AFL Round 3
A protracted battle over the broadcast rights of footy commenced this
week when Carlton decided to sue the AFL and Channel Seven over an
"unauthorised" live pay-TV broadcast of the Blues' first-round game
against Brisbane. Carlton argue that, as owner/operators of Princes
Park, they own the rights to all broadcasts from it The AFL argue that
they run the competition, so the rights are theirs. The wider picture is
the future of cable, internet and free-to-air broadcast rights. Already
four clubs have signed internet deals outside the AFL. The MCC and MCG
Trust are looking on in interest, as are Collingwood and some of the
other larger clubs who reckon they can get more money by selling their
broadcast rights individually rather than letting the AFL sell 'em as a
package. Other clubs are less keen, thinking they’ll lose out. Bulldog
president David Smorgon criticized Elliott’s actions, to which Elliott
responded "The Bulldogs are a small club with a tragic history of
failure." Guess who The Bulldogs are playing next week?
The enmity between Footscray and Brisbane continued when Jose Romero was
suspended 2 weeks for scratching Simon Black. Romero was done on verbal
evidence from Black and the Brisbane club doctor with no video
available. Romero appeared on Thursday night's Footy Show and bagged the
Lions, Black, the doctor and the tribunal in fairly colourful language,
earning him fines from league and club. Black should have an interesting
time in round 17, when the Lions host the Dogs at the Gabba.
At the MCG:
Richmond 6.2 13.3 19.7 20.14.134
North Melbourne 7.3 15.5 20.7 27.8.170
Many times the Tiges have stuck with the Roos for three quarters, only
to be overrun at the end and so it was again in this ridiculously
high-scoring game. A centre clearance meant a goal and the ball sliced
through both defences like a hot knife through butter. At least the
Sydneyroos were the perpetrators rather than the victims of the straight
kicking. In the end the skill gap and the self-belief gap made the
difference. The Tigers had four changes from last week, out injured went
ruckman Gale (groin), Merenda (knee) and Rombotis (shoulder), Aaron
James was dropped and he'll have to do A Lot to get picked again.
Incoming were Richardson, Rory Hilton, Paul Broderick recovered from a
broken ankle and a first-gamer, teenage forward Ezra Poyas from Prahran.
North had Wayne Carey back from his shoulder injury and also picked
Brady Rawlings, out went Abraham (groin) and Burton (dropped).
Normally I've a fair memory for goals and the like, but I won't even
attempt it here. Coaches have ascribed the heavy early-season scoring to
the early start, dry grounds or whatever. The new 'red-hot'
interpretation of holding-the-ball plays a part. Defenders are too
frightened to jump on the ball for fear of giving away a free. North
started like a bomb with multiple centre clearances thanks to McKernan,
Harvey and Grant. McKernan kicked the first goal, a mark from Carey's
free kick, Calthorpe and Carey got one each and they missed a few shots
too before a Richmond player had touched it. Finally Knights sharked a
centre clearance and Tivendale slotted nicely on his left foot for the
Tiggers' first gol. Immediately Norf bagged two more, Calthorpe from a
mark and Clayton on the run I think and it felt like last week all over
for the Tiges. But suddenly Knights and Richardson galvanised 'em into
action, Richo majored and gave one away for Dragicevic, Ottens bombed a
set shot. The Harboroos bagged a couple more including a great left-foot
snap from McKernan before the Tiges got two, Richo again and somebody
else, it was becoming a blur of centre bounces and twirling goal ump
flags. If we thought it'd rained goals in the first quarter, the second
featured a downpour of Mozambiquean (?) proportions. The Roos carved out
a 20-point lead at one point, consecutive goals from King, Clayton
teasing the defenders and Motlop. But Richmond clawed back thanks to a
miraculous left-foot snap from Sampson which initiated their own 3-goal
run. There were a number of other goals 'til half time, including
Harvey's great banana-kick .
Again in the third quarter the Roos managed to get 20-odd points clear
with McKernan and King doing particularly well, Grant and Shane Clayton
dobbing some more goals. Again the Tiges forged back. Rory Hilton was
playing the game of his life as an attacking defender, Knights continued
to win across the middle and Richardson mark everything at CHF.
Unfortunately Richo, after 100% accuracy in the first half, missed three
shots in the term, one after a spectacular grab which would've put the
Tiges in front. But he still made a few, a good handpass for Bourke cut
the margin to a goal at the final break. Tiger coach Frawley was very
animated. Later reports suggested he told the lads they were going to
win and that North were too old, too slow and finished. Hmm. North
scored the first goal of the last stanza. Bourke marked strongly for
Richmond at CHF, but missed the shot. Bowden majored for the Tiges,
cutting the gap to 6 points. A minute later he cantered into an open
goal and seemed certain to level the scores, but missed woefully. It was
the turning point. Immediately Bell snapped an excellent goal for North.
McKernan cleared the next centre bounce, Carey handpassed for Lange who
held off three defenders in an extraordinary effort to goal from close
range. North were 17 points up and all players were beginning to look
very tired, hardly surprising given there'd barely been a ball-up or
throw-in all night. Richardson and Rogers missed shots for the Tigres
before Kanga Dave King kicked a perfectly judged running goal from the
flank. King stabbed another from point-blank range, the Roos were 27
points ahead and pretty much home. They got two more goals, one thanks
to some obscenely bad umpiring, while the Tiges' goalshooting deserted
them.
Roos were led by David King, swapping between wing and half-forward
rather than his usual defensive role he bagged 5 goals from 17 kicks.
McKernan produced a greatly improved effort in the ruck, 10 marks, 18
hitouts and 3 goals. Brent Harvey (21 disposals, 2 goals) and Adam
Simpson (22 kicks, a goal) were very important at the centre bounce and
around packs, Grant (21 touches, 2 goals) and Shane Clayton (18 possies,
2 goals) were effective runners about the ground. In defence Pickett was
alright. As you can imagine there were plenty of goalkickers; Calthorpe
got 3 playing in a forward pocket, Carey, Bell, Motlop and Lange kicked
2 each. Tiges' Matthew Richardson was very good at CHF, seeing off
Martyn, McCartney and Archer for 13 marks and 4 goals. And 4 points.
Rory Hilton showed his potential, he was very good off half-back for 30
disposals (25 kicks) and a goal. Gaspar stopped Carey and Duncan
Kellaway smothered Bell while having 23 possies. Knights was good in the
middle for 23 well-used disposals and Campbell had 29 touches down back.
Ottens and Dragicevic kicked 3 goals each, Sampson bagged 2. Frawley
said his "too old, too slow" jibes "weren't directed at North, they were
directed at our players because they lack belief. It was actually a show
of respect for North rather than anything else." Pagan didn't buy it.
"The opposition coach running out with his interchange saying we're too
old and too slow, at quarter-time and three-quarter-time, I don't think
that pleased our guys too much, I can tell you." Pagan did admit that
North's leaky defence was a concern, letting through 67 goals in 3 games
so far.
