TAR Join in the Chorus - A footballing journey

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 17 vs Melbourne

B: Jed Adcock - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Daniel Wells
HF: Andrew Swallow - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Matt Riggio - Leigh Montagna - Carter Fidge - Xavier Clarke

IN: Ben Rutten
OUT: Leigh Brown

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NORTH HOLD ON AGAINST DETERMINED MELBOURNE

NORTH Melbourne has survived an almighty scare from cellar dwellers Melbourne, holding off a six goals to two last quarter fightback to record a one-goal win. The Kangaroos led by 30 points at three quarter time, but could not stop Melbourne controlling the last term, holding them off in a fantastically close match. Ronald Kennebury starred up forward with four goals, while Corey Jones booted three. Brett Deledio continued his purple patch of form with 25 disposals, three clearances, seven marks and a goal. The win keeps North Melbourne in the top four, moving the finals hopefuls into double figure wins for the first time in four years.

North Melbourne 2.6---8.7---12.13---14.15 (99)
Melbourne 1.2---7.5---8.7---14.9 (93)

Goals: Kennebury (4), Jones (3), Petrie, Swallow, Waite, Van Berlo, Deledio, Cooney, Riggio.
Disposals: Deledio (25), Cooney (24), Harris (20), Van Berlo (20)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Brett Deledio
4 - David Hale
3 - Ronald Kennebury
2 - Corey Jones
1 - Adam Cooney

Leaderboard:
Adam Cooney (38)
Brett Deledio (37)
Ryan Griffen (25)
David Hale (24)
Corey Jones (19)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Daniel Harris (12)
Jarrad Waite (12)
Daniel Wells (10)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
George Buzza (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Ian Gooding (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)
Jesse Smith (2)

---

Post-match press conference:

Q: After your performance last week, did you expect the match to be a little less stressful?
A: No not at all. The media and fans have their own opinions of how matches should play out, but any club can defeat anyone else on its given day. Melbourne might be 16th, but they have plenty of experienced, talented players and are a lot better than what their ladder position suggests. We came away with the win playing hard, contested footy which was good.

Q: Another good performance from your midfield, do you think your depth has been well served this year?
A: Our midfielders have been very good this year and a number of players have played well off the bench, off flanks or in the reserves, it's how we're able to cover injuries such as Ryan Griffen's and still perform well as a team.

Q: David Hale was beaten in the ruck work but played well around the ground, what does he offer to the team?
A: David's a pretty important player to us around the ground. He isn't the tallest of rucks going around, but he'll win the hitouts eight times out of 10, but he always seems to rack up possessions around the ground and take telling marks like he did with his 12 in this game.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 18 vs Richmond

B: Jed Adcock - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Daniel Wells
HF: Andrew Swallow - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Matt Riggio - Leigh Montagna - Timothy Foalong - Xavier Clarke

IN: Timothy Foaling
OUT: Carter Fidge

 

[Pie 4 Life]

KANGAROOS TOO GOOD FOR TIGERS

NORTH Melbourne made it three wins in a row after overcoming Richmond to win by 53 points at Etihad Stadium, thanks to a 10 goals to four last quarter. The Roos started off with a five goals to three first quarter, before kicking away to a 19-point lead at half-time. After the main break, North Melbourne booted six goals to zero in the third quarter to effectively end the match, maintaining the margin in the last term. Corey Jones booted five goals, while Ronald Kennebury managed four. Adam Cooney and Brett Deledio were again among the top possession winners at the Roos notched up their eleventh win from 18 matches to have their sights firmly set on finals.

North Melbourne 5.3---9.6---15.7---19.8 (122)
Richmond 3.3---6.5---6.8---10.9 (69)

Goals: Jones (5), Kennebury (4), Waite (2), Van Berlo (2), Krakouer, Petrie, Swallow, Deledio.
Disposals: Deledio (29), Cooney (27), Harris (24), Van Berlo (21), Waite (20)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Adam Cooney
4 - Brett Deledio
3 - Corey Jones
2 - Jarrad Waite
1 - Daniel Harris

Leaderboard:
Adam Cooney (43)
Brett Deledio (41)
Ryan Griffen (25)
David Hale (24)
Corey Jones (22)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Jarrad Waite (14)
Daniel Harris (13)
Daniel Wells (10)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
George Buzza (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Ian Gooding (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)
Jesse Smith (2)

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Post-match press conference:

Q: Another strong performance and 50-point plus win, how did you see the game?
A: I thought we were okay without being too impressive. We did a lot of things right, but a lot of things we could improve on. I thought our forward line functioned well, but we could have done better around the ground. Our defence was quite impressive and considering we broke even in the inside 50s, made the most of our chances, while limiting theirs.

Q: Adam Cooney and Brett Deledio continue to be the star players this year, how have you assessed their season?
A: Both midfielders are champions, but we don't want individual stars, we want to be a great side. They have done a fantastic job in the middle and we want them to continue that and have 22 players playing their role and contributing to the team because that's the only way we'll get better.

