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Accurate Swans Punish Offline Dockers

chris kowald — Fri, 10 May 2024 15:11:23 +0000

Accurate Swans Punish Offline Dockers chris kowald Fri, 05/10/2024 - 11:11

The Sydney Swans strengthened their position at the top of the ladder with an eight-goal victory over the inaccurate Fremantle Dockers. The Dockers matched Sydney in the midfield with good clearance work but were inefficient in attack. At the other end Sydney were ruthless and kicked accurately to punish any Docker turnovers. The pressure applied by both teams was strong with tackling from both sides a feature of the match. Sydney's Brodie Grundy dominated in the ruck, but the Dockers got first use of the ball through the strong clearance work of Andrew Brayshaw, Luke Jackson, and Caleb Sorong. As the game progressed Chad Warner, Errol Gulden, and James Rowbottom became more involved in play to cement the early good work of the Sydney forwards.

The game started with four forward entries by the Dockers for just two behinds (worth a point each). After ten minutes of the Dockers dominating the midfield, Sydney broke through to launch an attack through with a snapped goal by Logan McDonald. Five minutes later Will Hayward booted the Swans second goal when the Docker defenders were caught out of position. Sydney's pressure on the ball then generated a forward-half intercept and Jake Lloyd goaled. The Dockers booted their first goal after an intercept in their own forward half and some fancy footwork by defender Brandon Walker, who kicked truly.

Brandon Walker (file photo/AFANA)

The second quarter began in the same way with the Dockers attacking and missing easy shots. Joel Amartey provided strong leads in Sydney's forward line and marked and kicked truly after a quick transition from defense by Sydney. When the Dockers went forward, they were always under pressure and the Sydney defenders Aaron Francis, Dane Rampe, and Lewis Melican applied enormous heat on the Docker forwards causing miskicks and turnovers. The Dockers could only add three behinds as Amartey, Chad Warner, and Will Hayward each booted their second goals for the visitors. A period of Sydney scoreboard dominance stretched to its sixth unanswered goal and Hayden McLean's first goal, with the majority of Sydney's goals coming from Docker turnovers. Although the Dockers had made on one less forward entry than Sydney to half time, they had kicked eight goals less.

The third quarter was similar to the first two quarters with Fremantle doing well in the midfield but falling down when they transitioned into attack. The Dockers adopted attacking field positioning and when the ball was turned over through poor delivery or Sydney pressure, their defenders were left wide open. Jemery Sharp booted a behind for the Dockers and then Tom Papley booted the Swans first goal for the term after nearly three minutes of play. Four minutes into the quarter Will Hayward had the dubious distinction of booting the first behind in the match for the visitors. Five minutes later Josh Tracey marked on a lead and (finally) booted the Dockers second goal for the match. Play in the midfield was even and both defenses withstood numerous attacks. The flow of goals for Sydney stopped and Sydney's second goal for the term came from a good snap by Hayward half-way through the quarter.

The game slowed in the final quarter. The Dockers were exhausted, and Sydney was content to retain the use of the ball. Oliver Florent and Hayward added two goals for Sydney midway through the stanza and then Jeremy Sharp responded with two for the Dockers. However, the game had been effectively over at halftime. Perhaps it was a five-day break or news of the death of former teammate Cam McCarthy (which broke the afternoon before the match), which affected the Dockers' game. Perhaps it was the unrelenting pressure applied by the Swans and the inability of the Dockers to kick straight at crucial times, which saw the Swans run out convincing winners.

Chad Warner (file photo/AFANA)

Next week Sydney return home to meet the Carlton Blues in a Friday night blockbuster at the SCG. The Dockers have eight days to recover and then travel to Marvel Stadium in Melbourne where they meet St Kilda and will try to get their season back on track.


Scores
Fremantle Dockers: 1.5 1.8  2.13  4.15 (39)
Sydney Swans:      3.0 9.0 11.2  13.9  (87)

Best
Fremantle Dockers: Serong, Ryan, Sharp, Brayshaw, Pearce
Sydney Swans:      Florent, Lloyd, Heeney, Warner, Blakey

Goals
Fremantle Dockers: Sharp 2, Treacy, Walker
Sydney Swans:      Hayward 4, Amartey 2, Warner 2, Florent, 
                   Lloyd, McDonald, McLean

Blues Hold Off Fast Finishing Demons

Troy Thompson — Fri, 10 May 2024 12:24:40 +0000

Blues Hold Off Fast Finishing Demons Troy Thompson Fri, 05/10/2024 - 08:24

A cool drizzly night made it easy for fans to watch from home but the match saw a good crowd of 58,472 turn up to the MCG. The drizzle was falling early but not enough to make it too slippery at the start. After an early arm wrestle the Blues struck first after six minutes of play, where each team worked cautiously to feel each other out. Walsh broke the shackles, snapping around the body from 35 meters out, straight in front, for the Blues.

While the Blues midfielders were looking for Harry and Charlie, it was the big man from the middle in Pittonet who marked and goaled at the top of the 50. Martin made it three goals in 5 minutes for the Blues when he marked at the top of the goal square. The rain grew heavier halfway through the quarter. Neither team could score again for another seven or eight minutes, but Harry McKay was able to get a better read on a bad kick to evade the defending Lever and mark and goal from 20 meters out.

