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Round twelve preview: Richmond v West Coast

June 12th 2009 15:09

VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 13 June, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 32, Richmond 12, West Coast 20

LAST TIME: Richmond 24.8 (152) def West Coast 11.9 (75), Round 15 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: West Coast has won seven of its past eight against Richmond but only three of those wins have come in Melbourne.

FORM: Richmond started brightly in Terry Wallace’s farewell match but they fell away badly in the second half as the Western Bulldogs cruised to a convincing 68-point win. The Tigers are languishing in 15th place on the AFL ladder with just two wins for the season. West Coast pushed an undefeated Geelong side all the way last Sunday, eventually going down by 22 points. The Eagles have lost their past four matches and find themselves in 13th spot with a 3-8 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Tigers welcome back small forward Robin Nahas from a corked thigh but veteran Nathan Brown (groin) and midfielder Matthew White (hamstring) are at least two weeks away. Matthew Richardson is a chance to return in the latter stages of the season following hamstring tendon surgery. For the Eagles, veteran defender David Wirrapanda returns from a hamstring injury but Brent Staker (hand), Andrew Embley (ankle) and forward Ashley Hansen (groin) ) are unavailable. Highly-rated young midfielder Luke Shuey (fractured fibula) will miss eight weeks while rugged utility Beau Waters is out for the season with a dislocated elbow.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Daniel Jackson vs. Daniel Kerr

The return of Kerr from suspension is a major boost for the Eagles as he is able to not only win the football in close but also hurt sides with his creative run.

Limiting his influence on the contest will be a key for Richmond if they are going to starve West Coast’s forwards of quality supply.

Jackson has been a shining light for the Tigers in what has been a dismal season, taking on the competition’s premier midfielders and more than holding his own.

The impressive 23-year-old was his side’s best in the loss to the Bulldogs with 30 possessions, eight marks and eight tackles and will be given the task of running with Kerr on Saturday night.

Not only will Jackson apply relentless pressure but he will also try and hurt Kerr going the other way.

Adam Selwood vs. Brett Deledio

Deledio struggled to have his usual impact against the Bulldogs, managing just 13 possessions - well down on his season average of 22 disposals per game.

When Deledio is at his damaging best he is able to break a game open with his run and carry.

The Tigers will need Deledio to impose himself on the contest if they are going to have any chance of recording just their third win of the season.

However, he faces a tough night at the office with the in-form Selwood expected to be his opponent.

Selwood, who is West Coast’s best stopper in the midfield, is also highly effective at winning his fair share of the football - he has averaged just under 24 possessions per game in 2009.

It is vital for Richmond that Deledio works hard going both ways.

Chris Newman vs. Mark LeCras

LeCras had one of his quietest games of the season last weekend, managing just one goal in the loss to the Cats.

West Coast will need him to fire if they are going to record their first win away from home in more than 18 months.

Newman has the ability to match LeCras in the air and at ground level and looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on the dangerous Eagles forward who has the uncanny ability to create something out of nothing.

The Eagles had their chances last weekend to cause a massive upset but as has been the case for most of the season they let themselves down with their foot skills.

If LeCras is going to have any hope of having an impact he will need his midfield to be clean with their use of the football going forward.

Tyson Stenglein vs. Mitch Morton

Morton started well against the Dogs, booting three goals in the first term but he had no impact on the scoreboard after quarter-time.

Richmond will need Morton to put in a four-quarter performance if they are going to have any chance of kicking a winning score.

Stenglein played his best game for the season last weekend, keeping Geelong star Steve Johnson to just one goal and will most likely be given first crack at the former Eagle.

In last weekend’s loss to the Bulldogs the Tigers had more than half of their possessions in handballs - they will need to get the football quickly into the forward line rather than overuse it by hand to give Morton a chance of having an influence on the outcome of the contest as they simply don’t have the skills to play a possession brand of football for the whole night.

VERDICT: Teams who sack their coach during the season have a habit of winning for their new coach the next week so that is one thing in Richmond’s favour but the Tigers struggle to play four quarters of consistent football. West Coast showed plenty of endeavour against Geelong and if they play with the same level of intensity on Saturday night they should secure the four premiership points with the class of in-form ruckman Dean Cox and Kerr likely to be the difference in what promises to be a tight struggle between two sides desperate for a win. Eagles by 10 points.

