AFL Round 18
A quiet footy week, which left the massive Melbourne media contingent
who make a living off the game in a quandry. So they took to generating
the 'news' themselves. I'll spare you. One point worth noting is that
Blue Anthony Koutoufides is rumoured to become the AFL's first
million-dollar-a-season player when he re-signs with Carlton in the near
future.
At Colonial:
Essendon 4.5 11.9 18.12 24.15.159
Fremantle 4.0 4.0 7.1 11.6.72
"It's Modra versus Lloyd!!" was desperate Channel Seven's promotional
line and both spearheads did well. But there wasn't much else to excite,
unless you're a Bomber fan or a stats nerd. Essadun joined the
Collingwood team of 1929 in going 18-0 and no-one's ever been 19-0. The
win was Sheedy's 300th as Bommer coach. The Dons had two changes, Mark
Johnson returning from suspension at Mark Fraser's expense and Darren
Bewick replacing late withdrawal Sean Denham. The Dokkers lost
experienced pair Shaun McManus (calf) and Shane Parker (knee) along with
forward Steven Koops ('flu), they were replaced by Greg Harding, Mark
Gale young big man Justin Longmuir.
The Don dominance began in the centre but they tended to fart about in
the first stanza, the Dockers attacked long and straight to Modra. Freo
kicked the opening goals, Clive Waterhouse spilled Grover's centering
kick but recovered and handballed for Heath Black to snap the major. The
Dockers cleared the restart, Modra led, marked, goaled. Freo by 10
points. Scott Lucas scored the Bommers' first sausage, Matty Lloyd
finding him alone in the goalsquare. Lairizing by the Dons led to some
misses before three quick goals, helped by the Dockers losing ruckman
Clem Michael with a knee injury. Gary Moorcroft hooked it back for Lucas
to mark and goal again, Alessio juggled a grab and converted, Lloyd
waited down at a contest and the ball spilled for him to bounce a snap
through unopposed. Essadun by 16 points. But Modra bagged two goals late
in the term, out-manouvering Dustin Fletcher for good marks. At the
break Sheeds told his men "stick to the plan and stop being
smart-alecs", sure enough they came out and smacked the Dockers down.
The opening bounce saw Barnes fist forward, Mark Johnson steamed onto it
and delivered to leading Lloyd. Gol. Lucas's handpass sent Mick Long in
for one. We were told to admire the skills of Long, I liked the subtlety
of the kick to the approaching opponent's chest while marking. Docker
Brodie Holland winded Damien Hardwick with terrific bump, we enjoyed
that, but then nice play between Lucas and Lloyd led to a sausage for
Adam Ramanauskas. Freo tyro Paul Hasleby copped two heavy bumps, one
from a teammate and went off for a rest. The Bombers missed a couple
before Caracella picked out Lloyd on the lead for another, Lloyd
reciprocated for Lucas, Dons by 39 points. Dokker Dale Kickett staggered
off following a nasty clash of heads with teammate Antoni Grover before
Lloyd bagged two more goals, Long's good roving created the first and
another surging centre break saw him speared by Misiti's pass for the
next. Four in the quarter for Matty, Freo hadn't scored but they
would've if Waterhouse had been paid a clear mark in the goalsquare late
in the term. At half-time Lloyd was compared with John Coleman and it's
a fair comparison, Lloyd has 318 goals to Coleman's 537 at the same
stage of their careers.
Slow start to term three, there was another fun bit early when Evil
One's clearing kick from the back pocket went straight to Daniel Bandy,
he baulked the man-on-the-mark and popped it through. When the Dons
awoke they stacked on four quick goals, two Shocker backmen collided
allowing Caracella to find Coleman's natural heir on the lead again. The
restart was a regulation Barnes-thump Mark Johnson-gather but this time
he dished off for Caracella to convert. Lloyd lurked behind the pack for
another easy roving major, arrogance crept in as Mick Long poked a
blind, overhead handpass for Blake Caracella to kick a low snap from a
tight angle. The gap had ballooned to 70 points, Dokulator Jason
Norrish's good handpass saw Modra snap a sausage for 'em. Starting to
flick over to see if the tennis was on. Damian Drum decided teenage
full-back Leigh Brown had had enough Lloyd, now Matthew Pavlich got the
job. Immediately Lloyd accepted Mark Johnson's pass and punted truly,
Docker backman Mark Gale gave the ball to Caracella for his third
sausage of the korter. Another Don centre clearance and Lucas snapped
accurately, Dons by 83. Modra worked hard to create a goal for Bandy
just before the penultimate siren. Moorcroft snapped the opening goal of
the final stanza, then Lloyd kicked his ninth. Hurrah! The tennis was
on. Flicked back to see a Lloyd miss open up a three-figure margin but
Freo fired up! to kick four consecutive goals. The battling Modra booted
two including one that clearly clipped the post on the way through.
Bommer fans, a largely uncharitable and humourless lot, went mad.
Holland goaled and Brad Dodd got one from a free. Lost a bit of interest
after that. Lloyd didn't kick any more.
Matthew Lloyd booted 9 goals, taking him to 82 for the season. He had 18
kicks with 14 marks and gave a couple away too. I particularly liked the
two goals Lloydy bagged from waiting behind the pack. Very Colemanesque.
The Dons' were brilliant outta the middle where Mark Johnson (29
disposals, a goal) and Joe Misiti (38 disposals with 25 handpasses)
totally controlled play, John Barnes's rucking gave them a hand. Why
Bommer opponents go with the 'zone' set-up in the middle rather than
man-on-man is ununderstandable. Half-forward Blake Caracella booted 4
goals to cap off his 31 possessions and 8 marks, Scott Lucas punted 5
majors from 23 touches. Down back Damien Hardwick was handy with 23
touches and young winger Adam Ramanauskas had 23 handlings too, plus a
goal. Fremantle spearhead Tony Modra booted 6 goals, officially, from 8
marks and 11 kicks and gave Dustin Fletcher some trouble. Mods did very
well seeing as his teammates' delivery was usually the "kick high and
hope" variety. Winger Heath Black worked hard for 26 kicks and a goal,
Dan Bandy took 12 marks, had 26 disposals and booted 2 goals. Troy Cook
boxed on for 26 touches and Jason Norrish was okay. Drum said "They are
a very, very good team and they kicked poorly for goal, and they still
handled us pretty well, so that just shows we're a way away from
competing with the big boys on a genuine basis." Sheedy reckoned "We
were very pleased to win the game like we did tonight. A lot of people
were feeling that we had dropped off in the last month or so. We
haven't. We are coming back with some good, solid footy...I actually
congratulated them on matching and equalling Collingwood's performance,
I think it's a marvellous achievement for this group of players because
they're only a young side..." Hawthorn next week, then the Bloos.
At Kardinia Park:
Geelong 7.2 11.6 14.6 17.7.109
Adelaide 3.4 6.8 9.13 14.18.102
After a week of strong criticism led by high-profile whinger Sam Newman,
the Cats clung on for a hard-earned win over the Camrys in a good, tough
game. Returning to the Cat side were Ronnie Burns from a hamstring
strain, Cameron Ling, David Wojcinski and David Spriggs. They replaced
Peter Riccardi (calf), James Rahilly (dislocated shoulder) and dropped
pair Derek Hall and Danny O'Brien. The Camrys lost Bryan Beinke and Kym
Koster, both with groin strains. Playing nude Twister after training.
Captain Mark Bickley returned from what clearly was not a broken
collarbone along with Tyson Stenglein.
Geelong started well, powered from the centre by Steven King's ruckwork
and rover Gary Hocking. Cats goaled first, after 20s with Hocking's pass
to leading David Mensch. The Camrys bagged consecutive majors, Mark
Ricciuto roved a contest and smashed it through from 65m, then Shaun
Rehn marked at CHF and gave off to Bickley, he found Andrew Crowell on
the lead. Geelong cleared the restart, Ronnie Burns gathered and weaved
nicely onto his left for a major. Scores level. Hocking passed for David
Clarke to mark and sausage, but a pointless high, blind kick from
defence by Cat Sanderson went straight to Crow McLeod, he levelled
scores again. Geelong kicked three late goals to go in 22 points up at
the first break, Hocking again with the pass to Mensch for his second,
Kilpatrick's long kick was gathered by Burns and given to Adam Houlihan
for an accurate snap, Houlihan returned the favour by soccering the ball
into Burns's path and he slotted from the boundary. Two quick goals from
the centre bounce opened term two, first Corolla Rehn with a free kick
marked and converted by Ken McGregor. The Cats' turn, Hocking passed his
free to Kilpatrick, 'Oysters' booted long for a goalsquare mark to Clint
Bizzell. Hocking showed his dark side when wrongly done for a high
tackle on Matt Connell, some umpire abuse led to a 50m penalty and goal
for Connell. Following posters for Houlihan and Crow Goodwin, Cat Ben
Scarlett restored the 4-goal lead with a good mark. Their lead was
extended to 28 points courtesy Bizzell's great smother, Hocking
handballed to Burns for the easy goal. Ricciuto got one back after
crashing through a tackle before Mensch kicked a freaky goal 10 seconds
before the siren, a long, fading kick bouncing at right-angles through
the big posts.
After half time the Crows were the better side but their poor
goalshooting proved costly. Sublime Andrew McLeod and winger Matt
Connell had big third quarters, Cat King started to tire. But the Cows
had lost Smart (fractured cheekbone) and Bickley, accidentally booted in
the orchestras by King. Bizzell opened the quarter with a mark and
conversion then the Camrys wasted a good spell. Crowell missed a set
shot and McGregor missed twice, both from marks, before Cat forward
pocket Jason Snell led well for a mark 55m out, turned and booted long
where Mensch grabbed strongly in front of the pack. His goal put Geelong
37 points up. From there the Camrys worked ever closer. Matthew Robran
climbed on Ben Graham's shoulders for a magnificent, hanging goalsquare
screamer and blasted it through. McLeod's excellent play ended with a
pass to leading Crowell, he dobbed it. Crowell and Goodwin missed before
Andrew Eccles slotted on the run from the boundary, the gap was down to
17 points. In the shadow of 3/4 time Ronnie Burns slotted a good goal
for the Cats, leaving them 23 points up.
The opening score of the final round was a goal to McLeod, created by
McGregor's pass. Burns delivered to leading Snell for a reply, but then
a Wojcinski fumble allowed Simon Goodwin to slot one for the visitors.