Q: Another win has you a step closer to not only finals, but a double chance. Can you do the unthinkable and win the flag?
A: We aren't focusing on anything other than next week at the moment. We take each week as it comes and want to win that game so we can advance to the next and play finals and see what happens from there. Finals is our first goal.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 19 vs Geelong

B: Jed Adcock - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Daniel Wells
HF: Andrew Swallow - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Matt Riggio - Robert Copeland - Timothy Foalong - Xavier Clarke

IN: Robert Copeland
OUT: Leigh Montagna

 

[Pie 4 Life]

KANGAROOS LOCK IN FINALS WITH STRONG WIN

NORTH Melbourne has secured a finals spot with three rounds to go, sitting pretty in third with 12 wins and a draw from 19 games. The Kangaroos defeated Geelong by 15 poitns on the back of a strong last quarter, where the Roos booted seven goals to five to hold the determined Cats off. Ronald Kennebury scored three goals, as did Andrew Swallow, while Brett Deledio and George Buzza were busy around the ground, amassing 25 disposals each. David Hale was once again impressive in the ruck with 16 disposals, eight marks, 16 hitouts and two goals. After three disappointing seasons, the Roos have returned to the finals with the strongest percentage of the top four sides.

North Melbourne 5.3---10.5---12.7---19.12 (126)
Geelong 4.1---7.4---11.11---16.15 (111)

Goals: Kennebury (3), Swallow (3), Petrie (2), Waite (2), Wells (2), Hale (2), Jones, Buzza, Harris, Deledio, Cooney.
Disposals: Buzza (25), Deledio (25), Waite (22), Wells (21)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Jarrad Waite
4 - George Buzza
3 - Brett Deledio
2 - David Hale
1 - Daniel Wells

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (44)
Adam Cooney (43)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Corey Jones (22)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Jarrad Waite (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Daniel Harris (13)
Daniel Wells (11)
George Buzza (9)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Ian Gooding (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)
Jesse Smith (2)

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Post-match press conference:

Q: Now finals are secured, how does that change your mindset?
A: It doesn't. While mathematically we might be in, we can't rest on our laurels, especially considering a top four spot is up for grabs. We need to grab it with both hands and keep our form going through to finals. We can't afford to just stop and celebrate, we want to make the most of this season.

Q: You were well beaten in the clearances again, how can you address this?
A: It's always around the ground we're being beaten, rather than in the middle. We were only slightly lower in the middle, but around the ground, it was 18-10. We just have to try and win the ball around the stoppages at both ends as well as in the centre square. Over the off-season it will be something we look at.

Q: Your team seems to be going from strength to strength at the moment, do you make many changes?
A: We won't make any drastic changes, we'll have a look at how the reserves played and make any changes we deem fit. We pick the best 22 each week, and we'll be doing that every week.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 20 vs West Coast

B: Xavier Clarke - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Daniel Wells
HF: Andrew Swallow - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Zackary Wreford - Robert Copeland - Timothy Foalong - Jess Sinclair

IN: Jess Sinclair, Zackary Wreford
OUT: Jed Adcock, Matt Riggio

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NORTH WIN THRILLER OUT WEST TO SECURE TOP FOUR SPOT

NORTH Melbourne has secured a top four spot after a remarkable tight win over West Coast at Patterson's Stadium. The Eagles led for most of the day, but an important four goals to three final term saw the Roos take the points. The sour note was Daniel Wells going down with a serious back injury and will miss the finals series. West Coast led by a goal, nine points and two points at each change before the Kangaroos hit back in the final term. North Melbourne had 10 individual goal scorers, while Daniel Harris and Brett Deledio both picked up 26 disposals in the important win. Xavier Clarke finished with 20 disposals in his return to the team, while Jesse Smith had 17 disposals and took 10 marks at centre half back.

North Melbourne 3.3---7.7---11.10---15.11 (101)
West Coast 4.3---9.4---12.6---15.8 (98)

Goals: Krakouer (2), Kennebury (2), Waite (2), Harris (2), Foalong (2), Petrie, Swallow, Jones, Buzza, Cooney.
Disposals: Harris (26), Deledio (26), Cooney (21), Clarke (20)
Injuries: Daniel Wells - Serious Back Injury (Season)
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Daniel Harris
4 - Jarrad Waite
3 - Brett Deledio
2 - Jesse Smith
1 - Adam Cooney

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (47)
Adam Cooney (44)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Jarrad Waite (23)
Corey Jones (22)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Daniel Harris (18)
Daniel Wells (11)
George Buzza (9)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Ian Gooding (4)
Jesse Smith (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)

---

Post-match press conference:

Q: Top four secured, how does it feel?
A: It feels like we've achieved something so far, but it is only the first stage in what will be a long month. We still have two weeks to try and get a home double chance and then we have four weeks to make something of it. We've achieved our goal, but we're not finished yet.

Q: How crucial will the loss of Daniel Wells be to your premiership aspirations?
A: Daniel is an incredibly talented player. Anyone who would lose his services this close to finals will be worse off for it. However we train to play to a structure rather than individuals, so we will make the necessary changes to cover his omission.