At the MCG:
Hawthorn 6.4 8.9 11.12 16.14.110
Brisbane 3.3 10.9 13.12 15.13.103
Horforn got their first points as Crawford found form and the unlikely
John Barker kicked the crucial goals. Brisbane wouldn't be happy but
this extended run of away games, necessitated by work on the Gabba
surface, may be taking its toll. The Hawks went in without McCabe,
suspended for biffing Camporeale last Sunday and Hay was a late
withdrawal with 'flu, Obst and Young were dropped. Expensive twos
player, Youngy. That quartet was replaced by Richards Vandenberg and
Taylor, Brendan Krummel and debutant small forward Chance Bateman of
Perth. Bateman is the first Aborigine to play for the Hawks. Two changes
for the Lions, professional goalsneak Craig McRae and first-gamer
Shannon Rusca, from local club Southern Districts, coming in for late
withdrawal Jason Akermanis (cork thigh) and their dropped no. 1 draft
pick of last year, Des Headland.
I was perched in the corporate box courtesy a mate and enjoyed the game
thanks to much complimentary lager. McRae opened the scoring with a
left-foot snap from an impossible angle but soon the Horks were doing
well, untagged Crawford had 10 touches in the first stanza and Croad was
very good at CHB. Dixon snapped a couple of early goals and Bateman got
one, goals too for Thompson and Holland, marking Thompson's centering
kick. Late in the term Salmon hobbled off with a recurrence of his groin
strain - doubt he went in fit - and in the second term the Lions took
charge, just like last week. Mick Voss and Black got their share of the
ball in the middle and Bradshaw continued where he left off with two
goals from strong leads and marks. I had some Crownies. Heuskes
converted a free kick after collapsing extravagantly when taken high.
Black slotted an excellent running left-footer from the boundary and the
Lions went in seemingly in control at the long break. The third quarter
was tighter, Matthews despatched Shaun Hart to tag Crawford. Hawthorn
were struggling up front, Holland was getting a fair bit of the ball but
not close to the sticks and after an explosive start Thompson was quiet.
Consecutive goals from Lappin and Lynch put Brisbane 25 points clear and
I considered how to spend the pool money I was certain to collect,
having picked Brisbane by 31.
Then came a key moment. Thompson twisted his ankle when tackled by Chris
Scott and had to go off. John Barker, who'd been on the bench with a
brief run in the ruck, went to full-forward. Barker immediately took two
marks and kicked two goals to get the Hawkers within 2 at the last
change. Early last term and Barker held a strong grab between Lions
Leppitsch and Martin, punted truly again and the Hoks were only 6 points
down. Lynch copped a softish free and punted it through to restore the
Brians' 2-goal buffer before Barker lobbed once more, converting his own
free. Hawks missed a couple before Daniel Harford, who had a big final
quarter, marked at CHF and raised the twin calicos to put 'em in front.
Much drunken excitement in our little section of the 'G before the Lions
grabbed the lead back with Ashcroft's mark and goal. But soon Richard
Taylor bombed an excellent running shot to put the Hawks back to a
1-point lead and in the dying seconds Hawks' Barlow grabbed the ball
from a bounce, snapped instantly and watched it sail through. They were
home.
Big game from young Hawk Trent Croad at CHB, keeping Molloy quiet and
gathering 22 disposals with 9 marks. He often drove the ball deep into
the forward half with old-fashioned torpedos. Barker was the hero with 4
goals in a quarter-and-a-bit, from 6 marks. Crawford had a quieter
second half but still got the agget 31 times (22 in the first half) in a
much-improved effort. Harford had 14 touches, 6 marks and a goal all in
the last quarter, 27 disposals altogether. Folks around me reckoned some
Harford consistency would be good, he's a bit of a glory-hunter. Holland
had 15 kicks and 11 marks at CHF but only the one goal this week,
nevertheless he did well and Dixon was a lurking forward with 3 goals
from 6 kicks. Thompson kicked 3 goals as well. Usual suspects for the
Lions, Mick Voss had 17 disposals and Black 22 with a goal. Al Lynch
enjoyed the absence of Hay, the regular Hawk full-back, to boot 4 goals
from 5 marks. Michael Martin, the former Bulldog, was very good in the
Akermanis role with 20 disposals in defence and Chris Scott played well.
Bradshaw, McRae and Ashcroft kicked 2 goals each.
At Colonial:
St. Kilda 5.0 10.2 12.3 18.8.116
West Coast 4.6 7.7 13.12 17.14.116
An exciting draw as the match appeared over with the Eagles well in
front with 8 minutes to go, then a 5-goal blast in 5 minutes by the
Saints seemed to put them in charge. Two points is better than none but
the pressure's still on Timmy and the Saints. The Eagles would be
disappointed after seeming home. In selecting the Saints axed new
players Plapp and Charles along with regular Peckett and brought in
youngsters James Begley, Ben Walton and Damien Ryan. The Weagles were
without important centreman Dean Kemp (hamstring), late withdrawal
Michael Braun and dropped Donnelly for Rowan Jones, Mitchell White and
ol' Chris Lewis, back from a string of injuries.
West Coast played better in the first quarter but their mistakes in
front of the sticks, and the Saints' accuracy, kept things level.
Perhaps the Weagles aren't used to playing on dyed-green sandpaper in
front of a few dozen people. Weevil Chad Morrison scored the first goal
after Saint Burke was caught in a tackle, then the Saints got two,
Everitt at full forward again proving an unstoppable blend of height and
agility. Loewe led, marked and goaled too. The Eegs led by 10 points
after Rowan Jones converted Morrison's pass, Thompson cut it to 4 with a
thumping kick and Everitt put 'em in front, courtesy Delaney's pass.
Bellotti kicked on the full but the Eagles led again when Cummings
booted truly from McKenna's pass. Gehrig missed a simple shot, then the
Sainters led briefly when Davis set up another snap for Everitt, his
third goal of the quarter. Another Weegle point squared it up at the
first break. Needn't have bothered with the rest of the game. Stakilda
jumped out at the start of the next term, Harvey and Burke good in the
centre. A strong mark and goal from Thompson, Loewe's free kick and they
led by 12 points, but the Eagles tied it up with Gehrig's hooked shot
from a very narrow angle. McKenna found Phil Matera on the lead and
Wally junior punted 'em 7 points up. St. Kilda booted three late goals,
good pressure from Everitt led to Hudghton majoring, then Spider booted
two of his own from a mark and a free. Excited Watson rushed onto the
ground to greet his men at the big break.
All Eegs in the third, big men Gardiner and Turnbull pushed forward as
they favoured the direct approach. Saint McLaren spilled a mark,
allowing the busy Morrison to find Cummings, sausage. Hudghton did well
to create the reply for Delaney. Phil Matera snapped a ripper on his
left foot, Gehrig missed badly again but then walloped truly from 50m
and the Weagles were back in front, by a point. Cummings extended it to
seven after recovering his own spilled grab, Cousins made it 13 from a
strong mark. Gardiner shot poorly after being set up by Gehrig but as
the Eagles powered on, Turnbull tapped a ball-up to Williams and he
sausaged. Sandgropers by 20 points, the biggest lead so far. Watson
moved Everitt into the ruck and Chad Davis snapped a terrific little
left-footer right on the 3/4 time siren. All set for the finale.