Frustrated Brad Sholl donged Eccles, he converted the free kick. Geelong
by 11. Their Cameron Mooney came on and quickly bagged a major from a
mark at CHF, but Dave Clarke's poor handpass went straight to Goodwin
and he bounced a shot home. Still 11 points. The game was held up when
Crow Eccles was knocked out, his head smacking into the turf during
Wojcinski's strong tackle. Off on a stretcher. Clever Camry play upon
resumption saw Kane Johnson play a 1-2 with Vardy and hook a sausage
from close range. Cats by 5 points. Goodwin sprayed a running shot wide,
Sholl dived desperately to rush a behind and was either kicked or
crushed by two Crows. Kardinia Park grass hung from Sholl's mouth as he
tried to stagger on, only to collapse with concussion. Another
stretcher. The Cats managed to attack, Mooney sprayed a shot and a
Wojcinski effort was rushed through. Some contentious umpiring added to
the tension, Cat Sanderson clearly threw the ball right in front of the
ump and 30m out from Aderlayed's goal. Play on. Kane Johnson did the
same thing about 15 seconds later. Free for Geelong. But a terrific bit
of play sealed it for the Cats, David Spriggs smothered a handpass and
handballed back for Joel Corey to snap it between the big posts, to the
delight of the local fans. They were 8 points up but Graham still had to
touch a Robran bomb through before the siren.
Big games came from Geelong followers of contrasting age and experience.
Veteran Gary Hocking had 28 disposals, many centre clearances, in a good
effort and first-year player David Spriggs (16 disposals) was very good,
especially in the last quarter when he had 8 touches and used his speed
to good effect. Solid forward David Mensch booted 4 goals from 6 marks
and 14 possies, fellow attackers Clint Bizzell (4 kicks, 3 goals) and
Ronnie Burns (10 touches, 4 goals) were value. Down back Ben Scarlett
played very well on Scott Welsh and snuck forward for a goal, midfielder
David Clarke played well for 18 touches and a goal. Darren Milburn had
20 touches, 9 in the first quarter. Carl Steinfort ended the game
looking like a war casualty after his battle with Ricciuto. For the
Crows Matt Connell (33 disposals with 30 kicks plus a goal) and Andrew
McLeod (31 disposals, 22 after half-time and 2 goals) monstered
possession and nearly got them up. Matt Robran, used in defence, attack
and in the middle in the final term, had 22 possies, 8 marks and a goal.
Mark Ricciuto worked hard for 25 disposals and 2 goals, Simon Goodwin
could've ben a matchwinner if he'd done better than 2.4 from his 19
disposals. Shaun Rehn marked well around the ground, 9 times with 18
disposals. Spearhead Andrew Crowell kicked 2 goals with 4 marks, Eccles
also kicked 2 goals. Gary Ayres said "I think we're a chance (to make
the finals) but it just makes it that much bloody harder...That's the
disappointing thing about today...we made this game harder than it
should have been if we'd played two halves like the second half..."
Bomber Thompson said "We played the way we wanted to play in the first
half and that was most pleasing...We didn't want to look anywhere past
the first bounce today, that's where our focus was. The way you attack
your first contest has to be the way you attack your last, that's the
way we approached today..."
At the MCG:
Melbourne 3.5 7.8 11.9 19.11.125
Sydney 4.1 7.2 11.6 15.9.99
A game which ebbed and flowed for each team before the Dees kicked away
in the final term, Jeff Farmer with a helping hand. Observing footy
journo Rohan Connolly didn't think much of it, commenting that he'd been
"spoiled by watching Essendon", although in my recent experience all
Bomber supporters think this way. The Dees went in sans Steven Febey
(knee) and Andrew Leoncelli (hip) while Cameron Bruce and Stephen Pitt
were discarded. Back from disability came ruckman Troy Simmonds and
defenders Matthew Collins and Peter Walsh while backman Daniel Ward
played his first game of '00. Two alterations for the Swans, promising
junior Jude Bolton missed with a groin strain and ruckman Ryan O'Connor
was axed, forward Leo Barry returned from injury and Ben Fixter was
given his debut, he's from Coolabon (it's near Wagga).
Sydney hero Paul Kelly began at full-forward and within a few minutes
had three marks and two goals on the board against young Dee Matthew
Whelan. But Whelan stopped the semi-fit Swan thereafter. James McDonald
kicked Melbun's first pair of sausages, the first from Shane Woewodin's
handpass and the second a solo centre clearance. Adem Yze slotted one
too. Goals had arrived alternately and that continued in the second
term. Jim McDonald and Yze continued to do well in the middle for
Melbourne while Troy Luff and Daryn Cresswell drove the Swans on. A Luff
goal sent the northerners a goal clear before late majors from Jeff
White and Russ Robertson, from James McDonald's centre clearance, gave
the Dees the lead at harf time. Melbourne got the first run-on of the
game and kicked the first three goals of the third term, including
Farmer's first, to go to a 22-point lead. The Sydney midfielders
dithered with their forwards impotent, before the hitherto energetic but
luckless Mick O'Loughlin roared to life with three goals in three
minutes. Adam Goodes won a free against Whelan and punted the Bloods
into the lead, but Dee ruckman Troy Simmonds goaled to keep Melbourne
ahead prior to the final term. Neale Daniher issued the challenge to his
team leaders Woewodin, White and Farmer and they responded. Woewodin
kicked the first goal of the term and Farmer quickly added a brace.
Goals from Swan forward pocket Robbie AhMat kept them in touch but
Woewodin's big two-grab mark and goal ended up as the sealer, he and
Farmer kicked 3 goals each in the last quarter as the Demons went
strongly to the line.
Melbourne were led from the centre by the daggy but dangerous James
McDonald, 24 disposals with a big influence on centre clearances plus 2
goals. Shane Woewodin attacked the ball intensely, at one stage shoving
J. McD aside to get a kick. Woewodin had 25 possessions and kicked 3
goals. James's brother Anthony McDonald also played well across the
centre for 22 touches, 8 marks and a goal. Matthew Whelan held Kelly to
4 touches and no goals after his initial burst while having 15 disposals
himself, big man Alistair Nicholson and runner Peter Walsh (23
disposals) also played well down back. Ruckman Jeff White did well with
20 hitouts, 19 handlings and a goal and Jeff Farmer ended with 4 goals
from 15 touches against Jared Crouch. Russell Robertson booted 3 goals
and Adem Yze kicked 2. Swan centreman Daryn Cresswell worked hard for 34
disposals and 2 goals and junior centreman Ben Mathews had 22 touches.
Improved CHB Andrew Schauble did a good job on Schwarz, taking 10 marks
and having 19 disposals. Winger Nic Fosdike (20 disposals, a goal) and
half-back Matthew Nicks (15 touches, 7 marks) made good contributions,
Michael O'Loughlin deserves a wrap for his 11 marks, 20 disposals and 3
goals. Adam Goodes and Robbie AhMat also kicked 3 goals each, Kelly
kicked 2. "We just fiddled around with it too much, and a few of our
elder statesmen were the main guys who transgressed there," said Eade.
He's referring to Wayne Schwass. Daniher said "Obviously very happy to
win the game today. Sydney were very desperate...I thought they took the
game up to us."
At the SCG:
North Melbourne 5.6 9.9 15.12 20.14.134
Richmond 1.6 5.8 6.10 7.14.56
The question Why are North determined to play home games in Sydney in
front of a man? (his dog stays home) was rapidly replaced by Why are
Richmond playing so crap when the season is on the line? Despite missing
a few players the Roos belted the hapless Tigers in front of a slightly
entertained 9,231. In selection the Roos lost ruckman Matthew Capuano
with a hip injury and Martin Pike was dropped for turning up to Monday's
training in an inebriated state. John Spaull and Brady Rawlings were
dropped. Getting a run were Evan Hewitt, Craig Sholl, Kent Kingsley and
David Calthorpe. The Tigers were strengthened, supposedly, by the
returns of Matthew Rogers and Ben Harrison, they replaced Robbie Powell
(hip) and Clay Sampson. Richmond's Nick Daffy and Roo David King played
their 150th games.
The insidious effects of televised footy. "I can't come, I'm going to
the footy" seems a reasonable excuse but "I can't make it, I'm watching
the footy on TV" isn't really acceptable. In the event the early start
allowed surreptitious viewing. North were all over Richmond early, Peter
Bell and the opponent-less John Blakey had 45 kicks each in the first
quarter and Byron Pickett was busy too. Wayne Carey marked and booted
the first goal, Anthony Stevens snapped a good one and Blakey galloped
down from the back for a sausage. They coulda buried Richmond early if
not for some poor misses from Carey, Sholl and Brent Harvey. The Tiges'
only victory was sending Pickett to the bench, groggily, after being
crunched by Rory Hilton. Pickett was back soon though. Hilton, Brendon
Gale and Matt Rogers missed set shots as Richmond did some attacking,
finally Brad Ottens led to Daffy's pass, marked and goaled. But Blakey
charged downfield to bag another major and Sholl finally kicked
straight. He had to sooner or later. The Tigers did a little better in
the second quarter, Aaron James came on to play at full forward and
kicked a goal, so did Rogers but Norf answered. Shannon Grant converted
a strong grab and Leigh Colbert sausaged from a free. Four goals each
for the term and the Roos still looked comfortable. Called away at
half-time and I'm not unhappy about that. The Sydneyroos stacked on six
goals to one in the third, Spider Burton drove 'em out of the centre
allowing Harvey and Bell increasing influence. Blakey raced downfield
for his third gol, Hilton cunningly allowed him to swerve inside onto
his natural right boot and pump it home. Richmond had lost Gale with a
hyper-extended elbow, in addition to any desire for the contest (the
Tiges in general that is, not Gale). The Roos romped away in the final
term as Carey got away from Gaspar to bag some late goals.
Spider Burton looked a dodgy aquisition earlier in the season but his
centre-bounce tapping ability has proved useful, he had 26 hitouts amd
booted a goal. On the strength of it rovers Peter Bell (31 disposals)
and Brent Harvey (22, a goal) enjoyed their evenings although Bell's
goalkicking (0.3) was poor again. John Blakey appreciated his lack of
responsibility by booting 4 goals from his 22 disposals, he was very
good, and fellow defender Jason McCartney also did well. Oh the shame.
Carey ended with 5 marks, 16 kicks and 4 goals in a good battle with
Gaspar. Leigh Colbert is starting to show form with 18 possies, 9 marks
and a goal and Craig Sholl booted 2 goals from his 9 marks and 13 kicks.
Adam Lange kicked 2 goals. For the Tigers draftee Leon Cameron (25
disposals) tried hard again and Darren Gaspar was good. Matty Knights
(19 handlings) and Mark Chaffey (21, 9 marks) plugged away and Brad
Ottens fought to carry the big-man burden by himself, he took 9 grabs
and had 18 disposals with a goal. Nick Daffy had a go. Aaron James
booted 2 goals, their only multiple goalscorer. Frawley said "We want to
find out who wants to stand up for Richmond Football Club now. Tonight
we didn't stand up for the jumper, which is very disappointing." The
Tigers face three crucial games against Fremantle in Perth, St. Kilda
and Sydney at home. You wouldn't back 'em with your own money. Pagan
thought Norf were approaching peak form. "It was something we've been
aiming for, a level, even contribution. It was very positive and a lot
of guys played their part. It might be a bit premature yet. Every time
we talk about getting our head above water, something else jumps up and
bites us on the backside."
