IllBeTheJudge
Premiership Player
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2008
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- St Kilda
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- New Orleans Saints, Sth Dragons
Seems like so long ago now, but I thought what the hey I may as well end the season on a whimper, if not a pop
West Coast v Richmond
There were two highly talented teams out on Subiaco on Saturday night, showing poise, skill and a passion for the game not seen for some time. All good things come to an end though, and eventually West Coast and Richmond replaced the halftime Auskick kiddies and we were treated the kind of performance befitting two bottom 8 teams. Damien Hardwick has a massive task ahead of him to whip anything competitive out of a Richmond side that, even by their standards, had an awful season. Their best player seems to be Ben Cousins. Culls-a-plenty down at Punt Rd I'd imagine, and the likes of Nathan Brown, Mark Coughlan and Jarred Oakley-Nichols have already been shown the door. Troy Simmonds has possibly played his last AFL match also.
I actually feel for Scruffy Brown, as he has clearly not been the same player since breaking his leg a few years ago, and was in career best form at the time. Coughlan can be considered unlucky also, but perhaps lucky at the same time to have survived on a senior list this long after, was it 3, knee recos.
For West Coast, the last month or so has been something to hang their hat on for next season. The kids are coming along just nicely, Mark LeCras had a break out season, Embley has returned to the sort of form that made people in the west believe he was any good, and Naitanui continues to impress everyone who sees his one good thing a game he does. But seriously, if his one good thing was to take the centre bounce, tap it to nobody in particular, take his own tap, push past 2 or 3 players and lob it forward, I'd go to see him play.
With 23 points kicked on Friday, the Weagles could have truly put Richmond to the sword and as it was, it was an 80 point margin. The biggest question that remains for West Coast and their supporters is this: What the hell is it with those Message signs that the crowd wave about? Do you get paid to do that? It was bad enough when waving Hungry Jacks banners, but this is just ridiculous.
If Kerr can get some support in the middle and with Cox to come back in, and assuming they can keep Beau Waters out of the side, the Eagles could make their way back into finals contention in 2010.
For Richmond, well at least they didn't finish 9th.
Eagles by 80
Geelong v Fremantle
No prizes for guessing how many times Gablett saluted the crowd or Mooney did his weekly punch the air after a goal, fire me up, OK I'll be somewhat unsighted for the rest of the game after this, type antics. Fremantle had about as much hope of winning this match as Harry has of becoming King of England. The Cats pretty much just did enough in the first half, then stuck it on cruise control and coasted home with probably an eye towards finals, injury prevention, player preservation, and trying to see whether they could break the "world record" for players to get 30+ touches.
I hate hearing commentators and media personnel talk about "world records" when it comes to Australian Rules. Call it a record, fine, but a world record? It's not even based on Australian Rules records, it's more specifically AFL. So well done, a player has broken the AFL "world record" for looking more like a slug than Sammy.
Difficult to gauge where Geelong are at, having lost more games in the last 8 weeks than they had in the previous 2 seasons, but with a top 2 spot sewn up for some time they'll just be happy that Ottens has had a run, Harley seems injury free for the next 15 minutes, and Chapman's dodgy hammies will surely go the distance. Give him 100% game time from now on I say.
Fremantle have had pretty well the season I expected them to have. The team is young, many a first or second year player, and is exactly in the phase where you would think they can only get better, which should give us all a nice surprise next season when we find they more or less go backwards. I think what they should concentrate on during the off-season is coming up with another alternate jumper design. See if they can break the world record.
Cats by 40
Hawthorn v Essendon
The season for Hawthorn is finally over, and what a drawn out saga that has been. Croad is right to play this week too, or so Dunstall intimated. I guess it can take a lot out of you to win a premiership, and becoming the hunted has taken it's toll on the team that went all the way last year. Injuries have played their part, but even so some players were well down on their input throughout much of the season.
Their first half against Essendon looked promising though, and the team applied themselves to great effect without any forward line. None at all. There wasn't even a fat, 5 minute player in Stewie Dew to call on to snag one or two from 50-ish, and without Franklin, Roughead or Williams, it was left to the likes of Bateman and he who so very nearly looked like the Grinch who stole finals in Beau Dowler to provide forward targets. This lasted a half.
