AFL Round 2, Part II
Topic of the opening rounds has been crowds, and lack of them. Round 2
attracted 235,659, a huge drop on last year's corresponding 306,196
(although that was over Easter). On the weekend Port had a record low
home crowd, the Bulldogs' first home game at Colonial drew 24,000 - less
than half-full - and the Cats scraped above 20,000 for their first home
game. The early start to the year, not the AFL's fault, is probably a
big factor, but the leeg can cop some stick over the stupid scheduling
of matches. A plethora of night games, midweek nights, Sunday nights -
who the Howard is going to attend them? Then there's the total lack of
football in Melbourne on a Saturday afternoon. None again this week and
only one next week, the highly enticing Hawthorn-Brisbane. Still, I'd
like to see the TV ratings. There's been a helluva lot of footy on TV so
far and perhaps we're simply doing what we've been trained to, staying
home and watching the game on the toob.
At the MCG:
Melbourne 7.0 13.2 18.4 23.7.145
North Melbourne 3.8 8.13 13.15 17.18.120
Norf's poor start to the new season continued on a hot and windy night
at the 'G. For the second week running they were on the receiving end of
some superbly accurate kicking, but more worryingly they were outplayed.
Again. At least the rift between coach Pagan and match committee
chairman Dawson was healed, with Dawson rejoining the club. The Dees had
three changes from last Wednesday, out with various leg injuries were
Chisholm (corky), Johnstone (hammy) and ruckman White (shin). Two
debutants were amongst the replacements, junior cricket and soccer
international Brad Green from Tasmania and Preston's 18-year-old key
position player Paul Wheatley, carrying the number 31. Marcus Seecamp
got a run too. As expected the Kangas lost Carey with his shoulder
injury and Stevens with half his arm sliced off. Also missing was Robert
Scott with a hammy. Some handy returnees though, Mick Martyn, Martin
Pike and Craig Sholl.
They were playing at night but it was bloody hot again. No worries for
the Demons though as they slotted seven from seven, Schwarz with a
couple of early goals (McCartney was on him). Bruce was also busy in
attack again while Leoncelli and Rigoni drove Melbourne forward.
McKernan started like a Victa but missed a few shots on goal. Cook's
late goal for the Demons sent 'em in 16 points up at quarter time. Cook
booted a few more sausages in the second quarter (McCartney was on him)
as the Dees' accuracy continued. Despite Carey's absence the Roo game
plan remained the same, direct and long, but no-one could get the ball
until Winston Abraham fired, helping the Roos to kick three goals in the
last 3 minutes of the first half to cut Melbourne's lead to 19 points at
the long break. The Kangas had a Red Hot Go in the third quarter, Harvey
and Grant to the fore but the Dees answered every challenge. Green came
off the bench to gather 8 kicks and a goal in the quarter, forward
Russell Robertson also did well in his first run for the game. Jeff
Farmer was very quiet but his desperate double tackle on Lange and King
earned Wiz a free kick and goal to put the Dees 25 points up halfway
through the last quarter. Harvey and McKernan majored for the Poos to
cut the lead to 13 points, but Robertson snapped truly a moment later to
secure the Demons' first win of the century.
Good performances from the Melbun forwards. James Cook booted 6 goals
from 11 kicks and 5 marks, second-gamer Cameron Bruce bagged 4 goals
from 15 possessions and Robertson kicked 4 goals in the second half.
Leoncelli gathered 29 possessions in the centre and running defender
Peter Walsh was handy with 22 disposals. Powell and Woewodin handled
20-plus times each and Simmonds did well in the ruck. Schwarz and Green
finished with 2 goals each. The Roos were flat again, Abraham inspired
their best spell and ended with 2 goals, Pete Bell got the ball 32
times. Martyn stopped Schwarz after the Demon's menacing start and
Blakey played well. Hewitt kicked 3 goals, like last week, and Brent
Harvey also booted 3 goals from 16 touches. Motlop, Calthorpe, Grant and
McKernan kicked 2 goals each, McKernan kicked 2.5 and took just 3 marks,
all in the first quarter. "We know Corey can play a hell of a lot
better," Pagan said later. On the game he commented "Melbourne were the
better side on the night and they played very well. You're always going
to be in trouble when sides are as accurate as they were...last year,
the first two games sides kicked 141 points against us. We take a lot of
positives away from the game even though we're disappointed and
frustrated." Daniher said "They (his own players) moved the ball pretty
nicely, didn't they? I thought we played a pretty good brand of footy."
At Kardinia Park:
Geelong 7.4 11.7 15.13 21.13.139
St. Kilda 4.0 10.1 13.7 15.9.99
On the Saturday morning of this game we were surprised to learn that
Geelong almost folded duing the week. The Bank of Melbourne demanded
immediate repayment of an outstanding $5.4 million from the Cats, which
they didn't have. The club managed to talk the bank into accepting $3
million and writing the rest off - and that 3 mill had to be borrowed
from Bendigo Bank with the club committee members being personal
guarantors. Not even Fitzroy in their darkest hours did that. Mind you,
the Cats' future is probably bit brighter than the Lions' was and CEO
Brian Cook announced that "for the first time since my arrival here, I'm
starting to feel confident about the club's long-term future and
viability." The Cats went on to record a good win over the struggling
Saints. Geelong lost two from last week's win, Clint Bizzell out with a
groin strain and Steinfort was dropped. In came youngsters Clarke and
Corrigan. The Saints looked better balanced going in with big defenders
Daryl and Shane Wakelin returning, and they had a debutant in
19-year-old forward flanker Chad Davis. Davis's dad Allan was a member
of St. Kilda's premiership team. Out, dropped, were Begley, Elliott and
Tony Brown.
Saint coach Watson restored Burke and Harvey to the centre this week,
with Everitt starting at full-forward. And big Spider proved a handful
for Geelong skipper Graham, booting two early goals as the Saints were
quickly away. But soon the Cats were back, booting five consecutive
goals. Burns and Stoneham snapped majors and Hocking slotted after a
goalsquare mark. Mensch kicked a freaky goal, the ball sitting up on the
goal-line for him to slam-dunk it onto his boot and put it through.
Second quarter was the Harvey-Everitt show. 'Banger' picked up 10 kicks
in the quarter and Everitt booted five goals. The Cats did enough to
stay in front though, Spriggs and Hocking got some touches in the middle
while Mensch did well up front, as did Burns. For the second half Graham
was sent forward and Tom Harley given the job on Everitt. It sort-of
worked...Everitt continued to mark everything, but his first-half
accuracy disappeared. Four behinds in the quarter cost the Saints while
the Cats got four more goals, two from professional forward pocket Jason
Snell. One of them came when Saint Charles fumbled horribly on the wing,
Mooney pounced and fortuitously tumbled and fumbled the ball ahead of
him before a mongrel punt flopped into Snell's arms. Stakilda were only
three goals down at the final break but the Cats ran it out
impressively. King, Riccardi and Spriggs pumped the ball forward where
goals came from Clarke, Houlihan and Graham. Everitt booted another for
the Saints but Ronnie Burns sewed it up for Geelong with a flukey
left-foot banana from the 'wrong' pocket, a goal destined to be
much-replayed.
