AFL Live Southern Sharks - The Ultimate Team

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Port Adelaide fold, Enter the Southern Sharks

In a tense 48 hours, the AFL has made some unbelievable announcements that will see the Port Adelaide Power Football Club be made redundant, and replaced by a new club instantly into the AFL.

The AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou announced that the national competition just got bigger and better, with the Southern Sharks entering the competition as part of the resolution of Port Adelaide's issues.

Entering the competition in 1997, the Power enjoyed success, winning the 2004 AFL Premiership in a time where they were becoming a powerhouse on the field. It was only five years ago they made a Grand Final, but their off-field performance required a bail out plan.

With the on-field performance only getting worse, and a vote by the other 17 clubs showing a 15-2 favour of a new club to fix the problems, a deal was struck.

The Southern Sharks have been formed, and will become a Tasmanian-based AFL club. The first club to be part of the Apple Isle, and Aurora Stadium will become the home ground. As part of the deal, the Sharks will play 8 home games in Tasmania, and 2 away games vs Hawthorn and North Melbourne. The other 3 games will be played at the Adelaide Oval to keep as many games in South Australia as possible.

The list management will begin with a complete overhaul of the Port Adelaide list. Here is the formation of the Southern Sharks:

- 11 Port Adelaide players to be retained
- 1 player from each of the 17 other clubs, gained by way of trading remaining Port Adelaide players
- 6 Tasmanian players will be signed with the AFL giving cash and draft considerations to teams as per the AFL formula
- 2 Free Agent Signings, AFL to work formula on benefits to sides losing out
- 4 Key Signings, Extensive formula worked by AFL to ensure equality.

The Sharks will only be given 8 draft picks. Picks 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17.

 

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Sharks name 11 Power players retained

The Southern Sharks Management Team have chosen the 11 former Port Adelaide players to retain as part of the team structure set out by the AFL.

They are as follows:
Matthew Broadbent
Brad Ebert
Paul Stewart
Travis Boak
Matthew Lobbe
Jackson Trengove
Chad Wingard
John Butcher
Hamish Hartlett
Andrew Moore
Matt Thomas

The Southern Sharks admit there were few surprises, picking a bunch of players to fill roles all over the field, as well as give long-term committments to their new home. Former Port captain Dom Cassisi, speedstar Danyle Pearce and key forward Justin Westhoff were the three big ommissions. It is expected that these players will be traded to new clubs.

Brett Ebert, Kane Cornes and Simon Phillips announced their retirements.

 

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Tasmanians commit to newly found Club

The Southern Sharks have got a big boost ahead of the anticipated debut season, proudly announcing the 6 Tasmanians to agree to new deals.

They are:
Grant Birchall (formerly Hawthorn)
Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)
Mitch Robinson (Carlton)
Ian Callinan (Adelaide Crows)
Tom Bellchambers (Essendon)
Ryan Harwood (Brisbane Lions)

All current Tasmanian players were contacted in regards to the offer, and each player would anomously request to speak to Southern Sharks management if any interest. Grant Birchall and Jack Riewoldt are the two massive signings, and will offer great experience to the side.

With salary cap considerations, it is expected the Sharks will make massive plays for bigger potential signings and creat an Ultimate Team.

Mitch Robinson has stepped into the next class as a midfielder and will be a big loss to Carlton, while Ian Callinan was happy to return back to Tasmania.

 

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Massive signings in Free Agency circles

It was talked about but we would never believe the Southern Sharks would pull it off.

Adelaide key forward Kurt Tippett and superstar Saint Brendan Goddard have both joined the Southern Sharks as part of the two allowed free agency signings.

No swap of players was offered, but a bonus cash consideration were given to both Adelaide Crows and St Kilda.

Adelaide received pick 9 while St Kilda snapped up pick 5 in this years draft, as well as the bonus cash for additional help. This amount will be disclosed publically before trade week.

The Sharks still have Picks 3, 7, 11, 13, 15 and 17 up their sleeves. Sharks team management did say that they would rather get a strong team than use draft picks.

 

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Gibson, Taylor add strength to defence of Sharks

The Southern Sharks have focused on the defence for their first two key signings. With two more expected to be named as soon as tomorrow morning, Hawthorns Josh Gibson and Geelong Cats Harry Taylor have been snapped up and their spine is ever growing, with Tippett at CHF and Goddard possible in the middle, and then add Jack Riewoldt in the goal square, a premiership side is being built.