If Matthew Knights said at halftime, go and knock the first bloke's block off who is wearing a brown and yellow jumper, Lloyd heard the call. As one scribe in the west might say, Lloyd came off the line and saw Sewell, went whackity-whack and changed the course of the match. In all fairness, wasn't so long ago that this bump would have received little more than a raised eyebrow, but in this sanitised version of the game it got 4 weeks (reduced from 6). Considering the turn around in momentum and with it the game, you'd have to say it was worthwhile. There were scenes reminiscent of the "line in the sand" match from several years ago and the Dawks forgot about playing footy for the rest of the day and were more content in playing the man, especially Matty "which way did they go" Lloyd.
Essendon suddenly started playing as though they had something to play for, and with Sewell now out the game the midfield battle turned the way of the Bumbers. Essendon have found some good players over the last few years, and none better than Hurley. Playing a defensive role for much of the season, burley Hurley moved forward and provided a solid target and booted 4 majors. Takes a nice mark this bloke and is a pretty good kick also, from either side it seems.
Although the Dawks still had a slender lead at 3/4 time, it was clear that the momentum had switched to Bomberland who proceeded to fly up, up. Without a premiership flag, mind you. Facing a tough task against Adelaide now in yet another Elimination Final.
Interesting to see how Hawthorn will respond in 2010. Hard luck to Hawthorn's Max Bailey who requires a knee reco on his other knee. He's already had 2 on his right. Career over, I fear.
Bombers by 17
Carlton v Adelaide
It was a near tragedy at Docklands when the boys from Adelaide discovered they had forgotten their footy jumpers. The choice was to either wear the Auskick jumpers, or as luck would have it a body paint artist was found and saved the day and managed to paint on a pretty fair version of the Crows jumper. I think the Blue boys were distracted by protruding pecs and nipples, almost as distracted as I seem to be, and either way both teams thought defense, shmefense. That's really hard to say. By halftime 23 goals had been kicked, and after that the Crows ran away with to belt the Blues to the tune of 72 points.
The Fev kicked 5 to take out the Coleman Medal, Gibbs racked up 37 touches but what he did with any of them is anybody's guess, whilst Bernie Vince, Scott Thompson, Kurt Tippett (having a break out year), and the Porpoise (best small forward in the game today. Sorry LeCras fans) were all dominant in one way or another.
With this loss, Carlton threw away the chance to play a final at home, and all round it was an odd display. The Crows meanwhile are hitting top form at the right time of year, and look set to take on an injury and suspension depleted Bombers outfit this weekend. Adelaide are shaping up as a very even side, with probably the best defensive duo in the game (Bock and Rutten ... although Bock isn't playing this weekend ... they're still pretty darn good), a fine midfield, and an even looking forward line, with the Birdman back and flying also. The one big thing against them is that they finished 5th, but aren't they also the last time to win the flag from 5th spot?
The only plus for Carlton, is they now get to play Brisbane in Brisbane. That might not look great on the surface, but it gives the chance for the Cuz to go and watch the match. Not Ben Cuz, just Cuz. I assume Ben Cousins will be allowed in though as well, if he so chooses.
Crows by 72
Sydney v Brisbane
The Lions were playing for a home final and in the first half it showed. The Swans were playing for little more than pride and the opportunity to send three premiership players out on a winning note, and in the second half it showed. With Hall and O'Loughlin now retired, which ugly face mask will Swans fans be able to hold up at games? Please step up Ed Barlow.
The game got very close at the end and it was good that 30k+ fans turned up for a match that had no real bearing on their team, testament to the respect the likes of O'Loughlin and Leo Barry have, but the fairy tale ending was not to be. Unless of course we're talking fractured fairy tales. Simon Black looked a little sore at the end, but interestingly didn't come off. He's had another stellar season and how he didn't even make it into the AA squad is a little beyond me.
If the Blions get back Merrett, Bradshaw and Black and Drummond stay in the side, they have a good chance of knocking out Carlton this weekend.
