AFLTips.Com Review News
Round 8 - 21 May 2001
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INDEX
1) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
2) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Weekly Round-Up
from our Regular Contributors
http://www.afltips.com/people/
(E-mail adrian@afltips.com if you'd like to become a
contributor.)
**********
Richmond v. Adelaide
Friday, 18 May 2001 - MCG 7:40 PM
ADELAIDE PRESENTS: PUPPETRY OF THE PONIES
Was the spoon bending illusionist Uri Geller at this game?
Somehow Adelaide managed to win. Believe it or not, 11th placed
Adelaide defeated 4th placed Richmond by 28 points - at the MCG!
Won for the first time against Richmond there since 1993!
Trailed by enough to look lousy at half time, stacked on 9 goals
to 1 in the third quarter, stood firm in the last stanza and
really truly, cross my heart and hope to die, won comfortably.
Still hard to believe? Richmond were outright colossal
favourites, half a ladder up on Adelaide and (apart from the
Essendon match) in tip-top form. But think back to Adelaide circa
Round 4, when similarly on a whim they stuck it up Carlton at
Opposition Oval. The de-ja-vu here in Round 8 leaves many
embarrassed Richmond types and unsuspecting tipsters in its wake.
Wayne Carey tipped Adelaide, so did Dermie. We thought they were
dickheads. We were wrong. Adelaide won, I repeat, that's
Adelaide by 28 points.
Sure, Richmond led 18 to 1 in the first quarter. Sure, every
shot at goal by Adelaide's Andrew McLeod went astray, in fact
he'd scored 6 behinds to half time. That's like a very time
consuming goal. Most of his team could only kick behinds (of the
scoring type) in the first half while Richmond kicked butt (of
the rectum type). Their defence led by Gaspar continually
overpowered The Crows' attack in the first half, forcing
turnovers and wayward shots. Whilst Richmond also erred
occasionally up forward they were often able to regain possession
and slot through a few straight-up six-pointers.
By half time the Richmond lead was 22 and the impending result
looked predictable, as seemingly a Crows burial was on the cards.
But the number of scoring shots were of stark interest, with
considerably more to Adelaide...
Initially the third quarter ran fairly close to pre match script
expectations until the ear bursting, explosive pop of The Crows
collectively pulling the finger out of the date. With Goodwin's
run, smash and grab, Ricciuto physically crippling opponents
(crunching Joel Bowden in particular), Smart living up to his
name and the high marking, goal scoring machine Brett Burton,
Adelaide humiliated the yellow and black. By three quarter time
the once healthy Richmond lead had flip-flopped Adelaide's way as
the football world looked on in disbelief. Bending spoons wasn't
a patch on this.
Adelaide maintained enough fight in the final quarter to
eventually outgun the Tigers. Richmond's Matthew Richardson
wrenched his hamstring with minutes remaining, adding to
Richmond's bitter aftertaste and their reputation being
questioned. Are they still a bunch of show ponies? Do they
crack under solid pressure? Are Adelaide really that good?
Next week, things may return to normal upon exit of this bizarro
football world. Expect Richmond to pussy whip the Cats and
Adelaide to falter in Brisbane. Seems relatively believable for
now, but this is comedy, mystery, mayhem, Aussie Rules...you
won't believe your eyes!
- matto
http://www.afltips.com/people/matto.html
**********
Carlton v. Brisbane
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Optus Oval 2:10 PM
The first thing that must be said about this game is that it was
awful. One-sided, boring, with a low skill level and very little
truly exciting play. The main culprits for this were the Lions,
who played defensive, low standard football, typified by
inaccurate short passes, with cost them many goals scored by the
Blues on the rebound. They insisted on kicking short for most of
the game, often going sideways or backward, and yet still found
it difficult to hit targets. Carlton, on the other hand, moved
the ball freely up and down the ground with the type of excellent
skills that made them the second best side last season.
Once again, it was the dominant midfield trio of Ratten,
Camporeale and the unstoppable Anthony Koutoufides who dominated
for the Blues, collecting over one hundred possessions between
them. They consistently won the ball out of the center, and moved
it effectively and efficiently down the ground into the
forwardline, where Fevola, Lappin, Whitnall and Silvagni gave
them plenty of options. Just as impressive, at the other end of
the ground, was Simon Beaumont, who played one of the best
quarters of his career in the second term, where he had thirteen
kicks, setting up a seven to one goal term for Carlton.
The Lions had looked sharp at the start, with Lynch kicking the
first two goals. However, they then fell into the trap of looking
short, and began mucking around with the ball. While Carlton were
beginning to move the ball quickly and skillfully, Brisbane were
still making basic errors, missing four shots at an open goal
between their second and third goals. Meanwhile, Carlton ran
riot, with their half-back line rebounding superbly, setting up
the midfield, who in turn set up the forwards. By half-time the
margin was forty-three points and the game was virtually over.
Brisbane never came close to matching the intensity of the Blues,
and one wonders whether or not they were thinking about their
next few games, most of which are back at the Gabba.
For Carlton, they should be very pleased at the performance of
all their players, particularly in the midfield, where they
dominated possession, and in defence, where they cleared the ball
rapidly and effectively. With a 5-3 record, they cement their
spot in the eight, and can now think about moving back into the
top four.
Brisbane are going to cop a lot of criticism over the next week.
They were awful, and will have to improve greatly before they can
even think about finals at the end of the year. Having said that,
they still somehow have four wins from eight games, and play five
of their next six at the Gabba, with the other against lowly West
Coast. They will also welcome back some key players from injury.
- TomFC
http://www.afltips.com/people/tomfc.html
**********
Hawthorn v. West Coast
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
Hawthorn reiterated their good start to the season by winning
their 8th straight game by inflicting an 80 point win over the
hapless Eagles. The Eagles are now 2-6 to the season and should
start having a look to next season.
For the Hawks, all things point to next week and the showdown
with Essendon.