Everitt, back in front of the sticks, gathered a loose ball and snapped
the Stains down to 8 points behind. Phil Matera hurt his knee, badly it
appeared. But the West Coast had been better for the second half,
Banfield's accurate snap and Gehrig's good mark and conversion, created
by a Wirrpunda run, sent them 21 points clear with 8 minutes to go.
Watson pulled the key move, Loewe into the ruck. Everitt intercepted a
handpass and majored once more, the Saints cleared the restart and
Thompson roved Everitt's contest to snap the gap down to 9 points. Loewe
cleared the centre again and Rob Harvey ran doggedly to spear an
inspirational goal, 3 points. Loewe's aggression saw the Saints forward
from the next bounce, Burke's left-foot snap and they led. Loewe again -
he was inspired - but Daryl Wakelin missed from a free kick. Never mind,
Hall marked the kick-in and the ball ended with Lenny Hayes, his calm
left-foot slot had the Sainters appearing winners, 10 points up with
just over 2 minutes left. Now it was the Weeg's turn for some luck, they
managed an attack at last. The ball appeared destined for a rushed
behind but Gehrig dived to haul it back into play, it bounced off the
outside of Metropolis's boot and trickled over for a goal. Gardiner
launched himself to clear the bounce, Turnbull got the ball and
handpassed for Morrison to tie the scores. And that's the way it stayed
'til the end.
According to the stats in today's Age, Saints' Peter Everitt bagged 7
goals from 6 kicks. Extraordinary. Former Freo centreman Tony Delaney
was their most consistent player on the night, 26 disposals and a goal
from the middle. Harvey, who was limping heavily at the end, had 33
disposals (22 kicks) and his team-lifting goal. Andy Thompson was a
touch of class again with 26 touches and 3 goals from half-forward and
Loewe sparked the comeback in the ruck, he finished with 25 disposals, 9
marks and 2 goals. In other words, the old reliables although Davis (11
touches, a goal) and Hayes (19, a goal) continue to impress. The Eagles
received good performances from Wirrpunda again (23 disposals) and rover
Ben Cousins (27 touches, 2 goals). Both Materas played well, Pete got
the ball 24 times and Phil snaggled 3 goals before his late injury -
news is it's not good, a strained medial ligament. Morrison was a busy
half-forward with 19 possies and 2 goals, Gehrig took 8 marks and booted
3 goals. Cummings also kicked 3 goals. Judge blamed the Weeg's poor
early goalshooting. "We just did not put enough scoreboard pressure on
them early in the game. We should have won but I cannot be critical of
my players, because they had a go." Watson reckoned "You are always
really disappointed when you come away with a draw, and it's my first
one as coach, but after the game when we went through the positives and
negatives there were a lot more positives." He praised Everitt's effort
and accuracy. And ability to score goals without kicking the ball.
At Football Park:
Adelaide 4.3 6.7 10.12 14.16.100
Geelong 4.4 8.6 14.7 17.9.111
Not a happy time in the Festival City as the Camrys slumped to nun from
three. The mild irony of Geelong beating the Crows at Footy Park for the
first time with the Cats' most recent coach now in charge of the Cows
was probably not appreciated by Ayresey. The Coodabeens suggested
Gazza's trying to fill the side with players like himself, slow
defenders sporting mullets. Cats are going very well, three wins now
with two interstate. Like the Swans, the worst part of their fixture is
over. In selection Ayres stayed true to form and dropped premiership
players Brett James and Andrew Eccles for two first-gamers, Robert
Shirley and Justin Cicolella, both from Woodville/West Torrens. Kane
Johnson was a late pull-out (back), replaced by Matt Connell. Geelong
had two changes, regaining Clint Bizzell and giving a debut to Danny
O'Brien, a small forward recently elevated from the rookie list, to
replace late withdrawal Gary Hocking (groin-related 'flu) and dropped
Derek Hall.
Once again the Cats received a very even contribution all over the
field. They began brightly. Burns got the first goal and after Crow
Welsh answered it from a mark, Geelong scored the next three. A Mensch
handpass sent Burns in for his second and Sholl got the ball to
Riccardi, allowing the winger to bang a long kick home. Crow Burton
punched when he could have marked and Cat Houlihan snapped 'em 20 points
up. Aderlayed rallied with Smart and Goodwin performing well, Smart's
handpass led to a Koster goal then Goodwin created a goal for McLeod.
Smart levelled the scores with a gol following a brave grab. Cats did
well in the second korter, youth had its say when Scarlett passed for
the opening goal to O'Brien. Clarke was lucky when his miskick flopped
into the arms of Mooney who goaled and it was Geelers by 13 points.
Corolla defender Bassett was forced off with a shoulder injury. Goals
were swapped for the rest of the half, Bickley cut the margin to 7
points after good lead-up work from Burton and Welsh, Mooney responded
for the visitors after a good strong mark. Welsh brought the Cressidas
within 6 points again and then appeared to take a good mark 30m out, but
it wasn't awarded. Edwards missed a shot before Burns roved perfectly to
snap the Cats two goals up at half time.
The Crows scored the first goal of the third stanza and the crowd roared
to life when Welsh put them in front a minute later, the momentum
seemingly shifted. But the dogged Cats responded admirably, Corrigan
passed for ruckman King to boot a huge goal, Burns waited down at a
goalsquare pack and snapped truly, then Ronnie's persistance is chasing
the ball led eventually led to major for Milburn. Bizzell rammed it
through from 40m and Geelong led by 22 points, the biggest lead of the
match. Robran got one for the Cows but the enigmatic Paul Lynch did his
usual thing and kicked two goals in as many minutes for the Cats,
putting the Hooped Hicks 27 points in front. Cow ruckman Rehn gained
some late consolation, goaling from a dodgy mark where he appeared to
shove Graham heftily, but he also missed a shot on the siren. Geelong
got the first goal of the final quatrain and the Crows looked doomed
again, but mounted one last challenge. Cicolella, a promising type,
roved for a good goal and McGregor converted a strong mark, Cats up by
12 points. Rehn cut it to an even goal and Burton's huge left-foot roost
narrowed it to a point. The Crows were surging now, Welsh's miss
levelled the scores and they hit the front when Burton kicked a point.
In the past they would have gone on from there, but not this time. A
grubbing snap from 'Oysters' Kilpatrick put Geelong back 5 points in
front and King sealed it with a lead, mark and sausage, capping off good
work upfield from Mooney and Houlihan.
Even performance from the Cats, very good considering Buddha's absence.