For Sydney it's time to draft. They need a bit of everything everywhere. Some pace in the midfield, some key defenders, some forward options. Jesse White looks a player, but still needs to develop, 3 goals for him a fine return mind you. Micky O only had a few touches, but nabbed 4 goals to show he can still produce when the time is right. The Swans took a slender lead late in the last, but Brisbane were able to bounce back and eventually the better team won on the night.
Lions by 8
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne
If Port Adelaide fans can't be bothered to turn up to farewell a couple of club champs, what makes you think I can be bothered to write about it?
Well done to Peter Burgoyne and Brendon Lade, fine careers both. I think Toby Thurstons may have retired also. Expect a further clean out at Alberton. Not sure why Choco re-signed with the club as coach. They don't seem that keen on each other, and look to be doing it "for the children".
North Melbourne can now look to next season under the guidance of new coach Someone Scott. Brad? If he can lift the Roos into the finals next year they might just call him Great.
Kangas by 4
Melbourne v St Kilda
There was no way in the world Melbourne were going to win this game and give up two high draft picks. No matter how poorly St Kilda started, or how well the Dees started. It's not too often a team is so unconvincing in a 47 point win.
Much like Geelong, the Saints are spluttering into the finals with some saying they are just looking after their players, making sure of no injuries, and so on. I personally hope they're right, because frankly they have not looked good in their last 3 outings and it was only in the last 15 minutes of the game when Dean Bailey had taken about 14 players off, moved Nathan Jones into the ruck and ordered Liam Jurrah not to show any more amazing skill that the Saints took control. That kick over his head from 25m out was a beauty, as was the one handed mark he so easily took.
Either side of halftime, St Kilda and Riewoldt shone but prior to that it was a lethargic effort from most, although Lenny Hayes was easily the best for the Saints. As I said earlier, it's so hard to tell whether Lyon has the team foxing, performing extra training load in the last month, or whether the high intensity, hard tackling game style is finally taking it's toll. What I do know is this: those classical little bonsai trees are so difficult for me to keep alive for any more than say, two months. Other bonsai seem fine, such as the little fig tree I have had for over 4 years, and even now a couple of replacement bonsai (again, not the classic variety) are doing just fine, and even growing new buds. I don't get it. Clearly I don't know how to look after the classic style, which is a shame as these also look the coolest.
A much bigger effort is going to be required from St Kilda starting Sunday against Collingwood, and I'm quietly confident the intensity will be there from the get go. I need it not only for my own sanity, but for my own hip pocket as I don't want to be given up the bottle of wine I've just bet on the match.
Melbourne can now look forward to draft day, and it will be interesting to see just where they see themselves and the type of players they look to pick up. Do they simply go for the best 2 players, regardless of type, or do they look to fill specific needs of the club? A long kicking back man might be handy. A couple of bombs from Wheatley saw that he still has it, though this was his retirement game. Robbo (no relation) will more than likely hang up the boots, as I can't see any club picking him up however cheaply. Whelan has also served the club well, so good luck to the trio and whatever future they may have.
Some big selection calls now for the Saints. Are Max Hudghton and Luke Ball still in the best 22?
Saints by 47
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
Much has been said about how well Collingwood have been traveling, and the Dogs have been a little up and down. For most of this match though it seemed neither team wanted to stop the other from just running around with the ball. A total of 79 tackles for the match, I'm surprised there weren't witches hats on the ground. Or was that what Brad Dick had on his head?
An interesting reaction at the end of this match also in the coaches box. Need to win by 22 points or something to take 3rd spot, Rodney Eade seemed very pleased that his side got there. The Pie camp on the other hand seemed very despondent after Brad Johnson's goal saw the lead stretch to 24. Was it just, hey we've beaten the Pies, the in-form team of the comp, by 4 goals? Or was it, we now get the chance to play Geelong, who we beat just a couple of weeks ago? Ponderous to say the least.
Whatever the reasoning, expect far different performances from both teams over the weekend. Both Qualifying Finals could easily go either way, but much will depend on whether all teams bring their A-Game. It would certainly be more helpful than bringing say, Yahtzee.
Questions remain on whether Anthony Rocca will be brought into the side (at time of writing he is in the squad), I guess it just depends on whether the Pies need a slow, ineffective forward.