Q: It was a tight battle away from home, what do these kinds of matches provide the team with?
A: It gives us belief that we can win anywhere from any position. Our last few years have been developing, but since I got here last year, this group, coupled with the experience brought in during the offseason, have gone from strength to strength. I have faith in them to beat anyone on any given day.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 21 vs Collingwood

B: Xavier Clarke - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Andrew Swallow
HF: Hunter Sheean - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Zackary Wreford - Cameron Fennell - Carter Fidge - Jess Sinclair

IN: Carter Fidge, Hunter Sheean, Cameron Fennell
OUT: Timothy Foalong, Robert Copeland, Daniel Wells (injured)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NORTH KNOCK OFF FELLOW TOP FOUR RIVAL

NORTH Melbourne has gained vital bragging rights ahead of finals, defeating top four hopeful Collingwood by 21 points at the MCG. North Melbourne stormed ahead as they did in their first encounter to boot seven goals to one, before maintaing the lead at 33 points by the main break. Collingwood hit back in the second half as they did earlier in the season, kicking four goals to one to get within 10 points at the last break, but this time, North Melbourne were the stronger finishers, getting home with a four goals to two final term to win. Ronald Kennebury booted four goals as he continues his battle with Matthew Lloyd for the Coleman, while Brett Deledio was again dominant for the Roos with 30 disposals.

North Melbourne 7.1---10.3---11.4---15.6 (96)
Collingwood 1.2---4.6---8.12---10.15 (75)

Goals: Kennebury (4), Waite (2), Smith (2), Krakouer, Petrie, Sheean, Jones, Rutten, Hale, Sinclair.
Disposals: Deledio (30), Harris (24), Buzza (22), Cooney (21)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Jesse Smith
4 - Brett Deledio
3 - Ian Gooding
2 - Jarrad Waite
1 - George Buzza

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (51)
Adam Cooney (44)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Jarrad Waite (25)
Corey Jones (22)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Daniel Harris (18)
Daniel Wells (11)
George Buzza (10)
Jesse Smith (9)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Ian Gooding (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)

---

Post-match press conference:

Q: An strong victory against a top four rival, how important was winning that match?
A: It's just as important as any of the other 21 home and away matches. It continues our run of good form and we need to bring that into the final regular season match next week.

Q: Jesse Smith has really lifted in the last couple of weeks, how important is he during finals?
A: Jesse is super important because he is a different kind of defender who rebounds and finds the ball well. He's a good kick and can drift forward and kick a couple of goals like he did on the weekend. We're really lucky to have him in the team.

Q: One match to go, will there be many changes?
A: It's the last match but we can really consolidate our spot in the top two, it will be an important clash and we need to win to go in with good form because the next four weeks will be tough matches and we want to be there at the end of it.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Premiership Season: Round 22 vs St Kilda

B: Xavier Clarke - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Andrew Swallow
HF: Hunter Sheean - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Andrew Krakouer - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Zackary Wreford - Cameron Fennell - Carter Fidge - Jess Sinclair

IN: NO CHANGE
OUT: NO CHANGE

 

[Pie 4 Life]

NORTH SUFFERS SHOCK LOSS

NORTH Melbourne's form going into finals has taken a massive turn, going down by 50 points to St Kilda who snuck into the eight with the victory. After a strong first quarter performance to lead by 17 points, North were overwhelmed in the second and third quarters, with St Kilda piling on 10 goals to two. The last quarter was not much better with the Saints scoring seven goals to five to run away winners. Despite securing a top four spot a couple of rounds ago, North will now travel to Queensland to play Brisbane, a side they lost to earlier in the season. Daniel Harris and Brett Deledio were impressive around the ground, while Jesse Smith stood up at half back with 18 disposals and 12 marks.

North Melbourne 7.3---7.6---9.6---14.8 (92)
St Kilda 4.4---9.8---14.14---21.16 (142)

Goals: Krakouer (2), Kennebury (2), Waite (2), Swallow (2), Deledio (2), Jones, Van Berlo, Chaplin, Cooney.
Disposals: Harris (25), Deledio (25), Buzza (24), Cooney (21), Swallow (20)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Brett Deledio
4 - Jesse Smith
3 - David Harris
2 - Adam Cooney
1 - George Buzza

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (56)
Adam Cooney (46)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Jarrad Waite (25)
Corey Jones (22)
Daniel Harris (21)
Ronald Kennebury (19)
Drew Petrie (18)
Jesse Smith (13)
Daniel Wells (11)
George Buzza (11)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Ian Gooding (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)

---

Post-match press conference:

Q: That loss came out of nowhere. What did you put it down to?
A: We just seemed to stop our pressure after quarter time and by the time we picked it up again in the last quarter, it was too late. We missed out on a top two performance because of that performance and now have to travel interstate. As results have it, we would have finished top had we won that match, so that's really disappointing.

Q: Where to from here? What changes do you make for finals?
A: We just need to look at who's available, maybe shift our forward line around a little, provide a bit more run from our back half and pick on form. I think we've played pretty well bar this week, so we're ready to play finals.