At the WACA:
West Coast 4.3 9.6 15.8 17.13.115
St. Kilda 2.1 3.4 3.4 4.5.29
Tim Watson forgot to resign this week and the Eagles broke their losing
streak by hammering the ragged Sainters, who returned a miserable four
goals for the evening. In pickin' both teams rotated youngsters, the
Eagles brought in Jaxon Crabb and David Haynes for Darren Glass and Chad
Rintoul (alright, he's not so young). The Sainters lost Aussi Jones with
injury and dumped Troy Schwarze for Chad Davis and Caydn Beetham.
The Saints started with Stewie Loewe in defence and while he plucked a
few grabs in the first term, halting some Weagle thrusts, there wasn't a
lot of Stain marking power in attack. Goals to full forward Barry Hall
and ruckman David Sierakowski were exceptions that proved the rule. The
Weagles received plenty from Dean Kemp in the middle, Chad Fletcher and
club scapegoat Fraser Gehrig, playing on a wing this evening. Andrew
Donnelly and Phil Read snapped goals for the Wiggles and Rowan Jones
booted a good one following a strong mark. Second quarter and Watson
moved Loewe to CHF, where he had a bit of trouble with Jakovich. Now the
Weegs found goals a bit easier to come by, Andrew Donnelly and Phil
Matera booted two each. Halfway through the term Hall kicked his second
goal, the last St. Kilda would score for a long time. Hall amused himelf
in other ways, crunching Ben Cousins and fencing Daniel Metropolis. A
spectator attempted to remonstrate with Barry after that one, not a
smart thing to do. Hall ignored him. Eagles Cousins, Gehrig and Kemp had
big third terms while Jakovich, Morrison and Read stopped the Saints
scoring, Phil Matera enjoyed his third stanza with three goals.
Lacklustre final term, the highlight of which was Tony Delaney breaking
the Stinkilda goal drought with a great left-foot banana-kick from the
boundary line.
West Coast centreman Dean Kemp led the side with a hefty 36 disposals,
mopping up around packs and driving from the centre. Philip Matera
capitalised in attack, booting 5 goals as he lurked about. On the wing
Fraser Gehrig took 9 marks and gathered 25 possessions. Advertising his
skills for the Saints. As could be expected from a team which conceded
four goals some backmen played well, Glen Jakovich with 12 marks and 34
disposals, Chad Morrison (28 disposals, 10 marks, a goal) and Phil Read
(20 disposals, 2 goals). Rover Ben Cousins was good with 19 handlings
before being rested for the final quarter. Andrew Donnelly kicked 3
goals standing in for injured Cummings, Fletcher and Jones kicked 2
goals each. Drew Banfield and Andrew Williams had over 20 touches each.
Loewe ran everywhere helping the Saints out, except in attack. He had 27
disposals and took 13 marks. Just a point tho'. Dave Sierakowski played
well again, 18 disposals, 9 marks and a goal. And then there were the
usual triers, Nathan Burke (25 disposals) and Andy Thompson (28). Young
Sam Cranage wasn't the worst with 17 handpasses amongst his 22
possessions. Delaney, Lenny Hayes, Brett Knowles and Brett Moyle all had
over 20 possessions (Knowles 29) but none had enough effect on the
outcome. Hall kicked 2 goals. No quote available from Watson, but Ken
Judge said "The finals aren't an issue. I'm not hosing it down, I just
don't think they are worth talking about. We just have to try and win
games of footy, that's the way it is." Big game away to the Crows next
week, then three home games to finish against Geelong, Freo and
Melbourne.
At Football Park:
Port Adelaide 7.3 13.6 15.11 23.11.149
Footscray 4.2 8.6 10.10 16.10.106
The Bulldogs are also struggling towards the finals, injuries
threatening to derail a campaign which was going nicely a few weeks ago.
But credit to Port who were also missing a few but showed their best
form of the season, albeit too late. The Power axed three, Stephen
Daniels, Michael Stevens and Donald Dickie, bringing in Bowen Lockwood,
Chad Cornes and debutant Paul Koulouriotis, an 18-year-old running
midfielder drafted from the Calder Cannons. The Bulldogs lost Kingsley
Hunter again with a broken finger and dropped Simon Cox for speedy small
men Andrew Wills and Steve Kolyniuk. Still no Grant, Dimattina or Ellis.
Port coach Mark Williams isn't so dumb and started big men Lockwood,
Primus and Tredrea plus regular CHB Darren Mead together in attack
against the undersized Bulldog defence. With Chad Cornes down there too
they had a torrid time. The Bulldogs got plenty of the ball but found
forward targets hard to come by. Port were quickly away with Primus and
Mead bagging goals, a long Tredrea effort bounced through. Rover Peter
Burgoyne was the busiest of an active Power on-ball division while Scott
West and Rohan Smith got plenty of it for the Pups. Nathan Brown bagged
a goal to end the first term, early second-stanza goals to Brad Johnson
and Simon Garlick narrowed the Power lead to 7 points before they kicked
away again, winger Stu Dew's penetrating kicks regularly finding Tredrea
or Cornes. Or the goals. After a tighter third term, some wayward Powder
goalshooting keeping the Dogs reasonably close, it absolutely rained
majors in the final stanza. Brad Johnson's slot from the junction of the
50m and boundary lines was probably the best, but Port still outscored
the Pups eight goals to six to equal their highest score of the season.
Port winger Stuart Dew had 22 disposals (17 kicks) and banged 4 goals on
a good day for the locals. The talls did the job up front, Chad Cornes
bagged 5 goals from 7 marks, Warren Tredrea took 7 marks and booted 3
goals, Darren Mead held 8 grabs from a forward pocket and kicked one
goal. Opportunities arrived courtesy Peter Burgoyne (22 disposals),
Roger James (22, 2 goals) and Josh Francou (23 touches) while plenty of
run off half-back came from Fabian Francis (20 touches, 2 goals) and
Jared Poulton (16). The man the Bulldogs traded, Brett Montgomery,
started on the bench but finished with 10 marks, 10 kicks and 2 goals.
Two goals also for Derek Murray. The Bulldogs had a total of 320
disposals to Port's 278 but declined to make good use of it. Rover Scott
West shrugged off the tag of Carr and ended with a massive 42 disposals
(18 kicks, 24 handpasses) along with 2 goals in a huge game. Good
efforts too from fellow middleman Jose Romero (28 touches, a goal) and
wingman Brad Johnson who had 10 kicks in the last quarter for a total of
20 with 3 goals. Running half-back Rohan Smith had 22 disposals and
pushed down for 2 goals, small forwards Simon Garlick (20 handlings, a
goal) and Nathan Brown (18, 2 goals) boxed on. Paul Hudson also kicked 2
goals. The man swapped for Montgomery, Nathan Eagleton, had a modest
afternoon with 11 disposals and a goal. Wallace lamented the injuries.
"Any side that has four or so of their key-position players out is put
under pressure. Richmond and West Coast have shown that. It's difficult.
We probably try to score, on average, about sixteen goals per game. We
were able to get our sixteen but just weren't able to stop the
opposition scoring." Toughness ahead for the Dogs with Carlton,
Collingwood, then Essendon and the Hawks to finish. Williams said "We're
not as bad as people were trying to talk us down. To the credit of the
players and the club, they've kept their belief and we hope to win some
more." And miss out on priority draft picks?
At Princes Park:
Carlton 4.6 9.9 20.12 28.12.180
Collingwood 1.1 6.3 7.6 10.9.69
Carlton spent the week, and some cash, on a public relations exercise to
deflect criticism over their refusal to move the game to the vacant MCG.
"The Last Suburban Battle" it was called, with a big marquee outside the
ground for a whole drunk-tank load of corporate freeloaders, the usual
pre-game parade of former champions and much heavy promotion. Presidents
Elliott and McGuire even slung some muck at the AFL and Channel Seven
for refusing to televise the game live. In the event the ground wasn't
even full, punters smelling the bull excrement or simply not bothering
to attend a game between second and fourteenth. One change for the
Blues, Glenn Manton discarded for young rover Heath Culpitt. At Pieland
Sav Rocca was dropped again, along with regular defender Tarkyn Lockyer
and forward Shane Watson. Gavin Crosisca was selected for the first time
this season, he's played a lot of VFL football in 2000. Also into the
Maggie line-up were Mark Orchard and Steven McKee.
The game itself was an utter mauling for the poor young Pies and the
only points of interest were tumbling records. Carlton kicked their
highest-ever score against the Maggies and it was also the greatest
winning margin in the clashes between the two. The Blues' 11.3 third
quarter was also a club record against the Pies. All over the field the
Blues were too experienced, too strong and too good for the Collingwood
teenagers, Carlton eager to answer their 13-goal hiding from Collingwood
in round 3 and the recent pair of big Essendon wins. Roll on round 20.
Anyway, the Blues should've been further ahead at quarter-time but
missed a few shots, Craig Bradley and Scott Camporeale with plenty of
touches across the middle, Lance Whitnall booted two first-term goals
and Aaron Hamill snapped one after Pie O'Bree coughed the ball up in a
crunching tackle. Late in the term Heath Scotland kicked the Pies' first
goal, marking Licuria's long kick. Collingwood actually did alright in
the second term, crowding around picks to win it by sheer weight of
numbers and using the ball short to avoid contests. Buckley cleared the
opening bounce of the term and booted long, Licuria's quick snap was
snaffled and blasted through by Rhyce Shaw. Bradley was well-tackled by
Leon Davis and the agget spilled for Paul Williams to slot one. Only 11
points the diff but soon the Blues got going, Scott Freeborn kicked long
where Whitnall found himself opposed by midget Mark Orchard, mark and
goal. Pies Betheras and Leon Davis missed shots before Bloo Simon
Beaumont, who kicked 7 goals in a half against the Pies last year,
marked and goaled from a forward flank. Licuria picked out Ben Johnson
for a mark and sausage to Collingwood, then Koutoufides outmarked Ben
Kinnear for his first contribution. The Blues attacked from the centre
bounce - Pie Tony Rocca was off with a calf strain - Beaumont tidied a
scrappy Whitnall handpass for another major. But the Scraggies goaled to
end the term, Chris Tarrant marking Michael's tumbling punt and kicking
truly.