Melbourne did go forward, but the Carlton defenders like McGovern, Weitering, and Newman and the hard work of Akers were able to repeatedly foil the Demon forwards and clear the ball from their defensive 50. Late in the quarter big Melbourne defender Jake Lever was beaten again, this time by De Koning who started deep and lead hard to mark and kick the set shot goal from 48 meters out, in the final minute of the quarter. A great start by the Blues kicking five unanswered goals.

The second quarter ran scoreless for eight minutes, before Owies was able to mark and add to the Demon's woes with another accurate kick for goal. Petracca had been quiet in the midfield but now he'd been moved up forward. And that was about to change. The drought was finally broken when the Demons won the center clearance and Petracca on the lead, was able to leap high one handed and pull the ball down to mark and goal from 20 meters out. He almost added another a few minutes later, shooting from a standing start but he only scored the first minor score (behind) for the night. Then a minute later he again marked and from the pocket, kicked his second goal of the night.

Hollands and Curnow blemished Carlton's scoresheet with behinds and it looked like the door might be ajar for a Melbourne comeback, before Cripps was able to rove a ball that went over the forward pack and belt home a goal. Owies kicked his second goal short after to put the Blues in front by 37 points. Daniel Turner kicked his first goal for the night to improve the Demon's lot slightly but that still left them 31 points behind at half time.

The start to the third quarter was more eventful than the first two. In the first 30 seconds the ball came inside 50 and Curnow gathered the ball one handed in the pocket and turned onto his right boot to snap the ball home. The answer at the other end was almost as quick as Pickett dropped the mark at the top of the 50 but then received the ball from his teammate and kick a goal on the run from 40 meters out.

Tom McDonald and Judd McVeigh will want to forget the scenes where they dithered in front of goal allowing Owies to slip between them to gather and kick his third goal from close range. Bailey Fritsch might want to forget his set shot hitting the post from 20 meters out straight in front at the other end. Despite all that, Petracca continued to be a bright light when he could get near the ball. He roved the ruck contest and kicked his third of the night. It seemed Carlton would not allow the Demons back-to-back goals, and quickly got the ball up forward to Curnow who kicked his second for the night. The Demons weren't helped with Pickett and Chandler both missing shots at goal.

Just when you thought it was all over, it again was Petracca doing the damage for the Demons hit Fritsch on a quick lead in the pocket and this time Fritsch made amends with a nice snap on the left boot. With two minutes left in the quarter, he again willed himself into the game pushing past defenders and scrubbing a kick through for a goal to reduce the margin to 22 points and just maybe a chance to pull this one out of the fire for the Demons.

The Blues on the other hand, needed to do what they had done all game and that quickly snuffed out any chance Melbourne had. It looked like things were going to plan when Hewett ran onto a loose ball and goaled from 25 meters out. Melbourne, of course, did come again though and this time it was Petty who clunked a big pack mark 20 meters out but his set shot was wide to the right. The rain that stopped around halftime, returned. Melbourne kept coming too, getting the ball in their forward half. Carlton's defenders and assisting midfielders, took the blows and gave little away.

As we saw all night though, Petracca only needs a little space and he got the ball on the flank and hit Van Rooyen with a bullet like pass from 50 meters away. Van Rooyen's goal reduced the margin to 20 points. Viney slid into a ball that looked certain to be a behind, but he managed to knock it back to Windsor in the goal square and Windsor toe poked the ball home for a goal. This brought the margin to 13 points with four minutes playing time remaining.

Melbourne didn't get a clean center clearance, but they did work it to Petracca in the pocket. He marked, and as sure as the sun will come up tomorrow, he snapped the goal for his fourth of the night. A "holding the ball" decision in the middle of the ground set the Demons forward, but the ball stalled in the big pack 20 meters from goal. Pickett emerged from the cluster to snap at goal, but the ball was out of bounds on the full.

Gawn marked at CHF and quickly went back to kick the goal from outside 50 and the margin was one point with 40 seconds on the clock. Melbourne won the final clearance of the match and ball came inside their forward 50, it was roved by Petracca, but he was tackled by Nick Newman in what probably turned out a match saving effort and the free kick was paid by the umpire. His clearing kick saw the Blues hold on by one solitary point.

Michael Voss will take the four points but could not be happy his charges gave up such a solid lead, while Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin would be disappointed with his forwards tonight, save for Pertracca who almost won the match off his own boot.

CARLTON:   5.0 8.2 11.4 12.5  (77)
MELBOURNE: 0.0 3.1  7.6 11.10 (76)

GOALS
Carlton:   Owies 3, Curnow 2, Walsh, Pittonet, Martin, McKay, De Koning, Cripps, Hewett
Melbourne: Petracca 5, Turner, Pickett, Fritsch, van Rooyen, Windsor, Gawn

BEST
Carlton:   Cripps, Walsh, Weitering, Kennedy, O. Hollands, Curnow
Melbourne: Petracca, May, Neal-Bullen, Gawn, Viney

INJURIES
Carlton:   Pittonet (finger), Cerra (hamstring)
Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Carlton:   George Hewett (replaced Cerra in the third quarter)
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin (replaced Bowey in the fourth quarter)

Crowd: 58,472 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground

Bombers Survive Late Eagle Challenge

chris kowald — Sat, 04 May 2024 15:10:52 +0000

Bombers Survive Late Eagle Challenge chris kowald Sat, 05/04/2024 - 11:10

The Essendon Bombers survived a late challenge by a determined West Coast Eagles to win by one goal in a thriller at Optus Stadium. The Bombers had more of the play for three quarters but couldn't finish scoring opportunities off the strong work of their midfield. Whereas the Eagles launched less attacks but were more efficient in attack. The Bombers used handball to break out of packs but the Eagles' players were more inclined to "roll the dice" and take on the tackler to get out of tight situations. Veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein, was dominant in for Essendon and for three quarters the Bombers won more clearances through his combination with Darcy Parish and Zach Merrett at ground level. Goldstein tired in the last stanza and an improved second half by Tim Kelly of the Eagles in the packs brought the hosts back into the game.