Ol' Buddha Hocking led the Cats well, picking up 26 possessions and
bagging 2 goals as he swapped between the middle and forward pocket.
Burns sped about the forward line, kicking 3 goals from 19 touches and
the unloved, and unlovely, David Mensch had 15 disposals and kicked 2
goals from CHF. In the centre ruckman Steven King had 21 touches, 7
marks and a goal against Monky while the speedy second-gamer David
Spriggs had 14 spearing kicks. Harley played well at the back. The Cats
really had a team effort though, emphasised by their 13 goalkickers -
Houlihan, Snell, Graham and Mooney kicked 2 goals each. In contrast the
Saints relied on the usual suspects. Everitt finished with 9.6 from 11
marks, Harvey got 25 possessions and a goal and Burke 15 kicks.
Thompson, opposed to Hocking, did alright as did Joe McLaren on a wing.
Loewe kicked 2 goals from 4 marks. But the other experienced Saints -
Peckett, Sziller, Hall, Jones - didn't do enough. It was in an effort to
get these blokes involved that Watson moved the established stars away
from the action, and it's a fair enough reason. He said "Our club is not
going to improve by Robert Harvey, Nathan Burke and Andrew Thompson
improving. We need to get another rung of players coming through, we're
asking too much of too few. But there's still 20 weeks to go. The sun
will come up tomorrow...we'll go back to the drawing board." Keep
plugging away Timmy. Bomber Thompson said "It was a better standard
game, and a better win, than last week. There's been a lot of bad news
coming out about the club over summer, but we've always had faith in
ourselves. It doesn't surprise me we've won the first two games. But
there's still a long way to go." Indeed, after all they won the first
five last year.
At Football Park:
Port Adelaide 3.5 7.9 9.13 12.15.87
Fremantle 3.2 10.5 14.8 19.11.126
Fremantle's first win at Footy Park, and first one over the Power
anywhere. Alberton, Port's home, was not a happy place during the week
as supporters reacted angrily to their team's slaughter by the rampant
Bombers. Bet they were ecstatic after this one. The crowd for this game,
just over 24,000, was Port's smallest home gate in their brief history.
Their players appeared well down on confidence here, making a series of
uncharacteristic disposal errors and taking poor options when in
possession. It's not just losing but the way you lose. The Dockers
looked very good, apart from their shaved heads which were for a cancer
charity, not team bonding as I said last week. Port had Poulton,
Schofield and Dew in to replace Cockatoo-Collins, Steinberner and
Francou, all out with hamstring strains. The Dockers made one change,
Callaghan replacing Norrish, out with a groin strain.
Port started with the aid of a breeze and their Nick Stevens kicked
accurately on the run for the first goal, then Cornes punted long to the
'square for Montgomery to mark and goal. Freo's first attack saw Modra
mark a high kick in the pocket, but his centering pass was intercepted
by Wanganeen. Mods atoned a bit later tho', taking a big pack grab from
Koops's kick and goaling. Port were doing better with Kingsley
blanketing Fletcher, Tredrea plucked a good grab at CHF and majored to
put the Pooer 14 points up. Just after that Port ruckman Brendon Lade,
playing at full forward, fractured his leg in a collision with Freo's
Parker and had to be stretchered off. The Dockers kicked two quick
goals, a good set shot from a tight angle from Waterhouse and a great
left-foot snap by Koops narrowed the gap. Meanwhile Tredrea missed twice
following strong marks. A Kickett goal put the visitors in front early
in the second stanza. Port replied with two quick sausages, Lyle passed
to leading Montgomery who had an easy shot thanks to a 50m penalty, then
Morton came off the bench to snap after roving a goalsquare pack. Port
by 10. Fremantle answered through Waterhouse, set up by Fletcher. Port
defender Poulton kicked a play-switching pass straight to Docker
Callaghan, but he missed. Nevermind, a bit later Gale thumped a huge
kick downfield, Prescott got on the end of it and picked out leading
Modra. His major put Freo ahead by 3 points. A good driven kick from 50m
by Bode put Port ahead again, but Freo kicked the next 4 goals.
Callaghan and Troy Longmuir exchanged passes for the former to goal, a
Pork turnover midfield saw Fewster raise the twin calicos and the
prominent Hasleby sent Dodd in for a running slot. Callaghan goaled
again after an advantage decision and the Shockers led by 20 points. A
good running shot from Fabian Francis ended the half on a high for the
Flowers.
Fremantle stayed ahead in the third term, doing well as Port continued
to turn over possession regularly. Cornes cut the margin to 8 points
with an early goal, but Waterhouse's cool handpass to McManus expanded
the Docker led again and another Port mistake midfield saw Dodd mark and
convert, Fremantle by 20. Lyle's handpass created another Port goal for
Cornes, but some excellent exchanges between Michael, Modra and Prescott
set up the reply goal for Waterhouse. Right on the three-quarter siren
some good handpassing under pressure in the Docker forward line led to
Sinclair snapping 'em 25 points clear. And on they went. Waterhouse got
the ball to Callaghan, he hit the leading Modra for the first goal of
the last quarter and Freo were 5 goals up. A long Cornes effort was just
touched through by Parker before Troy Longmuir snapped another
six-pointer for the Dokkers, Modra led, marked Prescott's pass and
converted again and Sinclair's back-pass saw Bandy get one. A 48-point
gap yawned before the home lads but Danny Morton snapped two quick goals
to give the very quiet locals something to yell about. James threaded a
free between the big posts from a tight angle but Cook did very well to
find Waterhouse, in an ocean of space, to give away the last gol to Troy
Longmuir.
Very good performance once more from Freo tyro Paul Hasleby, 22
well-used disposals around the centre. He faded after half time, though,
perhaps not surprising for a kid. Dan Bandy, playing as a CHB so far,
was very good as the match wore on, finishing with 12 marks, 20
possessions and a goal. At CHF Clive Waterhouse impressed with his
second-efforts and one-percenters, he kicked 3 goals from 11 touches.
Prescott had 17 kicks driving it down to Clive 'n' Tone and Kickett had
19 disposlas and a goal from half-back, with 11 touches in the third
quarter. Callaghan was his usual tough self with 18 possies and 2 goals.