A slow start to the third quartier belied what was coming. Blue flankers
Matt Lappin, Beaumont, Adrian Hickmott and Camporeale had over 10
disposals each as they feasted on the Magpie carcass, Blue ruckman Mark
Porter fisting the ball 20m from the centre bounces rather than tapping
it. It took ten minutes for Trent Hotton to kick the first two sausage
rolls, accepting passes from Lappin and Simon Fletcher. A Hamill
handpass sent Lappin in for an easy goal. Trapped in a pocket, Hickmott
hooked the ball back for Brett Ratten to mark over Williams and convert.
Another good attack on the ball and handpass from Hamill allowed an easy
goal for Camporeale, Ratten gathered a loose ball and snapped another.
Carton by 59 points now as the floodgates really opened. Whitnall kicked
the next two goals, sandwiching a point from the easiest shot of the
three. Passes from Camporeale supplied the opportunities. A long Nathan
Buckley bomb broke the sequence, to ironical cheering from your Bloo
fans, before Hotton marked and goaled again for Carlton. Koutoufides
kicked another goal, created by Culpitt ploughing Buckley into the turf,
a clear free kick not awarded. Hickmott marked and converted after the
siren to much applause. And there was more to come in the last quarter,
but I'll spare Pie supporters the details. Hotton kicked two more goals,
giving him five in a half against Steven McKee. Boy am I glad we got rid
of him.
Carlton didn't have a bad player, but stand-outs included gutsy forward
Aaron Hamill who had 23 disposals, took 7 marks including a screamer and
booted 2 goals, forward flanker Matthew Lappin (21 disposals,10 marks, a
goal) and sacked Pie Trent Hotton (8 marks, 5 goals). In the middle
Brett Ratten (30 possies, 3 goals) and Scott Camporeale (22 kicks, a
goal) created supply, assisted by Porter's 39 hitouts. Back to the
forward line, Lance Whitnall booted 5 goals from 11 marks and 12 kicks,
Koutoufides had a quiet day with 22 touches, 6 marks and 2 goals, Simon
Beaumont again enjoyed playing Collingwood for 26 disposals, 7 marks and
3 goals. And I could go on...Adrian Hickmott (25 handlings, 2 goals),
Ryan Houlihan (2 goals) etc. Even Andy McKay had a fair bit of the ball
despite Bloo backman being untroubled for the major part. For the
Magpiss Nathan Buckley fought hard again for 32 disposals and a goal,
Paul Licuria found some space and run for 19 disposals, Nick Davis was
alright with16 touches off half-back. Leon Davis showed speed and skill
again in snaggling 2 goals from 12 touches, Mark Orchard was alright
with 21 possies. Gav Crosisca was keen to hit people (legally) and
wasn't the worst with 17 possessions. The press conference was held in
the marquee, interrupted by boozy, loud business types. Parkin had to
tell them to shut up. "What was pleasing I think is that we maintained
an approach which has been very consistent over at least fifteen of the
eighteen weeks that we've played, and I guess when you get on the
scoreboard like we did at the end of the third quarter and still see our
team hunting it up in the contest...I think we ought to be pretty
pleased..." Malthouse was understandably less voluble but accurate in
his assessment. "I think Carlton have got a hell of a lot better and
we've stagnated a fair bit. It looked like it was men playing little
boys quite frankly."
At the Gabba:
Brisbane 3.4 7.6 10.9 16.10.106
Hawthorn 3.5 8.9 15.11 18.16.124
Hawthorn leapt back into the eight at Brisbane's expense with a good,
tough win, at last standing up when they needed to. Although it
should've been obvious, the Lions had alternatively won and lost their
previous nine games - they won last week - and the Hawks had a six-game
win-loss sequence going - they lost last week. Brisbane went in without
winger/goalsneak Craig McRae (foot) and axed ruckman Trent Knobel,
replacements were Daryl White and debutant Nathan Clarke, a 20-year-old
elevated from the rookie list. He's from Maroochydore. The Hawks had
Trent Croad and Richard Taylor return, Daniel Harford withdrew with
injury and rookie Luke McPharlin was dropped.
Missed the first quarter, a pretty even one, but early in the second
Hawthorn jumped to a 2-goal lead and stayed there for the rest of the
game. They slaughtered the Lions in the centre where Salmon and Chick
were very good, at CHF Nick Holland caught everything except The Black
Death. From the opening bounce of the second term Glenn Bowyer snaffled
Salmon's tap and punted forward, John Barker marked and dished off for
Shane Crawford to spear the goal. Good play from Aaron Lord was
completed with a pass to Tony Woods, he punted the Horks 13 points
clear. Holland soared for a screamer but missed, Croad's poor kick from
defence went straight to Lion Craig Lambert, he passed to Akermanis, to
Al Lynch on the lead for a goal. Lynch postered his next shot before
Hawthorn replied, as they would all game, Mark Graham finding Barker on
the lead, he converted. Hawks by 14. A goal each again, then Lynch
converted a holding free against Croad, Hawks by 8 points. On the wing
Leppitsch punched Barker in the head repeatedly - the ball was next to
it - Barker got the free kick to Lance Picioane, he handballed for Lord
to snap the goal. A fantastic weaving run and snap from Lion Nigel
Lappin reduced the margin to 8 points at the long break.
Horforn's ability to continually clear centre bounces placed much
pressure on the Brians after half-time. Voss postered early before big
Hawk Nathan Thompson marked and goaled, Hawks by 14 points again.
Brisbane forward Dan Bradshaw escaped Croad for a mark beside the
point-post and chipped backwards for Des Headland to mark and convert, 8
points. Holland marked and goaled, 14 points. A Hork centre-clearance at
the restart, Barker hooked the ball high where Ben Dixon marked beside
the point-post and screwed it through. Horks by 20 points. Crawford
cleared the next centre bounce, Thompson marked but missed. Luke McCabe
was caught in possession, allowing Brisbane first-gamer Nathan Clarke to
convert on the run. But Salmon's influence saw Hawthorn score the next
two goals, he tapped a throw-in to Woods who snapped it through, then
tapped the restarting bounce to Crawford, a handpass to Raydon Tallis
and his long, flat punt bounced home. Hawthorn by 27 points and there
was a flood of goals now, a rare Brisbane centre clearance and Jarrod
Molloy snapped a major thanks to a good bounce, Luke Power missed a shot
and the Hawks moved the ball end-to-end with Chick's pass to Barker
resulting in a goal. Crawford picked out Holland for a mark and sausage,
the visitors went in 32 points ahead at the last change. Brisbane were
frantic in their final-term efforts to bridge the gap, but they
couldn't. Barker marked Ben Dixon's centering kick and punted Hawthorn
40 points ahead. Consecutive Lion goals, Power with a snap and Jon
Brown's strong grab and kick, enlivened the crowd but Brown failed to
score with a poor kick a minute later and Lord snapped another for the
Hawks. The Lions now shifted Daryl White into the ruck and won some
midfield possession at last, some Hawthorn dithering down back allowed
Power to set up Akermanis for a goal, Leppitsch's rainmaking punt was
roved and slotted by Clarke, Hork McCabe overran a loose ball allowing
Power to collect it and punt between the big sticks. Three consecutive
Lion goals and they trailed by 17 points. About four-and-a-half minutes
left and Hawthorn went into game-save mode with lots of short
keepings-off passes, before Paul Salmon pushed forward to mark and boot
the sealer, if one were needed. Brisbane cleared the centre bounce and
Ben Robbins goaled, but they'd run out of time.
Nick Holland pulled down 18 grabs at CHF, a terrific performance which
offered the Hork midfielders much assistance. He had 22 disposals
altogether and kicked 2 goals. The centre-square performances of ruckman
Paul Salmon (22 hitouts, 23 disposals, 9 marks, a goal) and his rovers
Daniel Chick (21 disposals) and Shane Crawford (23, a goal) were
decisive, Salmon also blocked up the backline well. Brisbane couldn't
match them. Down back Trent Croad did the job on Bradshaw and had an
attacking hand himself with 21 touches and 8 marks. In attack John
Barker made a nuisance of himself again with 6 marks and 3 goals, there
were handy if fitful contributions from Aaron Lord (3 goals), Ben Dixon
(3 goals) and Nathan Thompson (2 goals). Tony Woods lurked about for 20
possessions and 2 goals. Lion skipper Michael Voss was their only
consistent contributor midfield, he had 26 possessions and tried very
hard. Nathan Clarke made an excellent debut, winning the ball 19 times
with 10 marks and booting 2 coolly-taken running goals. Winger Nigel
Lappin also battled very hard for 29 disposals, 6 marks and 2 goals,
lively small forward Luke Power had a big last quarter amongst his 19
possessions and 3 goals. Shaun Hart had 17 touches tagging Crawford -
with little success - and Jason Akermanis was alright with 20 touches
and a goal. Al Lynch kicked 2 goals but didn't do a lot against Jon Hay.
Matthews said "Their (Hawthorn's) marking forwards had thirty-three
marks and our marking forwards had five. I mean, that's a lot. Today it
just didn't happen for us. They outplayed us in most of the positions
that counted." Schwab wasn't getting carried away and nor should he with
Hawthorn's draw. "We're a very up-and-down side. We've got to try and
arrest that, but on our day we're very competitive. We're at where we're
at because of that." He paid tribute to Salmon and said "we're going to
miss him. That's for sure." Story today that the Horks are after Shaun
Rehn from the Crows. They've Essendon next week before the two Adelaides
here, then the Bulldogs to finish.
Ladder after Round Eighteen:
Pts. % Next week
Essendon 72 164.7 Hawthorn (Colonial, Sat. night)
Carlton 60 139.2 Footscray (Princes Park, Saturday)
North Melbourne 48 107.0 Geelong (Colonial, Fri. night)
Geelong 42 97.4 North Melbourne (Colonial, Fri. night)
Melbourne 40 111.8 St. Kilda (Colonial, Sunday)
Footscray 36 103.8 Carlton (Princes Park, Saturday)
Hawthorn 36 98.0 Essendon (Colonial, Sat. night)
Richmond 36 92.1 Fremantle (WACA, Sunday)
-------------------------------------
Brisbane 32 104.0 Port Adelaide (Gabba, Sunday)
Adelaide 32 100.3 West Coast (Football Park, Fri. night)
West Coast 30 96.6 Adelaide (Football Park, Fri. night)
Sydney 28 98.0 Collingwood (MCG, Sunday)
Fremantle 28 75.4 Richmond (WACA, Sunday)
Collingwood 24 84.8 Sydney (MCG, Sunday)
Port Adelaide 22 82.6 Brisbane (Gabba, Sunday)
St. Kilda 10 72.4 Melbourne (Colonial, Sunday)
Cheers, Tim
e-mail: t.murphy@rmit.edu.au
A quiet footy week, which left the massive Melbourne media contingent
who make a living off the game in a quandry. So they took to generating
the 'news' themselves. I'll spare you. One point worth noting is that
Blue Anthony Koutoufides is rumoured to become the AFL's first
million-dollar-a-season player when he re-signs with Carlton in the near
future.