Kelly Kicks (file photo/AFANA)

Both teams started the first quarter cautiously, dropping a spare man into defense once the ball passed the center. This left an extra man in attack for the opposing team but the defenders for each side were up to the task. It took fourteen minutes of play before the Bombers scored the first goal through a strong leading run and mark (catch) by Peter Wright. Wright had too much height for both Eagles defenders Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern, who played from behind, allowing Wright to make leads. While they focused on stopping Wright, Kyle Langford worked into space to also present as a marking target. At the other end Jake Waterman marked strongly for West Coast, despite Ben McKay's strong in defensive work for the Bombers. Wright and Langford finished the quarter with a goal each and Jake Waterman booted one for the Eagles.

Waterman started the second quarter with a strong mark and fifty-five-metre set shot to inspire the Eagles. Elliot Yeo was busy for West Coast when packs formed around the ball. He goaled three minutes later to put the Eagles in front for the only time in the match. Sam Durham was dominant in close for Essendon using his pace to break out of packs and launch attacks. Goals to Langford, Wright, Stringer, and Durham himself had the Eagles under pressure. The Dons applied more pressure around the ball forcing turnovers and transitioning directly into attack to apply scoreboard pressure on the home side. The Eagles' third goal for the quarter came from a quick transition from defense to Jack Williams who marked and kicked truly. A late goal to Merrett who marked a good kick from Parish gave the Bombers a useful lead at the long break.

Merrett Kicks (file photo/AFANA)

A brain fade by Goldstein, early in the third term gifted the Eagles a fifty meter penalty and the opening goal of the quarter. Goldstein had knocked the ball out of Jack Darling's hands after Darling had taken a mark and hence the penalty. Merrett goaled at the seven-minute mark after another quick transition from defense by the Bombers. The Bombers then made repeated entries into the attack but couldn't score due to the strong Eagle defense led by McGovern, Barrass, and Liam Duggan. Successive goals to Campbell Chesser (a scrambled kick on the goal line), Jack Williams, and Darling (both strong marks) brought the Eagles back to within ten points. A brilliant snap by Merrett from near the boundary line once again gave the Bombers some breathing space. Xavier Duursma marked after a Merrett entry disorganized the Eagles' defense to give the Essendon a fifteen-point lead at the final break.

Jack Darling goaled from a free kick early in the final stanza narrowing the margin. Langford marked and goaled nine minutes later for the Bombers, only to see the Eagles push forward through strong work by Tim Kelly who kicked to Waterman, who marked and goaled with ten minutes on the clock. Both teams slugged it out for the next nine-minutes with the visitors scoring two more behinds (worth a point each). The Eagles didn't surrender and clever work at a stoppage near goals resulted in Jack Williams scoring a goal with a minute left. Essendon slowed play to chew up time and held-off the Eagles to win by one goal in a tense finish on the Eagles fifty-meter arc.

Next Saturday the Bombers have a tough challenge against the Giants at Marvel Stadium. Whichever team wins will be in the top four. The Eagles met the Collingwood Magpies on Sunday at the same venue. The Magpies must win to stay in touch with the top eight. The Eagles will be seeking a win in Melbourne, something that hasn't happened much in recent seasons.

Scores
West Coast Eagles: 1.1 4.2  8.5 11.5  (71)
Essendon Bombers:  2.2 7.6 10.8 11.11 (77)

Best
West Coast Eagles: Kelly, Duggan, Barrass, Waterman, Yeo
Essendon Bombers:  Parish, Merrett, Martin, McKay, Goldstein

Goals
West Coast Eagles: Waterman 3, Williams 3, Darling 2, B.J. Williams, 
                   Yeo, Chesser
Essendon Bombers:  Merrett 3, Langford 3, Wright 2, Stringer, 
                   Duursma, Durham

Adelaide Star Sloane Retires

Lisa Albergo — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 21:48:21 +0000

Adelaide Star Sloane Retires Lisa Albergo Mon, 04/29/2024 - 17:48

In late April, Adelaide star Rory Sloane announced his immediate retirement from football due to ongoing issues with an eye injury. Sloane, 34, made the decision after consulting eye specialists. He required surgery for a detached retina in 2021 and required a second surgery this past January after suffering the same injury during preseason training. He also suffered a torn retina in 2013 and a fractured eye socket in 2017.

He said he did everything he could to return to playing, including exploring goggles options, but felt the risk to his health was just too great. In making the announcement he said, ... I really wanted to make sure I'd left nothing in the tank. And I tried absolutely everything to get back. And yeah, I was close ... "I love my job. I've loved being a part of this for 16 years. And it's probably the realization that you've got to let that go ... for the betterment of my future health was just pretty tough for me ... ". He also said he was "spooked" by stories of detached retinas. He said in the end, goggles would not have worked as detached retinas are caused by head knocks rather than pokes in the eye.