The standouts were winger Peter Riccardi (24 disposals, a goal) and the
very good ruckman Steven King, who not only won hit-outs but had 18
disposals, 8 marks and kicked 2 goals, a very good all-round game. In
attack Ronnie Burns read the play nicely for 18 touches and 4 goals,
David Mensch ran hard for 22 touches and 7 marks. Down back Ben Graham
beat a number of opponents (until Rehn arrived in the last quarter),
Sanderson kept Jarman quiet and McGrath did alright. Milburn played
handily in the middle for 22 disposals and a goal. Jason Mooney kicked 2
goals. Corollas' Mark Ricciuto gathered a hefty 33 disposals off
half-back and captain Bickley battled in the centre for 24 touches and a
goal. McLeod played link-man for 27 disposals and a goal. Goodwin played
well for 23 disposals and Ben Hart was also a useful performer. Matt
Robran took 10 marks and kicked a goal from CHF, further afield Scott
Welsh did well for 9 marks and 3 goals. Cicolella's debut was good, 17
possessions, 7 marks and a goal for the small fella. Rehn kicked 2
goals. Gary "I see myself as a career coach" Ayres said "It was a very
high-pressure game. They probably took their chances and we didn't. I'm
positive it will turn, provided the players tough it out." In fact they
are waiting on a couple of players to return, defenders Stevens and
Caven most notably, while Rehn is still improving. Still, they didn't
look like losing after they hit the front. Bomber Thompson said "We just
didn't give up. We got challenged - Adelaide hit the front by a point
and we never lost our cool. The players...must have a good belief. I
think that was the best thing that could have happened in the last
quarter." Easy, this coaching game.
At the MCG:
Collingwood 7.3 14.7 18.12 24.16.160
Carlton 4.5 6.10 6.14 11.21.87
The Pie fans can enjoy the Olympics and the off-season now they've won
their Grand Final. Harsh perhaps, they romped in, playing before an
AFL-pleasing 82,669. President Eddie took the credit. It resembled that
big game in early 1995 when the Tiges announced themselves with a big
win over North. Inconsistency was the hallmark of the '99 model Carlton
and it surfaced again here, afterwards Parkin bemoaned their few
hard-ball gets and poor tackling. Or perhaps it was the karma police
punishing John Elliott, who's been especially idiotic this week, even by
his standards. In selection Collingwood recalled Gav Brown (6 goals v
Port Melbourne last week), Nick Davis and Mark Richardson, out went
James Wasley with a shoulder injury while Leon Davis and Smith were
axed. The Blues made one change, bringing in key defender Stephen
O'Reilly, lately of Fremantle, for dropped tagger Franchina.
The pumped-up kiddies, and oldies, of Pieland flew from the gate. With
Buckley and Shane O'Bree consistently rampant and Adkins aggressive in
the middle, Rocca Junior and Fraser jumping all over hapless Allan, they
went forward constantly. O'Bree banged a ripper opening goal, the crowd
bellowed in Cro-Magnon delight. Second for Gav Brown who won a very
doubtful free against Rice and copped a 50m penalty when the ball was
returned incorrectly - my favourite, that one. Maggies by 3 goals when
Tarrant hammered Sexton and Kinnear snapped from close range. Strong
marks from Hamill and Whitnall (plus 50m) got the Bloos on the board. It
was as close as they got. Brown snapped another and Buckley set up a
splendiferous snap for Sav Rocca. Adkins dobbed one after collecting
Nick Davis's pass. Browny got another as the Maggies scooted clear.
Parkin moved blokes rapidly, Camporeale picked up Buckley and Rice was
dragged off Brown, which didn't matter really as Browny was off by
quarter-time with a hammy. Pies piled on another seven in the second
quarter, O'Bree joined in the midfield fun now and slotted a nice goal
from Orchard and Buckley's lead-up work. Mal Michael marked and
converted and later gave one away for Orchard, Tony Rocca drifted
forward for a grab and sausage. Matt Lappin was the only Blue worth
mentioning at this point as he held a tough grab to bag his second goal.
But all the old criticisms of the Blues were being dragged out - too
slow, too old, can't play on the big ground. A quieter third term,
especially for Carlton who didn't manage a goal. Sav Rocca now came to
the fore, booting 3 of the Pie goals for the term. And they coasted in,
despite letting the Blues kick 5 in the last quarter, Whitnall punting
three of those. Still, nice turnaround from 'The Millennium Game'.
Shane O'Bree, a nephew of Allan 'Butch' Edwards, played extremely well.
Opposed to stat machine Brett Ratten, O'Bree had 31 disposals - 8 more
than Ratten - and booted 3 goals, with 19 touches and 2 goals to
half-time. He displaced Buckley from normal first mention in this
paragraph, but Bucks was still very good with 34 disposals and a goal.
Anthony Rocca does a good impression of a ruckman, 9 marks and 2 goals
here from 17 handlings and Adkins was very impressive again, 22
disposals and 2 goals in the heavy traffic, as Parkin would call it.
Scott Burns - a comparative veteran, I suppose - got the ball 26 times
from half-back and bagged a goal and Sav Rocca booted 6 from 5 marks,
only one miss. Three goals for Gav Brown. That’s all without mentioning
Licuria (27 possessions, a goal), Betheras (21) and Williams (22, 0.4).
Worryingly impressive whichever way you look at it. Not much to say for
Carlton, they were dicked all over the ground. Their only winner was
Lance Whitnall at CHF, who kicked 5 goals from 10 marks and handled the
ball 23 times. Matty Lappin kicked 2 goals from 19 touches. Camporeale
had 30 disposals and a goal from the middle but his mates in there -
Bradley, Ratten, Brown - were swamped. Koutoufides was off by half-time
with an ankle injury. Other problems were exposed. Allan can't carry the
ruck by himself and the makeshift backmen, Hotton, Nelson and the like
aren't up to it. Dunno about the pace thing, as I heard someone comment
afterwards, you always look slow when you 'aint got the ball. "It was
pretty miserable today. We had few players that held their own, let
alone won their position," said Parkin. "We failed miserably...we were
annihilated in hard-ball gets. Hopefully it's just an aberration." Mick
Malthouse is trying hard to keep that lid down. "You have to be a
realist...the simple fact is we go into round four next week with a
little bit of confidence, but we still have a long way to go. It's been
encouraging and the players have been very good at what they are trying
to do."
At the SCG
Sydney 6.3 12.6 18.9 19.12.126
Melbourne 5.4 8.5 12.10 17.12.114
Swans had to fight to win their first home game of the season, a more
efficient and accurate forward line and some bizarre late umpiring doing
for the game but wasteful Demons. In selection Sydney called up Troy
Luff to replace Jason Ball, out with an ankle sprain. The Demons had
ruckman Jeff White return, Al Nicholson made way.
A sunny day and a disappointing 27,000 greeted the combatants. Close
first term, Swan forward Ryan Fitzgerald once more proving a handful
with three goals in the first quarter. Melbourne’s majors came from five
different players, Schwarz got one, midfielders Leoncelli and Woewodin
scored, even lumbering old Marc Seecamp bagged one.