Josh Gibson was convinced of the opportunity and the Hawks have received Pick 11. Harry Taylor was traded for pick 17. Cash considerations will be also released by the AFL to ensure there is no in-balance between trades. Hawthorn has already received a mid-second round pick and cash consideration for the loss of Grant Birchall.

The Sharks still have 2 more key players available to sign, with Picks 3, 7, 13 and 15 up their sleeve.

 

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Naitanui plucked by fiesty Sharks

They needed a no.1 ruckman, and boy did they get one. All-Australian and former Eagle Nic Naitanui signalled his intentions of accepting a long-term deal, and West Coast had no option to accept. They will receive picks 3, 13 and a mid second-round compensation pick (given by the AFL) for the loss.

Both parties agreed quite quickly. Picks 7 and 15 are still in the hands of the Sharks to hand out.

 

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Rodney Eade named Sharks coach, Hocking, Craig and Harvey assistants

Rodney Eade is back in the hot seat, with the Sharks announcing the signing of Rocket as the head coach for the next two years. Neil Craig will be the senior assistant, while Garry Hocking (former Port Adelaide care taker coach) and Mark Harvey (former Fremantle coach) named assistants also.

Eade has had strong success at both Sydney and Western Bulldogs before being sacked in 2011.

 

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Chris Judd joins Sharks in biggest bite so far

We had Goddard, then we had Tippett. Nic Naitanui was plucked from the Eagles, but none comes more bigger than Chris Judd. Upset by losing the captaincy and initially had a bad relationship with new Blue coach Mick Malthouse, Judd didn't think twice when asked by Eade and his team to join the Sharks, already being announced as the captain of the side.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist and champion of the game, he will wear the Green Blue and White as skipper in 2013.

The Blues received the remaining two picks the Sharks had, being picks 7 and 15. Only getting older, and having a tiff with the Blues, Carlton had no choice to accept.

 

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Trade Week Wrap Up: Beams, Fyfe, Sloane and Hannebery join Sharks

In terms agreed by all clubs in the AFL's proposal to remove Port Adelaide in favour for the Tasmanian team, trade week would see the Sharks gain one additional player from each club outside of the key signings and Tasmanian additions.

Here are the deals

Rory Sloane for Cameron Hitchcock and Jacob Surjan
Elliot Yeo for Jasper Pittard
David Ellard for Ben Newton and Cameron O'Shea
Dayne Beams for Jarrad Reddan and Danyle Pearce
Michael Hibberd for Aaron Young and Nathan Blee
Nathan Fyfe for Robbie Gray and Jay Schulz
Daniel Menzel for Steven Salopek
Adam Treloar for Ben Jacobs
Aaron Hall for Domenic Cassisi
Matt Suckling for David Rodan and Jarrad Irons
Sam Blease for Mitch Banner
Sam Gibson for Tom Logan
Matt Dea for Troy Chaplin
Jarryn Geary for Justin Westhoff and Alipate Carlile
Dan Hannebery for Tom Jonas and Brent Renouf
Murray Newman for Darren Pfieffer
Lukas Markovic for Daniel Stewart

 

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Southern Sharks - 2013 List

1 - Nic Naitanui
2 - Dan Hannebery
3 - Chris Judd (c)
4 - Kurt Tippett
5 - Matthew Broadbent
6 - Josh Gibson
7 - Harry Taylor
8 - Hamish Hartlett
9 - Rory Sloane
10 - Travis Boak
11 - Matt Suckling
12 - Jackson Trengove
13 - Jack Riewoldt
14 - Grant Birchall (vc)
15 - Jarryn Geary
16 - Adam Treloar
17 - Dayne Beams
18 - Brendan Goddard (vc)
19 - Sam Blease
20 - Chad Wingard
21 - Matt Thomas
22 - Sam Gibson
23 - Matthew Lobbe
24 - Daniel Menzel
25 - Paul Stewart
26 - Andrew Moore
28 - Elliot Yeo
30 - Brad Ebert
31 - Mitch Robinson
32 - John Butcher
33 - Aaron Hall
34 - Ryan Harwood
35 - Lukas Markovic
36 - Nat Fyfe
37 - Ian Callinan
38 - Murray Newman
40 - Matt Dea
43 - Michael Hibberd
44 - Tom Bellchambers
46 - David Ellard

 

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The Year Ahead

The Sharks will play 10 games in Tasmania (8 home, 2 away) with their other 3 home games split as 2 at Adelaide Oval (vs West Coast and Adelaide) and a home game in Darwin (vs Western Bulldogs).