Q: You lost to Brisbane last time, what do you think you'll change?
A: I don't think we'll change too much. We just go in with the belief we'll win and then do all the small things right. We can only control our performance and I think we're good enough to win.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Ladder - Home and Away Premiership Season

1 Essendon 14/7/1 114.05% 58
2 Brisbane 14/7/1 111.18% 58
3 KANGAROOS 14/7/1 108.44% 58
4 Fremantle 13/9 110.74% 52
5 Collingwood 13/9 96.85% 52
6 Hawthorn 11/10/1 104.04% 46
7 St Kilda 11/11 108.16% 44
8 Port Adelaide 11/11 94.44% 44
---
9 Richmond 10/11/1 99.68% 42
10 Bulldogs 10/11/1 96.56% 42
11 Carlton 10/11/1 90.64% 42
12 Geelong 9/12/1 103.79% 38
13 West Coast 9/12/1 91.21% 38
14 Sydney 9/13 96.56% 36
15 Adelaide 8/14 90.08% 32
16 Melbourne 5/16/1 88.11% 22

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AWARDS:

Herald Sun Media Award: Matthew Pavlich (Fremantle) 47 votes
NAB Rising Star Award: Shannon Hurn (West Coast)
Coleman Medal: Ronald Kennebury (KANGAROOS) 74 goals

All-Australian Team:

B: Graham Johncock (Adelaide) - Sean Dempster (Port Adelaide) - Heath Shaw (Collingwood)
HB: Lewis Roberts-Thomson (Sydney) - Matt Maguire (St Kilda) - Corey Enright (Geelong)
C: Luke Power (Brisbane) - Shaun Higgins (Bulldogs) - Lenny Hayes (St Kilda)
HF: Adam Schneider (St Kilda) - Luke McPharlin (Fremantle) - Jude Bolton (Sydney)
F: Fergus Watts (St Kilda) - Ashley Hansen (West Coast) - Ashley McGrath (Brisbane)
R: Brad Ottens (Geelong) - Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn) - Shannon Hurn (West Coast)
INT: David Hale (Kangaroos) - Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda) - Luke Ball (St Kilda) - Corey Jones (Kangaroos)

Brownlow Medal: Justin Sherman (Brisbane) & Farren Ray (Bulldogs) 19 votes

North Melbourne votes:
Brett Deledio (17)
Adam Cooney (13)
Jarrad Waite (8)
Daniel Harris (8)
Drew Petrie (6)
Corey Jones (3)
Leigh Brown (3)
Ryan Griffen (2)
George Buzza (2)
David Hale (2)
Ronald Kennebury (2)
Jesse Smith (2)
Nathan Van Berlo (2)
Ivan Gooding (1)
Andrew Swallow (1)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Finals Series: Qualifying Final vs Brisbane

B: Xavier Clarke - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Nathan Van Berlo - Jesse Smith - Ian Gooding
C: George Buzza - Daniel Harris - Andrew Swallow
HF: Andrew Krakouer - Jarrad Waite - Corey Jones
F: Hunter Sheean - Ronald Kennebury - Drew Petrie
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Adam Cooney
INT: Zackary Wreford - Leigh Brown - Carter Fidge - Leigh Montagna

IN: Leigh Brown, Leigh Montagna
OUT: Cameron Fennell, Jess Sinclair

 

[Pie 4 Life]

WOUNDED ROOS GO DOWN TO LIONS

NORTH Melbourne's first final in more than four years went down to the wire, but the young side came away without the points and some crucial injuries. Key forward Ronald Kennebury starred with six goals up forward, but twisted his ankle and will miss a fortnight, while Nathan Van Berlo broke his leg and will miss the remainder of the finals. Kennebury himself would only be available should the Roos make the grand final, an unlikely scenario given the loss of their highest scoring forward and top midfielder as well as now two best running defenders. The Roos third quarter did them in, when Brisbane kicked seven goals to three to take a 34-point lead into the final change. North Melbourne surged back into the contest, but six goals to two would not be enough and they would go down by 12 points. Along with the two injuries, Adam Cooney was reported for tripping and will miss the do-or-die semi final clash with St Kilda. It means the Kangaroos will go into the match without Cooney, Kennebury, Van Berlo, Wells, Griffen and Urch.

North Melbourne 5.4---8.6---11.8---17.10 (112)
Brisbane 5.3---10.4---17.6---19.10 (124)

Goals: Kennebury (6), Petrie (4), Sheean (2), Waite (2), Chaplin (2), Krakouer.
Disposals: Cooney (26), Deledio (25), Buzza (23), Gooding (21), Harris (20)
Injuries: Ronald Kennebury - Twisted Ankle (2), Nathan Van Berlo - Broken Leg (9)
Reports: Adam Cooney - Tripping (1)

B&F Votes:

5 - Adam Cooney
4 - Drew Petrie
3 - Brett Deledio
2 - George Buzza
1 - Ronald Kennebury

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (59)
Adam Cooney (51)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Jarrad Waite (25)
Corey Jones (22)
Drew Petrie (22)
Daniel Harris (21)
Ronald Kennebury (20)
George Buzza (13)
Jesse Smith (13)
Daniel Wells (11)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Ian Gooding (7)
Troy Chaplin (6)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)

---

Post-match press conference:

Q: Your first final as a club, how did you assess the performance?
A: It wasn't the worst performance we've put out, but there were a few passengers and the injuries hurt. Ronald has been so good for us this year and to change up our forward line up in a final will be tough. Nathan and Adam will be big losses too in such a crunch game next week.

Q: You were dominated in the clearances, do you put that down to missing personnel?
A: Daniel Wells and Ryan Griffen are important players, but those out of the field should be able to get the job done. It was bitterly disappointing to be belted 43-22 in clearances, it was just ugly. We need to sharpen up and fast ahead of next week.