RICHMOND v WEST COAST
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Shane Edwards, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Cousins
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Tom Hislop, Alex Rance, Tyrone Vickery
Emg: Jake King, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

In: Vickery, Edwards, Nahas, Graham, Hislop
Out: Joel Bowden, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan, Jordan McMahon, Kayne Pettifer

New: Tyrone Vickery (Sandringham)

WEST COAST
B: Matt Spangher, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Adam Selwood, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Mark Nicoski, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Brad Ebert
I/C: Mitch Brown , Jamie McNamara, Tyson Stenglein, Tom Swift
Emg: Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan, Beau Wilkes

In: Kerr, Naitanui,Wirrpanda
Out: Andrew Embley (ankle), Adam Hunter (shoulder), Ben McKinley

New: Nic Naitanui (Swan Districts)

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Round twelve preview: Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide

June 12th 2009 14:57

VENUE and TIME: TIO Stadium, Saturday 13 June, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 17, Western Bulldogs 6, Port Adelaide 11

LAST TIME: Western Bulldogs 20.15 (135) def Port Adelaide 11.15 (81), Round 14 2008 at TIO Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: The Western Bulldogs have won three of their past four against Port Adelaide.

FORM: The Western Bulldogs have won four of their past five to move to third spot on the AFL ladder with a 7-4 win-loss record. Port Adelaide snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 24-point win over Fremantle at AAMI Stadium last Saturday night. The Power have won six of their first 11 matches and are only just inside the top eight.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Bulldogs welcome back classy forward Robert Murphy from a hamstring injury but they are still without defender Tom Williams who is the only notable absentee with a foot complaint. For Port, dangerous forward Daniel Motlop returns from an ankle injury while Robert Gray will also play against the Dogs after being a late withdrawal from the clash against the Dockers with a thigh injury. Alipate Carlile (virus) will miss while star utility Chad Cornes (4-6 weeks), Shaun Burgoyne (3-4) and Travis Boak (4-6) are out with knee injuries.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Liam Picken vs. Danyle Pearce

Pearce played a key role in the win over the Dockers, helping himself to 22 possessions, one goal and seven inside 50’s.

When the 2006 NAB Rising Star winner is up and firing the Power are a much better side.

Shutting down his run and carry will be a key for the Bulldogs if they are going to contain Port Adelaide’s multi pronged attack.

Picken claimed the scalp of Richmond young gun Brett Deledio for the second time this season last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to tag the dangerous Pearce.

Expect Picken to make Pearce earn every possession and push forward at every available opportunity and try and hurt him on the scoreboard.

Kane Cornes vs. Adam Cooney

Cooney has returned to his best after a sluggish start to the season and was best afield against the Tigers with a game-high 33 possessions and one goal.

The last time these two sides met in round 14 last year Cooney collected 33 touches.

If the Power is going to have any hope of keeping the Bulldogs’ mid-sized forwards quiet they will need to quell the influence of Cooney who is damaging with his ability to break the lines.

Cornes is Port’s best stopper in the midfield and will be given the task of running with Cooney in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Not only is Cornes highly effective at blanketing some of the premier midfielders in the competition he is also capable of winning his fair share of the football - he racked up a game-high 34 possessions against the Dockers and has averaged 28 disposals in his past three games.

The Power will need Cornes to apply relentless pressure all night and also test out the defensive side of Cooney’s game.

Brian Lake vs. Warren Tredrea

Tredrea struggled against Fremantle, managing just seven possessions and one goal.

Port will need him to fire if they are going to have any chance of kicking a big enough score to overcome a Bulldogs side that has the second best attack in the AFL.

Lake has done a good job on Tredrea in the past and will line-up on the former Port skipper once again in what will be yet another crucial match-up.

If Tredrea is going to have any hope of having an impact he will need his midfield to be smart with their use of the football going forward otherwise the Power will be punished on the rebound by the Dogs.

Troy Chaplin vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson looms as a danger man for the Port given that he has booted 16 goals in his past four matches against the Power.

Chaplin, who kept Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich relatively quiet last weekend, has the ability to match Johnson in the air and also when the football hits the deck, so you would expect him to be given first crack at the 335-game veteran.