A Bye is set between Rounds 10 and 11 for the entire competition.

Rnd 1 - vs Brisbane Lions (Gabba)
Rnd 2 - vs Sydney Swans (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 3 - vs Geelong Cats (Skilled Stadium)
Rnd 4 - vs St Kilda (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 5 - vs Essendon (Etihad Stadium)
Rnd 6 - vs GWS Giants (Blundstone Arena)
Rnd 7 - vs West Coast Eagles (Adelaide Oval)
Rnd 8 - vs Fremantle (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 9 - vs Gold Coast Suns (Metricon Stadium)
Rnd 10 - vs Adelaide Crows (Adelaide Oval)
Bye
Rnd 11 - vs North Melbourne (Blundstone Arena)
Rnd 12 - vs Richmond (MCG)
Rnd 13 - vs Hawthorn (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 14 - vsMelbourne (MCG)
Rnd 15 - vs Carlton (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 16 - vs Western Bulldogs (Telstra Dome)
Rnd 17 - vs Collingwood (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 18 - vs Collingwood (MCG)
Rnd 19 - vs Western Bulldogs (TIO Stadium)
Rnd 20 - vs Carlton (Telstra Dome)
Rnd 21 - vs Melbourne (Aurora Stadium)
Rnd 22 - vs Hawthorn (Aurora Stadium)

 

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PREVIEW - Round One vs Brisbane Lions

The Southern Sharks will have to travel to Brisbane for their first competitive hitout, this time against the Lions at the Gabba.

B: J Trengove, H Taylor, M Suckling
HB: G Birchall, J Gibson, H Hartlett
C: R Sloane, B Goddard, B Ebert
HF: N Fyfe, K Tippett, M Robinson
F: J Butcher, J Riewoldt, I Callinan
Foll: N Naitanui, C Judd (c), D Beams
I/C: M Broadbent, D Hannebery, T Boak, J Geary (sub)

Em: T Bellchambers, S Blease, M Dea

Unavailable: D Menzel (knee, 4 weeks), M Lobbe (shoulder, 1 week)

 

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Round One, 2013
SHARKS 5.2 10.5 13.9 15.14 (104)
BRISBANE 3.1 6.3 9.5 9.8 (62)

Best: SHK: Judd, Beams, Sloane, Gibson, Trengove, Hartlett, Goddard. BL: Stiller, Leuenberger, Merrett, Banfield, Rockliff, Adcock, Rich.

Goals: SHK: Callinan 3; Fyfe, Tippett, Riewoldt, Robinson 2; Beams, Goddard, Judd, Beams. BL: Brown 3; Banfield 2; Buchanan, Green, Stiller, Cornelius.

Judd leads Sharks to historic win

The Southern Sharks have recorded a historic victory over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba tonight in their first AFL game. Formed only 6 months ago, the Tasmanian-based Sharks lead the Lions all night, thanks to a best on ground performance from captain Chris Judd.

Judd had 37 possessions and kicked a crucial goal before half-time in the 15.14 (104) to 9.8 (62) win at the Gabba in front of a respectable 23,561 crowd.

Judd led the charge early with 14 touches in the opening term and continued on his merry way, in what should be a solid start for the already two-time Brownlow medallist. He had a plethora of stars along side him who performed, including Collingwood recruit Dayne Beams and retained Power players Jackson Trengove and Hamish Hartlett.

Beams had 29 disposals as well as a goal, while other Shark midfielders Rory Sloane (28 disposals) and Brendan Goddard (27 disposals, 1 goal) also performed in their first games with the newly formed club.

The defence held up strong with Josh Gibson providing resiliance and dash, including a terrific 26 disposals and 6 rebounds, while Jackson Trengove had 18 touches and stopped numerous attacks.