Do the Bulldogs need a major, tall forward at all to go all the way? Only time will now tell.
Doggies by 24
West Coast v Richmond
There were two highly talented teams out on Subiaco on Saturday night, showing poise, skill and a passion for the game not seen for some time. All good things come to an end though, and eventually West Coast and Richmond replaced the halftime Auskick kiddies and we were treated the kind of performance befitting two bottom 8 teams. Damien Hardwick has a massive task ahead of him to whip anything competitive out of a Richmond side that, even by their standards, had an awful season. Their best player seems to be Ben Cousins. Culls-a-plenty down at Punt Rd I'd imagine, and the likes of Nathan Brown, Mark Coughlan and Jarred Oakley-Nichols have already been shown the door. Troy Simmonds has possibly played his last AFL match also.
I actually feel for Scruffy Brown, as he has clearly not been the same player since breaking his leg a few years ago, and was in career best form at the time. Coughlan can be considered unlucky also, but perhaps lucky at the same time to have survived on a senior list this long after, was it 3, knee recos.
For West Coast, the last month or so has been something to hang their hat on for next season. The kids are coming along just nicely, Mark LeCras had a break out season, Embley has returned to the sort of form that made people in the west believe he was any good, and Naitanui continues to impress everyone who sees his one good thing a game he does. But seriously, if his one good thing was to take the centre bounce, tap it to nobody in particular, take his own tap, push past 2 or 3 players and lob it forward, I'd go to see him play.
With 23 points kicked on Friday, the Weagles could have truly put Richmond to the sword and as it was, it was an 80 point margin. The biggest question that remains for West Coast and their supporters is this: What the hell is it with those Message signs that the crowd wave about? Do you get paid to do that? It was bad enough when waving Hungry Jacks banners, but this is just ridiculous.
If Kerr can get some support in the middle and with Cox to come back in, and assuming they can keep Beau Waters out of the side, the Eagles could make their way back into finals contention in 2010.
For Richmond, well at least they didn't finish 9th.
Eagles by 80
Geelong v Fremantle
No prizes for guessing how many times Gablett saluted the crowd or Mooney did his weekly punch the air after a goal, fire me up, OK I'll be somewhat unsighted for the rest of the game after this, type antics. Fremantle had about as much hope of winning this match as Harry has of becoming King of England. The Cats pretty much just did enough in the first half, then stuck it on cruise control and coasted home with probably an eye towards finals, injury prevention, player preservation, and trying to see whether they could break the "world record" for players to get 30+ touches.
I hate hearing commentators and media personnel talk about "world records" when it comes to Australian Rules. Call it a record, fine, but a world record? It's not even based on Australian Rules records, it's more specifically AFL. So well done, a player has broken the AFL "world record" for looking more like a slug than Sammy.
Difficult to gauge where Geelong are at, having lost more games in the last 8 weeks than they had in the previous 2 seasons, but with a top 2 spot sewn up for some time they'll just be happy that Ottens has had a run, Harley seems injury free for the next 15 minutes, and Chapman's dodgy hammies will surely go the distance. Give him 100% game time from now on I say.
Fremantle have had pretty well the season I expected them to have. The team is young, many a first or second year player, and is exactly in the phase where you would think they can only get better, which should give us all a nice surprise next season when we find they more or less go backwards. I think what they should concentrate on during the off-season is coming up with another alternate jumper design. See if they can break the world record.
Cats by 40
Hawthorn v Essendon
The season for Hawthorn is finally over, and what a drawn out saga that has been. Croad is right to play this week too, or so Dunstall intimated. I guess it can take a lot out of you to win a premiership, and becoming the hunted has taken it's toll on the team that went all the way last year. Injuries have played their part, but even so some players were well down on their input throughout much of the season.
Their first half against Essendon looked promising though, and the team applied themselves to great effect without any forward line. None at all. There wasn't even a fat, 5 minute player in Stewie Dew to call on to snag one or two from 50-ish, and without Franklin, Roughead or Williams, it was left to the likes of Bateman and he who so very nearly looked like the Grinch who stole finals in Beau Dowler to provide forward targets. This lasted a half.