Q: There will be at least three forced changes next week, will there be additional ones?
A: There may well be, we're against the ropes at the moment after a few injuries the last month, we need to find a way to counterpunch or we'll be enjoying our spring holidays sooner than we'd prefer.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Finals Series: Semi Final vs St Kilda

B: Jed Adcock - Troy Chaplin - Ben Rutten
HB: Xavier Clarke - Jesse Smith - Matt Riggio
C: George Buzza - Ian Gooding - Andrew Swallow
HF: Andrew Krakouer - Drew Petrie - Corey Jones
F: Hunter Sheean - Jarrad Waite - Leigh Brown
R: David Hale - Brett Deledio - Daniel Harris
INT: Zackary Wreford - Timothy Foalong - Carter Fidge - Leigh Montagna

IN: Matt Riggio, Xavier Clarke, Timothy Foalong
OUT: Ronald Kennebury (injured), Nathan Van Berlo (injured), Adam Cooney (suspended)

 

[Pie 4 Life]

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE FOR WOUNDED ROOS

NORTH Melbourne's season is over after going out in straight sets to St Kilda. Missing at least seven of their best 22, North Melbourne had to make vast changes to its side, something that would prove ultimately fruitful despite a brave performance. Ian Gooding starred in his move into the midfield, collecting 35 disposals and taking six marks with five clearances and a goal. Jarrad Waite and Leigh Brown combined for seven goals up forward, while David Hale was once again busy around the ground. Brett Deledio stood up and will take out North Melbourne's best and fairest. Unfortunately for the Roos, a first quarter onslaught of eight goals to four by the Saints was too much to catch up to. Both sides kicked six goals after quarter time, but North Melbourne was unable to bridge the gap.

North Melbourne 4.2---6.6---8.8---10.11 (71)
St Kilda 8.5---11.5---14.6---14.7 (91)

Goals: Brown (4), Waite (3), Petrie (2)
Disposals: Gooding (35), Deledio (26), Harris (22)
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.

B&F Votes:

5 - Ian Gooding
4 - Brett Deledio
3 - Daniel Harris
2 - George Buzza
1 - Troy Chaplin

Leaderboard:
Brett Deledio (63)
Adam Cooney (51)
David Hale (26)
Ryan Griffen (25)
Jarrad Waite (25)
Daniel Harris (24)
Corey Jones (22)
Drew Petrie (22)
Ronald Kennebury (20)
George Buzza (17)
Jesse Smith (13)
Ian Gooding (12)
Daniel Wells (11)
Nathan Van Berlo (7)
Troy Chaplin (7)
Andrew Krakouer (5)
Leigh Brown (4)
Andrew Swallow (3)

Congratulations to Brett Deledio on the best and fairest!

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Post-match press conference:

Q: A disappointing end to the season, what do you say to the boys?
A: I said to them, this isn't the end, it's only the beginning. They're a young squad and we'll make the necessary changes to get back into the finals and strive towards a premiership. It was shattering to go out in straight sets, but that's the nature of the beast.

Q: Injuries really hurt your chances this season, do you wonder what might have been with a full list?
A: No team has ever had a full list come finals time. It's an ideal world, but unrealistic. We can't afford to think like that or we won't go forward. What it is, is, that's it.

Q: Will there many off-season changes?
A: We'll make the ones we need to. Probably a few will leave a few will come, but we've shown we're thereabouts so we won't need to be too drastic.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 AFL Ladder - Home and Away Premiership Season

1st Preliminary final: Fremantle 20.11 (131) defeated St Kilda 9.11 (65)
2nd Preliminary final: Brisbane 11.14 (80) defeated by Essendon 17.12 (114)

Grand Final: Fremantle 18.12 (120) defeated Essendon 16.10 (106)
Norm Smith Medallist: Luke McPharlin 18 disposals, 17 marks, six goals

Congratulations to Fremantle on being 2010 AFL Premiers!

 

[Pie 4 Life]

PLAYER REVIEW

Jed Adcock - 9 games, 0 goals, 8.3 kicks, 2.7 handballs, 11 disposals, 2.2 marks
PW: Was quite handy in and out, he's still young so we'll be keen to see if he can cement a spot next season.

Leigh Brown - 11 games, 5 goals, 8.8 kicks, 3.6 handballs, 12.4 disposals, 4.6 marks
PW: Not getting any younger and was fourth in line, also getting a bit slow so we wouldn't say no if another club showed interest.

George Buzza - 24 games, 8 goals, 9.2 kicks, 7.8 handballs, 17 disposals, 3.6 marks, 1.4 clearances
PW: George did really well rotating off a half back and wing. We look forward to further improvement and cementing a spot in the midfield.

Troy Chaplin - 24 games, 8 goals, 7.7 kicks, 3.3 handballs, 11 disposals, 7.5 marks, 1.1 hitouts
PW: Troy was a rock with Rutten and Smith in defence and we're quite happy with that defensive combination.

Xavier Clarke - 15 games, 0 goals, 6.2 kicks, 3.2 handballs, 9.4 disposals, 2.2 marks
PW: Was in the roatation off half back, did well on occasion but needs to be more consistent.

Adam Cooney - 23 games, 20 goals, 12.6 kicks, 10.9 handballs, 23.5 disposals, 2.9 marks, 6 clearances
PW: Adam was our second best player this year and dominated the midfield. His early season form was top notch.