Cheynee Stiller was fantastic in the middle for the Lions with 22 touches, 8 clearances and a goal, while Matthew Leuenberger kept going in the ruck, finishing with 37 hitouts. There best however could easily have been Daniel Merrett if not for a slow start. Playing on Jack Riewoldt, the dual Coleman Medallist kicked 2 goals and had 11 touches in the first quarter, but could only manage 3 more kicks and 1 behind from quarter time.

Despite Judd's brilliance and the Sharks first win, the other big news came from the medical room. Nic Naitanui was subbed off in the third term with a calf strain, and will miss the next 2-3 weeks, while Nathan Fyfe and Matthew Suckling both failed to participate in the final ten minutes. Fyfe was initially thought to have cramp, before realising a minor quad injury will see him out for the next fortnight. Suckling hurt his wrist in a spoiling situation and may be out for a month.

Peter Hudson Trophy
8. Chris Judd (8)
7. Dayne Beams (7)
6. Jackson Trengove (6)
5. Rory Sloane (5)
4. Josh Gibson (4)
3. Hamish Hartlett (3)
2. Brendan Goddard (2)
1. Kurt Tippett (1)

 

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PREVIEW - Round Two vs Sydney Swans

In their first game at Aurora Stadium, the Sharks new home base, there will be three forced changes against the Swans, being the injuries that came out of the win at The Gabba last week.

Tom Bellchambers will come in for Nic Naitanui while Andrew Moore and Sam Blease will replace Matt Suckling and Nathan Fyfe.

Matthew Broadbent will start with the green jacket on.

B: J Trengove, H Taylor, J Geary
HB: G Birchall, J Gibson, H Hartlett
C: R Sloane, B Goddard, B Ebert
HF: S Blease, K Tippett, M Robinson
F: J Butcher, J Riewoldt, I Callinan
Foll: T Bellchambers, C Judd (c), D Beams
I/C: A Moore, D Hannebery, T Boak, M Broadbent (sub)

Em: M Dea, A Treloar, D Ellard

IN: S Blease, T Bellchambers, A Moore
OUT: N Naitanui (calf), N Fyfe (quad), M Suckling (hand)

Unavailable: D Menzel (knee, 3 weeks), N Naitanui (calf, 2 weeks), N Fyfe (quad, 2 weeks), M Suckling (hand, 3 weeks)

 

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PLAYER TO WATCH: Chris Judd

The skipper of the newly found Southern Sharks has enjoyed a terrific start to the season. With quality around him, Judd stood up in the opening game, with 21 kicks, 16 handballs, 9 clearances and 1 goal.

His work ethic is always a pleasure to watch, considering a tough tag and limited space, Judd can turn a game with a brilliant clearance, and with his ball smarts, he is always capable of creating.

Last game - Rnd 1 vs BL
K: 21
HB: 16
D: 37
G: 1
Clr: 9
I50: 8
SC: 171

Season (Averages)
Games: 1 (1)
Goals: 1 (1)
K: 21 (21)
HB: 16 (16)
D: 37 (37)

 

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Round Two, 2013
SHARKS 2.2 9.7 16.12 22.15 (147)
BRISBANE 6.2 6.4 8.7 12.10 (82)

Best: SHK: Hartlett, Birchall, Judd, Sloane, Boak, Goddard, Hannebery. SYD: Reid, O'Keefe, Jack, Grundy, Mumford, Dennis-Lane, Mattner.

Goals: SHK: Judd, Broadbent 3; Tippett, Riewoldt, Goddard, Robinson, Callinan 2; Sloane, Beams, Moore, Boak, Butcher, Bellchambers. SYD: Reid 7; Dennis-Lane 3; Rohan, Morton.

Sharks bolt away from fast starting Swans

At the 18-minute mark of the first term, it was Sydney 6.1 to the Sharks 2.1. The Swans had kicked six goals in 12 minutes after the Sharks opened the tally with goals to Judd and Tippett early. Fast forward to the 18 minute mark of the third term, and the Sharks had kicked their way to a 54-point lead, with twelve unanswered goals.

It was a mindblowing effort by the Sharks, who were looking scared and shaken, but proved anything but that, winning 22.15 (147) to 12.10 (82) at Aurora Stadium.