The Hawks were clinical in their disposal of the Eagles. They had
kicked four goals to nil by the first quarter and had posted what
was enough to be a winning score by half time.
The statistics indicate a side which is playing with a lot of
confidence. They had 13 individual goalkickers and 5 multiple
goalkickers. They had 130 more possessions for the match and 60
more marks.
Ably led by Shane Crawford who is back to his Brownlow medal
winning form, the Hawks asserted their dominance all over the
park. As for the Eagles, they look more and more to Ben Cousins
for inspiration and leadership but he can not do it by himself.
The Eagles must put the broom through the club and get rid of a
lot of deadwood in the off season.
Jonathon Hay's injury would be a worry for the Hawks as he has
been in great form.
So now the focus is onto next weeks's match of the year between
Essendon and Hawthorn. Everything the Hawks have done to date
will count for nought next week as one thing you learn about
champions is that they play their best when their superiority is
at stake.
Next week is for all the marbles and the right to claim the
status of premiership favourites.
If one thing is certain, as much as both coaches want to win next
week's game, both will want to claim the underdog status in the
midweek stakes.
- Dark Avenger
http://www.afltips.com/people/darkavenger.html
**********
Kangaroos v. St Kilda
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Manuka Oval 2:10 PM
"... and among the best players for St. Kilda today were Harvey,
Leowe, and Burke". There must be at least 250 games where the
Saints holy trinity have lined up and it would be fair to say
that the previous sentence has been used in match summaries for
the vast majority of them. On Saturday, it was the turn of
Nathan Burke to take the accolades of having reached the 300 game
milestone. You've seen him play and you've heard the tributes,
and it's only the hearts of the cold or the Kangaroos that would
have wanted to deny him victory on his milestone match.
"Too old, too slow". It's a mantra that has been used everytime
the Northerners lose a match. Harvey, King, Cochrane, Pickett,
and Clayton spent most of the match outrunning their opponents,
and with the exception of King, none of these players will be
celebrating 30th birthdays in the next couple of years. Then
there was Shannon Grant and Anthony Stevens. Pace is no good if
you cannot get the ball and these two were constantly in and
around the packs, winning the ball and feeding their runners.
"Get ready for the ride of your life". Only Sheedy could outdo
Blight in speaking lines that have their club marketing
departments frothing at the mouth at the bumper sticker
opportunities. But this season has been turning into a
rollercoaster ride for the St. Kilda faithful, and it seems
they're now on the downwards section of the ride. The question
is whether they're still going downwards or whether they've just
hit the nadir and are about to quickly swing back upwards again.
The Saints only had one player who won his position and that was
Stewart Leowe. But it said something about how much in control
the North defence were in every other part of the Saints forward
line that Pagan left McCartney on Leowe for the entire match.
Thompson got his fair share of the ball and there was plenty to
like about the efforts of Koschitzke. But many other players
were either anonymous or ineffective. With Collingwood up next,
my money would be on the ride heading further downwards for at
least another week.
"He's done everything that we've asked of him". That's a
favourite Pagan phrase, and this week, the much maligned (by
North fans, nacht) trio of Stuart Cochrane, Shane Clayton, and
Shannon Motlop should be able to raise wry grins if any media
ask Pagan about their efforts. A month ago, Cochrane was used
as a tagger and did a couple of great blanketing jobs on the
Swans' Wayne Schwass and the Cats Peter Riccardi. He had a great
first half, winning the ball in midfield packs, and giving plenty
of chances for the North forwards. He has been at Arden Street
since he was sixteen and while he always did well in the
reserves, he never really looked comfortabe in the seniors. It
was almost as if he felt that he shouldn't be there. Now it
seems that he's comfortable, and with that, confident.. Clayton
has frustrated Roo fans with his ability to sneak away from his
marker, get the ball and deliver it straight into the arms of an
opposition defender. But it seems that he now actually looks at
what is ahead of him. There was no better example than in the
second quarter where he won the ball in the centre, looked
forward, and sent a peach of a 25 metre pass into the waiting
arms of Corey McKernan. In the backline, Motlop seems to have
found his niche. Apart from delivering a ferocious hip and
shoulder on Brett Voss, he roamed the backline in the same manner
as a sweeper would in soccer. He used his wonderful delivery
skills that allowed the North midfielders to find space and
create attacks. I wonder if Pagan made him watch some early
Andrew McLeod videos.
"He'll be our next captain". Actually, Mick Malthouse said that
about Josh Fraser, but I wonder if in a year's time, Blight may
say the same thing about Justin Koschitzke. I've seen him play
twice against North and in this game, the Saints used him in
defence. There is a calm assurance in the way he plays, almost
like a young Glen Jakovich. For someone in his rookie season,
he's very confident about the decisions he makes during play.
The difference between a good player and a great player is that a
great player can sum up a situation in a split second and make
the right decision and execute it quickly, In the third quarter,
he did precisely that. He won a marking contest and disposed of
the ball a split second later releasing a St.Kilda midfielder to
set up an attack. Other rookies may have gone back to take the
kick. They could have handballed to a more experienced player.
At worst, they could have turned the ball over. But in that one
bit of play, he showed a maturity in the game that takes many
other players a couple of years to achieve.
"We'll take it one game at a time". That's the only thing these
two clubs should do. Their playing lists have similar
structures... some champions, plenty of imports from other clubs,
a few players fighting for their careers, and some youth with
plenty of promise. Both clubs are, in their own way, rebuilding
and fiddling with their game plans. It would not surprise me
that by seasons end, both clubs finish next to each other on the
ladder.
- Shinboners
http://www.afltips.com/people/shinboners.html
**********
Port Adelaide v. Collingwood
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Football Park 7:10 PM (7:40 PM AEST)
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR PORT!
