changes, out went Peter Everitt (hamstring), Rick Ladson (shoulder) and Lance Picioane (suspended). Luke Hodge returned from injury along with Robert Campbell and Tim Clarke. The Dockulators regained Jeff Farmer, Shane Parker, Des Headland and Roger Hayden, but lost Matthew Carr, suspended for biffing Cameron Ling a fortnight back, and Dion Woods (personal reasons). Ben Cunningham and Scott Thornton were dropped.

The Dokkas had the advantage of a breeze to start with, but a determined Hawk midfield saw them away quickly. The Horks scored the first three goals, including a wobbly snap from Angelo Lekkas and a Shane Crawford runner warmly acclaimed by the 'home' crowd. Peter Bell bagged a couple for the visitors, but further majors from John Barker and Crawford again had the Hawks leading by a couple of goals at the first break. However they'd lost in-form forward Nick Holland with a hamstring strain. Gotta warm up properly when it's cold. With the wind in the second term, the Hawks set about building their lead. Barker marked early and kicked cross-field for Rayden Tallis to mark and convert, then Lekkas crashed through a pack and scrambled a snap for full points. The Shockers won the subsequent centre-clearance and Bell stabbed a running goal, but the Hawk midfield was well on top. Angelo Lekkas majored again with another mongrelled punt, his third goal. Richie Vandenberg, revelling in the soft going, sped into the forward-line and handballed for Luke Hodge to snap truly. The Hawks led by 32 points at this stage and the pressure was on the Dokkas. Their Jeff Farmer won a lucky free-kick near the boundary and centred the ball for Paul Medhurst to take an uncontested mark 15m out - he goaled. A minute later we had the bizarre sight of midget Medhurst competing for a mark while gigantic Aaron Sandilands did the roving. And he roved well, handballing for an easy goal to Justin Longmuir. The Hawk lead was back to 20 points, but they won the next centre-break and Mark Graham (!) majored, followed by a quick Freo reply as Troy Simmonds set up Paul Hasleby. But the Hawks had the final say of the half with two wind-assisted bombs for goals, from Nathan Lonie and Simon Cox. It was already raining heavily by the time Cox majored, the set-up to that goal was a great team effort as the Hawks bundled the greasy ball forward by any means.

Trailing by 32 points at half-time, the Dockers faced an uphill battle to reel the Hawks in. The ground was saturated, the ball sodden and scoring was not going to be easy. The Dokkas did play well in the conditions, but not so much better than the Hawks to make up a five-goal deficit. The steady rain saw most of the spectators run for cover and it was difficult to blame them. The third was a tight slog, Horforn got goals thanks to Dokka Shaun McManus conceding an off-ball free to Shane Crawford, allowing him to pass to John Barker, and a snap from Sam Mitchell. Matthew Pavlich managed a goal for the Docks and late in the third Jeff Farmer intercepted a Hawk kick-in and snapped it for full points. Early in the final term Dokka Matthew Pavlich took a coupla marks within range, but missed both shots. With eight minutes remaining Justin Longmuir marked 25m out and kicked truly, giving the Docks a glimmer of hope as they trailed by 24 points. But a minute later Angelo Lekkas gathered a loose ball and bounced a shot home from 40m through an empty goal-square to seal it for the Horks.

The Hawk midfield was excellent, led by Shane Crawford with 31 possessions and 2 goals. Them Taswegians love him. Angelo Lekkas had a day out with 4 goals from his 18 touches as a forward, while in the middle of the ground Richie Vandenberg (25 touches, 7 tackles, a goal), Luke Hodge (18 kicks, a goal) and Michael Osborne (16 possies) were all very good. Simon Cox (28 disposals, a goal) won plenty of the ball running from defence and fellow backman Jonathan Hay (18 touches, 9 marks) was also good against Justin Longmuir, 'local boy' Jade Rawlings (actually he's from Devonport) was useful with 8 marks and 14 disposals across half-forward. John Barker kicked 2 goals. The Dockers had few clear winners, captain Peter Bell ran relentlessly as usual for 23 touches and he booted 3 goals. Matthew Pavlich was intermittently dangerous and kicked 2 goals from 21 possies, Paul Hasleby (29 touches, a goal) and young Byron Schammer (18 disposals) did a bit. Down back Roger Hayden (15 disposals, 6 marks) and Luke McPharlin (12 touches, 5 marks) weren't too bad. Hawk supporters would have enjoyed Trent Croad's total lack of influence. Justin Longmuir kicked 2 goals but was beaten on the day.