At Colonial:
Essendon 4.5 11.9 18.12 24.15.159
Fremantle 4.0 4.0 7.1 11.6.72
"It's Modra versus Lloyd!!" was desperate Channel Seven's promotional
line and both spearheads did well. But there wasn't much else to excite,
unless you're a Bomber fan or a stats nerd. Essadun joined the
Collingwood team of 1929 in going 18-0 and no-one's ever been 19-0. The
win was Sheedy's 300th as Bommer coach. The Dons had two changes, Mark
Johnson returning from suspension at Mark Fraser's expense and Darren
Bewick replacing late withdrawal Sean Denham. The Dokkers lost
experienced pair Shaun McManus (calf) and Shane Parker (knee) along with
forward Steven Koops ('flu), they were replaced by Greg Harding, Mark
Gale young big man Justin Longmuir.
The Don dominance began in the centre but they tended to fart about in
the first stanza, the Dockers attacked long and straight to Modra. Freo
kicked the opening goals, Clive Waterhouse spilled Grover's centering
kick but recovered and handballed for Heath Black to snap the major. The
Dockers cleared the restart, Modra led, marked, goaled. Freo by 10
points. Scott Lucas scored the Bommers' first sausage, Matty Lloyd
finding him alone in the goalsquare. Lairizing by the Dons led to some
misses before three quick goals, helped by the Dockers losing ruckman
Clem Michael with a knee injury. Gary Moorcroft hooked it back for Lucas
to mark and goal again, Alessio juggled a grab and converted, Lloyd
waited down at a contest and the ball spilled for him to bounce a snap
through unopposed. Essadun by 16 points. But Modra bagged two goals late
in the term, out-manouvering Dustin Fletcher for good marks. At the
break Sheeds told his men "stick to the plan and stop being
smart-alecs", sure enough they came out and smacked the Dockers down.
The opening bounce saw Barnes fist forward, Mark Johnson steamed onto it
and delivered to leading Lloyd. Gol. Lucas's handpass sent Mick Long in
for one. We were told to admire the skills of Long, I liked the subtlety
of the kick to the approaching opponent's chest while marking. Docker
Brodie Holland winded Damien Hardwick with terrific bump, we enjoyed
that, but then nice play between Lucas and Lloyd led to a sausage for
Adam Ramanauskas. Freo tyro Paul Hasleby copped two heavy bumps, one
from a teammate and went off for a rest. The Bombers missed a couple
before Caracella picked out Lloyd on the lead for another, Lloyd
reciprocated for Lucas, Dons by 39 points. Dokker Dale Kickett staggered
off following a nasty clash of heads with teammate Antoni Grover before
Lloyd bagged two more goals, Long's good roving created the first and
another surging centre break saw him speared by Misiti's pass for the
next. Four in the quarter for Matty, Freo hadn't scored but they
would've if Waterhouse had been paid a clear mark in the goalsquare late
in the term. At half-time Lloyd was compared with John Coleman and it's
a fair comparison, Lloyd has 318 goals to Coleman's 537 at the same
stage of their careers.
Slow start to term three, there was another fun bit early when Evil
One's clearing kick from the back pocket went straight to Daniel Bandy,
he baulked the man-on-the-mark and popped it through. When the Dons
awoke they stacked on four quick goals, two Shocker backmen collided
allowing Caracella to find Coleman's natural heir on the lead again. The
restart was a regulation Barnes-thump Mark Johnson-gather but this time
he dished off for Caracella to convert. Lloyd lurked behind the pack for
another easy roving major, arrogance crept in as Mick Long poked a
blind, overhead handpass for Blake Caracella to kick a low snap from a
tight angle. The gap had ballooned to 70 points, Dokulator Jason
Norrish's good handpass saw Modra snap a sausage for 'em. Starting to
flick over to see if the tennis was on. Damian Drum decided teenage
full-back Leigh Brown had had enough Lloyd, now Matthew Pavlich got the
job. Immediately Lloyd accepted Mark Johnson's pass and punted truly,
Docker backman Mark Gale gave the ball to Caracella for his third
sausage of the korter. Another Don centre clearance and Lucas snapped
accurately, Dons by 83. Modra worked hard to create a goal for Bandy
just before the penultimate siren. Moorcroft snapped the opening goal of
the final stanza, then Lloyd kicked his ninth. Hurrah! The tennis was
on. Flicked back to see a Lloyd miss open up a three-figure margin but
Freo fired up! to kick four consecutive goals. The battling Modra booted
two including one that clearly clipped the post on the way through.
Bommer fans, a largely uncharitable and humourless lot, went mad.
Holland goaled and Brad Dodd got one from a free. Lost a bit of interest
after that. Lloyd didn't kick any more.
Matthew Lloyd booted 9 goals, taking him to 82 for the season. He had 18
kicks with 14 marks and gave a couple away too. I particularly liked the
two goals Lloydy bagged from waiting behind the pack. Very Colemanesque.
The Dons' were brilliant outta the middle where Mark Johnson (29
disposals, a goal) and Joe Misiti (38 disposals with 25 handpasses)
totally controlled play, John Barnes's rucking gave them a hand. Why
Bommer opponents go with the 'zone' set-up in the middle rather than
man-on-man is ununderstandable. Half-forward Blake Caracella booted 4
goals to cap off his 31 possessions and 8 marks, Scott Lucas punted 5
majors from 23 touches. Down back Damien Hardwick was handy with 23
touches and young winger Adam Ramanauskas had 23 handlings too, plus a
goal. Fremantle spearhead Tony Modra booted 6 goals, officially, from 8
marks and 11 kicks and gave Dustin Fletcher some trouble. Mods did very
well seeing as his teammates' delivery was usually the "kick high and
hope" variety. Winger Heath Black worked hard for 26 kicks and a goal,
Dan Bandy took 12 marks, had 26 disposals and booted 2 goals. Troy Cook
boxed on for 26 touches and Jason Norrish was okay. Drum said "They are
a very, very good team and they kicked poorly for goal, and they still
handled us pretty well, so that just shows we're a way away from
competing with the big boys on a genuine basis." Sheedy reckoned "We
were very pleased to win the game like we did tonight. A lot of people
were feeling that we had dropped off in the last month or so. We
haven't. We are coming back with some good, solid footy...I actually
congratulated them on matching and equalling Collingwood's performance,
I think it's a marvellous achievement for this group of players because
they're only a young side..." Hawthorn next week, then the Bloos.
At Kardinia Park:
Geelong 7.2 11.6 14.6 17.7.109
Adelaide 3.4 6.8 9.13 14.18.102
After a week of strong criticism led by high-profile whinger Sam Newman,
the Cats clung on for a hard-earned win over the Camrys in a good, tough
game. Returning to the Cat side were Ronnie Burns from a hamstring
strain, Cameron Ling, David Wojcinski and David Spriggs. They replaced
Peter Riccardi (calf), James Rahilly (dislocated shoulder) and dropped
pair Derek Hall and Danny O'Brien. The Camrys lost Bryan Beinke and Kym
Koster, both with groin strains. Playing nude Twister after training.
Captain Mark Bickley returned from what clearly was not a broken
collarbone along with Tyson Stenglein.
Geelong started well, powered from the centre by Steven King's ruckwork
and rover Gary Hocking. Cats goaled first, after 20s with Hocking's pass
to leading David Mensch. The Camrys bagged consecutive majors, Mark
Ricciuto roved a contest and smashed it through from 65m, then Shaun
Rehn marked at CHF and gave off to Bickley, he found Andrew Crowell on
the lead. Geelong cleared the restart, Ronnie Burns gathered and weaved
nicely onto his left for a major. Scores level. Hocking passed for David
Clarke to mark and sausage, but a pointless high, blind kick from
defence by Cat Sanderson went straight to Crow McLeod, he levelled
scores again. Geelong kicked three late goals to go in 22 points up at
the first break, Hocking again with the pass to Mensch for his second,
Kilpatrick's long kick was gathered by Burns and given to Adam Houlihan
for an accurate snap, Houlihan returned the favour by soccering the ball
into Burns's path and he slotted from the boundary. Two quick goals from
the centre bounce opened term two, first Corolla Rehn with a free kick
marked and converted by Ken McGregor. The Cats' turn, Hocking passed his
free to Kilpatrick, 'Oysters' booted long for a goalsquare mark to Clint
Bizzell. Hocking showed his dark side when wrongly done for a high
tackle on Matt Connell, some umpire abuse led to a 50m penalty and goal
for Connell. Following posters for Houlihan and Crow Goodwin, Cat Ben
Scarlett restored the 4-goal lead with a good mark. Their lead was
extended to 28 points courtesy Bizzell's great smother, Hocking
handballed to Burns for the easy goal. Ricciuto got one back after
crashing through a tackle before Mensch kicked a freaky goal 10 seconds
before the siren, a long, fading kick bouncing at right-angles through
the big posts.
After half time the Crows were the better side but their poor
goalshooting proved costly. Sublime Andrew McLeod and winger Matt
Connell had big third quarters, Cat King started to tire. But the Cows
had lost Smart (fractured cheekbone) and Bickley, accidentally booted in
the orchestras by King. Bizzell opened the quarter with a mark and
conversion then the Camrys wasted a good spell. Crowell missed a set
shot and McGregor missed twice, both from marks, before Cat forward
pocket Jason Snell led well for a mark 55m out, turned and booted long
where Mensch grabbed strongly in front of the pack. His goal put Geelong
37 points up. From there the Camrys worked ever closer. Matthew Robran
climbed on Ben Graham's shoulders for a magnificent, hanging goalsquare
screamer and blasted it through. McLeod's excellent play ended with a
pass to leading Crowell, he dobbed it. Crowell and Goodwin missed before
Andrew Eccles slotted on the run from the boundary, the gap was down to
17 points. In the shadow of 3/4 time Ronnie Burns slotted a good goal
for the Cats, leaving them 23 points up.
The opening score of the final round was a goal to McLeod, created by
McGregor's pass. Burns delivered to leading Snell for a reply, but then
a Wojcinski fumble allowed Simon Goodwin to slot one for the visitors.