Chris Judd was yet again fantastic, this time kicking 3 goals from the middle and having 26 touches along with 9 inside 50's for the match. It was the efforts of Hamish Hartlett and Grant Birchall however that proved pivotel on the half-back line. Hartlett was sensational, in a career-defining game. An outside midfielder at Port, Rocket Eade put him to half-back and he has excelled.

Hartlett had 27 touches (19 kicks, 8 handballs) and 12 marks, of which 5 from opposition kicks, and 3 contested. His drive was important, and ability to apply pressure equally as good. Birchall was solid all game, starting small before moving to Adam Goodes in a more central position due to Gibson playing as a loose man in front of Reid in the second half. The vice captain had 18 touches in the second half and beat Goodes in the air.

Sam Reid was the talking point however. He beat All-Australian Harry Taylor convincingly, and kicked a career-high 7 goals. He was unstoppable and the only Swan who imposed himself on the game after quarter time with an impact.

Tom Bellchambers replaced Nic Naitanui and got better as the game went on, however Mumford did take the points. Rory Sloane and Dayne Beams continued their good form once again, with Sloane having 25 touches (24 to 3/4 time) and Beams contributed 21.

Matthew Broadbent became the super sub, kicking 3 last quarter goals when replacing distracted forward John Butcher.

Peter Hudson Trophy
8. Hamish Hartlett (11)
7. Grant Birchall (7)
6. Chris Judd (14)
5. Rory Sloane (10)
4. Travis Boak (4)
3. Brendan Goddard (4)
2. Mitch Robinson (2)
1. Dan Hannebery (1)

 

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PREVIEW - Round Three vs Geelong Cats

Tom Bellchambers has not come up for the clash against Geelong at Simmonds Stadium in a Round 3 clash that will determine the ability of the Southern Sharks.

Former Power duo Matthew Lobbe and Paul Stewart will come into the side while John Butcher and Jarryn Geary are omitted. Matt Dea also gets his chance, showing solid form in the VFL.

B: J Trengove, H Taylor, M Dea
HB: G Birchall, J Gibson, H Hartlett
C: R Sloane, B Goddard, B Ebert
HF: M Broadbent, K Tippett, S Blease
F: P Stewart, J Riewoldt, I Callinan
Foll: M Lobbe, C Judd (c), D Beams
I/C: M Robinson, D Hannebery, T Boak, A Moore (sub)

Em: S Gibson, A Treloar, M Thomas

IN: M Lobbe, M Dea, P Stewart
OUT: T Bellchambers (knee), J Geary, J Butcher

Unavailable: T Bellchambers (knee, 1 week), D Menzel (knee, 2 weeks), N Naitanui (calf, 1 week), N Fyfe (quad, 1 week), M Suckling (hand, 2 weeks)

 

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PLAYER TO WATCH: Hamish Hartlett

One of the first to be retained by the Southern Sharks from the former Port Adelaide list, Hamish Hartlett has once again proven his worth. If he can remain injury-free, the one thing that has stopped him forcing his way to becoming an elite player, he will go close to claiming that status.

With the midfield combination of Chris Judd, Dayne Beams, Brendan Goddard, Rory Sloane, Travis Boak and Dan Hannebery, while others such as Mitch Robinson and Matthew Broadbent rotate through the middle, Rodney Eade has used Hartlett on the half-back line, and has it worked wonders in the opening two rounds.

His game against Sydney was a master class performance, and was quoted by the coach as "career-defining". If he can't be shut down, opposition teams will have an issue.

Last game - Rnd 2 vs Syd
K: 19
HB: 8
D: 27
M: 12
CM: 3
R50: 6
SC: 184

Season (Averages)
Games: 2
Goals: 0
K: 27 (13.5)
HB: 22 (11.0)
D: 49 (24.5)

 

[SportMAD]

good read

 

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Round Three, 2013
GEELONG 3.3 5.6 7.9 13.13 (91)
SHARKS 3.4 8.4 11.10 13.11 (89)

Best: GEEL: Varcoe, Corey, West, Bartel, Hawkins, T Hunt, Lonergan. SHK: Hartlett, Riewoldt, Robinson, Beams, Birchall, Trengove, Goddard.