A protracted battle over the broadcast rights of footy commenced this
week when Carlton decided to sue the AFL and Channel Seven over an
"unauthorised" live pay-TV broadcast of the Blues' first-round game
against Brisbane. Carlton argue that, as owner/operators of Princes
Park, they own the rights to all broadcasts from it The AFL argue that
they run the competition, so the rights are theirs. The wider picture is
the future of cable, internet and free-to-air broadcast rights. Already
four clubs have signed internet deals outside the AFL. The MCC and MCG
Trust are looking on in interest, as are Collingwood and some of the
other larger clubs who reckon they can get more money by selling their
broadcast rights individually rather than letting the AFL sell 'em as a
package. Other clubs are less keen, thinking they’ll lose out. Bulldog
president David Smorgon criticized Elliott’s actions, to which Elliott
responded "The Bulldogs are a small club with a tragic history of
failure." Guess who The Bulldogs are playing next week?
The enmity between Footscray and Brisbane continued when Jose Romero was
suspended 2 weeks for scratching Simon Black. Romero was done on verbal
evidence from Black and the Brisbane club doctor with no video
available. Romero appeared on Thursday night's Footy Show and bagged the
Lions, Black, the doctor and the tribunal in fairly colourful language,
earning him fines from league and club. Black should have an interesting
time in round 17, when the Lions host the Dogs at the Gabba.
At the MCG:
Richmond 6.2 13.3 19.7 20.14.134
North Melbourne 7.3 15.5 20.7 27.8.170
Many times the Tiges have stuck with the Roos for three quarters, only
to be overrun at the end and so it was again in this ridiculously
high-scoring game. A centre clearance meant a goal and the ball sliced
through both defences like a hot knife through butter. At least the
Sydneyroos were the perpetrators rather than the victims of the straight
kicking. In the end the skill gap and the self-belief gap made the
difference. The Tigers had four changes from last week, out injured went
ruckman Gale (groin), Merenda (knee) and Rombotis (shoulder), Aaron
James was dropped and he'll have to do A Lot to get picked again.
Incoming were Richardson, Rory Hilton, Paul Broderick recovered from a
broken ankle and a first-gamer, teenage forward Ezra Poyas from Prahran.
North had Wayne Carey back from his shoulder injury and also picked
Brady Rawlings, out went Abraham (groin) and Burton (dropped).
Normally I've a fair memory for goals and the like, but I won't even
attempt it here. Coaches have ascribed the heavy early-season scoring to
the early start, dry grounds or whatever. The new 'red-hot'
interpretation of holding-the-ball plays a part. Defenders are too
frightened to jump on the ball for fear of giving away a free. North
started like a bomb with multiple centre clearances thanks to McKernan,
Harvey and Grant. McKernan kicked the first goal, a mark from Carey's
free kick, Calthorpe and Carey got one each and they missed a few shots
too before a Richmond player had touched it. Finally Knights sharked a
centre clearance and Tivendale slotted nicely on his left foot for the
Tiggers' first gol. Immediately Norf bagged two more, Calthorpe from a
mark and Clayton on the run I think and it felt like last week all over
for the Tiges. But suddenly Knights and Richardson galvanised 'em into
action, Richo majored and gave one away for Dragicevic, Ottens bombed a
set shot. The Harboroos bagged a couple more including a great left-foot
snap from McKernan before the Tiges got two, Richo again and somebody
else, it was becoming a blur of centre bounces and twirling goal ump
flags. If we thought it'd rained goals in the first quarter, the second
featured a downpour of Mozambiquean (?) proportions. The Roos carved out
a 20-point lead at one point, consecutive goals from King, Clayton
teasing the defenders and Motlop. But Richmond clawed back thanks to a
miraculous left-foot snap from Sampson which initiated their own 3-goal
run. There were a number of other goals 'til half time, including
Harvey's great banana-kick .
Again in the third quarter the Roos managed to get 20-odd points clear
with McKernan and King doing particularly well, Grant and Shane Clayton
dobbing some more goals. Again the Tiges forged back. Rory Hilton was
playing the game of his life as an attacking defender, Knights continued
to win across the middle and Richardson mark everything at CHF.
Unfortunately Richo, after 100% accuracy in the first half, missed three
shots in the term, one after a spectacular grab which would've put the
Tiges in front. But he still made a few, a good handpass for Bourke cut
the margin to a goal at the final break. Tiger coach Frawley was very
animated. Later reports suggested he told the lads they were going to
win and that North were too old, too slow and finished. Hmm. North
scored the first goal of the last stanza. Bourke marked strongly for
Richmond at CHF, but missed the shot. Bowden majored for the Tiges,
cutting the gap to 6 points. A minute later he cantered into an open
goal and seemed certain to level the scores, but missed woefully. It was
the turning point. Immediately Bell snapped an excellent goal for North.
McKernan cleared the next centre bounce, Carey handpassed for Lange who
held off three defenders in an extraordinary effort to goal from close
range. North were 17 points up and all players were beginning to look
very tired, hardly surprising given there'd barely been a ball-up or
throw-in all night. Richardson and Rogers missed shots for the Tigres
before Kanga Dave King kicked a perfectly judged running goal from the
flank. King stabbed another from point-blank range, the Roos were 27
points ahead and pretty much home. They got two more goals, one thanks
to some obscenely bad umpiring, while the Tiges' goalshooting deserted
them.
Roos were led by David King, swapping between wing and half-forward
rather than his usual defensive role he bagged 5 goals from 17 kicks.
McKernan produced a greatly improved effort in the ruck, 10 marks, 18
hitouts and 3 goals. Brent Harvey (21 disposals, 2 goals) and Adam
Simpson (22 kicks, a goal) were very important at the centre bounce and
around packs, Grant (21 touches, 2 goals) and Shane Clayton (18 possies,
2 goals) were effective runners about the ground. In defence Pickett was
alright. As you can imagine there were plenty of goalkickers; Calthorpe
got 3 playing in a forward pocket, Carey, Bell, Motlop and Lange kicked
2 each. Tiges' Matthew Richardson was very good at CHF, seeing off
Martyn, McCartney and Archer for 13 marks and 4 goals. And 4 points.
Rory Hilton showed his potential, he was very good off half-back for 30
disposals (25 kicks) and a goal. Gaspar stopped Carey and Duncan
Kellaway smothered Bell while having 23 possies. Knights was good in the
middle for 23 well-used disposals and Campbell had 29 touches down back.
Ottens and Dragicevic kicked 3 goals each, Sampson bagged 2. Frawley
said his "too old, too slow" jibes "weren't directed at North, they were
directed at our players because they lack belief. It was actually a show
of respect for North rather than anything else." Pagan didn't buy it.
"The opposition coach running out with his interchange saying we're too
old and too slow, at quarter-time and three-quarter-time, I don't think
that pleased our guys too much, I can tell you." Pagan did admit that
North's leaky defence was a concern, letting through 67 goals in 3 games
so far.