Frustrated Brad Sholl donged Eccles, he converted the free kick. Geelong
by 11. Their Cameron Mooney came on and quickly bagged a major from a
mark at CHF, but Dave Clarke's poor handpass went straight to Goodwin
and he bounced a shot home. Still 11 points. The game was held up when
Crow Eccles was knocked out, his head smacking into the turf during
Wojcinski's strong tackle. Off on a stretcher. Clever Camry play upon
resumption saw Kane Johnson play a 1-2 with Vardy and hook a sausage
from close range. Cats by 5 points. Goodwin sprayed a running shot wide,
Sholl dived desperately to rush a behind and was either kicked or
crushed by two Crows. Kardinia Park grass hung from Sholl's mouth as he
tried to stagger on, only to collapse with concussion. Another
stretcher. The Cats managed to attack, Mooney sprayed a shot and a
Wojcinski effort was rushed through. Some contentious umpiring added to
the tension, Cat Sanderson clearly threw the ball right in front of the
ump and 30m out from Aderlayed's goal. Play on. Kane Johnson did the
same thing about 15 seconds later. Free for Geelong. But a terrific bit
of play sealed it for the Cats, David Spriggs smothered a handpass and
handballed back for Joel Corey to snap it between the big posts, to the
delight of the local fans. They were 8 points up but Graham still had to
touch a Robran bomb through before the siren.
Big games came from Geelong followers of contrasting age and experience.
Veteran Gary Hocking had 28 disposals, many centre clearances, in a good
effort and first-year player David Spriggs (16 disposals) was very good,
especially in the last quarter when he had 8 touches and used his speed
to good effect. Solid forward David Mensch booted 4 goals from 6 marks
and 14 possies, fellow attackers Clint Bizzell (4 kicks, 3 goals) and
Ronnie Burns (10 touches, 4 goals) were value. Down back Ben Scarlett
played very well on Scott Welsh and snuck forward for a goal, midfielder
David Clarke played well for 18 touches and a goal. Darren Milburn had
20 touches, 9 in the first quarter. Carl Steinfort ended the game
looking like a war casualty after his battle with Ricciuto. For the
Crows Matt Connell (33 disposals with 30 kicks plus a goal) and Andrew
McLeod (31 disposals, 22 after half-time and 2 goals) monstered
possession and nearly got them up. Matt Robran, used in defence, attack
and in the middle in the final term, had 22 possies, 8 marks and a goal.
Mark Ricciuto worked hard for 25 disposals and 2 goals, Simon Goodwin
could've ben a matchwinner if he'd done better than 2.4 from his 19
disposals. Shaun Rehn marked well around the ground, 9 times with 18
disposals. Spearhead Andrew Crowell kicked 2 goals with 4 marks, Eccles
also kicked 2 goals. Gary Ayres said "I think we're a chance (to make
the finals) but it just makes it that much bloody harder...That's the
disappointing thing about today...we made this game harder than it
should have been if we'd played two halves like the second half..."
Bomber Thompson said "We played the way we wanted to play in the first
half and that was most pleasing...We didn't want to look anywhere past
the first bounce today, that's where our focus was. The way you attack
your first contest has to be the way you attack your last, that's the
way we approached today..."
At the MCG:
Melbourne 3.5 7.8 11.9 19.11.125
Sydney 4.1 7.2 11.6 15.9.99
A game which ebbed and flowed for each team before the Dees kicked away
in the final term, Jeff Farmer with a helping hand. Observing footy
journo Rohan Connolly didn't think much of it, commenting that he'd been
"spoiled by watching Essendon", although in my recent experience all
Bomber supporters think this way. The Dees went in sans Steven Febey
(knee) and Andrew Leoncelli (hip) while Cameron Bruce and Stephen Pitt
were discarded. Back from disability came ruckman Troy Simmonds and
defenders Matthew Collins and Peter Walsh while backman Daniel Ward
played his first game of '00. Two alterations for the Swans, promising
junior Jude Bolton missed with a groin strain and ruckman Ryan O'Connor
was axed, forward Leo Barry returned from injury and Ben Fixter was
given his debut, he's from Coolabon (it's near Wagga).
Sydney hero Paul Kelly began at full-forward and within a few minutes
had three marks and two goals on the board against young Dee Matthew
Whelan. But Whelan stopped the semi-fit Swan thereafter. James McDonald
kicked Melbun's first pair of sausages, the first from Shane Woewodin's
handpass and the second a solo centre clearance. Adem Yze slotted one
too. Goals had arrived alternately and that continued in the second
term. Jim McDonald and Yze continued to do well in the middle for
Melbourne while Troy Luff and Daryn Cresswell drove the Swans on. A Luff
goal sent the northerners a goal clear before late majors from Jeff
White and Russ Robertson, from James McDonald's centre clearance, gave
the Dees the lead at harf time. Melbourne got the first run-on of the
game and kicked the first three goals of the third term, including
Farmer's first, to go to a 22-point lead. The Sydney midfielders
dithered with their forwards impotent, before the hitherto energetic but
luckless Mick O'Loughlin roared to life with three goals in three
minutes. Adam Goodes won a free against Whelan and punted the Bloods
into the lead, but Dee ruckman Troy Simmonds goaled to keep Melbourne
ahead prior to the final term. Neale Daniher issued the challenge to his
team leaders Woewodin, White and Farmer and they responded. Woewodin
kicked the first goal of the term and Farmer quickly added a brace.
Goals from Swan forward pocket Robbie AhMat kept them in touch but
Woewodin's big two-grab mark and goal ended up as the sealer, he and
Farmer kicked 3 goals each in the last quarter as the Demons went
strongly to the line.
Melbourne were led from the centre by the daggy but dangerous James
McDonald, 24 disposals with a big influence on centre clearances plus 2
goals. Shane Woewodin attacked the ball intensely, at one stage shoving
J. McD aside to get a kick. Woewodin had 25 possessions and kicked 3
goals. James's brother Anthony McDonald also played well across the
centre for 22 touches, 8 marks and a goal. Matthew Whelan held Kelly to
4 touches and no goals after his initial burst while having 15 disposals
himself, big man Alistair Nicholson and runner Peter Walsh (23
disposals) also played well down back. Ruckman Jeff White did well with
20 hitouts, 19 handlings and a goal and Jeff Farmer ended with 4 goals
from 15 touches against Jared Crouch. Russell Robertson booted 3 goals
and Adem Yze kicked 2. Swan centreman Daryn Cresswell worked hard for 34
disposals and 2 goals and junior centreman Ben Mathews had 22 touches.
Improved CHB Andrew Schauble did a good job on Schwarz, taking 10 marks
and having 19 disposals. Winger Nic Fosdike (20 disposals, a goal) and
half-back Matthew Nicks (15 touches, 7 marks) made good contributions,
Michael O'Loughlin deserves a wrap for his 11 marks, 20 disposals and 3
goals. Adam Goodes and Robbie AhMat also kicked 3 goals each, Kelly
kicked 2. "We just fiddled around with it too much, and a few of our
elder statesmen were the main guys who transgressed there," said Eade.
He's referring to Wayne Schwass. Daniher said "Obviously very happy to
win the game today. Sydney were very desperate...I thought they took the
game up to us."
At the SCG:
North Melbourne 5.6 9.9 15.12 20.14.134
Richmond 1.6 5.8 6.10 7.14.56
The question Why are North determined to play home games in Sydney in
front of a man? (his dog stays home) was rapidly replaced by Why are
Richmond playing so crap when the season is on the line? Despite missing
a few players the Roos belted the hapless Tigers in front of a slightly
entertained 9,231. In selection the Roos lost ruckman Matthew Capuano
with a hip injury and Martin Pike was dropped for turning up to Monday's
training in an inebriated state. John Spaull and Brady Rawlings were
dropped. Getting a run were Evan Hewitt, Craig Sholl, Kent Kingsley and
David Calthorpe. The Tigers were strengthened, supposedly, by the
returns of Matthew Rogers and Ben Harrison, they replaced Robbie Powell
(hip) and Clay Sampson. Richmond's Nick Daffy and Roo David King played
their 150th games.
The insidious effects of televised footy. "I can't come, I'm going to
the footy" seems a reasonable excuse but "I can't make it, I'm watching
the footy on TV" isn't really acceptable. In the event the early start
allowed surreptitious viewing. North were all over Richmond early, Peter
Bell and the opponent-less John Blakey had 45 kicks each in the first
quarter and Byron Pickett was busy too. Wayne Carey marked and booted
the first goal, Anthony Stevens snapped a good one and Blakey galloped
down from the back for a sausage. They coulda buried Richmond early if
not for some poor misses from Carey, Sholl and Brent Harvey. The Tiges'
only victory was sending Pickett to the bench, groggily, after being
crunched by Rory Hilton. Pickett was back soon though. Hilton, Brendon
Gale and Matt Rogers missed set shots as Richmond did some attacking,
finally Brad Ottens led to Daffy's pass, marked and goaled. But Blakey
charged downfield to bag another major and Sholl finally kicked
straight. He had to sooner or later. The Tigers did a little better in
the second quarter, Aaron James came on to play at full forward and
kicked a goal, so did Rogers but Norf answered. Shannon Grant converted
a strong grab and Leigh Colbert sausaged from a free. Four goals each
for the term and the Roos still looked comfortable. Called away at
half-time and I'm not unhappy about that. The Sydneyroos stacked on six
goals to one in the third, Spider Burton drove 'em out of the centre
allowing Harvey and Bell increasing influence. Blakey raced downfield
for his third gol, Hilton cunningly allowed him to swerve inside onto
his natural right boot and pump it home. Richmond had lost Gale with a
hyper-extended elbow, in addition to any desire for the contest (the
Tiges in general that is, not Gale). The Roos romped away in the final
term as Carey got away from Gaspar to bag some late goals.
Spider Burton looked a dodgy aquisition earlier in the season but his
centre-bounce tapping ability has proved useful, he had 26 hitouts amd
booted a goal. On the strength of it rovers Peter Bell (31 disposals)
and Brent Harvey (22, a goal) enjoyed their evenings although Bell's
goalkicking (0.3) was poor again. John Blakey appreciated his lack of
responsibility by booting 4 goals from his 22 disposals, he was very
good, and fellow defender Jason McCartney also did well. Oh the shame.
Carey ended with 5 marks, 16 kicks and 4 goals in a good battle with
Gaspar. Leigh Colbert is starting to show form with 18 possies, 9 marks
and a goal and Craig Sholl booted 2 goals from his 9 marks and 13 kicks.
Adam Lange kicked 2 goals. For the Tigers draftee Leon Cameron (25
disposals) tried hard again and Darren Gaspar was good. Matty Knights
(19 handlings) and Mark Chaffey (21, 9 marks) plugged away and Brad
Ottens fought to carry the big-man burden by himself, he took 9 grabs
and had 18 disposals with a goal. Nick Daffy had a go. Aaron James
booted 2 goals, their only multiple goalscorer. Frawley said "We want to
find out who wants to stand up for Richmond Football Club now. Tonight
we didn't stand up for the jumper, which is very disappointing." The
Tigers face three crucial games against Fremantle in Perth, St. Kilda
and Sydney at home. You wouldn't back 'em with your own money. Pagan
thought Norf were approaching peak form. "It was something we've been
aiming for, a level, even contribution. It was very positive and a lot
of guys played their part. It might be a bit premature yet. Every time
we talk about getting our head above water, something else jumps up and
bites us on the backside."