Also liked the games of James Walker on a back flank and Leigh Brown at
full back. Modra kicked 4 goals and there were 2 each for Dodd and Troy
Longmuir. Port had few consistent winners, Adam Kingsley was very good
in restricting Docker Fletcher to 9 touches while having 29 himself,
Cornes was their best forward with 21 disposals and 2 goals and Lyle
worked hard for 28 possessions. Winger Burgoyne (25 handlings) wasn't
bad and Wanganeen gave his usual honest performance, but there were a
lot of Flowers MIA. Tredrea took 5 marks in the first quarter and one
more for the match. Primus needs more time to improve, but French,
Wilson, Francis, Schofield - hardly sighted. No quote here from
Williams. Drum urged consistency. "Self-belief-wise, hopefully they can
understand that this has got to be the norm and less of the
exception...What's missing from us is more of these efforts on the trot
and just a consistent performance week-in, week-out."
At Princes Park:
Carlton 5.3 13.10 16.19 22.22.154
Hawthorn 4.1 6.3 12.4 18.4.112
Impressive win again for the Bloos, over a Hawthorn team down on
confidence and really struggling in the middle of the field - not the
place to be weak against Carlton. Once again the warm, dry conditions
led to plenty of goals being kicked. The Blues had no changes from last
week, which meant still no Silvagni or O'Reilly, while Hawthorn dropped
Lord and Taylor to select Raydon Tallis and Ben Dixon. Anthony
Koutoufides played his 150th game for Carlton and Nick Holland his 100th
for the Hawks.
Much ill-feeling between these two and there was plenty of old-fashioned
biffo early on, sparked by the Festival Hall pairing of Fraser Brown and
Barry Young. Hawk Holland kicked the first goal, from a free kick. After
dobbing it Holland wrestled with Allan, Allan got a free. He kicked it
to Hamill, who was whacked and got a free. Hickmott snapped the Blue's
first goal as he avoided some serious hip-and-shoulder work by the Hawk
backmen. As well as the violence, there was plenty of slipping over -
players eschewing the boot for 'grass blades' in the conditions. Holland
snaggled another goal for the Hawks after staying down at a contest, but
Hickmott passed to Whitnall for a major, then Camporeale raced away from
the restart and bombed it through from 55m. Whitnall snapped truly and
the Blues were 2 goals up. Hawthorn were relying heavily on Nick Holland
as Crawford copped plenty of close attention again, Holland kicked their
next goal, missed badly when he could have run in but then put the Hawks
a point up with a strong grab and good kick from 50m. A minute later
Croad took a great hanging screamer over Whitnall in the middle of the
ground. The Hawkers' day had peaked. Carlton missed a few shots before
Rock's bad handpass allowed Ratten to slot Carlton 8 points clear at the
first break.
By half-time it was over. The Blues were good but Hawthorn were woeful.
Who taught them to handpass - a thalidomide baby? From the opening
bounce of the second quarter Ratten's good work allowed the Great
Receiver Camporeale to run away and bang it through the big posts. A
terrible handpass from Hawk Young should have resulted in a goal for
Hamill, but he missed. A minute later Whitnall doubled back to mark and
goal, shortly after Big Whit got another after some comical defending by
the Hawks. Lappin converted a mark and the Blues led by 34 points. An
all-in blue, started by the unlikely duo of McCabe and Camporeale, led
to a free kick and 50m penalty for the Carlton man, he punted 'em 40
points up. Aging Hawk Paul Salmon, now at full forward, stopped the run
with a free-kick goal. But the Hawks' exasperation was shown when Croad
resorted to a torpedo from a kick-in, it rebounded for an easy goal to
Simon Fletcher. Holland missed before Dixon roved for a good Hawk
sausage. But Carton answered through Fevola, just on, who marked well
and received 50m when frustrated Hay slapped the ball away. Whitnall
hooked the Blues 49 points up at the long rest.
Hawthorn did improve in the third quarter. Crawford finally got into the
game and Dan Chick got some kicks up forward. Carlton could have
increased their lead though, if it weren't for some erratic shooting for
goal. Fevola was the main culprit, he led very well but his set-shot
technique needs some work. The Blues opened the half with two misses
before Hamill was caught running from defence and Chick snapped a goal.
Fevola missed twice but then got on target from a good lead, Chick again
replied for the Hawks. Crawford cleared the centre bounce and Holland
won a free for being held, he dobbed it and Rock won the next centre
clearance, Chick was hammered and the ump allowed advantage for Harford
to goal. Three consecutive Hawk majors and the margin was down to 34
points. Fevola missed but Hamill steadied the Blues with a goalsquare
mark from Koutoufides's kick. Kouta was cruising about the middle with
the ball on a string. Salmon's day ended with a leg injury and Fletcher
expanded the margin to 46 points. Fevola missed again before the Hawks
ended the quarter well, good work from Crawford made a sausage for Dixon
and Joel Smith marked and converted. Horforn's Croad slotted a great
kick from the boundary to open the last quarter, they were a possible 33
points down but the Blues coasted in. Fevola kicked 2 goals in the last
term, one after a great one-handed mark, and Whitnall bagged another.
For the Hawks Thompson, Holland and Chick added goals, Graham took a
nice speccie over Whitnall. But they were well beaten.
Blue centremen dominated once more, Brett Ratten had 31 disposals and a
goal, Scott Camporeale 34 touches with 3 goals against Crawford in the
first half and Kouta celebrated his milestone with a lazy 29 possies. Up
front Whitnall had an entertaining duel with Croad but won comfortably,
booting 5 goals in the first half. Fevola kicked 4.5 from 9 marks and
looks a player. Back flankers McKay and Hickmott were very good and
Hotton did well at full back. Craig Bradley put in another solid day at
the office, 22 disposals and a goal. Hamill and Fletcher kicked 2 goals
each. For the Hawks Nick Holland stood tall again, booting another 6
goals, four in the first quarter which saw opponent Sexton benched.
Anthony Rock battled on the ball and ended with a hefty 33 disposals,
although his delivery is a bit erratic. Daniel Chick did well in attack
after half-time and finished with 19 possessions and 3 goals, McCabe
battled in every sense of the word in defence. Not a lot else to excite,
though. Crawford had 13 disposals and did a little bit in the second
half, but he still doesn't seem too fit. Smith and Dixon kicked 2 goals.
"We showed some fight, some grit, but I still can't accept the defeat.
We can't get beat and keep saying we were competitive. You're expected
to be competitive in the AFL but you've got to win," said Schwab. There
was some classical Parkin. "I think we're better because we've got an
even distribution around the front half, of different sizes and shapes,
all of whom at least have the potential to score. I think we're a bit
better balanced and have more depth than we did. I've no doubt that we
have."