Sloane played 255 games in 16 seasons with the Crows. He was named best and fairest in 2013 and 2016 and was named All-Australian in 2016. The following year, he was named the AFLPA's Most Courageous Player. In 2019, Sloane was named co-captain alongside good friend Taylor Walker in 2019 and became sole captain in 2020. He relinquished the captaincy to Jordan Dawson in 2023.

Senior Coach Matthew Nicks said he was fortunate to have seen Sloane's career as an opposition coach and then up closely in recent years, "It's hard to actually come up with the appropriate words to describe Sloaney's impact ... other than to say he will go down as one of the most influential people to have ever come through the doors. I challenge anyone to find a more positive person and his courage and strength of leadership - in good and tough times - is right up there with the very best. His on-field achievements speak for themselves but it's also his genuine care for others which stands out ... ".

This season was most likely going to be his last in any case. He went on to say, "Everyone's got an ultimate way of how they want to retire ... I said to the boys I was gonna play until I slowed down, I was running around and couldn't get a kick in the twos (reserves) and then they'd have to throw me out of the club ... ".

Shortly after his announcement, he was interviewed by Kane Cornes on SEN Radio. Here are a few of the questions and answers:

Cornes: "Who was the best player you played with? Because there's been some champions."
Sloane: "'Danger' (Patrick Dangerfield)."

Cornes: "Toughest opponent?"
Sloane: "Josh Kennedy from Sydney."

Cornes: "What was your career highlight? Was it that 2017 run?"
Sloane: "Yes, my first game and that 2017 run. But it's probably people really, to be honest, people and moments. Those ones behind closed doors that no one sees but the enjoyment you get from winning games."

Cornes: "The most underrated staff at a footy club?"
Sloane: "Oh wow, it's our staff upstairs definitely. Administration, marketing, everyone that helped us get out there and play."

Cornes: "The game, the way it's changed with the sling tackles, the bumps and the crackdown on that because you love the competitive stuff ... have those changes been good, or do you prefer the way it was perhaps 10 years ago?"
Sloane: "It's good for the head injuries, but I certainly loved my footy in those early days."

Cornes: "You have a couple of young ones at home, would you advise them to take up AFL footy for a living when they're older?"
Sloane: "Absolutely. I've had the most incredible life to this point and a huge part of it has been my football career. 16 years at Adelaide. I can't imagine living in or being part of a funner environment and a better industry. I'm indebted to the club, but also to the whole AFL industry. I've had an absolute ball so I'll try to repay everyone whenever I can."

Source: sen.com.au, news.com.au, afl.com.au

Dockers Even Hotter Than Hot Dogs

chris kowald — Sun, 28 Apr 2024 04:28:10 +0000

Dockers Even Hotter Than Hot Dogs chris kowald Sun, 04/28/2024 - 00:28

The Western Bulldogs have been hot and cold this year. At Optus Stadium they were hot, but they met a group of Dockers who were stinging from a loss to West Coast the week before. The two desperate teams, with three wins each, put on a thrilling display of everything that Australian football should be. Kicking skills came to the fore as players passed with precision. High marking contests thrilled at each end of the ground and play transitioned with lighting speed from defense into attack. The tackling from both sides was brutal and the pressure on the ball carriers was relentless. Scoring consisted of brilliant snaps contrasted with dramatic near misses. In addition, there were periods of open play where skillful players shone. The Dockers were not going to let this game slip. The Dogs were hampered by the loss of Tom Liberatore through illness and then young gun Cody Weightman late in the first quarter, but that gave it their all.

Bailey Dale (file photo/AFANA)

The Dogs had a height advantage in their forward line, particularly when tall young Docker defender Josh Draper, went off early with a hamstring injury. Their midfielders Bailey Williams, Adam Treloar, and James Harmes booted long and high to their tall forwards Aaron Naughton, Rory Lobb, and young tyro Sam Darcy. However, Fremantle captain Alex Pearce worked overtime at fullback to spoil numerous marking (catching) attempts. Former Docker Rory Lobb had a dirty night, managing just two marks and failing to score for the visitors. The slack was taken up by the maturing Sam Darcy who finished with three goals, two of them in the tense third quarter. Aaron Naughton was the main target most of the night, but he was well held by Docker defenders Luke Ryan and Alex Pearce. The Dogs most effective player was Bailey Dale, who marked strongly and booted two goals while picking up thirty possessions around the ground. Until the twenty-minute mark of the final quarter the teams were never more than twelve points apart. In the second quarter the lead changed four times and the scores leveled midway through the third quarter to keep the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The game was tilted in the Dockers' favor at the stoppages. Sean Darcy beat Tim English in the ruck (38 taps) and he was well supported by Luke Jackson (9 taps). Caleb Serong gorged himself on an incredible seventeen clearances and he was supported by Nat Fyfe and Andrew Brayshaw who had seven each, to give the Dockers first use of the ball. The Dogs' Adam Treloar managed nine clearances with English and Marcus Bontempelli chipping in with six and five respectively, to keep the visitors in the game. English also took advantage of Sean Darcy's lack of match fitness to use his mobility to take seven marks around the ground and collect twenty-three possessions and boot one goal. So, although the Dockers had the edge at stoppages, this was matched by the Bulldogs' height and marking ability around the field. When the ball hit ground level, the desperate Dockers gained the advantage in the midfield. Caleb Serong won an outstanding twenty contested possessions and Nat Fyfe won eighteen with his strength and skill in packs. Fyfe's clever use of handball freed up his outside runners, as the Dockers used leg speed and handball to break through the Dogs' defense. Josh Treacy played another strong game for the Dockers taking eight important marks and booting three goals. Michael Frederick was lively at half forward and the Dogs had no answer to his pace. Liam Jones defended well in the air for the Bulldogs and Ed Richards played a solid defensive game.