At the WACA:
West Coast 4.3 9.6 15.8 17.13.115
St. Kilda 2.1 3.4 3.4 4.5.29
Tim Watson forgot to resign this week and the Eagles broke their losing
streak by hammering the ragged Sainters, who returned a miserable four
goals for the evening. In pickin' both teams rotated youngsters, the
Eagles brought in Jaxon Crabb and David Haynes for Darren Glass and Chad
Rintoul (alright, he's not so young). The Sainters lost Aussi Jones with
injury and dumped Troy Schwarze for Chad Davis and Caydn Beetham.
The Saints started with Stewie Loewe in defence and while he plucked a
few grabs in the first term, halting some Weagle thrusts, there wasn't a
lot of Stain marking power in attack. Goals to full forward Barry Hall
and ruckman David Sierakowski were exceptions that proved the rule. The
Weagles received plenty from Dean Kemp in the middle, Chad Fletcher and
club scapegoat Fraser Gehrig, playing on a wing this evening. Andrew
Donnelly and Phil Read snapped goals for the Wiggles and Rowan Jones
booted a good one following a strong mark. Second quarter and Watson
moved Loewe to CHF, where he had a bit of trouble with Jakovich. Now the
Weegs found goals a bit easier to come by, Andrew Donnelly and Phil
Matera booted two each. Halfway through the term Hall kicked his second
goal, the last St. Kilda would score for a long time. Hall amused himelf
in other ways, crunching Ben Cousins and fencing Daniel Metropolis. A
spectator attempted to remonstrate with Barry after that one, not a
smart thing to do. Hall ignored him. Eagles Cousins, Gehrig and Kemp had
big third terms while Jakovich, Morrison and Read stopped the Saints
scoring, Phil Matera enjoyed his third stanza with three goals.
Lacklustre final term, the highlight of which was Tony Delaney breaking
the Stinkilda goal drought with a great left-foot banana-kick from the
boundary line.
West Coast centreman Dean Kemp led the side with a hefty 36 disposals,
mopping up around packs and driving from the centre. Philip Matera
capitalised in attack, booting 5 goals as he lurked about. On the wing
Fraser Gehrig took 9 marks and gathered 25 possessions. Advertising his
skills for the Saints. As could be expected from a team which conceded
four goals some backmen played well, Glen Jakovich with 12 marks and 34
disposals, Chad Morrison (28 disposals, 10 marks, a goal) and Phil Read
(20 disposals, 2 goals). Rover Ben Cousins was good with 19 handlings
before being rested for the final quarter. Andrew Donnelly kicked 3
goals standing in for injured Cummings, Fletcher and Jones kicked 2
goals each. Drew Banfield and Andrew Williams had over 20 touches each.
Loewe ran everywhere helping the Saints out, except in attack. He had 27
disposals and took 13 marks. Just a point tho'. Dave Sierakowski played
well again, 18 disposals, 9 marks and a goal. And then there were the
usual triers, Nathan Burke (25 disposals) and Andy Thompson (28). Young
Sam Cranage wasn't the worst with 17 handpasses amongst his 22
possessions. Delaney, Lenny Hayes, Brett Knowles and Brett Moyle all had
over 20 possessions (Knowles 29) but none had enough effect on the
outcome. Hall kicked 2 goals. No quote available from Watson, but Ken
Judge said "The finals aren't an issue. I'm not hosing it down, I just
don't think they are worth talking about. We just have to try and win
games of footy, that's the way it is." Big game away to the Crows next
week, then three home games to finish against Geelong, Freo and
Melbourne.
At Football Park:
Port Adelaide 7.3 13.6 15.11 23.11.149
Footscray 4.2 8.6 10.10 16.10.106
The Bulldogs are also struggling towards the finals, injuries
threatening to derail a campaign which was going nicely a few weeks ago.
But credit to Port who were also missing a few but showed their best
form of the season, albeit too late. The Power axed three, Stephen
Daniels, Michael Stevens and Donald Dickie, bringing in Bowen Lockwood,
Chad Cornes and debutant Paul Koulouriotis, an 18-year-old running
midfielder drafted from the Calder Cannons. The Bulldogs lost Kingsley
Hunter again with a broken finger and dropped Simon Cox for speedy small
men Andrew Wills and Steve Kolyniuk. Still no Grant, Dimattina or Ellis.
Port coach Mark Williams isn't so dumb and started big men Lockwood,
Primus and Tredrea plus regular CHB Darren Mead together in attack
against the undersized Bulldog defence. With Chad Cornes down there too
they had a torrid time. The Bulldogs got plenty of the ball but found
forward targets hard to come by. Port were quickly away with Primus and
Mead bagging goals, a long Tredrea effort bounced through. Rover Peter
Burgoyne was the busiest of an active Power on-ball division while Scott
West and Rohan Smith got plenty of it for the Pups. Nathan Brown bagged
a goal to end the first term, early second-stanza goals to Brad Johnson
and Simon Garlick narrowed the Power lead to 7 points before they kicked
away again, winger Stu Dew's penetrating kicks regularly finding Tredrea
or Cornes. Or the goals. After a tighter third term, some wayward Powder
goalshooting keeping the Dogs reasonably close, it absolutely rained
majors in the final stanza. Brad Johnson's slot from the junction of the
50m and boundary lines was probably the best, but Port still outscored
the Pups eight goals to six to equal their highest score of the season.
Port winger Stuart Dew had 22 disposals (17 kicks) and banged 4 goals on
a good day for the locals. The talls did the job up front, Chad Cornes
bagged 5 goals from 7 marks, Warren Tredrea took 7 marks and booted 3
goals, Darren Mead held 8 grabs from a forward pocket and kicked one
goal. Opportunities arrived courtesy Peter Burgoyne (22 disposals),
Roger James (22, 2 goals) and Josh Francou (23 touches) while plenty of
run off half-back came from Fabian Francis (20 touches, 2 goals) and
Jared Poulton (16). The man the Bulldogs traded, Brett Montgomery,
started on the bench but finished with 10 marks, 10 kicks and 2 goals.
Two goals also for Derek Murray. The Bulldogs had a total of 320
disposals to Port's 278 but declined to make good use of it. Rover Scott
West shrugged off the tag of Carr and ended with a massive 42 disposals
(18 kicks, 24 handpasses) along with 2 goals in a huge game. Good
efforts too from fellow middleman Jose Romero (28 touches, a goal) and
wingman Brad Johnson who had 10 kicks in the last quarter for a total of
20 with 3 goals. Running half-back Rohan Smith had 22 disposals and
pushed down for 2 goals, small forwards Simon Garlick (20 handlings, a
goal) and Nathan Brown (18, 2 goals) boxed on. Paul Hudson also kicked 2
goals. The man swapped for Montgomery, Nathan Eagleton, had a modest
afternoon with 11 disposals and a goal. Wallace lamented the injuries.
"Any side that has four or so of their key-position players out is put
under pressure. Richmond and West Coast have shown that. It's difficult.
We probably try to score, on average, about sixteen goals per game. We
were able to get our sixteen but just weren't able to stop the
opposition scoring." Toughness ahead for the Dogs with Carlton,
Collingwood, then Essendon and the Hawks to finish. Williams said "We're
not as bad as people were trying to talk us down. To the credit of the
players and the club, they've kept their belief and we hope to win some
more." And miss out on priority draft picks?
At Princes Park:
Carlton 4.6 9.9 20.12 28.12.180
Collingwood 1.1 6.3 7.6 10.9.69
Carlton spent the week, and some cash, on a public relations exercise to
deflect criticism over their refusal to move the game to the vacant MCG.
"The Last Suburban Battle" it was called, with a big marquee outside the
ground for a whole drunk-tank load of corporate freeloaders, the usual
pre-game parade of former champions and much heavy promotion. Presidents
Elliott and McGuire even slung some muck at the AFL and Channel Seven
for refusing to televise the game live. In the event the ground wasn't
even full, punters smelling the bull excrement or simply not bothering
to attend a game between second and fourteenth. One change for the
Blues, Glenn Manton discarded for young rover Heath Culpitt. At Pieland
Sav Rocca was dropped again, along with regular defender Tarkyn Lockyer
and forward Shane Watson. Gavin Crosisca was selected for the first time
this season, he's played a lot of VFL football in 2000. Also into the
Maggie line-up were Mark Orchard and Steven McKee.
The game itself was an utter mauling for the poor young Pies and the
only points of interest were tumbling records. Carlton kicked their
highest-ever score against the Maggies and it was also the greatest
winning margin in the clashes between the two. The Blues' 11.3 third
quarter was also a club record against the Pies. All over the field the
Blues were too experienced, too strong and too good for the Collingwood
teenagers, Carlton eager to answer their 13-goal hiding from Collingwood
in round 3 and the recent pair of big Essendon wins. Roll on round 20.
Anyway, the Blues should've been further ahead at quarter-time but
missed a few shots, Craig Bradley and Scott Camporeale with plenty of
touches across the middle, Lance Whitnall booted two first-term goals
and Aaron Hamill snapped one after Pie O'Bree coughed the ball up in a
crunching tackle. Late in the term Heath Scotland kicked the Pies' first
goal, marking Licuria's long kick. Collingwood actually did alright in
the second term, crowding around picks to win it by sheer weight of
numbers and using the ball short to avoid contests. Buckley cleared the
opening bounce of the term and booted long, Licuria's quick snap was
snaffled and blasted through by Rhyce Shaw. Bradley was well-tackled by
Leon Davis and the agget spilled for Paul Williams to slot one. Only 11
points the diff but soon the Blues got going, Scott Freeborn kicked long
where Whitnall found himself opposed by midget Mark Orchard, mark and
goal. Pies Betheras and Leon Davis missed shots before Bloo Simon
Beaumont, who kicked 7 goals in a half against the Pies last year,
marked and goaled from a forward flank. Licuria picked out Ben Johnson
for a mark and sausage to Collingwood, then Koutoufides outmarked Ben
Kinnear for his first contribution. The Blues attacked from the centre
bounce - Pie Tony Rocca was off with a calf strain - Beaumont tidied a
scrappy Whitnall handpass for another major. But the Scraggies goaled to
end the term, Chris Tarrant marking Michael's tumbling punt and kicking
truly.