At the MCG:
Collingwood 5.5 7.10 10.14 14.19.103
Adelaide 7.1 10.3 12.9 13.14.92
On go the Pies. President Eddie led a pre-game march, this time from the
Tennis Centre to the 'G (about 500m) to inaugurate the MCG as their new
home. The Pies overcame some poor goalkicking and disposal to overwhelm
the Cows with their enthusiasm and commitment. I'm tellin' ya - that
Ayresey is no good. Collingwood's big first-up win (actually their
fourth in a row if you listen to their supporters) didn't save veteran
Gavin Brown, whom Malthouse dropped to the reserves. In his testimonial
year. We saw Gav running around against Port Melbourne in the revamped
VFL. Chris Tarrant replaced him in the seniors. The Crows made three
unforced changes, axing Vardy, Thiessen and youngster Crowell for Nathan
Bassett, Kane Johnson and big man Ben Marsh. Marsh missed all last
season with a knee reconstruction.
The visitors started best, Welsh snapped the opening goal and Jarman
picked out Marsh on the lead. McLeod goaled from a set shot. Jars then
showed a bit of the old magic, twisting out of a tackle and away from
two other Pies to snaggle a goal, it was Camrys four goals to none. Paul
Williams slotted one on the run to get the Maggies' first, but Marsh
(playing at full-forward) goaled again from a strong grab. Then the Pies
got moving. Buckley speared truly from the flank and an excellent tackle
from Adkins on Smart led to a goal for Mal Michael. Michael was involved
in the next Pie sausage, picking out Williams with a good pass. Willo
had three when he thumped a trademark runner from 55m. Corollas grabbed
a quarter-time lead with a very good set shot from Matt Robran. The
Cressidas got two early goals in the second korter, Ricciuto with a nice
pass to Burton, then Byrne's kick was marked and converted by Welsh. The
Pies muffed a few chances before a good centering kick from Adkins found
Williams at CHF, he potted his fourth. Burton created an answer for
Jarman before Willo bobbed up again for Collingwood, racing in for an
easy goal from Fraser's handpass. Not a good half for Willo's opponent,
Tyson Edwards.
The Scraggies gained control in the middle after half time, with
Betheras and Buckley winning a bucket of touches. It also started to
rain - we 'aint seen that for a while. Sav Rocca kicked the opening goal
from a free kick. Jarman passed for Edwards to goal but Bucks replied
for the Pies with a strong grab and nice kick. They were just five
points down. Misses from both sides before a poor clearing kick from a
Crow went to Betheras, he passed to Sav and the Pies were up by 3
points. The Corollas enjoyed a spell of pressure, but a poster from
Marsh and misses by Ellen and McLeod only levelled the scores. Handily
the Pies messed up a kick-in and Brett James bagged a goal to give the
Cows the lead in 3/4 time. The rain got heavier in the last quarter and
the lights came on. Sav snapped the Pies level early. Buckley, then Tony
Rocca, missed long shots after the Pie fans urged 'em into having a go
and young Ben Johnson dropped an absolute sitter just 10m out. But they
appeared far keener than the croweaters. The TV team were proving
especially annoying. Drew Morphett is not the best (this was the same
fixture where Drew made his "proper Australian names" comment) but he
appeared a brilliant professional alongside his special comments men.
Apart from openly barracking for the Pies, their insights were of the
"ho-ho, look at that...ooohhh, he's marked it...aahh, a big kick"
variety. Didn't get the names. Anyway. Sav juggled a mark and booted the
Pies 8 points clear. An illegal but unpenalised smother from Fraser
(over the mark) and intelligent pass by A. Rocca were wasted by
Michael's miss. At the other end Hart and Ricciuto combined perfectly,
McLeod led and spilled Roo's pass. But the umpire whistled too hastily
and McLeod was allowed the grab. Just to rub it in for the hooting Pies,
he goaled and cut their lead to 3 points. A Welsh miss narrowed it to 2.
But it was McGuirewood's day. Adkins behinded and Johnson postered
before Sav Rocca fittingly wrapped it up with a chest mark and goal from
30m.
Nathan Buckley, ho-hum. 31 dispoals, 7 marks and 3 goals. Oh, against
Andrew McLeod by the way. The rest of the Pies' goalscoring was a tale
of two halves, Paul Williams kicked all 5 of his goals in the first two
quarters, having 16 of his 20 touches then. Ricciuto shut him down in
the second half. But Sav Rocca came off the bench then to kick his 5
goals. Sav is being eased into the year after a recent knee op. Rupert
Betheras had a big second half to finish with 25 touches and Paul
Licuria also played well, off a back flank for 26 disposals. Anthony
Rocca was useful again with 7 marks around the ground and young Adkins
impressed once more. But another very even team effort from the Maggies.
For the Crows Mark Ricciuto had 18 disposals and used them all perfectly
as well as stopping Williams, Robran constantly threatened at CHF with 6
marks, 17 touches and a goal. Kane Johnson had a generally good return
with 20 disposals although coach Ayres named him for an out-on-the-full
late in the game. Hart had a solid game and rookie James Byrne was a
handy runner with 19 disposals. Rehn showed glimpses of his best in the
ruck. Ben Marsh kicked 3 goals, Jarman, Welsh and McLeod 2 each. Shane
Ellen kicked 3 points. "I don't think we ever looked like we were in
control of the game, it would have been nice to be in that situation but
I certainly didn't think that from the coach's box...when the game got
tight, there were some really poor choices with our disposal," said
Ayres. Watch him drop more established senior players next week.
Malthouse opined "In the first 10 minutes I was thinking 'Well, perhaps
things aren't as right as they should be', but full credit to the
players. They fought back on three or four occasions to be in a position
to win, so it is a terrific effort." Mick went on to call for a big
crowd against the Blues next Sunday. Should be interesting.
At Colonial Stadium:
Footscray 7.2 9.5 12.8 17.8.112
Brisbane 2.2 10.5 13.10 21.13.139
The first-ever AFL game, indeed Australian football game, played indoors
as the roof at Colonial (or "Doglands" as Footscray are calling it) was
closed. It certainly helped increase the noise level inside the
less-than-half-full arena. Colonial is promoted as a place where you can
"hear every word" and perhaps punters entered this game expecting to
hear every gouge of fingernail on flesh and every sledge back-and-forth
from these recent enemies. Indeed there was more scratching, the Lion
heirarachy naming Jose Romero as responsible for post-game scratch marks
on the neck and torso of their Simon Black. The punters here saw a good,
fast game of football with Brisbane turning on an excellent second half.
From last week the Dogs were missing Brad Johnson, suspended for
stomping on Burton, and Alvey omitted. In came Paul Dimattina and
ex-Fremantle and Geelong winger Andrew Wills. Brisbane lost Lambert with
a shoulder injury and axed McKinnon and Chris Johnson. Replacements were
Alistair Lynch, Brett Voss and former Bulldog Michael Martin - he didn't
play last week after all.