Banfield line up (file photo/AFANA)

It was Bailey Banfield who sealed the deal for the Dockers, booting his second goal at the twenty-two-minute mark; and then following up with another fifty-meter bomb four minutes later. A goal in the last minute to a busy Michael Walters extended the margin to an unlikely three goals in an enthralling game which could have gone either way.

The win has put the Dockers back in the top eight after an embarrassing loss the previous round and will play the struggling Richmond Tigers at the MCG next Sunday. The Bulldogs are now one game out of the eight but will meet the Hawthorn Hawks at Marvel Stadium next Sunday and will be favored to come away with a win.

Scores
Fremantle Dockers: 4.4 7.6 10.9  14.11 (95)
Western Bulldogs:  3.2 7.3  9.10 10.11 (71)

Best
Fremantle Dockers: Fyfe, Serong, Pearce, Young, Tracey
Western Bulldogs:  Dale, English, Bontempelli, Treloar, Darcy 

Goals
Fremantle Dockers: Treacy 3, Jackson 2, Banfield, Frederick, 
                   Fyfe, Voss, Walters, Young
Western Bulldogs:  Darcy 3, Naughton 2, Dale, English, 
                   Vandermeer, West

Moore's Four Leads Hawks to First Win This Season

Troy Thompson — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 13:11:52 +0000

Moore's Four Leads Hawks to First Win This Season Troy Thompson Mon, 04/22/2024 - 09:11

The bottom of the ladder clash rounded out this footy weekend. Both teams winless, with the Hawks in 17^th and the Kangaroos in 18^th position. Fans from both teams arrived today hoping to see their club's first win for the season. The Kangaroos were quick out of the blocks and a long kick to the goal square saw Eddie Ford rove at the back of the pack and snap it home from a tight angle to open the scoring. The Roos backed it up when again the long kick in traveled over the top of the pack and was scooped up by the quick running Jy Simpkin who ran into goal to score from point blank range.

Hawthorn finally found some composure and Macdonald's kick over the top to find Gunston deep in the pocket, making for an easy set shot around the body for the veteran. A minute later he marked at the top of the 50 meter line and dished off to Amon who was running past and easily cleared the goal line to put the Hawks in front for the first time today. The Hawks began to dominate around the ground, but their kicking was letting them down a bit. A nice hit up of Moore 30 meters out straight in front though, saw them kick their 3rd goal and take a seven point lead to the first break.

The Hawks had won the first quarter for the first time this year and they took that momentum into the second quarter. Mackenzie's set shot outside 50 grazed the post and it took the video review to clarify and deny the goal. Then Gunston's long shot from deep in the pocket drifted to the right of the goal post and the Hawks were starting to look wasteful. A high snap around the body under pressure by Ginnivan also had to be reviewed and was concluded to be a goal improving the Hawks accuracy a little.

McKenzie marked a scrambled kick at the top of the 50 meter arc and again dished off the handball to the runner, this time the runner was Weddle, and his long high checkside kick also had to be reviewed for a maximum return for the Hawks. Out of the middle, Newcombe hit Moore on the lead and his kick did not require review as it went between the big posts. If this reads like North Melbourne weren't having much input into the game so far in the second quarter, you'd be right. Morrison, Macdonald and Ginnivan lined up to kick consecutive goals for the Hawks.

North finally kicked their first major of the quarter when Blake Drury got a quick handball receive 15 meters out from goal and dribbled the ball home. After offering little for much of this quarter North now went on a run, a missed shot by Curtis and then Zuurhar before they added a second goal when Curtis marked 40 meters out. Meek kicked a long goal from inside the centre square when his long kick cleared the leading pack and shepherded through after it bounced by Gunston. The ball traveled over 70 meters. Moore kicked his second goal after he marked just 15 meters out from the goal line. Larkey, who might have been hoping for a big day out, made his first mark on the board with a late goal. He marked 20 meters out with seconds on the clock and despite this late goal, the Hawks still took a 37 point lead into the half time break.

North fought hard to hold the Hawks after the long break and it took until halfway through the third quarter before the first goal came, this time through Chol. He marked a long kick from Meek at center halfback and played on from outside 50 to clear the defender on the line. The teams would trade goals all quarter. Darcy Tucker returned fire for the Roos at the other end of a sharp pass from Fisher and kicking the set shot goal from 50 meters out.

The Hawks kept coming though, and this time they got the ball on the quick turnover down to Gunston who unselfishly gave the ball off to Dylan Moore for his fourth goal of the match. Larkey became North's first multiple goal scorer of the day when he ran inside 50 and his long shot at goal was successful. Chol was presenting regularly in the forward 50 and he was rewarded by a nice pass from Ginnivan. He made no mistake from 30 out straight in front. Then it was the Roos turn again when Curtis kicked his second for the day when he marked 25 meters out on a slight angle. Chol marked just before the siren but missed the shot after the siren to see his Hawks with a 38 point lead at three quarter time.