At the MCG:
Hawthorn 6.4 8.9 11.12 16.14.110
Brisbane 3.3 10.9 13.12 15.13.103
Horforn got their first points as Crawford found form and the unlikely
John Barker kicked the crucial goals. Brisbane wouldn't be happy but
this extended run of away games, necessitated by work on the Gabba
surface, may be taking its toll. The Hawks went in without McCabe,
suspended for biffing Camporeale last Sunday and Hay was a late
withdrawal with 'flu, Obst and Young were dropped. Expensive twos
player, Youngy. That quartet was replaced by Richards Vandenberg and
Taylor, Brendan Krummel and debutant small forward Chance Bateman of
Perth. Bateman is the first Aborigine to play for the Hawks. Two changes
for the Lions, professional goalsneak Craig McRae and first-gamer
Shannon Rusca, from local club Southern Districts, coming in for late
withdrawal Jason Akermanis (cork thigh) and their dropped no. 1 draft
pick of last year, Des Headland.
I was perched in the corporate box courtesy a mate and enjoyed the game
thanks to much complimentary lager. McRae opened the scoring with a
left-foot snap from an impossible angle but soon the Horks were doing
well, untagged Crawford had 10 touches in the first stanza and Croad was
very good at CHB. Dixon snapped a couple of early goals and Bateman got
one, goals too for Thompson and Holland, marking Thompson's centering
kick. Late in the term Salmon hobbled off with a recurrence of his groin
strain - doubt he went in fit - and in the second term the Lions took
charge, just like last week. Mick Voss and Black got their share of the
ball in the middle and Bradshaw continued where he left off with two
goals from strong leads and marks. I had some Crownies. Heuskes
converted a free kick after collapsing extravagantly when taken high.
Black slotted an excellent running left-footer from the boundary and the
Lions went in seemingly in control at the long break. The third quarter
was tighter, Matthews despatched Shaun Hart to tag Crawford. Hawthorn
were struggling up front, Holland was getting a fair bit of the ball but
not close to the sticks and after an explosive start Thompson was quiet.
Consecutive goals from Lappin and Lynch put Brisbane 25 points clear and
I considered how to spend the pool money I was certain to collect,
having picked Brisbane by 31.
Then came a key moment. Thompson twisted his ankle when tackled by Chris
Scott and had to go off. John Barker, who'd been on the bench with a
brief run in the ruck, went to full-forward. Barker immediately took two
marks and kicked two goals to get the Hawkers within 2 at the last
change. Early last term and Barker held a strong grab between Lions
Leppitsch and Martin, punted truly again and the Hoks were only 6 points
down. Lynch copped a softish free and punted it through to restore the
Brians' 2-goal buffer before Barker lobbed once more, converting his own
free. Hawks missed a couple before Daniel Harford, who had a big final
quarter, marked at CHF and raised the twin calicos to put 'em in front.
Much drunken excitement in our little section of the 'G before the Lions
grabbed the lead back with Ashcroft's mark and goal. But soon Richard
Taylor bombed an excellent running shot to put the Hawks back to a
1-point lead and in the dying seconds Hawks' Barlow grabbed the ball
from a bounce, snapped instantly and watched it sail through. They were
home.
Big game from young Hawk Trent Croad at CHB, keeping Molloy quiet and
gathering 22 disposals with 9 marks. He often drove the ball deep into
the forward half with old-fashioned torpedos. Barker was the hero with 4
goals in a quarter-and-a-bit, from 6 marks. Crawford had a quieter
second half but still got the agget 31 times (22 in the first half) in a
much-improved effort. Harford had 14 touches, 6 marks and a goal all in
the last quarter, 27 disposals altogether. Folks around me reckoned some
Harford consistency would be good, he's a bit of a glory-hunter. Holland
had 15 kicks and 11 marks at CHF but only the one goal this week,
nevertheless he did well and Dixon was a lurking forward with 3 goals
from 6 kicks. Thompson kicked 3 goals as well. Usual suspects for the
Lions, Mick Voss had 17 disposals and Black 22 with a goal. Al Lynch
enjoyed the absence of Hay, the regular Hawk full-back, to boot 4 goals
from 5 marks. Michael Martin, the former Bulldog, was very good in the
Akermanis role with 20 disposals in defence and Chris Scott played well.
Bradshaw, McRae and Ashcroft kicked 2 goals each.
At Colonial:
St. Kilda 5.0 10.2 12.3 18.8.116
West Coast 4.6 7.7 13.12 17.14.116
An exciting draw as the match appeared over with the Eagles well in
front with 8 minutes to go, then a 5-goal blast in 5 minutes by the
Saints seemed to put them in charge. Two points is better than none but
the pressure's still on Timmy and the Saints. The Eagles would be
disappointed after seeming home. In selecting the Saints axed new
players Plapp and Charles along with regular Peckett and brought in
youngsters James Begley, Ben Walton and Damien Ryan. The Weagles were
without important centreman Dean Kemp (hamstring), late withdrawal
Michael Braun and dropped Donnelly for Rowan Jones, Mitchell White and
ol' Chris Lewis, back from a string of injuries.
West Coast played better in the first quarter but their mistakes in
front of the sticks, and the Saints' accuracy, kept things level.
Perhaps the Weagles aren't used to playing on dyed-green sandpaper in
front of a few dozen people. Weevil Chad Morrison scored the first goal
after Saint Burke was caught in a tackle, then the Saints got two,
Everitt at full forward again proving an unstoppable blend of height and
agility. Loewe led, marked and goaled too. The Eegs led by 10 points
after Rowan Jones converted Morrison's pass, Thompson cut it to 4 with a
thumping kick and Everitt put 'em in front, courtesy Delaney's pass.
Bellotti kicked on the full but the Eagles led again when Cummings
booted truly from McKenna's pass. Gehrig missed a simple shot, then the
Sainters led briefly when Davis set up another snap for Everitt, his
third goal of the quarter. Another Weegle point squared it up at the
first break. Needn't have bothered with the rest of the game. Stakilda
jumped out at the start of the next term, Harvey and Burke good in the
centre. A strong mark and goal from Thompson, Loewe's free kick and they
led by 12 points, but the Eagles tied it up with Gehrig's hooked shot
from a very narrow angle. McKenna found Phil Matera on the lead and
Wally junior punted 'em 7 points up. St. Kilda booted three late goals,
good pressure from Everitt led to Hudghton majoring, then Spider booted
two of his own from a mark and a free. Excited Watson rushed onto the
ground to greet his men at the big break.
All Eegs in the third, big men Gardiner and Turnbull pushed forward as
they favoured the direct approach. Saint McLaren spilled a mark,
allowing the busy Morrison to find Cummings, sausage. Hudghton did well
to create the reply for Delaney. Phil Matera snapped a ripper on his
left foot, Gehrig missed badly again but then walloped truly from 50m
and the Weagles were back in front, by a point. Cummings extended it to
seven after recovering his own spilled grab, Cousins made it 13 from a
strong mark. Gardiner shot poorly after being set up by Gehrig but as
the Eagles powered on, Turnbull tapped a ball-up to Williams and he
sausaged. Sandgropers by 20 points, the biggest lead so far. Watson
moved Everitt into the ruck and Chad Davis snapped a terrific little
left-footer right on the 3/4 time siren. All set for the finale.