Topic of the opening rounds has been crowds, and lack of them. Round 2
attracted 235,659, a huge drop on last year's corresponding 306,196
(although that was over Easter). On the weekend Port had a record low
home crowd, the Bulldogs' first home game at Colonial drew 24,000 - less
than half-full - and the Cats scraped above 20,000 for their first home
game. The early start to the year, not the AFL's fault, is probably a
big factor, but the leeg can cop some stick over the stupid scheduling
of matches. A plethora of night games, midweek nights, Sunday nights -
who the Howard is going to attend them? Then there's the total lack of
football in Melbourne on a Saturday afternoon. None again this week and
only one next week, the highly enticing Hawthorn-Brisbane. Still, I'd
like to see the TV ratings. There's been a helluva lot of footy on TV so
far and perhaps we're simply doing what we've been trained to, staying
home and watching the game on the toob.
At the MCG:
Melbourne 7.0 13.2 18.4 23.7.145
North Melbourne 3.8 8.13 13.15 17.18.120
Norf's poor start to the new season continued on a hot and windy night
at the 'G. For the second week running they were on the receiving end of
some superbly accurate kicking, but more worryingly they were outplayed.
Again. At least the rift between coach Pagan and match committee
chairman Dawson was healed, with Dawson rejoining the club. The Dees had
three changes from last Wednesday, out with various leg injuries were
Chisholm (corky), Johnstone (hammy) and ruckman White (shin). Two
debutants were amongst the replacements, junior cricket and soccer
international Brad Green from Tasmania and Preston's 18-year-old key
position player Paul Wheatley, carrying the number 31. Marcus Seecamp
got a run too. As expected the Kangas lost Carey with his shoulder
injury and Stevens with half his arm sliced off. Also missing was Robert
Scott with a hammy. Some handy returnees though, Mick Martyn, Martin
Pike and Craig Sholl.
They were playing at night but it was bloody hot again. No worries for
the Demons though as they slotted seven from seven, Schwarz with a
couple of early goals (McCartney was on him). Bruce was also busy in
attack again while Leoncelli and Rigoni drove Melbourne forward.
McKernan started like a Victa but missed a few shots on goal. Cook's
late goal for the Demons sent 'em in 16 points up at quarter time. Cook
booted a few more sausages in the second quarter (McCartney was on him)
as the Dees' accuracy continued. Despite Carey's absence the Roo game
plan remained the same, direct and long, but no-one could get the ball
until Winston Abraham fired, helping the Roos to kick three goals in the
last 3 minutes of the first half to cut Melbourne's lead to 19 points at
the long break. The Kangas had a Red Hot Go in the third quarter, Harvey
and Grant to the fore but the Dees answered every challenge. Green came
off the bench to gather 8 kicks and a goal in the quarter, forward
Russell Robertson also did well in his first run for the game. Jeff
Farmer was very quiet but his desperate double tackle on Lange and King
earned Wiz a free kick and goal to put the Dees 25 points up halfway
through the last quarter. Harvey and McKernan majored for the Poos to
cut the lead to 13 points, but Robertson snapped truly a moment later to
secure the Demons' first win of the century.
Good performances from the Melbun forwards. James Cook booted 6 goals
from 11 kicks and 5 marks, second-gamer Cameron Bruce bagged 4 goals
from 15 possessions and Robertson kicked 4 goals in the second half.
Leoncelli gathered 29 possessions in the centre and running defender
Peter Walsh was handy with 22 disposals. Powell and Woewodin handled
20-plus times each and Simmonds did well in the ruck. Schwarz and Green
finished with 2 goals each. The Roos were flat again, Abraham inspired
their best spell and ended with 2 goals, Pete Bell got the ball 32
times. Martyn stopped Schwarz after the Demon's menacing start and
Blakey played well. Hewitt kicked 3 goals, like last week, and Brent
Harvey also booted 3 goals from 16 touches. Motlop, Calthorpe, Grant and
McKernan kicked 2 goals each, McKernan kicked 2.5 and took just 3 marks,
all in the first quarter. "We know Corey can play a hell of a lot
better," Pagan said later. On the game he commented "Melbourne were the
better side on the night and they played very well. You're always going
to be in trouble when sides are as accurate as they were...last year,
the first two games sides kicked 141 points against us. We take a lot of
positives away from the game even though we're disappointed and
frustrated." Daniher said "They (his own players) moved the ball pretty
nicely, didn't they? I thought we played a pretty good brand of footy."
At Kardinia Park:
Geelong 7.4 11.7 15.13 21.13.139
St. Kilda 4.0 10.1 13.7 15.9.99
On the Saturday morning of this game we were surprised to learn that
Geelong almost folded duing the week. The Bank of Melbourne demanded
immediate repayment of an outstanding $5.4 million from the Cats, which
they didn't have. The club managed to talk the bank into accepting $3
million and writing the rest off - and that 3 mill had to be borrowed
from Bendigo Bank with the club committee members being personal
guarantors. Not even Fitzroy in their darkest hours did that. Mind you,
the Cats' future is probably bit brighter than the Lions' was and CEO
Brian Cook announced that "for the first time since my arrival here, I'm
starting to feel confident about the club's long-term future and
viability." The Cats went on to record a good win over the struggling
Saints. Geelong lost two from last week's win, Clint Bizzell out with a
groin strain and Steinfort was dropped. In came youngsters Clarke and
Corrigan. The Saints looked better balanced going in with big defenders
Daryl and Shane Wakelin returning, and they had a debutant in
19-year-old forward flanker Chad Davis. Davis's dad Allan was a member
of St. Kilda's premiership team. Out, dropped, were Begley, Elliott and
Tony Brown.
Saint coach Watson restored Burke and Harvey to the centre this week,
with Everitt starting at full-forward. And big Spider proved a handful
for Geelong skipper Graham, booting two early goals as the Saints were
quickly away. But soon the Cats were back, booting five consecutive
goals. Burns and Stoneham snapped majors and Hocking slotted after a
goalsquare mark. Mensch kicked a freaky goal, the ball sitting up on the
goal-line for him to slam-dunk it onto his boot and put it through.
Second quarter was the Harvey-Everitt show. 'Banger' picked up 10 kicks
in the quarter and Everitt booted five goals. The Cats did enough to
stay in front though, Spriggs and Hocking got some touches in the middle
while Mensch did well up front, as did Burns. For the second half Graham
was sent forward and Tom Harley given the job on Everitt. It sort-of
worked...Everitt continued to mark everything, but his first-half
accuracy disappeared. Four behinds in the quarter cost the Saints while
the Cats got four more goals, two from professional forward pocket Jason
Snell. One of them came when Saint Charles fumbled horribly on the wing,
Mooney pounced and fortuitously tumbled and fumbled the ball ahead of
him before a mongrel punt flopped into Snell's arms. Stakilda were only
three goals down at the final break but the Cats ran it out
impressively. King, Riccardi and Spriggs pumped the ball forward where
goals came from Clarke, Houlihan and Graham. Everitt booted another for
the Saints but Ronnie Burns sewed it up for Geelong with a flukey
left-foot banana from the 'wrong' pocket, a goal destined to be
much-replayed.