The Port defender will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give Johnson any time or space in which to work in as he is still capable of turning a game on its head with a quick two to three goal burst.

The Power is ranked 14th in the AFL for tackles per game - they will need to lift their intensity otherwise the much-vaunted Bulldogs on-ball division will be able to run riot and deliver the football cleanly inside 50 to the likes of Johnson.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide may have secured the four premiership points against Fremantle but they were far from convincing and they will need to take their game to another level if they are going to have any hope of beating a Western Bulldogs side that has hit its straps. Port has the edge in the ruck but the Bulldogs have more class through the middle and they should provide their multitude of dangerous mid-sized forwards with plenty of quality supply. Bulldogs by 37 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v PORT ADELAIDE
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Liam Picken
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Robert Murphy, Callan Ward
Emg: Brennan Stack, Tim Callan, Stephen Tiller

In: Murphy, Welsh
Out: Brennan Stack, Stephen Tiller

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Danny Meyer, Domenic Cassisi, Tom Logan
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Marlon Motlop, Josh Carr, Matthew Westhoff, Justin Westhoff
Emg: Nick Lower, Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent

In: Daniel Motlop, Robbie Gray, Danny Meyer
Out: Travis Boak (knee), Alipate Carlile (virus), Nick Lower

New: Danny Meyer (Richmond)

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North breaks 30,000 members barrier

June 12th 2009 13:28

NORTH MELBOURNE has broken the 30,000 membership barrier for the second consecutive year.

The current total of 30,231 is the second-highest membership figure in club history after the 2008 tally of 34,342.

Kangaroos chairman James Brayshaw said the figure proves the club has a strong and sustainable future.

"We thank the Kangaroos faithful for their support and in many ways feel this figure vindicates our decision to stay in Melbourne. While we have a lot of work to do, this proves we are heading in the right direction," Brayshaw said.

"We made a call to arms and North Melbourne people have responded resoundingly."

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Saints down Blues

June 12th 2009 13:15

ST KILDA has maintained its dominance over Carlton with a hard-fought nine-point win at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Saints got the early jump and answered every challenge thrown at them by the brave Blues, eventually prevailing 16.8 (104) to 14.11 (95) in a high-quality contest.

The victory was St Kilda’s 12th straight over Carlton and ensures they go into the mid-season break on the top of the AFL ladder.

Leigh Montagna starred in the middle with a game-high 36 possessions, 11 marks and one goal while Nick Dal Santo was equally as damaging with 34 touches and one goal.

Lenny Hayes continued his brilliant form with 30 disposals while Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt was influential with 17 touches, 10 marks and five goals.

Max Hudghton kept Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola to just two majors while Brendon Goddard was a busy contributor with 25 possessions.

For the Blues, Shaun Grigg showed he is a player of the future with a team-high 28 disposals and one goal while Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson were also prolific.

Paul Bower was busy in defence with 26 touches while Aaron Joseph kept the dangerous Stephen Milne to just seven possessions and one goal.

Carlton skipper Chris Judd battled hard all night and showed plenty of courage to return from a broken nose which required running repairs during the last term.

St Kilda jumped out of the blocks in the opening stanza, moving the football quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on five unanswered goals in a stunning nine-minute burst.

Carlton had to wait until the 20-minute mark for their first major with Eddie Betts snapping truly but the Saints hit back with two of the last four goals of the term to go into the first change with a handy 24-point buffer.

The margin blew out to 32 points at the early in the second term thanks to goals from Jason Gram and Justin Koschitzke.

The Saints looked set to run away with the contest but the Blues lifted their rating and started to win more of the football at the stoppages as they slammed on the last five goals of the first half to close to within three points at the main break.

As they did in the first term, St Kilda came out firing in the third quarter, booting four unanswered goals - three of which were from outside 50 - to skip out to a 24-point lead.

Carlton responded with two late goals but the last of them was fortuitous.

Luke Ball failed to go through the interchange gate correctly, gifting a free kick, 50m penalty and goal to Fevola on the three quarter-time siren to reduce the deficit to just 13 points.

St Kilda got the crucial first goal of the final stanza through Dal Santo but the Blues refused to give in and responded with majors from Betts and Fevola.