Robert Copeland - 11 games, 1 goal, 3.1 kicks, 2.8 handballs, 1.2 marks
PW: While he managed 11 games, he found it tough to break into the side and those around him are only going to get better. Trade.

Brett Deledio - 24 games, 12 goals, 12.5 kicks, 11.6 handballs, 24.1 disposals, 3.1 marks, 5.6 clearances
PW:Brett was our best player and lead our midfield well, taking out the best and fairest award.

Cameron Fennell - 5 games, 0 goals, 6.6 kicks, 2.4 handballs, 9 disposals, 2.8 marks
PW: Cameron will get his chance, but with the form of our defenders, it was hard to find him a spot, it won't get any easier next year, but as the others age, he might slide in.

Carter Fidge - 11 games, 3 goals, 3.4 kicks, 2.7 handballs, 6.1 disposals, 1.2 marks
PW: Was a tough year for Carter, he struggled when on the half forward flank after a good year last year and struggled to find a spot in a strong midfield. He'll be renewed, but we're hoping for bigger things next season.

Timothy Foalong - 11 games, 4 goals, 2.7 kicks, 1.3 handballs, 0.5 marks
PW: He, like all of our second year draftee mids, struggled to find a spot in the midfield and while he could become a good player, he's struggling for opportunity at the moment.

Ivan Gooding - 24 games, 5 goals, 10.9 kicks, 5.9 handballs, 16.8 disposals, 3.4 marks, 1 clearance
PW: Played primarily off a half back flank but we were keen to release him into the midfield. Starred in the centre in the final and we'll be keen to start him there next season.

Ryan Griffen - 15 games, 13 goals, 10.4 kicks, 8.2 handballs, 3.6 marks, 1.6 clearances
PW: Ryan's season was cut down by injury unfortunately, but he did show glimpses of brilliance, we'll be more than happy to re-sign him.

Brent Guerra - 7 games, 1 goal, 7 kicks, 3.7 handballs, 2.2 marks
PW: Brent fell out of favour this season, he didn't have the best form and unlike in 2009, there was depth waiting to replace him. He's one that might be looking for another club, we'll see what pans out.

David Hale - 24 games, 10 goals, 7 kicks, 6.3 handballs, 6.9 marks, 18.2 hitouts
PW: Seemingly superhuman. Just keeps dominating singlehandedly. He also seems to be pretty durable and while we brought in backup for him, he never needed it.

Daniel Harris - 21 games, 10 goals, 10.9 kicks, 8.3 handballs, 19.2 disposals, 2.6 marks, 4.6 clearances
PW: Daniel is an interesting one. He took a while to get into the season, then when he did, he played well. The only concern is he's 27 and those fighting for his spot are younger with improvement. He's at his peak, but before he goes down, he might even seek elsewhere perhaps. We're happy to keep him though.

Jonathan Hay - 0 games, 0 goals
PW: We predicted it might happen and it did. Just couldn't find a spot in the side all year and whether or not he'll retire I'm not sure, but his contract won't be renewed.

Tim Hutchison - 2 games, 2 goals
PW: Interesting prospect. Didn't do badly while he was in, but he's still at least fourth in line and battling with Leigh Brown for that fourth in line spot. Might be re-signed because he's still young, will depend on salary restrictions.

Paul Johnson - 0 games, 0 goals
PW: Wasn't needed and will depend on salary restrictions.

Ronald Kennebury - 23 games, 80 goals, 9 kicks, 0.7 handballs, 9.7 disposals, 6.2 marks
PW: Ronald fulfilled every bit of talent we expected this year to win the Coleman Medal. What's scary is, he still has much improvement to go. He'll become the best forward in the league and he's only 19.

Andrew Krakouer - 24 games, 32 goals, 9.6 kicks, 3.2 handballs, 12.8 disposals, 3 marks
PW: Andrew found a place in our forward line and was the dominant small forward. Incredibly consistent, he just added an extra element to that forward six.

Ethan Lowey - 0 games, 0 goals
PW: Very raw and heaps of improvement, no surprise he didn't get a game.

Leigh Montagna - 16 games, 3 goals, 2.7 kicks, 3 handballs, 5.7 disposals, 2.5 marks, 1.2 hitouts
PW: Leigh was that sixth midfielder that couldn't quite fit into the starting midfield. He'll be on the trade block for his own future interests, but we're also happy to keep him on the list.

Drew Petrie - 24 games, 35 goals, 11.2 kicks, 2.6 handballs, 13.8 disposals, 5.2 marks, 3.7 hitouts
PW: Drew was injured last year and this year he really stepped up as the third forward and became a real pivotal figure up forward assisting Ronald.

Victor Raynor - 5 games, 3 goals, 5 kicks, 1.8 handballs, 6.8 disposals, 1.6 marks
PW: Victor showed promise in his few games he got. He might be one to watch next year, very good coverage and still young.

Matt Riggio - 11 games, 1 goal, 4.3 kicks, 2.8 handballs, 7.1 disposals, 1.9 marks
PW: Matt managed to squeeze his way in for a few more games this year, but couldn't cement his spot. At 21, he'll be re-signed because he's shown he can perform at the top level.