Ol' Buddha Hocking led the Cats well, picking up 26 possessions and
bagging 2 goals as he swapped between the middle and forward pocket.
Burns sped about the forward line, kicking 3 goals from 19 touches and
the unloved, and unlovely, David Mensch had 15 disposals and kicked 2
goals from CHF. In the centre ruckman Steven King had 21 touches, 7
marks and a goal against Monky while the speedy second-gamer David
Spriggs had 14 spearing kicks. Harley played well at the back. The Cats
really had a team effort though, emphasised by their 13 goalkickers -
Houlihan, Snell, Graham and Mooney kicked 2 goals each. In contrast the
Saints relied on the usual suspects. Everitt finished with 9.6 from 11
marks, Harvey got 25 possessions and a goal and Burke 15 kicks.
Thompson, opposed to Hocking, did alright as did Joe McLaren on a wing.
Loewe kicked 2 goals from 4 marks. But the other experienced Saints -
Peckett, Sziller, Hall, Jones - didn't do enough. It was in an effort to
get these blokes involved that Watson moved the established stars away
from the action, and it's a fair enough reason. He said "Our club is not
going to improve by Robert Harvey, Nathan Burke and Andrew Thompson
improving. We need to get another rung of players coming through, we're
asking too much of too few. But there's still 20 weeks to go. The sun
will come up tomorrow...we'll go back to the drawing board." Keep
plugging away Timmy. Bomber Thompson said "It was a better standard
game, and a better win, than last week. There's been a lot of bad news
coming out about the club over summer, but we've always had faith in
ourselves. It doesn't surprise me we've won the first two games. But
there's still a long way to go." Indeed, after all they won the first
five last year.
At Football Park:
Port Adelaide 3.5 7.9 9.13 12.15.87
Fremantle 3.2 10.5 14.8 19.11.126
Fremantle's first win at Footy Park, and first one over the Power
anywhere. Alberton, Port's home, was not a happy place during the week
as supporters reacted angrily to their team's slaughter by the rampant
Bombers. Bet they were ecstatic after this one. The crowd for this game,
just over 24,000, was Port's smallest home gate in their brief history.
Their players appeared well down on confidence here, making a series of
uncharacteristic disposal errors and taking poor options when in
possession. It's not just losing but the way you lose. The Dockers
looked very good, apart from their shaved heads which were for a cancer
charity, not team bonding as I said last week. Port had Poulton,
Schofield and Dew in to replace Cockatoo-Collins, Steinberner and
Francou, all out with hamstring strains. The Dockers made one change,
Callaghan replacing Norrish, out with a groin strain.
Port started with the aid of a breeze and their Nick Stevens kicked
accurately on the run for the first goal, then Cornes punted long to the
'square for Montgomery to mark and goal. Freo's first attack saw Modra
mark a high kick in the pocket, but his centering pass was intercepted
by Wanganeen. Mods atoned a bit later tho', taking a big pack grab from
Koops's kick and goaling. Port were doing better with Kingsley
blanketing Fletcher, Tredrea plucked a good grab at CHF and majored to
put the Pooer 14 points up. Just after that Port ruckman Brendon Lade,
playing at full forward, fractured his leg in a collision with Freo's
Parker and had to be stretchered off. The Dockers kicked two quick
goals, a good set shot from a tight angle from Waterhouse and a great
left-foot snap by Koops narrowed the gap. Meanwhile Tredrea missed twice
following strong marks. A Kickett goal put the visitors in front early
in the second stanza. Port replied with two quick sausages, Lyle passed
to leading Montgomery who had an easy shot thanks to a 50m penalty, then
Morton came off the bench to snap after roving a goalsquare pack. Port
by 10. Fremantle answered through Waterhouse, set up by Fletcher. Port
defender Poulton kicked a play-switching pass straight to Docker
Callaghan, but he missed. Nevermind, a bit later Gale thumped a huge
kick downfield, Prescott got on the end of it and picked out leading
Modra. His major put Freo ahead by 3 points. A good driven kick from 50m
by Bode put Port ahead again, but Freo kicked the next 4 goals.
Callaghan and Troy Longmuir exchanged passes for the former to goal, a
Pork turnover midfield saw Fewster raise the twin calicos and the
prominent Hasleby sent Dodd in for a running slot. Callaghan goaled
again after an advantage decision and the Shockers led by 20 points. A
good running shot from Fabian Francis ended the half on a high for the
Flowers.
Fremantle stayed ahead in the third term, doing well as Port continued
to turn over possession regularly. Cornes cut the margin to 8 points
with an early goal, but Waterhouse's cool handpass to McManus expanded
the Docker led again and another Port mistake midfield saw Dodd mark and
convert, Fremantle by 20. Lyle's handpass created another Port goal for
Cornes, but some excellent exchanges between Michael, Modra and Prescott
set up the reply goal for Waterhouse. Right on the three-quarter siren
some good handpassing under pressure in the Docker forward line led to
Sinclair snapping 'em 25 points clear. And on they went. Waterhouse got
the ball to Callaghan, he hit the leading Modra for the first goal of
the last quarter and Freo were 5 goals up. A long Cornes effort was just
touched through by Parker before Troy Longmuir snapped another
six-pointer for the Dokkers, Modra led, marked Prescott's pass and
converted again and Sinclair's back-pass saw Bandy get one. A 48-point
gap yawned before the home lads but Danny Morton snapped two quick goals
to give the very quiet locals something to yell about. James threaded a
free between the big posts from a tight angle but Cook did very well to
find Waterhouse, in an ocean of space, to give away the last gol to Troy
Longmuir.
Very good performance once more from Freo tyro Paul Hasleby, 22
well-used disposals around the centre. He faded after half time, though,
perhaps not surprising for a kid. Dan Bandy, playing as a CHB so far,
was very good as the match wore on, finishing with 12 marks, 20
possessions and a goal. At CHF Clive Waterhouse impressed with his
second-efforts and one-percenters, he kicked 3 goals from 11 touches.
Prescott had 17 kicks driving it down to Clive 'n' Tone and Kickett had
19 disposlas and a goal from half-back, with 11 touches in the third
quarter. Callaghan was his usual tough self with 18 possies and 2 goals.