Collingwood 3.0 11.4 14.9 18.11 (119)
Port Adelaide 4.4 5.8 9.10 16.14 (110)
Best - Collingwood: Buckley, O'Bree, Tarrant, Lockyer, Lonie,
Prestigiacomo, Clement, Molloy; Port Adelaide: Stevens,
Wanganeen, Primus, Francou, Cockatoo-Collins, James, Burgoyne;
Goals - Collingwood: Tarrant 5, Lonie 3, L.Davis, Holland 2,
O'Bree, N.Davis, Steinfort, Fraser, Licuria, Lockyer 1; Port
Adelaide: Wanganeen 5, Cockatoo-Collins 4, Stevens, Tredrea 2,
Cornes, Schofield, Dew 1;
Port Adelaide suffered its first loss at home and second loss of
the year to the hands of Collingwood at Football Park on Saturday
night. Collingwood outplayed Port Adelaide at its own game,
making Port look somewhat second rate and very reminiscent of
their 2000 form. Port made a late charge but in the end it was
too little too late.
Port started off the match well, having twenty six points on the
board before Collingwood scored after two goals to Tredrea and
one a piece to Cornes and Stevens. After that it was all
Collingwood, Lonie and Tarrant put both their goals through from
tight angles and Steinfort's goal was set up from a dubious
umpiring decision calling Paxman for deliberate out of bounds.
The second quarter was a nightmare for Port Adelaide, by far
their worst quarter this year. Tarrant helped himself to four
goals during the term leaving Port with a huge headache as to
whom to put on him. If this kid doesn't beat you with his height
he will soon beat you with his pace. For height Paxman was the
best choice but Tarrant's pace soon left Paxman behind, Port soon
tried the likes of Montgomery and Wanganeen to beat him for the
lead but with a one on one situation the taller man is going to
win on more occasion's than not. Lonie finished the quarter with
two goals and Lockyer and Nick Davis were able to chip in for one
a piece. Port's only goal came from the boot of Wanganeen.
Probably what was beating Port mostly was Collingwood's accuracy,
at one stage Collingwood had eight straight goals, my memories
soon went back to Port's first game in the AFL at the MCG,
Collingwood made a killing that day scoring at least ten goals
before a behind was registered. Also what probably hurt Port was
the loss of Wakelin early in the second quarter, he was dominant
in the Port backline, saving many Collingwood forward thrusts, a
corked thigh soon put an end to his game after injuring it in a
pack mark.
The third quarter was almost a replay of the first, Port were
fast out of the blocks and kicked four and Collingwood three.
Wanganeen kicked the first two and was soon followed by a goal to
Cockatoo-Collins. This reduced the margin to about three goals,
however Collingwood were able to steady with one goal each to
Holland and Licuria. Stevens kept Port in it once again with a
goal but this was soon followed by a Collingwood goal to O'Bree
leaving a lead to Collingwood of twenty-nine points at the end of
the third quarter.
The last quarter started off with a lot of hope and ended with
tragedy and despair. Collingwood slotted through the first goal
from Leon Davis and the game seemed to be a case of Collingwood
winning but by how far, plenty would have been the answer on most
people's lips. Wanganeen was able to answer straight away only
to have the margin put back out by a goal to Holland, what was to
come next was the Port Adelaide we have grown to love this year
but all too late. Three goals to Cockatoo-Collins and singles to
Schofield and Wanganeen reduced the margin to two points, leaving
Port with some hope after looking so impossible. What was to
follow though was pure tragedy, Matthew Primus in a ruck duel
landed awkwardly on his leg once again injuring his knee, at the
time it appeared season ending but now looks like being a two to
three week injury. While Primus was on laying on the ground
Collingwood were able to clear from the centre and score a goal
through Leon Davis. Port were able to re-group after the goal
while Primus was taken from the field, the call would have surely
been to do it for Matty and that's the way it started with a
clever goal to Dew after some hard work from Wilson up the field
bringing the margin back to two points once again. After working
so hard to get back into a winning position it all turned to
despair for Port, a handpass through the halfback line of
Collingwood from Montgomery was intercepted by Fraser and quickly
slotted through for a goal.
As close as this game may have ended up it was still well
deserved win by the Collingwood Football Club, for Port to win it
would have been fair to say that Port didn't win but Collingwood
lost it. Port didn't deserve to be in the position it was at the
end and as a Port supporter that hurts me to say that. We were
just beaten at our own game, some may claim that the umpires were
poor but they didn't get us in the position we were in. Its
probably about time Port started to introduce a few new players,
namely Kane Cornes in replacement of Brayden Lyle and Im sure
Matthew Bishop would have been a better option for Tarrant, he
would have to be our fastest tall.
Port next week will host Melbourne at Football Park while
Collingwood plays Saint Kilda at the MCG, both teams should be
able to win.
Progressive Tips for Scott
This week: 4/8
Total: 42/56
- Scott
http://www.afltips.com/people/scott.html
**********
Melbourne v. Essendon
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
The game was closer this time around but the end result was the
same in yesterday's Grand Final replay between Essendon and
Melbourne at the MCG. The Bombers held on to defeat the Demons,
12.13.85 to 11.13.79, in a tight, low scoring game miles removed
from last year's thumping. (Proposal: if the Grand Final Replay
is better than the actual event the year before, the replay game
should be the one known and recorded as The Actual Grand Final Of
The Year Before. In this case, the result would be the same but
writing as a North supporter I'd gladly take 1999 replay against
Adelaide over the 1998 "one day in September"! The horror, the
horror... Anyhoo, I digress.)
Just 46 seconds were left on the clock and Melbourne trailed by
one straight kick after a late rush of goals to Adem Yze, Nathan
Brown and Russell Robertson. The season's first draw - let's
face it, we're due for one - seemed on the cards until the
umpires missed what appeared to be a clear free kick to
Melbourne's Simon Godfrey, for tripping, in the middle of the
ground.