If Matthew Knights said at halftime, go and knock the first bloke's block off who is wearing a brown and yellow jumper, Lloyd heard the call. As one scribe in the west might say, Lloyd came off the line and saw Sewell, went whackity-whack and changed the course of the match. In all fairness, wasn't so long ago that this bump would have received little more than a raised eyebrow, but in this sanitised version of the game it got 4 weeks (reduced from 6). Considering the turn around in momentum and with it the game, you'd have to say it was worthwhile. There were scenes reminiscent of the "line in the sand" match from several years ago and the Dawks forgot about playing footy for the rest of the day and were more content in playing the man, especially Matty "which way did they go" Lloyd.
Essendon suddenly started playing as though they had something to play for, and with Sewell now out the game the midfield battle turned the way of the Bumbers. Essendon have found some good players over the last few years, and none better than Hurley. Playing a defensive role for much of the season, burley Hurley moved forward and provided a solid target and booted 4 majors. Takes a nice mark this bloke and is a pretty good kick also, from either side it seems.
Although the Dawks still had a slender lead at 3/4 time, it was clear that the momentum had switched to Bomberland who proceeded to fly up, up. Without a premiership flag, mind you. Facing a tough task against Adelaide now in yet another Elimination Final.
Interesting to see how Hawthorn will respond in 2010. Hard luck to Hawthorn's Max Bailey who requires a knee reco on his other knee. He's already had 2 on his right. Career over, I fear.
Bombers by 17
Carlton v Adelaide
It was a near tragedy at Docklands when the boys from Adelaide discovered they had forgotten their footy jumpers. The choice was to either wear the Auskick jumpers, or as luck would have it a body paint artist was found and saved the day and managed to paint on a pretty fair version of the Crows jumper. I think the Blue boys were distracted by protruding pecs and nipples, almost as distracted as I seem to be, and either way both teams thought defense, shmefense. That's really hard to say. By halftime 23 goals had been kicked, and after that the Crows ran away with to belt the Blues to the tune of 72 points.
The Fev kicked 5 to take out the Coleman Medal, Gibbs racked up 37 touches but what he did with any of them is anybody's guess, whilst Bernie Vince, Scott Thompson, Kurt Tippett (having a break out year), and the Porpoise (best small forward in the game today. Sorry LeCras fans) were all dominant in one way or another.
With this loss, Carlton threw away the chance to play a final at home, and all round it was an odd display. The Crows meanwhile are hitting top form at the right time of year, and look set to take on an injury and suspension depleted Bombers outfit this weekend. Adelaide are shaping up as a very even side, with probably the best defensive duo in the game (Bock and Rutten ... although Bock isn't playing this weekend ... they're still pretty darn good), a fine midfield, and an even looking forward line, with the Birdman back and flying also. The one big thing against them is that they finished 5th, but aren't they also the last time to win the flag from 5th spot?
The only plus for Carlton, is they now get to play Brisbane in Brisbane. That might not look great on the surface, but it gives the chance for the Cuz to go and watch the match. Not Ben Cuz, just Cuz. I assume Ben Cousins will be allowed in though as well, if he so chooses.
Crows by 72
Sydney v Brisbane
The Lions were playing for a home final and in the first half it showed. The Swans were playing for little more than pride and the opportunity to send three premiership players out on a winning note, and in the second half it showed. With Hall and O'Loughlin now retired, which ugly face mask will Swans fans be able to hold up at games? Please step up Ed Barlow.
The game got very close at the end and it was good that 30k+ fans turned up for a match that had no real bearing on their team, testament to the respect the likes of O'Loughlin and Leo Barry have, but the fairy tale ending was not to be. Unless of course we're talking fractured fairy tales. Simon Black looked a little sore at the end, but interestingly didn't come off. He's had another stellar season and how he didn't even make it into the AA squad is a little beyond me.
If the Blions get back Merrett, Bradshaw and Black and Drummond stay in the side, they have a good chance of knocking out Carlton this weekend.
For Sydney it's time to draft. They need a bit of everything everywhere. Some pace in the midfield, some key defenders, some forward options. Jesse White looks a player, but still needs to develop, 3 goals for him a fine return mind you. Micky O only had a few touches, but nabbed 4 goals to show he can still produce when the time is right. The Swans took a slender lead late in the last, but Brisbane were able to bounce back and eventually the better team won on the night.