Freo coach and former Schwab assistant Chris Connolly talked down finals. "Our f-word is focus, not finals," he said. He should lip-read Farmer. Connolly continued, "I don't care about the finals. I don't and if I did we would play our best players every week, instead of rotating the kids... It would be great to play in a couple of finals at the end of the year but it's not the main objective. I thought Angelo Lekkas was sensational today... and probably the difference in the game." Schwabby said "Our first half definitely set up the win, particularly once the weather changed. If you can win the footy and use it well, that's how you win games." He's figured it out after nine weeks...finals, Schwabby? "We are in a streak of form and I think all those sides in the lower eight have had their streak of form, so the key is whether we can maintain it."



CARLTON vs ADELAIDE
Optus Oval 2:10 PM AEST


Carlton 3.5 3.5 4.8 7.8.50
Adelaide 4.3 6.5 11.6 13.14.92


The scoreboard flattered a dreadful Carlton, Aderlayed's inaccurate kicking in the final term prevented an absolute shellacking at Princes Park, a former 'hoodoo' ground for the Corollas which holds few fears these days. The Bluies made two changes to the side victorious over Richmond, Adrian Hickmott returning at the expense of Kade Simpson while ex-Camry Andrew Eccles was a late replacement for ruckman Barnaby French ('flu). The Camrys finally regained Wayne Carey and Ronnie Burns returned also, along with ruckman Matthew Clarke. Out, dropped, went James Begley, Michael Doughty and Trent Hentschel.

For the third consecutive game Bloo midfielder Scott Camporeale helped them to a bright start, 'Campo' kicked the game's first two goals. Soon enough the Bluies were in trouble though, as the visitors booted the next four goals. Camry ruckman Rhett Biglands monstered Matthew Allan, ushering Andrew McLeod in for a welter of touches, while Brett 'Birdman' Burton ran wild on a wing. Carey didn't do much, but did help create goals for Chris Ladhams and Graham John****, while Ian Perrie bagged one as well. Late in the first term some atypical bumbling by and a 50m penalty against Ben Hart allowed Bloo Lance Whitnall to pass towards Brendan Fevola, who booted his only goal of the day from a free-kick. The Bloos' last score for the half and last goal until late in the third korter. Carlton as team took 14 marks in the first half. The second term was a bit of a slog, but the very good McLeod broke it open with two opportunistic goals in two minutes, the first after Bloo Matty Lappin slipped over, the second delivered by a Carey handpass. Bloo tagger Anthony Franchina replaced Darren Hulme as McLeod's opponent for the second half, to good effect. But the Blues had problems elsewhere. Graham 'Stiffy' John**** started bagging goals from his forward-flank, Hart and former Blue Kris Massie were driving the Camrys forward and Burton continued to run amok. Ronnie Burns, Mark Riccuto and Tyson Stenglein booted majors as the Camrys led by 45 points late in the stanza, before the Blue goal-drought was broken. The Camrys' 2.8 in the final stanza spared Carlton an absolute hiding, while Pagan gave the crowd some entertainment by belatedly sending former Kanga Mick Martyn to line up against Carey. Unlike the cartoon aggression between Carey and Glenn Archer a few weeks ago, Mick 'n' Wayne shared a chat and a laugh. Mick'll be able to retire with 300 under the belt in a few months. While Aderlayed were kicking points, young Blue Brad Fisher booted a pair of late goals.

Brett Burton was ignored completely by Justin Murphy, allowing the leaping Camry to collect 34 possessions (30 kicks) and 10 marks on the wing. Graham 'Stiffy' John**** bagged 5 goals from 19 touches (16 kicks) and 5 marks while Andrew McLeod's 17-disposal, 2-goal first half was fairly handy in context. McLeod finished with 22 touches and 2 goals, so Franchina did a reasonable job. Rhett Biglands directed traffic with 35 hit-outs from a Camry total of 60 (Carlton had 26) while Ken McGregor (21 disposals) and Kris Massie (16 disposals, 5 marks) played well down back and up front respectively. Robert Shirley collected 22 possessions (17 handpasses) and Chris Ladhams booted 2 goals from his 15 touches. Wayne Carey didn't have great stats (3 marks, 11 disposals, 0.1) but he tended to set up those around him, especially Ladhams and John****. For the Blues Scott Camporeale (25 disposals with 21 kicks, 2 goals) played well and as mentioned Anthony Franchina limited McLeod to 5 second-half touches. That's about it. Anthony Koutoufides got a bit of the ball (20 possies) but didn't exert much influence, Simon Fletcher (17 kicks) and Lance Whitnall (16 touches, 5 marks, a goal) plugged away. Brad Fisher kicked them 2 final-term goals.