Everitt, back in front of the sticks, gathered a loose ball and snapped
the Stains down to 8 points behind. Phil Matera hurt his knee, badly it
appeared. But the West Coast had been better for the second half,
Banfield's accurate snap and Gehrig's good mark and conversion, created
by a Wirrpunda run, sent them 21 points clear with 8 minutes to go.
Watson pulled the key move, Loewe into the ruck. Everitt intercepted a
handpass and majored once more, the Saints cleared the restart and
Thompson roved Everitt's contest to snap the gap down to 9 points. Loewe
cleared the centre again and Rob Harvey ran doggedly to spear an
inspirational goal, 3 points. Loewe's aggression saw the Saints forward
from the next bounce, Burke's left-foot snap and they led. Loewe again -
he was inspired - but Daryl Wakelin missed from a free kick. Never mind,
Hall marked the kick-in and the ball ended with Lenny Hayes, his calm
left-foot slot had the Sainters appearing winners, 10 points up with
just over 2 minutes left. Now it was the Weeg's turn for some luck, they
managed an attack at last. The ball appeared destined for a rushed
behind but Gehrig dived to haul it back into play, it bounced off the
outside of Metropolis's boot and trickled over for a goal. Gardiner
launched himself to clear the bounce, Turnbull got the ball and
handpassed for Morrison to tie the scores. And that's the way it stayed
'til the end.
According to the stats in today's Age, Saints' Peter Everitt bagged 7
goals from 6 kicks. Extraordinary. Former Freo centreman Tony Delaney
was their most consistent player on the night, 26 disposals and a goal
from the middle. Harvey, who was limping heavily at the end, had 33
disposals (22 kicks) and his team-lifting goal. Andy Thompson was a
touch of class again with 26 touches and 3 goals from half-forward and
Loewe sparked the comeback in the ruck, he finished with 25 disposals, 9
marks and 2 goals. In other words, the old reliables although Davis (11
touches, a goal) and Hayes (19, a goal) continue to impress. The Eagles
received good performances from Wirrpunda again (23 disposals) and rover
Ben Cousins (27 touches, 2 goals). Both Materas played well, Pete got
the ball 24 times and Phil snaggled 3 goals before his late injury -
news is it's not good, a strained medial ligament. Morrison was a busy
half-forward with 19 possies and 2 goals, Gehrig took 8 marks and booted
3 goals. Cummings also kicked 3 goals. Judge blamed the Weeg's poor
early goalshooting. "We just did not put enough scoreboard pressure on
them early in the game. We should have won but I cannot be critical of
my players, because they had a go." Watson reckoned "You are always
really disappointed when you come away with a draw, and it's my first
one as coach, but after the game when we went through the positives and
negatives there were a lot more positives." He praised Everitt's effort
and accuracy. And ability to score goals without kicking the ball.
At Football Park:
Adelaide 4.3 6.7 10.12 14.16.100
Geelong 4.4 8.6 14.7 17.9.111
Not a happy time in the Festival City as the Camrys slumped to nun from
three. The mild irony of Geelong beating the Crows at Footy Park for the
first time with the Cats' most recent coach now in charge of the Cows
was probably not appreciated by Ayresey. The Coodabeens suggested
Gazza's trying to fill the side with players like himself, slow
defenders sporting mullets. Cats are going very well, three wins now
with two interstate. Like the Swans, the worst part of their fixture is
over. In selection Ayres stayed true to form and dropped premiership
players Brett James and Andrew Eccles for two first-gamers, Robert
Shirley and Justin Cicolella, both from Woodville/West Torrens. Kane
Johnson was a late pull-out (back), replaced by Matt Connell. Geelong
had two changes, regaining Clint Bizzell and giving a debut to Danny
O'Brien, a small forward recently elevated from the rookie list, to
replace late withdrawal Gary Hocking (groin-related 'flu) and dropped
Derek Hall.
Once again the Cats received a very even contribution all over the
field. They began brightly. Burns got the first goal and after Crow
Welsh answered it from a mark, Geelong scored the next three. A Mensch
handpass sent Burns in for his second and Sholl got the ball to
Riccardi, allowing the winger to bang a long kick home. Crow Burton
punched when he could have marked and Cat Houlihan snapped 'em 20 points
up. Aderlayed rallied with Smart and Goodwin performing well, Smart's
handpass led to a Koster goal then Goodwin created a goal for McLeod.
Smart levelled the scores with a gol following a brave grab. Cats did
well in the second korter, youth had its say when Scarlett passed for
the opening goal to O'Brien. Clarke was lucky when his miskick flopped
into the arms of Mooney who goaled and it was Geelers by 13 points.
Corolla defender Bassett was forced off with a shoulder injury. Goals
were swapped for the rest of the half, Bickley cut the margin to 7
points after good lead-up work from Burton and Welsh, Mooney responded
for the visitors after a good strong mark. Welsh brought the Cressidas
within 6 points again and then appeared to take a good mark 30m out, but
it wasn't awarded. Edwards missed a shot before Burns roved perfectly to
snap the Cats two goals up at half time.
The Crows scored the first goal of the third stanza and the crowd roared
to life when Welsh put them in front a minute later, the momentum
seemingly shifted. But the dogged Cats responded admirably, Corrigan
passed for ruckman King to boot a huge goal, Burns waited down at a
goalsquare pack and snapped truly, then Ronnie's persistance is chasing
the ball led eventually led to major for Milburn. Bizzell rammed it
through from 40m and Geelong led by 22 points, the biggest lead of the
match. Robran got one for the Cows but the enigmatic Paul Lynch did his
usual thing and kicked two goals in as many minutes for the Cats,
putting the Hooped Hicks 27 points in front. Cow ruckman Rehn gained
some late consolation, goaling from a dodgy mark where he appeared to
shove Graham heftily, but he also missed a shot on the siren. Geelong
got the first goal of the final quatrain and the Crows looked doomed
again, but mounted one last challenge. Cicolella, a promising type,
roved for a good goal and McGregor converted a strong mark, Cats up by
12 points. Rehn cut it to an even goal and Burton's huge left-foot roost
narrowed it to a point. The Crows were surging now, Welsh's miss
levelled the scores and they hit the front when Burton kicked a point.
In the past they would have gone on from there, but not this time. A
grubbing snap from 'Oysters' Kilpatrick put Geelong back 5 points in
front and King sealed it with a lead, mark and sausage, capping off good
work upfield from Mooney and Houlihan.
Even performance from the Cats, very good considering Buddha's absence.