Also liked the games of James Walker on a back flank and Leigh Brown at
full back. Modra kicked 4 goals and there were 2 each for Dodd and Troy
Longmuir. Port had few consistent winners, Adam Kingsley was very good
in restricting Docker Fletcher to 9 touches while having 29 himself,
Cornes was their best forward with 21 disposals and 2 goals and Lyle
worked hard for 28 possessions. Winger Burgoyne (25 handlings) wasn't
bad and Wanganeen gave his usual honest performance, but there were a
lot of Flowers MIA. Tredrea took 5 marks in the first quarter and one
more for the match. Primus needs more time to improve, but French,
Wilson, Francis, Schofield - hardly sighted. No quote here from
Williams. Drum urged consistency. "Self-belief-wise, hopefully they can
understand that this has got to be the norm and less of the
exception...What's missing from us is more of these efforts on the trot
and just a consistent performance week-in, week-out."
At Princes Park:
Carlton 5.3 13.10 16.19 22.22.154
Hawthorn 4.1 6.3 12.4 18.4.112
Impressive win again for the Bloos, over a Hawthorn team down on
confidence and really struggling in the middle of the field - not the
place to be weak against Carlton. Once again the warm, dry conditions
led to plenty of goals being kicked. The Blues had no changes from last
week, which meant still no Silvagni or O'Reilly, while Hawthorn dropped
Lord and Taylor to select Raydon Tallis and Ben Dixon. Anthony
Koutoufides played his 150th game for Carlton and Nick Holland his 100th
for the Hawks.
Much ill-feeling between these two and there was plenty of old-fashioned
biffo early on, sparked by the Festival Hall pairing of Fraser Brown and
Barry Young. Hawk Holland kicked the first goal, from a free kick. After
dobbing it Holland wrestled with Allan, Allan got a free. He kicked it
to Hamill, who was whacked and got a free. Hickmott snapped the Blue's
first goal as he avoided some serious hip-and-shoulder work by the Hawk
backmen. As well as the violence, there was plenty of slipping over -
players eschewing the boot for 'grass blades' in the conditions. Holland
snaggled another goal for the Hawks after staying down at a contest, but
Hickmott passed to Whitnall for a major, then Camporeale raced away from
the restart and bombed it through from 55m. Whitnall snapped truly and
the Blues were 2 goals up. Hawthorn were relying heavily on Nick Holland
as Crawford copped plenty of close attention again, Holland kicked their
next goal, missed badly when he could have run in but then put the Hawks
a point up with a strong grab and good kick from 50m. A minute later
Croad took a great hanging screamer over Whitnall in the middle of the
ground. The Hawkers' day had peaked. Carlton missed a few shots before
Rock's bad handpass allowed Ratten to slot Carlton 8 points clear at the
first break.
By half-time it was over. The Blues were good but Hawthorn were woeful.
Who taught them to handpass - a thalidomide baby? From the opening
bounce of the second quarter Ratten's good work allowed the Great
Receiver Camporeale to run away and bang it through the big posts. A
terrible handpass from Hawk Young should have resulted in a goal for
Hamill, but he missed. A minute later Whitnall doubled back to mark and
goal, shortly after Big Whit got another after some comical defending by
the Hawks. Lappin converted a mark and the Blues led by 34 points. An
all-in blue, started by the unlikely duo of McCabe and Camporeale, led
to a free kick and 50m penalty for the Carlton man, he punted 'em 40
points up. Aging Hawk Paul Salmon, now at full forward, stopped the run
with a free-kick goal. But the Hawks' exasperation was shown when Croad
resorted to a torpedo from a kick-in, it rebounded for an easy goal to
Simon Fletcher. Holland missed before Dixon roved for a good Hawk
sausage. But Carton answered through Fevola, just on, who marked well
and received 50m when frustrated Hay slapped the ball away. Whitnall
hooked the Blues 49 points up at the long rest.
Hawthorn did improve in the third quarter. Crawford finally got into the
game and Dan Chick got some kicks up forward. Carlton could have
increased their lead though, if it weren't for some erratic shooting for
goal. Fevola was the main culprit, he led very well but his set-shot
technique needs some work. The Blues opened the half with two misses
before Hamill was caught running from defence and Chick snapped a goal.
Fevola missed twice but then got on target from a good lead, Chick again
replied for the Hawks. Crawford cleared the centre bounce and Holland
won a free for being held, he dobbed it and Rock won the next centre
clearance, Chick was hammered and the ump allowed advantage for Harford
to goal. Three consecutive Hawk majors and the margin was down to 34
points. Fevola missed but Hamill steadied the Blues with a goalsquare
mark from Koutoufides's kick. Kouta was cruising about the middle with
the ball on a string. Salmon's day ended with a leg injury and Fletcher
expanded the margin to 46 points. Fevola missed again before the Hawks
ended the quarter well, good work from Crawford made a sausage for Dixon
and Joel Smith marked and converted. Horforn's Croad slotted a great
kick from the boundary to open the last quarter, they were a possible 33
points down but the Blues coasted in. Fevola kicked 2 goals in the last
term, one after a great one-handed mark, and Whitnall bagged another.
For the Hawks Thompson, Holland and Chick added goals, Graham took a
nice speccie over Whitnall. But they were well beaten.
Blue centremen dominated once more, Brett Ratten had 31 disposals and a
goal, Scott Camporeale 34 touches with 3 goals against Crawford in the
first half and Kouta celebrated his milestone with a lazy 29 possies. Up
front Whitnall had an entertaining duel with Croad but won comfortably,
booting 5 goals in the first half. Fevola kicked 4.5 from 9 marks and
looks a player. Back flankers McKay and Hickmott were very good and
Hotton did well at full back. Craig Bradley put in another solid day at
the office, 22 disposals and a goal. Hamill and Fletcher kicked 2 goals
each. For the Hawks Nick Holland stood tall again, booting another 6
goals, four in the first quarter which saw opponent Sexton benched.
Anthony Rock battled on the ball and ended with a hefty 33 disposals,
although his delivery is a bit erratic. Daniel Chick did well in attack
after half-time and finished with 19 possessions and 3 goals, McCabe
battled in every sense of the word in defence. Not a lot else to excite,
though. Crawford had 13 disposals and did a little bit in the second
half, but he still doesn't seem too fit. Smith and Dixon kicked 2 goals.
"We showed some fight, some grit, but I still can't accept the defeat.
We can't get beat and keep saying we were competitive. You're expected
to be competitive in the AFL but you've got to win," said Schwab. There
was some classical Parkin. "I think we're better because we've got an
even distribution around the front half, of different sizes and shapes,
all of whom at least have the potential to score. I think we're a bit
better balanced and have more depth than we did. I've no doubt that we
have."