A brilliant running goal from Montagna gave the Saints some breathing space before Setanta o’hAilpin weaved through a pair of defenders and kicked truly.

Ryan Houlihan had a chance to put Carlton in front but his set shot sprayed wide.

It proved to be a costly miss with Zac Dawson kicking just the second goal of his career to seal the win for the Saints.

ST KILDA 7.2, 9.5, 13.7, 16.8 (104 )
CARLTON 3.2, 9.2, 11.6, 14.11 (95)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 5, Schneider 2, Gram 2, McQualter, Milne, Goddard, Dal Santo, Montagna, Dawson
Carlton: Murphy 2, Bannister 2, Betts 2, Fevola 2, Garlett, Simpson, Carrazzo, Hampson, Grigg,O’hAilpin
BEST: St Kilda: Riewoldt, Dal Santo, Montagna, Hudghton, Hayes, Goddard
Carlton: Grigg, Gibbs, Simpson, O’hAilpin, Jamison, Carrazzo, Judd, Browne Joseph
INJURIES: St Kilda:
Carlton: Judd (nose),
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Carlton: Bret Thornton (hamstring) replaced by Mark Austin
UMPIRES: Vozzo McBurney Pannell
CROWD: 50,820 at Etihad Stadium

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints

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AFL Teams: Round Twelve

June 12th 2009 07:21

2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

ROUND TWELVE (Week one, All times local)

Friday June 12
Carlton v St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm

Saturday June 13
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium, 6.40pm
Richmond v West Coast at Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm

Sunday June 14
Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions at Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm
Adelaide v North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium, 4.10pm

CARLTON v ST KILDA
CARLTON
B: Dennis Armfield , Bret Thornton, Steven Browne
HB: Paul Bower, Michael Jamison, Nick Stevens
C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo
HF: Marc Murphy, Setanta O’hAilpin, Ryan Houlihan
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Shaun Hampson
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Aaron Joseph
I/C: Jordan Bannister, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Grigg, Heath Scotland
Emg: Mark Austin, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson

In: Bannister
Out: Brad Fisher

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Farren Ray, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Jason Gram, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Raphael Clarke, David Armitage, James Gwilt

In: Gilbert, Gardiner, Milne
Out: Steven King (susp), Raphael Clarke, James Gwilt

WESTERN BULLDOGS v PORT ADELAIDE
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Liam Picken
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Robert Murphy, Callan Ward
Emg: Brennan Stack, Tim Callan, Stephen Tiller

In: Murphy, Welsh
Out: Brennan Stack, Stephen Tiller

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Toby Thurstans, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steven Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Danny Meyer, Dom Cassisi, Tom Logan
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Marlon Motlop, Josh Carr, Matthew Westhoff, Justin Westhoff
Emg: Nick Lower, Jason Davenport, Matthew Broadbent

In: Daniel Motlop, Robbie Gray, Danny Meyer
Out: Travis Boak (knee), Alipate Carlile (virus), Nick Lower

New: Danny Meyer (Richmond)

RICHMOND v WEST COAST
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Shane Edwards, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Ben Cousins
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Tom Hislop, Alex Rance, Tyrone Vickery
Emg: Jake King, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

In: Vickery, Edwards, Nahas, Graham, Hislop
Out: Joel Bowden, Troy Simmonds, Mark Coughlan, Jordan McMahon, Kayne Pettifer

New: Tyrone Vickery (Sandringham)

WEST COAST
B: Matt Spangher, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Adam Selwood, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Mark Nicoski, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Chris Masten, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Nic Naitanui, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Brad Ebert
I/C: Mitch Brown , Jamie McNamara, Tyson Stenglein, Tom Swift
Emg: Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan, Beau Wilkes

In: Kerr, Naitanui,Wirrpanda
Out: Andrew Embley (ankle), Adam Hunter (shoulder), Ben McKinley

New: Nic Naitanui (Swan Districts)

HAWTHORN v BRISBANE LIONS
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Robert Campbell, Thomas Murphy
HB: Beau Muston, Luke Hodge, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Ben McGlynn, Lance Franklin, Campbell Brown
F: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Xavier Ellis
I/C (from): Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Beau Dowler, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Ryan Schoenmakers, Travis Tuck