The standouts were winger Peter Riccardi (24 disposals, a goal) and the
very good ruckman Steven King, who not only won hit-outs but had 18
disposals, 8 marks and kicked 2 goals, a very good all-round game. In
attack Ronnie Burns read the play nicely for 18 touches and 4 goals,
David Mensch ran hard for 22 touches and 7 marks. Down back Ben Graham
beat a number of opponents (until Rehn arrived in the last quarter),
Sanderson kept Jarman quiet and McGrath did alright. Milburn played
handily in the middle for 22 disposals and a goal. Jason Mooney kicked 2
goals. Corollas' Mark Ricciuto gathered a hefty 33 disposals off
half-back and captain Bickley battled in the centre for 24 touches and a
goal. McLeod played link-man for 27 disposals and a goal. Goodwin played
well for 23 disposals and Ben Hart was also a useful performer. Matt
Robran took 10 marks and kicked a goal from CHF, further afield Scott
Welsh did well for 9 marks and 3 goals. Cicolella's debut was good, 17
possessions, 7 marks and a goal for the small fella. Rehn kicked 2
goals. Gary "I see myself as a career coach" Ayres said "It was a very
high-pressure game. They probably took their chances and we didn't. I'm
positive it will turn, provided the players tough it out." In fact they
are waiting on a couple of players to return, defenders Stevens and
Caven most notably, while Rehn is still improving. Still, they didn't
look like losing after they hit the front. Bomber Thompson said "We just
didn't give up. We got challenged - Adelaide hit the front by a point
and we never lost our cool. The players...must have a good belief. I
think that was the best thing that could have happened in the last
quarter." Easy, this coaching game.
At the MCG:
Collingwood 7.3 14.7 18.12 24.16.160
Carlton 4.5 6.10 6.14 11.21.87
The Pie fans can enjoy the Olympics and the off-season now they've won
their Grand Final. Harsh perhaps, they romped in, playing before an
AFL-pleasing 82,669. President Eddie took the credit. It resembled that
big game in early 1995 when the Tiges announced themselves with a big
win over North. Inconsistency was the hallmark of the '99 model Carlton
and it surfaced again here, afterwards Parkin bemoaned their few
hard-ball gets and poor tackling. Or perhaps it was the karma police
punishing John Elliott, who's been especially idiotic this week, even by
his standards. In selection Collingwood recalled Gav Brown (6 goals v
Port Melbourne last week), Nick Davis and Mark Richardson, out went
James Wasley with a shoulder injury while Leon Davis and Smith were
axed. The Blues made one change, bringing in key defender Stephen
O'Reilly, lately of Fremantle, for dropped tagger Franchina.
The pumped-up kiddies, and oldies, of Pieland flew from the gate. With
Buckley and Shane O'Bree consistently rampant and Adkins aggressive in
the middle, Rocca Junior and Fraser jumping all over hapless Allan, they
went forward constantly. O'Bree banged a ripper opening goal, the crowd
bellowed in Cro-Magnon delight. Second for Gav Brown who won a very
doubtful free against Rice and copped a 50m penalty when the ball was
returned incorrectly - my favourite, that one. Maggies by 3 goals when
Tarrant hammered Sexton and Kinnear snapped from close range. Strong
marks from Hamill and Whitnall (plus 50m) got the Bloos on the board. It
was as close as they got. Brown snapped another and Buckley set up a
splendiferous snap for Sav Rocca. Adkins dobbed one after collecting
Nick Davis's pass. Browny got another as the Maggies scooted clear.
Parkin moved blokes rapidly, Camporeale picked up Buckley and Rice was
dragged off Brown, which didn't matter really as Browny was off by
quarter-time with a hammy. Pies piled on another seven in the second
quarter, O'Bree joined in the midfield fun now and slotted a nice goal
from Orchard and Buckley's lead-up work. Mal Michael marked and
converted and later gave one away for Orchard, Tony Rocca drifted
forward for a grab and sausage. Matt Lappin was the only Blue worth
mentioning at this point as he held a tough grab to bag his second goal.
But all the old criticisms of the Blues were being dragged out - too
slow, too old, can't play on the big ground. A quieter third term,
especially for Carlton who didn't manage a goal. Sav Rocca now came to
the fore, booting 3 of the Pie goals for the term. And they coasted in,
despite letting the Blues kick 5 in the last quarter, Whitnall punting
three of those. Still, nice turnaround from 'The Millennium Game'.
Shane O'Bree, a nephew of Allan 'Butch' Edwards, played extremely well.
Opposed to stat machine Brett Ratten, O'Bree had 31 disposals - 8 more
than Ratten - and booted 3 goals, with 19 touches and 2 goals to
half-time. He displaced Buckley from normal first mention in this
paragraph, but Bucks was still very good with 34 disposals and a goal.
Anthony Rocca does a good impression of a ruckman, 9 marks and 2 goals
here from 17 handlings and Adkins was very impressive again, 22
disposals and 2 goals in the heavy traffic, as Parkin would call it.
Scott Burns - a comparative veteran, I suppose - got the ball 26 times
from half-back and bagged a goal and Sav Rocca booted 6 from 5 marks,
only one miss. Three goals for Gav Brown. That’s all without mentioning
Licuria (27 possessions, a goal), Betheras (21) and Williams (22, 0.4).
Worryingly impressive whichever way you look at it. Not much to say for
Carlton, they were dicked all over the ground. Their only winner was
Lance Whitnall at CHF, who kicked 5 goals from 10 marks and handled the
ball 23 times. Matty Lappin kicked 2 goals from 19 touches. Camporeale
had 30 disposals and a goal from the middle but his mates in there -
Bradley, Ratten, Brown - were swamped. Koutoufides was off by half-time
with an ankle injury. Other problems were exposed. Allan can't carry the
ruck by himself and the makeshift backmen, Hotton, Nelson and the like
aren't up to it. Dunno about the pace thing, as I heard someone comment
afterwards, you always look slow when you 'aint got the ball. "It was
pretty miserable today. We had few players that held their own, let
alone won their position," said Parkin. "We failed miserably...we were
annihilated in hard-ball gets. Hopefully it's just an aberration." Mick
Malthouse is trying hard to keep that lid down. "You have to be a
realist...the simple fact is we go into round four next week with a
little bit of confidence, but we still have a long way to go. It's been
encouraging and the players have been very good at what they are trying
to do."
At the SCG
Sydney 6.3 12.6 18.9 19.12.126
Melbourne 5.4 8.5 12.10 17.12.114
Swans had to fight to win their first home game of the season, a more
efficient and accurate forward line and some bizarre late umpiring doing
for the game but wasteful Demons. In selection Sydney called up Troy
Luff to replace Jason Ball, out with an ankle sprain. The Demons had
ruckman Jeff White return, Al Nicholson made way.
A sunny day and a disappointing 27,000 greeted the combatants. Close
first term, Swan forward Ryan Fitzgerald once more proving a handful
with three goals in the first quarter. Melbourne’s majors came from five
different players, Schwarz got one, midfielders Leoncelli and Woewodin
scored, even lumbering old Marc Seecamp bagged one.