A slow start to the third quartier belied what was coming. Blue flankers
Matt Lappin, Beaumont, Adrian Hickmott and Camporeale had over 10
disposals each as they feasted on the Magpie carcass, Blue ruckman Mark
Porter fisting the ball 20m from the centre bounces rather than tapping
it. It took ten minutes for Trent Hotton to kick the first two sausage
rolls, accepting passes from Lappin and Simon Fletcher. A Hamill
handpass sent Lappin in for an easy goal. Trapped in a pocket, Hickmott
hooked the ball back for Brett Ratten to mark over Williams and convert.
Another good attack on the ball and handpass from Hamill allowed an easy
goal for Camporeale, Ratten gathered a loose ball and snapped another.
Carton by 59 points now as the floodgates really opened. Whitnall kicked
the next two goals, sandwiching a point from the easiest shot of the
three. Passes from Camporeale supplied the opportunities. A long Nathan
Buckley bomb broke the sequence, to ironical cheering from your Bloo
fans, before Hotton marked and goaled again for Carlton. Koutoufides
kicked another goal, created by Culpitt ploughing Buckley into the turf,
a clear free kick not awarded. Hickmott marked and converted after the
siren to much applause. And there was more to come in the last quarter,
but I'll spare Pie supporters the details. Hotton kicked two more goals,
giving him five in a half against Steven McKee. Boy am I glad we got rid
of him.
Carlton didn't have a bad player, but stand-outs included gutsy forward
Aaron Hamill who had 23 disposals, took 7 marks including a screamer and
booted 2 goals, forward flanker Matthew Lappin (21 disposals,10 marks, a
goal) and sacked Pie Trent Hotton (8 marks, 5 goals). In the middle
Brett Ratten (30 possies, 3 goals) and Scott Camporeale (22 kicks, a
goal) created supply, assisted by Porter's 39 hitouts. Back to the
forward line, Lance Whitnall booted 5 goals from 11 marks and 12 kicks,
Koutoufides had a quiet day with 22 touches, 6 marks and 2 goals, Simon
Beaumont again enjoyed playing Collingwood for 26 disposals, 7 marks and
3 goals. And I could go on...Adrian Hickmott (25 handlings, 2 goals),
Ryan Houlihan (2 goals) etc. Even Andy McKay had a fair bit of the ball
despite Bloo backman being untroubled for the major part. For the
Magpiss Nathan Buckley fought hard again for 32 disposals and a goal,
Paul Licuria found some space and run for 19 disposals, Nick Davis was
alright with16 touches off half-back. Leon Davis showed speed and skill
again in snaggling 2 goals from 12 touches, Mark Orchard was alright
with 21 possies. Gav Crosisca was keen to hit people (legally) and
wasn't the worst with 17 possessions. The press conference was held in
the marquee, interrupted by boozy, loud business types. Parkin had to
tell them to shut up. "What was pleasing I think is that we maintained
an approach which has been very consistent over at least fifteen of the
eighteen weeks that we've played, and I guess when you get on the
scoreboard like we did at the end of the third quarter and still see our
team hunting it up in the contest...I think we ought to be pretty
pleased..." Malthouse was understandably less voluble but accurate in
his assessment. "I think Carlton have got a hell of a lot better and
we've stagnated a fair bit. It looked like it was men playing little
boys quite frankly."
At the Gabba:
Brisbane 3.4 7.6 10.9 16.10.106
Hawthorn 3.5 8.9 15.11 18.16.124
Hawthorn leapt back into the eight at Brisbane's expense with a good,
tough win, at last standing up when they needed to. Although it
should've been obvious, the Lions had alternatively won and lost their
previous nine games - they won last week - and the Hawks had a six-game
win-loss sequence going - they lost last week. Brisbane went in without
winger/goalsneak Craig McRae (foot) and axed ruckman Trent Knobel,
replacements were Daryl White and debutant Nathan Clarke, a 20-year-old
elevated from the rookie list. He's from Maroochydore. The Hawks had
Trent Croad and Richard Taylor return, Daniel Harford withdrew with
injury and rookie Luke McPharlin was dropped.
Missed the first quarter, a pretty even one, but early in the second
Hawthorn jumped to a 2-goal lead and stayed there for the rest of the
game. They slaughtered the Lions in the centre where Salmon and Chick
were very good, at CHF Nick Holland caught everything except The Black
Death. From the opening bounce of the second term Glenn Bowyer snaffled
Salmon's tap and punted forward, John Barker marked and dished off for
Shane Crawford to spear the goal. Good play from Aaron Lord was
completed with a pass to Tony Woods, he punted the Horks 13 points
clear. Holland soared for a screamer but missed, Croad's poor kick from
defence went straight to Lion Craig Lambert, he passed to Akermanis, to
Al Lynch on the lead for a goal. Lynch postered his next shot before
Hawthorn replied, as they would all game, Mark Graham finding Barker on
the lead, he converted. Hawks by 14. A goal each again, then Lynch
converted a holding free against Croad, Hawks by 8 points. On the wing
Leppitsch punched Barker in the head repeatedly - the ball was next to
it - Barker got the free kick to Lance Picioane, he handballed for Lord
to snap the goal. A fantastic weaving run and snap from Lion Nigel
Lappin reduced the margin to 8 points at the long break.
Horforn's ability to continually clear centre bounces placed much
pressure on the Brians after half-time. Voss postered early before big
Hawk Nathan Thompson marked and goaled, Hawks by 14 points again.
Brisbane forward Dan Bradshaw escaped Croad for a mark beside the
point-post and chipped backwards for Des Headland to mark and convert, 8
points. Holland marked and goaled, 14 points. A Hork centre-clearance at
the restart, Barker hooked the ball high where Ben Dixon marked beside
the point-post and screwed it through. Horks by 20 points. Crawford
cleared the next centre bounce, Thompson marked but missed. Luke McCabe
was caught in possession, allowing Brisbane first-gamer Nathan Clarke to
convert on the run. But Salmon's influence saw Hawthorn score the next
two goals, he tapped a throw-in to Woods who snapped it through, then
tapped the restarting bounce to Crawford, a handpass to Raydon Tallis
and his long, flat punt bounced home. Hawthorn by 27 points and there
was a flood of goals now, a rare Brisbane centre clearance and Jarrod
Molloy snapped a major thanks to a good bounce, Luke Power missed a shot
and the Hawks moved the ball end-to-end with Chick's pass to Barker
resulting in a goal. Crawford picked out Holland for a mark and sausage,
the visitors went in 32 points ahead at the last change. Brisbane were
frantic in their final-term efforts to bridge the gap, but they
couldn't. Barker marked Ben Dixon's centering kick and punted Hawthorn
40 points ahead. Consecutive Lion goals, Power with a snap and Jon
Brown's strong grab and kick, enlivened the crowd but Brown failed to
score with a poor kick a minute later and Lord snapped another for the
Hawks. The Lions now shifted Daryl White into the ruck and won some
midfield possession at last, some Hawthorn dithering down back allowed
Power to set up Akermanis for a goal, Leppitsch's rainmaking punt was
roved and slotted by Clarke, Hork McCabe overran a loose ball allowing
Power to collect it and punt between the big sticks. Three consecutive
Lion goals and they trailed by 17 points. About four-and-a-half minutes
left and Hawthorn went into game-save mode with lots of short
keepings-off passes, before Paul Salmon pushed forward to mark and boot
the sealer, if one were needed. Brisbane cleared the centre bounce and
Ben Robbins goaled, but they'd run out of time.
Nick Holland pulled down 18 grabs at CHF, a terrific performance which
offered the Hork midfielders much assistance. He had 22 disposals
altogether and kicked 2 goals. The centre-square performances of ruckman
Paul Salmon (22 hitouts, 23 disposals, 9 marks, a goal) and his rovers
Daniel Chick (21 disposals) and Shane Crawford (23, a goal) were
decisive, Salmon also blocked up the backline well. Brisbane couldn't
match them. Down back Trent Croad did the job on Bradshaw and had an
attacking hand himself with 21 touches and 8 marks. In attack John
Barker made a nuisance of himself again with 6 marks and 3 goals, there
were handy if fitful contributions from Aaron Lord (3 goals), Ben Dixon
(3 goals) and Nathan Thompson (2 goals). Tony Woods lurked about for 20
possessions and 2 goals. Lion skipper Michael Voss was their only
consistent contributor midfield, he had 26 possessions and tried very
hard. Nathan Clarke made an excellent debut, winning the ball 19 times
with 10 marks and booting 2 coolly-taken running goals. Winger Nigel
Lappin also battled very hard for 29 disposals, 6 marks and 2 goals,
lively small forward Luke Power had a big last quarter amongst his 19
possessions and 3 goals. Shaun Hart had 17 touches tagging Crawford -
with little success - and Jason Akermanis was alright with 20 touches
and a goal. Al Lynch kicked 2 goals but didn't do a lot against Jon Hay.
Matthews said "Their (Hawthorn's) marking forwards had thirty-three
marks and our marking forwards had five. I mean, that's a lot. Today it
just didn't happen for us. They outplayed us in most of the positions
that counted." Schwab wasn't getting carried away and nor should he with
Hawthorn's draw. "We're a very up-and-down side. We've got to try and
arrest that, but on our day we're very competitive. We're at where we're
at because of that." He paid tribute to Salmon and said "we're going to
miss him. That's for sure." Story today that the Horks are after Shaun
Rehn from the Crows. They've Essendon next week before the two Adelaides
here, then the Bulldogs to finish.
Ladder after Round Eighteen:
Pts. % Next week
Essendon 72 164.7 Hawthorn (Colonial, Sat. night)
Carlton 60 139.2 Footscray (Princes Park, Saturday)
North Melbourne 48 107.0 Geelong (Colonial, Fri. night)
Geelong 42 97.4 North Melbourne (Colonial, Fri. night)
Melbourne 40 111.8 St. Kilda (Colonial, Sunday)
Footscray 36 103.8 Carlton (Princes Park, Saturday)
Hawthorn 36 98.0 Essendon (Colonial, Sat. night)
Richmond 36 92.1 Fremantle (WACA, Sunday)
-------------------------------------
Brisbane 32 104.0 Port Adelaide (Gabba, Sunday)
Adelaide 32 100.3 West Coast (Football Park, Fri. night)
West Coast 30 96.6 Adelaide (Football Park, Fri. night)
Sydney 28 98.0 Collingwood (MCG, Sunday)
Fremantle 28 75.4 Richmond (WACA, Sunday)
Collingwood 24 84.8 Sydney (MCG, Sunday)
Port Adelaide 22 82.6 Brisbane (Gabba, Sunday)
St. Kilda 10 72.4 Melbourne (Colonial, Sunday)
Cheers, Tim
e-mail: t.murphy@rmit.edu.au