Goals: GEEL: Varcoe 4; Hawkins, Podsiadly 3; Corey, Chapman, Lonergan. SYD: Riewoldt 5; Tippett 3; Robinson, Callinan, Judd, Blease, Beams.

Cats get up in Kardinia Park classic

Geelong Cats continued their dominance at Simmonds Stadium with a brilliant comeback against the Southern Sharks. A six-goal final term, including the last five goals, gave the Cats a memorable 13.13 (91) to 13.11 (89) win in windy and soaking conditions.

Travis Varcoe was the star, with two final quarter goals including the match winner. Matt Dea had his measure for the middle part of the game, but Varcoe came into his own in the final quarter. He ended up with 19 disposals, 7 tackles and 4 goals. He was helped by Jimmy Bartel and Joel Corey's efficiency in the middle, while Trent West played one of his best games of his short career.

In a tight first half, it took until the 20-minute mark of the second term before a break-out from the away side. The Sharks kicked four goals in six minutes, including a fourth goal to Jack Riewoldt on the boundary line to give a momentum boosting half-time lead of 16 points.

The lead got out to 31 points in the third term, but the Cats kept plugging away. Riewoldt kicked his fifth goal late in the third term, and then what was thought to be a sealer from Kurt Tippett in the early stages of the last quarter was the start of the comeback. Podsiadly would kick the Cats back to 19-points with 12 minutes to go, but then a Mitch Robinson beauty got the fat lady singing.

Needing four goals, the Cats kicked 3 in quick succession, including a ripper from Travis Varcoe. With only 3 minutes to play, Varcoe would again be there, putting Geelong in front by a point, the first time they lead since the opening term.

For the Sharks, Hamish Hartlett was sensational. He had 32 touches, including 10 marks. The second game where he produced brilliant numbers and chopped the ball off perfectly. Chris Judd and Brendan Goddard were again finding the ball, but inneffectively. Dayne Beams was brilliant with 11 tackles and 23 disposals, while Jackson Trengoves performance on Steve Johnson saw him take the points easily. Johnson failed to kick a goal and only had 9 touches. Trengove had 8 marks and 11 touches.

Peter Hudson Trophy
8. Hamish Hartlett (19)
7. Jack Riewoldt (7)
6. Mitch Robinson (8)
5. Jackson Trengove (11)
4. Dayne Beams (11)
3. Kurt Tippett (5)
2. Brendan Goddard (6)
1. Grant Birchall (8)

 

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PREVIEW - Round Four vs St Kilda

After a gut wrenching loss at the hands of the Cats, the Southern Sharks will welcome back some key players for the game against the Saints at Aurora Stadium.

Daniel Menzel has been up and running, and will return to AFL footy a week before expected. He will be nurtured into the game as the sub, and expect to see him at full pace in the next month.

However, the returns of Nic Naitanui and Nathan Fyfe will strengthen the team even more. Matt Suckling is still a week away. Matthew Lobbe is omitted for Naitanui while Sam Blease and Paul Stewart will miss.

B: J Trengove, H Taylor, M Dea
HB: G Birchall, J Gibson, H Hartlett
C: R Sloane, B Goddard, B Ebert
HF: M Broadbent, K Tippett, D Hannebery
F: A Moore, J Riewoldt, I Callinan
Foll: N Naitanui, C Judd (c), D Beams
I/C: M Robinson, N Fyfe, T Boak, D Menzel (sub)

Em: M Thomas, J Geary, M Lobbe

IN: N Naitanui, N Fyfe, D Menzel
OUT: M Lobbe, S Blease, P Stewart

Unavailable: T Bellchambers (knee, test), M Suckling (hand, 2 weeks)

 

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PLAYER TO WATCH: Mitch Robinson

Started on the half-forward line but has been very good rotating through the midfield in the past fortnight, as well as pushing forward to impact on the scoreboard. His ability to win the contested ball has been his main asset, while also damaging when in space.

Has kicked five goals in the opening three rounds, and continues to impress in a deep midfield. Averaging 18 touches, he had 21 quality touches last week against the Cats, as well as kicking vital goals against the Swans in round 2.