In: Brown, Dowler, Kennedy, Morton, Murphy
Out: Cyril Rioli (hamstring), Liam Shiels (illness)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Tim Notting, Jed Adcock
HB: Sam Sheldon, Lachlan Henderson, Joel Macdonald
C: Albert Proud, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C: Jared Brennan, Scott Harding, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: Aaron Cornelius, Jack Redden, Tom Rockliff

In: Troy Selwood, Jason Rose
Out: Josh Drummond (calf), Travis Johnstone (back)

ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Michael Doughty, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brad Moran, Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Brad Symes
Emg: James Sellar, Jared Petrenko, Tony Armstrong

In: Reilly
Out: Simon Goodwin (knee)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Lachie Hansen, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Ross
HF: Jack Ziebell, Drew Petrie, Cruize Garlett
F: Corey Jones, Aaron Edwards, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Sam Power, Daniel Pratt, David Hale, Leigh Harding
Emg: Daniel Harris, Levi Greenwood, Michael Wundke

In: Hansen, Ziebell, Jones, Garlett
Out: Matt Campbell (hamstring), Daniel Wells (hip/groin), Sam Wright (knee), Ben Warren (cheekbone)

New: Cruize Garlett (Perth)

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Round twelve preview: Carlton v St Kilda

June 11th 2009 14:32

VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Friday 12 June, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 204, Carlton 156, St Kilda 46, Draws: 2

LAST TIME: St Kilda 18.11 (119) def Carlton 12.15 (87), Round 15 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won its past 11 against Carlton by an average of 53 points.

FORM: Carlton has won its past two against West Coast and Brisbane to move to fourth spot on the AFL ladder with a 6-5 win-loss record. St Kilda remains on top of the ladder undefeated after recording a come-from-behind 46-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Saturday.

MEDICAL ROOM: Carlton will be without Simon Wiggins (hamstring) for at least another week while ruckmen Robbie Warnock and Sam Jacobs, who both have foot injuries, are two and four weeks away respectively. Andrew Walker is a chance to return from a shoulder injury in round 18 while utility Jarrad Waite (knee) will miss the remainder of the year. For the Saints, Sam Gilbert and small forward Stephen Milne return from ankle and knee injuries respectively but Jarryd Allen (hip) remains on the sidelines while Xavier Clarke (knee) is out for the season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Clinton Jones vs. Chris Judd

Judd was one of his side’s best against the Lions with a team-high 28 possessions, one goal and seven inside 50’s.

The 2004 Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters, break the lines and deliver it cleanly inside 50.

Limiting his influence in the middle will be a key for St Kilda if they are going to contain a Carlton side that has the fourth most potent forward line in the competition.

Jones has claimed some big scalps so far this season and will be given the task of tagging Judd in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

St Kilda will need Jones to deny Judd any time or space at the stoppages otherwise he will continually win the football in close and help get his side’s running game going.

Jones, who has averaged just under 19 disposals per game in 2009, will also need to be proactive and win his fair share of the football in order to make Judd accountable otherwise the former West Coast skipper will be able to dictate terms and dominate.

Aaron Joseph vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo continued his brilliant start to the season with 26 disposals, one goal and six inside 50’s against North Melbourne.

The 25-year-old has continually set up scoring opportunities for his teammates in 2009 with his clean use of the football.

If the Blues are going to have any hope of quelling the influence of St Kilda’s twin towers in Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke they will need to keep Dal Santo quiet.

Expect Joseph, who more than held his own against West Coast star Daniel Kerr before keeping Brisbane’s Rhan Hooper to just four possessions last Saturday night, to be given the job of running with Dal Santo.

Joseph is a traditional tagger in the sense that he isn’t overly concerned with winning the football so the Saints will need to block for Dal Santo if he is going to have any hope of breaking what is likely to be a tight tag.

Max Hudghton vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola starred against Brisbane, booting eight goals to help lift his side to a valuable six-point victory.

The enigmatic forward has booted 14 goals in his past two matches and the Blues will need him to fire once again on Friday night if they are going to have any chance of recording a rare win against St Kilda.

Hudghton has performed well on Fevola in the past and will be given first crack at the Carlton star again on Friday night.

If Fevola is going to have any hope of winning his duel with Hudghton he will need his teammates to move the football quickly through the corridor otherwise the Saints will be able to push numbers back and continually rebound the football out of defensive 50.