Seething after the match, coach Neale Daniher sent captain David
Neitz to have a "word" to the men in white, who can't seem to
stay out of the limelight this season. It was the second time
Daniher instructed Neitz to have a chat with the umpires after
earlier sending him over at ¾ time.
History will show, however, that Essendon was superior for most
of the day, regardless of the umpires' contribution, real or
imagined. Though the Demons had more possessions and went into
their forward line several times more than the Premiers, they
were bereft of the sort of skill and flair up forward where James
Hird's four goals and Matthew Lloyd's three - the latter's
kicking slightly off all day - ensured the Bombers were
victorious.
Up the back, the Essendon's exceptional defence was tested yet
superb. Dean Solomon did a great job against Russell Robertson
whilst Sean Wellman proved he is capable of playing at either end
of the ground. His season is just getting better and better.
For Melbourne, Neitz and Green kicked three goals apiece in a
low-scoring affair and credit should be given to the Demons for
being able to keep Essendon to a relatively low score whilst
keeping up the pace themselves. David Schwarz had a dirty day,
making some inexplicably foolish errors as well as being reported
for striking Moorecroft in the third quarter.
Daniher would be pleased that his men put up a fight after the
word "soft" circulated in the football media during the week. As
for Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, he will no doubt be aware that
the Bombers will have to be a bit sharper against the rampaging
Hawks this coming weekend. They look likely to take to the
field without Blake Caracella, who injured his chest yesterday
and will probably miss.
- Jane Woolard
**********
Western Bulldogs v. Sydney
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - SCG 2:10 PM
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.3 8.7 15.9 18.14 (122)
SYDNEY 3.3 8.7 10.9 15.11 (101)
Goals: Western Bulldogs: P Hudson 5 B Johnson 3 S Garlick 2 S Cox
2 S West C Grant R Smith T Bartlett M Robbins C Ellis. Sydney: M
O'Loughlin 5 P Williams 3 A Goodes 2 G Stafford R O'Keefe M
Fosdike D McPherson J Stevens.
Best: Western Bulldogs: B Johnson S West N Brown M Robbins L
Darcy S
Garlick. Sydney: J Ball M O'Loughlin N Fosdike J Stevens P
Williams R Warfe.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: D Howlett D Goldspink S Wenn.
Official crowd: 22,874 at SCG.
Sir Wayne Jackson was at the National Press Club during the week
saying that the Swans should be travelling a lot better than they
are considering the concessions they've received from the AFL.
But last Sunday they were playing away at the SCG, which was a
masterstroke of tactics by Terry Wallace, as everyone was
confused as to what was going on.
The Bloods came out swinging, and there was much reason to cheer,
cheer the red and the white, with the Doggies giving Goodes too
much room up forward. Then the game swung around. West, who got
a chance to reacquaint himself with his beloved Parramatta Eels
rugby league team, did good. A clever bit of work on the wing saw
Hudson Goal, and then the floodgates opened.
Stafford was a giant in every sense of the word for the Swans,
who lifted late in the second quarter, with O'Loughlin goaling
twice to tie things up at the long break. Ball, Stevens and
Fosdike also contributed well. But the ridiculously small SCG
ground, where the goals are only a kick and a half away from the
centre bounce, rewarded Footscray's strong running game out of
the centre. Basically if you won it out of the centre you were on
for a shot on goal. No wonder the Sydney Football League has cut
its teams to 16 players.
A seven goal to three third quarter seemed to blow
the...er...local side away, but the Bloods came again, assisted
by a lovely smother from the ump that allowed for a changeover.
Ayres has this bizarre plan where he gets his knackered players
off the ground, and then gets them to do twenty k's on an
exersize bike. What's going on here? Is this footy or triathlon?
I hardly think that twenty minutes into the third quarter is the
best time to give your starting centre-half forward a bit of
fitness training. I think it's a bit late by then.
Despite the Swannies rebound, which saw some of the most
attractive footy of the match, the Doggies settled in the final
stanza and ended up with the flattering scoreline that didn't
reflect the see-sawing nature of the game as a whole.
It's interesting to note that Footscray have depth upon depth,
with both grades of their VFL club, Werribee, being undefeated at
this stage. While Port Melbourne has threatened to select Sydney
players in their reserves if they continue to underperform at the
Borough.
Watch Footscray, they are a better side than they are generally
given credit for.
Something is seriously wrong at Sydney. Now Wayne, it wouldn't
have anything to do with the fact that there's no tram from
Clarendon Street to Sydney would it?
- Phil Doyle
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
**********
Fremantle v. Geelong
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - Subiaco 2:30 PM (4:30 PM AEST)
GEELONG 6.5 11.6 13.8 14.11 (95)
FREMANTLE 0.2 2.7 7.8 10.13 (73)
Goals: Geelong: A Houlihan 5 B Graham 4 C Bizzell J Corey K
Kingsley D
Mensch M Baldwin. Fremantle: C Waterhouse 2 P Hasleby T Modra D
Kickett P
Fewster L Brown A Shipp B Bootsma D Bandy.
Best: Geelong: B Graham D Spriggs T McGrath B Sanderson M
Scarlett B Sholl.
Fremantle: P Hasleby D Kickett L Toia H Black B Bootsma T Cook L
Brown.
Injuries: Fremantle: M Pavlich (thumb). Geelong: A Houlihan
(quad).
Reports: nil.
Umpires: S Jeffery S Hanley N Nash.
Crowd: 20,231 at Subiaco Oval.
There is a prohibition in the American constitution that
prohibits cruel and unusual punishment; unfortunately this is of
no relief to Dockers supporters.
Freo! They got done. They got done, and done, and done, and done
all through that first half.
What do you do?
I reckon they should sack Ric Charlesworth.
And bring in the MUA.