"I couldn't be too critical of what we did at the contest for probably eighty percent of the game," said an unusually benign Denis Pagan. "Adelaide were very smart, had a lot more initiative and I'm not sure that our blokes in a lot of cases could have done better." A thinly-veiled promise of an end-of-season purge. Gary Ayres said "We played pretty smart footy today in the conditions and pleasing footy right across the board, I thought. The win was certainly one we needed to carry on some sort of momentum from the previous game against Melbourne and the guys did that here today." Mark Stevens and Matthew Bode resumed in the Snaffle over the weekend, so things are looking up for them.




WEST COAST vs KANGAROOS
Subiaco 1:40 PM AWST


West Coast 3.4 7.6 9.8 11.10.76
North Melbourne 4.3 6.3 7.6 10.7.67


Hard-earned victory for the Eagles which kept them in the top three, now two games clear of fourth, as they look towards a home final. Norf put in a great effort in difficult conditions, but some equal effort and skilful bits of play helped the Eegs across the line. As did the umpires, according to Roo coach Dean Laidley. The venue, Subiaco Oval, was the subject of mirth over the break as the West Australian Football Commission rejected a reported $5 million offer for the naming rights to the ground - from mobile phone retailer 'Crazy John'. Crazy John Stadium wasn't seen as a desirable name, but it was instructive to watch the folks on The Footy Show - also sponsored by said Crazy John - pour scorn on the WAFC for rejecting the fantastic offer. Unbiased comment, eh fellas? Subiaco is named for the Perth suburb in which it's located, in turn borrowing the moniker from an Italian town where the Benedictine Order was founded. Perhaps the WAFC should look to D.O.M. for sponsorship. In team selection here the Eagles had to replace Chad Morrison (knee) and Ashley McIntosh (hamstring) while Troy Wilson was dropped, probably after Worsfold saw the weather forecast. In came Adam Hunter, Trent Carroll and Jeremy Humm. The Roos had four changes, most notably they were missing roving machine Adam Simpson (hamstring) and useful forward Leigh Harding (groin strain) while Digby Morrell and ruckman Mark Porter were dropped. Roo replacements were Matthew 'Spider' Burton, Daniel Motlop, Jeremy Clayton and Michael Stevens in for his first game with the Ruse, the younger brother of Roo captain Anthony played a handful of games for Port Adelaide.

Perth hasn't escaped the wintriest winter for some time, a pre-game thunderstorm ensured Subiaco was damper and muddier than grounds in either Melbourne or Adelaide - or Launceston. Locals suggested the conditions were the worst at the ground since the 1978 'Waffle' Grand Final. Wiggle Andrew Embley kicked the game's first goal, before North responded through Jess Sinclair, then Sav Rocca bagged one. Had Denis Pagan still been coaching the Ruse there's no way Rocca would've been playing, but the alleged wet-track duffer had a bit up his sleeve apart from a very hairy arm. Hot-property Weegle Chris Judd roved Michael Gardiner's ruck-tap and snapped truly to put the Wigs back in front, then a long kick from Daniel Chick was gathered and handballed by Embley for Damien Adkins to snap a goal, Eegs by 8 points. Sav Rocca came to the party again for the Ruse, leading, marking and goaling twice before the term's end to give the Ruse a 5-point lead at the first break. The Wiggles made a rapid and, as things turned out, important start to the second stanza. Early on diving Roo defender Glenn Archer was unlucky not to be paid a mark, Judd gathered the loose ball and snapped his second major to have the Eegs in front again. Archer was also involved in the next Weegle goal, conceding an off-the-ball free kick for some unseen thingy and Chad Fletcher dobbed it. Rain which had been threatening now arrived, it was pretty heavy too. The Eegs won the centre-clearance following Fletcher's goal, their Michael Braun adapted to the new conditions by soccering the ball forward for Chick to mark and convert. Eegs by 13 points as the rain hammered down. No scoring for quite some time as the game became a slippery slog. Eventually Rocca booted long into an open Norf forward-line, skilful Brent Harvey out-marked Braun and punted a goal. Embley responded quickly for the Eegs from a mark, before an advantage decision from a free-kick allowed Daniel Motlop to boot a point-blank goal for the Ruse. That was right before half-time.