Ben Rutten - 19 games, 3 goals, 8.2 kicks, 3.5 handballs, 11.7 disposals, 4.2 marks
PW: Ben was once again fantastic in defence working well with Troy and Jesse. He's a rock down there and will continue to be.

Earl Shaw - 0 games, 0 goals
PW: Much like Paul Johnson, wasn't needed and re-signing will depend on salary restrictions.

Hunter Sheean - 8 games, 4 goals, 6.8 kicks, 4.3 handballs, 11.1 disposals, 2.6 marks
PW: Hunter didn't have the same impact in 2010 as he did in 2009, but he's still young and could find a spot in the forward line in the coming seasons.

Jess Sinclair - 5 games, 1 goal, 2.8 kicks, 3.4 handballs, 6.2 disposals, 0.4 marks
PW: Jess couldn't perform when given the opportunity unfortunately and isn't the right side of 30. He'll probably retire, but his contract won't be renewed either way.

Jesse Smith - 16 games, 4 goals, 10.3 kicks, 5.5 handballs, 15.8 disposals, 7.1 marks
PW: Jesse followed on from his 2009 form once he came back from injury midseason. A little concerned about his durability, but he starred off half back.

Andrew Swallow - 18 games, 12 goals, 7.6 kicks, 5 handballs, 12.6 disposals, 2.8 marks, 1.1 clearances
PW: Andrew is a puzzling one. He got every opportunity but couldn't seem to dominate. Still did okay, but couldn't live up to other midfielders heights.

Callum Urch - 0 games, 0 goals
PW: Unfortunately couldn't get a game due to his early knee deco. Durability now comes into question, which is a shame, but he's in our team when fit.

Nathan Van Berlo - 21 games, 12 goals, 9.4 kicks, 4.9 handballs, 14.3 disposals, 3.4 marks
PW: Nathan was the most consistent small defender so his injury in the finals series was disappointing for him. Will of course be re-signed.

Jarrad Waite - 22 games, 37 goals, 11.2 kicks, 3.4 handballs, 14.6 disposals, 7 marks, 1 hitout
PW: Jarrad relished in playing the number two role and between he, Drew and Ronald, really worked cohesively as a forward unit.

Daniel Wells - 20 games, 15 goals, 10.3 kicks, 7.7 handballs, 18 disposals, 2.3 marks, 2.5 clearances
PW: Starred in our midfield and up forward when required. His injury really hurt our chances this year and we look forward to having him back.

Zackary Wreford - 11 games, 0 goals, 3.8 kicks, 2.5 handballs, 6.3 disposals, 1.4 marks, 1 clearance
PW: Zackary was in and out of the side but couldn't cement a spot. Will be renewed but will need to pick it up next season.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

HARRIS, GUERRA SHOCK RETIREES

NORTH Melbourne midfielder Daniel Harris and out-of-form defender Brent Guerra have retired at the ages of 28. Harris played 169 games, while Guerra played 172 games. While other older players Jonathan Hay and Jess Sinclair were expected to pull the pin, both wish to go on, albeit for other clubs.

CLUB CONTRACTS:

Brett Deledio - 3yr contract @ $367k
Adam Cooney - 4yr contract @ $390k
Ivan Gooding - 2yr contract @ $128K
George Buzza - 2yr contract @ $246k
Ryan Griffen - 3yr contract @ $358k
Troy Chaplin - 3yr contract @ $442k
Nathan Van Berlo - 3yr contract @ $253k
Xavier Clarke - 2yr contract @ $252k
Andrew Krakouer - 2yr contract @ $141k
Matt Riggio - 2yr contract @ $223k
Carter Fidge - 3yr contract @ $84k
Victor Raynor - 2yr contract @ $75k
Hunter Sheean - 2yr contract @ $77k
Tim Hutchison - 2yr contract @ $106k
Zackary Wreford - 2yr contract @ $77k
Paul Johnson - 3yr contract @ $281k

DELISTED:

Jess Sinclair, 31yrs, 225 games
Jonathan Hay, 30yrs, 85 games
Earl Shaw, 23 yrs, 4 games

 

[Pie 4 Life]

TRADE WEEK

Andrew Swallow, Jed Adcock and Pick 11 for Pick 1 (Melbourne)
Leigh Montagna (NM -> Carlton), Eddie Betts (Carlton -> Fremantle), Luke McPharline (Fremantle -> Adelaide), Pick 18 (Adelaide -> NM)
Robert Copeland and Pick 27 for Steve Johnson (Sydney)
Leigh Brown and Pick 59 for Garrick Ibbotson (Fremantle)

Williams said: It was tough to trade some good club players, but Andrew came to me and said he was keen to get a fresh start where he could be a strong leader and Melbourne seemed like the best fit. Plus the key forward up for offer in this draft is beyond insane and I had to have him. Picking up Johnson and Ibbotson will help strengthen both ends.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 NATIONAL DRAFT

#1 Brody Wansborough (Dandenong Stingrays) 198cm, 88kg, Tall Forward
Overall 78 - Improvement 12 - Estimate Peak 82
Strengths: Marking, Endurance, Skills, Spoling, Offence, Goal Accuracy, Consistency
Weaknesses: Strength

Brody is the complete key forward package. He quite literally is elite in nearly every relevant category and is above average is speed. In strength he is classed as average, but we had to put something as a weakness. Based on stats, only injury will stop him becoming a champion of the competition.