- Phil Doyle (standing in for Joffa at the last minute)
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
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Copyright (C) Adrian Groves, 2001
ENDS
*****************************************************************
Round 8 - 21 May 2001
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INDEX
1) "Weekly Round-Up" - previews of all matches from our Regular
Contributors
2) Various info about AFLTips.Com
+----------+
1) Weekly Round-Up
from our Regular Contributors
http://www.afltips.com/people/
(E-mail adrian@afltips.com if you'd like to become a
contributor.)
**********
Richmond v. Adelaide
Friday, 18 May 2001 - MCG 7:40 PM
ADELAIDE PRESENTS: PUPPETRY OF THE PONIES
Was the spoon bending illusionist Uri Geller at this game?
Somehow Adelaide managed to win. Believe it or not, 11th placed
Adelaide defeated 4th placed Richmond by 28 points - at the MCG!
Won for the first time against Richmond there since 1993!
Trailed by enough to look lousy at half time, stacked on 9 goals
to 1 in the third quarter, stood firm in the last stanza and
really truly, cross my heart and hope to die, won comfortably.
Still hard to believe? Richmond were outright colossal
favourites, half a ladder up on Adelaide and (apart from the
Essendon match) in tip-top form. But think back to Adelaide circa
Round 4, when similarly on a whim they stuck it up Carlton at
Opposition Oval. The de-ja-vu here in Round 8 leaves many
embarrassed Richmond types and unsuspecting tipsters in its wake.
Wayne Carey tipped Adelaide, so did Dermie. We thought they were
dickheads. We were wrong. Adelaide won, I repeat, that's
Adelaide by 28 points.
Sure, Richmond led 18 to 1 in the first quarter. Sure, every
shot at goal by Adelaide's Andrew McLeod went astray, in fact
he'd scored 6 behinds to half time. That's like a very time
consuming goal. Most of his team could only kick behinds (of the
scoring type) in the first half while Richmond kicked butt (of
the rectum type). Their defence led by Gaspar continually
overpowered The Crows' attack in the first half, forcing
turnovers and wayward shots. Whilst Richmond also erred
occasionally up forward they were often able to regain possession
and slot through a few straight-up six-pointers.
By half time the Richmond lead was 22 and the impending result
looked predictable, as seemingly a Crows burial was on the cards.
But the number of scoring shots were of stark interest, with
considerably more to Adelaide...
Initially the third quarter ran fairly close to pre match script
expectations until the ear bursting, explosive pop of The Crows
collectively pulling the finger out of the date. With Goodwin's
run, smash and grab, Ricciuto physically crippling opponents
(crunching Joel Bowden in particular), Smart living up to his
name and the high marking, goal scoring machine Brett Burton,
Adelaide humiliated the yellow and black. By three quarter time
the once healthy Richmond lead had flip-flopped Adelaide's way as
the football world looked on in disbelief. Bending spoons wasn't
a patch on this.
Adelaide maintained enough fight in the final quarter to
eventually outgun the Tigers. Richmond's Matthew Richardson
wrenched his hamstring with minutes remaining, adding to
Richmond's bitter aftertaste and their reputation being
questioned. Are they still a bunch of show ponies? Do they
crack under solid pressure? Are Adelaide really that good?
Next week, things may return to normal upon exit of this bizarro
football world. Expect Richmond to pussy whip the Cats and
Adelaide to falter in Brisbane. Seems relatively believable for
now, but this is comedy, mystery, mayhem, Aussie Rules...you
won't believe your eyes!
- matto
http://www.afltips.com/people/matto.html
**********
Carlton v. Brisbane
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Optus Oval 2:10 PM
The first thing that must be said about this game is that it was
awful. One-sided, boring, with a low skill level and very little
truly exciting play. The main culprits for this were the Lions,
who played defensive, low standard football, typified by
inaccurate short passes, with cost them many goals scored by the
Blues on the rebound. They insisted on kicking short for most of
the game, often going sideways or backward, and yet still found
it difficult to hit targets. Carlton, on the other hand, moved
the ball freely up and down the ground with the type of excellent
skills that made them the second best side last season.
Once again, it was the dominant midfield trio of Ratten,
Camporeale and the unstoppable Anthony Koutoufides who dominated
for the Blues, collecting over one hundred possessions between
them. They consistently won the ball out of the center, and moved
it effectively and efficiently down the ground into the
forwardline, where Fevola, Lappin, Whitnall and Silvagni gave
them plenty of options. Just as impressive, at the other end of
the ground, was Simon Beaumont, who played one of the best
quarters of his career in the second term, where he had thirteen
kicks, setting up a seven to one goal term for Carlton.
The Lions had looked sharp at the start, with Lynch kicking the
first two goals. However, they then fell into the trap of looking
short, and began mucking around with the ball. While Carlton were
beginning to move the ball quickly and skillfully, Brisbane were
still making basic errors, missing four shots at an open goal
between their second and third goals. Meanwhile, Carlton ran
riot, with their half-back line rebounding superbly, setting up
the midfield, who in turn set up the forwards. By half-time the
margin was forty-three points and the game was virtually over.
Brisbane never came close to matching the intensity of the Blues,
and one wonders whether or not they were thinking about their
next few games, most of which are back at the Gabba.
For Carlton, they should be very pleased at the performance of
all their players, particularly in the midfield, where they
dominated possession, and in defence, where they cleared the ball
rapidly and effectively. With a 5-3 record, they cement their
spot in the eight, and can now think about moving back into the
top four.
Brisbane are going to cop a lot of criticism over the next week.
They were awful, and will have to improve greatly before they can
even think about finals at the end of the year. Having said that,
they still somehow have four wins from eight games, and play five
of their next six at the Gabba, with the other against lowly West
Coast. They will also welcome back some key players from injury.
- TomFC
http://www.afltips.com/people/tomfc.html
**********
Hawthorn v. West Coast
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
Hawthorn reiterated their good start to the season by winning
their 8th straight game by inflicting an 80 point win over the
hapless Eagles. The Eagles are now 2-6 to the season and should
start having a look to next season.
For the Hawks, all things point to next week and the showdown
with Essendon.