Curtis got the Roos off to a good start in the final quarter when he kicked his third goal early in the term after Frost took him high 20 meters out from goal. The Hawks looked for an avenue to goal and eventually it came through Amon who kicked his second goal for the day roving the ball deep in the forward line. Maginness broke the chain of alternate team goals when he marked and goalled from 25 meters out. Some smart work from the Roos again caught the Hawks on the turnover. Larkey was able to get close to the square on the lead, mark and goal for his third. At the other end, in the final minute, Meek found himself marking in the open and calmly lobbing a drop punt successfully toward goal for his second major and the final score of the day.

While the Hawks won big today and will no doubt celebrate appropriately, other than the second quarter the match was very even on the scoreboard. They may take some confidence from the win but have plenty of areas to work on before they become a serious threat to team higher up the ladder week to week. For North and Alastair Clarkson, it becomes another long hard season where nobody can see where their first win will come from.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.2  5.5  8.6 10.8   (68)
HAWTHORN:        3.3 11.6 14.8 17.11 (113)

GOALS
North Melbourne: Curtis 3, Larkey 3, Ford, Simpkin, Drury, Tucker
Hawthorn:        Moore 4, Ginnivan 2, Chol 2, Amon 2, Meek 2, Gunston, Weddle, Morrison, Macdonald, Maginness

BEST
North Melbourne: Sheezel, Xerri, Curtis, Davies-Uniacke
Hawthorn:        Newcombe, Nash, Macdonald, Morrison, Impey 

INJURIES
North Melbourne: Ford (hip)
Hawthorn:        Nil

SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Charlie Lazzaro (replaced Eddie Ford in the third quarter)
Hawthorn:        Henry Hustwaite (replaced Massimo D'Ambrosio in the third quarter)

Crowd:30,648 at Marvel Stadium

Concussion Claims 2023 Premiership Player

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 21 Apr 2024 21:13:42 +0000

Concussion Claims 2023 Premiership Player Lisa Albergo Sun, 04/21/2024 - 17:13

2023 Collingwood premiership player Nathan Murphy succumbed to the after-effects of concussions (including his 10^th in the 2023 Grand Final) and announced his retirement. He is only 24 years old. Earlier in the year, he stepped away from the club in an attempt to recover and return to play. However, on advice from the medical concussion panel, he has decided to retire. In making the announcement, he said, “I feel it is the right time and the right decision for me to hang up my footy boots. I love my football, but my priority is on my future and ensuring I live a full and healthy life. I’d like to thank the Club, coaches, teammates, staff, and the Magpie Army for all their support throughout my playing career and for allowing me the opportunity to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL. To my family and friends, I couldn’t have gone through this journey without your continued love and support which I am so grateful for. It is not lost on me how fortunate I am to have been able to experience premiership success ... I hope I did the jumper proud and thank the many people and supporters who helped me along the way. I will forever cherish the memories and friends I’ve made ...”.

An all-round talent, Murphy was a promising cricketer, representing Australia at junior level before focusing on footy. Murphy was drafted by Collingwood in 2017 and played 57 games for the Pies. He battled injuries in 2019 but bounced back strongly in 2020, winning the VFL best and fairest that year. The 2021 and 2022 seasons saw Murphy play 15 and 16 games, respectively, before solidifying his role in the senior side in 2023, a campaign which saw him play 24 AFL matches including the 2023 Grand Final. Across his footy career, he reportedly had 10 concussions. His retirement is yet another reminder at the toll concussions are taking on Aussie rules players. The AFL and AFLPA have not commented on the situation.

General Manager Brendon Bolton thanked Murphy for his contribution to Collingwood, “... we thank Nathan for his contribution ... and commend him on the maturity he has shown ... Nathan will be remembered as a player who showed sheer courage on the field. His one-on-one efforts and ability to intercept and spoil were second to none. In the backline, Murph had an outstanding ability to read the game, lead, and direct teammates ... A fun and light-hearted character, Nathan also showed great generosity which is what made him a much-loved member of our club. Away from the field, he made significant contributions within the community space from community coaching to the working in his café ... a credit goes to Nathan’s resilience and perseverance to come back and perform to a high standard on many occasions ...".

Source: Tash Lewis, Collingwood Media Release

Concussion

Eagles Shock Dockers

chris kowald — Sat, 20 Apr 2024 16:59:37 +0000

Eagles Shock Dockers chris kowald Sat, 04/20/2024 - 12:59

The West Coast Eagles shocked an out-of-sorts Fremantle Dockers. They defeated the match favorites by applying pressure at the ball and using direct attacks into a well-organized forward line. The Dockers appeared jaded after two games on the road where they lost narrowly to Carlton and Port Adelaide. The Eagles built on last week's comprehensive victory over the wounded Richmond Tigers to record consecutive victories for the first time since 2021. The addition of number 1 draft pick Harley Reid, combined with an injury-free and resurgent Elliot Yeo, has provided the Eagles with the midfield strength they have lacked for three years. Their clean delivery into the forward line enabled Jack Darling to feature more prominently; however, it is the re-emergence of full-forward Jake Waterman that is the big story of their forward line. The Dockers were due to have a poor game after playing intense pressure football for the first five weeks of the season. However, nobody expected such a sudden drop in form.