#18 Ryan Trench (Sturt) 177cm, 81kg, Small Back
Overall 68 - Improvement 29 - Estimated Peak 77
Strengths: Skills, Endurance, Versatility
Weaknesses: Strength, Marking, Spoiling

Ryan is a classy small back who while he isn't that good one-on-one, he creates and sets up plays down field. He has solid skills and good endurance and speed, which helps him become a vital link up player.

#43 Jake Smithett (Glenorchy) 205cm, 100kg, Ruck
Overall 64 - Improvement 6 - Estimated Peak 66
Strengths: Strength, Versatility
Weaknesses: Skills, Speed, Endurance, Spoiling

Jake was selected as back up for David as he is still young and very raw. Unfortunately he wouldn't become a number one ruck simply because he doesn'y have the speed nor endurance to do it. His skills are also disappointing, but he is incredibly strong and okay in the hitouts.

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2010 PRE-SEASON DRAFT

Blake Anstee, 18, SF, 68/4
Stephen Owen, 22, SF, 66/4
Dylan Redgen, 21, OB, 67/2
Alan Obst, 22, TB, 67/2
Jaymie Graham, 27, TF, 70/0

Williams says: "We picked up a number of small players with good skills to add to our depth as well as Alan to add to our defensive depth and Jaymie to add to our forward depth. We've been very good to leave more than $500,000 free in the salary cap to allow for re-signings at the end of each season."

 

[Pie 4 Life]

2011 Team list

Anstee, Blake, 183cm, 87kg - SF 68/4 - 18yrs 0/0
Buzza, George, 186cm, 94kg - OB 78/4 - 21yrs 67/31
Chaplin, Troy, 196cm, 97kg - TB 78/0 - 23yrs 91/24
Clarke, Xavier, 182cm, 83kg - SB 75/0 - 25yrs 162/73
Cooney, Adam, 186cm, 87kg - OB 82/0 - 24yrs 149/113
Deledio, Brett, 187cm, 90kg - OB 82/0 - 23yrs 127/75
Fennell, Cameron, 193cm, 97kg - TB 75/8 - 20yrs 7/0
Fidge, Carter, 182cm, 85kg - OB 67/2 - 20yrs 29/20
Foalong, Timothy, 178cm, 78kg - OB 68/1 - 21yrs 20/12
Gooding, Ian, 186cm, 78kg - OB 78/1 - 19yrs 24/5
Graham, Jaymie, 195cm, 97kg - TF 70/0 - 27yrs 63/56
Griffen, Ryan, 187cm, 88kg - OB 79/0 - 23yrs 111/54
Hale, David, 200cm, 103kg - R 75/0 - 26yrs 140/50
Harris, Daniel, 180cm, 81kg - OB 74/0 - 27yrs 145/51
Hay, Jonathan, 196cm, 94kg - TB 68/0 - 29yrs 85/3
Hutchison, Tim, 196cm, 95kg - TF 72/1 - 22yrs 13/13
Ibbotson, Garrick, 187cm, 82kg - SB 77/4 - 22yrs 40/10
Johnson, Paul, 199cm, 107kg - R 71/0 - 25yrs 57/21
Johnson, Steven, 188cm, 90kg - SF 79/0 - 26yrs 160/198
Jones, Corey, 187cm, 92kg - SF 71/0 - 29yrs 192/201
Kennebury, Ronald, 198cm, 91kg - TF 79/2 - 20yrs 34/110
Krakouer, Andrew, 175cm, 76kg - SF 68/0 - 27yrs 171/176
Lowey, Ethan, 177cm, 83kg - SF 60/38 - 19yrs 0/0
Obst, Alan, 192cm, 87kg - TB 68/0 - 22yrs 18/3
Owen, Stephen, 188cm, 83kg - SF 67/1 - 22yrs 9/8
Petrie, Drew, 197cm, 100kg - TF 72/0 - 28yrs 176/184
Raynor, Victor, 197cm, 95kg - TF 66/2 - 19yrs 5/3
Redgen, Dylan, 187cm, 91kg - OB 67/2 - 21yrs 0/0
Riggio, Matt, 187cm, 86kg - SB 74/0 - 22yrs 23/2
Rutten, Ben, 191cm, 99kg - TB 78/0 - 26yrs 150/34
Sheean, Hunter, 185cm, 83kg - SF 63/1 - 21yrs 26/20
Smith, Jesse, 191cm, 93kg - TB 78/0 - 23yrs 47/9
Smithett, Jake, 205cm, 100kg - R 63/6 - 18yrs 0/0
Trench, Ryan, 177cm, 81kg - SB 67/29 - 18yrs 0/0
Urch, Callum, 184cm, 87kg - SB 78/0 - 25yrs 22/2
Van Berlo, Nathan, 184cm, 85kg - SB 77/0 - 23yrs 107/35
Waite, Jarrad, 192cm, 93kg - TF 75/0 - 27yrs 131/178
Wansborough, Brody, 198cm, 88kg - TF 77/12 - 18yrs 0/0
Wells, Daniel, 180cm, 81kg - OB 82/0 - 25yrs 162/90
Wreford, Zackary, 185cm, 84kg - OB 67/2 - 20yrs 18/3