The Hawks were clinical in their disposal of the Eagles. They had
kicked four goals to nil by the first quarter and had posted what
was enough to be a winning score by half time.
The statistics indicate a side which is playing with a lot of
confidence. They had 13 individual goalkickers and 5 multiple
goalkickers. They had 130 more possessions for the match and 60
more marks.
Ably led by Shane Crawford who is back to his Brownlow medal
winning form, the Hawks asserted their dominance all over the
park. As for the Eagles, they look more and more to Ben Cousins
for inspiration and leadership but he can not do it by himself.
The Eagles must put the broom through the club and get rid of a
lot of deadwood in the off season.
Jonathon Hay's injury would be a worry for the Hawks as he has
been in great form.
So now the focus is onto next weeks's match of the year between
Essendon and Hawthorn. Everything the Hawks have done to date
will count for nought next week as one thing you learn about
champions is that they play their best when their superiority is
at stake.
Next week is for all the marbles and the right to claim the
status of premiership favourites.
If one thing is certain, as much as both coaches want to win next
week's game, both will want to claim the underdog status in the
midweek stakes.
- Dark Avenger
http://www.afltips.com/people/darkavenger.html
**********
Kangaroos v. St Kilda
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Manuka Oval 2:10 PM
"... and among the best players for St. Kilda today were Harvey,
Leowe, and Burke". There must be at least 250 games where the
Saints holy trinity have lined up and it would be fair to say
that the previous sentence has been used in match summaries for
the vast majority of them. On Saturday, it was the turn of
Nathan Burke to take the accolades of having reached the 300 game
milestone. You've seen him play and you've heard the tributes,
and it's only the hearts of the cold or the Kangaroos that would
have wanted to deny him victory on his milestone match.
"Too old, too slow". It's a mantra that has been used everytime
the Northerners lose a match. Harvey, King, Cochrane, Pickett,
and Clayton spent most of the match outrunning their opponents,
and with the exception of King, none of these players will be
celebrating 30th birthdays in the next couple of years. Then
there was Shannon Grant and Anthony Stevens. Pace is no good if
you cannot get the ball and these two were constantly in and
around the packs, winning the ball and feeding their runners.
"Get ready for the ride of your life". Only Sheedy could outdo
Blight in speaking lines that have their club marketing
departments frothing at the mouth at the bumper sticker
opportunities. But this season has been turning into a
rollercoaster ride for the St. Kilda faithful, and it seems
they're now on the downwards section of the ride. The question
is whether they're still going downwards or whether they've just
hit the nadir and are about to quickly swing back upwards again.
The Saints only had one player who won his position and that was
Stewart Leowe. But it said something about how much in control
the North defence were in every other part of the Saints forward
line that Pagan left McCartney on Leowe for the entire match.
Thompson got his fair share of the ball and there was plenty to
like about the efforts of Koschitzke. But many other players
were either anonymous or ineffective. With Collingwood up next,
my money would be on the ride heading further downwards for at
least another week.
"He's done everything that we've asked of him". That's a
favourite Pagan phrase, and this week, the much maligned (by
North fans, nacht) trio of Stuart Cochrane, Shane Clayton, and
Shannon Motlop should be able to raise wry grins if any media
ask Pagan about their efforts. A month ago, Cochrane was used
as a tagger and did a couple of great blanketing jobs on the
Swans' Wayne Schwass and the Cats Peter Riccardi. He had a great
first half, winning the ball in midfield packs, and giving plenty
of chances for the North forwards. He has been at Arden Street
since he was sixteen and while he always did well in the
reserves, he never really looked comfortabe in the seniors. It
was almost as if he felt that he shouldn't be there. Now it
seems that he's comfortable, and with that, confident.. Clayton
has frustrated Roo fans with his ability to sneak away from his
marker, get the ball and deliver it straight into the arms of an
opposition defender. But it seems that he now actually looks at
what is ahead of him. There was no better example than in the
second quarter where he won the ball in the centre, looked
forward, and sent a peach of a 25 metre pass into the waiting
arms of Corey McKernan. In the backline, Motlop seems to have
found his niche. Apart from delivering a ferocious hip and
shoulder on Brett Voss, he roamed the backline in the same manner
as a sweeper would in soccer. He used his wonderful delivery
skills that allowed the North midfielders to find space and
create attacks. I wonder if Pagan made him watch some early
Andrew McLeod videos.
"He'll be our next captain". Actually, Mick Malthouse said that
about Josh Fraser, but I wonder if in a year's time, Blight may
say the same thing about Justin Koschitzke. I've seen him play
twice against North and in this game, the Saints used him in
defence. There is a calm assurance in the way he plays, almost
like a young Glen Jakovich. For someone in his rookie season,
he's very confident about the decisions he makes during play.
The difference between a good player and a great player is that a
great player can sum up a situation in a split second and make
the right decision and execute it quickly, In the third quarter,
he did precisely that. He won a marking contest and disposed of
the ball a split second later releasing a St.Kilda midfielder to
set up an attack. Other rookies may have gone back to take the
kick. They could have handballed to a more experienced player.
At worst, they could have turned the ball over. But in that one
bit of play, he showed a maturity in the game that takes many
other players a couple of years to achieve.
"We'll take it one game at a time". That's the only thing these
two clubs should do. Their playing lists have similar
structures... some champions, plenty of imports from other clubs,
a few players fighting for their careers, and some youth with
plenty of promise. Both clubs are, in their own way, rebuilding
and fiddling with their game plans. It would not surprise me
that by seasons end, both clubs finish next to each other on the
ladder.
- Shinboners
http://www.afltips.com/people/shinboners.html
**********
Port Adelaide v. Collingwood
Saturday, 19 May 2001 - Football Park 7:10 PM (7:40 PM AEST)
TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FOR PORT!