Lions by 8
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne
If Port Adelaide fans can't be bothered to turn up to farewell a couple of club champs, what makes you think I can be bothered to write about it?
Well done to Peter Burgoyne and Brendon Lade, fine careers both. I think Toby Thurstons may have retired also. Expect a further clean out at Alberton. Not sure why Choco re-signed with the club as coach. They don't seem that keen on each other, and look to be doing it "for the children".
North Melbourne can now look to next season under the guidance of new coach Someone Scott. Brad? If he can lift the Roos into the finals next year they might just call him Great.
Kangas by 4
Melbourne v St Kilda
There was no way in the world Melbourne were going to win this game and give up two high draft picks. No matter how poorly St Kilda started, or how well the Dees started. It's not too often a team is so unconvincing in a 47 point win.
Much like Geelong, the Saints are spluttering into the finals with some saying they are just looking after their players, making sure of no injuries, and so on. I personally hope they're right, because frankly they have not looked good in their last 3 outings and it was only in the last 15 minutes of the game when Dean Bailey had taken about 14 players off, moved Nathan Jones into the ruck and ordered Liam Jurrah not to show any more amazing skill that the Saints took control. That kick over his head from 25m out was a beauty, as was the one handed mark he so easily took.
Either side of halftime, St Kilda and Riewoldt shone but prior to that it was a lethargic effort from most, although Lenny Hayes was easily the best for the Saints. As I said earlier, it's so hard to tell whether Lyon has the team foxing, performing extra training load in the last month, or whether the high intensity, hard tackling game style is finally taking it's toll. What I do know is this: those classical little bonsai trees are so difficult for me to keep alive for any more than say, two months. Other bonsai seem fine, such as the little fig tree I have had for over 4 years, and even now a couple of replacement bonsai (again, not the classic variety) are doing just fine, and even growing new buds. I don't get it. Clearly I don't know how to look after the classic style, which is a shame as these also look the coolest.
A much bigger effort is going to be required from St Kilda starting Sunday against Collingwood, and I'm quietly confident the intensity will be there from the get go. I need it not only for my own sanity, but for my own hip pocket as I don't want to be given up the bottle of wine I've just bet on the match.
Melbourne can now look forward to draft day, and it will be interesting to see just where they see themselves and the type of players they look to pick up. Do they simply go for the best 2 players, regardless of type, or do they look to fill specific needs of the club? A long kicking back man might be handy. A couple of bombs from Wheatley saw that he still has it, though this was his retirement game. Robbo (no relation) will more than likely hang up the boots, as I can't see any club picking him up however cheaply. Whelan has also served the club well, so good luck to the trio and whatever future they may have.
Some big selection calls now for the Saints. Are Max Hudghton and Luke Ball still in the best 22?
Saints by 47
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs
Much has been said about how well Collingwood have been traveling, and the Dogs have been a little up and down. For most of this match though it seemed neither team wanted to stop the other from just running around with the ball. A total of 79 tackles for the match, I'm surprised there weren't witches hats on the ground. Or was that what Brad Dick had on his head?
An interesting reaction at the end of this match also in the coaches box. Need to win by 22 points or something to take 3rd spot, Rodney Eade seemed very pleased that his side got there. The Pie camp on the other hand seemed very despondent after Brad Johnson's goal saw the lead stretch to 24. Was it just, hey we've beaten the Pies, the in-form team of the comp, by 4 goals? Or was it, we now get the chance to play Geelong, who we beat just a couple of weeks ago? Ponderous to say the least.
Whatever the reasoning, expect far different performances from both teams over the weekend. Both Qualifying Finals could easily go either way, but much will depend on whether all teams bring their A-Game. It would certainly be more helpful than bringing say, Yahtzee.
Questions remain on whether Anthony Rocca will be brought into the side (at time of writing he is in the squad), I guess it just depends on whether the Pies need a slow, ineffective forward.
Do the Bulldogs need a major, tall forward at all to go all the way? Only time will now tell.
Doggies by 24