The Dockers started the game as they had played in recent weeks. They dominated most of the first quarter by winning clearances and making sixteen forward entries to the Eagles' seven. The Docker forward line had to be restructured when full forward Jye Amiss was concussed in the first four minutes. With the loss of Amiss the forward line lost height and structure, to the extent they could only manage three behinds (worth a point each) from their numerous attacks. The Eagles on the other hand didn't dominate the ball early, but on the rare occasions they did transition from the Dockers half, they kicked goals. Yeo goaled with a good snap after gathering a ground ball early in the quarter. Reid (a strong mark and two goals) and Waterman (one goal) after a pass from Reid, punished the Dockers towards the end of the quarter. In the midfield the Dockers dominated in the ruck with Luke Jackson and a returning Sean Darcy having the better of Bailey Williams. The Docker midfielders through Caleb Serong and Nat Fyfe won clearances but opportunities were missed in attack. The last line marking (catching) defense of Tom Barrass and Jeremy McGovern also frustrated Docker efforts to score.

Jake Waterman (file photo/AFANA)

In the second quarter, the Eagles brought increased heat to midfield contest. The Dockers still won in the ruck and won clearances, but the pressure on the ball carriers and the tackling applied by the Eagles disrupted the Dockers' ball movement. Serong, Hayden Young, and Andrew Brashaw collected plenty of possessions, but the chase and tackling from the Eagles' Elliot Yeo, Reuben Ginbey, and Tim Kelly was exceptional. Harley Reid gained the ball twice at center bounces for the Eagles and his dashes from the middle were the highlight of the quarter. The Eagles added three early goals via youngsters Jack Williams and Noah Long; and then Waterman booted his second after gathering a ground ball and snapping truly. It was not until the fourteen-minute mark of the quarter that Luke Jackson snapped truly did the Dockers register their first goal. Waterman answered four minutes later with a mark and his third goal. The Dockers kicked two more goals via Sam Sturt and Tom Emmett to show some life; but then Waterman received a free kick for a good tackle to boot his fourth and complete a strong quarter for West Coast.

The third quarter was where the Eagles owned the game. The Dockers' Jeremy Sharp kicked a brilliant running goal from the boundary early in the quarter, but then it was all Eagles. They won more clearances through Reid, Yeo, and Ginbey and made sixteen forward entries to the Dockers five. The Eagles won contested possessions and had the Docker defense under repeated pressure. The Eagles added five goals to put the result beyond doubt. Alex Pearce was strong in the air for Fremantle taking ten defensive marks and gaining seventeen possessions for the match. He was well supported by Jordan Clark who gave plenty of run from defense, but Luke Ryan had a bad day and was unable to compete with either Waterman or Darling who both marked strongly. The highlight for the quarter was provided again by Reid. He took a screamer (spectacular high mark) in the goal square to the delight Eagles' home crowd.

Nat Fyfe (file photo/AFANA)

The Dockers mounted a belated fightback early in the final quarter, attacking directly through the center corridor with four quick goals via Josh Treacy (two), Michael Walters, and Sam Sturt . Waterman and Darling added two more for the Eagles to snuff any hope of a Docker recovery. Fremantle continued to run and West Coast eased the pressure around the ball. Michael Johnson and Luke Jackson booted the last two goals for Fremantle. The Dockers finished the game with more hitouts, clearances, and possessions but it was the Eagles' energy and dominance in contested possessions, their contested marking, and efficiency in attack that won the game.

Next week Fremantle remain at Optus Stadium to meet the revived Western Bulldogs. The Eagles fly to the People First Stadium in Queensland to meet the Gold Coast Suns. A highlight of that match will be the clash of the young guns, Harley Reid and the Suns' Matt Rowell. Has West Coast turned the corner after several awful seasons? To be determined.

Scores
West Coast Eagles: 4.1 9.4 14.9 16.9 (105)
Fremantle Dockers: 0.3 3.3  4.5 10.8  (68)

Best
West Coast Eagles: Yeo, Reid, Waterman, Kelly, McGovern
Fremantle Dockers: Serong, Clark, Brayshaw, Young, Fyfe

Lions Turn Early Shootout to Rout Against Tired Demons

Troy Thompson — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 02:43:50 +0000

Lions Turn Early Shootout to Rout Against Tired Demons Troy Thompson Thu, 04/11/2024 - 22:43

A cool Thursday night greeted the visiting Lions, and they were a little slow out of the box. Melbourne's Alex Neal-Bullen got the scoring underway when he snapped on the outside of his boot from 40 meters out early in the first quarter. The Demons playing their fourth match in 20 days. The Lions quickly remembered their Fitzroy roots though, adjusted to the conditions and Hipwood evened the ledger at the Punt Rd end. Big Joe Daniher missed his first set shot, but with the aid of a 50-meter penalty a few minutes later he kicked the Lion's second. Bailey Fritsch marked strongly just inside the 50-meter arc for the Demons and kicked his first for the night. And already halfway through the quarter it looked like this could be a shootout.

Hipwood managed to lose May for a second time on the lead and from 25 meters straight in front kept up his end of the bargain and likewise Daniher was again able to beat Lever on the lead and kick his goal from 40 meters out giving the Lions a 14 point lead at quarter time. Brisbane winning the bulk of the center clearances and delivering the ball well to their big men up forward.

The Lions opened up the second quarter with another clearance and this time Fletcher chipped in for his first of the night. McCluggage opened the growing wound in Melbourne's side when he received a free kick for high contact in the forward pocked and goaled to take the margin to 26 points. Charlie Cameron had barely been sighted all night, but suddenly he too came to the party marking and kicking a goal from 20 meters out and helping his team to a 30 point lead at half time.