Collingwood 3.0 11.4 14.9 18.11 (119)
Port Adelaide 4.4 5.8 9.10 16.14 (110)
Best - Collingwood: Buckley, O'Bree, Tarrant, Lockyer, Lonie,
Prestigiacomo, Clement, Molloy; Port Adelaide: Stevens,
Wanganeen, Primus, Francou, Cockatoo-Collins, James, Burgoyne;
Goals - Collingwood: Tarrant 5, Lonie 3, L.Davis, Holland 2,
O'Bree, N.Davis, Steinfort, Fraser, Licuria, Lockyer 1; Port
Adelaide: Wanganeen 5, Cockatoo-Collins 4, Stevens, Tredrea 2,
Cornes, Schofield, Dew 1;
Port Adelaide suffered its first loss at home and second loss of
the year to the hands of Collingwood at Football Park on Saturday
night. Collingwood outplayed Port Adelaide at its own game,
making Port look somewhat second rate and very reminiscent of
their 2000 form. Port made a late charge but in the end it was
too little too late.
Port started off the match well, having twenty six points on the
board before Collingwood scored after two goals to Tredrea and
one a piece to Cornes and Stevens. After that it was all
Collingwood, Lonie and Tarrant put both their goals through from
tight angles and Steinfort's goal was set up from a dubious
umpiring decision calling Paxman for deliberate out of bounds.
The second quarter was a nightmare for Port Adelaide, by far
their worst quarter this year. Tarrant helped himself to four
goals during the term leaving Port with a huge headache as to
whom to put on him. If this kid doesn't beat you with his height
he will soon beat you with his pace. For height Paxman was the
best choice but Tarrant's pace soon left Paxman behind, Port soon
tried the likes of Montgomery and Wanganeen to beat him for the
lead but with a one on one situation the taller man is going to
win on more occasion's than not. Lonie finished the quarter with
two goals and Lockyer and Nick Davis were able to chip in for one
a piece. Port's only goal came from the boot of Wanganeen.
Probably what was beating Port mostly was Collingwood's accuracy,
at one stage Collingwood had eight straight goals, my memories
soon went back to Port's first game in the AFL at the MCG,
Collingwood made a killing that day scoring at least ten goals
before a behind was registered. Also what probably hurt Port was
the loss of Wakelin early in the second quarter, he was dominant
in the Port backline, saving many Collingwood forward thrusts, a
corked thigh soon put an end to his game after injuring it in a
pack mark.
The third quarter was almost a replay of the first, Port were
fast out of the blocks and kicked four and Collingwood three.
Wanganeen kicked the first two and was soon followed by a goal to
Cockatoo-Collins. This reduced the margin to about three goals,
however Collingwood were able to steady with one goal each to
Holland and Licuria. Stevens kept Port in it once again with a
goal but this was soon followed by a Collingwood goal to O'Bree
leaving a lead to Collingwood of twenty-nine points at the end of
the third quarter.
The last quarter started off with a lot of hope and ended with
tragedy and despair. Collingwood slotted through the first goal
from Leon Davis and the game seemed to be a case of Collingwood
winning but by how far, plenty would have been the answer on most
people's lips. Wanganeen was able to answer straight away only
to have the margin put back out by a goal to Holland, what was to
come next was the Port Adelaide we have grown to love this year
but all too late. Three goals to Cockatoo-Collins and singles to
Schofield and Wanganeen reduced the margin to two points, leaving
Port with some hope after looking so impossible. What was to
follow though was pure tragedy, Matthew Primus in a ruck duel
landed awkwardly on his leg once again injuring his knee, at the
time it appeared season ending but now looks like being a two to
three week injury. While Primus was on laying on the ground
Collingwood were able to clear from the centre and score a goal
through Leon Davis. Port were able to re-group after the goal
while Primus was taken from the field, the call would have surely
been to do it for Matty and that's the way it started with a
clever goal to Dew after some hard work from Wilson up the field
bringing the margin back to two points once again. After working
so hard to get back into a winning position it all turned to
despair for Port, a handpass through the halfback line of
Collingwood from Montgomery was intercepted by Fraser and quickly
slotted through for a goal.
As close as this game may have ended up it was still well
deserved win by the Collingwood Football Club, for Port to win it
would have been fair to say that Port didn't win but Collingwood
lost it. Port didn't deserve to be in the position it was at the
end and as a Port supporter that hurts me to say that. We were
just beaten at our own game, some may claim that the umpires were
poor but they didn't get us in the position we were in. Its
probably about time Port started to introduce a few new players,
namely Kane Cornes in replacement of Brayden Lyle and Im sure
Matthew Bishop would have been a better option for Tarrant, he
would have to be our fastest tall.
Port next week will host Melbourne at Football Park while
Collingwood plays Saint Kilda at the MCG, both teams should be
able to win.
Progressive Tips for Scott
This week: 4/8
Total: 42/56
- Scott
http://www.afltips.com/people/scott.html
**********
Melbourne v. Essendon
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - MCG 2:10 PM
The game was closer this time around but the end result was the
same in yesterday's Grand Final replay between Essendon and
Melbourne at the MCG. The Bombers held on to defeat the Demons,
12.13.85 to 11.13.79, in a tight, low scoring game miles removed
from last year's thumping. (Proposal: if the Grand Final Replay
is better than the actual event the year before, the replay game
should be the one known and recorded as The Actual Grand Final Of
The Year Before. In this case, the result would be the same but
writing as a North supporter I'd gladly take 1999 replay against
Adelaide over the 1998 "one day in September"! The horror, the
horror... Anyhoo, I digress.)
Just 46 seconds were left on the clock and Melbourne trailed by
one straight kick after a late rush of goals to Adem Yze, Nathan
Brown and Russell Robertson. The season's first draw - let's
face it, we're due for one - seemed on the cards until the
umpires missed what appeared to be a clear free kick to
Melbourne's Simon Godfrey, for tripping, in the middle of the
ground.