Last game - Rnd 3 vs Geel
K: 16
HB: 5
D: 21
CP: 12
Clr: 4
I50: 7
SC: 119

Season (Averages)
Games: 3
Goals: 5
K: 35 (11.7)
HB: 19 (6.3)
D: 54 (18.0)

 

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Round Four, 2013
SHARKS 5.0 8.2 12.3 15.5 (95)
ST KILDA 3.4 4.5 7.10 9.13 (67)

Best: SHK: Hartlett, Fyfe, Ebert, Beams, Dea, Taylor, Riewoldt. STK: McEvoy, Gram, Riewoldt, Gilbert, Montagna, Fisher.

Goals: SHK: Riewoldt 5; Moore 2; Broadbent, Callinan, Tippett, Beams, Fyfe, Naitanui, Boak, Hannebery. STK: Westhoff 3; Milne, Riewoldt 2; Saad, Schneider.

Sharks get victory over soggy Saints

It was the defensive efforts by the Sharks that have lead them to a fairly comprehensive 28-point victory in a wet clash against the Saints at Aurora Stadium.

The Saints dominated the first fifteen minutes of the game, but innacuracy cost the travelling side a strong early lead. Instead, it was an accurate display by Sharks forwards. In the end, a 15.5 (95) to 9.13 (67) result saw the home team get the 4 points.

Hamish Hartlett was again brilliant, backing up a great fortnight of footy with another 32 possessions off half-back. He wasn't alone in the defence that carried the Sharks, with Harry Taylor keeping Justin Westhoff to only four touches, whilst having 19 himself, and Matt Dea was as creative as he was courageous. He also ended up with 19 touches.

Nick Riewoldt had Josh Gibson's measure, but only went at 42% disposal efficiency. Despite the weather, it was the skippers let down, while allowed Taylor, Dea and Trengove cut off plenty of the key man's 11 inside-50's. Westhoff did kick 3 goals, but all came in junk time.

Jack Riewoldt kicked a second consecutive five-goal haul, while Andrew Moore worked tirelessly as a forward, kicking 2 and having 4 score assists. Nathan Fyfe was everywhere in the second half in his comeback game, while Daniel Menzel only could manage 3 touches when subbed on for Dan Hannebery.

The big concern was the impact of Nic Naitanui. Despite starting very well, and ending okay, Ben McEvoy dominated him in the air with 38 hitouts. Naitanui only managed 14, but did kick a very clever goal in the first term, and had his measure around the ground.

Peter Hudson Trophy
8. Matt Dea (8)
7. Hamish Hartlett (26)
6. Nathan Fyfe (6)
5. Harry Taylor (5)
4. Brad Ebert (4)
3. Dayne Beams (14)
2. Brendan Goddard (8)
1. Jack Riewoldt (8)

 

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PREVIEW - Round Five vs Essendon

After a solid win over St Kilda last week, the Sharks have made only two changes to their side to take on Essendon at Etihad Stadium this week.

Matt Suckling returns from a month on the sidelines, while Matt Thomas also gets his first chance in his new team after being emergency for the past two games.

Matthew Broadbent has been omitted, while Ian Callinan has also faced the axe after a poor start to the season, despite kicking 7 goals.

B: J Trengove, H Taylor, M Dea
HB: G Birchall, J Gibson, H Hartlett
C: R Sloane, B Goddard, B Ebert
HF: M Robinson, K Tippett, D Hannebery
F: A Moore, J Riewoldt, D Menzel
Foll: N Naitanui, C Judd (c), D Beams
I/C: M Suckling, N Fyfe, T Boak, M Thomas (sub)

Em: M Broadbent, D Ellard, T Bellchambers

IN: M Suckling, M Thomas
OUT: I Callinan, M Broadbent

Unavailable: Nil

 

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PLAYER TO WATCH: Dayne Beams

Becoming one of the elite midfielders in 2013, Beams has continued in terrific form at the Southern Sharks, putting together consistency, despite lower numbers that 2012, and impact back into that elite bracket.

Has ran forward, kicking a goal in each of his four games this year, and with the abilities of Judd and Goddard around him, his presence only adds even more pressure to any opposition midfields.

Last game - Rnd 4 vs St K
K: 18
HB: 5
D: 23
Gls: 1
CP: 11
I50: 11
SC: 125

Season (Averages)
Games: 4
Goals: 4
K: 54 (13.5)
HB: 42 (10.5)
D: 96 (24.0)