At the MCG:
Collingwood 5.5 7.10 10.14 14.19.103
Adelaide 7.1 10.3 12.9 13.14.92
On go the Pies. President Eddie led a pre-game march, this time from the
Tennis Centre to the 'G (about 500m) to inaugurate the MCG as their new
home. The Pies overcame some poor goalkicking and disposal to overwhelm
the Cows with their enthusiasm and commitment. I'm tellin' ya - that
Ayresey is no good. Collingwood's big first-up win (actually their
fourth in a row if you listen to their supporters) didn't save veteran
Gavin Brown, whom Malthouse dropped to the reserves. In his testimonial
year. We saw Gav running around against Port Melbourne in the revamped
VFL. Chris Tarrant replaced him in the seniors. The Crows made three
unforced changes, axing Vardy, Thiessen and youngster Crowell for Nathan
Bassett, Kane Johnson and big man Ben Marsh. Marsh missed all last
season with a knee reconstruction.
The visitors started best, Welsh snapped the opening goal and Jarman
picked out Marsh on the lead. McLeod goaled from a set shot. Jars then
showed a bit of the old magic, twisting out of a tackle and away from
two other Pies to snaggle a goal, it was Camrys four goals to none. Paul
Williams slotted one on the run to get the Maggies' first, but Marsh
(playing at full-forward) goaled again from a strong grab. Then the Pies
got moving. Buckley speared truly from the flank and an excellent tackle
from Adkins on Smart led to a goal for Mal Michael. Michael was involved
in the next Pie sausage, picking out Williams with a good pass. Willo
had three when he thumped a trademark runner from 55m. Corollas grabbed
a quarter-time lead with a very good set shot from Matt Robran. The
Cressidas got two early goals in the second korter, Ricciuto with a nice
pass to Burton, then Byrne's kick was marked and converted by Welsh. The
Pies muffed a few chances before a good centering kick from Adkins found
Williams at CHF, he potted his fourth. Burton created an answer for
Jarman before Willo bobbed up again for Collingwood, racing in for an
easy goal from Fraser's handpass. Not a good half for Willo's opponent,
Tyson Edwards.
The Scraggies gained control in the middle after half time, with
Betheras and Buckley winning a bucket of touches. It also started to
rain - we 'aint seen that for a while. Sav Rocca kicked the opening goal
from a free kick. Jarman passed for Edwards to goal but Bucks replied
for the Pies with a strong grab and nice kick. They were just five
points down. Misses from both sides before a poor clearing kick from a
Crow went to Betheras, he passed to Sav and the Pies were up by 3
points. The Corollas enjoyed a spell of pressure, but a poster from
Marsh and misses by Ellen and McLeod only levelled the scores. Handily
the Pies messed up a kick-in and Brett James bagged a goal to give the
Cows the lead in 3/4 time. The rain got heavier in the last quarter and
the lights came on. Sav snapped the Pies level early. Buckley, then Tony
Rocca, missed long shots after the Pie fans urged 'em into having a go
and young Ben Johnson dropped an absolute sitter just 10m out. But they
appeared far keener than the croweaters. The TV team were proving
especially annoying. Drew Morphett is not the best (this was the same
fixture where Drew made his "proper Australian names" comment) but he
appeared a brilliant professional alongside his special comments men.
Apart from openly barracking for the Pies, their insights were of the
"ho-ho, look at that...ooohhh, he's marked it...aahh, a big kick"
variety. Didn't get the names. Anyway. Sav juggled a mark and booted the
Pies 8 points clear. An illegal but unpenalised smother from Fraser
(over the mark) and intelligent pass by A. Rocca were wasted by
Michael's miss. At the other end Hart and Ricciuto combined perfectly,
McLeod led and spilled Roo's pass. But the umpire whistled too hastily
and McLeod was allowed the grab. Just to rub it in for the hooting Pies,
he goaled and cut their lead to 3 points. A Welsh miss narrowed it to 2.
But it was McGuirewood's day. Adkins behinded and Johnson postered
before Sav Rocca fittingly wrapped it up with a chest mark and goal from
30m.
Nathan Buckley, ho-hum. 31 dispoals, 7 marks and 3 goals. Oh, against
Andrew McLeod by the way. The rest of the Pies' goalscoring was a tale
of two halves, Paul Williams kicked all 5 of his goals in the first two
quarters, having 16 of his 20 touches then. Ricciuto shut him down in
the second half. But Sav Rocca came off the bench then to kick his 5
goals. Sav is being eased into the year after a recent knee op. Rupert
Betheras had a big second half to finish with 25 touches and Paul
Licuria also played well, off a back flank for 26 disposals. Anthony
Rocca was useful again with 7 marks around the ground and young Adkins
impressed once more. But another very even team effort from the Maggies.
For the Crows Mark Ricciuto had 18 disposals and used them all perfectly
as well as stopping Williams, Robran constantly threatened at CHF with 6
marks, 17 touches and a goal. Kane Johnson had a generally good return
with 20 disposals although coach Ayres named him for an out-on-the-full
late in the game. Hart had a solid game and rookie James Byrne was a
handy runner with 19 disposals. Rehn showed glimpses of his best in the
ruck. Ben Marsh kicked 3 goals, Jarman, Welsh and McLeod 2 each. Shane
Ellen kicked 3 points. "I don't think we ever looked like we were in
control of the game, it would have been nice to be in that situation but
I certainly didn't think that from the coach's box...when the game got
tight, there were some really poor choices with our disposal," said
Ayres. Watch him drop more established senior players next week.
Malthouse opined "In the first 10 minutes I was thinking 'Well, perhaps
things aren't as right as they should be', but full credit to the
players. They fought back on three or four occasions to be in a position
to win, so it is a terrific effort." Mick went on to call for a big
crowd against the Blues next Sunday. Should be interesting.
At Colonial Stadium:
Footscray 7.2 9.5 12.8 17.8.112
Brisbane 2.2 10.5 13.10 21.13.139
The first-ever AFL game, indeed Australian football game, played indoors
as the roof at Colonial (or "Doglands" as Footscray are calling it) was
closed. It certainly helped increase the noise level inside the
less-than-half-full arena. Colonial is promoted as a place where you can
"hear every word" and perhaps punters entered this game expecting to
hear every gouge of fingernail on flesh and every sledge back-and-forth
from these recent enemies. Indeed there was more scratching, the Lion
heirarachy naming Jose Romero as responsible for post-game scratch marks
on the neck and torso of their Simon Black. The punters here saw a good,
fast game of football with Brisbane turning on an excellent second half.
From last week the Dogs were missing Brad Johnson, suspended for
stomping on Burton, and Alvey omitted. In came Paul Dimattina and
ex-Fremantle and Geelong winger Andrew Wills. Brisbane lost Lambert with
a shoulder injury and axed McKinnon and Chris Johnson. Replacements were
Alistair Lynch, Brett Voss and former Bulldog Michael Martin - he didn't
play last week after all.