Seething after the match, coach Neale Daniher sent captain David
Neitz to have a "word" to the men in white, who can't seem to
stay out of the limelight this season. It was the second time
Daniher instructed Neitz to have a chat with the umpires after
earlier sending him over at ¾ time.
History will show, however, that Essendon was superior for most
of the day, regardless of the umpires' contribution, real or
imagined. Though the Demons had more possessions and went into
their forward line several times more than the Premiers, they
were bereft of the sort of skill and flair up forward where James
Hird's four goals and Matthew Lloyd's three - the latter's
kicking slightly off all day - ensured the Bombers were
victorious.
Up the back, the Essendon's exceptional defence was tested yet
superb. Dean Solomon did a great job against Russell Robertson
whilst Sean Wellman proved he is capable of playing at either end
of the ground. His season is just getting better and better.
For Melbourne, Neitz and Green kicked three goals apiece in a
low-scoring affair and credit should be given to the Demons for
being able to keep Essendon to a relatively low score whilst
keeping up the pace themselves. David Schwarz had a dirty day,
making some inexplicably foolish errors as well as being reported
for striking Moorecroft in the third quarter.
Daniher would be pleased that his men put up a fight after the
word "soft" circulated in the football media during the week. As
for Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy, he will no doubt be aware that
the Bombers will have to be a bit sharper against the rampaging
Hawks this coming weekend. They look likely to take to the
field without Blake Caracella, who injured his chest yesterday
and will probably miss.
- Jane Woolard
**********
Western Bulldogs v. Sydney
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - SCG 2:10 PM
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.3 8.7 15.9 18.14 (122)
SYDNEY 3.3 8.7 10.9 15.11 (101)
Goals: Western Bulldogs: P Hudson 5 B Johnson 3 S Garlick 2 S Cox
2 S West C Grant R Smith T Bartlett M Robbins C Ellis. Sydney: M
O'Loughlin 5 P Williams 3 A Goodes 2 G Stafford R O'Keefe M
Fosdike D McPherson J Stevens.
Best: Western Bulldogs: B Johnson S West N Brown M Robbins L
Darcy S
Garlick. Sydney: J Ball M O'Loughlin N Fosdike J Stevens P
Williams R Warfe.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: D Howlett D Goldspink S Wenn.
Official crowd: 22,874 at SCG.
Sir Wayne Jackson was at the National Press Club during the week
saying that the Swans should be travelling a lot better than they
are considering the concessions they've received from the AFL.
But last Sunday they were playing away at the SCG, which was a
masterstroke of tactics by Terry Wallace, as everyone was
confused as to what was going on.
The Bloods came out swinging, and there was much reason to cheer,
cheer the red and the white, with the Doggies giving Goodes too
much room up forward. Then the game swung around. West, who got
a chance to reacquaint himself with his beloved Parramatta Eels
rugby league team, did good. A clever bit of work on the wing saw
Hudson Goal, and then the floodgates opened.
Stafford was a giant in every sense of the word for the Swans,
who lifted late in the second quarter, with O'Loughlin goaling
twice to tie things up at the long break. Ball, Stevens and
Fosdike also contributed well. But the ridiculously small SCG
ground, where the goals are only a kick and a half away from the
centre bounce, rewarded Footscray's strong running game out of
the centre. Basically if you won it out of the centre you were on
for a shot on goal. No wonder the Sydney Football League has cut
its teams to 16 players.
A seven goal to three third quarter seemed to blow
the...er...local side away, but the Bloods came again, assisted
by a lovely smother from the ump that allowed for a changeover.
Ayres has this bizarre plan where he gets his knackered players
off the ground, and then gets them to do twenty k's on an
exersize bike. What's going on here? Is this footy or triathlon?
I hardly think that twenty minutes into the third quarter is the
best time to give your starting centre-half forward a bit of
fitness training. I think it's a bit late by then.
Despite the Swannies rebound, which saw some of the most
attractive footy of the match, the Doggies settled in the final
stanza and ended up with the flattering scoreline that didn't
reflect the see-sawing nature of the game as a whole.
It's interesting to note that Footscray have depth upon depth,
with both grades of their VFL club, Werribee, being undefeated at
this stage. While Port Melbourne has threatened to select Sydney
players in their reserves if they continue to underperform at the
Borough.
Watch Footscray, they are a better side than they are generally
given credit for.
Something is seriously wrong at Sydney. Now Wayne, it wouldn't
have anything to do with the fact that there's no tram from
Clarendon Street to Sydney would it?
- Phil Doyle
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
**********
Fremantle v. Geelong
Sunday, 20 May 2001 - Subiaco 2:30 PM (4:30 PM AEST)
GEELONG 6.5 11.6 13.8 14.11 (95)
FREMANTLE 0.2 2.7 7.8 10.13 (73)
Goals: Geelong: A Houlihan 5 B Graham 4 C Bizzell J Corey K
Kingsley D
Mensch M Baldwin. Fremantle: C Waterhouse 2 P Hasleby T Modra D
Kickett P
Fewster L Brown A Shipp B Bootsma D Bandy.
Best: Geelong: B Graham D Spriggs T McGrath B Sanderson M
Scarlett B Sholl.
Fremantle: P Hasleby D Kickett L Toia H Black B Bootsma T Cook L
Brown.
Injuries: Fremantle: M Pavlich (thumb). Geelong: A Houlihan
(quad).
Reports: nil.
Umpires: S Jeffery S Hanley N Nash.
Crowd: 20,231 at Subiaco Oval.
There is a prohibition in the American constitution that
prohibits cruel and unusual punishment; unfortunately this is of
no relief to Dockers supporters.
Freo! They got done. They got done, and done, and done, and done
all through that first half.
What do you do?
I reckon they should sack Ric Charlesworth.
And bring in the MUA.
- Phil Doyle (standing in for Joffa at the last minute)
http://www.afltips.com/people/phildoyle.html
+----------+
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ENDS
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