Kade Chandler made coach Simon Goodwin happy with his opening goal of the second half. The Lions continued to force turnovers and give their forwards opportunities while Cameron and Rayner could only kick minor scores. It seemed inevitable that the Lions would add more goals. With Loman, then McCluggage, and again Cameron kicking goals, the Lions won the quarter. It their first third quarter win this season and lead by a very healthy 43 points at the final break.

Ben Brown got the Demons off to the start they needed if they were to have any hope of a comeback. That was quickly snuffed out by goals to Bailey and later Cameron to maintain the commanding lead. Consolation goals to Max Gawn, Jacob van Rooyen, Bailey Fritsch, and lastly Jake Lever in the last ten minutes made the margin slightly less painful for Demons fans. Charlie Cameron was denied a goal from the score review which also softened the blow.

A final kick after the siren by Jacob Ran Rooyen that hit the post, saw the Lions with a win by 22 points, a slight fade out. They did more than enough to get the four points at the MCG, a location where they have struggled to win in recent years. A tired looking Melbourne will welcome the bye next week, while Brisbane hosts the Cats at the Gabba.

MELBOURNE: 2.0 2.4  3.7  8.12 (60)
BRISBANE:  4.2 7.4 10.8 12.10 (82)

GOALS
Melbourne: Fritsch 2, van Rooyen, Neal-Bullen, Lever, Gawn, Chandler, Brown
Brisbane:  Cameron 3, McCluggage 2, Hipwood 2, Daniher 2, Lohmann, Fletcher, Bailey

BEST
Melbourne: Gawn, Chandler, Viney, Rivers
Brisbane:  Rayner, McCluggage, Dunkley, Neale, Andrews, Bailey

INJURIES
Melbourne: Salem (hamstring)
Brisbane:  Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Taj Woewodin (replaced Christian Salem in Q1)
Brisbane:  James Tunstill (unused)

Crowd: 43,098 at the MCG

AFANA's Who's Hot and Who's Not

Boris Kilpatrick — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:05:26 +0000

AFANA's Who's Hot and Who's Not Boris Kilpatrick Wed, 04/03/2024 - 10:05

Welcome to AFANA’s new column where we look around the league to check in on which players are dominating and who is struggling as the new season starts to take shape. With all teams heading to sunny South Australia for the AFL’s second iteration of “gather round”, these are the names you want to keep an eye on as they are currently the difference makers for your favorite teams.

HOT:

ISAAC HEENEY (Sydney Swans): They say adversity brings opportunity and you have to look no further than this man to see this adage confirmed. Early season injuries to midfielders Luke Parker and Callum Mills has been the catalyst for coach John Longmire sending regular forward Heeney into the middle, bringing amazing results for the Swans in the early going. In 2023 Heeeney averaged 15.5 disposals and 1.3 goals per game. His move to the midfield has seen him in dominant form, averaging a whopping 28.5 disposals while actually increasing his scoring output to 1.5 goals per game.

CALEB SERONG (Fremantle Dockers):
The Dockers have started their 2024 campaign with three wins on the trot thanks in part to a scintillating start from midfielder Caleb Serong. Coming off a solid campaign in 2023, Serong has raised the bar even higher in the early going racking up a league-high 36.3 disposals per game while also being among the league leaders in clearances won. Serong’s class around the contest is setting the table for what could be the Dockers best season since they made the Grand Final in 2013.

TOM GREEN (Greater Western Sydney Giants):
Green has been nothing sort of sensational for the Giants so far with the contested beast averaging 16 contested possessions per game while pacing the aforementioned Caleb Serong for disposals with a whopping 33.67 per match. With a solid supporting cast laced with stars such as Toby Greene and Josh Kelly, the Giants are poised for big things this season.

MATT ROWELL (Gold Coast Suns):
Speaking of contested beasts, Rowell has put some tough injuries behind him to lead the league to date with 20.3 contested ball wins a game, an equal third 7.7 tackles per game and a league leading 11.7 clearances per game. He is simply the best in the game right now at extracting the ball from a ruck contest, a trait that will no doubt be putting a huge grin on the face of new coach Damien Hardwick as he strives to put the Suns into the finals for the first time in history.

NOT:

TAYLOR WALKER (Adelaide Crows):
“Tex” Walker enjoyed a sensational season in 2023 averaging 3.5 goals per game and turning back the clock to career best form. Whilst it is early days and you can give the great man some leeway given the poor form of his team, his disposal count is the lowest it has been since his injury riddled season of 2020 while he has produced just two goals in his first two contests of the year. Expect Walker to bounce back as the Crows hit better form, but for now, the jury on his future is well and truly out.

JAEGER O’MEARA (Fremantle Dockers):
Once a premier midfielder, O’Meara is a victim of a young talented team that is looking to the future. O’Meara has gone from one of the first picked to being names substitute in two of Fremantle’s three games to date. Starting the season just ticking over age 30, it’s not like he is super-old in footy terms, it is just that a combination of a battered body and a youth movement in Fremantle has left this talented footballer in no-man’s land moving forward.

JACK MACRAE (Western Bulldogs):
Seemingly on the outer with coach Luke Beveridge after suffering a hamstring injury in the pre-season, Macrae was banished to the VFL for two weeks (where he racked up a humungous 46 possessions against the Giants) before being recalled for last weekend’s match against the struggling West Coast Eagles. With young star Riley Sanders eating into the midfield mix, Macrae managed just 20 disposals, well under his career average of 28.5. While the talent is still there, it remains to be seen whether Macrae will once again reach the lofty heights of years gone by.