The downpour had continued through the break and large pools of water, and mud, greeted the players upon their return. Eight minutes of the third elapsed before Weegel David Wirrpunda sprayed a kick forward, Embley ran onto the ball near the boundary line and 'centred' it soccer-style where Ashley Sampi arrived to soccer a goal. That had the Eagles a very handy 16 points up, worth double in the conditions. But soon they lost Daniels Chick (shoulder) and Kerr (some sort of knee injury), both had played well to that point. Nevertheless the Eegs continued to go the better and Andrew Embley had a golden opportunity to almost seal the game when he marked 10m out, right in front - but missed. North did some attacking and missed with a couple of bombed shots, before Weevil defender Trent Carroll ran forward to collect Cousins's handpass, sell a nice dummy and slot a running goal. The Weegs led by a handy 20 points at this stage. Norf weren't done-with though, Michael Stevens was twice involved in a good build up to an accurate David King snap. The Ruse cleared the restart and their John Baird won a free-kick on the wing - and a 50m penalty when Kasey Green returned the ball incorrectly. Except 50m became about 35m in practice, also the umpire failed to blow time-off as Baird advanced, so the siren rang before Baird could have his kick, which fell short. Laidley was most unhappy about that. Early in the final stanza Norf failed to defend properly at a throw-in and Gardiner tapped for Embley to gather and kick truly, the Weegs led by 20 points again and appeared home. They missed a couple before the Ruse dug deep. Their Jeremy Clayton gathered near the boundary and passed to Rocca, Big Sav thumped it home. A centre-clearance and goal to David King followed, Corey Jones snapped on-the-full and Anthony Stevens behinded before Jeremy Clayton gathered a King kick and handballed for Shannon Grant to slot the goal. Three quick goals to the Ruse and they trailed by 3 points, with about 6 minutes to go. King, Anthony Stevens and Harvey had lifted the Ruse and now they were the aggressors. With two-and-a-half minutes remaining Rocca had a tight-angle shot which didn't score. The Weegs managed a rare breakout and with 46 seconds remaining Ashley Sampi collected pack-spillage and launched a shot which slithered through for full-points. Eagles home.

A great game and some great efforts for the Weegs, led by tireless rover Ben Cousins with 23 disposals. Forward Andrew Embley made some crucial efforts, he had 13 disposals (4 marks), kicked 3 goals and had a hand in a couple more. Daniel Chick (18 kicks, 8 tackles, a goal) returned with his sore shoulder and enjoyed the conditions, defenders Drew Banfield (17 disposals, 9 tackles) and David Wirrpunda (13 touches) also played well. Chris Judd (17 disposals, 2 goals) was handy and the busy Chad Fletcher (20 touches, a goal) an ever-present. Michael Gardiner (12 touches, 5 marks) managed to be an effective ruckman in the unhelpful conditions. Ashley Sampi kicked 2 goals. For the Ruse, feisty, poo-stirring wingman David King loved the going, had 24 possessions (21 kicks), booted 2 goals and got into some fights. Sav Rocca defied convention in kicking 4 goals, taking 9 marks and having 16 kicks. Anthony Stevens (21 disposals) and Jess Sinclair (22 touches, a goal) were very good and John Baird (13 disposals, 5 marks) played a terrific little game at CHB. As usual Brent Harvey (18 kicks, 8 marks, a goal) provided that something extra, he spent most of the game as a half-forward. Shannon Grant (17 touches, a goal) wasn't bad. Dean Laidley may be facing a fine.

"It was a pretty short 50m penalty, I thought... A critical shot on goal and you fall short by a few metres. I just can't accept that influence over a game of footy. It was a critical part of the game. We knew we had enough left in the tank to go at them, they wouldn't have played in those conditions before and I thought that was just pivotal. We came back and got to within three points. To have been a little bit closer might have helped." Crazy John Worsfold said "You have to win those real tough games, lose them and it costs you pretty heavily the way our ladder is. Our aim today was to build on our first half of the year and they played good, hard, committed footy."




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Ladder after Round 13.

Pts. % Next week
Port Adelaide 40 130.2 Geelong (Kardinia Park, Sunday)
West Coast 38 124.4 Sydney (SCG, Sunday)
Brisbane 38 119.0 Fremantle (Subiaco, Saturday)
Adelaide 32 125.8 Richmond (Football Park, Sat. night)
Sydney 32 115.3 West Coast (SCG, Sunday)
Fremantle 32 106.6 Brisbane (Subiaco, Saturday)
North Melbourne 30 96.4 Collingwood (Docklands, Sat. night)
Collingwood 28 107.0 North Melbourne (Docklands, Sat. night)
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Essendon 24 99.5 St. Kilda (Docklands, Fri. night)
Richmond 24 97.8 Adelaide (Football Park, Sat. night)
Hawthorn 24 91.5 Footscray (MCG, Saturday)
St. Kilda 24 85.6 Essendon (Docklands, Fri. night)
Melbourne 16 83.5 Carlton (Princes Park, Sunday)
Carlton 16 79.4 Melbourne (Princes Park, Sunday)
Geelong 12 86.4 Port Adelaide (Kardinia Park, Sunday)
Footscray 6 80.9 Hawthorn (MCG, Saturday)


Cheers, Tim.


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BETTING

Won some money on Adelaide and Brisbane but again other commitments kept me from placing bets on a couple of other matches - one a winner and one a loser. So I guess being busy had its advantages this week.

http://www.bigfooty.com/sg/index.html

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Good luck.

Adrian

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