Michael Jamison vs. Justin Koschitzke

Koschitzke played a key role in the win over the Kangaroos, booting a career-best six goals.

The 129-gamer has now kicked 27 goals in 10 games and could well kick yet another bag against a relatively inexperienced Carlton backline.

Jamison, who is usually given a job on one of the opposition’s most dangerous key forwards, has shown some promising signs in his 30-game career and looms as the obvious candidate to line-up on Koschitzke.

The 22-year-old will need his midfield to get on top at the stoppages and also apply relentless pressure when they don’t have the football otherwise Koschitzke will receive enough quality supply to have a meaningful impact.

VERDICT: Carlton has the class in the midfield to match St Kilda and if they break even in the middle they are a chance of causing an upset. The Blues will enjoy brief periods of dominance but the ladder leaders simply have too many in-form players for Brett Ratten’s men to contain and should get up with their multiple avenues to goal likely to be the difference in what shapes as being an engrossing contest. Saints by 17 points.

CARLTON v ST KILDA
Carlton
B: Dennis Armfield , Bret Thornton, Steven Browne
HB: Paul Bower, Michael Jamison, Nick Stevens
C: Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs, Andrew Carrazzo
HF: Marc Murphy, Setanta O’hAilpin, Ryan Houlihan
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Shaun Hampson
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Aaron Joseph
I/C: Jordan Bannister, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Grigg, Heath Scotland
Emg: Mark Austin, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson

In: Bannister
Out: Brad Fisher

St Kilda
B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Farren Ray, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Jason Gram, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Jarryn Geary, Sam Gilbert, Ben McEvoy, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Raphael Clarke, David Armitage, James Gwilt

In: Gilbert, Gardiner, Milne
Out: Steven King (susp), Raphael Clarke, James Gwilt

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News

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Ryder re-signs

June 11th 2009 01:03

ESSENDON big man Patrick Ryder has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain with the club until at least the end of the 2012 season.

Ryder has come of age since being forced to become the Bombers' number one ruckman after David Hille went down with a season-ending knee injury in round five, averaging 23 hit outs a game.

The 21-year-old, who was taken with pick seven in the 2005 national draft, has played 63 games and kicked 15 goals since making his AFL debut in 2006.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers

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Ryder escapes suspension

June 9th 2009 11:22

ESSENDON is breathing a sigh of relief after big man Patrick Ryder was cleared of engaging in rough conduct at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

The loss of Ryder would have been disastrous for the Bombers who are already without ruckmen David Hille, Jason Laycock and Tom Bellchambers who are sidelined with long-term injuries.

Ryder was contesting a one-match ban for a bump on Adelaide youngster Patrick Dangerfield and faced a two-match suspension if found guilty.

The Dons successfully argued that the force applied when shepherding Dangerfield was not unreasonable in the circumstances and that any contact to the head was accidental.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide's Toby Thurstans failed to overturn a fine for making negligent contact with an umpire and will have to pay $2600.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers

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Johnson calls it quits

June 9th 2009 09:52

FORMER Richmond skipper Kane Johnson has announced his retirement from AFL football effective immediately.

Johnson played 220 games for Adelaide and was a part of their premiership sides in 1997 and '98 before joining the Tigers in 2003 where he played 120 matches.

He captained Richmond for 77 games before stepping down at the end of last season.

The 31-year-old, who has battled with a persistent knee injury all year, said the timing was right for him to call it a day.

"I dearly would have loved to play until the end of the year but my ongoing issues with my knee have forced me to reassess the situation and make the decision earlier than expected," Johnson said

"It is the start of a new era at the club and as I had no intention of playing on next year, the timing was right to step aside and play some of the new generation of players."

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank both the Adelaide and Richmond Football Clubs for giving me the opportunity to play for two great clubs. I have met some outstanding people over the journey and really appreciate the terrific support they have shown me."

Richmond chief executive Steven Wright said Johnson would move into a development role at the club.

Meanwhile, the club announced former Brisbane premiership player Craig McRae would takeover from Jade Rawlings at VFL affiliate Coburg.

Rawlings will be caretaker coach at the Tigers for the remainder of the season.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers

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